“Compared with the national average cost of tuition of $41,568, Howard University is cheaper,” the site said.
Bondieumaitre and many others have turned to the online fundraising website GoFundMe to pay for what loans, financial aid, and scholarships don’t cover.
He says he got the idea from Howard alumni. “While the alumni did tell me they would donate money and help me raise money I know that I can’t all rely on them,” Jaleen said. “I need to actually work towards it myself.”
Bondieumaitre is certainly a hard worker as he had two jobs over winter break and a paid internship with the U.S. House of Representatives during his freshman year. This year he will be working at D.C.’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.
He has raised $4,631 so far and says he doesn’t know anyone who has donated to his GoFundMe personally. “I don’t know how to express how thankful I am because I don’t know any one of these people, and they are still willing to donate their hard-earned money,” he said.
Upon searching GoFundMe, you can see many other fundraisers like Bondieumaitre’s. FOX 5 News says “a simple search of GoFundMe shows more than 200 Howard students are using the website to raise money to pay tuition bills.”
According to the news source, this school year Howard’s tuition went up by more than 7%. The school cites inflation and rising costs as part of the reason.
On Thursday, Lincoln University Missouri announced that they are changing sports conferences and adding three new sports programs.
After 13 years with the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), Lincoln is entering a full-time membership with the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).
The school is also adding baseball, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer to its athletics department.
“This is a significant day for the future of Lincoln University,” said Dr. John Moseley, President of Lincoln University.
“This puts us in a position athletically where we’ve leveled the playing field by realigning ourselves with others of similar size and similar fiscal commitment. This will also give us the opportunity to compete and recruit in areas where Lincoln already has a large alumni base,” Moseley added.
Lincoln University will be the first HBCU a part of the GLVC in 45 years, according to the commissioner of the conference, Jim Naumovich.
“This is an historic day for the GLVC,” Naumovich said. “Under the leadership of Dr. Moseley, and what he’s done for Lincoln as the university president, and Dr. Wilson with intercollegiate athletics, it will be a great fit.”
The GLVC is currently one of the largest NCAA Division II conferences in the country, featuring 15 schools and 24 sports.
The baseball program, which started in 1970, will return to Lincoln after being discontinued following the 2016 season; a fact Dr. Moseley is most excited about.
“For me personally, bringing baseball back is special. It’s a sport that’s had a lot of history here at Lincoln, so I’m excited about its return. Soccer is a growing sport and will give us a chance to have an international presence. Adding these sports, in addition to joining the GLVC, will give us more opportunities to recruit students, not just student-athletes.”
Lincoln will begin national searches for a baseball coach and a director of soccer, who will serve as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s programs. All three programs will officially start up in the fall of 2023 and will begin playing opponents in 2024-25.
Students at Bethune-Cookman University are demanding action from school officials, continuing their protest against school conditions into day three.
The students started their protest on Monday following the news that the university was not going forward with hiring Ed Reedas head coach. His departure seems to have sparked a movement within the students, giving them a platform to bring awareness to the issues they face at the university.
On Tuesday, they hosted a “Whitehall Takeover,” where they performed a lock in at the chapel in the Whitehall building, then marched to Daytona Beach City Hall the next day.
Credit: @ee.wayy/Instagram
“Today we marched to Daytona Beach city hall from White Hall, we delivered letters to city hall to express our concerns as students of Bethune-Cookman to grab the attention of city officials,” Tyler Kelly, the 12th Mister Bethune-Cookman University said.
The students are protesting a variety of issues, including housing conditions like mold in dorms, as well as a lack of hot water and air conditioning.
Bethune Cookman’s interim president Lawrence Drake said that the university is “working on the issues.”
In an interview with journalist, Roland Martin, Drake claimed that he “walks the campus every day” and that the students are experiencing mildew in their dorms, not mold. Drake blamed the recent hurricanes in Florida for the cause of the mildew and revealed that he has invested a quarter of $1M in one of the buildings for the remediation of it.
Bethune Cookman President Lawrence Drake said the moldy conditions the students are living in isn’t mold……but mildew 🤔
However, students contested Drake’s claim of having a presence on campus in a separate interview with Roland Martin on the “RolandMartinUnfiltered Daily Digital Show.”
One B-CU football player said that his first time seeing Drake was in his interview with Martin. “I’ve never seen him in person, in the flesh, walking on campus, I’ve never spoken to him, ” he said. Two other players agreed and said that they first met Drake at the Florida Classic banquet in November. Drake was appointed interim president in June.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn2esCHOED3/
Students are addressing the school’s Board of Trustees, financial issues such as a lack of available scholarships and high tuition, a lack of renovations and improvements to student life, a lack of transparency between school officials and students, and sexual harassment from cafe workers, as per a story post to B-CU’s protest Instagram page, @bcu_protest.
Former UF quarterback recruit Marcus Stokes, who lost his scholarship after rapping the n-word on video, says he has received a new offer from Albany State University.
Former University of Florida (UF) quarterback recruit Marcus Stokes, who lost his Gators scholarship after rapping the n-word on video, says he has received a new scholarship offer from the historically Black college or university Albany State University.
On Tuesday, Stokes revealed that the HBCU sent the offer his way this week, just over two months after his name was covered in controversy.
UF revoked its offer in November after Stokes posted a video of him rapping the n-word on his social media page.
Florida Gators QB recruit Marcus Stokes with some choice words.
Considering the reason why his scholarship was revoked from UF, the news of Stokes receiving an offer from an HBCU has been met with backlash and confusion on social media.
As an hbcu… Albany state why are you giving this dude an offer to play ball here?? That go against everything we stand forrrr…. Like lets bffr🙄🙄
One user wrote, “i’ll argue with anybody about Albany State but allowing that white boy to come to a place made for us by us is absolutely insane. I need somebody to tell me it ain’t true,”
Another user brought up that the scholarship could have gone to someone more deserving. “Albany State…. Why would y’all waste a scholarship like that? Have mercy,” they said.
Texas Southern University Alum Michael Strahan receives his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making history as the first person to receive the honor in the Sports Entertainment category.
NFL legend, “GMA” co-anchor, and Texas SouthernUniversity Alum Michael Strahan receives his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On Monday, Michael Strahan made history as the first person to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the newly created Sports Entertainment category.
He was joined by his friends and family and was honored by Constance Scwartz-Morini, the co-founder of his talent management firm SMAC, as well as actor Terry Crews.
Credit: Michael Strahan Twitter Account
Crews spoke highly of his friend, saying “When you see that smile, it’s real, when he says hello to you, it’s real. Mike, no one deserves this more than you. Mike Strahan is the man!”
“We’re former athletes and you know, the thing is — I remember when you retired and we were sitting there talking about, ‘Should I try this Hollywood thing?'” Crews recalled. “When I see everything you’ve done since then, it’s so truly inspiring to me, to every person out there as a Black man, as an athlete, as every American should strive to be the kind of person you are. And the one word I have for Michael Strahan is ‘integrity.'”
A big thank you to my business partner and sister @ConSchwartz and my brotha @terrycrews for saying such kind words from the heart.
Strahan took to the podium and thanked his friends and family who attended and joked that he was “less nervous going to space,” referencing his trip on the Blue Origin NS-19 sub-orbital spaceflight in December 2021.
He reflected on his journey and expressed his gratitude for the honor.
“You kind of wake up and you’re here. But I’m happy I’m here, because I never thought I’d make it here. I was just living, I was just enjoying life, I was just working. I was just trying to enjoy everything that came my way,” he said.
“…I found out my purpose is pretty much people. My purpose is pretty much to enjoy life and to spread joy and spread happiness and to enjoy everything that comes your way and to make sure everyone in your life feels important.”
– Micheal Strahan
Strahan’s star is well deserved as he has made a seamless transition from the field to the TV.
The Former New York Giants defensive end retired from a 15-year career in pro football in which he was named NFL’s 2001 Player of the Year by Sports Illustrated and the 2001 Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. He also set a single-season high record of 22.5 sacks in 2001, a record that still stands. Strahan’s NFL career resulted in him being named to the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, the sport’s highest honor.
He is now a two-time Emmy Award winner for his co-hosting on the talk show “LIVE with Kelly and Michael.” The new Hollywood Walk of Fame recipient was also nominated for a Sports Emmy Award in 2019 for “Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Analyst.”
He currently serves as a co-host on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and an analyst on the NFL pregame show, “FOX NFL SUNDAY.” Strahan also hosts the top-rated primetime game show favorite “$100,000 Pyramid.”
Black History Month is here and awards season is officially on its way so we’re highlighting Black celebrities that have reached Hollywood’s highest honor: EGOT status.
As award season approaches, we want to recognize all the talented Black actresses and actors who have reached or are close to reaching EGOT status. EGOT refers to Hollywood’s four biggest awards: the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. EGOT status is considered one of the highest honors a performer can achieve and only 17 people have reached it, only six of whom are Black.
Here are 6 Black Celebrities Who’ve Reached EGOT Status and 4 Who Are On Their Way!
Whoopi Goldberg: EGOT Winner
Whoopi Goldberg became the first Black EGOT recipient in 2002, winning both a Tony and an Emmy that same year. She took home the Best Musical Tony Award for her role as a producer on Thoroughly Modern Millie and won an Emmy for Outstanding Special Class Special for Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel. In 1895, Goldberg achieved her first major win—a Grammy for Best Comedy Recording for Whoopi Goldberg: Original Broadway Show Recording. In 1990, she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Ghost.
John Legend: EGOT Winner
Photo: Christopher Polk/NBC
The singer-songwriter sealed the deal for EGOT status in 2018 when he took home the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special for Jesus Christ Superstar. Legend is a 12-time Grammy winner, winning his first Grammy in 2005 for Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, and Best R&B Vocal. In 2015, he won an Oscar for Best Original Song, for the anthem “Glory,” written for Selma. In 2017, he won a Tony for serving as producer of Best Play Revival August Wilson’s Jitney.
Jennifer Hudson: EGOT Winner
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Jennifer Hudson is the most recent performer to join the EGOT status club. She earned the rare title after the musical A Strange Loop, on which she worked as a producer, won a Tony in June. Hudson also received a Daytime Emmy for serving as an executive producer on Baby Yaga which won Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program, and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Dreamgirls. She has won two Grammy awards—one for Best R&B Album and another for Best Musical Theater Album for The Color Purple.
James Earl Jones: Unofficial EGOT Winner
The legendary actor is an unofficial EGOT winner, in that one of the awards was given in an honorary or non-competitive fashion. Jones secured EGOT status after winning an Honorary Academy Award in 2011. He won a Tony in 1969 for Best Leading Actor in a Play for The Great White Hope. In 1977, he won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Recording for Great American Documents. In 1991, he won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Gabriel’s Fire and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for Heat Wave.
Harry Belafonte: Unofficial EGOT Winner
Harry Belafonte became an unofficial EGOT winner after winning the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Oscars in 2014. In 1954, Belafonte won a Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for John Murray Anderson’s Almanac. In 1960, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for Tonight with Belafonte – The Revlon Revue. The next year, he won the Grammy for Best Folk Performance for Swing Dat Hammer.
Quincy Jones: Unofficial EGOT Winner
The music legend is another unofficial EGOT winner as of 2016 when he took home the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical for The Color Purple. In 1994, Jones was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Oscars. He has 28 Grammys under his belt and added a Primetime Emmy to his collection in 1977 for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series for Roots.
Viola Davis: One Award Away
Viola Davis is just one Grammy short of EGOT status. However, this could be the year she completes the quartet of awards with her Grammy nomination in the category of Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording, for narrating her recent memoir Finding Me. In 2001, she won a Tony in for Best Featured Actress in a Play for King Hedley II. She made history in 2015 as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama. In 2017, she took home an Oscar for her performance in Fences.
Common: One Award Away
Rapper and actor, Common is just one Tony award away from achieving EGOT status. He has three Grammys and won the Oscar alongside John Legend for the song “Glory” from Selma in 2015. Two years later, he won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for “Letter To The Free” from 13th.
Cynthia Erivo: One Award Away
Cynthia Erivo is on the fast track to EGOT status, having snagged a Tony, a Grammy, and a Daytime Emmy in less than a year, all for her role as Celie Harris Johnson in The Color Purple. Now all she need’s is an Oscar to enter EGOT territory.
Audra McDonald: One Award Away
Actress Audra McDonald is one Oscar shy of becoming an EGOT winner. She is a six-time Tony winner and won two Grammys in 2019 for her work on Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny in the Best Classical Album and Best Opera Recording categories. In 2015, she won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Special Class Program for Live From Lincoln Center.
HBCUs have seen an uptick enrollment recently and some celebrity children are to thank for that. Here are 12 celebrity children who have gone to an HBCU!
This past year many historically black colleges or universities (HBCUs) saw a significant increase in enrollment. According to PBS News Hour, “applications are up nearly 30% at many of these schools and top-tier HBCUs are increasingly becoming the first choice for some of the most sought-after students.” In the fall, Virginia State University welcomed its largest group of students in more than three decades, and enrollment at Morehouse College went up over 60% in 2020 fromthe previous year.
It’s no doubt that HBCU enrollment and visibility have been on the rise as many students of color are looking for a safe space to go to college, which HBCUs provide. Children of celebrities are no different, and many have chosen to attend HBCUs. Because of their parents, they probably have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to college, so their choice to attend an HBCU is significant. Not only does this give the universities good exposure, but it also sends a message that one can get the same quality education at an HBCU as at other schools. In turn, helps with enrollment as well.
Here are 12 celebrity children who have gone to an HBCU!
Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Spelman College
Angelina Jolie and Zahara Jolie-Pitt hang out by a pop-up shop at Spelman College’s homecoming weekend. Credit: Twitter/imnikkihea
The daughter of superstars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt entered Spelman as a freshman in the fall of 2022. Her mom first shared the news on Instagram, sharing a photo of Zahara and other students with the caption: “Zahara with her Spelman sisters! Congratulations to all new students starting this year. A very special place and an honor to have a family member as a new Spelman girl.” Jolie also kept a low profile while joining her daughter during homecoming back in October.
Omoye Assata Lynn, Howard University
Credit: Common Instagram
The daughter of rapper and actor Common, Omoye graduated from Howard University’s law program in May. Common was a proud dad posting a montage of the momentous occasion to Instagram with the caption: “There are no words to describe how proud I am! Finishing Law School at Howard University in the 3 years is pretty AMAZING! Congrats to my daughter and all the graduates of 2022. Now go out in the world and be great!”
Shaqir O’Neal, Texas Southern University
Credit: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
The youngest son of NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal and ex-wife Shaunie Henderson committed to play Division 1 basketball at Texas Southern University in May 2021. Going to an HBCU was an intentional choice for Shaqir as he wanted to bring more awareness to them. “I want to change the narrative and culture and do something new,” he said.
D’essense Smiley, Tennessee State University
Comedian and radio personality Rickey Smiley’s daughter D’essense graduated from Tennessee State University with a Communications degree in May 2021. Smiley posted of video of him cheering for his daughter on graduation day, with the caption: “My daughter D’essense aka RootyPooh graduated from Tennessee State University today!!!!!! Proud Dad!!!!!!!”
Krista Campbell, Spelman College
Credit: Erica Campbell Instagram
The daughter of Gospel music superstars Warryn and Erica Campbell, Krista entered Spelman College in the fall of 2022. In August, Warryn and Erica along with their two younger children drove from California to Atlanta to move their daughter in. Erica posted a video documenting the move, saying “I’m so proud and nervous.. God I’m gonna miss my girl, my singer my firstborn the BG (big girl).”
Trillian Wood-Smith, Lincoln University
Busta Rhymes with his kids [L – R]: Trillian, T’Khi, T’ziah
Trillian (to the far left), the youngest son of rapper Busta Rhymes attends Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. He graduated high school in 2019 and posted a picture on Instagram with the caption, “Lincoln University of PA, see you soon..” His dad was very proud of him and also congratulated him on Instagram, saying, “Another young King of mine, off to begin the next chapter.” The proud dad wrote added “The World is Yours young King. #LincolnUniversity.”
Skyler Jordan, Alcorn State University
Credit: Montell Jordan Instagram
The son of singer Montell Jordan, Skyler accepted a football scholarship to Alcorn State University in 2021. He plays cornerback and was the first football player from his high school to sign with an NCAA Division I football team, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post. On signing day, Skyler tweeted that he “can’t wait to rep #HBCU legacy and play in the #SWAC.”
Karma Bridges, Spelman College
Credit: Ludacris Instagram
The eldest daughter of rapper and actor Ludacris, Karma attends Spelman College. Back in 2020, she shared her excitement on Instagram posting pictures of herself with a Spelman shirt and balloons bearing the school colors and thanking everyone who helped her on her journey. “All of the Spelmanites in my life are screaming with joy!” she captioned the photo. “I am proud to announce that I will be attending the illustrious Spelman College and I am blessed to continue in the legacy of my mother.” Karma also serves as the inspiration for Ludacris’ animated children’s show, “Karma’s World.”
Destin Tucker, Morehouse College
Credit: Destin Tucker Instagram (@mr.tvck)
Comedian and actor Chris Tucker’s son, Destin graduated from Morehouse College in 2021. Destin earned his degree in Cinema, Television, and Emerging Media Studies, and is a proud Morehouse man. “It has truly been a blessing to attend the historic Morehouse College. Over these past 4 years, I have absorbed valuable life lessons about navigating through this world as a black man,” he shared in an Instagram post.
Taylor Ayanna Crawford, Howard University
Credit: Yolanda Adams Instagram
The daughter of gospel singer Yolanda Adams graduated from Howard University in 2022. She graduated magna cum laude from The Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts and is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She’s expected to follow in her mother’s footsteps and break into the entertainment industry as she captioned her graduation photos “From Howard to Hollywood” on Instagram.
Brittany Atkins, Hampton University
Brittany, the daughter of rapper Ja Rule graduated from Hampton University in 2018. She entered Hampton in 2013 as a Strategic Communications major, she now works as a screenwriter and continues to rep her alma mater.
Nathan Anderson, Howard University
Nathan, the son of actor Anthony Anderson is a Howard graduate. His acceptance into the school inspired his father to finish his degree, which he started 30 years ago. Nathan is now following in his father’s footsteps and getting into acting. You can catch him on the new Bounce Original Series Act Your Age.
Howard University has been awarded a $90 million Pentagon contract for research development, making it the first HBCU to serve as a university-affiliated research center (UARC.)
Howard University makes history as the first historically Black college or university to lead a University Affiliated Research Center
On Monday, HowardUniversity announced that it has been awarded a $90 million Pentagon contract for research development, making it the first HBCU to serve as a university-affiliated research center (UARC.)
The university will become the 15th UARC in the country, funded by the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense.
According to the United States Space Force, the centers are responsible for providing dedicated facilities and sharing space with Defense Department officials and industrial participants to conduct basic, applied, and technology demonstration research.
The research center is focused on tactical autonomy.
“Responsibly used autonomous systems make our military faster, smarter and stronger,” said U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III. “They can identify threats to our troops in real time, and they can help our technical crews conduct maintenance more safely.” And they can equip our commanders with the best available information to make life and death decisions.”
According to the military, tactical autonomy is defined as “autonomous systems acting with delegated and bounded authority of humans in support of tactical, short-term actions associated with a longer-term strategic vision.”
Austin said that the new research center will help to protect the men and women who serve the nation’s armed forces.
According to Howard president Wayne A. I. Frederick, this center is the first of its kind.
“None of the other UARCs are providing this type (tactical autonomy) of research to the Department of Defense at present, and so this center has the potential to close that gap and be at the forefront of progressive science and technology efforts,” he said.
Austin said that the Defense Department is committed to investing in HBCUs.
“America is at its best when we knock down barriers, when we search for great ideas wherever they reside and when we draw on the full talents of the American people — all of the American people,” Austin said. “So to Howard and the other schools in the consortium, thank you for lifting up the next generation. Thank you for all that you do for our outstanding men and women in uniform. And thank you for making our democracy more secure.”
Howard University will receive $12 million per year for five years to fund research, faculty, and students.
Just days after former NFL star Ed Reed announced that he would no longer be going forward with his position as head coach at Bethune Cookman University, students at the school are protesting and calling for new leadership.
On Monday, students gathered in front of White Hall with signs to protest the conditions at the B-CU.
In a story post to an Instagram account created to highlight the protest, students posted a photo of a document that detailed the goals of the protest which made it clear that the issue is “deeper than Ed Reed.”
B-CU student protesting at the “A Call For New Leadership” student protest. Credit: @branden_mc5
In the document, it said that their main issue is with the Board of Trustees, and that “Ed Reed is not the reason, but the catalyst.”
Ed Reed made headlines last week when he took to Instagram live to criticize the conditions at B-CU, complaining about the amount of trash he encountered on campus and within the football facilities. Although he later apologized, the university ultimately decided to part ways with him and not proceed with contract negotiations.
Students are now speaking up and saying that “Ed Reed was right.”
For years the voices of students have been silenced. I stand in solidarity with students of Bethune-Cookman University in efforts to raise awareness for the changes in which need to be brought to our university. This isn’t just about coach Reed. Coach Reed has helped us shine a light towards the institution to bring forth ACCOUNTABILITY to our staff and administration.
– Tyler Kelly, The 12th Mister Bethune-Cookman University
In their “A Call For New Leadership Protest,” students are making a call to action for campus issues. Issues such as “poor housing conditions, financial issues, poor usage of funds, lack of professionalism, student life, and poor leadership at the administration level,” as listed in the document posted to Instagram stories.
In videos posted to @bcu_protest‘s story, students can be heard shouting “Hey hey ho ho, the Board of Trustees has got to go.” They also held signs that quoted the university’s founder, Mary McLeod Bethune, that said “Forgiving is not about forgetting” and “#WhatWouldMaryDo.”
According to FOX35, students complained of rats in the dorms and the lack of hot water there. Several said they leave the windows open year-round in their rooms because there’s no AC. One student told the news outlet that she ended up in the hospital due to mold in her dorm.
“We’re constantly pouring money into this institution, and we feel like it’s not being poured back into us,” a senior at Bethune-Cookman told FOX 35. “We’re not seeing change. They just keep giving us false promises.”
Bethune-Cookman has not yet released a statement responding to the student protest.
Ed Reed is out as coach at Bethune-Cookman University just 25 days after he was hired to lead the football program.
The former NFL star announced on Saturday, via Twitter, that he and the university could not come to a contract agreement.
“Bethune-Cookman University has been working with my legal team to craft contract terms with the language and resources we knew were needed to build a successful football program,” Reed said in a statement. “It’s my desire to not only coach football, but to be an agent of change that most people just talk about being. However, after weeks of negotiations I’ve been informed that the University won’t be ratifying my contract and won’t make good on the agreement we had in principle, which had provisions and resources best needed to support the student athletes.
Reed expressed his disappointment in not going forward with the position.
“I was committed to coaching and cultivating a relationship with the University, Players, Community and the Fans,” he said. “It’s extremely disappointing this won’t be happening.”
Reed also took to Instagram to share a passionate video of him speaking with players about his departure. He revealed that he did not want to leave the position but is being “forced” out by the administration and the athletic director, Reggie Theus.
“I don’t want to leave…but there are some corrupt people in this world, some evil people that don’t care about kids like I do,” Reed said in the video.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnrwDTtpT9D/
“My vision for change is probably moving too fast for a lot of people. I’m not withdrawing my name…they don’t want me here, they do not want me here because I tell the truth,” he said.
Reed’s departure comes after he went live on Instagram last week to criticize the conditions at B-CU and in his office. Reed later issued an apology for his comments saying that he fell victim “while engaging with antagonists on social media,” and that his passion got the better of him.
On Saturday, the school released a statement announcing that they are conducting a national search to find a permanent replacement.
The Bethune-Cookman official press release:
Bethune-Cookman has announced that it has decided not to proceed with contract negotiations with Ed Reed to become the next head football coach at B-CU.
After undergoing a detailed assessment and review of the state of our football program, we have determined that it is in the best interest of our university, athletics program, and football student-athletes to reopen the search and identify the next leader of Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Football.
Bethune-Cookman University was founded with core guiding principles centered around integrity, accountability, and mutual respect for others. These guiding principles have and will continue to weigh heavily on all decisions made that impact our university.
While we appreciated the initial interest in our football program displayed by Mr. Reed during the course of recent weeks, we are also mindful of the qualities and attributes that must be exhibited by our institutional personnel during what has been uniquely challenging times for our campus as we recover from the impact of two hurricanes during this past fall semester.
We remain steadfast and committed to building a championship caliber football program that excels on the field, inside the classroom, and within our local community.
Our university community has placed the upmost trust and faith in us to continue to advance our institution and we will continue to strive to live up to the high standards that have been set for all individuals affiliated with our illustrious university.
A national search to fill the football head coach position at B-CU has resumed as the university seeks to identify a permanent replacement in the coming days.
The Memphis City Council announced Wednesday that it has created a $1 million scholarship fund for students from Memphis and Shelby County planning to attend a historically Black college or university (HBCU).
According to a news release, the goal is to help high school graduates who need financial support to continue their education.
The Memphis City Council HBCU Fund offers $1 million in scholarships to HBCUs, to be split evenly between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years. There will be 100 scholarships that range from $2,500 to $15,000 awarded this round.
Memphis City Council chairman and Howard University alumnus Martavius Jones helped create the fund.
“The Memphis City Council recognizes the financial hardship that students and families experience in their efforts to pay for a college education,” said Jones in a news release.
“As a graduate of an HBCU, I understand how valuable these particular institutions are for developing young people so that they are able to return to the City of Memphis and make a lasting, positive impact in their community.”
According to Action News 5, a volunteer committee selected by the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, composed of a group of community leaders who are HBCU graduates, will review all application submissions and select all recipients.
In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have graduated or will graduate from a high school in Memphis or Shelby County.
The application process started Jan. 17 and ends on March 31. It can be found at cfgm.org/scholarships.
The golf program at Lincoln University of Missouri is getting a major upgrade thanks to a $100,000 donation from The Kwame Foundation.
To commemorate the donation the Board of Curators renamed the campus golf center The Kwame Foundation Golf Center.
The university hosted an official unveiling for the center on Tuesday.
Credit: Lincoln University of Missouri Athletics
“We could not be more excited to commemorate the Kwame Foundation’s historic commitment to the only HBCU men’s and women’s golf programs in the state of Missouri,” Kevin Wilson, Lincoln University’s vice president for advancement, athletics, and campus recreation, said in a statement.
“Similar to emerging groups of philanthropists across the country, the Kwame Foundation is passionate about providing our students with access to the game of golf and equipping them with the tools to compete with anyone,” Wilson added.
The Kwame Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Kwame Building Group, which supports various education and mentorship-focused organizations. In addition to university donations, the foundation endows scholarships for minority and first-generation college students to enter higher learning.
The donation will be spread out over the next five years to “extensively renovate” the golf center.
This includes two interactive golf simulators, improved flooring, lockers for golfers, and other equipment, according to the university.
Wilson said the university has already received more than $25,000 from the donation, which was used to install two golf bays, lockers, two televisions, and state-of-the-art software.
The remaining funds will be used to provide the golf teams transportation to tournaments, uniforms, and equipment as needs develop.
“Golf is one of the most expensive programs to sponsor in the country, that’s why you don’t see a lot of minorities participating,” Wilson said. “So it’s big for us.”
Lincoln University golf director Kortland Ware said he’s grateful to the Kwame Foundation and their desire to see progress and competitive culture in HBCU golf.
During Paine College’s convocation on Wednesday, President Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones announced a new partnership with Botanical Sciences.
According to WJBF, Botanical Sciences is a leading institution in Georgia for cannabis research focused on improving the lives of Georgians with debilitating medical conditions.
Jones said that the new partnership is a part of a five-point growth plan for Paine College, that includes an emphasis on increasing enrollment, additional scholarships, faculty development, improving student housing…and the expansion of new partnerships.
“A collaborative partnership was approved by the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission between Botanical Sciences and Paine College,” Dr. Jones said in her address.
Botanical Sciences is located in Glenville, Georgia and has recently received one of the large Grow licenses in the state.
Gary Long, CEO of Botanical Sciences told WJBF that the partnership will benefit both parties.
“We’re going to have needs as a growing business in the state of Georgia,” said Long. “They have a great student population that has a lot of the needs that we’re going to have as a business- they’re going to have students who can fulfill those needs. So, I think it’s going to be a great partnership.”
Jackson State University head women’s basketball coach Tomekia Reed gives insight on what it’s like coaching at an HBCU in recent tweets.
Amid discussions about the challenges coaches at histocially Black colleges and universities face, two-time SWAC Coach of The Year, Tomekia Reed stepped in to set the record straight in a series of tweets on Wednesday.
“Coaching at an HBCU is not for the weak,” she wrote. “You’re going to fight battles internally and externally. And if your program experiences any type of success, it will be even harder. I chose to come back for the fight. To truly even the playing field and do something that’s never been done.”
Credit: WJTV
In four seasons as head coach, Tomekia Reed has led the Jacskon State women’s basketball team to three straight SWAC regular season titles and two straight SWAC tournament titles and NCAA appearances.
“You have to earn stripes to speak publicly about this struggle. If you aren’t willing to roll up your sleeves, make a difference and demand others to respect us, not by words but by actions, then get out of the way. We got something to do! Our work here is bigger than us” she continued in another tweet.
Her comments come just days after new Bethune-Cookman head coach Ed Reed posted videos to social media ranting about the state of HBCUs and criticizing the conditions of the university.
“I really wish we had someone filming a documentary of what goes on behind closed doors,” she said. “The opportunities we provide to players someone else mishandled, the lives we save, the support we provide, the way we get these players ready for competition with limited resources. Its tough.”
I really wish we had someone filming a documentary of what goes on behind closed doors. The opportunities we provide to players someone else mishandled, the lives we save, the support we provide, the way we get these players ready for competition with limited resources. Its tough
In response to a user asking why HBCU coaches must settle for less, as well as questioning the living conditions at HBCUs, Reed responded: “I can’t speak on that. That’s not my experience or struggle. I didn’t accept a job that was a sacrifice or accept less than. I accepted an opportunity to stamp a place with already great winning tradition. With respect, if you don’t see it, try not to speak on it.”
I can’t speak on that. That’s not my experience or struggle. I didn’t accept a job that was a sacrifice or accept less than. I accepted an opportunity to stamp a place with already great winning tradition. With respect, if you don’t see it, try not to speak on it. #MyOfficePic 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/5IWrvKj3c6
Tennessee State University announced Monday that it has received $250 million in funding from the state to be used on campus-wide infrastructure updates.
Tennessee State University announced Monday that it has received $250 million in funding from the state to be used on campus-wide infrastructure updates.
The funding comes after a report by the Office of Legislative Budget Analysis showed that Tennessee had underfunded TSU for decades and may owe the university between roughly $150-500 Million in back-funding.
According to the university, it is the largest one-time investment to a historically black university by a state.
TTSU president, student and university leaders, local lawmakers during an unveiling for historic $250 million campus-wide infrastructure projects. (Photo by Aaron Grayson) Credit: Tennessee State University Newsroom
TSU President Glenda Glover says the funding will cover expenses for upgrades to several academic and student services buildings.
“We are excited to share with you our plans for using this historic funding that will assist with TSU’s continued growth and campus development as we provide students with the best academic environment possible,” Glover said according to a news release. “This will allow us to enhance our campus for further sustainability as we continue our service to our students” she added.
Six buildings on campus will see improvements, including Boswell Science Complex, Davis Humanities Bldg., Elliott Hall, Jackson Hall, Harold Love, Sr. (LRC), and McCord Hall. “These were just six of the more challenging buildings that we have,” TSU Associate Vice President for Administration Curtis Johnson told WSMV4.
According to Nashville Now Next, Some of the major improvements include grounds enhancements, renovations to residence hall bathrooms, multiple roof replacements & repairs, and electrical, low voltage, and HVAC system upgrades.
“This is a start of a multi-year project to make sure we invest in facilities at Tennessee State University. If we are providing a high-quality education, we must provide the facilities that are state of the art,”
– State Rep. Harold Love Jr., D-Nashville
Unfortunately, the funding will not go toward housing due to restrictions from the state.
TSU is currently facing a surge in enrollment resulting in a lack of housing for students on campus.
Frank Stevenson, TSU Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, told WSMV4 that the university has created a new project to help remedy the housing issue.
“We have a project now that will create 1,000 new beds on campus and we’re trying to move that as quickly as possible. We’re trying to get on the calendar for the State Building Commission. As soon as we get on that calendar, hopefully in the next month or so, we’ll move forward and expedite that project.”
The 1,000-bed housing project still has to be approved and could take a couple of years to do so.
According to, Nashville Now Next TSU is also in the process of developing another new residence hall.
NCAT Professor Under Fire On Social Media For Classroom Dress Code that Bans Hoodies, Durags, and ‘Twerk Shorts.’
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University had a rocky start to the new year when a snapshot of a computer science class syllabus sent Twitter into a frenzy thanks to what some users called an “antiblack” dress code policy.
The instructor, who Forbes confirmed is a Black male, listed a dress code for students to follow, which stated that “hoodies,” “bonnets,” “durags,” “coochie cutter shorts,” and “twerk shorts” — among other clothing items — were not allowed to be worn in his class.
The syllabus proclaimed that these articles of clothing are “NOT appropriate.” Underneath the list, the instructor stated, “If you wear it to bed or the club, don’t wear it to class.”
The list sparked a Twitter debate, with some agreeing with the professor’s stance and others criticizing it.
Some users believed the professor was just trying to prepare students for corporate America and professional environments, while others found the dress code and the language used to be offensive, racially insensitive, and disrespectful.
One user called the dress code policy “antiblack” and was shocked by the choice of language the instructor used to describe the clothing.
This is givinggggg antiblack 😭 imagine typing coochie cutters and twerk shorts INTO A SYLLABUS 😭
Another user argued that the dress code was “establishing decorum.”
How is it giving anti Black? A hoodie is one thing but you have to meet people where they are and speak their language. Making a dress code isn’t anti Black it’s establishing decorum.We currently live in an environment that people just do what they want and that’s not acceptable
“If their students are wearing such clothing, which inherently lacks taste and class… to class… and they are trying to mold students into scholars… not strippers…,” one user stated.
One user responded by saying that clothing has nothing to do with learning.
Not allowing your students to come as they are at a predominantly black uni is pretty antiblack bro. First steps to your students taking you seriously is not controlling things that have nothing to do with the class. "Twerk shorts" ain't stopping someone from learning code.
Among the list of banned attire, one thing many users agreed upon was the unnecessariness of banning hoodies.
Hoodies have become a racial stereotype and negative connotation linked to Black criminality.
Forbes noted that it is “important to remember that hoodies became emblematic of certain negative assumptions in America about Black youth after the tragic murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in 2012.”
Forbidding hoodies perpetuates the stereotype that the young Black person who wears them is in some way untrustworthy.
The university has not yet put out a statement regarding the professor’s dress code policy, but according to Forbes, the dress code has been taken off the syllabus.
