How Live Video Is Changing The Way We Use The Internet

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Perhaps more than any other industry, the online tech sector is evolving at a truly rapid pace, with the possibilities of the internet in 2020 far beyond anything we could have imagined at the turn of the century.

The emergence of faster connection speeds, increasingly powerful browsers, and more devices to access them on has turned the internet from a portal of information, communication, and entertainment into a major part of our day-to-day lives.

In this article, we will examine one recent innovation that has helped transform those possibilities like few before it, and that is the gradual introduction of live video technology across a range of online platforms.

A world away from webcams

Since the mid-1990s, webcams have helped remote internet users chat with one another using video. However, the picture quality was generally pretty poor and the cameras themselves often had to be purchased separately and plugged in.

Today, the vast majority of laptops have good quality webcams built-in, generally found above the screen. This has helped make video chat between friends and family members easier and more pleasant than ever.

Additionally, the growth of the smartphone as an internet device has also underpinned the growing popularity of video chat. The majority of modern smartphones boast powerful front-facing cameras that make it easy to video call a buddy wherever you are in the world.

More real than AI

Live video technology is also being utilized by gaming brands to offer players a more unique challenge when playing their favorite titles. A great example here is in the casino industry, where live video technology is used to allow players to compete against a real-life person instead of an AI.

Games like blackjack, poker, and roulette all utilize this technology to offer a more authentic experience, and this trend is catching on all over the world. The leading brands each provide their own live casino experience, often featuring a friendly local accent, whether that’s Canadian, American, English, or a completely different language.

The use of video technology in this sector has helped to blur the lines between online and land-based casinos, with online players now accustomed to a more authentic experience than ever before, whether that’s through their laptop, tablet, or phone.

Keeping it social

Live video is also used in more traditional gaming sectors to connect the world’s best players with their fans. Esports players and YouTubers often host live streams of their gaming sessions, giving rise to a completely new genre of broadcasting.

This has helped make traditional gaming more social than it has been before, with many live streams providing the opportunity for enthusiasts to interact with one another, ask questions, and even build lasting friendships. More broadly speaking, live video is simply allowing gamers from all corners of the globe to chat face-to-face.

As you can see, the influence of live video on internet innovation has been relatively significant during the last ten years. It has helped sectors change the way they interact with customers, while also enhancing the experience for the end-user. A true win-win for all parties!

Howard University’s Office Of The Dean Of Chapel Coordinates First Virtual Community Service Program

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1,000+ students, faculty, staff and alumni register to participate

Howard University hosted its eighth annual Howard University Day of Service (HUDOS) on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. Incoming students, both national and international, as well as continuing Howard University students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni volunteered together, virtually, supporting the needs of organizations across the nation.

Despite grappling with the COVID-19 global pandemic, being required to leave campus and adapt to virtual learning spaces, and mourning the loss of countless innocent Black people whose lives were brutally taken at the hands of police, the student leaders who organized HUDOS 2020 were determined to continue to serve and meet the needs of Black communities in unique ways.

“What happens at Howard University has implications for the nation and global community. History has documented that,” said Bernard L. Richardson, Ph.D., dean of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel. “I want freshmen [and the entire Howard University student body] to understand that when history books are written in future generations, they’re going to talk about this moment. How this class really set the standard for teaching us how to serve virtually.”

Protest and advocacy are not monolithic; each requires a multi-layered approach. “After much prayer and discussion at the beginning of quarantine, we decided that being on the frontlines of protest means serving our people as student leaders. Yes, we’re dealing with attacks on our communities and ourselves in so many ways, but it was never a doubt in our mind that the service had to continue which brought us to HUDOS 2020,” said Denae Carmelino, co-student director of HUDOS 2020.

More than 1,000 participants registered for Howard University’s first-ever virtual day of service. Designed as an introduction to Howard’s commitment to service for all incoming students, HUDOS focuses on community building through eight service-learning initiatives addressing: educational disparities, environmental injustices, community health disparities, housing and food disparities, violence, police and community relationships, political empowerment, and youth/elderly outreach.

What is virtual service? Participants registered hundreds of citizens to vote, wrote letters to essential workers, played games with senior citizens, , drafted advocacy letters, created educational videos for virtual classrooms, and even mapped buildings in Caribbean countries and other surrounding countries impacted by the hurricane season, serving more than 30 service sites including the Poor People’s Campaign, Rock the Vote, Black Benefactors, Howard University Hospital, So Others Might Eat, Hayes Senior Wellness Center, Humanitarian Open Street Mapping, Trees Durham and more.

“I remember watching as everything unfolded in Minneapolis, following the murder of George Floyd, and even my hometown of the Bronx, New York—the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic and witnessing how people in both communities banded together to demand justice,” said Oluwatobi Mojeed-Balogun, co-student director of HUDOS 2020. Witnessing those communal spaces reminded me of a quote by April R. Silver, a Howard alumna, activist, artist, social justice leader and founder of Black Neo-force who said to Sonia Sanchez […] ‘but politically I am clear and always have been, we are worth fighting for, flaws and contradictions galore, we are worth fighting for over and over again.’” This quote really resonated with me. With this quote as our driving force and the source of our theme “We Are Worth Fighting For,” we knew that regardless of what was happening with the coronavirus pandemic, HUDOS 2020 had to happen.

Modeled after the University’s nationally recognized Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program, HUDOS is a service-learning experience that allows Howard University students to discover the power of ethical leadership and civic responsibility.

Shaping history and disrupting the status quo is not new to Howard students. They’ve walked the same halls, and, in some instances, learned from the same professors as trailblazers and luminaries including Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Elijah Cummings, Amiri Baraka, Andrew Young, Vernon Jordan, Cathy Hughes, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and, of course, Kamala Harris the first Black woman and first person of Indian descent to be on a major party ticket as the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

Although there are many promises that this nation has not yet delivered on, and more than enough news headlines to evoke sadness, HBCU students across the world continue to bring us solace and hope for a more just and inclusive society.

“Establishing the first virtual community service project of this magnitude was a daunting task, said Andreya J. Davis, assistant dean for faith-based and community initiatives. “And yet, we knew that this virtual Day of Service was necessary for our communities and our more than 1,000 participants. I am grateful for the space that Dean Richardson, Howard University and the Office of the Dean of the Chapel creates for this type of work, and for our selfless student leaders, and the participants who trusted us. This is #GoodTrouble.”

For more information about the faith exploration, community service, and social justice programs offered by the Office of the Dean of the Chapel at Howard University, please visit chapel.howard.edu or email chapel@howard.edu

Elizabeth City State Marks Highest Enrollment Since 2014

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Elizabeth City State University has experienced the highest enrollment since the fall 2014 semester when ECSU had 1,867 students. According to the fall 2020 enrollment census, released Monday, Aug. 24, total enrollment is 2,002, a 13.2 percent increase over fall 2019’s 1,773 students.

The recruitment of a freshman class with a strong academic profile, the return of continuing students, and the recruitment of graduate and transfer students are major factors accounting for the enrollment increase. This is also the third fall semester to offer the NC Promise Tuition program, offering in-state and out-of-state students affordable tuition.

“Thanks to NC Promise, ECSU is the most affordable public institution in North Carolina, offering a quality education at an affordable price,” Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon said. “Despite these unprecedented times, and the challenges we face during the COVID-19 pandemic, ECSU is strong. I am excited to see the growing enthusiasm for this university, and I am grateful for the hard work of our faculty and staff.”

ECSU’s retention rate has increased significantly since 2019. At 75.6 percent, it is the highest rate since 2012, growing by 5 percent over 2019. The efforts of University Studies along with the outreach of student affairs including their work with student success programs such as Champion Scholars and Sister2Sister are key contributors to the growth in retention.

Over the last two years, ECSU has been intentional about strengthening relationships with its community college partners through the establishment of co-admission and articulation agreements. As a result of these efforts, transfer student enrollment has also seen a big increase with 202 students enrolling in programs at ECSU, a 27.8 percent increase over 2019. Graduate student enrollment experienced a 19.5 percent increase over fall 2019. 

ECSU’s provost, Dr. Farrah Ward, praised university efforts to build enrollment. Student retention programs, increased enrollment goals and strong enrollment management efforts have contributed to the growth at ECSU, she said. 

“The university’s enrollment growth is, in part, thanks to our team approach for strategic enrollment,” said Provost Ward. “The enrollment strategy team consists of representatives from various departments including admissions, financial aid, student accounts, registrar, university studies, distance education, graduate education, academic affairs, housing and residence life, student affairs, business and finance, auxiliary services, communications and marketing, and information technology.”

The strategic implementation of programs designed to increase the retention and persistence of students has played a significant role in ECSU’s continued growth, she said. Over the course of the last three years, recruitment of new and transfer students, process improvements, and a customer-friendly staff have made a big impact on enrollment.

“This is a testament to the work of our faculty and staff who recruit quality students, develop academic programs that are in demand, and provide quality instruction,” said Provost Ward.

Programs that have seen significant increase of at least 25 percent enrollment include Aviation Science, Digital Media Arts, Graphic Design, and the newest online degree programs in Homeland Security and Elementary Education (Masters). The top three majors by enrollment are Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Biology.

Morgan State Mourns The Loss Of Student-Athlete Jordan Cofield

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It is with deep sadness that the Morgan State Athletics Department mourns the tragic loss of student-athlete Jordan Cofield, who lost his life in a single vehicle motorcycle accident during the evening hours of August 23, 2020.

Cofield, 20, was a junior wide receiver on the MSU football team and key member of the track & field team.  The Baltimore (New Town HS) product ranked No. 2 in the MEAC in kick return average (20.4 avg) last year. Adding 10 receptions for 105 yards (10.5 avg) and a touchdown. 

Cofield also excelled off the field as a Business Administration major, holding a 3.26 GPA as a member of the Dean’s List and the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. 

“On behalf of the entire Morgan State University community and the Department of Athletics we are heartbroken at the loss of Jordan,” said MSU Athletic Director Edward Scott, Ph.D. “This is a very difficult loss for the Bear family and we are extremely saddened.  Jordan was an outstanding young man who touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.  Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the Cofield family, Jordan’s friends and teammates.” 

Support and counseling services have been offered and will remain available to MSU student-athletes, coaches and staff of Cofield.  Funeral proceedings will be announced by the family at a later date.  

O’Quinn Carries HBCU Torch In The NBA

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Despite progress being made every year HBCU sports world, there are only two active players on NBA rosters right now. They are former Norfolk State University baller Kyle O’Quinn, who is now on the Philadelphia 76ers as they search for their first NBA Championship since 1983. Meanwhile, Tennessee State student Robert Covington is on the Houston Rockets after spells with the Sixers and Minnesota Timberwolves.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=52fB1EpFOiw

Center O’Quinn was the recipient of the Lou Henson Award and MEAC Player of the Year award in 2012 and has had his famous No. 10 shirt retired by the Norfolk State Spartans.

O’Quinn had previously wanted to pursue a career in football, that was even after earning a scholarship. However, he kept working on basketball and at the end of his studies, graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. Before leaving, O’Quinn’s performances saw the Spartans enter the famous NCAA tournament thanks to the side winning the MEAC tournament title. Two firsts in the school’s history.

The tournament saw Norfolk State, the 15th seed, up against number two seed Missouri. O’Quinn recorded an impressive 26 points and 14 rebounds in a famous win that shook the college basketball scene and made national headlines.

After playing 129 games for the Spartans, he averaged 12.5 PPG, 8.5 rebounds and 2.19 blocked shots – the New York Knicks drafted him in the second round with the 49th pick. Now with the Sixers, who are the 66/1 in the basketball betting to win the NBA Championship, he has never forgotten his HBCU roots.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=vyrf8Y6UkUI

“It’s a one-of-a-kind experience,” said O’Quinn. “I think kids at the bigger schools, they really miss out on the true college experience by not going to an HBCU.” 

The center is still the last player to be drafted into the NBA from a HBCU since David Young. A North Carolina Central student, Young was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2004 but never played a game in the NBA. The NBA has a long and storied history with HBCU athletes with the likes of Charles Oakley, Ben Wallace and Sam Jones all having stellar careers.

Oakley and Wallace are generation-defining big men and are remembered fondly by NBA fans. However, the gold standard of HBCU alumni is undoubtedly Jones. Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1957, the shooting guard went on to win 10 NBA Championships, the second most of any player – one behind teammate Bill Russell.

Known for his ability to hit big clutch shots, he led the Celtics in scoring during three separate seasons and was one of only three Celtics players to win eight consecutive NBA titles. In 1984, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame and his Boston jersey number is retired.

No HBCU player has hit those heights since, but current representative O’Quinn is a great ambassador. He knows what it is like to struggle for a dream and to see it come true.

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Mobile Tech’s Contributions To The Entertainment Industry

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Just a couple of short decades ago, getting started as a creative in the entertainment world was a prohibitively expensive pursuit. Today, with the reductions in cost which are born from mobile tech, barriers to entry are lower than ever. By looking at the causes of cost reductions, as well as a couple of standout examples, we want to briefly explore how much this world has grown, and what the contemporary environment can offer.

Direct and Indirect Expansion

The biggest contributor to the size the market has grown to is not bound to just one or two individual elements, but rather the million separate facets of the mobile industry. Working together, each of these facets grew mobile potential in some way, the collective progress of which gave modern devices the ubiquity and flexibility they now enjoy.

The most basic of these contributions come from the base appeal of mobile communication technology. Working from this point, the combination and replacements of other hardware items such as music players like Discmans and dedicated MP3 devices became key.

Perhaps most influential, however, were the developments brought on by demands from the software. Take the current state of the online casino industry for example. In the early days of mobile internet, games from these services drew heavy interest, pushing for better hardware to accomplish what players wanted. This didn’t just pay off for the likes of modern online slot games like Stampede and Reel Rush, but rather aided in stronger hardware which could be leveraged for an enormous range of uses in many different disciplines.

Owing to the legacy of systems like these, the modern mobile app market is one with seemingly limitless potential. Extending to social media and media creation tools, newer systems offer immense flexibility at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. Combine these tools with the potential of social media, and it was inevitable that a massive shift in the media landscape would eventually occur.

Making Waves

A breakout in the age of social media, the Weeknd saw enormous success through his adventures in the social media space. Operating under the name ‘xoxxxoooxo’, Weeknd’s first three songs went on to draw enormous attention and signal boosting from, among other famous names, Drake. With around 70% of YouTube use coming from mobile devices, the connections here were undeniably important.

Climbing the Vine

Another star owing no small amount of their popularity to the internet is King Bach. Finding his legs as what would become the most popular name on Vine, with 11.3 million followers, Bach would eventually leverage his Vine media career into more established acting jobs. Today, Bach finds himself as a professional actor with roles in such hit shows as Black Jesus, House of Lies, and The Walking Dead.

The result of the developing mobile technological environment is that major media success is no longer as much of a matter of luck. If you live far away from entertainment centers, if you don’t have the money for professional equipment, or if you lack the connections, these issues will no longer make or break you. Success directly and indirectly through what mobile media allows means that now everybody can get their voice out there, to see what they can really do.

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Stacey Abrams Exposes Systematic Voter Suppression In New Amazon Prime Documentary

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“If the power of the right to vote was truly made available to everyone in America, it would change the future of the nation.”

These chilling words from Stacey Abrams open the trailer for Prime Video’s new documentary “All In: The Fight For Democracy.”

In the film, Georgia state legislator Stacey Abrams chronicles her 2018 run for Georgia state governor. Early on, she shared that she believed voter suppression would play a key role in the race for governor and she was right. All In gives viewers an inside look at the race, and the events that subsequently led up to her loss to Republican Brian Kemp. 

“The system that is supposed to protect our democracy didn’t work the way it was supposed to,” says Abrams. 

In the trailer, Georgia citizens shared their voting experiences, which included being suddenly purged from the polls. Unfortunately, Americans in other states also chime in and share similar stories. Others went through extremes such as waiting an upwards of 5 hours to vote. This inconvenience is often the result of geographically targeted suppression. Often, areas with concentrated people of color will have fewer places to vote. It discourages voting in those areas because people shouldn’t need to wait more than an hour. Those voters are practically encouraged to  walk away from the line rather than wait that long.

It’s not difficult to see that we are facing the same issues in 2020 that Stacey faced in 2018. The current presidential administration has been accused of voter suppression by slowing down operations at the US Postal Service. Mail tampering at the post office discourages Americans from submitting their mail-in ballots. Considering the times, the Postal Service is a crucial resource particularly because of the pandemic. Many feel it is unsafe to leave their homes for fear of contracting COVID-19. Voting this year has literally become a life or death issue, with no resolution in sight.

To live in a democracy is to deserve the right to vote. The ability to vote is a different story.  

Check the must-see trailer here.

Bethune-Cookman Lady Wildcats Announces Signing Of De’Asia Reid

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Bethune-Cookman University Women’s Head Basketball Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis officially announced today that De’Asia Reid has signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) and has joined the Lady Wildcat program.

Reid, a 6-1 forward, comes to B-CU after a season at Connors State (OK) College where she averaged 14.2 ppg and 8.9 rpg while helping the team finish 20-12. She also played at Tallahassee Community College one year, averaging 6.8 ppg and 5.2 rpg.

“De’Asia will be a welcome addition to the 2020-21 roster,” Blair-Lewis said. “Her ability to score, defend rebound and run the floor will fill a necessary and vital role in our continued success.”

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Reid was a First Team All-State selection her junior year (2016-17) and Second Team All-State performer her senior season (2017-18) at Princeton HS and was ranked 55th in the nation at forward on ESPN’s Top 100 high school players.

Bethune-Cookman is coming off a 23-6 campaign in 2019-20 that saw the Lady Wildcats take the Mid-Eastern Athletic regular season championship for the fourth time in five years. The program made its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2019.

Former Nebraska Point Guard Cam Mack Headed To Prairie View A&M

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The former Nebraska point guard, Cam Mack finish his collegiate career closer to home at Prairie View A&M Univeristy. He announced via twitter Wednesday night. Mack played in 28 games, including 25 starts, in his only season with the Huskers. He averaged 12.0 points, 6.4 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. He ranked third in the Big Ten in assists and steals.

Mack said on April 2 that he was transferring from NU “due to my family circumstances.” His mother, Erika Jasper, is currently battling breast cancer.

Howard To Hollywood, Anthony Anderson Receives Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

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Howard University student, Anthony Anderson attended his Walk of Fame ceremony on Friday—one day before his 50th birthday—alongside his family and friends, sharing on Instagram that “Dreams do come true.”

“Today was a GREAT day! Dreams do come true! Those dreams are made possible thru faith, hard work, patience and sacrifice! I want to thank everyone that’s been a part of my journey thus far.” Anthony said in his Instagram Post

In 2018, Anthony announced on Jimmy Fallon that he’s on the road to graduating from Howard University alongside his son, Nathan Anderson, in 2022.

“I was paying for college myself, and I ran out of money after my Junior year,” Anderson says of his decision to drop out of college during his younger years. Anthony Anderson’s story is definitely one that exhibits delay without denial as he has been working to find a way to finish his final year of undergraduate studies.

Alongside the message, the Los Angeles native shared a series of photos from the ceremony, including images of him posing with the star. In another photo, Anderson’s family is seen celebrating in true pandemic fashion—wearing custom masks adorned with Anderson’s smile and beard.

“I was looking forward to the pomp and circumstance that surrounds anyone getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, because not just anyone can or will get that,” Anderson told Variety in an interview published on Friday.

He also told the outlet he had hoped to celebrate big with his family and friends but “unfortunately that type of event can’t happen because of what’s happening in the world right now.” Still, Anderson said the honor is a testament to how hard he has worked throughout his career.

“It’s surreal in a way to see where I’ve come from, the work that I put into this and that I still put into this, and then it all culminating in and having that work paid off with a star on that same Hollywood Walk of Fame,” he said. “You couldn’t write a story better than that.

FAMU Grad Vincent Evans Named Political Director For Kamala Harris

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Florida A&M University graduate Vincent Evans, 32 who has been serving as the southern political director for Joe Biden’s campaign, will serve as political director for Biden’s vice-presidential nominee, Howard University Alumna Kamala Harris.

Evans, 32, who is well-known in national, state and local politics, joined the Biden campaign last fall from his position as special assistant to U.S. Rep. Al Lawson Jr. He served in that post with Lawson’s staff since January 2017.

From August 2018 to November 2018, Evans served as North Florida political director/special projects for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum.

Honda Embraces HBCUs With Decades-Long Commitment

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The gift of opportunity can be the gift of a lifetime. For over 30 years, American Honda has sought to showcase top talent at HBCUs all over the country. Whether a student is into music, academic competitions, or creating new products, there is a chance for them to be more.

We sat down with Alexandra Warnier, Corporate Social Responsibility manager for American Honda, to highlight how enriching programs like this can be for everyone involved.

Q. How is Honda uplifting the Black community during the COVID-19 pandemic? In your opinion, what disparities in the educational system and for HBCUs, have been heightened by the impact of the virus?

A.  Honda’s North American response to the COVID-19 pandemic included support for the HBCU community, with specific focus on food insecurity and healthcare needs. It was part of a larger $1 million pledge that we made, toward COVID-19 relief efforts.

We had 58 HBCUs that participated in the [COVID-19] relief initiative. We used the funds that we had designated for the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), which was canceled just prior in March actually. We decided to take those grant funds to empower students and HBCUs to make donations to organizations in their local communities. Honda provided a total of $325,000 in order to make those donations.

Q. Could you talk a little bit about the overall HBCU funding disparity, and why it was so important to give that boost?

A. In terms of redirecting the funds, I think it was important for many reasons. First of all, we have a really strong relationship with the nation’s HBCUs. So we really wanted to support them, as well as the broader HBCU community during the pandemic. When we decided to cancel the [HCASC] event, it was really to keep the students and coaches safe. But we also wanted to support the students who work hard in preparing for the national tournament. It’s a year-round program and the students had been working on that. This was the culmination of all their work, and we knew there was an important need as well in terms of the community. 

We wanted to give them an opportunity to come up with a project that they could facilitate in their own community. We focused it around food insecurity and healthcare needs for families, but there were also senior citizens, homelessness, as well as medical supply projects that the participating HBCUs came up with in order to support their community during this time. 

Q. What was Honda’s first initiative towards supporting HBCUs? 

A. Our involvement with HBCUs started more than 30 years ago with the establishment of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge.  The program is designed to showcase the academic gifts of HBCU students, and it goes back to the fact that education is a core pillar of our corporate social responsibility activity across the United States. Honda believes HBCUs play a unique and critical role in providing education as well as opportunity for advancement to the African American community. 

Q. Since you have Jess Agyepong here as well, Jess can you tell me how the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has affected you as a Howard University senior and HCASC team captain?

A. My involvement with HCASC has had an extremely positive impact on my college career. Through this program, I have had the opportunity to sharpen my mind, connect with students from many different HBCUs, and build my leadership skills. HCASC is a unique mix of fun and learning, and I am grateful for the experiences it has given me.

Q. How has the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands showcased HBCU talent and benefitted participating schools over the years?

A. In terms of impact, it has touched the lives of 200,000 students. Through the two programs, we’ve awarded more than $12 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facilities improvements. We’ve also created a community of HBCU students, faculty members, and alumni that is built around these two programs. It really supports the students and HBCUs, as well as providing a unique experience. 

Q. How have Honda’s contributions to HBCUs impacted you personally?

A. For me, I’ve attended both the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands, and it’s been just amazing to see the community—everyone that’s there to support these HBCUs—which is absolutely fantastic. In terms of HCASC, it’s incredible to see the hard work that the students go through in order to prepare to be there, and to be one of the 48 schools competing for the national championship title. To be able to interact with them, hear about their dreams and support them, it’s a really important program. From my perspective, I’ve been really impressed with the students.

For Honda’s Battle of the Bands, it’s the hard work they go through to be so amazing when they hit the field. It’s an incredible thing to experience. 

Q. What scholarships does Honda fund for HBCU students?

A. In partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), Honda provides scholarships to support students pursuing an education in engineering, supply chain management and manufacturing-related fields. 

In addition to the financial support, scholarship recipients are invited to interview for internships and co-op positions at one of 12 U.S. facilities where Honda manufactures vehicles, engines, transmission, as well as aircraft, aircraft engines, power equipment and side-by-side and all-terrain vehicles.  

This summer, Honda is hosting eight co-ops from HBCUs. Even in this unusual era of social distancing, we aim to provide positive learning experiences for students and make them aware of the career opportunities at Honda.

Q. Discuss the impact of giving scholarships to HBCU students pursuing engineering, supply chain management and manufacturing-related careers through your partnership with the Thurgood Marshall Fund. We are also happy to hear about any other impacts this partnership has made.

A. Honda established the scholarship fund in 2018 to mark a major milestone in the company’s history–the production of its 25 millionth automobile in the United States–and invest in the next generation of engineers and manufacturing associates. Through our partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Honda is committed to strengthening opportunities for top students at HBCUs. We also hope that they’ll consider working at Honda in the future.

Q. What are some of the benefits of Honda being a member of the HBCU Partnership Challenge, an initiative by the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus? Or feel free to discuss the impact of this partnership. 

A. Honda has a long history of supporting HBCUs, recognizing the critical role the institutions play in our society. Our participation in the HBCU Caucus’ Partnership Challenge enables us to support Caucus members and like-minded companies to ensure a spotlight remains on these important institutions.

To learn more about how Honda’s initiatives have helped communities like yours, please visit here.

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HBCU Alum 2 Chainz Teams Up With Michelle Obama To Help Educate Former Inmates On Voting Rights

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The folks over at Black Enterprise recently penned an article about our man and Alabama State University alumni, 2 Chainz, who joined forces with Michelle Obama to inform former inmates about voting rights. This information is new to us. So, kudos to the black college alum for sharing it 👏🏾👏🏾. Check out the videos below.

From Black Enterprise:

Atlanta rapper Tauheed Epps, better known as 2 Chainz, has joined the movement to help formerly incarcerated people understand their voting rights and the voting process, according to BET.

2 Chainz partnered with former first lady Michelle Obama and her When We All Vote organization to help former inmates comprehend the law when it comes to ex-felons casting votes in an election. In a just-released video, 2 Chainz drops knowledge pertaining to the rights of those who have been incarcerated.

“As you know, or may not know, me as well as many peers my age and where I’m from have been either incarcerated maybe once or twice in their lifetime,” says 2 Chainz in the YouTube video clip. “And for those of you that have been through those unfortunate circumstances, I would like to notify you about some of the things and give you some real clarity about voting and your rights.”

The video was released just days before Obama released a video of her own reminding all of how important their votes are and encouraging everyone to make their vote matter in the upcoming election.

“I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all that you’re doing to help everyone in this country make their voices heard in this year’s election, and in every election.

“Your work has never been more important.

“From the ongoing pandemic, to the passion and protest we’ve seen for racial and social justice, it’s clear that we’re in the middle of a big moment in this country, and that means we need leadership that honestly reflects who we are and what we stand for.

“Our job between now and November is to make sure everyone we know understands that the power to make change rests on our ability to cast a vote.

“Fair and safe voting is gonna be more important than ever this year, and that’s why When We All Vote is fighting to expand vote-by-mail, in person early voting and online voter registration.”

Last week, 2 Chainz reunited with Lil Wayne on his latest single “Money Maker” which the world-famous marching band from Southern University is featured.

Could Deciding To Attend An HBCU Be One Of My Best Decisions Ever?

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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When I decided to attend Central State University in Wilberforce, I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect or if I would even fit in. 

Because I went to a suburban high school in the state of Ohio (Dublin Scioto HS), choosing to enroll at a historically black college and university, or HBCU, wasn’t always something I wanted to do—it wasn’t something I actually knew about. My counselors never informed me about HBCUs, the last jewel black people have left in this country. I was completely oblivious in regards to the black college experience. Upon further research, taking into consideration the cost of room and board, the location, and the rich history of the institution itself, my mind was sold on the idea of going to an HBCU, and in particular, attending CSU in fall 2010. 

As I got more confident about my decision, my friend’s mother would talk so ugly about the thought of me attending Central State. Almost all of my friends were going to the so-called better colleges like Ohio State University, Ohio University, Bowling Green State University, and Otterbein College. Deciding to go to CSU just felt like a decision I was going to regret later. 

Maybe Central State wasn’t a good fit for me. I remember thinking, “I’ll be surrounded by nothing but cornfields.” It made me question if going to an HBCU was even worth it. 

But when I stopped comparing myself to my peers, I saw that deciding to go to an HBCU could possibly be one of the best decisions I have ever made. (The best being becoming a member of the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in August 2018 😇.) I told myself that I would be given a second chance at my beloved CSU, not to mention the cheap price tag—Central State is the most affordable 4-year university in the state of Ohio—and the fact that I’ll be only an hour or so away from home given I need to abort mission on the school of my dreams. Not only that, but I also felt as though nothing was quite like the black college experience based on watching movies such as Stomp The Yard, Drumline, and later School Daze. 

The comments from my friend’s mother flooded my mind though, making me second-guess what I was learning about the black college experience. While I was on the internet, I was coming across a lot of bad reviews on CSU from former students and visitors of the institution, and I thought that attending the black college would not be in my best interests at all. Maybe Central State wasn’t a good fit for me. I remember thinking, “I’ll be surrounded by nothing but cornfields.” It made me question if going to an HBCU was even worth it. 

But I couldn’t deny what I felt when I had taken a college tour at CSU. If I knew that the small-campus was ideal and the basketball games are lit, then that meant that I did find a home away from home after all. It was undeniable. I knew that my next challenge would be experiencing the full black college experience for myself and trusting my gut feeling. 

I didn’t know anyone on campus. I made some friends during lunch at the cafe and went from there. I felt like I could do everything I didn’t do while in high school at Central State; I would try my hardest to be more active on and off-campus. When I had finally joined an organization on the yard that was opened to freshmen, the Brotherhood of Strong Success (B.O.S.S. Bros), a non-Greek step team, I exceeded my own expectations. I quickly became a valuable member of the team and even became the organization’s secretary all in my freshman year. But that didn’t stop me from joining others throughout my matriculation at college. 

Later I joined Tau Rho Beta, Student African American Brotherhood as Secretary, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. as Secretary and then President, CSU’s tennis team, the second chapter chartered at an HBCU of College Republicans, and more. I even found time to frequently write for an online newspaper called HBCU Buzz as a Staff Writer. Within a year I was named Editor-in-Chief of HBCU Buzz. Those feelings of failure from my friend’s mother, saying, “You should never go to Central State for any reason” were now obsolete as far as I was concerned. 

Now, being an alumnus of CSU, I know how far I have come from that quiet and shy black boy during high school. I don’t feel like I wouldn’t fit at an HBCU anymore. Yes, these institutions have their fair share of problems, but I have learned that the pros outweigh the cons. I know that there is nothing like the black college experience. 

I have also learned about the power of networking, being amongst like-minded individuals that look like me, and a safe space where we can be great and challenged mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially. Those doubts I had are no longer a thing. Choosing to go to an HBCU is definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. Nobody got us like how we got us. 

I am so grateful for my black college experience and wouldn’t trade it for the world. I have seen how it has made me a better man, and I know it will make a man out of others too. 

Morgan State University Shifts To Remote-Only Instruction For Fall Semester, Board Approves

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Morgan State University is shifting to remote-only instruction for fall semester in response to growing concerns pertaining to increases in positive COVID-19 cases and testing challenges.

From MSU Newsroom:

In the wake of new scientific data on the requirements of testing frequency, increased positive COVID-19 cases locally, and on the advisement of internal and external healthcare professionals, Morgan State University (MSU) has altered its reopening plans, moving to remote-only instruction for the 2020 fall semester. The change in Morgan’s plans for the fall follows the release of a new, evidence-based study from Yale University indicating that college students would need to be tested every two to three days for their institutions to safely reopen, in addition to a concerning uptick in positive cases in Baltimore City over the past month. Today, the University’s Board of Regents convened a special meeting to evaluate the feasibility of reopening in light of the inherent challenges of managing the health and safety of the campus community and the financial impact of altering the current direction, before ultimately deciding to support the University leadership’s appeal for all instruction to be conducted remotely.

With the change in direction for the fall semester, Morgan will not offer face-to-face instruction and instead will deliver all courses exclusively via a remote modality. To achieve recommended physical distancing on campus, the University will significantly reduce campus density and prompt the vast majority of students to study from home. The campus will remain open with limited operations, and some campus housing will be made available to select students of predetermined priority groups and/or those facing extenuating circumstances.

“For the past several months, we’ve worked urgently and tirelessly to produce a comprehensive plan that would allow us to reopen our campus safely for the fall semester, so it is a great disappointment that we must now abandon that plan to pursue a more prudent path forward,” said Morgan President David K. Wilson. “This decision was not made lightly, as we understand what this may mean for the financial well-being of our institution, however, we have an obligation to the safety and best interest of our students, faculty and staff, as well as the greater community beyond our campus borders. Throughout this process, we have kept our university community informed, providing transparency in our deliberations and decision making. The nature of the current situation is ever-evolving, sometimes on a daily basis, and we must be prepared to adapt to new information in real time.”

Head over to Morgan State Newsroom to read more.

HBCU Alumna, Kamala Harris Named As Joe Biden’s VP Pick

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
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Joe Biden the former Vice President, Democratic nominee just announced Howard University Alumna class of 1986, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate today, the first Black woman nominated for vice president by a major party, general election candidate and either of the two major political parties.

Harris is just the second Black person (after Barack Obama) and the fourth woman (after Democrats Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Hillary Clinton in 2016, and Republican Sarah Palin in 2008) to be on a presidential ticket for one of the two major parties. If she and Biden win the November election, she would be the first Asian American, the first woman of any race or ethnicity and the second Black person in U.S. history to be vice president or president. According to Five Thirty Eight

When Kamala Harris enters the halls of Capitol Hill, Howard University goes with her. It’s impossible to separate the prominent policymaker from the institution that helped define her career. The place that nurtured her into the woman she is today. 

“My aunt Chris, who was the one who really had a big influence on me was an AKA and pledged at Howard,” Harris reveals. “So it was just very natural for me to want to end up pledging in the sorority which I feel really rounded out my experience. It’s a sisterhood that lasts till today.”

University President Wayne A. I. Frederick called the announcement “extraordinary.” 

“Senator Kamala Harris’ selection as the Democratic vice presidential candidate represents a milestone opportunity for our democracy to acknowledge the leadership Black women have always exhibited, but [that] has too often been ignored,” he said in a statement.

While Harris’ upbringing laid the foundation for her to spread her wings at Howard, it was her experience at the HBCU that taught her how to soar. She maintains that the years she spent on the D.C. campus developed her for the role she’d play in life and helped her create the identity she would eventually present to the world.