North Carolina Central University Research Articles

Partnering to Improve Equity in Publishing

SPEAKERS: Sowmya Swaminathan (she/her/hers) Head of Collaborations & Chair Springer Nature Research & Solutions DEI Programme Springer Nature Allison Leung (she/her/hers) Assistant Director Researcher Products & Engagement American Chemical Society Dorraya El-Ashry Chief Scientific Officer Breast Cancer Research Foundation Antonio Baines (he/him/his) Associate Professor North Carolina Central University and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill MODERATOR: Sowmya Swaminathan REPORTER: Pablo Luis Clemente Assistant Managing Editor Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences The scientific publishing community must “push toward greater equity in publishing and research at large,” said moderator Dr Sowmya Swaminathan, Head of Collaboration & Chair, Springer Nature Research & Solutions DEI Programme, to start this session at the CSE 2023 Annual Meeting. Referencing the recently released the National Academies (NASEM) report1 on Advancing Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in STEMM organizations, she noted that it is the responsibility of individuals or organizations who have power and influence—described as “gatekeepers” in the NASEM report—at publishers, funders, and societies to develop and implement policies and opportunities for historically excluded researchers to participate equitably in scientific discourse across all areas of research. Along with her panel of speakers, the message was clear: Creating an effective ecosystem of lasting, meaningful partnerships with organizations and institutions that employ and recruit largely from historically marginalized and excluded populations is absolutely necessary to boost their participation in scientific research and publishing. It is a problem that has wider implications on research and the types of research that can help address and diagnose issues affecting these […]

E. J. Josey: Transformational Leader of the Modern Library Profession

E. J. Josey: Transformational Leader of the Modern Library Profession

A novel cross-institutional college internship program to train future diverse leaders in clinical research with data-driven approaches to assess impact.

The field of Clinical Research, like many other scientific disciplines, has struggled to recruit and retain talented researchers from diverse communities. While there is a strong history of documenting the problem, having a diverse and inclusive workforce is hindered by the lack of data-driven approaches, cross-institutional partnerships, access to mentors, and positive immersive experiences for people from underrepresented groups. Here, we describe a novel initiative for North Carolina Central University Clinical Research Sciences Program (NCCU-CRSP) student interns to partner with Duke University to have immersive clinical and pre-clinical research training in a 15-week internship as the culminating experience towards their degree for a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research. The goals of the internship are: 1) to give hands-on training to enhance the impact of classroom-based learning, 2) broaden their understanding of the wide swath of positions available to them, 3) promote their sense of self-efficacy, confidence, science identity, research identity, and connections to the pre-clinical and clinical community, and 4) prepare them to be workforce ready upon graduating. The students dedicate 75% of their time to clinical research with Duke University at Pickett Road and 25% to pre-clinical research in the Collective for Psychiatric Neuroengineering in the Duke Psychiatry Department of the School of Medicine. They will also receive eight 1-h professional development training sessions from the Duke-NCCU Clinical and Translational Science Initiative's Workforce Development Team and five 1-h sessions based on the Entering Research Curriculum developed by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER). Finally, they will be brought in as a cohort and coached on peer mentoring and mutual support frameworks to enhance their sense of community. These student-interns will perform pre- and post-internship self-assessment surveys to quantify their self-efficacy, feelings of belonging, access to research opportunities and mentors, and to give details of their future education and career goals. We will evaluate the impact of the internship using validated tools and apply these findings for future optimization of program design and tactical advice for other programs with shared missions. Furthermore, we will email them on an annual basis with follow-up surveys to assess the longitudinal impact of this internship program, their educational experiences at NCCU, what job titles they hold, how prepared they feel for their roles, and what they hope their future career trajectory will be. Collectively, these approaches will apply theoretical frameworks developed by social and cognitive psychology, vocational theory, and educational research to clinical research training with the goals of recruiting and training talented and diverse leaders within clinical research. We hope that by evaluating our successes, failures, strengths, and liabilities through empirically derived evidence we will also inspire future studies that use data-driven approaches to elevate our approaches as we work together to train and recruit talented researchers from diverse communities into our scientific enterprise and to launch them with more in-depth experiential learning that will empower them to succeed.

Advancing workforce diversity by leveraging the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program.

Clinical trials continue to disproportionately underrepresent people of color. Increasing representation of diverse backgrounds among clinical research personnel has the potential to yield greater representation in clinical trials and more efficacious medical interventions by addressing medical mistrust. In 2019, North Carolina Central University (NCCU), a Historically Black College and University with a more than 80% underrepresented student population, established the Clinical Research Sciences Program with support from the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program at neighboring Duke University. This program was designed to increase exposure of students from diverse educational, racial, and ethnic backgrounds to the field of clinical research, with a special focus on health equity education. In the first year, the program graduated 11 students from the two-semester certificate program, eight of whom now hold positions as clinical research professionals. This article describes how leveraging the CTSA program helped NCCU build a framework for producing a highly trained, competent, and diverse workforce in clinical research responsive to the call for increased diversity in clinical trial participation.

Advertising, DEI, and HBCUs: An Interview with Teneshia Warner

Abstract: This article presents an open conversation between Teneshia Jackson Warner, the CEO of the advertising agency EGAMI Group, and Yvette Lynne Bonaparte, a marketing professor at North Carolina Central University, an HBCU. The two discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion within marketing and advertising, and the unique role that HBCUs can play in helping to develop talent for the industry. The discussion highlights the impact of the summer of 2020 and the murder of George Floyd as a painful and pivotal event for EGAMI Group. As a multicultural agency with a track record of success, EGAMI during this time was able to establish intentional partnerships with clients committed to developing authentic and sustainable advertising strategies and programs to address social justice concerns through purpose-driven marketing campaigns.

Cover

Journal of Neuroscience ResearchVolume 100, Issue 8 p. i-i COVERFree Access Cover First published: 13 July 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.25095AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Minority serving institutions (MSIs) are in a unique position to contribute to the Neuroscience field by increasing the diversity in the workforce through trainees, but those institutions, trainees, and their faculty mentors are able to simultaneously propel the field forward in advances in cutting-edge neuroscience research. Enclosed are a few examples of neuroscience laboratories at MSIs from across the country who are engaged in neuroscience research, including North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Delaware State University, the University of Texas at El Paso, North Carolina Central University, University of North Texas, and Ponce Health Sciences University. In this neuronal depiction, the “dendritic” inputs from various categories of MSIs are diversifying the workforce and producing data that feeds into the field’s “axon”. (Special Note: MSIs also include Alaska Native & Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Native American Indian Serving, Non-Tribal Institutions; and Predominately Black Institutions.) Volume100, Issue8Special Issue: Highlighting Neuroscience at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)August 2022Pages i-i RelatedInformation

Early American Music and the Construction of Race

Early American Music and the Construction of Race

Eugene Dudley, PhD: 3rd District

Eugene Dudley, PhD:3rd District Judson L. Jeffries Eugene Dudley, PhD, a 4th generation Hebrew Israelite and longtime resident of Plainfield, New Jersey, not long ago moved to Chesterfield County, Virginia, located 20 miles outside of Richmond, the state capital. Chesterfield County is the fourth largest county in the state, trailing only Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun counties. The area has seen some significant changes throughout the decades—the population being one of them. Since, the Great Depression, Chesterfield's population has grown steadily. The largest spike occurred between the years 1970 and 1980. During that 10-year period, the population increased by 84%, from 76,855 to 141,372. As for its political leanings, voters there tend to be rather conservative. Since 1948, after voting for incumbent Harry Truman over Republican Thomas Dewey, the county has voted for the Republican in every presidential election through 2016. Surprisingly, in 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump in Chesterfield by a 7-point margin, becoming the first Democratic president to win the county in 72 years. In addition to being a longtime member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Brother Dudley is also a proud member of the Prince Hall Masons as well as the Ancient Egypt Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine. Below is a conversation that occurred over the course of three days in March, with the first conversation lasting well over three hours. Judson L. Jeffries: For a long time you lived in Jersey Brother Dudley, but where did you grow up? Eugene Dudley: I grew up in New York actually. JLJ: Oh, where exactly? ED: The Bronx. JLJ: Well, I happen to be intimately familiar with the Bronx; where in the Bronx? ED: In Eastchester Projects. [End Page 293] JLJ: Oh, I know exactly where that is; that's over there near Boston Road, in Northeast Bronx. Although by the time I came along it was called Eastchester Gardens not Eastchester Projects. ED: Oh, ok. JLJ: Well, what high school did you attend? ED: Evander Childs High School. JLJ: Oh, ok, Evander Childs—I think that school closed down some time ago, didn't it? ED: Yeah, it's some kind of education center now. JLJ: Yeah, that's over there on Gun Hill Road. Anyway, so you attended college at North Carolina Central University in Durham. ED: Actually, it was called North Carolina College at Durham when I was there. JLJ: As a student of Black college history, I'm surprised I didn't know that. Ok, but for the purposes of this discussion I'll refer to it by its current name, NCCU. ED: Ok, NCCU. JLJ: What year did you enter? ED: I started in the Spring of 1964. JLJ: Wait a minute, what year did you graduate from Evander? ED: 1960. JLJ: But you enrolled at North Carolina Central University in the spring of 1964, right? ED: Right, but I took a few detours between the time I graduated high school and when I went down south. JLJ: Please explain. ED: Well, after high school I went to Bronx Community College, but left in the spring of 1961. In the fall of 1961, I enrolled in the City College of New York, but dropped out the same semester. After that I got a job working with Youth Employment Services for the state of New York. JLJ: Ok, looks like you took a circuitous route to get to NCCU. ED: I did. JLJ: Ok, well, how did you end up at NCCU? ED: I was on the train one day coming home from work and noticed a guy wearing a varsity-type jacket, and I asked him what college was that? And he said North Carolina College at Durham. Then I asked him what it was like down there. And he said, well, there are 12 girls to every guy. [End Page 294] JLJ: That sounds like a slight exaggeration, don't you think Brother Dudley? ED: I don't think so, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it! JLJ: Anyway, what were your thoughts when he said that? ED: I said to myself "oh, I'm going there." JLJ: That's what...

Henry M. “Mickey” Michaux, Jr, JD: 6th District

Henry M. "Mickey" Michaux Jr., JD:6th District Judson L. Jeffries In the early 1970s Henry M. "Mickey" Michaux Jr. was part of a nationwide effort to get more African Americans elected to public office. Spurred largely by the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Michaux rode a wave that saw an unprecedented number of Blacks run for and get elected to offices that had long been held by White politicians. Michaux has the distinction of being the longest serving member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Elected to the North Carolina State Assembly in 1972, Michaux became the first African American elected to that body from his hometown of Durham, North Carolina. Michaux served the 31st district for more than 30 years. In 1977, Michaux enjoyed another milestone when President Jimmy Carter appointed him US Attorney, where he headed the office in the Middle District of North Carolina. Michaux's appointment was the first such for an African American in the South since Reconstruction. From April to August 2021, Brother Michaux and I engaged in several conversations. What follows is a snapshot of those lively exchanges. Judson L. Jeffries: Brother Michaux, you come highly recommended by the Brothers in the 6th district, thanks for taking time out of your hectic schedule to talk to me. Mickey Michaux: What hectic schedule? I'm 90 years old and retired—glad to be of service—thanks for having me. JLJ: How did you come to this illustrious fraternity Brother Michaux? MM: Well, that's easy—my father was an Omega, and I had an uncle who was an Omega, so there wasn't any doubt what I was going to pledge. JLJ: What college did you attend? MM: I went to North Carolina College at Durham, now known as North Carolina Central University. In fact, I grew up right across the street from the school. JLJ: What did you study, Brother Michaux? MM: I majored in biology and chemistry with a minor in economics. [End Page 319] JLJ: Wow, that's pretty impressive; majoring in biology or chemistry alone would give most people fits, but you majored in both. You just taught me something Brother Michaux, I didn't realize that folk were double majoring back then. MM: Oh yeah, plus I minored in economics. JLJ: No, that would have been too heavy for me, I couldn't have handled that. MM: It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that. JLJ: You mentioned earlier that there wasn't any doubt which fraternity you were going to pledge. MM: No, sir, there wasn't. JLJ: Ok, let me finish Brother Michaux. MM: [Laughter] Ok. JLJ: When did you cross? MM: The Winter of 1950. JLJ: Did you go on line in 1950? MM: Good question, so let me clarify something. I crossed on February 4, 1950. I joined the Lampados club in 1949 and had to stay in the club for three straight quarters. JLJ: Quarters? You folks were on the quarter system back then? MM: Yes, we were on quarters back then. JLJ: Ok, so you were a Lamp for three straight quarters? MM: Yes, at the end of the third quarter, we were allowed to get on line. JLJ: By the way, what kind of lamps were you guys required to lug around? MM: The old-time kerosene lamps. JLJ: Those old things are heavy. You're not talking about the kind you can go pick up at Target, Walmart, or an Army/Navy surplus store … you're talking about those old-time lamps made of heavy metal and glass. MM: That's right [laughter], that's what I'm talking about. JLJ: You all were carrying around that heavy lamp every day while you were on line? MM: Every day we carried that lamp and walked around in a dog collar and chain. We marched every single day to class and the dining hall looking like that, except on the last day. JLJ: What happened on the last day? MM: On the last day, which was on a Friday, we wore tie and tails and carried a bucket of sand. [End Page 320] JLJ: What's...

DuMont, 35 Years Later: HBCUs, LIS Education, and Institutional Discrimination

This article revisits Rosemary DuMont’s 1986 articles on Black librarianship and racial attitudes in LIS. The first part addresses missing or limited coverage on the library schools at five historically Black colleges and universities: Alabama A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, University of the District of Columbia, Hampton University, and North Carolina Central University. The second part provides examples of biases in accreditation as it relates to HBCU-based LIS programs. The article closes with a discussion on the erasure of HBCUs in LIS education, despite their important contributions to racial and ethnic representation and inclusion in the library professions.

Grants & Acquisitions

The University of North Carolina (UNC)-Chapel Hill has received a $320,777 grant to the University Libraries to help prepare the state’s future librarians and archivists to teach with primary source materials. The award comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. It will fund the Primary Sources Teaching Fellowship Program, based at the Wilson Special Collections Library. The grant will provide stipends to three cohorts of fellows—eight each in the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024. They will come from the state’s five master’s degree programs in information and library science at Appalachian State University, North Carolina Central University, East Carolina University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UNC-Greensboro. Students from groups underrepresented in the library and archival profession will be especially encouraged to apply. Fellows will take part in a structured online learning experience led by UNC-Chapel Hill librarians and archivists and a roster of guest speakers. Fellows will then spend three days in UNC-Chapel Hill for an onsite workshop where they can create and receive feedback on lesson plans built around materials from Wilson Library.

Henry M. “Mickey” Michaux Jr., JD: 6th District

Henry M. "Mickey" Michaux Jr., JD:6th District Judson L. Jeffries In the early 1970s Henry M. "Mickey" Michaux Jr. was part of a nationwide effort to get more African Americans elected to public office. Spurred largely by the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Michaux rode a wave that saw an unprecedented number of Blacks run for and get elected to offices that had long been held by White politicians. Michaux has the distinction of being the longest serving member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Elected to the North Carolina State Assembly in 1972, Michaux became the first African American elected to that body from his hometown of Durham, North Carolina. Michaux served the 31st district for more than 30 years. In 1977, Michaux enjoyed another milestone when President Jimmy Carter appointed him US Attorney, where he headed the office in the Middle District of North Carolina. Michaux's appointment was the first such for an African American in the South since Reconstruction. From April to August 2021, Brother Michaux and I engaged in several conversations. What follows is a snapshot of those lively exchanges. Judson L. Jeffries: Brother Michaux, you come highly recommended by the Brothers in the 6th district, thanks for taking time out of your hectic schedule to talk to me. Mickey Michaux: What hectic schedule? I'm 90 years old and retired—glad to be of service—thanks for having me. JLJ: How did you come to this illustrious fraternity Brother Michaux? MM: Well, that's easy—my father was an Omega, and I had an uncle who was an Omega, so there wasn't any doubt what I was going to pledge. JLJ: What college did you attend? MM: I went to North Carolina College at Durham, now known as North Carolina Central University. In fact, I grew up right across the street from the school. JLJ: What did you study, Brother Michaux? MM: I majored in biology and chemistry with a minor in economics. [End Page 319] JLJ: Wow, that's pretty impressive; majoring in biology or chemistry alone would give most people fits, but you majored in both. You just taught me something Brother Michaux, I didn't realize that folk were double majoring back then. MM: Oh yeah, plus I minored in economics. JLJ: No, that would have been too heavy for me, I couldn't have handled that. MM: It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that. JLJ: You mentioned earlier that there wasn't any doubt which fraternity you were going to pledge. MM: No, sir, there wasn't. JLJ: Ok, let me finish Brother Michaux. MM: [Laughter] Ok. JLJ: When did you cross? MM: The Winter of 1950. JLJ: Did you go on line in 1950? MM: Good question, so let me clarify something. I crossed on February 4, 1950. I joined the Lampados club in 1949 and had to stay in the club for three straight quarters. JLJ: Quarters? You folks were on the quarter system back then? MM: Yes, we were on quarters back then. JLJ: Ok, so you were a Lamp for three straight quarters? MM: Yes, at the end of the third quarter, we were allowed to get on line. JLJ: By the way, what kind of lamps were you guys required to lug around? MM: The old-time kerosene lamps. JLJ: Those old things are heavy. You're not talking about the kind you can go pick up at Target, Walmart, or an Army/Navy surplus store … you're talking about those old-time lamps made of heavy metal and glass. MM: That's right [laughter], that's what I'm talking about. JLJ: You all were carrying around that heavy lamp every day while you were on line? MM: Every day we carried that lamp and walked around in a dog collar and chain. We marched every single day to class and the dining hall looking like that, except on the last day. JLJ: What happened on the last day? MM: On the last day, which was on a Friday, we wore tie and tails and carried a bucket of sand. [End Page 320] JLJ: What's...

Rural Community Engagement for Health Disparities Research: The Unique Role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Reducing health disparities in rural communities of color remains a national concern. Efforts to reduce health disparities often center on community engagement, which is historically the strategy used to provide rural minority populations with support to access and utilize health information and services. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with their origins derived from social injustices and discrimination, are uniquely positioned to conduct this type of engagement. We present the “Research with Care” project, a long-standing positive working relationship between North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and rural Halifax County, North Carolina, demonstrating an effective campus–community partnership. The importance of readiness to implement Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles is underscored. As demonstrated by the NCCU–Halifax partnership, we recommend leveraging the positive associations of the HBCU brand identity as a method of building and sustaining meaningful relationships with rural Black communities. This underscores the role and value of HBCUs in the health disparities research arena and should be communicated and embraced.

The African American Struggle for Library Equality: The Untold Story of the Julius Rosenwald Fund Library Program

The African American Struggle for Library Equality: The Untold Story of the Julius Rosenwald Fund Library Program

Editorial Introduction

Editorial Introduction Edward Timke 2020 is the year that keeps on giving. But it is not in the ways we anticipated when the new year and decade started nearly ten months ago. The COVID-19 global pandemic persists and has taken over 200,000 lives in the United States. 1Responses to the health crisis have deepened and exacerbated many political divisions, especially as official public health messaging in the United States remains inconsistent. 2Despite growing worldwide protests calling for an end to racial injustice, people of color have faced greater harm during the pandemic. 3The economy remains in shambles for many, while only some reap the benefits of a rallying stock market. 4Schools are in a state of flux as budgets shrink and untested efforts are made to keep students learning. 5Climate change is ever-apparent as forest fires have ravaged all states along the US West Coast, and an alarming hurricane season continues to bring destructive weather to the states in the southern US. With social distancing measures still in place, rates of depression and substance abuse have risen. 6Despite many advertising efforts in April and May to keep people optimistic and in solidarity through messages emphasizing how "we're all in this together," the key sentiments of the times are anxiety, frustration, and restlessness. 7Most people would say that enough is enough. Video 1. Sprite draws attention to Black Americans' struggles to attain the American Dream. The company proclaims its support for the Black Lives Matter Movement to ensure Black creators and artists have their dreams realized. 8 Click to view video Video 2. Old Navy calls for unity despite the many divisions of 2020. It reminds viewers that "it's not about you vs. me, it's about we." 9 Click to view video A key question remains: How is advertising adapting to the current moment, especially with recent increased calls to address racial inequity and injustice? This issue's Forum on the Current Moment addresses this question by focusing on race, diversity, and inclusion in advertising. Yvette Bonaparte (North Carolina Central University) explains how the Black Lives Matter Movement's calls for racial equality over the summer of 2020 led several companies to change their messaging and branding, especially for products that have relied on stereotypes and historically racist imagery. Wan-Hsiu Sunny Tsai (University of Miami) interviews Bill Imada, the Chief Connectivity Officer of the IW Group, on how he and his team created the Wash The Hate social media campaign to fight the rise in bias and hate toward Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. A roundtable of leading scholars studying race in advertising met to discuss race, brand mascots, and what advertising agencies and companies can do to avoid perpetuating harmful imagery. Another roundtable with scholars and practitioners specializing in issues of diversity assembled to assess equity in advertising as well as what the industry and academia can do to foster more inclusivity. In continuing with the journal's celebration of its 20th anniversary year, three articles encourage readers to reflect on advertising's place in society, culture, history, and the economy. Judy Foster Davis (Eastern Michigan University) provides an illustrated history of race and ethnicity in advertising, which is helpful to contextualize our current moment's scrutiny of how advertisers use race and ethnicity. Michael Franz (Bowdoin College) assesses the top political ads in American history, which provides insights into how and why the 2020 election has relied heavily on emotionally-driven attack campaigns. Mara Einstein (Queens College of the City University of New York) examines the unintended consequences of social media, branded content, and data mining, which...

Abstract IA18: North Carolina Central University and Duke Cancer Institute's collaborative cancer research and education program: Connecting cancer disparities translational research, clinical trials operations, and community engagement

Abstract Three interrelated contributors to cancer disparities include the lack of diversity among investigators contributing to cancer research, the deficiency of minority participation in clinical trials and bio-banking, and the need to advance community engagement as a vital component of the translational research spectrum. The North Carolina Central University and Duke Cancer Institute's Cancer Disparities Translational Research Partnership (NCCU-DCI CDTRP) (P20 PACHE), through its Cancer Research and Education Program (C-REP), provides a Translational Immersion Experience (TIE) that spans the full translational research spectrum, for traditionally under-represented PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-stage investigators. The goals of TIE are to (1) provide cancer disparities research training with an emphasis on translational laboratory science including high-throughput screening/drug discovery, (2) equip trainees with unique training and education in the operational infrastructure that supports clinical research and trials, (3) highlight strategies to increase diverse participation in clinical trials and bio banking, and (4) learn and apply principles of community engagement through community-based programs and outreach. Using multimodal training techniques, the TIE program provides training and education in real-life settings that expose trainees to the full translational research spectrum across two diseases that disproportionality affect African Americans at significantly higher rates, prostate cancer and inflammatory breast cancer. The overarching goal is to bolster our trainees' experiences and training to contribute to innovative technologies and discoveries and provide access to training that spans beyond the traditional curriculum in areas of high need in translational cancer disparities research such as minority accrual and clinical trials operations. The program includes evidence-based workshops in healthy mentor-mentee relationships, building and sustaining resilience, and sharpening grantwriting skills coupled with ongoing external evaluation to provide real-time feedback on the program. We present the preliminary evaluation data based on the first cohort of the C-REP TIE program. Citation Format: Kevin P. Williams, Nadine J. Barrett, Carla E. Oldham, Holly Hough, Artis Woodard, Jennifer Freedman, Gayathri R. Devi, Steven R. Patierno. North Carolina Central University and Duke Cancer Institute's collaborative cancer research and education program: Connecting cancer disparities translational research, clinical trials operations, and community engagement [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr IA18.

Abstract B061: Mechanistic and functional interrogation of novel ancestry-related alternatively spliced androgen receptor signal genes in prostate cancer

Abstract The age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates for prostate cancer (PCa) among African American (AA) men are significantly higher than among white men. Our studies address the urgent need to interrogate and modulate, for therapeutic application, the molecular mechanisms underlying the more aggressive PCa biology in AA men. The Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) has identified novel alternatively spliced genes between PCa from AA and white patients that drive race-related PCa aggressiveness and drug response, including androgen receptor (AR) target genes. In parallel, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has interrogated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, which operates in a regulatory loop with AR, and seeks to target AMPK for therapeutic application. Within the context of the AR/AMPK signaling axis, we have delineated the structures of race-related alternative splicing events in fatty acid synthase (FASN) and six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate, family member 4 (STEAP4) using polymerase chain reaction and generated CRISPR-Cas constructs to specifically express these variants. In addition, from our exon array analysis, we have identified differential splicing of a cancer-specific ubiquitin ligase complex (MAGE-A3/6-TRIM28), which targets AMPK for degradation, between PCa from AA and white patients. Moreover, we have shown that a PCa cell line derived from an AA patient has a decreased expression level of AMPKα and increased expression levels of TRIM28 splice variants using Western blot. Studies to assess the effects of expression of race-related FASN and STEAP4 variants on PCa cell biology and to directly dissect race-related mechanistic differences in AMPK signaling biology are currently under way. This work identifies and delineates novel AR/AMPK signaling pathway splice variants that may be targetable for PCa. Citation Format: Rob U. Onyenwoke, Jennifer A. Freedman, Brendon M. Patierno, Cedric Eze, Adepeju Dayo, Daniel J. George, Steven R. Patierno. Mechanistic and functional interrogation of novel ancestry-related alternatively spliced androgen receptor signal genes in prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr B061.

Abstract A023: Results from a town hall meeting: Inflammatory breast cancer listening session led by KOMEN scholars

Abstract Introduction: Cancer is the leading cause of death in North Carolina. While the incidence rate of breast cancer (BC) is higher in White women, African American and Latino women are more likely to die from BC than White women. Moreover, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of BC, and African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with IBC compared to whites, have poor BC outcomes, and generally are less likely to get life-saving information and resources to reduce cancer risks. Additionally, work is needed to improve diagnosis rates and decrease time to treatment for IBC patients. Translational research scientists do not get exposure to community engagement opportunities that can add to their knowledge of the research spectrum around a particular disease. Engaging new researchers in this arena can add to addressing cancer disparities research. Methods: An IBC listening session was conducted during the annual Women's Health Awareness Day conference sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and North Carolina Central University. The session was developed by KOMEN translational health disparities researchers as part of their enhanced community engagement training program. Scholars created the marketing plan and listening session guide for the program with guidance and training from staff experts. Scholars were note takers, facilitators, and created summary reports that highlighted guiding questions for the session, which included the following questions: 1)What do you know about BC? 2) Are you aware of different types of breast cancers? 3) Have you heard of IBC? 4) How aware do you think people in your community are about BC and IBC? 5) Where do you get your information about BC and IBC? 6) What are ways we should educate the community with getting information on how to become aware about the signs and symptoms of IBC? Results: There were 49 African American and Latina participants. Only 15 of 49 attendees had heard of IBC. Most women were aware of causes and symptoms of breast cancer; however, there was a lack of awareness around IBC. Those aware of IBC learned about it from their coworkers, doctors, or had family members die from the disease. Participants recommended more one-on-one education, patient self-advocacy sessions, making education and awareness available online, changing breast cancer communication to include IBC symptoms, and letting people know that you can have breast cancer without the presence of lumps. Conclusion: Poor awareness, communication, and education around inflammatory breast cancer risk factors were substantial. There is significant need to raise awareness in diverse communities about inflammatory breast cancer risks, screening guidelines, diagnosis, and treatment options. Community-engaged research lead by under-represented researcher scholars in training can add to the translational research training experience. Citation Format: Maria Dixion, Kearston L. Ingraham, Seronda A. Robinson, Jodie M. Fleming, Gayathri R. Devi, Holly Hough, Hamzah Kharabsheh, Dana M. Austin, Tia A. Tate, Artis Woodard, Joshua Alexander, Joan P. Packenham, Nadine J. Barrett, Kevin P. Williams. Results from a town hall meeting: Inflammatory breast cancer listening session led by KOMEN scholars [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A023.

Envisioning reciprocal and sustainable HBCU-LIS pipeline partnerships

PurposeAfter the closing of four of the five historically Black college and university (HBCU)–based library and information science (LIS) graduate programs (leaving only that of North Carolina Central University), there is a need to revitalize HBCU-LIS degree program pathways to increase racial diversity in LIS education.Design/methodology/approachThis mixed-methods study entails survey and interview research with HBCU librarians. The researchers explored participants’ professional experiences and perspectives on creating partnerships between HBCU institutions and LIS graduate programs.FindingsParticipants demonstrated substantial experience, expressed high levels of job satisfaction, viewed pipeline programs favorably and believed that LIS can be strengthened through the inclusion of HBCU educational practices and students.Practical implicationsThis study provides recommendations and a model for forging culturally competent and reciprocal HBCU–LIS degree program partnerships.Social implicationsCommunity-led knowledge of HBCUs can disrupt rescue and deficiency narratives of these institutions. Such prejudices are detrimental to HBCU-LIS degree program partnerships.Originality/valuePast HBCU-LIS degree program pipeline partnerships did not culminate in research or published best practices. This paper presents literature-derived and community-sourced guidelines along with a model for future initiatives.

Notes from the Horn Section: A Conversation with NPG Saxophonist, Marcus Anderson

Notes from the Horn Section:A Conversation with NPG Saxophonist, Marcus Anderson Deirdre Guion Peoples and Marcus Anderson Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time with musician and performer Marcus Anderson. Marcus is the youngest of seven musically talented siblings originally from Spartanburg, South Carolina. This 33-year-old twin plays several instruments but was in the enviable position of playing saxophone with Prince and the New Power Generation (later known as NPG) for four years. What follows is a truncated version of our conversation. Deirdre Guion Peoples: After graduating from NCCU's (North Carolina Central University) jazz studies program, you travelled around doing lots of different things and people started to learn about you . . . how do you go from there to become a part of NPG? Marcus Anderson: Someone sent Prince one of my videos. . . I was very heavy into videos then. I remember an old manager of mine told me that I need not be focused on being seen so much. She thought I was very vain. My response to her was, "No, you're not understanding—people are visual." I remember back before social media I was posting pictures and videos. . . If you create just one video people can share it, they can view it and it can be seen across the world. This is going to create more opportunities for me. I was right, she was wrong. DGP: So. . .. she's no longer your manager? MA: Correct. I knew that I needed to do the video. So, I took the last little bit of money I had and put in it to getting this video edited. I thought, it's not going to be a quick return, it's going to be a slow return and that's exactly what it was. I put that out in the summer of 2011, by the next year I'd been hired by Sheila E and Prince, [End Page 189] in that order. First, Prince saw the video because someone sent it to him. . . And I remember getting a call from a colleague of mine saying, ". . . you know Prince loves your video he wants to hire you..." In the beginning when we were talking, he wanted me, Trombone Shorty, and Maceo Parker to play in the band. He wanted me to play tenor sax, Maceo to play alto, and Trombone Shorty to play trumpet and trombone. That was going to be the dynamic. Later, everything started changing and developing. Then he (Prince) did Welcome to Australia, but didn't bring me on right away. He brought me on shortly after that because I think he wanted to develop a new horn section. He got the idea to have younger guys. . .. So that's when other musicians in the band started reaching out to their friends. That's when one my other friends, Adrian Crutchfield, got asked and was invited to be in the band. He (Adrian) and I actually started helping to put together a horn section with younger guys who could dance and play. That's how we developed the 11-piece horn section (known as the hornz section of NPG). DGP: I was reading about that and thought, that's a BIG horn section! MA: It's a very big horn section. We ended up orchestrating a lot of things for the horn section. I was asked to be the section leader by Prince, but it didn't work with my schedule because while I was with him, I was still touring and performing on my own. So, Adrian had to take the role of being more of the section leader of the band. I was more like his assistant when it came to that. A lot of decisions that were made with the horn section came through me and Adrian—things like wardrobe and stuff. Prince would send an email to Adrian and we would talk about it and that would be it. DGP: As a section it sounds like you all had a fair amount of autonomy. MA: Yes, we really did. We created a lot of the horn arrangements too. DGP: Oh Wow! I'm surprised to hear that. Was that really how...