Danielle Squires’ Post

Honors College alumnus Christian Johnson is grateful to his parents, Franklin and Kathleen Johnson, who instilled the value of academic excellence in their children. He and his five siblings all received an Honors Education: Emily Ann Johnson (Ott), Martha Ann Johnson (Jackson), Eden Ann Johnson (Ellingson), Joshua Johnson, and Samuel Johnson. Read more about Christian's inspiring educational and career journey, and how his time in the Honors College impacted him, by following the link below. https://lnkd.in/gPEbtSkU

Wake Up Everybody “I am utterly disgusted by University of Florida decision and the precedent that it sets. Without the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion department, the job falls to the Office of the Provost, who already has their hands full, to raise money for the university and continue to advance the academic studies and athletic programs. We cannot continue to believe and trust that a team of leaders all made up of the same background will make the right decision when it comes to equality and diversity. History has already proven that is not the case. Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues and with this decision, UFlorida has conformed to the political pressures of today’s time, To the MANY, minority athletes at UF, please be aware and vocal about the decision by the University who is now closing the doors on other minorities without any oversight. And to those who think it’s not your problem and stay on the side lines and say nothing, you are complicit in supporting systemic issues.” -Emmit Smith, former NFL player Pro Football Hall of Fame In 2023, the Florida football program made $93,206,919 in total revenue and paid out $60,894,176 in expenses. The program raked in a net profit of $32,312,743 for the university. 32 million dollars. Diversity, equity and inclusion are the ONLY reasons Florida athletics is able to compete in the Southeastern Conference. The ONLY reason. In a related (fantastic) story, what if all 67 Black players on the 2024 Florida football roster decided to leverage the transfer portal for playing opportunities at Florida A&M, Alabama A&M, Prairie View A&M, Bethune-Cookman, Howard, Southern and Grambling Universities. ‘Day of Absence’ wants to be reality.

We're officially in Commencement speech season... I live in Durham, NC home of Duke University. In case you didn't know, Jerry Seinfeld, was the commencement speaker last weekend for the Duke graduation. Jerry's connection to Duke is through his children. His daughter, Sascha, previously graduated from Duke, while his oldest son, Julian, is a current student at the school. Jerry's speech was great-- you can listen on YouTube or check out the transcription (all linked in the comments). He gave a couple of main points: - 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 "I can’t imagine how sick you are of hearing about following your passion. I say, the hell with passion. Find something you can do that would be great if you try something and it doesn’t work. That’s okay too." - 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 "Work. Exercise. Relationships. They all have a solid component of pure torture, and they are all 1,000% worth it." -𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 "Privilege is a word that has taken quite a beating lately. Privilege today seems to be the worst thing you can have. I would like to take a moment to defend it. Again." "You didn’t fake your fabulous education. You earned it. Be proud of it. Don’t just drop it on people right before you serve in pickleball. Okay? Duke 24, coming at you. But if it comes up, if someone asks, don’t say it. Looking down, stubbing your toe in the dirt. When someone asks, where did you go to school? You say, I went to Duke. Watch them take that uncomfortable hard swallow." I'm a connoisseur of commencement speeches -- if that's even such a thing. While I don't think Jerry's was "Hall of Fame" worthy, it was certainly worth listening to. My all-time favorite commencement speech wasn't even an official commencement speech--- it was a hypothetical speech done by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich known as "Wear your Sunscreen" (linked in comments). I'd love to hear from you: What is YOUR favorite commencement speech? #commencement #graduation #Classof2024

Check out my latest article, all about the Obama Scholars Program that has opened the door to higher education for many students over the past 15 years! https://lnkd.in/grgC2gBS

On this Giving Tuesday, let us honor Howard University, an institution whose legacy has inspired generations with its unwavering commitment to justice, democracy, and human dignity. In a time of profound societal reckoning, Howard stands as a beacon—a place where the voices of freedom and truth resonate and where young minds are nurtured to become champions of a better world. In a historic and deeply profound gesture, Howard opened its campus as the campaign headquarters for Vice President Kamala Harris, a graduate of the university and the first woman and woman of color to hold the nation’s second-highest office. To witness Howard play this role was to witness history in motion, a testament to the university’s impact in shaping leaders who stand firm in their convictions and unapologetically advocate for justice and equality. This was more than symbolic; it was a powerful affirmation of Howard’s place at the heart of change. As we consider the challenges we face as a nation, Howard reminds us that institutions of higher learning are not only places of knowledge but also sanctuaries of moral courage. With each gift we offer, we strengthen this sanctuary, ensuring that Howard continues to empower leaders who will carry forward the spirit of Dr. King, John Lewis, and countless others who fought for democracy, freedom, and humanity. Today, let us give, not only to support Howard’s future but also to honor its history of bold stands and meaningful impact. This Giving Tuesday, let us invest in the values we cherish by ensuring that Howard continues to serve as a guiding light for generations to come. #friends #followers #supporters #subscribe

https://lnkd.in/gKtKtdEY "Are you passionate about education and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities? Apply for the Anthony D Turner Memorial Scholarship today and join me for a panel discussion at the presentation ceremony! Let's empower future leaders together. #HBCU #Education #Scholarship"

Your success is overwhelmingly inspirational.

Always Doing , Never Done

Celebrating Black Belt Graduation: A Milestone in Education Today July 20, 2024, we proudly celebrate a remarkable achievement: #1MillionTeachers earned their black belts in 1st Dan, 2nd Dan, and 3rd Dan in the ancient commercial city of Kano. It was inspiring to see top anchor schools among the honorees and the addition of a College of Education to the esteemed list of black belters. The journey continues, and the flame of excellence in education burns brighter than ever. Our mission is to create lasting excellence in education, ensuring the spirit of 1 million teachers thrives in every classroom, school, and across Kano. "Show me your educational system, and I can tell you how your country is doing. Show me how you treat your teachers, and I can tell you the quality of your schools." We need a grassroots movement to empower teachers. No one else will solve this for us. The #1MT program is designed to be a toolbox for teachers. In a world where technology thrives, great teachers remain irreplaceable. This program is about empowerment: you have the toolbox—what will you do with it? Kano is not just a state but a beacon competing on a global scale. No one has ever become anything without a teacher. Teachers are like the US Marines known for their discipline and resilience. As educators, we must not see ourselves as transient workers but as dedicated professionals shaping the future. UNESCO predicts that by 2030, 50% of current teachers will exit the profession, and the world will need to recruit 40 million teachers, with 15 million from Africa. We must build our capacity and rise to the challenge. The time to act is now.

Sidra Khalid 18G, 40 Under Forty honoree, reflects on her experience as a young college student at Emory, ready to learn what it takes to be successful. “At 20, I was eager to have everything planned out and to know exactly what I needed to do to be successful. Ultimately, I've learned that life rarely follows a linear path, and it's okay not to have everything figured out when you’re younger.” Learn more about our honorees here: https://bit.ly/4c8KPOd