Graduation ceremonies at Tuskegee University are similar to those at other HBCUs. The university is in the midst of celebrating its 125th anniversary.

This issue, like each Ebony issue, has its own unique qualities. In a rare presentation, this month’s issue includes two special sections. One of the special sections, “Hurricane Katrina: One Year Later,” is outlined in the President and CEO’s Message on Page 6. The other is our annual focus on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

HBCU Special Section
Each September, we highlight and celebrate HBCUs, which serve a valuable and unique role in cultivating the minds of Black students. This year, we begin by introducing our readers to eight new Black college presidents, who, during the past year, have taken the responsibility of guiding their institutions of higher learning to new levels of excellence. One of those new presidents is Dr. Carolyn Winstead Meyers, the new leader of Norfolk State University, which is described as “a science and technological powerhouse in the making.” A feature on the school begins on Page 170. Additionally, the section also includes a profile of Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C., which, under the leadership of President Johnnetta B. Cole, has bounced back from financial difficulties and is now on firm foundation.

College Woman's Guide To Dating
In many cases, the college years represent the first time that a number of students begin to date seriously. Although the article, “The College Woman’s Guide To Dating,” isn’t a part of the special section, it addresses a very important issue and offers some common-sense information that can help youngsters deal with the various problems associated with relationships on campus. One tidbit: “Don’t assume that all guys on college campuses are the same.”

Hurricane Katrina One Year Later
Other than college-related subjects and those concerning Hurricane Katrina, this issue also includes personality profiles on five outstanding individuals, two of whom have made their marks on TV and in film. Spike Lee, the sometimes controversial filmmaker who is known for his films Malcolm X, Do The Right Thing, Jungle Fever and other productions, is still making a statement 20 years after his first movie, She’s Gotta Have It. In his latest offering, When The Levees Broke, the film raises questions about some occurrences related to Hurricane Katrina damages in New Orleans.

LisaRaye's Fairytale Story
There’s no controversy surrounding actress LisaRaye, who’s living what some people describe as “a fairy tale life” after she married Chief Minister Michael Misick and became the first lady of Turks and Caicos. The co-star of TV’s All of Us splits her time between Hollywood and the exclusive Caribbean islands.

Drs. Vince & Vance Moss
In another area, Drs. Vince and Vance Moss were far from the Caribbean extravagancies when they spent a nearly four-month stay in Afghanistan, providing medical attention to the sick and injured in war-torn villages. The 35-year-old New York surgeons, one a urologist and one a cardiologist, are twins.

Navy Commander Brad Lee
To round out this month’s magazine, there’s a profile on Navy Commander Brad Lee, a 40-year-old chemist who is in control of the USS San Antonio, the most technologically advanced amphibious assault ship ever built. He assumed command of the 13-story vessel in January, and he is a clear example of what can be accomplished with perseverance, dedication and hard work.

Pick up this exciting issue on newsstands now to read the entire article!!!