Just three years ago, Jaivien Kendrick was a 19-year-old working three jobs to make ends meet during a global pandemic. He is now the proud owner of the clothing brand, More Life, which he says is the number one brand on the campus of Bowie State University.
Kendrick is a junior, business marketing major at Bowie State with a mission to grow the black community through his brand.
“More Life is a brand about changing the culture in the black community. The things at the forefront of our culture, pertaining to the media, music, and some entertainment, aren’t the most positive things, and encourage negative tendencies and behavior.” Kendrick said. “More Life wants to change that by inspiring the youth to know themselves and follow their hearts. When you know yourself, you understand how powerful you really are. And as black men and women, we’re powerful beings just waiting to be unleashed.”
More Life sells hoodies and graphic tees that don the name of the company as well as other motivational messages that inspire its wearers to keep moving forward.
The company was born out of the COVID-19 quarantine as Kendrick was going through a period of self-discovery. He said his perspective on life changed after the murder of George Floyd. That summer, the young CEO participated and spoke at some protests and realized he was the change he wanted to see in the world.
“I was tired of waiting for a savior, protesting, voting, and then going home and waiting for someone else to fix our problems. I had to do for myself and be the change I wanted to see. So with that, I started my brand and began this close to the 3-year-long journey that I’m on today.” Kendrick said.
“The way I saw it, if you want to fix things, you need power. And the most powerful thing in America today is money. The best way for me to make money and to gain that power was to build an empire.”
– More Life CEO, Jaivien Kendrick
Kendrick has since found success building his empire with his clothing brand More Life.
He was recently recognized by AT&T, joining their Dream in Black: Rising Future Makers Class of 2022, a program designed to support and empower HBCU students who are making a big difference in their communities and beyond. Through this program, Kendrick said he’s been able to work with AT&T on a project for NBA All-Star Weekend.
He credits attending an HBCU for teaching him patience and persistence when it comes to his obtaining his goals.
Now backed by a team of creatives to help him, Kendrick plans to expand More Life to Howard University and get their clothes sold in HBCU school stores across the country. Kendrick also teased a potential deal with a big retail company in the near future.
Kendrick is looking forward to the future and what it may hold for him.
“I’ve become an icon on my campus and dare I say an inspiration to my peers. I’m blessed and thankful that I took that first step years ago. The future for me is bright, and I can’t wait to see what’s next,” he said.
NASAP 2022 Most Outstanding Delegation Winners, Alabama State University SGA Administration
Student government election season is here and heating up across schools all over the country. Students are deciding what they are running for, getting their campaigns together, and gearing up for their desired outcome.
For so many college students, joining the Student Government Association is an opportunity for reinvention, to make your mark, and to make a difference at your school.
Being a part of the Student Government Association at an HBCU is a high honor and a great opportunity to make an impact on campus. Not only do you get to flex your leadership skills but you serve as a liaison between the study body and the administration—not to mention the awesome perks of early access to housing and events.
While you don’t have to be a part of SGA to be successful in college, having a position in SGA can definitely teach you skills that will help you in the real world. It builds character and puts you in a position where you can be a problem solver at your university. SGA President at Southern University and A&M College, Kennedy M. Orr said it best, “SGA is an opportunity for the growth of a person both personally and professionally. You will be pushed to your limit, but you’ll learn how to manage your time and energy. Leadership teaches you skills that can’t be found in a textbook. Experience is the best teacher.”
Here are seven pieces of advice from current student leaders on how to thrive in SGA!
Remember Your “Why”
When going out for an SGA position ask yourself why you want it and what you can bring to the table. Holding onto your “why” will help you endure campaign week and any challenges you may face while in SGA.
Junior Class President at Morgan State University, Adrian H Phillips Jr. believes this is the key to running a successful SGA campaign. “Your “why” is the secret to managing a successful SGA campaign. This will enable you to structure your campaign around your goals and core values. Being genuine and driven by purpose is crucial as you present yourself to your university” said Phillips.
Put the Student Body First
Being a part of SGA means serving the campus by being a selfless leader. Listening to the student body’s concerns and advocating for them is what it’s all about.
Executive Secretary at Alabama A&M University, Alexis Powell says she ran for her position because she noticed that the communication on campus from SGA to the student body needed help. She says that listening to students is a major way to thrive in an SGA position. “A way that an individual can succeed in their position is by listening to the student body and having their best interest at heart. It’s important to remember that they elected you because they believed in you, don’t give them a reason to not” said Powell.
Be Passionate about Your Position
Many say that passion is the key to success. If you aren’t passionate about your position then you can’t be successful in your position. Think about what you want to accomplish and only run for a position you’re truly passionate about.
The key to running a successful SGA Campaign is passion and purpose. “You cannot run for a position if it doesn’t serve your purpose nor are you passionate about it. Passion will be your drive and purpose will guide you through your journey” said Gabrielle Orji, the Junior Class President at Prairie View A&M University
Have a Strong Support Team
Having a strong support team makes all the difference when it comes to whatever challenges you may face in your SGA position. Having people to lean on will carry you through campaign week (because we know it gets hectic) to actually serving in your position.
“The key to running a successful campaign is having a strong support system. HBCU elections can be tough on an individual both mentally and physically. It’s important that you have a strong campaign team that is up for that challenge and always willing to help,” says Kennedy M. Orr, Southern University and A&M College’s Sophomore Class President.
Set Goals
Setting clear goals of what you want to achieve in your position and mapping out how you’re going to get it done will help you succeed in your position. Be organized and have a plan.
Miana Wallace, the 93rd Miss Kentucky State University encourages students to be intentional about their position. “In order to thrive in any leadership position, you should sit down and decide what issues you want to tackle first. From there, create a plan and try to partner with administrators, other student leaders, or organizations on campus.”
Be Yourself
When going out for SGA, don’t put on a fake persona you can’t maintain, people will see right through it. Be your authentic self and show people who you really are.
“The key to running a successful campaign is to remember that your campaign isn’t just the two weeks your campaign runs. Your campaign begins the moment you step on campus. People will always remember how you’ve made them feel, the things you’ve done, and how you carry yourself” says SGA President at Edward Waters University, Patricia Johnson.
“Remember that the position doesn’t define you. We are human beings. Mistakes will be made and you can’t please everybody. Stay true to who you are and never lose sight of why you took the position that you did in the first place” says Kennedy M. Orr, Southern University and A&M College’s Sophomore Class President.
Manage Your Time Well
Mastering time management is so important for being a student leader. Being a student leader may feel like a full-time job, but learning how to balance it with all your other responsibilities makes all the difference.
Adrian H Phillips Jr., Junior Class President at Morgan State University says that prioritizing self-care will make you a better leader. “Take care of yourself; if you are stressed or exhausted, it will be difficult for you to lead other students. Spend as much time and effort on yourself as you do on your school. With an empty cup, you cannot pour into your classmates!”
Former North Carolina A&T offensive lineman Brandon Parker has reportedly signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, that’s worth up to $4 million with incentives.
Former North Carolina A&T State University offensive lineman Brandon Parker has reportedly signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Las VegasRaiders, that’s worth up to $4 million with incentives.
Parker played for N.C. A&T, from 2013 to 2017, then was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Raiders. The veteran offensive tackle originally signed a four-year deal with the Raiders, and now has re-signed on short deals in both 2022 and 2023.
The #Raiders re-signed OT Brandon Parker to a one-year, $1.5 million deal that's worth up to $4M with incentives, per source.
Last season, Parker accounted for 77 percent of offensive snaps and saw 16 percent of snaps on special teams as well. Parker also had a relatively large 10 accepted penalties in 2022 (four holding, six false starts).
According to Yahoo Sports, Parker was in line to be the team’s starting right tackle, but he suffered a pectoral injury early in training camp that would eventually require season-ending surgery. “But Parker does have a lot of experience as he’s appeared in 54 games with the Raiders during his career,” the news site said.
He has been with the Raiders for four seasons now and has started 32 games in those four years, including starting every game but four last season.
Furthermore, Yahoo Sports noted that at just $1.5 million, it’s clear the Raiders aren’t expecting him to be a starter. “Instead, he will compete with Thayer Munford as the team’s swing tackle. That should be a pretty fun competition to watch during training camp and in the preseason.”
Parker is expected to be fully recovered from his pectoral injury going into his sixth season with the Raiders.
TSU’s external research funding is just over $70.2 million with four months remaining in the 2022-2023 submission cycle. To date, the university’s Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences and the College of Agriculture have received the largest single awards totaling $28.9 million.
“TSU’s continued high research output and funded awards are a true testament to the hard work and commitment of our faculty and staff, especially as we also focus our attention on moving from an R2 to R1, the highest research designation, under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning,” says TSU President Glenda Glover.
“A crucial cornerstone of an institution’s success is measured through its research and just as important is how that research will benefit our communities,” said Glover.
Tennessee families and global food security are among the top areas the research funding is focusing on.
The TSU Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences received a total of $18,958, 417 in federal and state funding for its work in funding childcare and family support programs in Tennessee. The Center was awarded nearly $5.3 million from the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start (ACF/OHS) to support Head Start and two Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs. In addition, just under $13.7 million came from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (HHS/TDHS) to support the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance and Tennessee Family Child Care Network.
According to the Tennessee State University Newsroom, the funding will provide services to 256 children and families and employ approximately 115 staff needed across the state.
“The Center is proud of the work we do to support children, families, and professionals within the early childhood community,” says COELS’ director Dr. Kimberly Smith. “We remain focused on educating and uplifting the early childhood workforce in Tennessee and we remain committed to improving the lives of the families we serve.”
Federal funding is also helping TSU make strides in the College of Agriculture.
Researchers in the College of Agriculture are using a $10 million capacity-building grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to support 57 different projects in agricultural education, agricultural business, biotechnology, food science, animal science, environmental science, renewable energy, and human health and nutrition.
The university is striving to receive the “R1” research designation, with the assistance of the new funding.
An R1 designation would help the university acquire more doctoral programs, research initiatives, and funding for students.
Tennessee State University Newsroom reports that in the first half of this fiscal year, TSU research proposals garnered more than $68.8 million in external sponsored research funding and now stands at $70.2 million, which is on pace to surpass the record $70.7 million received in 2021. That record-setting year for the University was one of the highest among all HBCUs.
Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs Dr. Quincy Quick, says the goal is to double the total amount of grants received.
“Our recent historic research productivity and achievement over the last two fiscal years is a consequence of our outstanding and dedicated faculty and staff and their commitment to conducting and performing innovative and transformative high-level research,” says Quick. “Our faculty and staff are enthusiastically engaged in our mission for the highest status as we work collegially and diligently to become the fourth R1 designated institution in the state of Tennessee.”
Bowie State University is adding new degrees to offer students new opportunities for advanced STEM Education.
The university is adding new master’s programs in the Department of Natural Sciences and the Department of Technology and Security to meet the rising demand for proficient workers in STEM fields.
The new programs are Applied Biotechnology & Molecular Biology (ABMB), which launches in fall 2023, and Internet of Things & Internet Technologies (IoT&IT), an online degree program, which went live this spring. The new programs increase the number of master’s programs offered by Bowie State to 24.
According to the university, “The ABMB master’s program is designed to prepare students for Ph.D. programs in all major biosciences disciplines or research jobs in the biopharmaceutical industry. The program will cover multiple scientific disciplines including advanced biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, biomechanics, plant and animal biotechnology. Students will be trained in recent advances in the field and on technical aspects through lab work.”
The Iot&IT master’s program focuses on technology and concepts related to devices that send and receive information via the internet. The program will teach students how to build and develop hardware and software, as well as implement solutions to security issues associated with IoT&ITdevices.
Both current and prospective students can apply to the master’s programs, which are intended to position students to address future needs in the country’s workforce.
Accompanying Chestnut is NC A&T Nathan F. Simms Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biology Robert H. Newman, Ph.D.
“Dr. Newman and Mr. Chestnut have made tremendously positive impacts in their professions and are certain to inspire our Spring 2023 commencement audiences,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. “We welcome the perspectives they will share with our Aggie community as we celebrate the achievements of our newest Aggie graduates.”
Chestnut is the keynote speaker for the baccalaureate student ceremonies in Greensboro Coliseum on Saturday, May 13, at 8:30 a.m. for the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics and College of Education and 3 p.m. for the College of Engineering, John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences and COST.
Chestnut’s career has spanned more than two decades, during which he has found tremendous success in both film and television.
He is best known for his memorable roles in “Boyz in the Hood,” “The Brothers,” “The Perfect Holiday,” “Think Like a Man,” as well as “The Best Man” films and successful miniseries. Chestnut received an NAACP Image Award nomination in the category of “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” for his performance as Lance in “The Best Man.”
The actor’s most recent films include “When the Bough Breaks,” “The Perfect Guy,” and opposite Robert De Niro in the heist thriller “BUS 657.” He starred opposite Halle Berry in TriStar Pictures’ “The Call,” and starred in the action film “Kick-Ass 2” opposite Jim Carrey and Chloe Grace Moretz that same year.
Among Chestnut’s television credits are roles on the NBC drama “The Enemy Within,” the Fox series “Rosewood,” FX’S first season of “American Horror Story,” Amazon’s “Goliath” opposite Billy Bob Thornton, and Showtime’s critically acclaimed series “Nurse Jackie,” which earned him the 2014 NAACP Image Award in the category of “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” for his performance as Dr. Ike Prentiss.
Newman is the keynote speaker for the graduate student ceremony Friday, May 12, at 3 p.m. in Novant Health Fieldhouse at Greensboro Coliseum.
He is actively involved in graduate and undergraduate research training, serving as the lead principal investigator (PI) of the NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduate in Synthetic Biology at A&T for the past four years and as a PI on the NIH-sponsored Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Educational Diversity undergraduate research training program.
To date, Newman has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and mentored 70 undergraduate students, 25 graduate students and five postdoctoral fellows. Many of his undergraduate and graduate students have gone on to pursue Ph.D. degrees and postdoctoral training at some of the nation’s leading institutions.
Among the many accolades Newman has garnered for teaching and research are, the N.C. A&T Outstanding Young Investigator Award and the Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award in 2016. Last year, he received the UNC Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching, which recognizes the extraordinary contributions of faculty members across the UNC System.
NC A&T’s Spring 2023 Commencement Graduate College Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 3 p.m. The first Undergraduate Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. and the second one occur later at 3 p.m All ceremonies will be live streamed.
The weather is finally warming up, midterms are over and everyone is ready to let loose and have a good time. Yes, the long-awaited spring break is finally here! Having a fun spring break is a right of passage for many college students, whether it involves going out in your hometown, taking a group trip to Miami, or spending time with loved ones on a family trip. Whatever your spring break plans may be, there are a few rules to live by to ensure a great trip.
For your benefit, here’s HBCU Buzz’s Spring Break Do’s and Dont’s
Spring Break Do’s
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Yes, we know that spring break is all about having fun, but while everyone is enjoying themselves it’s easy to let your guard down and not be aware of your surroundings. Be safe and be smart by taking mental (or physical) notes of your surroundings. Never leave drinks unattended and know where all the exits are. Trust your intuition, if you feel uneasy grab your friends and go.
Bring Cash & Keep Your Budget In Mind
College students are no strangers to ballin’ on a budget, so don’t blow all your money on spring break. Bring cash to limit swiping cards and set a budget for yourself before you travel. This can easily be done by creating an itinerary for yourself for the week in Excel or Google Sheets through pre-made budgeting templates.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re going to be doing some heavy drinking (know your limits!). Also, save your money and avoid paying for ridiculously overpriced water by bringing your own bottle and carrying it with you wherever you go.
Be Wary of What You Post on Social Media
Be cautious about revealing personal information and specific locations while on spring break. This doesn’t mean don’t post about your trip, just remember the “close friends” feature is your friend.
Spring Break Don’t’s
Don’t Go Anywhere By Yourself
When traveling with friends for spring break, it’s important to always stay with the group. Utilize safety apps like Find My Friends and Life360 to keep track of each other and carry your cell phone fully charged, with a backup charger for emergencies.
Don’t Wear A Hairstyle That You Don’t Want To Get Wet
Don’t let your hairstyle keep you from doing all the adventurous things your vacation has to offer. Go parasailing, water skiing, or swimming freely without worrying about messing up your lace front by planning ahead and getting a protective style that can get wet.
Don’t Forget To Wear Sunscreen
If you’re headed somewhere sunny remember to wear sunscreen! Staying out in the sun for long hours will increase your risk for skin cancer, so stay sun smart during your trip. You can still achieve a golden tan when wearing sunscreen
Don’t Do Anything Too Risky
Yes, spring break is a time to party and have fun but don’t do anything that will put you in danger or get you arrested. Think before you act and if you’re traveling internationally do your research and make sure you know the rules of the country you’re traveling to.
The Fisk University women’s gymnastics team to compete in their hometown Tuesday night, marking the first time a HBCU has hosted an NCAA Gymnastics competition.
The Fisk University women’s gymnastics team is continuing to break barriers and make history, this time as they host their first-ever hometown competition on Tuesday night.
As they face off against the Greenville University Panthers at Belmont, it will mark the first time a historically Black college or university (HBCU) has hosted an NCAA Gymnastics competition in history.
The team made history last year becoming the first gymnastics team at an HBCU to compete at the NCAA level.
“We’re thrilled to host the Greenville University Panthers and give our fans the opportunity to literally experience a gymnastics meet like never before,” said Fisk Athletic Director and Coach, Corrinne Tarver.
“This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for both our gymnasts and fans, as we showcase our passion, talent, and hard work on the mat.”
The meet will be live-streamed on the team’s Instagram account starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Researchers examined the long-term mental health effects for Black students attending HBCUs compared with Black students attending predominantly white institutions (PWIs).
With the intention of discovering how structural racism within educational institutions affects mental health outcomes for students, they tested the theory that Black students at HBCUs would be less exposed to structural racism than Black students who attended PWIs.
“HBCUs are an essential part of higher education, but there has been little research examining how attending an HBCU versus a PWI is associated with mental health for Black students,” said Naomi Thyden, an author of the study. “This research provides evidence that the HBCU environment can have a positive impact on long-term mental health outcomes for Black students.”
The researchers tracked almost 500 Black students beginning in high school, through college, and several years after college.
Tracking the experience of participants seven and 14 years after college, the study found:
For Black students who reported higher depressive symptoms in their teens, those who attended HBCUs reported fewer depressive symptoms seven years post-college compared to those who attended PWIs.
For those students who attended high school in regions outside of the South (in the North, West Coast and East Coast), HBCU attendance protected against depressive symptoms seven years after college.
The researchers recommended equitable state and federal funding for HBCUs. They also advised that PWIs embrace some aspects of HBCUs, such as more Black faculty mentors, more affinity spaces for Black students, and introducing a more inclusive curriculum instead of teaching only from the European worldview.
“Black Panther” costume designer and Hampton University grad, Ruth E. Carter made history at the Oscars on Sunday, becoming the first Black woman to win two Oscars.
Last night, she took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design for her work on “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” This milestone comes just four years after she became the first Black woman to win in the same category for her work on the first “Black Panther” film.
In addition to becoming the first Black woman to be a two-time winner in any category, she is also the first person to win a costume design Oscar for designing both an original film and its sequel.
Ruth E. Carter in the press room during the 95th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, Calif., on Sunday.Arturo Holmes / Getty Images
“Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the superhero that is a Black woman,” said Carter during her acceptance speech. “She endures, she loves, she overcomes, she is every woman in this film.”
She dedicated the moment to her late mother, Mabel Carter, who she said died within the last week at age 101.
“This film prepared me for this moment,” she said. “Chadwick, please take care of Mom” — referring to the late “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman.
After winning, Carter said in the Oscars press room that she hopes her win will inspire young costume designers.
“I pulled myself up from my bootstraps … So I feel that this one opens the door for other young costume designers that may not think that this industry is for them and hopefully they’ll see me and they’ll see my story and they will think they can win an Oscar too.”
– Oscar winner, Ruth E. Carter
Carter graduated from Hampton University in 1982. She previously credited her Hollywood success to her time at the HBCU.
“I credit my experiences in the Little Theatre on campus as the catalyst for my career in Hollywood,” said Carter. “My dream began in the costume shop on the second floor of Armstrong Hall and took me to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hampton University Repertory Theatre can provide that same inspiration for students who want to pursue a career in the arts, TV, and film industries. I’ve also established an endowed scholarship to assist students with financial aid to help make their dreams come true.”
The Home Depot Retool Your School Program encourages and recognizes innovative projects that contribute to the campuses of accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Since its inception, the program has awarded grants to HBCUs for campus renovations, repairs, and enhancements, and has awarded 184 campus improvement grants totaling over $5.2 million. This year, the program has quadrupled its investment into HBCUs by introducing new needs-based grants and student-focused opportunities.
The program launched the official entry application last month, and by entering, the accredited HBCUs are included in the HBCU Online Voting Challenge.
In the HBCU Online Voting Challenge, the schools will compete for the most votes via the Retool Your School official website, social media, and designated Home Depot events.
The top ten schools per Cluster with the most votes will win a Campus Improvement Grant and move forward in the program to submit a proposal for a campus improvement project.
Under the Cluster System, each accredited HBCU is assigned to one of three groups based on school size/enrollment data. This is to better equalize each school’s opportunity to submit a proposal. Respondents will be divided into the following three Clusters :
Cluster 1, which includes those Respondents with a student enrollment of 4,000 or more;
Cluster 2, which includes those Respondents with a student enrollment between 1,201 and 3,999;
and Cluster 3, which includes those Respondents with a student enrollment of 1,200 or less.
Online voting began on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 12:00 a.m. EST and will end Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
During the voting period, people can vote for participating schools via the official website, social media (Instagram and Twitter), or manual in-person voting during Home Depot-sponsored events.
Total votes will reflect all votes from the beginning of the voting period and website voting will be unlimited during the voting period.
Social media votes are defined as votes that use the school’s designated hashtag on Twitter, and/or Instagram on an original post, and the user’s account must be public in order for the vote to be counted.
Twitter original tweets and retweets count as votes and Instagram votes are counted if it is an original in-feed post and an original story post. Only the first mention of a hashtag in a post or story will count as one vote. Multiple mentions of a hashtag in a single post or story will only count as one vote.
For more information regarding The Home Depot’s Retool Your School voting rules, click here.
The only HBCU participants in NFL’s combine are seeking ways to increase numbers at the annual scouting event.
After nearly three years since the NFL announced its support for enhanced diversity policies, the Arkansas-Pine Bluff offensive lineman Mark Evans II and Florida A&M’s linebacker Isaiah Land were the only players from HBCUs at this week’s NFL’s annual scouting combine. That’s half of last year’s total of four, which was the most in a single draft since 2019.
According to The Associated Press, the players believe there should be more HBCU representation at the combine and are striving to set an example for other players.
Mark Evans the star offensive lineman from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
“I feel like they’re making progress, but I feel like it most definitely should be more than two,” Evans said. “I feel like there are a lot of good players out there and I feel like we should be represented more.”
The UAPB offensive lineman even offered suggestions on players from HBCUs that he feels deserve the opportunity to be an NFL combine participant. He recommends linebacker Jordan Lewis of Southern University, Lewis’ college teammate and 2023 Legacy Bowl defensive MVP Jason Dumas, and North Carolina Central offensive lineman Robert Mitchell.
Land aims to give inspiration to other HBCU football players. “I try to put my best foot forward every time because I just want to give hope to those guys at the HBCU level, like you know you could make it to this point,” he said. “You’ve just got to stay consistent, and you’ve got to have that underdog mentality.”
Evans shared the linebacker’s sentiments and promised to help provide more exposure to HBCUs if makes an NFL roster.
Since losing its accreditation in 1997, Knoxville College is planning to submit its application for reaccreditation approval in April.
The school regained authorized status in Tennessee, which allows them to confer credentials. If the school is able to regain accreditation, students will be able to access federal financial aid funding and state funding opportunities, including the Tennessee Student Assistance Award, which offers repayment-free financial aid to students from low-income backgrounds.
“KC lost accreditation for a number of reasons, one of those being financial stability. Financial aid for students is one of the largest conduits of state dollars to the institution,” said Dr. Brittany Mosby, director of HBCU Success, a branch of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission focused on the health and sustainability of the state’s HBCUs. “In the 2021 school year, about $10 million went to HBCUs in the state through financial aid, and the year before that it was $12 million. That’s one of the reasons why accreditation is so important.”
Dr. Dasha Lundy, executive vice president and chief operations officer of Knoxville College, said Dr. Kevin James, president of the newly accreditated Morris Brown College helped guide KC on their mission to regain accreditation.
“He did it, so we can do it too,” said Lundy. “[James] believes in HBCUs, so he said yes. He’d been through it and he knew the pitfalls. He knew how to guide the team. If we did this by ourselves, it would have took longer” she added.
James helped connect KC with the University of Tennessee (UT) Knoxville. Dr. J. Patrick Biddix, professor and program coordinator of the Higher Education Administration Ph.D. program at UT Knoxville, said he was excited for the chance to collaborate with KC as it’s a historic staple of the Knoxville community.
“You can teach students what it’s like to work at state or private institutions, but an HBCU is special. It’s different, it’s needed, it’s necessary,” said Biddix. “HBCUs come with a tremendous amount of history. A lot of the learning took place for the students beyond accreditation, in understanding the importance and necessity of HBCUs in this country.”
Knoxville College is east Tennessee’s only HBCU and was founded in 1875 by the United Presbyterian Church for the education of newly freed men and women. During the 20th century, the school also had a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Notably, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the 1960 commencement speaker.
Biddix’s team of graduate students began working with KC leadership and James in June 2022.
They spent months on end sifting through, compiling, and aligning the information needed for the thorough accreditation process. According to Diverse Education, some materials, like the faculty and student handbook, had to be created from scratch and then reviewed by KC’s Board of Trustees for approval.
“The process of creating and understanding the materials, the pieces for the accreditation process, and the opportunity to work with a board of trustees toward approval and revision—that’s an incredibly valuable experience for the students,” said Biddix.
They are now in the final process of reviewing the hundreds of documents that make up their accreditation application, hoping to fill the abandoned campus full of students soon.
“When we think about retention rates, especially with Black males—HBCUs are still significant. We may not have a billion-dollar endowment, but we can depend on our sister institutions to help us,” said Lundy. “That’s what it’s all about. We’re here to serve people. This is a collaboration to show institutions can come together, not worry about who is taking whose students—it’s about lifting people and giving education to more people.”
“Bel-Air” Comes to Atlanta In Recent Event on Clark Atlanta’s Campus
Last Wednesday, HBCU Buzz helped bring Peacock’s record-breaking original drama series “Bel-Air” to Atlanta through an exciting “Clips and Conversations” event with cast members Olly Sholotan and Cassandra Freeman and showrunner/executive producer/writer, Carla Banks Waddles. The event happened on Clark Atlanta University’s campus at the Davage Auditorium.
“Bel-Air” is a reimagined version of the beloved sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” set in the modern day. It’s told through the dramatic lens of Will and the Banks family as they navigate personal challenges and their family dynamic.
Last year, in its first season run, the show became the most-streamed original series on Peacock. Coming off of such a successful first season, Waddles, Sholotan, and Freeman came out to CAU’s Davage Auditorium to promote season two and talk with AUCC students.
“I just want to do a show that the Black community can be proud of, and look back and go, “I’m thankful that show was on the air,” Waddles said. She said she wants “Bel-Air” to be reminiscent of the original series, in that it dives deep into timely topics and issues within the Black community. Topics such as mental health, social activism, father-son dynamics as well as the identity issues of being Black in America.
During the Bel-Air: Clips and Conversations event, Waddles gave the scoop on how audiences will see these themes explored in season two.
Doors opened at 4:00 pm, and students entered the stadium to take their seats. Before the event started, everyone took a moment of silence to acknowledge the fatal shooting of CAU student,Jatonne Sterling.
Guest DJ Rayymon Beatzandinfluencer and event host,Paige Shari’ Addisonworked the crowd and the CAU student media team was also on the scene, getting hands-on experience by helping set up and taking video of the event. Addison kept the energy going by testing the audience’s “Bel-Air” knowledge in a game of trivia. Students were able to win show merch including hoodies, hats, and pendants.
Later, Waddles, Sholotan, who plays Carlton Banks on the show, and Freeman, who plays Aunt Viv, were all welcomed to the stage and the ‘Clips and Conversations’ began. Along with the audience, they watched five clips from season two and then gave insight into each scene.
Sholotan shared how he relates to his character’s identity issues, as he has faced his own issues being a first-generation American who lived in Nigeria till age ten. “Something that we really explore this season is Carlton’s relationship with his dad, Uncle Phil, and how he feels this shadow that Uncle Phil’s accomplishments have casted on his life, and as a first-generation American I think of this all the time,” Sholotan said. “My parents basically swam across the Atlantic for me to be here, so I have to be greater than great, and I think that’s a burden I would argue every single person in this room feels to a certain extent…if one person can watch our show and feel seen, and recognized and validated then I think we’ve done our job.”
Freeman’s character also faces some challenges this season as she strives to take her power back and reclaim her narrative as an artist. As a Black woman, Freeman said she relates to Aunt Viv’s struggles with other people trying to silence her. “A lot of this season is about how do you claim your own narrative even when people won’t give you the microphone?” the actress said.
Freeman also gave uplifting advice to the students struggling to find their voice.
“Be patient in your twenties and allow life to reveal to you what your voice is because my greatest success, and those around me, is when you stop apologizing for who you are,” she said. “Stop apologizing, do you on purpose.”
After all the clips were shown, students got the chance to ask their questions for the cast and take pictures with them.
Aspiring singer and actress, CAU freshman Kayah Brazil said she was grateful for the insightful advice the panelists gave. “It’s nice to hear from people who already made it to the position that you want to be in.”
CAU senior, Gracen Fling said the event was “so much fun and so informative,” and will take the advice Freeman gave out to heart. “One of the things I picked up from Ms. Cassandra Freeman was not being afraid to take up space. I feel as though as Black women, we’re often encouraged to feel little and degrade ourselves in which we limit our own abilities. So I really appreciate her affirming us as Black women and telling us to take up space, because we deserve to.”
The new season of “Bel-Air” is now streaming on Peacock with new episodes dropping Thursdays through April 27.
Fans can get even more of the record-breaking drama series “Bel-Air,” as Peacock recently announced that it has been renewed for a third season.
On Wednesday, FAMU announced the former NFL player’s hire as an athletics ambassador and consultant.
“Anyone familiar with Chad knows that he has always been a great ambassador for FAMU,” FAMU vice president and director of athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes said in a released statement. “It’s time to make it official. I am happy that we could reach an agreement to formalize his role with the university.”
Chad Ochocinco (green hoodie) poses with FAMU wide receivers after practice for the 2021 Orange Blue Classic on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. Devin P. Grimes/FAMU Athletics
Johnson played 11 seasons in the NFL, finishing his career in the league with 766 receptions for 11,059 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns.
The athlete has been an avid supporter of the FAMU Rattlers for some time, often publicly showing his support on social media. He has also stopped in football practices, as he visited the team before the 2021 Orange Boom Classic in his hometown, and was present during the 2022 Orange Blossom Classic.
“I fell in love with FAMU after attending my first (Florida) Classic in 1984 with my grandma, and the rest is history,” Johnson said in a statement.
Since the announcement of his new position, Johnson has posted a series of tweets expressing his gratitude.
Such a great feeling to see things come full circle 🙏🏾
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have produced countless prominent women leaders and trailblazers over time. March is Women’s History Month and there’s no better time to celebrate their contributions. Here are some women pioneers who have impacted history that came from HBCUs!
Oprah Winfrey – Tennessee State University
Oprah Winfrey is a talk show host, media executive, actress, and billionaire philanthropist. She graduated from Tennessee State University in 1986 with a degree in speech communications and performing arts. She’s best known for being the host of the beloved talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which aired for 25 seasons, from 1986 to 2011. The show won 16 Daytime Emmy Awards and its success helped her become the world’s first Black woman billionaire in 2003.
Kamala Harris – Howard University
Kamala Harris is a proud graduate of Howard University, having earned her B.A. in political science and economics there. On January 20, 2021, she became the first woman, the first African American woman, the first Indian-American, the first person of Asian-American descent, and the first graduate of an HBCU to be sworn in as the Vice President of the United States of America. As she said in her election acceptance speech, she “may be the first, but [she] will not be the last.”
Bessie Coleman – Langston University
Bessie Coleman was an American aviator and the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license in the U.S. When she was eighteen, she saved enough money to attend the Colored Agricultural and Normal University (now Langston University), but only completed one semester because she could no longer afford tuition. Because flying schools in the U.S. denied her entry, she taught herself French and moved to France, earning her license from France’s well-known Caudron Brother’s School of Aviation in just seven months. Coleman was known for performing flying tricks and specialized in stunt flying and parachuting. Her legacy lives on as an inspiration and a pioneer of women in the field of aviation.
Althea Gibson – Florida A&M University
Althea Gibson was the first African American tennis player to compete at the U.S. National Championships in 1950, and the first Black player to compete at Wimbledon in 1951. She attended Florida A&M University on a sports scholarship and graduated from the school in 1953.
Janice Bryant Howroyd – North Carolina A&T State University
Janice Bryant Howroyd is a North Carolina A&T alumna, an entrepreneur, businesswoman, and author the first black woman to own and operate a billion-dollar company in the U.S. She is the founder and chief executive officer of the ActOne Group, the largest privately held, minority-woman-owned personnel company founded in the US. The employment agency business hit No. 3 on the 2011 industrial/service companies list with $1.4 billion in revenues and has over 17,000 clients across the globe and a presence in 19 countries.
Wilma Rudolph – Tennessee State University
The legendary athlete, Wilma Rudolph was the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field at a single Olympics. Despite being told as a child she would never walk again, she overcame her disabilities and became known as “the fastest woman in the world.” Rudolph studied education at Tennessee State University, where the indoor track and dormitory are named in her honor.
Lillian E. Fishburne – Lincoln University
Lillian E. Fishburne is the first African American woman to become a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. She is one of only 41 African Americans who have achieved the honor of being a flag officer in the United States Navy as of January 2010. Fishburne obtained her B.A. in 1971 from Lincoln University (Pennsylvania), and later enrolled in the U.S. Navy Women’s Officers School in Newport, Rhode Island, where she was commissioned as an Ensign.
Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles – Founders of Spelman College
The founders of Spelman College, Sophia B. Packard, and Harriet E. Giles were two missionary women who journeyed together from New England to Georgia with the mission of creating an educational opportunity to uplift recently freed Black women. On April 11, 1881, Packard and Giles, supported by a village of allies and advocates, began the Spelman legacy. With only a pad and pencil, they held the very first class of the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary in the basement of Father Quarles’ Friendship Baptist Church. Within just three months, enrollment had increased to eighty students, and soon after, the student body grew to over 200 students, ranging in age from 16 – 52. In the summer of 1882, business magnate and philanthropist, John D. Rockefeller became a devoted investor of the Seminary, affording Packard and Giles the opportunity to purchase the present campus site, then occupying five frame buildings on nine acres of land. In 1884, the school was renamed Spelman Seminary in honor of Rockefeller’s wife, Mrs. Laura Spelman Rockefeller and her parents Harvey Buel and Lucy Henry Spelman, both activists in the antislavery movement. In 1924, our name was changed to Spelman College.
Mary Mcleod Bethune – Founder of Bethune-Cookman University
Mary McLeod Bethune, the inspirational founder of Bethune-Cookman University was an educator, a civil and women’s rights pioneer, and an activist. As one of the most influential women of her generation, Dr. Bethune opened a boarding school, the Daytona Beach Literary and Industrial School for Training Negro Girls in 1904. She created “pencils” from charred wood, ink from elderberries, and mattresses from moss-stuffed corn sacks. She also founded the Mary McLeod Hospital and Training School for Nurses, which at the time was the only school of its kind that served African American women on the east coast. Eventually, Bethune’s school became a college, merging with the all-male Cookman Institute to form Bethune-Cookman College in 1929. It issued its first degrees in 1943.
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright is the founder of Voorhees College. When she was ten, she and her family moved to Talbotton, GA for her to have better educational opportunities. She caught the attention of a northern teacher who encouraged her to apply to the Tuskegee Institute. George W. Kelley, a Massachusetts judge, funded her schooling and she completed Tuskegee Institute in 1894. While at Tuskegee, Wright’s role models were Booker T. and Margaret Murray Washington. The Washingtons inspired Wright’s commitment to uplifting and educating African Americans, which led to her interest in teaching. In 1897, she started the Denmark Industrial School in Denmark, SC in a room above an abandoned store. As the school grew, Ralph Voorhees, a northern philanthropist, donated around $5,000 for about 280 acres of land. As a result, in 1902, the first building of Voorhees Industrial School was opened after completion, named in honor of Ralph Voorhees. Wright continued to honor her mentors by modeling the school after the Tuskegee Institute.
