Rebuilding through Education Initiative to Help New Orleans' Black Colleges Impacted by Hurricane Katrina

Rebuilding through Education Initiative to Help New Orleans' Black Colleges Impacted by Hurricane Katrina

Nationally syndicated morning radio host Tom Joyner joined Dr. Marvalene Hughes of Dillard University, Dr. Victor Ukpolo of Southern University, Dr. Norman Francis of Xavier University, and students representing each of the schools at a National Press Conference on December 8, 2006 to announce the "Rebuilding through Education Initiative to Help New Orleans' Black Colleges Impacted by Hurricane Katrina."

Tom Joyner announced that he will be promoting this Initiative on all of his syndicated morning programs throughout January 2007 with the hope of raising at least $1 million for New Orleans' three historically Black college campuses (Dillard University, Xavier University, and Southern University) hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina.

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina severely impacted the campuses of Dillard University, Southern University of New Orleans and Xavier University. At that time, Joyner’s Foundation raised more than $1 million to provide $1,000 scholarships to students from the New Orleans’ HBCUs who had to transfer to other schools while the city was under water. Nearly 18 months later, the campuses are at varying stages of rebuilding and recovery while moving forward with their mission to educate their students. Joyner is setting out to help the schools complete the existing repairs and provide financial assistance for students.

Since 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million helping more than 14,000 students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Foundation’s sole mission is to help keep students in school so they can complete their education.

The Tom Joyner Foundation is a certified, 501-c3 not-for-profit organization, established for the purpose of helping students continue their education at Historical Black Colleges and Universities. The organization is run by a team of dedicated individuals that are committed to furthering the vision of the Foundation. Thomas Joyner, Jr. is the CEO of the Foundation and oversees the daily operations. The Board of Directors includes:

Tom Joyner

Thomas Joyner, Jr.

Oscar Joyner

H.L. Joyner

Albert Joyner

Donna Richardson Joyner

Royce West

Janyce Brannon

Julia Atherton

David Kantor

Dr. Frederick S. Humphries

Dr. William R. Harvey

For more information on how you can can support this Initiative, contact Neil Foote, the Director of Communications at Reach Media, Inc. via telephone (972-371-5840 or 214-448 3765) or email (neil.foote@reachmediainc.com). Remember, one person can make a difference and that one person is YOU! TAKE ACTION!