Central State Grad, Counselor Trainee’s Advice May Be Just What You Need To Feel Calm And More Mindful

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The photos recently posted on Karisma Hazel’s Facebook features a happy graduate of a historically black college sitting amongst other like-minded individuals who make better happen as licensed therapists in the state of Ohio. All of these people pictured are black, by the way. You can see a smile on each of their faces because you look so much better when you smile! 

“I am extremely grateful and excited to announce that I have joined Poppy’s Therapeutic Corner as Counselor Trainee and is now providing therapeutic services to those in the Ohio area,” she captioned the post, adding that the opportunity to be surrounded by and working with such an amazing group of therapists is a dream come true for her. 

“Furthermore, imagine my surprise to find out that the owners and I are connected through Central State University,” Hazel added in the post. “We are [a] Marauder Family!! We are Centralians in Mental Health ✊🏾✊🏾.” 

Adjusting to our new normal

Many people are adjusting to our new normal, the coronavirus pandemic, and are thinking: 

  1. How do I cope with my personal issues and the reality of COVID-19? 
  2. What are some things that I can do that promote peace of mind? 

Recognizing that this is a complete adjustment period is key, said Hazel, who graduated from Central State University with her bachelor’s in Sociology and a minor in Business Administration. She’s also a Masters candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in trauma crisis counseling. “It’s okay to have feelings both negative and or positive during this time.” 

“Whether you are an educated person, a mom, or male living in today’s society, it’s okay to feel, it’s okay to embrace change and create what that looks like for you. Next, understanding that as a society, as we know, is changing, things that may have been in our control once before may be slipping away,” said Hazel in regards to how to cope during this time, proposing that those who are struggling with our new normal, even mental illnesses should consider the following: 

  • Make a list of what you can and can’t control during this time.
  • Allow yourself to be at peace with things that are beyond your control.
  • Do your best to control your mental perception.
  • Try to focus on the good that this adjustment phase has brought (i.e. more time to self reflect, more family time, and more time to connect).

“I suggest you remember to do something every day that promotes your peace of mind. This can be done by watching a short comedy clip, coloring, mediation or a mini-concert in the shower. Whatever this looks like for you, the goal is to self-care and pour into you on a daily basis,” said Hazel. 

Being more mindful 

Should we limit our news and focus on self-care instead? 

Absolutely! 

With so much going on, the news can cause one to exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression, said Hazel, adding that looking at the news and keeping up with various social media outlets can be both mentally exhausting and overwhelming.

“With all that’s going on, this is a great time to self reflect and become more self-aware. Take some time and space to find the things that interest you. Things that bring you peace, laughter, and joy. Even if you don’t know what that is presently, allow yourself to find those things, recreate you,” she said. 

You can also try mindfulness, which is the ability to be self-aware of your thoughts and feelings. Hazel told HBCU Buzz that she often tells her clients that the way you think, impacts the way you feel, which impacts the way you act outwardly. “Think of practicing mindfulness like this, your mind is soil and your thoughts are seeds, whatever you feed your mind is going to grow.”

“By being cognizant of your thoughts and feelings, you can become disciplined in rejecting thoughts and feelings that don’t align with your desired vibe. You gain more control of your emotions, and it helps you find a deeper awareness of self. Lastly, practicing mindfulness reduces stress, and anxiety, and helps promote a consistent mental state that is regulated by the thoughts and feelings you, and you alone allow,” she said. 

Hardly home but always reppin’

Hazel told HBCU Buzz that choosing to go to Central State University was one of the best decisions of her life, pointing out that CSU has helped her develop independence and maturity, and provided her with an opportunity to become self-sufficient and cultivate skills needed to survive in today’s world:

“I can honestly say by having a leadership role in extracurricular activities it has assisted me in my personal development that has prepared me for my current role.”

“Moreover, the connections made at Central State have been phenomenal. Not only has CSU introduced me to wonderful supportive people that I still call friends to this day, but it has connected me with people who helped cultivate my professional abilities and advancements,” she said, using her current position with Poppy’s Therapeutic Corner, an all-black mental health practice owned and operated by Centralians, as an example of this. 

“Sitting under the tutelage the practice provides, I am extremely grateful and so GLAD I WENT TO CSU!” 

Makur Maker, Top Basketball Recruit Commits To Howard University

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Makur Maker, five-star center in the high school Class of 2020 has committed to play basketball at historically-Black, Howard University. Maker is a 7-foot, 235-pound man out of Phoenix, AZ’s Hillcrest Prep. Right now, Maker is the 17th ranked college basketball prospect.

“I was the 1st to announce my visit to Howard & other started to dream “what if”. I need to make the HBCU movement real so that others will follow. I hope I inspire guys like Mikey Williams to join me on this journey. I am committing to Howard U & coach Kenny Blakeney.”

Maker’s guardian Ed Smith, discussed how Maker arrived at his decision, from his final four choices:

Kentucky: “Kentucky’s history as a blue blood. We like the strength of their development of pros at his position. They have a track record of that.

UCLA: “I think UCLA also has a strong history. Coach Cronin has a senior laden team so there are good veterans. It’s in his backyard so he has access to family and friends.”

Memphis: “Memphis with Penny Hardaway, he’s a pro. He was a big guard so he understands big players with skills. He did a great job with Precious Achiuwa. He has a feel for NBA, college and high schools.”

Howard: “He visited Howard. He felt like it was a family atmosphere there. It was his only official visit. They’re building a great program there. It’s a winning program. It’s an HBCU so there’s an opportunity to make a difference.”

In the uprising following George Floyd’s racist murder at the hands of police, many Black people have been re-evaluating where and how they spend their time, with predominantly white schools being a hot topic of reconsideration. Top recruits like Mikey Williams and Trace Young (committed to Alabama State University) have been very vocal about college life at a Black institution.

Mo Williams, former National Basketball Association (NBA) player announced earlier this year that he would be taking on a new role as the men’s head basketball coach at Alabama State University tweeted his thoughts on how to “#ChangeTheGame,” saying Power 5 conferences is only power 5 because we give them the power. Let’s not talk about it, be about it. We can actually make a real change. #hbcuonly

Welcome to the Black college family Makur! Check out his recent Instagram post:

Meet Justin Phillips, Co-Founder Of The Support Black Colleges Brand

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In addition to unprecedented  job loss and economic turmoil, COVID-19 has also heavily impacted the bottom line of all HBCUs. Programs such as athletics are being cut, and the HBCU experience as a whole is at risk. We spoke to Justin Phillips, co-founder of Support Black Colleges, and learned how SBC reminds us at a time like this to not just to experience HBCUs, but to always give back. 

Before the pandemic, you might have seen people rocking stylish Support Black Colleges shirts and hoodies on campus. Two Howard students founded SBC in 2012 because their college experience changed their lives for the better, and they felt the need to spread the word. 

Fast forward 8 years, and now SBC has given thousands in scholarships and donations, as well as employing a team of over 70 college ambassadors. Celebrities like Missy Elliot, Chris Paul, Teyana Taylor, and Eva Marcille have helped propel the clothing brand and continue to ensure the message gets out. 

We value telling the stories of people whose path to success wasn’t all roses. It inspires us all to know we can accomplish our dreams, no matter where we’re at in life. For example, Justin Phillips always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but sometimes got in his own way. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAgNwsel5Jh

In middle school, he found a way to buy things he couldn’t afford before by selling candy to classmates. By the time he got to college, he was throwing parties using his background in digital marketing. With the tens of thousands of dollars he made doing that, he felt it was a great step to accept a digital marketing job after college. He was wrong.

“I built my side income up enough to pay my rent and quit my job,” he said. After quitting, I got into a lot of trouble doing activities I shouldn’t have been doing. I ended up making a change in my life when I moved to ATL with my current business partner Corey.” 

Bumpy Road

As all entrepreneurs can tell you, it’s a shaky road in the beginning. We had to ask Justin what was the most difficult part about getting started. 

“The hardest moment for me was making the move from Houston to Atlanta to start my journey in a new place. It was very difficult because I had to disconnect from my closest friends and enter a place of the unknown. I came from living in a single bedroom with all my best friends to having my own place with no solidified job or source of income to cover my rent.”

When you truly believe in something you give it your all. And often, the main difference between good and great is sacrifice. Justin truly inspired us by what it meant to him to go all-in on Support Black Colleges. 

 “I ended up getting involved with SBC a month or so after I moved to Atlanta. I had $10,000 left to my name and invested it all into the business,” Justin said. Giving that money up must have been difficult. At first, the two friends made only about $2,000 a month, with factors such as the cost of production to be taken into account. But adding faith and hard work to the brand, the two friends are now making over six figures a month.

Phillips’ Proudest Moment

When we asked Justin what has made him the most proud about his journey with SBC, he didn’t hesitate to answer.  

“My proudest moment to date has honestly just been the ability to be free every day to contribute to the HBCU community. I take pride in being able to work on the business daily and service my staff.”

We encourage you to take a look at the Support Black Colleges website and check out their styles. What’s not to like about a black-owned clothing line with a singular mission to uplift, inspire and encourage others to support HBCUs?

Will Packer Productions & Universal Team For HBCU Sports Drama

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Florida A&M University alumni, Will Packer is teaming up with Universal on sports drama, One and Done.

The original feature from writers Chad Sanders and Chris Spencer will follow one of the nation’s top high school athletes as he makes his unprecedented decision to attend an HBCU(Historically Black Colleges & Universities) according to the Hollywood Reporter.  

“This is a timely story about a young man’s journey of discovery at an HBCU and his fight against the NCAA system,” Packer said.

Will Packer Productions movies have grossed more than $1 billion.

Packer has a first look deal with the studio, which has worked with him on box office hits Girls Trip and the Ride Along movies. Most recently Packer’s recent film credits with Uni include Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart comedy Night School, which earned over $100 million at the worldwide box office, and Marsai Martin starrer Little, which pulled in $40 million at the domestic box office.

Sanders is represented by Oronde Garrett and Del Shaw. Spencer is represented by Parallel Entertainment and Del Shaw.

Howard University 2020 Homecoming Cancelled Due To Pandemic

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Howard University is canceling plans for Howard Homecoming in 2020, According to the university president, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick. Instead, it will be held virtually as part of the universities reopening plan for the fall. The specific plans for the virtual celebration has not yet been announced.

Frederick told Anna-Lysa Gayle on WHUT having homecoming on campus would put too many people at risk.

“You can’t put African Americans at risk, by bringing them into those environments, because all of those … who attend those events are younger people. We have alum[ni] who are in the risk category and then those younger people have to go back home to places where their grandparents are going to be,” he said.

Large gatherings will continue to be prohibited and all students at the university will be required to complete a COVID-19 test within (7) seven days before arriving on campus, and will be given personal protective equipment, such as face coverings and sanitizer.

” Consistent with social distancing, we have temporarily paused live events on campus. Gatherings of more than 50 people are not permitted in DC during Phase 2 of the District’s re-opening. Our current planning assumes gathering limits will continue to be in effect through the fall semester. A draft list of events and activities, and current guidance are in the following tables. “

NBA All-Star Chris Paul To Produce Docuseries On HBCU Basketball

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NBA All-Star Chris Paul is producing a basketball Docuseries around Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) during the course of the 2020-21 season. Paul’s Ohh Dip!!! Productions will produce the show with Roadside founding partners Ron Yassen and John Hirsch. The two companies have collaborated on Emmy-nominated documentary Crossroads, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2018.

Paul aims to highlight struggles of HBCU basketball teams including specifically recruiting on every level.

“HBCUs historically have been at a competitive disadvantage with their basketball programs facing many challenges with funding, recruitment, misperceptions, and exposure,” Paul said in a statement. “With the current racial awakening in our country prompting young athletes to look at where they play, it’s now more important than ever to shine a light on HBCUs and showcase their value in sports and society.”

Though Paul went to Wake Forest University and played for the Demon Deacons, an ACC basketball program that has rivalries with the Duke Blue Devils and UNC Tar Heels, he grew up in Winston-Salem, N.C., the home of Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU that was founded in 1892. Paul has long been supportive of HBCU’s, and often wears gear from those universities when he walks into the arena before games. One night, Paul wore an orange hat with “Langston University” across the front, honoring Oklahoma’s sole HBCU.

Virginia State University Receives Nine EMMY Nominations

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Congratulations are in order for Virginia State University’s Advance Creative Services Department, which has been nominated for nearly ten EMMY Awards. The Trojan newsroom share the details:

Congratulations are in order for Mr. Jesse Vaughn,  Director of the VSU Advance Creative Services Department.  Mr. Vaughn has been selected by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Capitol Region Emmy Awards to receive the prestigious Ted Yates AWARD. The Ted Yates Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding professional and personal qualities in their contribution to television news and public affairs in the National Capital Chesapeake Bay region. This highly coveted and prestigious award has been given to one deserving recipient a year since 1967.  CONGRATULATIONS JESSE VAUGHN, the 2020 recipient of the Ted Yates Award.

There is additional exciting news to share from our Emmy award winning VSU Advance Creative Services Department.  The Department, under the direction of Mr. Jesse Vaughn, has received NINE new Emmy Nominations for this year’s 2020 National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Capitol Chapter.

The VSU  “Power to Transform” commercial received two EMMY nominations and the Study Jazz at VSU commercial received one EMMY nomination.  In addition, our VSU TODAY, Show 20  and  The Block, VSU School of Thought each garnered one EMMY nomination.

Dr. Zoe Spencer, a VSU professor of Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice,  is also nominated for an EMMY as writer for “Say Her Name – School of Thought.”  The spoken word poem is also nominated for an EMMY  for Jesse Vaughn in each category as the Producer, Editor, and Director.

We are excited to have both of these EMMY worthy professionals as part of the VSU Family!

The EMMY Awards Ceremony will be held virtually this year on August 8, 2020. Congratulations! Visit the Virginia State University newsroom for the original article.

Jack Thomas Welcomed As 9th President Of Central State University

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The state of Ohio’s only public historically black college, Central State University in Wilberforce, is ready to usher in the start of the new decade as Dr. Jack Thomas takes the helm as the 9th president of the university.

Dr. Thomas, who graduated from historically black Alabama A&M University in Normal with his bachelor’s in English, is the natural successor to Cynthia Jackson-Hammond who finished her tenured today after leading CSU over the course of the last 7 years.

Dr. Thomas also holds a Ph.D. in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s of English Education from HBCU Virginia State University. It’s his track record of success in regards to his vision and leadership skills that brought him to this fine institution:

Dr. Thomas served as the president of Western Illinois University (WIU) for nearly a decade and comes to Central State with a track record that underscores his ability to implement a comprehensive vision and strategy.  

Prior to WIU, Dr. Thomas had a 20-year career where he emerged as a nationally and internationally recognized leader in higher education administration with extensive senior-level management experience from department chair, dean, provost to the presidency.  

Dr. Thomas’ influence on the academic community extends to his service on several local and national boards, and he currently serves on the Marguerite Casey Foundation Board of Directors (CSU press release).

In a video posted on Twitter by the official account of Central State University earlier today, Dr. Thomas ensured the CSU community that he will continue to promote what the black college is universally known for, providing high-quality educational opportunities and a family-oriented on-campus setting.

https://twitter.com/centralstate87/status/1278358694984511489?s=21

“Rest assured, I am committed to maintaining the high-quality education and the family environment for which Central State University is known,” he said, adding that he is planning to host a series of dialogues with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community stakeholders and his “goal in the sessions will be to meet many of you, gain valuable insight and share our initial plans.

Following a nationwide executive search for its new leader, chairman of the Central State Board of Trustees Mark Hatcher praised Dr. Thomas, which named him president Feb. 7.

“We are looking forward to working with you and your vision and leadership at this fine institution,” Hatcher said. 

Southern University Becomes First HBCU To Launch Medical Marijuana Products

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The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, part of the Southern University System, together with Ilera Holistic Healthcare (Ilera Holistic), today became the nation’s first historically Black university (HBCU) to launch its own THC medical cannabis products. The university and Ilera share one of two cannabis licenses in the state of Louisiana. The launch of this historic brand, called AYO, comes on the heels of Louisiana’s unprecedented extension in June of its own medical marijuana program.

“This is yet another great and historic day for the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center,” said Orlando McMeans, chancellor of the Ag Center. “The goal of this program is to provide quality medicine for the citizens of the state of Louisiana through education, research and outreach, all of which are included in the mission of the Ag Center. The release of AYO, along with our CBD products, will enable us to help patients better manage their medical issues and improve their quality of life.”

The AYO line joins the ALAFIA product brand, a hemp-derived tincture developed by Southern and Ilera. ALAFIA launched on January 25 in the Louisiana market, making Southern University the first HBCU producer in both cannabis and hemp. ALAFIA will be available online nationwide later this summer.

“With the launch of both CBD and THC medical marijuana products, Southern continues to set precedents in innovation,” said Ray L. Belton, president of the Southern University System. “In addition to providing healthcare options for Louisiana residents, our valued partner, Ilera, is able to hire local talent. All of this impacts our state’s economy directly while expanding the Southern University brand.”

Southern’s medical marijuana program is part of the Ag Center’s Southern Institute for Medicinal Plants, helmed by Janana Snowden, the institute’s director and an assistant professor of agriculture at Southern University Baton Rouge. The institute and Ag Center have long researched plants such as hibiscus in addition to cannabis.

“The very important research we conduct on medicinal plants helps us to address health problems that affect communities,” Snowden said. “Our products derived from medicinal plants offer patients another way to alleviate symptoms. We are proud that we can be part of many potential solutions.”

AYO has been launched at a time that Louisiana has expanded laws to potentially allow more patients to choose medical marijuana for treatment. On June 11, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law ACT No 286, allowing any state-licensed physician to recommend medical marijuana to any of their patients to find relief for any condition.

“ACT No 286 makes clear that Louisiana residents want full access to medical cannabis and the right to discuss alternative healthcare options with their doctors,” said Chanda Macias, chief executive officer for Ilera Holistic Healthcare. “We are grateful to the entire state legislature in welcoming our input throughout the long history of this bill and listening to the voices of our patients, advocates, doctors and industry colleagues. We had one common goal, which was to bring greater access to medicine for all patients in our great state.”  

AYO is scientifically formulated, lab tested, pesticide free, and only available in the state of Louisiana. To learn more about AYO and cannabis medicine, please visit www.ileraholistichealthcare.com.

Zoom And Claflin University Launch 5-Year Strategic Partnership

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CLAFLIN — Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) and Claflin University today announced a commitment to a five-year strategic partnership. The video communications provider and Historically Black University have developed a multifaceted foundational program that represents $1.2M in educational and financial investments. Program components include:

  • Internships: Paid internships during the school year, and paid internships as part of Zoom’s summer internship program
  • Scholarships: Merit- and need-based scholarships for selected students
  • Curricula Partnership:
  1. Zoom-led virtual engagements focused on technical skill, career path and interview development topics with students throughout the academic year
  2. A member of Zoom’s product and technology leadership team will join the Claflin Computer Science and Mathematics Professional Advisory Board
  3. Inclusion of meaningful Zoom-focused projects within Claflin University’s capstone project program
  4. Co-authoring of case studies to be embedded into the classroom for teaching purposes
  • Board of Trustees: Aparna Bawa, Zoom COO, will join Claflin’s Board of Trustees
  • Faculty & Student Advisory: Zoom will partner with Claflin University to identify tailored opportunities to obtain feedback and guidance from faculty and students towards making Zoom’s product more accessible and inclusive to its customers
  • General Operating Fund & Alumni Engagement: Zoom will provide financial support to Claflin’s general operating plans and will also engage its alumni community in career development- and hiring-related efforts

“I want to thank my colleague Congressman Ro Khanna, whose relationship with Silicon Valley tech companies in his district and interest in supporting minority serving institutions led to this exciting partnership between Zoom and Claflin University. In 2018, he joined me in South Carolina on a tour of HBCUs to learn more about their untapped talent and unmet financial needs. The resulting partnership between Claflin and Zoom will demonstrate the mutual benefits of corporate investments in minority serving institutions and the profound impacts it can have on the students and the companies that help empower them. My hope is that this will be the start of more successful partnerships,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn, an HBCU graduate who represents Claflin University in Congress.

“I want to thank Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn for his leadership in helping bring tech opportunities across the country and to South Carolina. I saw his passion for this firsthand when he took me on a tour of his Congressional District. Together we toured Claflin University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).  I’m so proud to see Zoom announce a $1.2 million dollar partnership over the next five years with Claflin. This is not just a one-time donation from Zoom; they will provide paid internships, scholarships, and real-world experience for students at Claflin. We need structural change and Zoom’s partnership is the model of a substantive partnership that others should follow,” said Congressman Ro Khanna.

“This partnership strengthens Claflin University’s commitment to student success and our STEM agenda by providing scholarships, internships, and other career development initiatives,” said Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, Claflin University’s ninth president. “Zoom’s innovative technology has revolutionized video communications in industries and organizations across the globe. We are extremely grateful that Zoom selected Claflin for its first-ever partnership with a college or university and we welcome Aparna Bawa, chief operation officer at Zoom, as the newest member of our Board of Trustees. We also express our highest appreciation to Congressman James Clyburn. His persistent support for Claflin and programs that enhance access to technology throughout South Carolina was critical in establishing this partnership.”

“I am proud of this powerful new partnership between Zoom and Claflin University, and humbled to join the Claflin Board of Trustees,” said Bawa. “Zoom understands the historical, present, and future importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions across the US. We are committed to supporting these institutions via innovative partnerships that are relevant, holistic, and sustainable. Claflin University is the perfect place to begin. The University’s leadership has a broad and inspiring vision for how it should educate the leaders of tomorrow, is committed to embracing technology as a means to deliver and enhance education, and is dedicated to working with Zoom to help us build a service that addresses the needs of our diverse customer base.” Visit the Claflin University newsroom.

Ex Southern Band Director, Nathan Haymer Intends To Take Federal Plea Deal

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Nathan Haymer, former Southern University band director is said to plead guilty to federal charges. According to a WBRZ report, he intends to accept a plea agreement with federal prosecutors that will result in him pleading guilty to a federal charge.

Last year the former band director was accused of pocketing more than $293,000 from public funds owed to the school after allegedly seeking kickbacks for the band to appear at an event for schoolchildren the year before.

Tuesday as a formality, Haymer entered a not guilty plea before Magistrate Judge Richard Bourgeois. Another hearing will be scheduled once a plea agreement is finalized to which Haymer will change his plea to guilty.

The former band director faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

However, when federal prosecutors charged Haymer two weeks ago, he was charged with federal program theft for embezzling $30,000 in money. Prosecutors said the scheme involved fraudulent invoices that Haymer submitted to the school and received reimbursements for.

In 2018, Haymer told WBRZ,

“I’m an honest person. I have integrity. Southern pays me well enough and there’s no need for me to get kickbacks.”

Are HBCUs Becoming A Serious Option For Elite Basketball Prospects Again?

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The short answer to that question is yes.

From high school basketball phenom Mikey Williams and five-star rising senior Trevor Keels to five-star rising junior Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and top-tier junior college prospect El Ellis, elite basketball prospects are considering HBCUs as their stomping grounds at the next level.

Ellis, who included North Carolina Central University on his final list, ultimately decided to attend Louisville. But it’s the thought that counts.

There’s a new trend of historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, getting into the game for elite-level basketball recruits, ESPN reports. But does it have any staying power?

“All it takes is one person to change history,” Carmelo Anthony said in regards to the young and talented basketball prospects during an Instagram Live session. He was responding to Williams tweet about how choosing “an HBCU wouldn’t be too bad” at all as far as he is concerned.

“I think it’s a better chance of this new generation, this next generation, to go to a HBCU and be accepted and bring something different to a HBCU, as opposed to what was happening in 2002,” Anthony continued. “Do I think that a kid like Mikey Williams should consider a HBCU? I think he should, based off of the power that he has within himself. If he [does] that, it changes college sports because you have a young black kid at the top of his game who decided to go to a black university. That’s totally different.”

So it seems that the longer answer to that question is that we just have to wait to see who’s smart enough to make that big move, no doubt making history and disrupting the system.

“I think it would change the culture forever,” Huntley-Hatfield said, according to ESPN. “It would change the game of basketball altogether, if one of us chose a different pathway to make our dream come true and help our community. It just opens up a whole new bridge of opportunity. I feel like it would be a domino effect.”

From ESPN:

“The conversation between HBCUs and high-major players is different now than it has been over the past couple of years. It’s different than it was even a few weeks ago. The past month has seen a wave of protests and outrage over racial injustice, sparked by the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died on May 25 while in the custody of Minneapolis police.”

Here’s what HBCU coaches are saying about top-rated basketball prospects potentially joining black colleges:

  • North Carolina Central coach LeVelle Moton: “When we look back 40 years from now, we’ll realize this was a historical and monumental time. This will be in the history books — this is the day the world changed. The movement feels different. … They’re tired of the status quo and the ‘in vogue’ and what’s happening. They want to reclaim their power. We need to care about us. It shouldn’t be a crime that I want to go support my own. Any change in this country, it starts with young people. This isn’t dying down.”
  • Howard coach Kenny Blakeney: “With LeBron and Kaepernick, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, they’ve seen athletes take stands, which is a lot different from our generation. Our generation didn’t want to be politically active; they didn’t want to be social activists. They didn’t want to ruffle feathers. These young men are seeing this in real time, throughout their life.”
  • Tennessee State coach Brian “Penny” Collins: “Because of what’s going on in the world right now, attention goes directly to the African American community and how we can make it better. Playing for those universities, they make those universities better. There’s a sentiment to do whatever they can to help their community. This is just one of the things on the list.”

Prospect Elijah Fisher ‘Strongly’ Considering Morgan State University

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The 6-5, 185-pound Shooting Guard from Canada, Elijah Fisher could be attending an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges or University). The 15-year-old Toronto native is projected to be among the top basketball recruits in the class of 2023, and he’s being billed as the next big prospect out of Canada.

According to SI, Morgan State University is what he’s really excited about.

“Morgan State offered and that’s a school I’m really excited about,” Fisher said. “With everything that is going on in the world with social injustice and police brutality against people who look like me, I think it’s important to support the schools that have people like me there. I love that Morgan State is an HBCU.”

In the aftermath of the George Floyd killing, multiple elite players have expressed a renewed interest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Typically, players in Fisher’s position opt for schools in Power 5 conferences to maximize resources and exposure, but Fisher said, “It may be time to change things.”

“I feel like someone just needs to make a big move,” Fisher said. “I have a long time until I decide on a college, but I feel like as a young black teenager there should be more honor in getting an offer from a HBCU like Morgan State. Our black schools are elite too. We have to change that way of thinking that only certain schools are big time offers. I was excited that they offered me.”

Fisher’s ties to Morgan State stem from his coach Ro Russell, whose former player Chretien Lukusa is an assistant for the Bears. Lukusa and Fisher have forged a close bond through that relationship.

Read more via SI.com

McDonald’s Launches $500,000 Scholarship Fund To Help HBCU Students

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McDonald’s USA today announced the launch of its $500,000 Black & Positively Golden® Scholarship Fund to help students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue their education this fall, despite impacts of COVID-19. Facilitated by Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), scholarships will be distributed for the 2020-2021 academic year. The announcement comes in conjunction with the launch of the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture: Unstoppable Virtual Experience, in which McDonald’s officially kicks off its partnership with the ESSENCE Girls United HBCU initiative.

“We know that education is the key to success,” said Marissa Fisher, a second-generation McDonald’s franchisee with four restaurants in southeast Louisiana. “With many college students uncertain of returning to classes in the wake of COVID-19, we understand HBCU students will be most impacted. As a brand with roots that run deep in communities, McDonald’s has been part of these students’ lives while growing up and is the place where many received their first jobs. We want to help ease some of the stress caused by this pandemic as they plan to return to school.”

According to TMCF, supporting HBCUs is increasingly paramount. These institutions face challenges of supporting a large percentage of low-income students (up to 90% at some schools), while managing unexpected costs related to shifting to an online education infrastructure.

McDonald’s launches the $500,000 Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Fund in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to help students attending HBCUs continue their education this fall, despite the impact of COVID-19. Pictured are 2019 McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden scholarship recipients (L-R: Jordyn Allen and Jaiden Boyce) at last year’s Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans.

“This year, donations to HBCUs are even more critical, as students continue dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 and, now, civil unrest and demands for Black equality,” said Harry L. Williams, Thurgood Marshall College Fund President & CEO. “Black students, with allies from across the globe, are calling for companies to do more than issue statements and run ads. That’s why TMCF is excited to further our commitment with McDonald’s to help keep more Black students in college.”

Commemorating a 20-year partnership with the ESSENCE Festival of Culture: Unstoppable Virtual Experience, McDonald’s is also embarking on a collaboration with the ESSENCE Girls United HBCU initiative, powered by Black & Positively Golden. The multi-week program kicks off this fall with inspiring virtual events for student entrepreneurs. Through this program, McDonald’s will also award seed capital and exclusive mentoring opportunities to select participants.

These initiatives are natural extensions of the company’s longstanding commitment to advancing education, as previously demonstrated through its partnership with TMCF and its Archways to Opportunity program for restaurant crew and managers. On a mission to supporting communities nationwide, McDonald’s strives to be a catalyst of change by funding scholarships, leadership training and dream building.

“I often tell my employees that McDonald’s is more than burgers and fries,” said Fisher, who began working as a crew member in her parents’ McDonald’s restaurants prior to becoming a franchisee. “I’m proud to be part of a global brand that is stepping up to help America’s Black future leaders continue their education during such a challenging time.”

Viewers will hear more from Fisher on McDonald’s upcoming program with Girls United during the ESSENCE Festival of Culture: Unstoppable Virtual Experience. The announcement will take place during a Girls United panel, which will bring together actresses Lexi Underwood and Lovie Simone for a powerful “Checking In On Our Girls” discussion, slated for Saturday, June 27 at 3:50pm EST. The vibrant duo will have a transparent conversation on topics, including how young Black girls are managing their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being in the wake of global unrest; community activism; healthy self-esteem; the impact of social distancing and resources to help them rehabilitate through it all. Visit ESSENCE Studios now to register.

HBCU students can apply for a Black & Positively Golden scholarship now through August 3, by clicking here. For more information on McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden movement, follow @wearegolden on Instagram.

About Black & Positively Golden
Launched in 2019, McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden movement is designed to uplift communities and shine a brilliant light on Black excellence through empowerment, education and entrepreneurship. It highlights all things positive and focuses on stories of truth, power and pride. The campaign movement is a natural extension of the brand’s longstanding commitment to the African-American consumer.

About McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Instagram at @WeAreGolden and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the Black & Positively Golden initiative, visit www.mcdonalds.com.

About Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: www.tmcf.org.

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Texas Southern University Student Megan Thee Stallion Wins At BET Awards, Show Recap

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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country is adjusting to social distancing and virtual events, which is exactly how BET network decided to celebrate its 20th annual award show this year, saying:

The BET Awards is set to return this Sunday (June 28) to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s award show will be going virtual. But, we’re still bringing you performances from some of music’s hottest stars and A-listers on Black entertainment’s biggest night. We wouldn’t want you to miss a single moment, so we put together a quick explainer of everything you need to know about this year’s BET Awards.

The celebration of Black excellence broadcast live on BET, BET Her and CBS. Amanda Seales hosted us through the virtual experience and the performances were all recorded.

The entertainment for the 20th annual BET Awards did not disappoint and neither did Texas Southern University student Megan Thee Stallion. Watch her performance of “Girls in the Hood” and “Savage, featuring Beyonce:”

Watch as Megan Thee Stallion accepts BET Award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist. The young superstar was nominated several times and she also took home the award for 2020 Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award, for her single “Hot Girl Summer,” featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign.

The full list of winners includes:

Album of the Year
Roddy Ricch – Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Lizzo
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Chris Brown
Best Group
Migos
Best Collaboration
Chris Brown [Ft. Drake] – “No Guidance”
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Megan Thee Stallion
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
DaBaby
Video of the Year
DJ Khaled [Ft. Nipsey Hussle, John Legend] – “Higher”
Video Director of the Year
Teyana “Spike Tee” Taylor
Best New Artist
Roddy Ricch
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Kirk Franklin – “Just for Me”
Best International Act
Burna Boy
Best New International Act
Sha Sha
Best Actress
Issa Rae
Best Actor
Michael B. Jordan
Young Stars Award
Marsai Martin
Best Movie
Queen & Slim
Sportswoman of the Year
Simone Biles
Sportsman of the Year
LeBron James
2020 Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
Megan Thee Stallion [Ft. Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign] – “Hot Girl Summer”
BET Her Award
Beyonce [Ft. Blue Ivy Carter, Wizkid and Saint Jhn] – “Brown Skin Girl”

Now, more than ever, the country needs all the Black love, celebration and unity that we can get. Congratulations to the winners and for another celebration honoring Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy.

NASA To Rename Headquarters For HBCU Grad Mary W. Jackson, Agency’s First Female African American Engineer

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NASA will name its headquarters building Mary W. Jackson, the first female African American engineer at the space agency, who as one of the “Hidden Figures” overcame rampant racial discrimination and gender bias to help propel the agency at the dawn of the Space Age, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced Wednesday.

Jackson began her career in the 1950s in a segregated computing unit at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., that recently drew national attention as the setting for the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures,” based on a book by the same name.

Last year, the portion of E St. SW in front of NASA’s D.C. headquarters was renamed “Hidden Figures Way” in recognition of the African American women who worked at NASA in its early days.

The news came the same day some in the space industry began to push NASA to change the name of the Stennis Space Center in southern Mississippi, named for John C. Stennis, the longtime senator from Mississippi, a segregationist who opposed racial equality and the integration of schools. And it comes as communities across the country are taking down Confederate monuments in the wake of the killing of George Floyd while he was in police custody.

The push coincided with a move to change the Navy’s aircraft carrier, also named for the late senator.

In response to the request to rename the space center, a NASA spokesman said that agency “leadership is sensitive to the discussions of racism, discrimination and inequalities going on around the world. We are aware of conversations about renaming facilities and are having ongoing discussions with the NASA workforce on this topic. NASA is dedicated to advancing diversity and we will continue to take steps to do so.”

The agency said it was honored to name its headquarters building after Jackson, who Bridenstine said was “part of a group of very important women who helped NASA in getting American astronauts into space. Mary never accepted the status quo, she helped break barriers and open opportunities for African Americans and women in the field of engineering and technology.”

Carolyn Lewis, Jackson’s daughter, said her family was “honored” by the recognition. “She was a scientist, humanitarian, wife, mother and trailblazer who paved the way for thousands of others to succeed, not only at NASA but throughout this nation.”

An accomplished mathematician and aerospace engineer, Jackson joined NASA’s predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, starting as a research mathematician and working under fellow “Hidden Figure” Dorothy Vaughn at Langley. In the film, Jackson was portrayed by actress Janelle Monáe.

Head over to The Washington Post to read more.