Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), has teamed up with TikTok to present the 2019 TikTok & TMCF HBCU Scholarship Program. This program provides scholarships to creative HBCU students who display their school spirit in a TikTok video and have a minimum GPA of 2.8. Select applicants will receive a scholarship of up to $10,000. Up to 20 scholarships will be awarded.
In addition to the scholarship with TMCF, TikTok is also on an HBCU tour with Warner Records. The tour is stopping at 14 HBCUs showcasing Warner’s upcoming talent and spreading the word about the scholarship. HBCU students have until November 13, 2019, to create a video using the hashtags #HBCUproud and #contest in the caption when posting.
WHAT TO EXPECT
After creating your a video showing us your HBCU school spirit using #HBCUProud + #contest in your caption you should expect the following: From 11/14 -11/20, keep an eye out for a push notification from TikTok or message in your email inbox. If you receive a notice from TikTok, you have 5 days to reply to the email. (Check your spam/junk folder to ensure you do not miss important emails about the scholarship). Upon receiving your information, a representative from TMCF will contact you with a release form for your permission to verify the following:
Current enrollment as a full-time student at an HBCU
Current grade point average of 2.8 or higher
Demonstrate financial need for the 2019-2020 academic year
Dont forget: Your TikTok video must have #HBCUProud + #contest to be eligible.
All videos with captions #HBCUProud + #contest posted between October 10 – November 13th will be eligible to win. Click here to get started!
How to create your TikTok video
If you are new to TikTok, click this link to learn how to create an account, select music, create a video, and edit a video. You can also visit TikTok’s support page here. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at 11:59 PM PST.Official Rules For official contest rules, please click here.
In a news conference, Atlanta Police Erika Shields said:
Crawford’s body was found in a park off Columbia Drive in DeKalb County
Police are securing arrest warrants for Crawford’s roommate and the roommate’s boyfriend
Crawford previously reported unwanted kissing and touching from her roommate’s boyfriend to police
Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields identified the suspects as Jordyn Jones, 21, and Barron Brantley, 21.
“To all the APD investigators who worked on this diligently and around the clock. I say ‘Thank you.’ Thank you for treating Alexis like she was one of our own,” an emotional Shields saidThe president of Clark Atlanta University sent a letter to students and faculty on Friday evening that said, “Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with her family and with everyone who knew and loved Alexis.”
“Investigators say this was an isolated, off-campus incident and there was never a threat to any other members of the community,” added CAU president George French Jr. The school offered on-campus counseling for mourning students.
Panther Family, we are devastated by the tragic reports regarding our own Alexis Crawford. We are here for you!
Family members told Channel 2 Action News that Crawford talks to someone in her family every day, no matter how busy she gets. That’s why they believe something was terribly wrong.
We talked to Crawford’s mother last week about the disappearance.
“Usually if we go a day without talking to her or something like that – she’ll call us and be like ‘Aw mom I was sleep. Mom I was studying, I was at work.’ But she hasn’t said anything yet,” Monica Wright said.
Spelman College today announced a matching gift of up to $2 million from billionaire philanthropist Jon Strykerto create a chair in queer studies, the first position of its kind at a historically black college or university (HBCU). The chair will be named after the black lesbian poet and activist Audre Lorde.
Stryker is the founder and president of the Arcus Foundation, which supports LGBTQ rights and the protection of the great apes. His estimated $3.9 billion fortune stems from Stryker Corp., the medical equipment firm his grandfather founded in 1941. He says he donated, in part, because the advancement of LGBTQ rights depends on education.
“The more that people understand queer history and LGBTQ issues, the more likely they are to accept and support the LGBTQ community,” Stryker told Forbesin an email. “By empowering and educating the next generation, we can help make a future where LGBTQ people have full and equal protections under the law.”
The chair will teach classesin queer studies—allowing students at the all-female Atlanta college to concentrate in the subject as part of its comparative women’s studies major—and direct community-wide conversations and advocacy around queer issues. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, founding director of Spelman’s Women’s Research and Resource Center, says Spelman would be the only HBCU in the country with a queer studies program.
Guy-Sheftall says a host of factors has stymied efforts to introduce queer studies programs to HBCUs in the past, including religious affiliations, a dearth of faculty with expertise and occasional alumni resistance. She says she faced similar challenges when she worked to establish the women’s studies major at Spelman in the 1980s.
“There was some angst about how serious or rigorous or faddish it was, or was it going to disappear?” she recalls. “There was a lot of anxiety—what can students do with women’s studies and queer studies? They do the same thing [as they can] with a history, English or philosophy major.”
The position will build on other initiatives at Spelman related to gender and sexuality. In September 2018, the college received a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to establish an Institute for the Study of Gender and Sexuality. And in 2017, Spelman announced it would admit female-identifying students regardless of their gender assignment at birth and would allow a student who transitions to a man while at Spelman to complete their studies. Those moves have placed Spelman among a growing number of women’s colleges redefining their admissions policies to include transgender students. Guy-Sheftall says this environment, in addition to student activism and conversations with the larger community, prompted the Women’s Research and Resource Center to seek funding for a queer studies faculty position.
“We were getting more students who were already out and queer, and even parents of those students asking the question, ‘Is this a place where my daughter or son can thrive?’” Guy-Sheftall says. “Parents, the general political climate and activism among queer students on our campus pushed colleges and universities to respond to students who were willing to be out.”
Guy-Sheftall says the connection between Spelman, Audre Lorde and Stryker’s Arcus Foundation is a natural one. The poet donated her personal papers and articles to the college in her will, and the foundation provided a grant to make the papers publicly accessible in 2009. Lorde’s relationship with Spelman dates back to her friendship with the college’s first black female president, Johnnetta Cole. Lorde’s son Jonathan Rollins says his mother would have been “over the moon” about the chaired position at Spelman named in her honor.
“It’s very significant because Audre discussed her identity as a black lesbian feminist warrior poet—and no element of that was any more or less important than any other element of it,” he says.
Queer studies is a relatively new discipline but has come a long way since Yale University rejected playwright Larry Kramer’s offer to donate millions to endow a professorship in gay studies in 1997. There are more than two dozen higher education institutions that offer at least classes related to LGBT issues, according the College Equality Index.
As a matching gift, Stryker’s $2 million is contingent on Spelman’s fundraising efforts. Guy-Sheftall says it will take about two years to raise the sum, meaning the chair can hopefully be hired by 2022.
Stryker says he intentionally chose to structure the grant on a matching basis. “I firmly believe that there should be a community aspect to giving like this,” he told Forbes. “By making this gift a matching donation, it ensures that the Spelman College community and network of alumnae and donors have a stake and ownership in the Queer Studies chair.”
Stryker’s sister, Ronda—who sits on Spelman’s board of trustees—made the largest gift by a living donor in the college’s history when she and her husband gave $30 million to build Spelman’s Center for Innovation & the Arts in 2018.
Historically black colleges and universities are ‘on the brink of disaster,’ according to The Hechinger Report.
HBCUs enroll and graduate one-quarter of all black college students in the states in which the institutions operate, according to a July 2019 University Business story on the United Negro College Fund’s “HBCUs Punching Above Their Weight” report.
Some 15 HBCUs have closed since 1997, and the total endowments of all of these institutions is about 70% smaller than that of non-HBCUs, according The Hechinger Report, which urged leaders to broaden their market campaigns and find new ways to engage alumni.
Yet, ongoing racial tensions in the country and harassment of black students on some campuses have driven an increase in enrollment at HBCUs, according to research done by The Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education.
About one-third of HBCUs have experienced record increases in applications and enrollment over the past three years, the report found.
“Morgan has never said to a student, ‘You can’t come here because of your race,’ unlike the traditionally white institutions in the state of Maryland,” Morgan State President David Wilson told The Post. “Morgan is an HBCU. It will always be an HBCU.”
While HBCUs comprise just 8.5% of the country’s four-year institutions, these schools award 26% of the bachelor’s degrees and 32% of the STEM degrees earned by black students, according to the UNCF report.
“The findings are just confirmation of what the HBCU leadership community has been saying all along,” Roderick L. Smothers, president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, told UB in July. “When you look at the outcomes, one has to pause to ask how our institutions are doing this miraculous work with the resources we have.”
The institutions also help power local, regional and national economies, generating 134,090 jobs and $14.8 billion each year.
“If you put 100 HBCU presidents in the room, and asked what their most critical needs are, I think we would all say, ‘scholarships for students and money to close the affordability gap,” Smothers told UB.
The Department of Defense awarded Gour Pati, professor of physics and engineering, a $239,908 grant from the U.S. Army to develop and build a millimeter wave quantum sensing system at DSU.
As the principal investigator, Pati, and his researchers, recognized the increasing importance of millimeter wave sensing and imaging in commercial and military sectors, as well as how it is driving the development of low-cost sensors. Pati’s success in winning the DoD grant engages DSU scientists and students in the work of furthering this advancement.
Rydberg atoms have hypersensitive response to microwave, millimeter wave and terahertz radiation. They have tremendous potential to find applications in modern communications, remote sensing and many other fields, including medical science. Pati and his team will develop a real-time millimeter wave sensor using laser-induced fluorescence in Rydberg atoms.
The funding will allow him to purchase a specialized laser, and several key optical and microwave components, which are at the heart of the quantum sensing system.
According to Pati, the grant will help him develop a first-of-its-kind research infrastructure at DSU and enable the University to compete in the quantum science and technology arena, recently identified as the U.S. National Quantum Initiative. More importantly, DSU graduate and undergraduate students will be engaged in research, education and training in this area, which is highly relevant for building their career in defense and private industries.
“This equipment award could provide the U.S. Army with new capabilities in field sensing using Rydberg atoms,” said Dr. Paul Baker, atomic and molecular physics program manager at Army Research Office. “Specifically, this equipment will expand Delaware State University’s ability to perform measurements with high sensitivity, broad spectral range, and high-dynamic range.”
The award is the result of a merit competition administered by the Army Research Office under policy and guidance of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, to increase the capabilities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions to perform defense research. The Army Research Office is an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory.
Renu Tripathi, DSU professor of physics and engineering, will participate as co-PI on this project.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– African Americans make up only six percenti of U.S. physicians. With the goal of driving diversity among U.S. physicians, Oakwood University and Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) announced a new agreement to help more African Americans attend medical school.
The agreement was signed Thursday, October 24, at Oakwood’s campus by Leslie N. Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min., MBA., president of Oakwood University, and William F. Owen, M.D., FACP, dean and chancellor of RUSM. Oakwood and RUSM are establishing an educational pathway program, making it easier for Oakwood graduates to study medicine at RUSM. Qualified Oakwood students who earn full acceptance into the medical school will receive a scholarship covering full tuition for the first semester.
Oakwood University has consistently been a top producer of Blacks that are accepted and go on to attend medical school. Oakwood is currently the fifth ranking Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the U.S., according to the American Association of American Medical Colleges and as reported by the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. Oakwood is coupling the longstanding excellence of its pre-med program with its UNCF grant-supported Career Pathways Initiative to grow its relationships with institutions such as RUSM. Developing partnerships such as this will provide additional opportunities for continued student success and professional growth.
“We engage this hopeful relationship with Ross University School of Medicine on behalf of interested Oakwood students. Our students will join the generations that have been blessed through their work,” said Oakwood University President Leslie Pollard.
“African-American doctors are woefully underrepresented in the physician workforce, leading fewer African Americans to see a doctor,” said RUSM Dean and Chancellor, William F. Owen, Jr., M.D., FACP. “This has significant negative healthcare outcomes in communities already prone to high rates of chronic diseases. Working with Oakwood and other HBCUs, using novel student engagements, validated support programs and senior-level commitments to success, we’re working to address that long overdue challenge to increase the diversity of our nation’s physicians.”
As part of its continued commitment to addressing diversity, RUSM’s parent company, Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE), signed on to the HBCU Partnership Challenge created by the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, pledging to invest in creating strategic collaborations with HBCUs and working to increase diversity in key workforce sectors. Over the past year, RUSM has announced six similar agreements with minority serving institutions, including Charles R. Drew University, Dillard University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tuskegee University, Saint Peter’s University and California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, RUSM’s 14,000-plus diverse alumni practice medicine throughout North America and across all specialties, including a high percentage of graduates who enter the in-demand field of primary care. More than a quarter of RUSM students identify as black or Hispanic, with RUSM earning a 96 percent USMLE Step 1 first-time pass rate in 2018. RUSM also achieved a 92 percent residency attainment rate for first-time-eligible 2018-2019 graduates, and of the 647 RUSM medical students who attained residency in March of 2019, 82 were black and 61 were Hispanic.
About Oakwood University
Oakwood University, a historically Black SDA institution of higher learning, offers quality Christian Education that emphasizes academic excellence, promotes the harmonious development of mind, body, and spirit, and prepares leaders in service for God and humanity. The school’s motto, shared by faculty and students, is: Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve. In everything it does, it believes and practices God First, its current slogan. Consistent with its Mission Statement, Oakwood University is in the business of transforming lives – both for now and, more importantly, for eternity. Founded in 1896, Oakwood University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). More information about Oakwood can be found on their website at www.oakwood.edu.
About Ross University School of Medicine
Ross University School of Medicine is an institution of Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE), a global education provider headquartered in the United States. The organization’s purpose is to empower students to achieve their goals, find success and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Founded in 1978, RUSM has more than 14,000 alumni and is committed to educating a diverse group of skilled physicians. RUSM is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP, www.caam-hp.org). For more information, please visit: www.medical.rossu.edu.
About Adtalem Global Education
The purpose of Adtalem Global Education is to empower students to achieve their goals, find success, and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Adtalem Global Education Inc. (NYSE: ATGE; member S&P MidCap 400 Index) is a leading global education provider and the parent organization of Adtalem Educacional do Brasil (IBMEC, Damásio and Wyden institutions) American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, Becker Professional Education, Chamberlain University, EduPristine, Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, please visit adtalem.com
GRAMBLING, LA — November 5, 2019 – Today, Grambling State announced that Magic Johnson’s SodexoMAGIC donated one of the largest unrestricted gifts in the University’s 118-year history. The $2 million contribution comes only four months into the multi-year partnership between the University and international food service and facilities management giant.
“Significant investments in student advancement are essential to our efforts to build the most vibrant academic community possible,” said Grambling State University President Rick Gallot. “I want to thank SodexoMAGIC’s leadership for their outstanding partnership and generous support of our deserving students.”
Supporting Rapid University Growth
This July, Grambling State launched a multi-year dining partnership
with SodexoMAGIC that included a host of academic and community benefits
for the rapidly growing university. The new agreement will deliver $6.7
million in facility renovations and add new, major-brand restaurants to
campus. In addition to an enhanced food service program, the deal
garners a $51 million return on investment built into the five-year
renewal option.
The $2 million contribution comes at an important time in the
University’s growth as a technology leader, which includes the launch of
Louisiana’s only bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and infrastructure
developments like the state’s first Digital Library and Learning
Commons.
“Our dining partner has made many commitments to advance some of the
University’s top priorities such as educational innovation, holistic
student advancement and infrastructure upgrades,” said Martin Lemelle,
Executive Vice President. “Their $2 million contribution is leading the
way for unprecedented growth and development.”
Investing in Education
The agreement also includes bolstering support for Grambling State’s
advancing technology degree programs and forthcoming community focused
STEM education program. The University is established as a tech and STEM
leader in higher education, having recently been approved to propose
Louisiana’s first Bachelor’s in Cloud Computing and designated for a
Center of Academic Excellence in Mathematical Achievement for Science
and Technology.
“Students matriculating at Grambling State will be thoroughly prepared for the most in-demand career opportunities of the 21st
century,” said Provost, Dr. Connie Walton. “SodexoMAGIC’s investment
provides the fuel to ensure that our degree programs and educational
opportunities are aligned with the demands of the world around us.”
Enhancing Student Opportunities
SodexoMAGIC’s bequest will count toward the ongoing Bring It Home
fundraising campaign spearheaded by the University’s Office of
Advancement. The gift doubles the campaigns $1 million goal.
“Grambling State is growing faster than ever and our community of
support is matching the pace with their donations,” said Marc Newman,
Vice President of Advancement. “The outpouring of support from our
partner, SodexoMAGIC, is a huge catalyst for university growth.
Proceeds from the Bring It Home campaign have historically provided
thousands of students with financial aid gap funding, supplied
scholarships, and other forms direct student support.
For media interviews and more information on Grambling State University, email mediarelations@gram.edu or call (318) 243-5012.
DC photographer, Howard University Alumna Jordan Woods, has created a portrait series observing black people and their self-image juxtaposed against the narrative of mainstream media. Instead of waiting for a gallery to take interest, Woods has decided to create an event to showcase the series titled “Fogged Lens” occuring on Friday, January 17th, 2020 at The Caged Bird; available for view through to Saturday, February 29, 2020. Visit foggedlens.com to purchase tickets and learn more.
Jordan Woods; The Refined Photo
This event is drawing the connection between art, awareness and social gathering. As a younger photographer, the desire for success can often thwart the mission of creating work that speaks to yourself and others. The series, Fogged Lens, came about through the photographer’s lethargy with client work and her own belief that “a photographer’s role is to challenge the way things are currently done.” The series is comprised of over 20 pieces showcasing the unaltered accounts of prominent politicians, successful entrepreneurs, award-winning entertainment & media professionals, and world-renowned artists & authors.
Jordan Woods owns The Refined Photo, which is a full-service media company, providing photography, videography, graphic/web design and more. She is a portrait and editorial photographer. As a New Orleans native, Houston raised, DC transplant – she has always been drawn to the rich arts culture in the black community. Woods strives to represent the various realities of black culture using historical context, pop culture trends and whatever inspires.
Less than 1 year ago, the Howard University Football team welcomed a new head coach, Ron Prince. An official university communication shares:
“Prince brings a wealth of experience to Howard. Most recently, he was the offensive analyst for the University of Michigan Wolverines. The Big Ten team ended the regular season with a 10-2 record. The Wolverines were No. 1 in the conference in third-down conversions, time of possession and offensive turnovers.”
In the past few weeks, a handful of players have quit the team, issuing public statements.
This includes quarterback Caylin Newton, younger brother of Cameron Newton of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers:
In October, a parent of the a member of the Howard University Football Team said they sent the following letter to the university’s president:
To Who it may concern,
I send this correspondence with great trepidation, and out of fear of retaliation I will not identify myself. I am writing with concern about the student athletes of the Howard University Football team. I don’t believe that this is the first complaint that you have received about the hostile and abusive head coach at Howard. You hold all student athletes to a very high standard, if there is an allegation about misconduct they are suspended and or removed from the team, and maybe from the institution. Why are coaches not held to the same standard when it comes to blatant disrespect and harassment of student athletes?
Ron Prince has been threatening, hostile, abusive, and disrespectful of the young men and coaching staff at Howard University since his arrival. If a student displayed the same behavior towards another player, student, instructor, or person in the community he/she would be dealt with accordingly.
The harassment, bullying, verbal, and mental abuse needs to STOP! He has demoralized, ridiculed, and threatened the players on the team since his arrival. He has removed more than 26 student athletes from the program and has threatened to do the same to the remaining athletes. He has sent injured athletes’ home without treatment and has alienated and ridiculed them for being injured he made them wear yellow jerseys and sit in the stands during a scrimmage game that was open to the public. Further adding insult to injury and belittling them to the rest of the team. Athletes are terrified of this man, he tells them they are garbage and to transfer.
Most of these young men are scared to report the abuse out of fear of retaliation. (calling them sorority sisters if someone tells the administration). The pressures of being a student/athlete especially on are enormous, this is not a complaint about not getting playing time or being able to travel to the next game this is about the emotional wellbeing of these young men.
To call them cowards and threatening FBI investigations for point shaving and telling a player that he is going to federal prison and placing blame on the team when you lose 79 – 0 is unacceptable.
Threatening to take away scholarships for missing a community service event, making it mandatory to attend church services (that are not their religion). Telling athletes if they miss one class regardless of the reason that they are done making them take a selfie and send it to prove they are in class. Threatening to hold practice at 3:00 AM because a student athlete has class during scheduled practice time. Asking if anyone was gay? And telling them it was ok he wouldn’t hold it against them “In fact I want to have the first openly gay player(s) in the country, I know someone in here is gay!” Players were instructed not to talk to anyone without his approval.
I know currently these are just allegations, I sincerely hope that there is an investigation into what is being reported and that the hostile environment is addressed before a student has a mental breakdown or commits suicide because of this treatment.
I have heard reports that Mr. Prince has a long history of harassment and bullying in the NCAA as well as the NFL. Please put a stop to the Mental Abuse. Everyone deserves to be treated with Dignity and Respect and to work and study in a non-hostile environment without harassment or fear of retaliation. Thank you for looking into this situation.—Concerned Parent
The university just released this statement from the desk of Athletic Director Kery Davis:
Howard University is committed to completing our internal investigation of the allegations involving concerns about the football program. As a result of our continuing investigation, the University has decided to place Head Football Coach Ron Prince on administrative leave effective immediately. Director of Football Operations Aaron Kelton will serve as the interim coach until further notice.Howard University is committed to ensuring our athletic programs reflect Howard’s core mission and values and to ensuring the well-being and success of all student athletes.
What is going on? What could drive away Caylin Newton and other athletes from an NCAA D1 program?
Hopefully the internal investigation finds the source of the problem and allows the team to get back to business.
Spike Lee did not so much arrive on the Morehouse College campus earlier this month as he glided in quickly like Mercury, not wearing wings on his feet, but a pair of golden Nikes.
The Academy Award-winning director skipped the red carpet of Morehouse’s Human Rights Film Festival award ceremony, where he was getting the first-ever Spike Lee Award for Social Impact in Filmmaking, and headed straight to the green room. The 1979 Morehouse graduate didn’t want to keep a group of student journalists waiting.
Lee sat at the head of a table in front of the Maroon Tiger staff with actor Nate Parker, who wandered in wearing a Brooklyn Dodgers 42 T-shirt with “Mookie” on the back in homage to Lee’s 1989 film “Do the Right Thing.”
“How does it feel to be back at Morehouse?” the editor of the student paper asked.
A student from the Morehouse Maroon Tiger interviews Spike Lee before the start of the Human Rights Film Festival awards at Morehouse College in Atlanta on Oct. 12, 2019. CONTRIBUTED BY SEAN MCNEILPhoto: Sean McNeil
Wearing a white Nike Morehouse College hat, a maroon Morehouse hoodie, and black Morehouse sweatpants, Lee looked puzzled by the question.
For better or worse, four decades after he graduated from Morehouse, Lee continues to wear his alma mater on his sleeve. He sat on the school’s board for a while and donated money and resources to start Morehouse’s journalism program. In his phone, a Blackberry, are the phone numbers of dozens of guys he went to school with that he calls regularly if not to check up on, to remind them of how great the Yankees are. His second movie, “School Daze,” was his four years of Morehouse “wrapped up in a homecoming weekend.”
“Back?” Lee asked the student. “I never left Morehouse.”
Spike Lee enjoys a laugh before going on stage at the Human Rights Film Festival at Morehouse College on Oct. 12, 2019. CONTRIBUTED BY SEAN MCNEILPhoto: Sean McNeil
Inside man
Lee is still amazed that it has been exactly 40 years since he graduated from Morehouse and had to be reminded of that fact when his class gathered for the reunion recently.
“I feel very young,” said Lee, whose energy belies his 62 years. “And you know why that is? Because I am doing what I love. When you do what you love, you live longer. And that is not tied to money. A lot of people have a lot of money and an unhappy life.”
Actor Denzel Washington starred in the Spike Lee film “Malcolm X.” CONTRIBUTED BY WARNER BROS.Photo: Warner Bros.
When Lee left Morehouse in the spring of 1979, he almost immediately became one of the most influential and original filmmakers in the world, changing the way black stories are told on film, while inspiring a generation of artists.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Chris Tuite/imageSPACE/Shutterstock (10414683af)
Ari Lennox
Lights On Festival curated by H.E.R., Concord Pavilion, Concord, USA – 14 Sep 2019
College shows must hit different when it’s at a Historically Black College because two prominent artists are advocating for an HBCU tour. Ari Lennox presented the idea on social media on Sunday and Wale co-signed it.
After performing at Georgia Southern and Grambling, Ari Lennox had a stream of consciousness on Twitter wanting to perform more at HBCUs. “If 90% of my shows were at HBCUs I’d be so damn happy. Ain’t nothing in the world like it. Energy too beautiful. Black people too damn beautiful,” the Dreamville singer posted on Twitter.
Responding to Ari’s tweet, North Carolina artist Cape proposed the idea of an HBCU tour to which Ari responded would be “phenomenal.”
“This so heart warming .. I real live wAnna route a HBCU run ..this album makes the most sense to do it sue me, Debbie ,love… BGM etc .. have greeks perform .. school acts open …big and small HBCUs,” Wale wrote on Twitter.
Excited Wale fans responded to the rapper’s tweets by dropping the HBCUs they wanted to see him at.
It’s easy to make it happen . Y’all just bring all the real ones out m we goin crazy
This so heart warming .. I real live wAnna route a HBCU run ..this album makes the most sense to do it sue me, Debbie ,love… BGM etc .. have greeks perform .. school acts open …big and small HBCUs https://t.co/hQCb8KHDiI
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, as of 2017, there are 102 HBCUs in 19 states. Should these artists actually try and make this happen, it could be a historic move in the music industry and possibly trendsetting. Of course, smaller HBCUs may not have the same budget as Howard University or Morehouse, but if it’s truly for the culture these artists will make it happen.
The increasing amount of African Americans studying and working in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields is revolutionary. Largely due to the efforts of the country’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), African Americans are entering their STEM degrees better equipped to thrive in college, to graduate and to find successful careers. UNCF is a proud supporter of its 37 member HBCUs and of a variety of programs dedicated to helping young African American scientists-in-training reach their goals.
Despite recent progress, the statistics concerning African Americans in STEM fields show a clear need for growth. Black and white students across the country intend to pursue STEM degrees at similar rates, but black students in any STEM field struggle to achieve comparable representation in degree attainment. The Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions reports, for example, that black students studying engineering earned only 4.2 percent of bachelor’s degrees in 2012 across the United States, while white students earned 68.1 percent.
Importantly, the nation’s HBCUs help to address this need. Twenty five percent of African American graduates with STEM degrees come from HBCUs. HBCUs graduated 46 percent of black women who earned degrees in STEM disciplines between 1995 and 2004. Eight HBCUs were among the top 20 institutions to award the most Science & Engineering bachelor’s degrees to black graduates from 2008-2012. HBCUs are the institution of origin among almost 30 percent of black graduates of science and engineering doctorate programs.
A large part of preparing first-generation, low-income African American students for success in STEM is providing the resources and guidance that they often lack long before enrollment in college. According to the UNCF report, “A Seat at the Table: African American Youth’s Perceptions of K-12 Education” K-12 education should should implement improved school-based practices to increase African American student achievement. Particularly, that youth should be exposed to various opportunities in STEM fields to spark greater interest in math and in college. Many African American high school students lack access to the educational resources needed to prepare them to earn STEM degrees. The U.S. Department of Education reports that, among public high schools serving predominantly African American students, less than one-third of schools offer calculus and about 40 percent offer physics. African American students represent 16 percent of the country’s high school students, yet only 9 percent of them take an AP (Advanced Placement) course. It is for these reasons, among others, that many disadvantaged African American students are not prepared to pursue and succeed in a STEM degree in college.
Seeing the need to equip African American high school students with the skills and resources to successfully pursue careers in STEM, UNCF partnered with the Fund II Foundation and established a scholarship program to help African American students seeking careers in STEM fields. Over a period of five years, the Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Program is identifying 500 African American high school students pursuing careers in STEM fields. These scholars will receive scholarships, internships, mentoring, and other tools to help them reach their goals. Overall the Fund II Foundation is contributing $48 million for the STEM Scholars Program.
UNCF has also invested in several programs that help African American STEM students during their time at college. The UNCF/Merck Science Initiative (UMSI), a 15-year partnership between UNCF and Merck, a global healthcare leader, supported 554 African American undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral science students by providing them with financial support, hands-on training, mentoring, networking relationships, and institutional support. Merck awarded UNCF a 10-year, $20 million grant in 1995, and the partnership was renewed in 2006 to provide more than $13 million in additional funding through 2010. Recipients have achieved successful careers in biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, biophysics, chemistry, and bioengineering.
On Oct. 10, 2018, UNCF convened 150 fellows and more than 20 faculty members representing more than 40 HBCUs at the 6th Annual HBCU Innovation Summit in Silicon Valley, connecting HBCU leadership, faculty and 150 competitively selected students students to the Silicon Valley tech community. Students visited 14 Silicon Valley/Bay Area tech companies, HBCU computer science/engineering faculty shared best practices in computer science pedagogy, and HBCU leadership shared ideas on how HBCUs can support innovation on their respective campuses. Students traveled around Silicon Valley and the Bay Area on the “Silicon Valley Tech Trek” and visited summit sponsors, including big-name companies such as Google, Pixar, and Twitter. Students met chief technology executives and engineers during panels and workshops, and they had the opportunity to network with recruiters, engage in technical and professional development workshops, and interview on-site for jobs and internships.
Factors that prevent first-generation, low-income African Americans from succeeding in STEM careers are present before, during, and after a student earns his or her degree. It is for this reason UNCF is involved from start to finish—from high school to career achievement. By providing the right tools and guidance, UNCF looks forward to seeing STEM fields diversify at an increasing rate and to seeing more students reach their goals.
Footaction and PENSOLE Academy are pleased to announce the finalists in the Footaction No 1 Way Design Program. These 5 outstanding students successfully completed a three- week intensive online course taught by Angela Medlin, Founder of FAAS at PENSOLE.
Brianna Thomas – Dillard University
Chakierrah Stinson – Tuskegee University
LeNora Gray Clark – Atlanta University
Nachae Davis Clark – Atlanta University
Sharonda Richardson – Clark Atlanta University
In less than a month, our finalists will venture to Portland, Oregon to attend a three-week Master Class at PENSOLE Academy. PENSOLE founder D’Wayne Edwards and his accomplished roster of academy instructors will lead the competition, providing mentorship and guidance to the students throughout the process that will support these rising stars and help bring their creative ideas to life as market-ready, apparel-focused capsule collections.
The Master Class will showcase its designs during New York Fashion Week in February, with cash prizes going to the top three finalists. A final winner will be selected by a panel of esteemed judges of apparel industry influencers & international fashion design attendees. The winning No 1 Way collection will be produced and sold in Footaction stores nationwide.
Footaction’s No 1 Way platform celebrates individuality and champions the different roads to success, while creating an open stage for creators across music, art and design to share their stories.
Not that they need any makeup because their beauty marches to the beat of its own drum…but, the Prancing J-Sette’s of Jackson State University’s ‘Sonic Boom of the South’ Marching Band were just featured in MAC’s newest campaign!
The dance J-setting originated in the late 1970s from African-Americans near Jackson, Mississippi.
ABOUT THE PRANCING J-SETTES:
“Prancing J-Settes” is the official name of the Jackson State University dance line, an auxiliary group of the Jackson State University Marching Band, “The Sonic Boom of the South.” The Prancing J-Settes are supervised by Mrs. Chloe Ashley Crowley, J-Settes Director. The Jackson State University Marching Band, “The Sonic Boom of the South” is an ensemble of the Department of Music, Dr. David Akombo, Interim Chair
“The thrill of a thousand eyes,” were the words spoken by Dr. Jimmie James, Jr. at the onset of the “Prancing Jaycettes” in 1971. Shirley Middleton, a former majorette, initiated the concept of the majorettes abandoning their batons and dancing to popular musical selections. As the majorette sponsor, Shirley Middleton and the majorettes met with Dr. John A. Peoples, the University’s sixth president, and requested that they be permitted to “put down their batons.”
Makuka “Kuka” Kasuba lost over 60 pounds between December 2018 and May 2019. His weight-loss journey inspired him to start his two-month-old fitness company, Millennials Get Fit.
Mukuka “Kuka” Kasuba’s weight loss journey inspired him to create what is now a two-month-old fitness company, Millennials Get Fit.
“MGF is much more than workout routines. It’s a lifestyle; a healthier one that everyone should pursue. I saw the impact a healthier lifestyle had on me and wanted that same impact for others,” said Kasuba.
The recent graduate actively questions when and where millennials thrive on good health. So he collaborated with fitness and nutrition experts to create a variety of structured meal prep and eight-week workout programs ranging up to $40.
“Success is not measured by how much money I make, but the lives I am impacting. I can sit back and crush revenue goals, but if my clients aren’t happy, what is it worth?”
The 23-year-old attributes each programs’ success to his chief fitness officer Jason Wooding. As a certified strength and conditioning specialist, Wooding’s extensive knowledge regarding human anatomy has played a large role in MGF’s high success rate.
“Most of my knowledge derives from internship and coaching experiences in addition to strength training and being a former student-athlete. I developed my own opinions about physical fitness but certain scientific principles are non-negotiable,” said Wooding.
His opinions appear to be working.
Dominique Anoh is currently a MGF ambassador under the “Body Weight Workout Program.” She lost 10 pounds in the first five weeks and plans to lose another five in the next three. Growing up, Anoh was always athletic, but once in college, her focus on sports and fitness vanished.
Thanks to Wooding, she has seen significant progress toward her goal.
“Because of my work schedule, I wanted something that wasn’t going to have me stuck in the gym for over an hour. Jason modified the program to make it work around my schedule and goals. It’s nice to see that my body can bounce back and regain its strength.”
Wooding, a Howard graduate and former Bison football player, joined Texas Tech University as the Assistant Football Strength and Conditioning Coach in January.
Anoh also credits her strength to Kasuba. Although in Boston, she mentioned that remote training hasn’t been difficult.
“Kuka definitely makes himself accessible whether its via text or FaceTime. We have weekly check-ins to discuss any questions or challenges I may have. Prior to the program, I was not eating healthy at all. Kuka drastically helped by providing healthier alternatives and substitutes to clean up my diet. It’s a true lifestyle change that I plan to continue after the eight-week program.”
Although MGF is in its early stages, Kasuba has had many teachable moments. Initially, he doubted himself.
“I launched MGF on Facebook in July and had over 1,000 views during the first week. Two days passed before my first purchase. It was heartbreaking. But after that one sale, business just started booming.”
Kasuba has released uniquely designed fitness apparel in a variety of colors. Tops are available in white, silver and black and can be ordered online.
For anyone looking to start their own business venture, Kasuba advises to “believe in what you’re creating. Be your biggest advocate and surround yourself with people that believe in your vision as much as you.”
“It’s a grind and a hustle. You have to be passionate about your business. It has to be your baby. You have to want to sacrifice the wold to see your baby grow. Walk and talk like you own a Fortune 50 company. Even though it may not be there yet, you need to see your company at that level.”
If interested in what MGF has to offer and to learn more about Kasuba’s journey, visit the website here.
The victory improves the Bulldogs record to 9-0 overall, 6-0 in the CIAA and 4-0 in the Northern Division while the Lions’ record dropped to 0-8 overall, 0-6 in league play and 0-4 in the North.
The Bulldogs racked up 406 yards of total offense with three different quarterbacks splitting reps. Junior Ja’rome Johnson completed 13-of-17 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns to lead Bowie State offensively. Fellow junior Gaston Cooper accounted for 126 yards by completing 10-of-16 passes.
On the opposite end of the ball, Lincoln (Pa.) tallied 329 yards of total offense but turned the ball over nine times (six interceptions and three fumbles).
It did not take long for Bowie State to score as the Bulldogs penetrated the Lions endzone at the 14:12 mark of the opening quarter, when sophomore Demetri Morsell returned a 34-yard interception for a touchdown, putting the Bulldogs up 7-0.
Four minutes later, redshirt senior Adam Gillis Jr. took a four-yard run into the endzone and followed that up with a seven-yard run at the 7:38 mark, giving Bowie State a 21-0 lead.
Redshirt senior Geordan Clark caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Johnson, which extended the Bulldogs lead 28-0 with 3:04 left in the first quarter.
However, the Lions responded with 1:10 left to play in the first, when Dah’mear Triplett hauled in a 29-yard pass from Eban Jackson, shortening the Bulldogs advantage to 28-6.
At the 12:22 mark of the second quarter, junior Calil Wilkens rushed through the teeth of the LUPA defense for a 3-yard touchdown, stretching the Bulldogs lead 35-6.
Freshman Victor Olayinka snagged a 1-yard touchdown pass from Johnson, increasing the Bulldogs lead to 42-6.
At the 7:12 mark, redshirt junior Montez Clay caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Cooper, to expand the Bulldogs lead to 49-6.
Just before the half, Morsell picked off his second interception of the game (8th of the season) and returned it for a 64-yard touchdown which sent Bowie State fans into a frenzy, pushing the Bulldogs cushion to 55-6 heading into halftime.
In the third quarter, Bowie State continued to pile up the points on the scoreboard, taking the opening possession 65 yards in 11 plays which was capped off by a three-yard touchdown run by senior Derrick Kittrell and expanding the Bowie State lead to 62-6.
The Bulldogs scored its final points of the afternoon with 3:29 left in the third quarter. Senior Gene Carson connected on a 40-yard field goal attempt, which extended the Bulldogs lead to a whopping 65-6 lead.
Although the game was over, the Lions continued to fight in the fourth quarter. At the 5:55 mark, Triplett caught another touchdown pass from Jackson, this time for a 27-yard score. Then at the 1:53 mark, LUPA’s Deontae Brockington hauled in a 17-yard pass from Jackson to account for the final margin of 65-20.
Senior defensive back John Johnson IV was Bowie State’s leading ground gainer with 39 yards on a fake punt for a touchdown. Clay was the Bulldogs’ top receiver with 61 yards on five receptions while junior Chauncey Jackson was BSU’s top tackler with five.
The Bulldogs will take its undefeated record into Elizabeth City (N.C.) State Saturday (Nov. 9) to close out the regular season against the Vikings at 1:30 p.m.
