Winners of TAG's Make History National Grants Program

Russell Simmons Goes for the Throat

The first five recipients of TAG's Make History National Grants Program were recently honored in a ceremony cosponsored by TAG Records, Island Def Jam, the Hip Hop Summit Action Network and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education.

The five recipients are [from the press release]:

Blair Alexander Jr. (Morehouse College of Atlanta, Ga.):

For his groundbreaking research in microbiology pertaining to why humans have become resistant to antibiotics, and how to reverse this trend. Alexander will continue to make history as a premier researcher for antibiotics addressing diseases of African Americans and all races relating.

Paul Dickens (Howard University of Washington, D.C.):

First year medical student who has created health and environmental, youth-oriented programming using original hip-hop DVD's to encourage young people to maintain healthy lives and promoting professions related to this lifestyle.

Chevonne James (Bowie State University of Bowie, Md.):

For her creation and operation of the "Pick A Meal" pilot Program, a program that enables the less fortunate to receive gift cards or "meal vouchers" and allows them to "pick-a-meal" at participating restaurants. This program also provides nutritional supplement bars, mini sanitary kits and bottled water to promote health and hygiene to the public.

Jamel Vanderburg (Wilberforce University of Wilberforce, Oh):

Vanderburg is the 21-year-old founder and CEO of start-up marketing and accounting firm, A & M Financial Services, Inc. This firm assists college students who want to start their own businesses to achieve their dreams, and also focuses on event planning and consulting.

Kiera Thomas (Kentucky State University of Frankfort, Ky.):

Thomas is an award-winning singer and songwriter. She has received this grant for her development and funding of the Kentucky State Show Choir, program committed to team spirit through the finest forms of contemporary vocal music and choreography.

Official Site: TAG Records

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