@Claflin: Bakari Sellers to Deliver Keynote Address at Spring Commencement Convocation

April 28, 2023

The World Needs Visionaries

Former South Carolina Representative Bakari Sellers to Serve as Keynote Speaker for Claflin University’s Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony

Civil rights activist, author, and political commentator Bakari Sellers will be the keynote speaker at Claflin University's Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. This is a ticketed event. You may watch the ceremony live on Claflin University's Facebook page.

Sellers made history in the 2006 South Carolina state legislature as the youngest African American elected official in the nation at the age of 22. His political career did not stop there. In 2014, he was the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor in the state of South Carolina. Sellers has also worked for United States Congressman James Clyburn and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.

In 2008, he served on President Barack Obama's South Carolina steering committee. His ability to "reach across the aisle to get things done" has led to numerous achievements, including being named TIME Magazine's 40 Under 40 and "The Root 100" list of the nation's most influential African Americans in 2015 and HBCU Top 30 Under 30 in July 2014. He was a featured speaker at the Democratic National Convention in 2016 and 2008.

Sellers currently practices law with the Strom Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, S.C., where he heads the firm's Strategic Communication and Public Affairs team. The firm recently added Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consulting to the list of services offered.

Sellers recently released a New York Times Best Seller, My Vanishing Country: A Memoir. The book has been described as part memoir, part historical and cultural analysis illustrating the lives of America's forgotten black working-class men and women.

Sellers recently expanded his audience with the Bakari Sellers Podcast, a twice-a-week show that is part of The Ringer Podcast Network. His podcasts discuss a variety of topics, including politics, race, sports, media, the presidential campaign, and much more.

Sellers was born into an activist family. His father, civil rights leader Cleveland Sellers, instilled core values in him to continue in the tireless commitment to service.

In 2005, Sellers earned a bachelor's degree in African American Studies from Morehouse College. He continued his education at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2008, earning a Juris Doctor.

Sellers has been a guest speaker at various political events, colleges and universities, and national trade organizations nationwide.

Sellers and his wife, Dr. Ellen Rucker-Sellers, are the parents of twins, Sadie and Stokely.

United Methodist Church Superintendent Rev. Ken Nelson to Speak at Claflin University's Baccalaureate Service

Reverend Ken Nelson will be the guest speaker for Claflin University's Baccalaureate Service at 6 p.m., on Friday, May 5, in the Tullis Arena at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex.

The Baccalaureate Service is an interfaith service offering farewell to the graduates of Claflin University. The service is open to all graduating students and their families. Commencement Convocation will take place on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. in the Tullis Arena at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex.

Rev. Ken Nelson is the Orangeburg District Superintendent for the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Rev. Nelson was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, and graduated from Newberry College in 1990 with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology, religion and philosophy.

Rev. Nelson was ordained in 1995 following his 1993 graduation from Duke Divinity School with a Master of Divinity Degree. Before his appointment as coordinator of Clergy Services, he served as a congregational specialist and as the conference African-American Ministries coordinator, and at Silver Hill Memorial UMC-Spartanburg, Centenary UMC-Kingsville, St. John’s UMC-Aiken, Mt. Zion UMC-Sumter and St. Mark UMC-Sumter. He also has served as assistant dean and director of religious life at Duke University Chapel.

In addition to Rev. Nelson’s work in local churches and on conference staff, he has served in many ways, including on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and district committees on Ministry, as a member of the General Board of Church and Society, and as a delegate to five General Conferences and four Jurisdictional Conferences.

Orangeburg Alumni Chapter Hosts Annual International Alumni Convention in the Garden City

Claflin University alumni returned to Orangeburg, S.C., on April 14-16, to attend the Claflin University International Alumni Association's (CUIAA) 49th Convention. The annual event celebrated Claflin's distinctive history as South Carolina's oldest Historically Black College/University and the first in the state to admit all students regardless of ethnic origin, gender, race, or religion. It also provided alumni of all generations to return to where it all began "On A Hilltop High."

Convention participants had a full schedule of activities, including a Corporate Breakfast, a Presidential Luncheon, seminars and workshops, vendors, exhibits, worship service, and other events.

"It was an exciting and wonderful convention," said Reverend Larry McCutcheon, president of the Orangeburg County Alumni Chapter of the CUIAA. "It was our second gathering since COVID. We had excellent fellowship, and we were very pleased with the attendance at our activities. Our dynamic president, Dr. Dwaun Warmack, challenged us to continue to increase our financial support for the University. Everyone is very excited about what's taking place at Claflin. Prayers, good planning, a great committee, and a productive collaboration with Bob Miller and other CUIAA members were the keys to the event's success."

The Corporate Breakfast featured five Claflin scholars who discussed their internship experiences. The panelists were: Yayi Dia, a sophomore business administration major with a concentration in finance; Dejane Lawerence, a senior mass communications major with a minor in marketing; Donnie Manuel, a senior psychology major with a minor in early childhood education; Lazarus McCray, a sophomore, mass communications major with a minor in business management; and Danaezha Wade, a junior psychology major with a minor in education and sociology.

Dia interned at the Executive Office of the President of the United States in Washington D.C.; Lawrence was an intern at WhittPR, and Manual interned with UNCF K-12. McCray was an intern with the South Carolina Association of CPAs, and Wade's internship was with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.

"I wanted to get my foot in the door in a corporate environment," said Wade, whose internship was with the Human Resources Department at Blue Cross Blue Shield. "Blue Cross provided me with resources in the area that helped get me acclimated to the corporate setting. During my internship, I assisted a few seasoned workers with some of the company's technology. I also recommended system upgrades that would streamline processes and attract younger employees."

McCray said his internship was a great experience, "I was a content creator. It was great to see how my skills correlated to the corporate setting even though I did not have a background in accounting," he said. "The workplace environment was very family oriented. If I did not know how to perform a particular task, I could tell them, and they would take the lead and guide me. The internship allowed me to break out of my comfort zone. I learned some skills I did not have, which helped me develop as a mass communications student."

McCray's remarks were so impressive that Merle Johnson, executive director of the Orangeburg County Development Commission, offered him a job publicly after his presentation. "Since arriving at Orangeburg, I have learned that Claflin's higher education system prides itself in developing young minds and preparing them for the 21st Century. These students are not just business minded – they are civic minded as well, and that's very unique," Johnson said.

Matthew McDaniel, vice president with Truist Bank, said he attends similar events during the year throughout South Carolina, but his experience at the Corporate Breakfast was special. "This was by far the most fun and engaging of any I have ever attended," he said. "Hearing from the students was tremendous because they are the future of our workforce. It gives me much hope because that's talent sitting right here in Orangeburg. Our challenge is to create career opportunities that will keep this talent in Orangeburg and the Midlands."

Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack provided alumni and guests with an overview of University accomplishments, including SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) Accreditation with no recommendations and U.S. News and World Report's ranking that listed Claflin third among HBCUs with the highest four-year graduation rates. "Our enrollment is steady. It's not about large numbers – it's about having the right mix. We want students who want to graduate on time – in four years," he said.

Warmack informed the audience that Claflin's academic profile continues to rise, and the University has experienced growth in its net assets despite the global pandemic. He also talked about the need to expand Claflin's campus outside of Orangeburg and into other markets in South Carolina, construction of the new Student Center, and revitalization projects on Railroad Corner and the Kress Building in downtown Orangeburg.

"The Convention was fantastic," said Bob Miller, who is in his fourth year as CUIAA President. "The CUIAA and the Orangeburg County Chapter, under the leadership of Rev. Larry McCutcheon, worked together to ensure the convention's success. Everyone likes returning to Orangeburg to see the campus progress and interact with the students. We really enjoyed ourselves."

Miller said that attracting younger alumni to the convention was a major topic during their meetings. "There was a lot of discussion about how to recruit younger alumni to participate in the CUIAA," he said. "Most of us have been where they are now – trying to start families and launching careers.

Click here to see pictures from the event.

Claflin University School of Business Scholars Capture First-Runners-Up Position at Indiana University’s Prestigious Kelly School of Business Competition

Jabez Roberson, Brianna Williams, Matthew Sanders, and Dr. Benjamin Yumol receive the award on behalf of Claflin University.

Three Claflin University School of Business scholars were first runners-up at the 12th annual National Diversity Case Competition (NDCC) hosted recently by the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. The National Diversity Case Competition featured top-level, diverse talent from colleges and universities across the country. This event included professional workshops, networking, and a case competition.

“Claflin University is capable of competing with the best colleges and universities across the globe in both the virtual and in-person spaces,” said Dr. Benjamin Yumol, associate professor of management at Claflin’s School of Business. “This was the first in-person competition in two years and our team showed their professional skills and training to their best ability at a prestigious level.” Claflin was represented by Brianna Williams, a senior marketing major from Moncks Corner, S.C.; Matthew Sanders, a junior marketing major from Charleston, S.C.; and Jabez Roberson, a junior marketing major from Aiken, S.C.

“This was my second year participating in the National Diversity Case Competition,” said Williams, who also served as team leader of the competition. “I was able to understand real-world applications and work with a diverse group of people. This year was special to me because I was the only female on the team. Typically, in the corporate world, males tend to dominate in leadership roles. This competition gave me the reassurance that females can serve as corporate leaders and lead their team to success.’’

Teams from over 40 top university business schools competed in the annual National Diversity Case Competition. Claflin was one of two HBCUs at the competition. Participating students have the opportunity to meet talented students, network with corporate partners and top recruiters, and compete to win cash prizes. Each team included two members from an underrepresented population. Prizes were awarded to the winner, the finalists, and the runners-up in each bracket. Texas A&M University was this year’s top finisher.

The case problem used during the competition focused on the challenges to solve diversity-related business issues. Students also participated in workshops and networking opportunities with companies that value inclusion. Judges looked for creative solutions that leverage the students’ diverse backgrounds and encouraged a solution where authentic differences in backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and thoughts were valued.

The 2023 NDCC competition is held during the weekend before Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Corporate partners have the opportunity to recruit students for opportunities throughout the competition.

Alumni News

Bessie H. Byrd ’72, recently donated more than $5,000 toward her $50,000 pledge to support need-based scholarships for Claflin University students. Byrd contributed to Student Philanthropy Day and the UNCF. Said Byrd: “It is very important that we invest in our students.” Byrd is a member of the Orangeburg County Alumni Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association. Byrd presented the check to Zelda M. Lee, director of the annual fund/alumni relations, and Dr. Marcus Burgess,vice president for institutional advancemen.

Claflin University President Dr. Dwaun Warmack launched the President’s Alumni Chapter Tour with a visit to the New York and New York Metro Chapters of the Claflin University International Alumni Association (CUIAA) on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Dr. Warmack joined the chapters for dinner and updates on several University programs and initiatives. The event was held at the LaGuardia Plaza Hotel.

Attention all Dorchester, Charleston, Berkeley and Colleton area alumni - we want to see you in the place! Join President Warmack on Tuesday, May 11, at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites Summerville Lowcountry Conference Center. Please RSVP before May 7 at

https://alumni.claflin.edu/charleston-alumni

President Warmack will visit the CSRA area during the President's Alumni Chapter Tour on May 11, 2023, at 6 p.m., at the Tabernacle Baptist Church Family Life Center. Please RSVP by May 1 at https://alumni.claflin.edu/csra-visit