( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Now and Later Teams Up with Keshia Knight Pulliam and Terrence J for the Launch of its #RecognizeTheChew Class in Session Series
ENSPIRE Contributor: LaShonda Thompson
Now and Later candy is excited to announce the launch of its #RecognizeTheChew Class in Session Series. In alignment with the brand’s vision to celebrate hard work and making a difference, the program recognizes the hustle of ambitious entrepreneurs, go-getters, and leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The program is founded on the C.H.E.W. mantra, an acronym for Champion, Hustle, Empower, and Win.
“Now and Later is a brand built on the values of hard work, resilience, transformation, and authenticity. HBCU faculty, students, and alumni embody these values daily,” says Alnese Thomas, Brand Manager, Laffy Taffy & Now and Later. “It’s a pleasure to support the incredible impact these institutions play in fostering some of the nation’s most influential leaders.”
In its inaugural year, Now and Later is partnering with Clark Atlanta University’s (CAU) Mass Media Arts department based in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Cathy Hughes School of Communications at Howard University in Washington, D.C., to showcase the impact of the HBCU experience and inspire the next generation of Black leaders. Each school will receive a $10,000 donation to create a scholarship fund for participating students and host a virtual seminar where students will have a chance to draw inspiration from influential HBCU alumni, who have notably mastered the “art of the hustle” across various industries.
“We welcome this partnership and gift in recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit and drive of our students,” said Gracie Lawson-Borders, Ph.D., dean of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. “Together, we can empower students to succeed as leaders at this pivotal moment in the media and in society.”
“We appreciate Now and Later for selecting Clark Atlanta University’s Mass Media Arts Department (MMA) as one of its first donation recipients. Gifts like this truly help our MMA students to complete their journey of becoming the communications industry’s next top leaders,” said Gary Yates, Associate Professor, and Interim Department Chair.
CAU’s class will be led by Keshia Knight Pulliam, an Emmy-nominated actress, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. Pulliam, known for her roles in TV and film, is a proud HBCU graduate from the illustrious Spelman College. She has mastered not only her position in Hollywood but also her position in the boardroom.
“I look forward to partnering with Now and Later on this program and sharing my personal and professional experience with the #RecognizeTheChew Class in Session students,” Keshia Knight Pulliam says. “This next generation of HBCU leaders are resilient, and I am honored to provide any helpful nuggets to help fuel their entrepreneurial passions.”
Acclaimed television personality, actor, and philanthropist Terrence J will lead the session at Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications. Terrence is an alum of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Recently named the national ambassador for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Terrence J is a huge HBCU advocate and uses his platform to promote the value of an HBCU education continuously.
“As an HBCU alum, I am thrilled to partner with Now and Later on its #RecognizeTheChew Class in Session Series,” Terrence J says. “HBCUs are major pillars in the Black community that reflect the very essence of Black excellence, and when married with a nostalgic brand like Now and Later, the possibilities can’t get any better!”
To expand its close connections to the HBCU community, Now and Later has also partnered with notable artists, fashion designers, and Florida A&M University alum Melissa Mitchell to create a unique piece that will be included in book bags distributed to 400 participating students. Additionally, Now and Later will feature inspirational stories from HBCU alums on social media throughout the duration of the campaign.
Each seminar will be streamed online. You may find additional information at NowandLater.com | Instagram: @nowandlatercandy | Facebook: facebook.com/nowandlatercandy | Twitter: @NowAndLater.
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