The Sway | September 2026

Bison Trailblazers |

by Anna De Cheke Qualls | XXXX

Word to the Wise |

by Anna De Cheke Qualls | XXXX

Bison Trailblazers | The Storyteller’s Sanctuary: Jasmine M. Ellis and the Power of the Narrative

by Anna De Cheke Qualls | For Howard University alumna Jasmine M. Ellis, the journey to becoming a premier historian and entrepreneur was forged in the intersection of professional excellence and personal sanctuary. As a seasoned journalist who has contributed to prestigious outlets like Slate Magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and WHYY, Ellis has spent her career intentionally centering the lives of Black women and girls. Today, through her venture Willow x Arch, she is transforming that lifelong mission into a global movement.

Word to the Wise | Forecasting Change: How Jaren Smith is Redefining the Face of Broadcast Meteorology

By Anna De Cheke Qualls | For Jaren Smith, the journey to becoming a broadcast meteorologist wasn’t mapped out by traditional means. It took a village, a detour through athletics and education, and an unwavering commitment to his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, to realize a dream sparked in middle school.

Today, as he graduates with a Master’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology from Howard, Smith is not just stepping into a new on-air role in Texas—he is making history.