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Pickard Family Gives Morehouse Students $2-Million Gift for Excellence and Entrepreneurship

ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — Pay It Forward. It has its own hashtag, movement and popular campaign but for Detroit businessman, philanthropist, author and co-owner of Real Times Media, Dr. William F. Pickard, it is a way of life. Dr. Pickard and cousin Cincinnati businessman, Judson W. Pickard Jr., have donated $2 million to Morehouse College to launch the creation of the Pickard Scholars Program, a new scholarship to recruit and support students from metro Detroit, Flint, greater Cincinnati, and LaGrange, Georgia, their childhood hometown.

Published

5 years ago

October 4, 2019

Oakland Post

(l-r) Dr. William F. Pickard and Judson W. Pickard J (Courtesy Photo)

By Georgette C. R. Johnson

Pay It Forward. It has its own hashtag, movement and popular campaign but for Detroit businessman, philanthropist, author and co-owner of Real Times Media, Dr. William F. Pickard, it is a way of life. Dr. Pickard and cousin Cincinnati businessman, Judson W. Pickard Jr., have donated $2 million to Morehouse College to launch the creation of the Pickard Scholars Program, a new scholarship to recruit and support students from metro Detroit, Flint, greater Cincinnati, and LaGrange, Georgia, their childhood hometown.

Dr. Pickard and Judson both have children who have graduated from Morehouse and Spelman colleges in Atlanta, Georgia. “People have uplifted and helped me grow and I believe in blessing others,” said Dr. Pickard. “Our gifts are given to where we are from and those who have invested in us and who we are.”

Morehouse College is the nation’s largest liberal arts institution for men. Founded in 1867, the College enrolls approximately 2,200 students and is the nation’s top producer of black men who go on to receive doctorates. Morehouse is also the top producer of Rhodes Scholars among HBCUs with five Morehouse Men receiving the honor.

“We are committed to helping African American men thrive as leaders, scholars, and future businessmen,” said Judson W. Pickard Jr. “Morehouse College’s mission is focused on developing men who are committed to academic excellence, community service, and leadership. This partnership aligns with our family’s vision and values on the impact of historically black colleges on student success.”

Judson Pickard has been in the restaurant industry for 40 years. He and his family own and operate a number of McDonald’s franchises in the greater Cincinnati area. He began that business after serving as a Milwaukee Public Schools teacher and a project manager for the Detroit Urban League. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Lane College.

Dr. Pickard began his 47-year entrepreneurial career as a McDonald’s franchise owner in Detroit. He is CEO of Bearwood Management McDonald’s, as well as co-managing partner for MGM Grand Detroit Casino.

In addition, Dr. Pickard serves as chairman and founder of the multi-billion-dollar business enterprise GAA Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management and GAA New Ventures. Since its founding in 1989, GAA has generated more than $5 billion dollars in sales with eight plants in the U.S. and Canada, and services corporations such as Boeing, Mercedes Benz, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Delphi, Johnson Controls, Starbucks, Home Depot, and Merck Pharmaceutical. Pickard is also co-owner of Real Times Media, a multimedia company focused on content expressly for the African American community.

Dr. Pickard’s business acumen and wealth have not diminished his humility and passion to serve and help others. In fact, it’s only served to inspire the opposite. “I have been blessed with a stellar career and if you take care of people who have taken care of you, then you will continue to be blessed,” said Dr. Packard. “I came to Detroit with literally nothing and people uplifted me to help me grow.”

“We appreciate the generous support of the Pickard family,” said David A. Thomas, President of Morehouse College. “This gift will help our students from LaGrange, Georgia and the greater Detroit, Flint and Cincinnati areas to get the financial help necessary to afford a Morehouse education and stay in school until they complete their graduation requirements. We are honored to partner with the Pickard family and applaud their work in the community as entrepreneurs and philanthropists.”

“As the nation’s only historically black college for men, Morehouse College has a legacy that is unparalleled,” said Monique Dozier, Vice President of the Office of Institutional Advancement. “The College has produced leaders and game-changers in every discipline. Supporting educational opportunities at this fine institution provides first-generation college students and other scholars with financial needs a path to success that will impact future generations.”

The Morehouse gift is just one of several millions of dollars Dr. Pickard has given to colleges, universities, non-profits and museums inclusive of the National Museum of African-American History, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, the Motown Museum, Western Michigan University, Wayne County Community College District, Grand Valley State, Wayne State and Mott Community College.

“Detroit is unique,” said Dr. Pickard. “We go beyond reasonableness to help people and as God orders our steps, we bless others along the way.”

This article originally appeared in the Atlanta Daily World.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org