North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is joining the nation’s other 18 historically black land-grant universities in organizing a slate of events to celebrate 125 years of providing access to all citizens through education, research and Cooperative Extension outreach.

The celebration commemorates the 125th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act legislation passed by Congress in 1890 that opened the doors of public higher education to all Americans. 

This landmark legislation stipulated for the first time that African Americans were to be included in the U.S. Land-Grant University System. Its intent was similar to the First Morrill Act of 1862, which established funding for a public land-grant college in every state that would be “accessible to all, especially to the sons of toil.” Southern and Border States, however, refused enrollment to African American citizens. Congress allowed these states to establish separate institutions through the Second Morrill Act, which was passed in 1890. 

The result is a legacy of achievement, access to equal opportunity, and an emphasis on service to the underrepresented by the community of historically black land-grant universities, known collectively as “the 1890s.”

“As our campus celebrates this historic landmark in education and technical progress, we are educating the state and nation about the legacy and achievements of A&T and the entire 1890 university community,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr.

“We invite everyone with a stake in educating the next generation of global leaders to participate in the many events we have planned in the coming months, and to learn more about the remarkable contributions the 1890s continue to make to American progress and prosperity.”

Martin emphasized his hope that people would participate in “1890 Day” on April 23, when A&T and each of the 1890 campuses will hold a wellness walk/run on their campuses. (Schedule of events)

The celebration will extend over several months, building to a convocation at the Library of Congress in July, and concluding with a National Day of prayer in August. The campus will then turn its attention to the 125th anniversary of the establishment of A&T in 1891, which begins in the fall.

Click here for more information and updates on the 125th Anniversary Celebration of Second Morrill Act of 1890.

Over 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University are expected to participate in this year’s weeklong National Engineering Week celebration, Feb. 22–28. The theme for the national observance is “DiscoverE: Engineering New Horizons.”

A host of activities and programs are planned for students, faculty, staff, K-12 and the Triad community.

The Engineers Week kick-off event will be Monday, Feb. 23, at 1 p. m., in McNair Auditorium. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, 8 a.m.–3 p.m., Guilford County middle and high school students will participate in the pre-college initiative on campus.

Other activities during the week include Energy Day, professional development seminars and the annual career fair. Students will have the opportunity to engage in innovative, hands-on activities in engineering. Brett Carter, chief distribution officer and senior vice president of Duke Energy Carolinas, will deliver the keynote address for the annual Engineers Week Banquet.

“Engineers Week is a great opportunity to showcase our student excellence and the pioneering research, innovations and global engagement happening here in the College of Engineering,” said Dr. Robin N. Coger, dean. “Further, it’s an opportunity for us to tell our story and to show prospective students that engineering and computer science are exciting careers that will keep you engaged, allow you to interact with many different people and cultures from all over the world, and create globally-relevant solutions for improving the quality of life. We invite you to join us for this exciting week of activities and see first-hand the impact engineers have on our society.”

For the full listing of events, visit www.coe.ncat.edu.

National Engineers Week is observed each year during the month of February to highlight the contributions of engineering to society. The celebration coincides with the birthday of President George Washington, who many consider the nation’s first engineer because of his survey work. Colleges and universities, government agencies, corporations and professional societies throughout the nation celebrate this observance.

Registration for the ninth annual Rehabilitation of Racial and Ethnic Minorities with Behavioral Addictions (REMBA) Conference is now open. The conference, “Teaching, Reflecting, Advocating, Uncovering the Multiple Faces of Addictions,” is set for April 16–17, at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.

Keynote speakers for the conference include Antonine “Tony” Peek, founder and president of Peek into a New Horizon, a nonprofit organization of Albemarle, N.C., and former drug kingpin Freeway Rick Ross.

Peek will serve as the keynote for the luncheon on Thursday and discuss how he survived a troubling childhood. Ross will be the keynote for the Friday luncheon. He will discuss how he is now using the same passion that once helped him build a $600 million drug empire to help his community.

“This conference allows helping professionals obtain 14.5 continuing education credits and students will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from potential employers and mentors from all over the country,” said Dr. Rochelle Cassidy, conference coordinator.

People who are interested in learning more about the impact of addictions and trauma in communities of color are encouraged to attend this conference. To register, visit https://ncat2.gosignmeup.com/remba2015.

Additional questions about the REMBA 2015 Conference should be directed to Cassidy, 336-285-4389, or rembaconference@gmail.com.