A new face will be joining Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Clark Atlanta University to inspire the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. Hollywood veteran Keshia Knight Pulliam — most recognized for her roles on “The Cosby Show” and “Tyler Perry House of Payne” — will become the newest partner of Now and Later® candy as a part of its #RecognizeTheChew Class in Session series.
“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,” Pulliam said in a press release. “This next generation of HBCU leaders are resilient, and I am honored to provide any helpful nuggets to help fuel their entrepreneurial passions.”
According to a press release from PR Newswire the brand’s focal point is to celebrate the work ethic and community spirit of HBCU leaders. For its introductory year, the program will be housed at HBCUs Clark Atlanta University’s Mass Media Arts department and Howard University. Partnering schools will each be allocated $10,000 to create a scholarship fund for students who participate in the program and house a virtual seminar to expose the efforts of former HBCU students who have established successful business ventures.
As a former Spelman Grad, Keshia Knight Pulliam will have an opportunity to teach at Clark Atlanta University to share with curious minds how she became a successful venture capitalist, business boss and award-winning actress. According to her recent interview with The Root, Pulliam reveals the virtual course will drop the formalities of a class setting and be formatted as a fireside chat.
“It’s going to be like very much a fireside chat,” the Emmy-nominated actress said, according to The Root. “It’s going to be conversational where they also have the opportunity to ask questions. What you can expect is who I am. It’s authenticity. It’s honesty. It’s sharing my unique perspective and doing it from a space of optimism because that’s who I am. […] It’s really about tapping into your joys to find your purpose. And when you find your passion, the money will come.”
Hollywood personality and HBCU alum Terrence J will also be tapping into the project by teaching at Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications. For Pulliam, she believes their presence will affirm students to overcome barriers they will encounter as they venture to success.
Pulliam continued: “Also in bringing in myself and Terrence J. He’s going to Howard University, I’m going to Clark Atlanta University, and the classes that we’re doing will be live-streamed so that everyone will have the opportunity to view them. It’s just important to be there and to share your story, to share your journey, to share all of the different parts. Because so often we only share the highlight reel. [This gives us] the opportunity to tell students that the successful people aren’t the ones that have been knocked down, but the ones who keep getting up.”
Kudos to Keshia and Terrence J for paying it forward!