Texas Southern University’s School of Communication partners with Essence Girls United for first ever “Yard Tour”

Texas Southern University’s School of Communication (SOC) is partnering with Essence Girls United (GU), a transformative media platform that elevates the voices of the next generation of Black female leaders, legacy builders, storytellers, and visionaries, for its inaugural “Yard Tour” scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24, in Sawyer Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

 

This breakthrough initiative underscores the power of collaboration between an HBCU, and a national media powerhouse aimed at inspiring generations of changemakers.

 

The phrase “Yard Tour” was carefully crafted by Essence GU to pay homage to HBCU culture, as it denotes the sense of pride, friendship, belonging, and community that students cultivate on campus.

 

“This is a history-making moment,” said Serbino Sandifer-Walker, assistant dean in the School of Communication.  “The SOC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and it is an honor for us to join forces with a dynamic program that amplifies the voices of our students, alongside Essence GU’s brilliant architects of innovation during a milestone year.”

 

Students will have the opportunity to perform as reporters, multimedia content creators, social media correspondents, photojournalists, and panelists, and network with Essence GU and AT&T practitioners.  Additionally, Texas Southern’s own D.J. Thundacat will drop some Tiger Pride with her one-of-a-kind music flow.

 

The program will feature two panels.  The first, “FUTURE CODED: Shaping Tomorrow’s Tech Through Innovation,” presented by AT&T, will highlight how TSU and other HBCU students are forging a bold path forward in AI, robotics, blockchain, and the arts.  The second panel is Let’s Be Real: How Gen Z Is Redefining Professionalism.”  It will explore how today’s generation is transforming the workplace, from rethinking dress codes to prioritizing mental health.

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Texas Southern University’s School of Communication is one of the oldest HBCU programs in the nation and the first of its kind in Houston.  Founded in 1975, the SOC has long been a hub of excellence, innovation, and multicultural bridge-building.

 

Essence GU is a global digital platform that is part of Essence Communications Inc., a Black owned, technology-driven media company that focuses on Black women and their communities through its flagship magazine, Essence, festivals, and multicultural, impactful messaging.