STATEMENT BY DR. CALVIN MACKIE, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF STEM GLOBAL ACTION

NO MORE LOST EINSTEINS!
All Children Must Have Opportunities to Flourish and be Our Future STEM Leaders

NEW ORLEANS – “I applaud the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) for recognizing that a devastating lack of educational investments and resources in communities of color is contributing significantly to the creation of a wave of “Lost Einsteins.” Too many gifted and high achieving Black & Brown students throughout the country are not nurtured and therefore their talents and potential contributions to our nation’s competitiveness are being wasted.

“Citing a study published in The Quarterly Journal of Economics, NASEM’s Issues in Science and Technology magazine says that many students start out as “gifted” and “high achievers,” but due to a lack of local investment in low-income school districts and access to resources like computers, afterschool STEM programs, and mentors, these students become the “Lost Einsteins.” The magazine adds that the study’s researchers found that the innovation potential of the United States would increase four times over “if women, minorities, and children from lower-income families became inventors at the same rate as white men from high-income … families.” The magazine concludes: “This striking finding shows both the ethical and economic urgency of providing these individuals with the resources, support, and opportunities necessary to join and contribute to the domestic STEM workforce.”

“This is an acknowledgement that the disparities in education are robbing Black & Brown children of their futures. It must end. No more Lost Einsteins.

“This must be a Call to Action for government, private sector and philanthropy, as well as parents, to fill in the gaps so all children can have a quality education. In particular, we believe that an emphasis must be placed on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. This is where the quality careers will be in future, the types of jobs that can support families and strengthen communities. Further, we need parents to become more engaged. They must demand that schools provide their children with the tools and resources to succeed and parents must provide the guidance and environment at home that encourages children to strive for academic success.

“Now is the time to act. America is losing ground in the competitive world marketplace. Our nation can no longer be selective on who will be a genius inventor or future STEM leader. We need everyone who can be, to be. And that means cultivating all our children and nurturing them.”

ABOUT STEM GLOBAL ACTION
In 2013, Dr. Calvin Mackie founded STEM NOLA, a New Orleans-based, non-profit committed to expanding STEM education, particularly in communities of color. His goal is to make STEM education available in ALL communities. In July 2021, Dr. Mackie, a former engineering professor at Tulane University, launched STEM Global Action, a campaign and network of affiliates that pursues STEM education for children, parents and communities. His initiatives have impacted more than 100,000 students, 20,000 families and 5,000 schools across the U.S., and in five countries. Dr. Mackie, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Morehouse College, as well as a Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, also hosts the Let’s Talk STEM with Dr. Calvin Mackie podcast series. It features interviews with guests from all aspects of STEM – entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders, students – who talk about the importance of STEM in their lives today. Visit the STEM Global Action Data Center, a one-stop resource library for studies, reports, video presentations and news coverage about STEM-related topics.

For broadcast or print interviews with Dr. Calvin Mackie contact Michael Frisby at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 202-625-4328.

DR. GAIL C. CHRISTOPHER URGES PARTICIPATION IN

JANUARY 18 NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING

The 6th Annual Event Seeks to Inspire More Equity in Communities

WASHINGTON – Dr. Gail C. Christopher, executive director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE), urges individuals, organizations and the private sector to participate in the 6th Annual National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) on January 18. She calls on America to “stand up” for the belief that racism can be defeated and cites the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) framework as an inspirational approach to achieve that objective.

Dr. Christopher, one of the nation’s leading advocates for racial healing, believes the National Day of Racial Healing is an important component in dismantling the belief in a hierarchy of human value that fuels racism. She was instrumental in launching NDORH as a Senior Advisor and Vice President of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which vigorously supports the National Day of Racial Healing. It has attracted hundreds of thousands of participants over the years.

Last year, despite the COVID pandemic, nearly 90 virtual events were hosted across the country. The Kellogg Foundation reported that “a wide array of programs (were held) to foster truth-telling, affirm our common humanity and inspire collective action toward a more just and equitable world.” The Foundation said their virtual event “featured essential and timely conversations” on righting historical wrongs, employment equity and law and justice, featuring Ta-Nehisi Coates, Yara Shahidi, Camila Cabello, María Hinojosa, John Legend and others.

This year, organizations and municipalities are holding events across the country, including in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lansing, Michigan; Madison, Wisconsin; Haddonfield, New Jersey; Lansdowne, Pennsylvania; Detroit, Michigan; White Plains, New York; Austin, Texas; South Fulton, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona and Harrisonburg, Virginia.

“It's hard to believe it's been six years that we've been commemorating and acknowledging this very important day,” Dr. Christopher says in a new video urging participation. “…It's a day that we set aside to stand up for the belief that our country can actually eliminate and overcome the harms of racism. Yes, we believe that we can. And in fact, we must eliminate racism and that's what the National Day of Racial Healing is all about. It's a time for communities to come together and embrace and honor the humanity of all people.”

Her complete video message is available HERE.

In the video, Dr. Christopher asserts that America must “be truthful” about its legacy of racism which dates back to our inception as a nation. Nonetheless, she says we must move forward, adding, “It's time to envision a future, a future in which we have actually addressed racism.”

Moreover, Dr. Christopher offers support for a national TRHT Commission. California Rep. Barbara Lee and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker have introduced measures in the House and Senate. More than 300 organizations support Rep. Lee’s TRHT resolution and it has more than 150 co-sponsors in Congress. Dr. Christopher says the TRHT framework is a comprehensive, national, and community-based process to bring transformational and sustainable change, while addressing historic and contemporary effects of racism. TRHT’s five guiding pillars are: Narrative Change, Racial Healing and Relationship Building, Separation, Law and the Economy. Dr. Christopher notes that the pillars are the foundation for several initiatives, including Healing Through Policy, a partnership between NCHE, the de Beaumont Foundation, and the American Public Health Association. More information can be found at https://www.nationalcollaborative.org/healing-through-policy/.

Dr. Christopher says the National Day of Racial Healing energizes our commitment and engages millions of people. She asks viewers to visit the Kellogg Foundation website to learn more about the NDORH at https://healourcommunities.org/day-of-racial-healing/ and to download a toolkit at https://healourcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Individuals-Action-Kit_2022.pdf to learn what students, individuals, organizations, companies and others can do to support it. “On 18th, we encourage you to set aside some time and to orchestrate some very specific relational work that allows you to become more skilled and more capable of seeing yourself in the face of the perceived other,” she tells viewers.

As Dr. Christopher speaks to groups around the country, in person and virtually, she encounters many people tired of the injustices and the inequities. Frequently, they ask, “Dr. Christopher, what gives you hope? What keeps you inspired?”

“And my response is that I've seen how much progress we have made, and it is significant. And I know I've seen individuals overcome the barriers,” she says. “I've seen communities come together and create new ways forward. So, I believe in my heart that we, as a democracy can overcome our legacy of division and racism. And perhaps more importantly, that we must. I believe democracy is a very good idea. And I know that it's under threat right now with all the authoritarian momentum around the world and even in this country. But I also know that if we are to actualize the promise of democracy, we must overcome and eliminate racism.”

(To schedule a print or broadcast interview with Dr. Christopher, please contact Michael K. Frisby 202-625-4328/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)

About NCHE
Founded in 2014, NCHE promotes health equity through action, leadership, inclusion and collaboration. We work to create environments that foster the best possible health outcomes for all populations, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or nativity. NCHE also works to improve conditions for health and well-being, including those related to housing, education, income and wealth and the physical and social environment. Further, it is imperative that we address historic and contemporary structural, institutional and interpersonal racism, which fuels inequities in our society.

Rev. Stephen A. Green, Chair, Faith for Black Lives

Press Advisory
(917) 557-6872
communications@faithforblacklives.com

TWENTY-FIVE FAITH LEADERS LAUNCH HUNGER STRIKE FOR
VOTING RIGHTS ON ANNIVERSARY OF INSURRECTION

January 7, 2022 — A coalition of twenty-five faith leaders from across the nation launched a hunger strike on the first anniversary of the insurrection, January 6, 2022 to urge Congress to protect democracy by passing voting rights legislation by Martin L. King, Jr. Day on January 17, 2022.

Inspired by the “big lie”, the violent insurrection on January 6, 2021 was an attempt to overturn democratic rule in the United States. This attempt continues across the nation as 19 states passed 34 laws impacting the right to vote, specifically targeting communities of color. States enacted laws to reduce early voting, restrict access to absentee ballots, and seize control of non-partisan election administration official functions. In addition, extreme partisan gerrymandering threatens access to Black political representation in state and federal elections for the next decade.

“As faith leaders, we are called to speak truth to power and to raise the conscience of this nation through moral resistance”, said Rev. Stephen A. Green, Chair, Faith for Black Lives, “this hunger strike reflects our deep commitment to radical love in action to redeem the soul of this nation. As we approach midnight for our democracy, the United States Congress must act urgently to pass voting rights legislation by Martin L. King, Jr. Day on January 17, 2022.”

Hunger Strikers for Voting Rights

1. Rev. Stephen A. Green, Chair, Faith for Black Lives, New York, NY
2. Rev. Traci Blackmon, Associate General Minister, United Church of Christ, Washington, DC
3. Rev. Cornell William Brooks, Professor, Harvard Kennedy School, Director, William Trotter Collaborative, Former President/CEO, NAACP, Cambridge, MA
4. Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Pastor, New Birth Cathedral, Atlanta, GA
5. Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL
6. Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, Pastor, Friendship-West Baptist Church, Dallas, TX
7. Rev. Dr Cassandra Gould, Executive Director, Faith Voices, St. Louis, MO
8. Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Presiding Elder, Brooklyn-Westchester AME District, Brooklyn, NY
9. Pastor Timothy Findley, Jr., Pastor, Kingdom Fellowship Church, Louisville, KY
10. Rev Renita Green, Pastor, Holy Trinity AME Church, Wilberforce, OH
11. Rev. Rodrecus M. Johnson, Jr., Pastor, Anderson Chapel, Killeen, TX
12. Rev. Dr. Lenny Marshall, Pastor, St. Philip AME Church, Tallahassee, Fl
13. Rev. Derrell Wade, Pastor, Macedonia AME Church, Suffolk, VA
14. Rev. Dr. Caesar Roland Richburg, Pastor, Bethel AME Church, Columbia, SC
15. Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Weaver, Pastor, Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church, Mitchellville, MD
16. Rev. Rickey C. Dennis, Jr., Pastor, Mt. Nebo AME, Awendaw, SC
17. Rev. Redeem Robinson, Community Pastor, All Souls Movement, Los Angeles, CA
18. Rev. James Wesley Dennis III, Pastor, Pine Grove AME Church, Columbia, SC
19. Rev. Rashad Moore, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY
20. Rev. Dr. Roy Jones, Jr., Executive Pastor, Saint Philip AME Church, Atlanta, GA
21. Rev. Devon Crawford, Director, William Trotter Collaborative, Harvard Kennedy School
22. Rev. Eugene Minson III, Executive Minister, St. Luke AME Church, Harlem, NY
23. Rev. Darien Jones, Pastor, Moncks Corner AME Church, Moncks Corner, SC
24. Rev. Mary Newton, Pastor, Lee Memorial AME Church, Fort Washington, MD
25. Prophet Bryce Graham, Anointed House of Prayer Ministries, West Palm Beach, FL

The Executive Leadership Council Announces the Appointment of Lori Walker
as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 12, 2022 – The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) today announced the appointment of Lori Walker as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 10, 2022. The ELC is the preeminent global membership organization for Black current and former CEOs, senior executives and board members of Fortune 1000 and equivalent companies, top-tier entrepreneurs and global thought leaders. The organization advocates for advancing Black leadership by increasing the number of Black corporate CEOs, C-Suite executives and board members, and building the pipeline of the next generation of Black corporate leaders.

Ms. Walker will support Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO of The ELC, in addressing a range of strategic issues including enhancing organizational effectiveness and integrity, providing staff leadership, and overall strategic planning for the organization as a whole and for individual programs and initiatives. She is responsible for day-to-day operations of the organization, implementing best practices in management systems, including appropriate integration and collaboration of teams and functional areas, to ensure strong organizational performance to meet ambitious goals. She will manage three programmatic departments: Corporate Partnerships, Member Services & Events, and The Institute for Leadership Development and Research.

“Operational excellence is a key priority for The ELC. Hiring the right COO is critical to the success of our organization and our ability to successfully serve our members and multifaceted stakeholder groups. It was important to identify someone who not only has the skills required to do the job but can serve as an effective leader for the membership and staff. Lori’s talents and expertise make her our ideal candidate and we are excited to welcome her to our leadership team,” said Hyter.

Ms. Walker comes to The ELC with 1.5 years of experience at Cigna, serving as COO for CuraScript Specialty Distribution. She previously spent 18 years at Cardinal Health in various leadership roles, including General Manager & Vice President of Distribution Services; Vice President, Supply Chain-NASCF & Global Supply Chain Integration Lead for Patient Recovery; and Vice President, Strategic Planning and Execution/Chief of Staff for the Medical Segment. She has prior Finance and Strategy experience at Ashland Oil, Mead Westvaco, and Limitedbrands.

Ms. Walker has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Eastern Kentucky and a Masters of Business Administration from Benedictine College. She is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

About The Executive Leadership Council:
The Executive Leadership Council opens channels of opportunity for the development of Black executives to positively impact business and our communities. An independent non-profit 501(c)(3) founded in 1986, The ELC is the pre-eminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of global Black executives in C-Suites, on corporate boards and in global enterprises. Comprising nearly 800 current and former Black CEOs, senior executives and board directors at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, and entrepreneurs at top-tier firms, its members work to build an inclusive business leadership pipeline that empowers global Black leaders to make impactful contributions to the marketplace and the global communities they serve. For more information, please visit www.elcinfo.com.

For media inquiries, contact:
Joseph Graham, The Executive Leadership Council, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.