historic celebration is set for this weekend as Edith Renfrow Smith, a remarkable supercentenarian and the first Black female graduate of Grinnell College, returns to her alma mater and the town where she was born. At 110 years old, Renfrow Smith embodies a legacy of perseverance and achievement that inspires generations.
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Renfrow’s journey is particularly noteworthy; at age 99, she was designated a “superager” in a study by Northwestern University for her remarkable memory and longevity. In 2019, at 104, she received an honorary degree from Grinnell College, further solidifying her impact on the academic community. “This dedication is not just about a building that honors Edith Renfrow Smith. As a part of the college's new “civic engagement quad”, it also aims to recognize the injustices of the past and provide a home for planning a more just future. It is a starting place for correcting the decades of oversight, on the part of the campus and community, in recognizing the contributions of African American students, alumni and Grinnell residents” said Monique Shore, a Grinnell College alumni and community member who authored an illustrated biography of the Renfrow story, “No One is Better Than You: Edith Renfrow Smith and the Power of a Mother’s Words”.

The dedication ceremony will take place at the newly constructed residence hall named in her honor, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to education, her family’s deep roots in the Grinnell community, and her trailblazing path as a woman of color in academia. Attendees will be treated to an extraordinary sight: a series of 10 larger than life wheat paste murals throughout town of historic photos from during her family’s time in Grinnell, approximately 1890-1960. The murals are created in partnership with the Grinnell Area Arts Council, local volunteers, and led by artist Isaac Campbell, whose work has garnered international media coverage from esteemed outlets such as NPR (https://www.npr.org/2022/07/29/1114225672/brittney-griner-americans-wrongfully-detained-bring-our-families-home-campaign), CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/20/politics/us-detainee-mural-unveiling/index.html), The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/09/us/politics/griner-blowback.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article), Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/nearby-white-house-faces-americans-detained-overseas-now-visible-thousands-2022-07-20/), and the Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/07/20/brittney-griner-mural-washington/).
“Each mural in the exhibition has been prepared and installed by a dedicated group of volunteers and area students - a fitting way to honor the legacy of a woman who has impacted communities across America for 110 years and counting” said Campbell. “It’s an honor to bring awareness to her incredible story and unifying spirit. I can’t wait to see her reaction to the massive murals in the way that so many people in this community see her—as a giant.”

Interested media who wish to attend the event, or schedule a tour and/or interview with artist Issac Campbell are invited to contact Workhouse, CEO, Adam Nelson via [email protected]

Key Highlights:
Date: Friday, September 27th, 2024 - Saturday, September 28th, 2024
Location: Grinnell College, Grinnell Iowa
Special Guests: Edith Renfrow Smith

Art Installation:
Friday, September 27th, 12:00 pm - A monumental mural of young Edith Renfrow Smith and her sisters to be constructed and unveiled during the ceremony. Renfrow’s legacy is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of education. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also a reflection of the broader narrative of racial and gender equality in America.

Saturday, September 28, 2024
Tour of Renfrow Hall and Mural Sites - 9:30 am - Edith will receive a personal tour of the newly constructed Renfrow and meet artist Isaac Campbell in front of the murals.
Renfrow Hall Dedication, 12:00 pm- The dedication ceremony, with 110 year old Edith in attendance, will take place in front of Renfrow Hall, 1033 Broad Street, Grinnell, Iowa.

New Film Series Focused on UArts’ Collapse Taps Alumni to Address Sudden Shutdown
 

Local filmmaker and UArts graduate Gary Hanna (Class of 2004, Film Major, Screenwriting Minor) is proud to present the latest vignette in his documentary series, University of the Arts – We’re Still Here, featuring Adam Nelson, a 1991 UArts Theatre alumnus and Founder & CEO of WORKHOUSE. The project sheds light on the deep impact University of the Arts has had on its graduates and highlights the ongoing fight to uncover the reasons behind the abrupt and shocking closure of the nearly 150-year-old institution.
 
Watch University of the Arts – We’re Still Here, featuring Adam Nelson here
 
Gary Hanna has set out to create a platform for UArts alumni to share their experiences, professional accomplishments, and the lasting influence of their arts education.  The vignette series, which aims to spotlight alumni who have successfully built careers off of their UArts degrees, directly counters the misguided notion that arts education is an obsolete path. This campaign showcases how an arts degree is not a relic but a vital force shaping industries, communities, and cultures worldwide.  Through these vignettes, UArts graduates continue to thrive despite the institution’s sudden closure.
 
“The arts are the cornerstone of American culture, and institutions like UArts are essential to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders,” said Nelson. “The closure of UArts is not only a loss for the community but a symbolic failure in the broader narrative about the role of arts education in this country.”
 
Nelson, a seasoned Public Relations executive and recipient of numerous accolades, shares his thoughts in his feature about the importance of preserving institutions like UArts and the questions that remain unanswered in the wake of its closure. “We’re still waiting for answers from the legislative committee hearings concerning the unexplained collapse of UArts. The administration and Board of Trustees must be held accountable for their actions, and we won’t rest until the full story is brought to light,” Nelson said.
 
The Shocking Closure of UArts: A National Concern
UArts, founded in 1876, has been a cornerstone in the creative community, both locally in Philadelphia and internationally, nurturing generations of artists, musicians, and cultural leaders. However, in a swift and unexplained move, the Board of Trustees announced UArts’ permanent closure in May 2024, citing financial difficulties. Students and staff were left scrambling, with tuition and salaries hanging in limbo, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) confirming the loss of accreditation.
 
The university’s demise came despite a successful capital campaign raising over $67 million in 2022 and a reported endowment exceeding $60 million. The shockwaves from this closure have reverberated throughout the arts community, prompting calls for investigations into potential criminal neglect or sabotage by the administration and board. “The severity of this situation cannot be overstated,” said Nelson. “The egregious actions of the trustees, and their utter failure to provide an adequate closure plan, demand full transparency and accountability.”
 
A Call to Action
Hanna and Nelson, alongside other alumni and advocates, are determined to hold those responsible accountable. Nelson has offered the full resources of his Public Relations agency to push for transparency and help mobilize the alumni network to preserve UArts’ legacy. “We’re calling on the city, state, and federal government to unveil the results of their investigations. UArts is not just a building—it’s a symbol of what the arts mean to Philadelphia and far beyond. It’s time to fight for its survival and for the future of arts in America,” Nelson continued.
 
Hanna’s University of the Arts – We’re Still Here series is a vital reminder that while the institution may be gone, its alumni remain, making significant contributions to the creative world. “No one wears their alma mater as a name tag in public, but we carry its influence in our work,” said Nelson. “This project is about the importance specialized institutions play in fostering creativity.”
 
Expanding the Conversation Across the Country
Hanna hopes that this project will inspire other filmmakers and alumni across the country to create similar vignettes, bringing awareness to local communities and showcasing the contributions of UArts graduates globally. “The closure of UArts is a national issue, and I’m encouraging others to continue this campaign in their cities—California, New York, Japan—wherever UArts alumni are making an impact,” said Hanna.
 
Alumni, students, and community members flood social media, demanding answers for the institution’s abrupt collapse. “This isn’t something we can let fade away,” Nelson stated. “The arts build more than careers—they build culture, drive social change, and inspire generations. When an institution like UArts is erased overnight, we’re not just losing a school, we’re losing a vital force that fuels creativity and connection. This fight is about safeguarding the spaces where ideas take shape and the boldness to imagine something greater.”
 
Adam Nelson, UArts Class of 1991, has built a formidable career as a leader in public relations and marketing. He is the Founder & CEO of WORKHOUSE, a boutique PR agency known for its stylish and high-impact campaigns. Nelson has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the MarCom Career Achievement Award and Best in Biz “Marketing Executive of the Year” in 2023. A tireless advocate for the arts, Nelson has represented industry icons like The Charlie Chaplin Estate, Francis Ford Coppola, and The Rolling Stones.
 
Gary Hanna is a Philadelphia based filmmaker, a UArts graduate, and his brand, Psynema, does corporate video production, with an emphasis on documentaries and non-profits.Through his work, Hanna continues to explore the intersection of art, culture, and social justice, with a focus on preserving the stories of marginalized voices. University of the Arts – We’re Still Here is his latest project, blending advocacy with alumni stories to spotlight the ongoing fight for transparency in UArts’ closure.
 
Support the Campaign
For more information and to support the ongoing investigation, visit WORKHOUSE or follow the hashtag #SaveUArts.

In an age where digital marketing dominates, TheHomeMag’s success in traditional mail-based advertising stands out, and this achievement was recently recognized on a national stage in Washington, D.C. The United States Postal Service awarded TheHomeMag the 2024 Excellence in Innovation and Creativity Award—one of only eight companies chosen from 30,000 entries, including industry giants like Citi. This award honors businesses that have demonstrated originality in the marketing space, particularly in their collaboration with USPS.
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For TheHomeMag, a company that has been a leader in home improvement advertising since its founding in 2002, the award is a testament to the enduring relevance of direct mail. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized for continuing to innovate in one of the oldest forms of marketing that has a tremendous impact,” said Tom Bohn, President and COO of TheHomeMag, who accepted the award at USPS headquarters in Washington, D.C.

TheHomeMag began as a print-focused company, producing high-quality direct-mail publications that connect homeowners with trusted home improvement professionals. As digital marketing grew, many businesses in print advertising struggled to remain relevant. TheHomeMag chose a different approach, using innovation to bridge the gap between traditional and digital marketing.

​Blending Tradition with InnovationTheHomeMag began as a print-focused company, producing high-quality direct-mail publications that connect homeowners with trusted home improvement professionals. As digital marketing grew, many businesses in print advertising struggled to remain relevant. TheHomeMag chose a different approach, using innovation to bridge the gap between traditional and digital marketing.
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The company has built upon its direct mail foundation by launching Marketplace by TheHomeMag, a digital platform that helps homeowners find and connect with certified home improvement professionals. This hybrid strategy has allowed TheHomeMag to maintain the effectiveness of its print offerings while embracing the future of A.I. and digital interaction.
Receiving the USPS award underscores the effectiveness of this approach. By utilizing direct mail as part of a broader marketing ecosystem, TheHomeMag demonstrates that traditional methods can still thrive when integrated with modern technology. The USPS award celebrates companies that make significant contributions to growing the value of mail, and TheHomeMag exemplifies how blending old and new can deliver strong results.

A Dedicated Team Behind the SuccessTheHomeMag's recognition is a testament to its dedicated team and dynamic company culture. Recently named to Inc. magazine's 2024 Best Workplaces list, TheHomeMag excels in creating an environment where innovation thrives—not just through technology but by fostering a team driven to push boundaries and embrace new ideas. This dual recognition by USPS and Inc. underscores TheHomeMag's holistic approach, combining technological innovation, quality, and a strong workplace culture to stay ahead. 
With the USPS undergoing its own transformation through the Delivering for America plan, TheHomeMag serves as an example of how companies can leverage proven marketing methods like direct mail along with cutting-edge A.I. tools, a reminder that smart marketing isn't a choice between tradition and progress—it's about blending both to build lasting success.

Modern Manbo, a fashion label conceived by Haitian-American singer-songwriter and actress Malou Beauvoir, proudly announces the launch of its 2024 collection. This line of luxurious kaftans, coats, and silk scarves draws deeply from the sacred symbols of Haitian Vodou, celebrating female empowerment and leadership. The collection stands as a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity, with each piece telling a story of strength, resilience, and timeless elegance.

The name Modern Manbo is a direct reference to the Manbo, the revered priestess in Haitian Vodou, often referred to as the “Mother of Magic.” The Manbo is a spiritual leader, healer, and guide within her community, embodying wisdom, compassion, and an indomitable spirit. Beauvoir, inspired by the powerful women in her life and the rich heritage of her Haitian roots, has translated these qualities into the essence of her fashion line.

For more information, high-resolution images, or to schedule an interview with Malou Beauvoir, please contact WORKHOUSE, CEO Adam Nelson via [email protected]

“In Haitian Vodou, the Manbo plays a crucial role in guiding her community with strength and intuition. The Modern Manbo collection is an homage to these extraordinary women who inspire me—women who are strong, resourceful, fearless, resilient, feminine, vibrant, and spiritual,” says Beauvoir. “This collection is not just about fashion; it’s about honoring the women who have shaped our history and continue to impact our world today.”

​Malou Beauvoir’s creative process is deeply influenced by her global experiences. Her designs are a blend of the traditional and the contemporary, taking cues from the ethereal grace of garments such as the African boubou and the tunics of India and Pakistan. The result is a collection that is both globally inspired and uniquely personal.

“Fashion is a universal language,” Beauvoir explains. “The fabrics, colors, and silhouettes we choose are reflective of the rich tapestry of cultures that have influenced me. From the vibrant colors of the Caribbean to the intricate patterns of Asia, each piece in the Modern Manbo collection tells a story.”

The Modern Manbo collection features a range of luxurious materials, including silk satin, chiffon, and brocade, sourced from all corners of the globe. These fabrics are meticulously chosen during Beauvoir’s travels through Thailand, India, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. The collection’s color palette is equally diverse, featuring rich jewel tones, soft pastels, and exuberant prints that adorn the lustrous fabrics. The silhouettes are designed to drape elegantly, highlighting the natural beauty of the wearer.

The Spiritwalker Collection: A Sacred Tribute
A standout feature of the 2024 launch is the Spiritwalker Collection, a series of 100% pure silk scarves that draw inspiration from the ancient spirits of Haitian Vodou. Each scarf in this collection features unique VEVE designs—sacred symbols that represent the knowledge, magic, and spiritual heritage of the Vodou tradition.

“The Spiritwalker Collection is deeply personal to me,” says Beauvoir. “These scarves are not just accessories; they are representations of the sacred symbols of the Haitian Vodou spirits, their VEVE, and their bold and brilliant colors. Each design is a tribute to the spirits that guide us, protect us, and connect us to our ancestors.”

The VEVE symbols, intricately woven into the fabric of each scarf, serve as a reminder of the spiritual and cultural legacy that Vodou represents. The scarves are available in a variety of designs, each one reflecting a different spirit and carrying the energy and wisdom of the Vodou tradition. The Spiritwalker Collection is a testament to the intersection of spirituality and modern luxury, offering wearers a connection to their heritage in a beautifully crafted accessory.

Modern Manbo: A Celebration of Female Empowerment
At its core, Modern Manbo is a celebration of women—their strength, beauty, and femininity. The label seeks to transcend the traditional confines of the Vodou temple, bringing the spirit of the Manbo to women around the globe. Beauvoir’s designs honor the women who serve as the foundational pillars of their households, families, and communities.

“Our Modern Manbos are the remarkable women who inspire us every day,” Beauvoir states. “They are mothers, warriors, visionaries, queens, and goddesses. This collection is dedicated to them, and to all the bold, beautiful women who resonate with the spirit of the Manbo.”

The Modern Manbo label goes beyond fashion; it is an emblem of female empowerment and leadership. Each piece in the collection is designed to empower the wearer, allowing her to connect with the strength and resilience of the women who have come before her. The garments are a celebration of femininity in all its forms, offering a modern take on traditional designs that have stood the test of time.

Fabric has long been a symbol of wealth, status, and spiritual heritage, particularly in African and Asian cultures where the admiration for fine fabrics continues to thrive. This tradition is at the heart of the Modern Manbo collection, with each fabric carefully selected to embody the brand’s essence. Beauvoir takes a hands-on approach to fabric selection, traveling the world to source the finest materials for her designs. From the bustling markets of Thailand to the artisanal workshops of India, each fabric is chosen for its quality, texture, and cultural significance.

The result is a collection that is both luxurious and meaningful, with each piece telling a story of its own. The Modern Manbo collection includes kaftans, coats, and tunics, each one crafted from exquisite materials like silk satin, chiffon, brocade, and more. These pieces are designed to be both elegant and versatile, offering a timeless appeal that transcends trends. The collection’s flowing silhouettes are designed to enhance the natural beauty of the wearer, while the rich colors and intricate patterns add a touch of sophistication.