A Kentucky State University graduate is now the youngest black mayor representing any city in Illinois ever! Learn more about Darren E. Bryant and his journey through the mayor’s race in a Black Enterprise article from Charlene Rhinehart below.
Credit: Twitter
Darren E. Bryant takes office after an election victory against Mayor Tyrone Ward in April, becoming the youngest Black mayor in Illinois history. After receiving 52% of the votes, the 29-year-old will take the seat as the Mayor of the Village of Robbins in Illinois.
I would like to thank God for this moment,” Bryant told the Chicago Defender, one of the oldest Black newspapers in existence. “It feels good, but it’s a part of me and my DNA being from Robbins. Robbins has a history of African American pioneers, and once being a center of black culture in Illinois is astonishing. This is the people’s victory more so than mine, and it feels amazing to get it done for the people.”
How Bryant Became the Youngest Black Mayor in Illinois
Bryant has been actively involved in public service since he was a child. He says that both of his parents were elected officials, giving him exposure to local elections at an early age.
Bryant kicked off his political ambitions while at Kentucky State University. He served as Junior Class President for the Student Government Association. After graduation, Bryant returned to Robbins to serve as Commissioner and Vice President at Robbins Park District. At the age of 25, he was elected as Village Trustee of Robbins.
Now, Bryant will be the youngest Black mayor in Illinois. Incorporated in 1917, Robbins is one of the oldest Black communities in the United States.
April 27th. The Election has now been officially certified with the County of Cook and the State of Illinois…. Mayor of the Village of Robbins The youngest African American Mayor ever seated in the State of Illinois Darren E. Bryant pic.twitter.com/f13GG6KmQX
Although Robbins has a rich history, the village has suffered from economic disparities that have crippled community advancement. According to Chicago Magazine, the city has seen unemployment rates around 30% and median household incomes less than $25,000.
Bryant has devised an economic development plan to address these challenges. He plans to focus on the following five areas:
Commercial/Industrial Development
Residential Development
Financial Development
Educational Development
Job Training and Creation
“We must build our citizens,” Bryant told the Chicago Defender. “I call it the Big 3. We have a 38% poverty rate, 41% non-homeownership, and 15% higher education rate, and that is a problem. What I plan to do is move the municipality as an investment machine that will empower people through residential development, job training, and creation. We don’t have a business district in our community to offer amenities to our taxpayers. We have to keep the dollar within the community to regurgitate and build a strong community.”
Savannah State University has moved to officially lock in its president with a familiar face. Find out who she is and why SSU believes she’s a perfect fit in the story from Barbara Augsdorfer at Savannah Morning News below!
Credit: Savannah State University
Savannah State University has promoted interim president Kimberly Ballard-Washington to the permanent position, the University System of Georgia announced Thursday.
Ballard-Washington is the sole finalist for the position she inherited after taking over for president Cheryl Dozier upon her retirement in 2019. The Board of Regents will take action on Ballard-Washington’s appointment as early as next week’s board meeting.
“Savannah State’s 130-year history could not be better served than with a candidate of Ms. Ballard-Washington’s leadership and determination to honor its legacy while helping students successfully complete their degrees in the 21st century,” said USG chancellor, Steve Wrigley in a statement Thursday. “Kimberly has invaluable experience gained from working at a number of public universities across the state, and understands the important role Savannah State plays as the oldest public HBCU in Georgia. She truly and deeply cares for SSU, its students and its mission.”
Ballard-Washington comes into the position having practiced law for 20 years and served as associate vice chancellor for legal affairs at USG. She has worked in legal affairs at the University of Georgia and was president for legal affairs and director of Equal Opportunity Programs at Valdosta State University.
Her experience at Historically Black Colleges and Universities also includes interim leadership at Fort Valley State and Albany State.
(Gatehouse Content)
“Finding excellent candidates to become president of any institution is an awesome responsibility, and Savannah State’s campus-based Presidential Search and Screen Committee worked tirelessly on behalf of the university’s stakeholders and the Board of Regents,” Regent Don Waters, chair of the Regents Special Committee which also helped with the search, said in a statement released by the USG. “While a number of outstanding candidates were considered, ultimately there is no match for Ms. Ballard-Washington’s passion for SSU, as well as her knowledge and understanding of the campus, its needs and the considerable opportunities it offers both Georgia and its students.”
Ballard-Washington is a Georgia native and graduate of UGA. She earned her juris doctorate from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
“I have long admired and now love Savannah State University,” Ballard-Washington said through the USG. “For almost two years, I have had the privilege of leading one of the most historic and influential institutions in our state on a temporary basis. I am honored to now have the opportunity to continue to lead the University into the next phase of its future.”
Everyone can benefit from participating in a team sport during their time at college. The benefits of playing sport while attending college are hard to underestimate. It doesn’t matter if you don’t regard yourself as a particularly sporty person. It doesn’t even matter if you have never played team sports before. When you finally reach college, you have a lot of hard work ahead of you. One of the best ways to counterbalance all that stress is is to participate in a team sport.
Doug Williams started his career at college and went on to become the first quarterback to lead his team to a win in the Super Bowl. Earl Monroe is a Philadelphia Basketball legend who again started his career in the College Division championship. Aeneas Williams didn’t play football at South University until his junior year. In 2014, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Basketball
While Basketball may not be all that popular in some of the world’s largest sports markets – the UK doesn’t seem to have much interest in the sport, for example – it is, in fact, one of the most popular sports in the world. Australia and Canada have hugely popular Basketball leagues. Surprisingly the sport is also tremendously popular in Iraq too!
As student sports go, Basketball is without a doubt the most popular choice in the United States. Make your school’s Basketball team, and you can guarantee the support of everyone at your college, who will be sure to watch your games on TV! College Basketball has generated a considerable number of legendary athletes over the years, especially thanks to the NCAA which organize a Championship each year, where all the US colleges with a basketball team could participate. This year NCAAB Championship has more than 120 participants, who are trying to make the Final Four. The race seems close if we take a look at the Unibet Sports Indiana website.
Sam Jones, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Willis Reed, Ben Wallis, and Charles Oakley are just a few of the names that you may well know, even if you have little interest in Basketball.
American Football
Football is hugely popular across the United States, and the NFL is making a great effort to spread the sport across the globe. They are doing this by holding exhibition games in some of the world’s largest sporting venues. One example would be the annual exhibition game at London’s Wembley Arena, which attracts a packed-out stadium every year.
Did you know that Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, and South Africa also have American Football leagues? If you are the sporting type, this is probably the game to try. It’s a great honor to play for any college football team. You won’t be receiving the kind of significant league wages that a professional player would, but you will benefit in so many other ways it more than makes up for it.
If you turn out to be a great player, a sports scholarship may well be offered to you at some point during your time at college. The best college teams are featured on TV just like professional teams are. Being a great American Football player will make you a hero in your college town, with all the apparent benefits that can bring.
Baseball
Another traditional US sport, and one that is regarded by some as being the best sport on Earth. Whole articles have been written about why Baseball is superior, more exciting, more entertaining, and just generally a better game.
While college Baseball doesn’t have quite the same following as college Football or Basketball, it’s a great deal of fun to play and excellent exercise, too. Playing any sport at college enables you to develop skills that you will undoubtedly find helpful once you enter the world of work.
Soccer
Traditional association football does have something of a reputation as being a girls or children’s sport in the USA, but this is changing as Major League Soccer finds its place in the hearts and minds of Americans. Some people find the rules confusing, but in truth, the mythical “offside” rule can be explained quickly enough in ten minutes, and the rest of the game is simple enough for a child to pick up and understand in an afternoon.
A Short Conclusion
Playing sports in college will teach you teamwork skills, discipline, time management, responsibility, concentration, interpersonal communication, and in some cases, even some degree of leadership skills. You may well find that you enjoy your college sport more than your degree itself! You never know until you try, so give it a go today.
Curtis Lawrence, a 16-year old boy from Washington, DC that has already graduated high school, has been accepted to 14 colleges including Yale and Harvard. However, he wants to attend an HBCU and has already decided to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Now, although he has received more than $1.6 million in scholarships to attend some of the most prestigious universities in the country like Harvard, Yale, and George Washington University, he has decided that he wants to have the HBCU experience at FAMU. Even more he has already decided to double major in biology and computer science.
“First I started thinking about what schools had good biology programs,” Lawrence told FOX 5 DC. “Then I started looking specifically at HBCUs because I wanted the HBCU experience and to be surrounded by the people who are just like me and who are not only Black but academically talented.”
His mother Malene said they have been supporting Lawrence in his plans and college preparations since he was in 7th grade.
“We’ve taught them from an early age that education is key to opening up the opportunities and having access to things that they want to life,” his father Curtis said.
For any college student, having a smartphone can be useful for a number of reasons. Not only can you check your classes and send emails on the go, but you can also keep yourself entertained between study sessions. Mobile gaming is becoming more and more popular every day but some of the more advanced games require a good smartphone to run the software.
We have gathered some information on the best smartphones for gamers in 2021. Read on if you are hoping to upgrade your smartphone and enjoy some mobile games this year.
Asus ROG Phone 5
When you are looking for a new smartphone, Asus might not be the first brand that you think of, but this device is actually very good for mobile gaming. According to the experts, it has a remarkable performance and a great display. The screen size is 6.78” and the CPU is a Snapdragon 888. When you consider the speakers that come along with this device, you’ll enjoy your games the way that they were supposed to be played.
Nubia Red Magic 5G
Another contender for the best smartphone for gaming is the Nubia Red Magic 5G. This device has a 6.65” screen and runs on the Snapdragon 865 CPU. Some of the notable features that gamers might be interested in include the 144Hc display that allows you to see your games properly. Additionally, there are shoulder triggers that are very handy. Overall, this newly released smartphone would make the perfect device for a gamer who enjoys checking out the latest esports.
Lenovo Legion Phone Duel
Released back in October 2020, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel runs on a Snapdragon 865 Plus CPU and offers lots of processing power. This means that you can easily load up your favourite video or casino gamesand start playing in a matter of seconds. It is also worth noting that this option offers super-fast charging, so you don’t need to wait around to start playing again. If you are looking for a high-priced model, this might be one to consider.
Black Shark 3
One of the more affordable models on our list is the Black Shark 3. This smartphone was recently released, and it runs on the Android 10 platform. The CPU is a Snapdragon 865 which is pretty standard, and the screen is 6.67”. Interestingly, the cameras on this device are quite impressive which is useful for those looking for a smartphone that offers a range of purposes. You might want to consider the fact that the refresh rate is behind the competition on this model.
Razer Phone 2
Finally, we believe that the Razer Phone 3 is one of the best gaming smartphones available to purchase in 2021. While this model was actually released back in 2018. It has proven itself time and time again with its top-line specs. The Snapdragon 845 CPU and the 5.72” display make for a great gaming experience on this device. You’ll find that the backside logo also makes this smartphone stand out as it glows in a range of hues which is perfect for gamers.
Check These Out
If you are a college student looking for a smartphone that offers more than the typical Apple or Android device, we recommend checking out these models. You’ll find some larger screens and great processing power that can help you to get your favourite games up and running in no time at all. Check on features like the price and read some more reviews to help you come to the right conclusion at the end.
HBCUs like Bowie State University are finding new ways for their students to expand their education outside the walls of their institution. A new agreement is allowing psychology graduate students to not only inch closer to completing their degree, but ensure they have the necessary education on issues like mental health. Learn all about it in the new release from BSU below.
(Credit: Bowie State University)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP), a leading non-profit graduate and undergraduate institution devoted to psychology and related behavioral and health sciences, and Bowie State University (BSU), a top comprehensive university and one of the nation’s oldest historically Black colleges and universities, have signed an articulation agreement providing a new path to graduate school for BSU psychology students.
“This agreement opens doors to exciting new opportunities for our students who wish to pursue career positions that have become integral to our nation’s health care system,” said Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux. “We are excited to see what our graduates accomplish in collaboration with TCSPP as they enter an increasingly diverse – and competitive – workforce and become pillars of their communities.”
The agreement enables active Bowie State psychology undergraduate students to take graduate-level courses at the TCSPP Washington, DC campus, while completing their bachelor’s degree at BSU. The courses will count toward their BSU bachelor’s degree and their eventual graduate degree from The Chicago School. The articulation agreement between the institutions takes effect in time for the enrollment during the fall 2021 term at The Chicago School.
“I’m thrilled to be forging this partnership with Bowie State University,” said The Chicago School President Michele Nealon. “Working together, we can graduate generations of diverse professionals who can fundamentally improve the health and wellbeing of communities across the country.”
Active Bowie State student is defined as a student who has been identified as maintaining an active enrollment status under the 2021-2022 catalog requirements, as determined by BSU. Bowie State University students who are in good academic standing are eligible for admission to The Chicago School’s DC campus, and must earn the BSU degree within a year of conditional admission to The Chicago School. Students are also eligible for a one-time scholarship.
(Credit: HLW)
“We are excited about the unique opportunity that The Chicago School of Professional Psychology partnership affords our Bowie State University undergraduates in advancing their education and preparing them for success in the psychology profession,” said Dr. Cheryl Blackman, interim dean of Bowie State’s College of Professional Studies. “We look forward to the development of this partnership that will enable our students to realize their dreams of becoming licensed professionals and working with underserved communities.”
“The agreement between Bowie State University and our institution is a significant milestone,” said Dr. Paula Danquah-Brobby, chair of The Chicago School’s Applied Behavioral Analysis Department. “It will afford undergraduate students belonging to historically disenfranchised groups the opportunity to jump start their graduate school education and access careers in psychology and behavior health.”
These days, video games are so advanced that you can feel as though you are immersing yourself in another world when you play. When you consider the invention of technology like VR, you can see why anyone would prefer to play newer games rather than the classic games that had quite basic gameplay. However, there are tons of people out there, including millennials, who enjoy playing classic games for that nostalgic feeling. Read on to find out why these games are still so popular.
That Nostalgic Feeling
First things first, you should note that classic video games can help to offer gamers that nostalgic feeling. While millennials might not have been around when many of these video games were first invented and released, they can tell that they are older games when they play them. They might have even grown up with older siblings playing the games or their parents enjoying them. Many of us enjoy going back to our childhoods and trying out what we did when we were younger. Video games can evoke this feeling, even for adults. There is something special about a nostalgic feeling, especially with older cabinet games.
They Aren’t Always Basic
Classic video games don’t have to be simple, in fact, there are tens of thousands of games out there that were made years ago and are still impressive now. Not only that but you’ll find thatthere are newer games that are created to mimic the classic design. For example, if you were to play a game at an online casino like Mega Joker, you’d probably feel as if you had been transported back in time to when slots were first invented thanks to the fruit machine design. These games are fun to play and involve a lot of moving parts that create an enjoyable experience.
Connecting With the Older Generation
Another reason why millennials like to try their hand at some classic games is the fact that it helps them to connect with the older generation. The kinds of games that are created these days for the big gaming consoles are much more complex and feature a different kind of style than classic games. By playing some of the older games, millennials can connect with their parents and try playing the games that they enjoyed growing up. This is something that also happens with older music as younger generations start listening to artists like The Beatles or Fleetwood Mac.
Huge Range Of Games
Finally, classic video games are so popular with the younger generation because there are just so many to play. Yes, there are always new games being created but the catalogue of games that were created 20 years ago is huge. This kind of choice allows gamers to find something that they enjoy playing, without having to try the next big release. Additionally, these games are often more affordable as they have been around for longer. So, there are tons of options to choose from.
Classic Games Aren’t Going Anywhere
As you can see, there are so many reasons why a millennial might want to try a classic video game over a new release. The truth is that the nostalgic feeling is hard to recreate but video games make it possible. Games developers are noticing the popularity of classic games and are banking on this by re-releasing them and updating older versions. We expect classic games to remain popular with both the older and younger generations for years to come. It is clear that these kinds of arcade games are not going anywhere.
In what she is calling a “very difficult decision,” Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has shared her decision to not seek reelection. Although Atlanta has seen an uptick in crime, the Spelman alumna’s move is puzzling for many who believed the well-known community figure would come back for more. Read about what she had to say about her decision in a piece from Wilborn P. Nobles III and J. D. Capelouto at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
(Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she had been thinking about not running for reelection as early as her first year in office, though she couldn’t point to a specific moment or reason that led her to bow out of the race.
In her first public appearance since announcing her decision to supporters Thursday night, Bottoms said her decision was guided by faith.
“In the same way that it was very clear to me almost five years ago that I should run for mayor of Atlanta, it is abundantly clear to me today that it is time to pass the baton on to someone else,” Bottoms said at an emotional news conference at City Hall.
She added that “the last three years have not been at all what I would have scripted for our city,” referencing a crippling cyber attack, a widening federal corruption investigation into the previous administration, the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest last year.
Bottoms said she doesn’t know what’s next for her; she denied rumors that she or her husband Derek have taken jobs for Walgreens out of state.
“I can’t get Derek to move two miles off Cascade Road,” she said.
(Dustin Chambers)
Bottoms, who was seen as a strong incumbent candidate despite a spike in violent crime, told friends and supporters Thursday evening she won’t seek a second term. She released a video and statement online a few hours later elaborating on her decision and reflecting on her time in office.
“This is not something I woke up and decided yesterday,” Bottoms said Friday. “This is something I’ve been thinking about for a very long time.”
The move is a shocking reversal for Bottoms, a mayor with a rising national profile who had launched her reelection campaign and held a fundraising event featuring President Joe Biden. The decision creates a wide-open mayor’s race this year, and is likely to open the door for a slew of new candidates.
Bottoms said she does not have a chosen successor, but may weigh in on the race later this year.
City Council President Felicia Moore and Dentons attorney Sharon Gay launched campaigns for mayor earlier this year, and Councilman Antonio Brown could also run.
Bottoms, who served on the City Council for eight years, was elected in 2017 in a razor-thin runoff against Mary Norwood.
The Miami Dolphins today announced that they have signed tight end Jibri Blount. Jibri Blount didn’t play a down of college football, but he’s signed to play as a tight end. Blount is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Blount, Southern University Alum. He announced the signing on social media: “Plot twist. I’m in the NFL. Thank you Miami Dolphins for the opportunity, super excited to get to work.”
Blount was a basketball player at North Carolina Central University where he earned MEAC Player of the Year honors as a senior in 2019-20. Blount started 31 games that season, leading the conference in minutes per game (36.8) and steals per game (2.2). He was third in the MEAC in scoring (19.2 points per game), third in rebounding (9.5) and fifth in field goal percentage (52.5).
Jibri’s older brother, Akil, also got his chance with the Dolphins as a free agent after playing linebacker at Florida A&M. The youngest brother, Khalid, plays on the North Carolina Central football team.
Jibri began his basketball career at Cleveland State before transferring to NCC. He averaged 19.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game in his final season of college ball.
It’s official. Florida A&M University (FAMU) is the fall destination for highly recruited scholar Curtis Lawrence III. The 16-year-old Washington, D.C., graduating senior announced in a video on social media his eagerly awaited decision to enroll as part of the FAMU Class of 2025.
Lawrence, who graduates with a high school diploma and an associate degree and will enter FAMU as a rising junior, has been offered more than $1.6 million in scholarships. He had also been accepted to Harvard University, Howard University, Hampton University, George Washington University (GWU), Morehouse Colleg, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Chicago, and Yale University.
“I started off thinking about what schools had good biology programs. I started off looking at HBCUs because I wanted to have the HBCU experience to be surrounded by the people, who are just like me, not only Black but academically talented,” Lawrence, who at age 14 began taking classes at GWU, says in the social media video. “In the fall, I will be double-majoring in biology and computer science and taking my talents to Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.”
Immediately after his announcement, a small group of orange and green-clad cheering family and friends appeared behind Lawrence.
“This has been a really long process that started in the seventh grade thinking about college prep,” says his mom, Malene Lawrence, who explained that the family researched the top schools in paleontology that offer Ph.D. programs. “His goal is to earn a Ph.D., so we helped him plan backward.”
The competition is stiff among universities to recruit top young scholars. Dedra O’Neal, director of the FAMU Scholarship Program, has conducted Zoom calls with alumni scholars and prospective students since last fall. The recruitment effort deploys alumni based in places such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Zambia, the Caribbean, France, and across the U.S. to discuss the FAMU scholar experience with top prospective students.
Speaking the Orange Blossom Classic press conference Wednesday, FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., lauded Vice President for Student Affairs William E. Hudson Jr., Ph.D., for his role in successfully recruiting Lawrence. Hudson visited Lawrence’s Washington, D.C., high school, School Without Walls at George Washington University, last fall and visits whenever he is in the Washington area. One of the assistant principals at the school is a FAMU alum. Lawrence is one of at least four School Without Wall seniors who plan to enroll at FAMU this fall.
“FAMU is very fortunate to have students of the caliber of Curtis Lawrence III confirming attendance. We always seek the best and brightest talent globally and he fits the mold of the distinguished FAMU alumni. We pride ourselves in producing successful students who meet the global workforce needs,” Hudson said. “I am actively engaging with Corey Lawrence to follow in his brother’s footsteps. I look forward to welcoming the Lawrence family to the Rattler FAMUly.”
This fall represents a return to full in person instruction following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Applications are up compared to 2020 and the academic profile of admitted students has also increased, Hudson said. Having a student like Lawrence enroll at FAMU makes a big difference and sends a strong message about FAMU’s intense focus “on student success, academic programs, faculty engagement and research opportunities,” Hudson added.
“Students realize the impact FAMU graduates have on the global economy and want to contribute to that legacy,” he said. “Our alumni, faculty, current students, and supporters actively recruit students, and we sincerely appreciate all efforts on behalf of FAMU.”
HBCU players were dramatically snubbed in the latest NFL Draft, after not one was chosen among 259 picks. While factors like rule changes and the COVID-19 pandemic are being listed as possible factors, the problem remains that HBCUs are not given the same consideration as other institutions. Learn what HBCU coaches are saying about last weekend’s dramatic oversight in a new article by Adam Kilgore at The Washington Post below.
North Carolina A&T cornerback Mac McCain III signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos. (Kevin L. Dorsey)
After the final pick of the NFL draft had been made, North Carolina Central Coach Trei Oliver spoke with cornerback Bryan Mills. A long-limbed and explosive athlete, Mills had expected to be taken in the late rounds. Every team passed on him, though, and he settled on signing with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. Mills confronted disappointment, but he still had a chance at an NFL career.
“Don’t get frustrated,” Oliver told Mills. “All you need is an opportunity.”
In this year’s draft, players from historically Black colleges and universities found themselves stuck between frustration and opportunity. The NFL has long looked to HBCU schools as a pipeline for talent, from Hall of Famers such as Mel Blount and Walter Payton to current all-pro linebacker Darius Leonard. Of the 259 players drafted this past weekend, zero came from HBCU programs.
The absence of HBCU players in the draft stemmed from factors large and small, starting with the coronavirus pandemic postponing fall seasons to the spring or canceling them altogether. Even acknowledging the hurdles, HBCU coaches and advocates were surprised and disheartened.
“It’s hard to believe that not one guy is worthy of being drafted,” said Washington Football Team senior adviser Doug Williams, a Grambling alum and the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. “That, to me, that’s a travesty. Hopefully we can fix it.”
In an Instagram post Monday evening, Jackson State Coach Deion Sanders, whose September hiring brought a wave of attention to HBCU football, wrote HBCU players had been “neglected and rejected” and called on HBCU programs to work together.
“I witnessed a multitude of kids we played against that were more than qualified to be drafted,” Sanders wrote. “My prayers are that this won’t EVER happen again. Get yo knife out my back and fight with me not against me!”
HBCU prospects could still make NFL rosters in the summer. Immediately after the draft, Grambling tackle David Moore (Carolina Panthers), Florida A&M tackle Calvin Ashley (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), North Carolina A&T cornerback Mac McCain (Denver Broncos) and Mills signed free agent contracts.
None of them being drafted still stung. More than 40 players attended the first HBCU combine in April, which organizers hoped would improve last year’s draft showing, when Tennessee State guard Lachavious Simmons, a seventh-round pick by the Chicago Bears, was the only HBCU player taken. The NFL drafted four HBCU players in 2019, when the Houston Texans made tackle Tytus Howard of Alabama State the first first-round pick from an HBCU since 2008.
“You can go back as far as you like, from Jerry Rice to Tarik Cohen,” North Carolina A&T Coach Sam Washington said. “The quality of the athlete is definitely within our league. Them being seen or not being seen, it happened. For what reasons, I have not figured that part out. But the fact is that it happened.”
Smaller programs across the board suffered in the draft from the pandemic, which canceled fall seasons, eliminated pro day workouts and decreased travel for NFL scouts. Faced with uncertainty, NFL front offices relied on powerhouse programs more than usual. Only five players from the Football Championship Subdivision were chosen, the lowest since 1993, along with two Division II players and one from Division III.
Jackson State University coach Deion Sanders discusses strategy with JSU players. (Getty Images)
“I think that [the pandemic] played a huge role in the lack of players represented from our conference and also from HBCU football,” Grambling Coach Broderick Fobbs said. “There’s plenty of guys who have the ability to be drafted and should have been drafted. But I think when it boils down to it, these teams were not able to do as thorough a search as they normally are. … But yes, it is a little bit of a disappointment. I don’t think it’s anything personal. People are trying to fill their rosters with the best players that they can and also with no-brainers. The pandemic played a huge role in eliminating a lot of those diamonds in the rough.”
The absence of any HBCU players indicated HBCU schools were hurt disproportionately.
“Ain’t no question they’re affected a little different than other programs,” Williams said. “That still don’t mean they can’t have one or two” players chosen.
Last year, 29 players from HBCU schools started the season on an active NFL roster or practice squad, according to HBCU Gameday. Leonard, whom the Indianapolis Colts drafted in the second round out of South Carolina State in 2018, has been named defensive rookie of the year and made two all-pro first teams in his first three seasons.
“I don’t know if a lot of scouts go into the Black schools,” Williams said. “If they see somebody on a Black college campus, they usually judge the school and not the player. I think they need to get into judging the player and not the school. But really there ain’t no answer to it. … I wish I could give you a good answer. But it’s hard to give a good answer right now. It’s hard to see not one player from a Black college get picked.”
All 32 NFL teams sent a scout to North Carolina Central to gather information about Mills, Oliver said, but Oliver wondered how decision-makers ultimately used the evaluations. For years, Williams and James Harris, another former Grambling quarterback, worked in high-ranking personnel positions. New Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes graduated from North Carolina A&T, but otherwise NFL executives from HBCUs are a rarity.
“Without us having an advocate in those meetings in the front office, it kind of puts you behind the 8 ball,” Oliver said.
Oliver pointed out that the HBCU players with draftable grades this year played offensive line and cornerback, two of the deepest positions in the draft. Many talented players returned for the extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted after fall seasons were postponed or canceled. “You’ll see a lot of guys next year with draftable grades,” Oliver said.
The recent change to college football’s transfer rules, which now allow players to transfer from one Football Bowl Subdivision program to another without forcing them to sit out a year, inadvertently affected the talent level at HBCU programs, Fobbs said.
A handful of possible NFL prospects would trickle into HBCU programs because they wanted to play right away after transferring and wanted to be “somewhere where they love their coach, or they love their institution, or they love being around people that look like them,” Fobbs said.
Those players can now move to another major program without penalty and receive larger cost-of-attendance benefits at higher levels. Fobbs said players now approach what once was an emotional decision as a business decision.
“I think the rules have been set up against us,” Fobbs said. “It’s great for our kids to get the opportunities, but the institutions have suffered. We’re not able to acquire those players.”
The lack of thorough evaluation led in some cases to players being overlooked or misevaluated. Fobbs expected Moore would be taken between Round 3 and Round 5. Washington was baffled when he read a scouting report of McCain that listed accelerating after making cuts as a flaw.
“That’s his strength,” Washington said. “Had they been able to come on campus and see it, they would have known. … If they’re going to say that’s his weakness, they’re going to be so disappointed when he makes all-pro.”
Williams is trying to enhance HBCU players’ exposure to the NFL. The Black College Football Hall of Fame, of which Williams is a trustee, created a collegiate all-star game for HBCU players with the NFL’s backing that will debut next year. The Legacy Bowl will be played next February in New Orleans to showcase overlooked players and allow NFL scouts the chance to evaluate roughly 100 HBCU players at one time.
Despite his disappointment, Williams said he would chalk this year up to the pandemic and move on. He did not attribute the lack of selections to racism, pointing to the confluence of Black quarterbacks in the NFL. But he also believes HBCU players do not receive the same amount of attention from the NFL as other programs.
“I’m not surprised, because this has happened before,” Williams said. “ … You keep hoping things get better. That’s where I am right now. I’m hoping with the combine and the Legacy Bowl we give the NFL an opportunity to see guys in a whole new light.”
Recently Senator Jon Ossof visited Savannah State University, and brought with him some great news for not only Georgia’s oldest HBCU, but the others in the state as well. Having campaigned beside now-Senator Raphael Warnock, the two men made pledges to honor HBCUs with financial support that is now coming to fruition. Learn more about what Ossof shared at Savannah State in an article from WSAV by Ricardo Lewis.
Sen. Ossoff visits Savannah State University (Credit: WTOC)
Senator Jon Ossoff was back in the Hostess City Tuesday speaking with the public about the work he’s done during his first 100 days in office. He finished off his stop with a roundtable discussion at Savannah State University.
Delivering help to Georgia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) is a campaign promise he ran on. On Tuesday, Ossoff announced his plan in collaboration with Senator Raphael Warnock to deliver millions in relief to students and families.
“HBCUs in Georgia are going to receive more than $75 million in direct financial support and Madame President, we have confirmed Tuesday that Savannah State University will receive $17.5 million in federal funding,” Ossoff said.
The bill requires that half of the financial resources go directly to students. Ossoff said it’s important to him that they are given in the form of grants and not loans.
Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are running as a team in Georgia. (Credit: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images)
“My view is that no American should have to take on a penny of debt to get a degree from an HBCU via public or private or to get a degree from any public college or university in this country,” Ossoff said.
Jasmine Freeman is a junior at Savannah State and said this financial relief is a step in the right direction. She knows first hand what it’s like not to have enough money to attend college. It even led to her having to take a semester off.
“Our student bills the students get every semester that’s where all of the high anxiety is,” Freeman said. “He’s like yes, the money is there, and everything’s been passed, but until we see the result in our student bills that’s where we know that he is keeping his promise to the students.”
Ossoff called student loan debt a crisis in our country and said he will continue to press President Joe Biden with other senators to relieve up to $50,000 of student loan debt per borrower.
“Higher education should not burden people with decades of debt. It should be expanding our opportunities,” Ossoff said.
The HBCU experience is vibrantly multi-faceted, and now one accomplished executive is working to capture it all with a new platform. Curtis Symonds’ connections with the Central State University have influenced him to honor HBCUs through the new “HBCUGo TV,” and he’s making sure he doesn’t miss a thing. Learn more about why Symonds appreciates all HBCUs offer and how his new platform will boost our love for them in a newBlack Enterprise interview by Anthony Quinones.
Curtis Symonds has held high-level positions at BET, ESPN, and the WNBA. For the past 10+ years, he has devoted his life to leveraging the historically Black college or university experience through his platform, HBCUGo TV. HBCUs have been a part of his life for over 40 years. His mother and father were not only HBCU graduates but were educators at Central State University in Xenia, Ohio. He is also a graduate of Central State University. HBCUGo TV is dedicated to being a true destination for the total HBCU experience. His vision is to be the leading media provider illuminating the voice and experiences of the 105 HBCUs by delivering content that empowers, educates, and entertains.
Credit: Black Enterprise
In a recent interview, we talked about a variety of topics from sports to education to family and more. The interview has been edited and condensed.
We’re known for our bands and our entertainment, but we’re obviously more than that. Can you encapsulate what the HBCU experience means to you?
What the HBCU experience means to me is the embodiment of knowing who you are. When you go to a PWI (predominately white institution), you become a number. When you come to an HBCU, the president calls you by your name because he knows who you are. And one of the things that has been strong in the HBCU community and on the campus is that it really molds you as an individual. If you talk to anyone who’s gone through an HBCU, the first thing they will say is that university helped me to be who I am today because it taught me the meaning of who I am. And a lot of people don’t understand that. A lot of people go to PWIs. They don’t come back for homecomings. They don’t relate to the people they went to school with because a lot of them didn’t know half the people they went to school with. At an HBCU you know almost everybody. And for years you celebrate that when you come back for your homecomings and the bonding that’s part of this process is incredible, man. And not only do you bond with your classmates, you bond with your teachers who you’ve known for years and years and years because all of them were important to your growth.
How would you say that the HBCU experience has been heightened or highlighted as a result of everything that’s happened in the past year, from George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubrey, the racial unrest in our country, etc.
I would say it’s now being recognized a little bit better. It’s growing out of the circle of the way normal people would look at HBCUs. Now you have athletes saying if they had to do it over again, they would have gone to an HBCU instead of a PWI. I think the mindset across the board in our community in the people who we look at, we look up to, in Black America is I need to be better involved with HBCUs. For example, Chris Paul, who’s doing a lot more now in the HBCU circle, from North Carolina A&T to North Carolina Central and other places, is putting a stamp on the fact that we have to do more to support HBCUs. It’s definitely through those tragedies that we’ve seen over the last 12 months that has heightened awareness of the value of these universities.
You’ve worked with ESPN for eight years and you were president of the Washington Mystics for two years. So, you’ve been heavily into sports and sports are a major part of this network, right?
Well, in our community, Black college sports has always been the lead-in. But what I’m trying to do now is branch out. In talking to advertisers and business people, you lead with college sports because that’s the first thing they relate to the HBCUs. What I’ve tried to do now is add some of the educational and lifestyle things that make these schools as great as they are today and also help them understand the product that’s come out of HBCUs. The Spike Lees out of Morehouse, other people who have made big strides coming out of HBCUs and keep educating them on that it’s not just sports. There’s a lot of other people who have come out of HBCUs that stand for something. But you need to do your homework and understand who these people are.
A lot of us want to go to HBCUs but don’t feel like the education would be the same. So, how do we change people’s mindsets about education at HBCUs?
You got to get them on the campus. You got to get them involved in the universities to see the quality of people teaching the classes and the quality of the people in the classes. Because I hear every other day, “I can’t find a quality minority to fill the spot.” But where were you looking? If you’re looking for engineers did you go to North Carolina A&T which specializes in engineers? Did you talk to anyone down there? No. So, how are you doing your homework? So, the thing is that we don’t have enough cheerleaders out there that are pushing HBCUs. Now, we’re beginning to get that. You see Kamala (Howard University grad) in the White House. So, the door is open, but you got to get those supporters to help to get through the door.
A lot of times to make it big in sports we feel like we have to go to, as you say the PWI’s, the Dukes, the Kentuckys the Arizonas, the big state schools that may be popular. But you’re bringing sports and education together so that we can have a full experience in the HBCUs.
If you look at PWIs in football and basketball, that’s mainly made of Black young men, and you moved all that talent to HBCUs, you’d see a whole different sway across the board in sports. The only thing that these young people are worried about is how to get to the next level. And because HBCUs don’t have television deals, they can’t be seen. So, if I go to South Carolina State and I’m a decent ballplayer and I’m not getting any television awareness, how am I going to the NBA? But if I go to South Carolina and they’re on television every other week, somebody’s gonna see me. That’s the mentality. The problem is that we’re not out there enough to educate people coming out of high school about HBCUs because counselors are talking about other schools. They’re not valuing what our schools have to offer.
In our community, about 20% of Black households were led by a single parent in the 60s. Now, it’s almost 80%. How can HBCUGo TV improve the quality of our Black families?
I think that’s one of the most important things that we’ll be working on. I understand very clearly, coming from a divorced mother and father, that family is very important. We have to continue to drive on the value of the mothers. You know how important it is to support single mothers out here. We’re gonna try to create programs to help, show these mothers some ways to improve their lives and come up with ways to try to get them educated. Many can’t get an education because they can’t afford it. Maybe we can finally raise some dollars to assist them in furthering their education and also try to create some opportunities. We want to be very involved in trying to open up those doors. So, we’ve got to figure out ways to get better. That’s what HBCUGo is gonna try to do to make that happen.
How will HBCUGo TV be different from the other Black TV networks we have?
First and foremost, HBCUGo TV will focus on HBCU schools 24/7 365 days a year. Unlike most Black networks, that just want to show you The Jeffersons, Martin, entertainment, and comedy, we want our viewers to come away understanding some of the great history, legacy, knowledge, sports, and lifestyle that come from these historically Black colleges. We hope the programming the students produce will help others to understand the real life of a HBCU student. Finally, we want to educate the public on the power of these colleges and universities.
Here is a sneak peek at some of the upcoming programming:
Chris Paul HBCU Combine – June Black Music Month – June Kamau Murray – US Open Series – August Fall HBCU Football season – September Orange Blossom Classic Football game – FAMU vs. Jackson State – September HBCU Basketball Classic – Virgin Islands – November Winter HBCU Season – December Pigskin Showdown Football All-Star Game – December For more information on how to get involved with this platform, visit www.hbcugo.tv.
On Monday, April 26th, Alaska Airlines unveiledtheir new 737-900ER aircraft designed with the words “The Commitment.” In partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Alaska has pledged to building awareness for advancing racial equity and education.
Credit: Alaska Airlines
Many gathered for a ceremony at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to witness the new plane design. Included on the structure is a powerful quote from the late progressive civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” The message perfectly ties together the company’s ethics alongside with UNCF’s mission as they celebrate a history of its 15-year partnership.
“As a company, we know we are not yet where we need to be when it comes to diversity, but we are inspired and guided by our value to do the right thing. With this aircraft, we are doing the right thing by amplifying the conversation around education, equity and belonging and taking it to the skies,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines CEO. “This aircraft will continue to be an inspiration for us on the journey.”
As this flight departed the following Tuesday morning on a non-stop to Washington, DC, passengers were greeted with a celebration to commemorate this monumental occasion. Attendees were greeted with remarks from Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci and UNCF Executive Vice President Maurice Jenkins who provided more insight on the importance of amplifying their efforts to better our future and creating opportunities as a union.
As Alaska Airline and UNCF continue this partnership it will provide resources for HBCus and promote a pledge of commitment to diversity, representation and inclusion for a better future.
Credit: Alaska Airlines
Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF says, “While small in number, our HBCUs are landmarks to our past and keys to our future. They enable us to keep a legacy — by their very existence. HBCUs are much more than schools. They are places where Black students can feel safe, welcomed, and embraced by the college community. Additionally, the nation’s HBCUs make up just 3% of America’s colleges and universities, yet they produce almost 20% of all African American graduates and 25% of African American graduates in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics — the critical industries of the future.”
The world’s largest student film festival, Campus Movie Fest (CMF) in partnership with Goldman Sachs brings a brand new category focused on BIPOC creators: Rewrite The Script On Representation In Film. As part of their longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, Goldman Sachs’ sponsored category is focused on BIPOC filmmakers and characters in order to help students showcase what genuine, authentic representation looks and feels like. The Rewrite the Script on Representation in Film category challenges students to submit short films that are centered around BIPOC characters, or are created by BIPOC students. Short films to be considered must showcase what genuine, authentic representation looks and feels like. BIPOC filmmakers and content creators, this is your chance to shine. Your story matters and the world needs to see it.
Michael C. Rodriguez for Variety
Campus Movie Fest began in 2001 when four students at Emory University provided fellow students with everything they needed, including camcorders and Apple laptops to make movies in one week. Today, CMF provides free technology and training to more than 1 million students at colleges and universities globally to tell their stories on the big screen through film.
Must promote the idea that diverse perspectives are critical in creating art and showcase what genuine, authentic representation looks and feels like.
Anyone interested in submitting can do so, but CMF strongly encourages HBCU and BIPOC students to share their unique stories and voices with the world.
Eligible films are those centered around the stories of BIPOC characters or are created by BIPOC students.
Prizes:
The top winner will receive a $5,000 filmmaking grant, with second place receiving $3,000, and third place receiving $2,000. Winners will also have access to CMF Terminus, workshops focused on BIPOC representation in the industry, and access to exclusive networking opportunities. Finalists will be announced during CMF Terminus in June.
Edward Waters College is now one of 2 Florida HBCUs boasting a women’s golf program after a hefty donation. Whether in sports or academics, HBCUs are global leaders when it comes to providing black students access to opportunities that will change their lives. Learn below just how significant this latest donation is not just to HBCU golf, but to female student-athletes in a statement from the PGA’s below!
From left to right: Mike Hartley, Anne Nimnicht, Dr. Paul A. Bryant, Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., Jared Rice, Matt Welch, Michele McManamon, Theresa Hazel (Credit: Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR)
Just yesterday, THE PLAYERS Championship announced a $50,000 donation to help reinstate the women’s golf program at Edward Waters College (EWC). Located 30 minutes from the PGA TOUR’s flagship property and global home, the state’s first private Historically Black College and University (HBCU) is now one of only two HBCUs in Florida to offer a dedicated women’s golf program. THE PLAYERS’ grant will help EWC recruit and select a coach, fund student-athlete scholarships and assist with overall operational expenses as the program plans for a 2022 launch date.
The announcement was made on the EWC campus with leadership, trustees and staff of both organizations in attendance. Broadcast publicly via a live-streamed press conference (click here to watch), THE PLAYERS Executive Director Jared Rice and 2022 Tournament Chairman Matt Welch presented EWC President Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr. and EWC Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant with the $50,000 check. Joining them were several past tournament chairmen (Red Coats), who were on-hand to deliver more than $10,000 in golf supplies and merchandise for the team.
“When the EWC team shared their vision with us and indicated that the revitalization of the women’s golf program was a primary focus for the College, we were inspired to support their mission,” said Rice. “As home to the PGA TOUR and host of its flagship event, we are committed to efforts that reflect our mission and values of being good stewards in the communities where we play. We are honored by the opportunity to help elevate the student-athlete experience at EWC and promote and grow the game of golf right in our hometown.”
“I am elated to partner with THE PLAYERS Championship,” said Dr. Paul Bryant, EWC Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “This joint effort to reignite women’s golf will enhance our offering of sports and give young women the opportunity to play the sport they love at a high level.”
JACKSONVILLE, FL – MAY 03: during THE PLAYERS presentation of a $50,000 donation to help reinstate the womens golf program at Edward Waters College on May 3, 2021, at Edward Waters College in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR)
“Edward Waters College is fortunate to be aligned with outstanding organizations such as THE PLAYERS Championship and PGA TOUR,” said Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., president and CEO. “This donation will not only reinvigorate the women’s golf team, it will attract talented women to attend Edward Waters College from across the country due to the name recognition of our new partners. We thank the leadership and volunteers of THE PLAYERS and PGA TOUR for this special investment in the College’s athletics program and look forward to becoming a competitive force in women’s golf soon.”
The women’s golf program at EWC was first introduced in 2007 and was discontinued in 2015 following budget and program challenges. As part of EWC’s newly adopted strategic plan, Eminence 2025, the College is reengineering its Division of Athletics to prioritize gender equity ratio in sports across all competition facets.
In addition, EWC announced plans to launch a Student-Athlete Golf Mentor Program, a dual-purpose initiative that will engage student-athletes to serve as mentors in unique professional development environments – including exposure to career opportunities within the PGA TOUR and THE PLAYERS network – as well as off-campus volunteer experiences with community-based programs.
The PGA TOUR has a long-standing history of positively impacting the communities where it plays. Most recently, the organization and its tournaments have pledged a stronger commitment to efforts that are advancing diversity, equity and inclusion priorities in its host communities.
This week, TPC Sawgrass – home of THE PLAYERS – is also serving as the host course of the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, an annual championship that features the top student-athletes from HBCUs, Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) across the nation. The event features nearly 180 competitors representing 24 schools and 51 individuals who are competing in the three-day competition on Dye’s Valley Course and THE PLAYERS Stadium Course. EWC’s women’s golf team previously participated in this championship, which was formerly known as the National Minority Collegiate Championship.
