Filmmaker Spike Lee has partnered with the talent firm, The Gersh Agency to create the Spike Fellows Program, a new fellowship designed to support students at the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC.)
Filmmaker Spike Lee has partnered with the talent firm, The Gersh Agency to create the Spike Fellows Program, a new fellowship designed to support students at the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC.)
According to Deadline, “The Spike Fellows Program is based on the principle that access plus exposure will create opportunities.” It’s inaugural class will consist of five graduating students from AUCC, who will receive academic debt relief, industry mentorship, post graduate internships, and full-time employment, all provided by Gersh according to the news release.
GARY GERSHOFF/WIREIMAGE
Spike Lee graduated from Morehouse in 1979 and has been a longtime supporter of HBCUs
“I know firsthand the education one receives at a Historically Black College and University,” Lee said in a statement. “I am who I am because of my grandmother [Zimmie Jackson] and my mother [Jacquelyn Shelton Lee] who both graduated from Spelman College. I am who I am because of my grandfather [Richard Jackson Shelton] and my father [William Lee] who both graduated from Morehouse. It’s on the campuses of Spelman and Morehouse where they met, fell in love and got married. As my elders often told me, ‘Deeds not words’.”
“From the jump, from the get-go, I knew when (not if) I opened a crack in the door, I was bringing as many Black and Brown folks with me in front and behind the camera”
– Spike Lee
Gersh’s Head of Culture, Jayson Council is set to lead the program. “As an HBCU graduate, I am extremely proud of Gersh and Spike for their commitment to growing opportunities for AUCC graduates” he said in a statement.
Lee and the agency have made a multi-year commitment to the program and its first cycle starts this month. They also plan to expand the program with more fellows and more resources in the future.
“As industry leaders, we’ve always taken seriously the responsibility to build a more diverse, dynamic ecosystem in which people of all ethnicities, backgrounds and experiences can thrive,” said Gersh Senior Managing Partner, Leslie Siebert in a news release. “We are honored that Spike has chosen us to be his inaugural partner, and we are proud to welcome the five inaugural Spike Fellows into our organization.”
Honorary Howard University grad and iconic actress Angela Basset made history at the Golden Globe Awards on Tuesday as the first performer to win an award for an acting role in a Marvel film.
Honorary Howard University grad and iconic actress Angela Bassett made history at the 2023 Golden Globes on Tuesday as the first performer to win an award for an acting role in a Marvel film.
She took home the award for Best Supporting Actress in a film for her role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Prior to Bassett’s win, only four actors, and no women, had been nominated for a Golden Globe for a superhero film.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 10: Angela Bassett, winner of the Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture award for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” poses in the press room during the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 10, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/FilmMagic)
This marks Bassett’s second Golden Globe win, as she previously won the award for Lead Actress in a Film, Comedy or Musical for the 1993 Tina Turner biopic What’s Love Got to Do with It.
During her acceptance speech, Bassett spoke about the loss of her ‘Black Panther’ co-star Chadwick Boseman, who died of colon cancer in 2020.
“We embarked on this journey together with love. We mourned, we loved, we healed and we were surrounded each and every day by the light and the spirit of Chadwick Boseman.”
– Angela Bassett, 2023 Golden Globes Acceptance Speech
“We have joy in knowing that with this historic ‘Black Panther’ series, it is a part of his legacy that he helped to lead us. We showed the world what Black unity, leadership and love looks like, behind and in front of the camera” she said.
Bassett and Boseman have a history dating back to 2000 when she received her honorary doctorate from Howard University.
Boseman, who was also a Howard alum, was the student assigned to escort her around the university that day. In an interview on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, she said that Boseman reminded her of this encounter during the premiere party for Black Panther. “I couldn’t believe that he held that back from me until this very moment,” the actress said. “While we were shooting, yeah, the entire time. But he finally, he shared that.”
In Bassett’s speech, she also thanked Marvel fans for “embracing these characters and showing us so much love.” “We just made history with this nomination and with this award. It belongs to all of you and all of us,” she said.
According to Variety, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has generated $767.8 million globally, making it the sixth-highest grossing movie of 2022.
Fisk University made history on Jan. 6 at the Super 16 gymnastics invitational in Las Vegas as the first historically Black college or university to compete in NCAA gymnastics.
Fisk University made history on Jan. 6 at the Super 16 gymnastics invitational in Las Vegas as the first historically Black college or university to compete in NCAA gymnastics.
The team was established just 14 months ago and placed fourth overall with a score of 186.700 against established programs Southern Utah, Washington, and North Carolina.
“It feels really cool,” top recruit Morgan Price told ESPN. “We have a lot of eyes on us because we are the first and because we are making history, so it’s just so exciting to be a part of the first team ever.”
Credit: Fisk University Facebook
Price turned heads competing in all four individual events, earning the meet’s highest score on the vault with a score of 9.9.
The Bulldogs were led under the direction of coach Corrinne Tarver, the first Black gymnast to win an NCAA all-around title in 1989, who said the team’s goal this season is to leave “everything on the mat.”
Tarver told Good Morning America that she hopes the team will inspire more diversity within NCAA gymnastics.
“Well honestly I want the team to go out there every single competition, do the best that they are capable of doing,” said Tarver. “Overall I am hoping that we are a blueprint for other HBCUs to add a gymnastics program.”
Human trafficking is a huge problem happening all around the world every day, but can often go unseen, especially for Black women.
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.
Sexual exploitation and forced labor are the most commonly identified forms of human trafficking but it can also be domestic servitude, forced marriage, organ removal, etc. Some victims are people you may interact with on a daily basis and are forced to work under extreme circumstances in exotic dance clubs, construction, health and beauty services, or restaurants.
“They are hidden from view. You don’t recognize them in the back kitchens, shops, gas stations, and in hospitality. They are also tucked away in fields. They don’t come out and ask for help. It’s a different kind of slavery than long ago,” says Dr. Lucy Steinitz, Catholic Relief Services senior technical advisor for protection. “They are beaten, violated, and told they are worthless—that no one else wants them anymore.”
Millions are forced into this modern-day slavery, and research shows that African-American women are the most vulnerable.
Although African Americans make up 13.6 of the population, 40% of sex trafficking victims are black women, the highest percentage of any race, according to the National Black Women’s Justice Institute. Rights 4 Girls, reports that Black children comprise 53% of all juvenile prostitution arrests—more than any other racial group.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) reports that in an interview with the Urban Institute, traffickers admittedly believed that trafficking Black women would land them less jail time than trafficking white women if caught.
It’s clear that Black women and girls are being trafficked at alarming rates, but why?
Lower Socioeconomic Status
According to the U.S. Department of State, “U.S. and global data show human traffickers disproportionately target those in positions of socioeconomic or political vulnerability due to discriminatory policies, who are often people of color or part of a racial minority.” Because of the historic systematic oppression of African Americans, they are more likely to experience poverty than their racial counterparts. Black girls are more likely to experience family instability, poverty, and disconnection from the education system, according to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Dr. Kisha Roberts-Tabb, Ph.D., Human Trafficking, Gender Responsive, and LBGTQ Specialist at Cook County Juvenile Courts, said because of social inequalities present in America for many years African Americans often find themselves in “…situations of poverty, of absentee fathers and incarcerated parents,” contributing to their lack of resources. The disparities in access to economic means or opportunities for African Americans make it easier for traffickers to exploit or compel victims into sex trafficking or forced labor. “Predatory and exclusionary practices that keep certain racial communities from attaining financial stability and building generational wealth provide traffickers ample opportunity to offer tempting alternatives,” said the U.S. Department of State.
The Sexualization and “Adultification” of Black Girls
The Center on Poverty and Inequality conducted a study that found that adults viewed black girls as less innocent and more adult-like than white girls. “What we found is that adults see black girls as less innocent and less in need of protection as white girls of the same age,” said Rebecca Epstein, lead author of the report and executive director of the Center on Poverty and Inequality at the Georgetown University Law Center. When compared to white females, the people supposed Black females “need less protection,” “know more about adult topics,” and “know more about sex.” The hyper-sexualization of Black women dates back to slavery as they were stigmatized as overly sexual, seductive jezebels to justify the white man’s assault on their bodies. The stereotype has carried on to today and contributes to the racial bias and criminalization of Black girls, rather than seeing them as victims. The unfair racial bias of the justice system may allow traffickers to get away with their crimes, and victims not to receive the justice they deserve. Law Professor Cheryl Nelson Butler says “Hyper-sexualized stereotypes about minority teens continues to drive their prostitution and sexual exploitation. Lawmakers presume that minors have consented to prostitution even when the minor is below the age of consent.”
Inequalities in Foster Care
Reports indicate that a large number of child sex trafficking survivors in the US were at one time in the foster care system. According to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), Black children make up twenty-three percent of the foster care system despite making up fourteen percent of children in the U.S. Black children are overrepresented in the foster care system and are sexually abused twice as much as their white counterparts with the system, according to CBCF. Furthermore, Juvenile Justice Information Exchange reports that “despite the claim that children placed in the child welfare system are there for their protection, 86% of suspected sex trafficking victims were children and youth who were reported missing from child welfare and foster care services in 2016. Many Black girls go unprotected in the foster care system and are “structurally disadvantaged by systematic racial disparities within the foster care system.”
Sexual Abuse
According to Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), sexual and physical abuse are two of the top contributors in increasing the chances of sex trafficking. The Institute For Women’s Policy Research reports that Sexual violence affects Black women at high rates. “More than 20 percent of Black women are raped during their lifetimes—a higher share than among women overall.” Women who experience partner violence pose a higher risk of being sex trafficked, according to CBCF. Many women are trafficked by their partner or someone they know. “Of women who called the National Hotline, 36.9 percent were trafficked by their partners,” the Polaris Project reported. Along with psychological and economic abuse, sex traffickers are likely to employ physical and sexual violence over women to maintain control.
What Can We Do?
Help prevent human trafficking by spreading awareness, supporting anti-trafficking organizations, and educating yourself about the red flags and indicators of trafficking. Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline to connect with services and support for human trafficking survivors, or to report a tip: call 1-888-373-7888, text 233733, or chat online.
Langston University has been gifted ownership of the former KWTV Oklahoma City building by KWTV’s parent company, Griffin Media.
KWTV, known as News 9, moved to a downtown location in mid-November. Langston officially took possession of the building on January 3.
Next TV reports that the TV station will be the home of Langston’s Center for Media and Community Advancement.
(Image credit: KWTV)
“If we abandon this building, there is going to be a hole in this community, and we just did not want to leave this community alone,” David Griffin, Griffin Media chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “So, we went on a search to see how we could be a part of something bigger than ourselves. And then it just dawned on me, Langston has a journalism program.”
“There is an entire business behind news production,” Langston University president Kent J. Smith said. “From computer technology to marketing and sales, our students will have the benefit of learning here. Now we can think of Oklahoma City and our Oklahoma City campus in an entirely different realm that we just could not before.”
KWTV talent will teach classes and mentor students at Langston.
“If you’re looking for something to believe in that will fundamentally change not only Langston University but journalism as a whole there is no doubt in my mind that this is it,” Smith said. “If you cannot get excited about that I do not know what gets you excited.”
Spelman College will become the first HBCU to grant a bachelor’s degree in documentary filmmaking thanks to a $1 million endowment from the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation.
Spelman College will become the first HBCU to grant a bachelor’s degree in documentary filmmaking thanks to a generous donation.
The all-women’s college has been gifted a $1 million endowment from the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation to create a new center focused on documentary media studies. The Jonathan Logan Family Foundation supports organizations that advance social justice by empowering world-changing work in investigative journalism, documentary film, and arts & culture.
The new center will be established in the Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., Center for Innovation & the Arts. According to the university, the documentary film program and the motion capture room and corridor will bear the Foundation’s name.
Spelman College president, Helene Gayle expressed her gratitude in an official statement. “We are grateful to the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation for this generous contribution to Spelman College to establish the new Center for Documentary Media Studies, which will help deepen the intersection of the arts, technology, and entrepreneurship for our students,” Gayle said.
“This support creates pathways for our professors and students to develop innovative and groundbreaking work through our liberal arts curriculum.”
– Spelman College President Helene Gayle
“Our gift to Spelman comes at a time when hearing new voices in the documentary field is more vital than ever.” Jonathan Logan, president & CEO of the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation added. “The talented women of Spelman College have insights to share and important stories to tell, and documentary film is a powerful way to bring them to light.”
Spelman College also announced that it will name the Documentary Production Lab within the Center for Innovation & the Arts, in honor of Dr. Ayoka Chenzira as a result of this gift.
Dr. Ayoka Chenzira is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and division chair for the Arts at Spelman and the Diana King Endowed Professor in Film and Filmmaking, Television, and Related Media.
“I am grateful to the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, known for its commitment to storytelling from underrepresented communities and advocacy for social justice, for recognizing our program. The generous new gift will allow our students to be the next group of emerging Black women documentary filmmakers to produce their creative and bold ideas for films in a state-of-the-art facility,” said Dr. Chenzira. “It is a surprise and an honor to have a production lab in the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts bear my name. I am forever grateful to the Foundation and Spelman College.”
Scheduled to open in the fall of 2024, the Center for Innovation & the Arts will serve as “a learning-hub for entrepreneurs and innovators.” The center will be home to Spelman’s arts programs and Innovation Lab, allowing students access to “cross-disciplinary learning opportunities.” The state-of-the-art facility will also house innovative initiatives such as the Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab, the Center for Black Entrepreneurship, and a Spelman College Museum of Fine Art satellite gallery. The Center is the first new academic facility at Spelman in nearly 25 years.
Clarence D. Armbrister, the 14th president of Johnson C. Smith University (JSCU) announced in a message to students on Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the spring semester.
Clarence D. Armbrister, the 14th president of Johnson C. SmithUniversity (JSCU) announced in a message to students on Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the spring semester.
JSCU Board of Trustees will launch a search for his successor and s expects to have a new president in place by fall 2023.
Armbrister said that he will stay on through early 2024 as a senior advisor to the new president.
“It is a bittersweet moment for me and my family because we love this university and the unparalleled opportunities HBCUs like ours provide for thousands of students across the country each year,” Armbrister said in his letter to faculty, staff and students. “It has truly been a privilege and an honor to serve the JCSU family.”
Armbrister says he plans to pursue personal interests and spend time with his family following his departure from the university.
Steven Boyd, chair of the university’s board of trustees, thanked Armbrister for his leadership and “unwavering love” in a message posted on the school’s website. Boyd said that when Armbrister walked into the room in 2018, he was the clear and unanimous choice to be the 14th president of the school.
Boyd said that Ambrister provided the necessary leadership to effectively overcome challenges such as financial needs, residence hall issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Among other achievements, President Armbrister will forever be recognized for the unprecedented public-private partnerships he established through the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative, which resulted in the single largest gift the university has ever received,” Boyd said. he $80 million, five-year commitment to support our new strategic business plan has positioned the university to elevate its standing in the Charlotte community and the world of higher education, to one of the most influential and consequential HBCUs in the nation.”
On Friday, Dec. 16, UAPB and University of Arkansas System leadership hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the center.
According to the university, the $33 million, approximately 62,000-sq. ft. center will become a hub for campus and community health education and engagement and student health and wellness, assessment, and counseling.
From left to right: Dr. Carla Martin, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration; Mark Beach, CDI CEO; Dr. Margaret Martin-Hall, Title III Director; Elbert Bennett, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs; Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, UA System President; Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander; Trenton Wills, Student Government Association Vice President; Manoja Reddy, graduate student; Kate East, AMR Architects Partner; Col. Nathaniel Todd (ret.), member of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees used gold shovels to break ground ceremonially.
UAPB students played a big role in the creation of the new Student Engagement Center.
Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander recognized the students and student leaders who were present, saying “In 2017, [students passed] a referendum to charge themselves a fee, which was later approved by the Board of Trustees. I would like to recognize them for the significant role that they played in making this vision a reality.”
While wearing a t-shirt that students designed to campaign for the referendum, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Elbert Bennett said, “Today, we honor the promises made to students over the past decade – to provide a brand-new facility that will advance a sense of belonging and strengthen the institution by embracing the unique diversity of our UAPB community.”
Upon completion, the Student Engagement Center will house the following:
Student Success Center
Career Services
International Programs
Graduate and professional school preparation
Student Health Services and Counseling Center
Open-use multipurpose and conference rooms
Two food vendor areas with seating
Wellness Center with an indoor walking/running track
4-lane bowling alley
Recreation area with pool tables, ping pong, and gaming tables
1,200-seat theater
Open seating for studying and gathering
Lobby rendering
The Student Engagement Center will also provide outreach service to the Arkansas Delta Region through sponsorship of community health fairs and other events to promote awareness of public health issues.
“This Center addresses a critical need for the university and the surrounding community by consolidating community health information with comprehensive health and wellness services for students,”
– Chancellor of UAPB, Dr. LaurenceB. Alexander
The creation of the Student Engagement Center is just one of many rehabilitation projects happening around UAPB’S campus. The university is also making major upgrades to the interior of the L.A. Davis Student Union, renovating Larson Hall for faculty research and extension work throughout the state of Arkansas, and constructing a new residence hall.
“We hope students will view the New Student Engagement Center as a symbol of perseverance,” Vice Chancellor Bennett said. “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Persistence and determination alone are unstoppable. Students should remain unstoppable in their efforts to create a better UAPB for future Golden Lions.”
Hampton University has entered into a collaborative partnership with Yale University, which has created a new scholarship program called the Pennington Fellowship.
Hampton University has entered into a collaborative partnership with Yale University, which has created a new scholarship program called the Pennington Fellowship.
The Pennington Fellowship will support New Haven public school students who choose to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
According to the university, the Pennington Fellowship will support 10 to 12 students in each college-bound cohort for four years, with each student receiving up to $20,000 toward tuition and fees per year. When fully implemented, 40 to 50 students will receive Pennington scholarships at any given time.
“We are grateful for Yale’s collaboration with Hampton University in creating new educational pathways for students of historically disenfranchised communities,” said Darrell K. Williams, Hampton University President.
“The Pennington Fellowship opens doors for high-caliber students from New Haven, Connecticut to obtain a world-class education here at ‘Our Home by the Sea’ or at another partner HBCU.”
In addition to Hampton University, the Pennington Fellowship is established with Morehouse College, Morgan State University, and Spelman College. Yale plans to add to the number of institutions as more partnerships are established.
Applicants for the scholarships must be seniors at a New Haven public high school, submit an essay, provide a letter of recommendation, and have participated in at least 40 hours of community service. Fellowship applications are currently being accepted; the first group of Pennington Fellows will begin college in the fall of 2023.
The federal government has awarded Lincoln University of Missouri a $2.9 million grant for student laptops and classroom upgrades next year.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that Lincoln is set to receive $2,980,070 from its Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program, which distributes funds to colleges and universities to expand internet access.
The NTIA grant covers two years and the upgrades should be noticeable around campus next fall semester, according to Lincoln University President John Moseley.
Moseley said the grant money has released the university from choosing between student resources and campus renovation.
“It’s a win-win,” Moseley told the News Tribune. “For us, it’s a significant boost to what it is that we’re providing in the student experience.”
Moseley said the grant money should be enough to provide each of Lincoln’s 1,236 full-time students with a laptop and add new technology to more than 40 classrooms. This will allow for hybrid or distant learning, he said.
Moseley said that students will also have the opportunity to check out internet hotspots as needed.
According to the project description from NTIA, the university will use the funds to subsidize internet service and equipment for eligible low-income students, hire a full-time student technology coordinator and extend technology support services to evenings and weekends.
News Tribune reports the new staff member will be responsible for managing the distribution and maintenance of student laptops and hotspots.
Moseley said the university can now consider E-books for course materials in some classes, which could reduce costs for students.
“We look forward to evaluating the success of it,” Moseley said. “If there is a noticeable increase in student performance, it puts even greater emphasis on ensuring that opportunities like this exist beyond the two-year mark.”
Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed has agreed in principle to take over the Bethune-Cookman football program as head coach, the school announced Tuesday.
Reed is widely regarded as one of the best safeties in the league during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. He led the NFL in interceptions three times, won defensive player of the year in 2004, and won a Super Bowl with the Ravens.
His coaching experience consists of spending the past three seasons in a support staff role at his alma mater, Miami, most recently as a senior football adviser. Before his time on the Miami staff, Reed was an assistant defensive backs coach with the Buffalo Bills in 2016.
Bethune-Cookman’s hiring of Reed follows the trend of well-known former NFL players committing to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Reed’s new appointment follows in the footsteps of Deion Sanders at Jackson State and Eddie George at Tennessee State. According to HBCU Legends, Jackson State offered Reed the head coach position, but he decided not to accept.
Reed replaces Terry Sims, who was let go in November after seven seasons.
The Wildcats did not play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, moved to the SWAC for 2021, and went 2-9 in 2022 and 2-6 in SWAC competition.
Bethune-Cookman is expected to release more information soon.
Virginia State University alum Alisha Sellers, professionally known as China Lovelace, and Jackson State University alum, La’Janee have been tapped to host a new Shade Room spin-off radio-based show, The Shade Room Live Radio on Amp.
China says The Shade Room Live Radio is focused on discussing current events, hot takes, and even a little celebrity tea, “but we aren’t focused on drama,” she noted.
The 1-hour format show has a weekly round-up of celebrity guests and has featured rapper and reality star Akbar V and Saucy Santana so far. The Roommates get to call in, ask questions to the celebrity guests and play games alongside China, La’Janee, and their co-host, actor Khleo Thomas.
China says her time at VSU has helped prepare her for her career today.
“VSU changed my life in ways that I can’t explain. Working in radio will always be my first love, as it was my first introduction to the entertainment industry. Without the skill set that I learned at VSU’s radio station, WVST, and the time spent at VSU, I wouldn’t be where I am in my career today,” said China.
She hopes that hosting The Shade Room Live Radio will open more doors and opportunities for her to host events, do more correspondent work, and even have her own radio show one day.
For any HBCU student or graduate aspiring to work in media and entertainment, China encourages them to keep pursuing their goals.
“Start now! With all the access to social media, create your own lane and platform now. Even when the road is long, and it feels like success is not happening, keep going. Always bet on yourself and know everything will work together in God’s timing!”
Listen to The Shade Room Live Radio on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST by downloading the Amp mobile application.
Tis’ the season for curling up under a warm blanket, sipping hot chocolate, and of course watching your favorite holiday movie. Whatever your Christmas traditions are, putting on a cozy Christmas movie is a must! Whether it’s a romcom, a comedy, or a family film, Christmas movies bring the whole family together and can instantly put you in the holiday spirit.
For this list, we’re counting down some of the best Black Christmas movies to watch this holiday season. There are countless Christmas classics, but far too often Black holiday films get left out of the conversation. Some of the Christmas movies that people regard as the “greats,” either feature black people as side characters or not at all. While movies like Elf, Home Alone,or The Holiday, are good movies, they don’t do much black representation. Black Christmas movies are great because they are some of the few movies that display black joy on screen.
What the world needs is more joy and so our gift to you this holiday season is our list of 12 Must-See Black Christmas Movies! Everything from the classics to newcomers, to laugh-out-loud comedies, to heartwarming favorites, your Christmas watch-a-thon is complete with this list. Get to watching and Merry Christmas from HBCU Buzz!
This star-studded film follows the Whitfield family as they come together for Christmas for the first time in four years. Six siblings carry secrets with them that threaten to ruin the holiday as they reunite at their mother’s house. To get through the holiday they must put aside their differences and learn the true meaning of family. Led by Loretta Devine as the matriarch of the Whitfield family, this movie features an all-star cast, including, Chris Brown, Idris Elba, Lauren London, Regina King, Columbus Short, Mekhi Phifer, and Sharon Leal.
In the third installment of the beloved Friday series, Craig and Day-Day take on Christmas in Compton. After “ “Ghetto Santa Claus” breaks into their apartment on the morning of Christmas Eve, they are forced to get jobs as mall security guards in order to pay their rent and not get evicted. As expected, hilarity ensues as Craig and Day-Day experience another crazy Friday.
This Christmas classic features Denzel Washington as an angel sent to help a struggling reverend remember what’s important in life. Played by Courtney B. Vance, Henry Biggs is a pastor overwhelmed with the problems of his church and prays for divine guidance, which is where Denzel Wahington’s character comes in. In walks Dudley, an angel sent to help Henry yet ends up falling for his wife, Julia, whose played by the incomparable Whitney Houston. Dudley’s presence begins to threaten Henry’s marriage, causing him to begin to remember what is truly important.
Queen Latifah stars in this feel-good holiday film about living life to the fullest. It follows a shy saleswoman who upon learning she has three weeks to live, takes out all of her life savings and lives it up in Europe. She lets go of all her inhibitions and comes to the attention of the chef and the hotel’s powerful American guests: a Congressman, a Senator, a retail magnate, and his mistress. She has nothing to lose, so she tells them what she thinks. L.L. Cool J also stars as her long-time crush in this must-see Christmas movie.
This Christmas comedy follows the dysfunctional Meyer family as they gather together for the first Christmas since the passing of their matriarch. The film stars Danny Glover as a retired mechanic who invites his grown children home for Christmas, with the hope that they get along. Guaranteeing laughs and maybe a couple of tears, Almost Christmas is the perfect holiday film and features an impressive cast including, Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Mo’Nique, Kimberly Elise, Romany Malco, J.B. Smoove, Nicole Ari Parker, and Omar Epps.
This sequel to 1999’s The Best Man, takes place fourteen years after the events of the first film. The cast reunites over the Christmas holiday and though much has changed in their lives, the friends discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and passionate romances to be reignited. Much like the first movie, you’ll laugh and you’ll cry and be left feeling thankful for the friends and family within your life.
This musical fantasy film starring Phylicia Rashad and Forest Whitaker became an instant Christmas classic when released on Netflix in 2020. It tells the story of a formerly successful toy maker finding joy again decades after his apprentice betrays him. With his imaginative granddaughter by his side, he finds new hope. This movie is fun for the whole family and features music by Grammy award-winning artist John Legend.
This 2007 comedy stars Gabrielle Union as a lonely divorced mother of three during the holidays. When her daughter asks a department store Santa, played by Morris Chesnut, to grant her mother’s wish of a perfect holiday, he works to fulfill that wish. This movie also features the talents of Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Charlie Murphy, Katt Williams, and Faizon Love
Romany Malco plays a widowed radio DJ who loses his job just before Christmas. As he and his four spoiled kids downsize and move in with his aunt, they begin to realize there are more important things to life than materialistic things.
In this Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner-like story, Madea accompanies her niece to a small country town to surprise her daughter for Christmas. As the small, rural town prepares for its annual Christmas Carnival, new secrets are revealed and old relationships are tested while Madea dishes her special brand of holiday spirit to all.
Kelly Rowland returns as Jacquie in the third installment of Lifetime’s Liddle Christmas film series. A year after their holiday wedding, Jacquie and Tyler prepare for the arrival of their first baby, while her sister Treena and her husband Julian are thinking about adoption.
This updated version of the popular Langston Hughes play follows Baltimore teen, Langston as he journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives. But in the face of their strict rules, he is determined to return back home. Langston embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey as discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family. This holiday musical drama stars Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Tyrese Gibson, Jacob Latimore, and Mary J. Blige.
A team of students from Tuskegee University’s Department of Architecture won first place in the National Organization of Minority Architects Student Competition (NOMA) held in Nashville, Tennessee.
The team made history as the first HBCU to win the competition as they competed against nearly 30 NOMAS chapters.
Journi Goodman was awarded the 2022 National NOMAS Student of the year for her work as an undergraduate student at Tuskegee University.
First row Vicki Carter (assistant professor), Carla Jackson Bell (TSACS Dean), President Charlotte P. Morris, Amma Asamoah (assistant professor), and Kwesi Daniels (department head of architecture). Trenton Scott and Chance Huff (not pictured), who were the primary presenters at the conference. Second row from left to right Jounri Goodman (winner of the 2022 National Student of the Year Award); Satchel Sandifer, Trenton Scott, Rikeya Wallace, Andrea Mejia. Third row from left to right, Nilreigh Johnson, Marco Aubin, Tyler Littles, Lawrence Thompson, India Scott, Jalen Carlyle, Fourth row Elijah Cintron, and Kvaughn Dildy.
NOMA is an organization with the mission to empower its local chapters and membership to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development, and design excellence. They are seeking to be an effective source of motivation and inspiration for minority youth to minimize the effect of racism in the architectural profession.
At this year’s Nashville Unplugged Conference, The 2022 NOMA Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition was focused on a project that addresses the gentrification and displacement of North Nashville community members as the result of the Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System in the 1960s. The idea for the competition was to specifically show how design and architectural strategies can rebuild a community. Designed to stimulate an actual planning and development scenario, students were asked to envision a complex that serves as a cultural center to preserve the history of North Nashville and a new bridge to serve as a landmark and monument for the community.
Tuskegee earned First Place with their Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition entry “Selah”
“The winning proposal, “SELAH,” is a prime example of how Tuskegee architects preserve the culture and history of underrepresented populations in the built environment, said Amma Asamoah, assistant professor of architecture and faculty advisor at Tuskegee. “Our students’ design solution spoke to the values and future of the North Nashville community while amplifying African American culture,” she added.
“Their creative process was intentional.” “They understood the assignment and worked tirelessly through the various iterations before the final SELAH was conceived,” said Vicki Carter, Tuskegee assistant professor, and 5th-year studio faculty.
“It was a proud moment for us and a challenge to uphold for the students that will follow in their footsteps.”
– Tuskegee Assistant Professor, Vicki Carter on the Department of Architecture’s victory at the NOMA Competion
The Tuskegee students have been competing in the NOMA student competition longer than any other HBCU. The following student competition will be in Portland, Oregon, in 2023.
Tuskegee professor and dean of the School of Architecture and Science and Management (TSACS), Dr. Carla Jackson Bell described the university’s architecture students as “phenomenal.”
“The Tuskegee students won third place in 2015 and second place in 2020, so they are eager to win first place this year. I want to thank our top donors Corgan, Deck Group, Gensler, HOK, Moody Nolan, and Studio Libeskind, for the endless support, making this the second historical recognition of our school memorable this year” Bell said.
South Carolina State University is closer to achieving their goal of getting more Black male teachers in the classroom thanks to a $90,000 grant donated toward their Call Me MiSTER program.
The Call Me MiSTER program was launched in 2000 to address the significant shortage of Black male educators and to prepare and place them as teachers and role models in elementary schools. The program provides tuition assistance, academic help, an ecosystem of social support, and job placement opportunities.
School officials says the 90K grant will help them increase efforts to recruit and train black male teachers.
CREDIT: ABC COLUMBIA
SC State received the donation from the Leveraging Innovation for Educator Excellence (Life2), a program dedicated to improving teacher efficacy.
Program Director for Life2, Dr. Thelma Sojouner expressed the importance of having Black male representation in the classroom.
“There is a tremendous need for children to see young men coming in and working in the schools,” Sojourner told ABC Columbia.
“Thank you for what you’re doing here. I’m excited for what we are going to be able to do for you at South Carolina State,” she added.
CREDIT: ABC COLUMBIA
Dr. Rashad Anderson, an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at SC State and campus director for the university’s Call Me MiSTER program has been active with the initiative since 2017.
He described the program as a revolutionary and life-changing experience.
“We are one of the top HBCUs in the country that educates African American male teachers,”…“and I am truly honored to work with some of the most brilliant, creative future Black male educators who are so powerful that one MiSTER can transform an entire school’s culture.”
– Dr. Rashad Anderson, SC State Associate Professor of Teacher Education and Campus Director for the Call Me MiSTER program.
According to ABC Columbia, Dr. Anderson says the program is in part, an extension of what SC State was founded on back in 1869. A place where people of color could attend school, but also a location where black educators can learn how to hone in on their craft.
After winning 111-95 against the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night, the Phoenix Suns point guard flew to North Carolina to walk across the stage to accept his bachelor’s degree.
Paul received his bachelor’s degree in communications after enrolling in WSSU in 2020. He initially began pursuing his degree at Wake Forest in 2003 but left the school in 2005 to join the NBA.
Along with his accomplishment, Paul will give each fellow graduate $2,500.
According to NBA reporter Marc J. Spears, the graduates are getting the money through a Greenwood account in which Paul will deposit $100 in each account and cover the $200 per month membership for an entire year, which equals out to a total value of $2,500 per graduate.
Greenwood is a Black-owned banking system aimed to help Black and brown communities build generational wealth.
“Man it’s cool, I’m excited, Long time coming,” Paul told The Arizona Republic after the Suns’ victory on Thursday night during the post-game press conference.
“To be able to go back home and do that with my family is something that snuck up kinda quick but I’m probably most excited that I get to spend the next 10 days with my wife and my kids.”
After beating the Clippers in LA last night, Suns guard Chris Paul is getting ready to graduate from Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina this morning. @andscapepic.twitter.com/pjQpzFg1w0
Paul’s donation is a portion of his advocacy for HBCUs.
In 2020, he created an internship pipeline at North Carolina A&T through the Chris Paul Family Foundation. He also produced a docuseries that focused on the lack of resources that athletic departments at HBCUs have to deal with.
“I speak about it every now and then when I get a chance, but I think HBCUs are so important for trying to make sure that we level the playing field,” Paul told the Arizona Republic last month. “Make sure that they’re provided with the same opportunities that a lot of these other schools are blessed with, and the guys are just as talented, if not more talented, they just need the platform. They need people to see them, to believe in them.”
According to SB Nation, Paul’s second annual Boost Mobile Chris Paul HBCU Challenge will take place in Las Vegas as four HBCUs — Hampton University, North Carolina A&T, Texas Southern, and Norfolk State will participate in Vegas MGM Grand over the upcoming weekend.
