�۶�ֱ�� Alumna Celebrates Accomplishments of Early Black Leaders

Office of University Communications — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 20:22:09 +0000

Tyra Montour, ’16, Pursues Doctorate to Tackle Health Disparities and Advocate for Vulnerable Populations

“The observance of Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African Americans—from a horrific period of sanctioned enslavement to the pinnacle of human endeavors. It is a story of pride, resilience and determination that will always be of historical and spiritual importance—as it serves us well to understand that together, we can overcome all obstacles in our path.” —

As a young Black American, Tyra Montour honors the history and accomplishments of early African Americans—who finally received the news of their freedom on June 19, 1865—the date now celebrated annually as Juneteenth. A 2016 GWU alumna, Montour received her bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies.

�۶�ֱ�� alumna Tyra Montour, center, represented the Black Graduate Student Organization on a panel for Graduate Student Orientation at Texas A&M University in College Station.

She is thankful for her rich heritage and the example of her ancestors. “I saw a post a few years ago that said, ‘It is important to celebrate Black people, those who have made a path out of their paths and brought their own seat to the table,’ and that stuck with me,” Montour stated. “Today, we can’t let that history get lost, it’s essential that we teach about the importance, impact, and contributions of Black history and culture on a national, global and local scale.”

While working for a public relations agency in Atlanta, Ga., Montour learned about issues related to public health, such as equity and disparities. She was so moved about what she discovered that she decided to go back to school. She was accepted into the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in Atlanta and earned her Master of Public Health.

Montour will complete her Ph.D. in health education in December 2023 at Texas A&M University in College Station. She is a graduate assistant in the Community Health Evaluation & Systems Science lab and the Transdisciplinary Center for Health Equity Research (TCHER pronounced TEACHER). The Center’s goal is to improve quality of life across the lifespan among at-risk populations globally.

“I am in my third year now, done with coursework, diving into more research and writing and expected to graduate in December 2023,” Montour noted. “Following graduation, I want to work in the public health industry as a health communications specialist and advocate for improving the lives and communications with vulnerable populations.”

Additional Juneteenth resources:

The Smithsonian: Juneteenth – .

Junteenth Foundation –

�۶�ֱ�� University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., �۶�ֱ�� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at �۶�ֱ��.edu.

The post �۶�ֱ�� Alumna Celebrates Accomplishments of Early Black Leaders appeared first on �۶�ֱ�� University.

Annual Observance of Juneteenth Focuses on Achievements of African Americans

Office of University Communications — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:08:00 +0000

Freedoms Produce Scholars Like �۶�ֱ�� Associate Professor Dr. Kortni Alston

On June 19, 1865—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863—Gen. Gordon Granger’s Union regiment marched into Texas to proclaim the joyous news that the enslaved were free. Since then, this date, Juneteenth, has been celebrated as the ending of slavery in the United States and the freedom of African Americans to pursue education and achievement.

Those early achievers in the African American community led the way for scholars like Dr. Kortni Alston, chair and associate professor in the �۶�ֱ�� University Department of Communication, Art and Design. In June and July, Alston will participate in three professional opportunities to share her expertise and learn from others in the field of journalism.

Dr. Kortni Alston

The first event is Science Writers Roundtable: Self-Care Through Tough Transitions, a Zoom webinar hosted by the “The National Association of Science Writers.” It will be held on June 15 at 1 p.m. Registration is free and available .

Alston will be joined by Stephanie Lee, a senior reporter for the Chronicle of Higher Education, and Jenni Gritters, a business coach and freelance writer/editor. They will discuss mental health and self-care in this era of mass journalism layoffs. Alston, who is known as a happiness scholar will give practical advice on how to support yourself through tough transitions. Lee and Gritters will share how they faced layoffs and emerged successfully on the other side as staff writers in new positions or as fledgling freelancers.

On June 24, Alston has been invited to speak about former First Lady Rosalyn Carter, who is an advocate for mental health, during Carter Center Weekend in Atlanta. Alston serves on the advisory board of the Carter Center, which was founded in partnership with Emory University to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.

From July 16-20, Alston has been invited to attend the Scripps Howard Leadership Academy, a highly-selective leadership immersion program for deans, associate deans, chairs, faculty and journalists. Offered to only 16 participants, this event is supported by the Scripps Howard Fund to educate and prepare participants to pursue leadership positions at journalism and mass communications schools. It will be held at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on the Syracuse (N.Y.) University campus.

Additional Juneteenth Resources