One of the most stunning reversals in higher education is happening right now in Pennsylvania. And it could be a blueprint for other struggling universities and colleges both here and across the nation.
Founded in 1837 as one of the nation’s first black colleges, Cheyney University was in serious trouble as recently as four years ago.
According to a story published by Inside Higher Ed in September of 2015, Cheyney was facing a deficit of $19 million. It reported that enrollment at the university had declined from 1,470 in 2008 to about 700 by 2015.
With many of Cheyney’s facilities reportedly outdated and in disrepair, its six-year graduation rate was 26 percent, far below the 55 percent average for historically black colleges as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse.
It was reported in the article, that Cheyney, which had no financial reserves and no endowment, may have to repay as much as $30 million in federal aid funds because it didn’t properly administer or track them. During one recent admissions cycle, scores of forgotten and unreviewed applications were reportedly lost and then rediscovered too late.
“There are lots and lots of factors at play that make Cheyney really messy,” Marybeth Gasman, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Minority-Serving Institutions, told Inside Higher Ed at the time. “It really does look like a shadow of itself.”
There was even talk of closing Cheyney, which has been owned by Pennsylvania since 1922. Located about 30 miles west of Philadelphia, it was a founding member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which was created in 1983.
“There is widespread concern about where we are headed and how we’re going to progress through this period,” Norma George, who chaired the university’s English, Languages and Communication Arts Department, told the website HBCUForever in 2014.
Furthermore, despite going more than four years with interim presidents, there was no search underway for a new president.
However, all that changed with the November of 2017 hiring of Aaron Walton, a retired corporate executive, as the university’s permanent president. The turnaround has been quick and stunning.
From that $19 million deficit back in 2015, Walton said the university had a surplus of $2.1 million this year, outperforming the planned surplus of $261,000, according to an Aug. 19 story by the Daily Local News, a Chester County newspaper.
“Beginning two years ago under the leadership of Walton ― a retired and highly experienced corporate executive ― Cheyney University undertook a broad range of efforts to ensure the long-term financial stability of the university and to ensure the university’s resources were prioritized and sufficient to provide robust academic programs and student support,” Cheyney University Council of Trustees Chairman, Robert Bogle, told the newspaper. “We are well on our way to restoring Cheyney to its rightful position among elite Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).”
The story reported that In addition to cutting $9 million in expenditures, Walton also started a successful fund-raising campaign led by university alumni. It raised over $4.4 million as of June 30, which exceeded its goal by $400,000. A second campaign hopes to raise another $5.6 million by June of 2020.
Best of all, after enrollment plummeted to 498 it rebounded to 722 this fall. The university anticipates retaining 72 percent of its fall 2018 freshman class ― Cheyney’s highest rate of retention for a freshman class in over 25 years.
Cheyney’s turnaround offers hope for other struggling schools, especially for those in the state system, which includes Bloomsburg, California, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities.
“God has been so good to us both. It just felt right.” That’s what Pinky Cole, the creator of the plant-based burger restaurant Slutty Vegan, said about her and fellow entrepreneur Stacey Lee giving back to 30 Clark Atlanta University students in need at the black university, paying off their debt, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Lee is the owner of Harlem Hops.
Both Cole and Lee are graduates of CAU, and also members of Delta Sigma Theta. After discussing their matriculation in college and its ups and downs the pair decided to join together to give back and surprise these CAU seniors.
“Growing up in a single-family household, and being the first to go to college, I know what it feels like to not know where the money is coming from,” Cole said. “But there were people who believed in me despite my circumstances and I wanted to be that person for someone else.”
As they approached the subject around an article written by Jemele Hill (called It’s Time for Black Athletes to Leave White Colleges), Fox News host Laura Ingraham asked Watson his opinion on the matter. What Ingraham didn’t expect was Watson agreeing with the sentiments of Hill. At this juncture, a commercial break was warranted as the host was visibly shocked when Watson gave an opposing view.
Watson and Ingraham spent the majority of the discussion talking about New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees’ involvement with anti-LGBTQ group Focus on the Family, as well as the Christian initiative for kids to “Bring Your Bible to School Day.” When that subject ended, Ingraham, anticipating Watson’s agreeance, then broaches the article by Hill stating her preference for college-bound black athletes attending HBCUsinstead of the white universities they help stay rich.
Ingraham asks Watson, “What’s your reaction to this?” Watson’s response? ” What [Hill] was saying was simply, if we are trying to pump money and revenue into some of these communities that there is still this big disparity, this may be a way to do it. Obviously, that’s in a vacuum, there are other factors that figure into that, but when you read her argument, she lays it out very cleanly and it’s actually something that I agree with.”
“Well I think Duke would have not been thrilled about you’re not being there, but we will leave it at that,” Ingraham says. “College sports would certainly be a lot different today if we went down a color-coded way of figuring out college admissions. That’s like re-segregating the country! Why do we want that?!”
Segregation, as you know, is government-mandated. This is not segregation. If you read the article…” as Watson was trying to emphasize, she cuts him off and ends the segment.
“I read the article. I read the article. All right, we have to go.” was Ingraham’s response before Fox News cut to commercial.
Jemele Hill, not known to shy away from anything, offered this on her Twitter feed, “What’s so hilarious about this is that on an almost nightly basis Laura Ingraham bitches and complains about how white people are being replaced, and how diversity is bad for America.”
This post was written by Cedric ‘BIG CED’ Thornton, a writer at Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. It is published here with permission.
“It’s like poetry on TV,” says Oprah Winfrey ofDavid Makes Man. The show’s principal writer, Tarell Alvin McCraney has to know he’s spun gold but is still taken by surprise. Executive produced by Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey, the show is about David, a 14-year-old black prodigy torn between two worlds. Played by Akili McDowell, David attends a prestigious magnet school while living in the “Ville,” a hood in South Florida.
DMM takes viewers on a journey filled with moments of humanity, rawness, and the masks worn to navigate between two worlds. Historically, many students at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) can relate. HBCUs are so different from students’ home environment due to the educational programs, bands, events, celebrity visits and more. This change is especially true for Greek fraternity members, who must combine school with structure and community service. The journey to manhood can add yet another layer of growth. Read below to see how all this makes David Makes Man so relatable to HBCU fraternity members.
DMM Captures That Need to Work Twice As Hard
David knows he must excel, but there aren’t many people in his community to show him how. Wearing his uniform, he takes a long bus ride to his magnet school across town. He struggles at school to feel like he is good enough as a black boy. Secretly, he also deals with personal struggles at home. When his mixed best friend is doing better in class, David moves quickly to sabotage him. While he later sees the error in his ways, it highlights the length David is willing to go to be that example of a “good” black boy.
DMM Explores the Experience of Black Boyhood
Although David must be strong for his single mother and young trouble-making brother, he is still just a kid himself. He is constantly thrown into new problems. Nevertheless, he must still make very defining choices. Does he stay on course at his magnet school, or hang out with the drug-dealing boys in his neighborhood? Should he imitate the white students at his school or stand out in his blackness? Like the lines of David is truly as resilient as INVICTUS reads… In the fell clutch of circumstance/I have not winced nor cried aloud./Under the bludgeonings of chance/My head is bloody, but unbowed.
We all have that person that made us want to do better, be better, and even join Greek life. For David, that first mentor is Sky, an encouraging man in the Ville. Sky gives sound advice because he has a unique view into David’s vulnerability. He pushes David not to give up, and also to focus on himself. There is also his principal. She sees promise in David and decides to give him another chance after a fight. Through small and large gestures, people surrounding David help reign him in and keep him on track.
Greek life is about lifting a hand to others, and ensuring your community does not slip through the cracks. For David, where he lives is a haven of people with needs. He and his brother are raised by a single mother, and the other young boys are heading toward a life of crime. The surrounding community around his Ville is full of disdain and racial tension. David Makes Man is powerful because it truly reflects young boys that are around us. These children desperately need the programs and initiatives kept alive by the D9. For many, they are one young decision away from life-changing consequences.
DMM Has Successfully Found a Way to Tell a Difficult Story
The show has been met with great reviews by critics and HBCU students. David Makes Man has even scored a rare 100% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. On Friday, September 13th, a special screening of the pilot episode was held at Howard University. Students enjoyed watching all the twists and turns that the show offers. Afterwards, a Q&A panel was held to discuss the show and the struggles of manhood. Actors and the show’s head writer Tarell Alvin McCraney were all there to lend an ear and their personal experiences. It’s important that we continue to support shows like David Makes Man to ensure that the black experience is a story that’s authentically told.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is seeking to raise $1 million in 24 hours to make an impact on the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Monday.
The Chicago-based sorority is celebrating its second AKA HBCU Impact Day on Sept. 16 by raising the money for the AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund. The fundraising drive comes as some HBCUs are reportedly facing risk of accreditation loss and budget challenges.
“With our 111-year history, our sorority has always emphasized education and today we are raising money for HBCUs,” said Candace Jackson, vice president of Xi Zeta Omega chapter in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump last week said that HBCUs with religious affiliations would no longer be barred from receiving federal funding for construction projects. The shift, based on a recent Justice Department legal opinion, affects more than 40 faith-based HBCUs and seminaries, The Associated Press reported.
Trump told HBCU leaders that “no one has done more for you than me” during his remarks to leaders and attendees at the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities conference last week in Washington, D.C.
Trump also used the speech to review assistance he’s provided to HBCUs since taking office, including signing a farm bill that included more than $100 million for scholarships and research at certain historically black colleges and universities.
Trump said federal law had restricted more than 40 faith-based HBCUs and seminaries from fully tapping a program that provides federal loan guarantees for their construction projects.
“This meant that your faith-based institutions, which have made such extraordinary contributions to America, were unfairly punished for their religious beliefs,” the president said.
Trump announced that a recent Justice Department legal opinion declared such “discriminatory restrictions” to be unconstitutional.
September 13, 2019 Howard University presents “Forward” as the theme for the 2019 Howard Homecoming festivities, scheduled Oct. 5-13, 2019.
WASHINGTON – Howard University presents “Forward” as the theme for the 2019 Howard Homecoming festivities, scheduled Oct. 5-13, 2019. The full calendar of events is available online at https://homecoming.howard.edu/ including the highly anticipated 2019 homecoming football game. Howard Bison will compete against the Norfolk State Spartans on Saturday, October 12.
“Forward” is a concept that Howard University and all Bison embody. Howard’s community of scholars and leaders are tenacious, constantly driving progress at the University, within local communities and across the globe. Howard’s recently unveiled strategic plan, Howard Forward: 2024, outlines the University’s vision to advance the mission over the next five years. As the Bison community returns to campus with fond memories and proud reflections of the rich Howard legacy, Homecoming is also an opportunity to look ahead toward future accomplishments and milestones to come. This year’s theme reflects this sentiment.
“In alignment with our Howard Forward: 2024 strategic plan, the essence of Howard’s approach to a contemporary education can be captured in five pillars: to enhance academic excellence, inspire new knowledge, serve the community, improve efficiency and effectiveness and achieve financial sustainability,” says President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “Forward describes the energy, passion and goals of the faculty, staff, students and alumni, and is a perfect reflection of the current attitude across campus. We are firing on all cylinders, across all areas, to aggressively advance Howard forward.”
The week of festivities will begin with the annual Howard University Day of Service on Saturday, October 5, a continuation of the volunteer spirit connecting Bison to the surrounding community. Service will segue into a day of praise at Howard’s legendary “Call to Chapel” on Sunday, October 6. Howard University’s Department of Athletics and its student athletes will host a campus-wide pep rally on Monday, October 7.
“Howard is fortunate to have an engaged alumni base, talented faculty and staff and a student body who are passionate about purpose. We invite everyone to experience the energy of Howard Homecoming first-hand,” says Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations David P. Bennett. “This is an incredible time to be a Bison and Homecoming is a wonderful opportunity to come to campus see how Howard is, indeed, leading and moving forward.”
Homecoming Week will feature many time-honored, fan favorite activities designed for Bison of all ages, including the Student Fashion Show, the Greek Step Show, and President Frederick’s State of the University Address. The week-long festivities will close out with the Alumni Jazz Brunch and the Gospel Concert on Sunday, October 13.
“As we welcome alumni and friends back to campus, we invite the entire Howard community to get in the Homecoming spirit, fellowship and collaborate on ways to move the institution forward,” says President Frederick.
For a complete list of events, visit https://homecoming.howard.edu/. To follow the latest homecoming news on social media, use the hashtags #HUHC19 and #HowardHomecoming
Day of Service
Date: Saturday, October 5
Location: Various communities surrounding Howard University
Start time: 9 a.m.
Continuing in the tradition of Truth and Service, volunteers will serve Howard’s local community and celebrate the University’s rich legacy. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, Bison families and friends of the University are all welcome to join us and volunteer.
Service opportunities throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area coming soon.
Call to Chapel
Date: Sunday, October 6
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Start time: 11 a.m.
Join us at the Homecoming edition of the weekly Chapel service to worship with the University community. The incomparable Reverend Al. Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network is the guest speaker. #SundaysAreForChapel
Bison Madness: The Trilogy (Pep Rally)
Date: Monday, October 7
Location: Burr Gymnasium
Start time: 7 p.m.
Join us as the Howard University Basketball and Football teams join forces to host “Bison Madness,” a joint pep rally in Burr Gymnasium. In honor of the start of Homecoming week and the basketball seasons, the rally will include music, entertainment, giveaways and more. The event will be open to all and will include an opportunity to win tickets to Saturday’s game.
LGBTQ+ Lavender Reception
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Location: Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library Atrium and Lobby
Start time: 8 p.m.
The Lavender Reception is an evening focused on inclusion, scholarship and activism. The reception honors Howard University undergraduates driving change in local and global communities. Honorees are awarded a scholarship from the Lavender Fund that celebrates their engagement, commitment to raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and dedication to activism in the larger community. Donations raised contribute to the Lavender Fund.
Student Fashion Show
Date: Thursday, October 10
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Start time: 8 p.m.
Howard University’s Annual Homecoming Student Fashion Show never fails to electrify the masses! Year after year, it proves to be a staple Homecoming event – don’t miss out! Howard is regularly cited as one of the most fashionable universities in the nation, and that style radiates at the fashion show. Powered by HU talent, student models and stylists will define chic in their presentation. Missing the fashion show will be a fashion faux pas!
Tickets can be purchased at the Cramton Auditorium Box Office.
State of the University Address
Date: Friday, October 11
Location: School of Business (SOB) Auditorium
Start time: 10 a.m.
President Wayne A. I. Frederick will engage the entire University community at his annual State of the University. During this address, President Frederick will provide key updates on academics, University finances, Howard University Hospital, enrollment, student initiatives and much more! He will share what continues to drive the progress of the University and what’s in store for Howard. You will leave this session ready to educate the world about Howard’s continued success and bright future. So, don’t miss this!
HU Ideas Symposium
Date: Friday, October 11
Location: School of Business (SOB) Auditorium
Start time: Noon
The HU Ideas Symposium is back for a second year! Like last year, it will feature dynamic and provocative discussions led by leading industry experts on topics that matter most to the African-American community. The HU Ideas Symposium is a forum for presenters and attendees alike to discuss their ideas, opinions and issues facing Howard University’s local and global community. You won’t want to miss any of these important discussions!
Schools & Colleges Open Houses
Date: Friday, October 11
Location: Various schools and colleges
The Yardfest
Date: Friday, October 11
Location: The Yard (Upper Quadrangle)
Start time: Noon
A cherished tradition, Yardfest will continue to reinvigorate Homecoming with a live stage, featuring a diverse range of top tier artists and entertainment that reflects the Howard diaspora. In addition to the celebrity musical appearances, Yardfest attendees will delight in a mainstay of food and merchandise vendors.
Greek Step Show
Date: Friday, October 11
Location: Burr Gymnasium
Start time: 8 p.m.
The Annual Greek Step Show features the University’s Divine Nine and other student organizations showing off their creativity and showmanship through step. Steeped in Howard tradition, the step show signifies brotherhood and sisterhood throughout the University community. Expect nothing less than a live, high-stepping event, one of the most exciting of the weekend! Tickets can be purchased at the Cramton Auditorium Box Office.
Homecoming Tailgate
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: Howard Center Parking Lot
Start time: 10 a.m.
A time-honored tradition of Homecoming weekend, the tailgate is an engagement experience for alumni of all ages. Recapture your Bison experience by coming together for food, fun, and music. Held in the Howard Center parking lot, this event is a traditional outdoor gathering before, during and after the Homecoming football game.
Please check back for the official registration link.
The Yardfest: Day 2
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: The Yard (Upper Quadrangle)
Stop by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations tent for an afternoon of fun, fellowship and giveaways.
The Parade
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: Howard University and surrounding communities
Start time: 10 a.m.
The Howard Homecoming Parade is a community staple led by the Howard University Showtime Marching Band and showcases bands, student organizations and community partners. Join us in your most festive Howard University gear and come together for the prelude of the Homecoming game.
HUPAC Welcome
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: Front Courtyard of Cramton Auditorium
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Howard University Parent Advisory Council (HUPAC) is committed to engaging the parents and family members of current HU students as partners in supporting student success through the provision of information, resources, tools, intentional programming as well as leadership and volunteer opportunities. HUPAC serves as Howard University’s parent and family member liaison office, connecting parents to campus departments and student services and advocating the needs and concerns of parents and family members to the institution.
Stop by and learn more about how parents can get involved in the Bison Community.
Homecoming Football Game
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: Greene Stadium
Start time: 1 p.m.
Howard Bison will take on the Norfolk State University Spartans in one of the signature games of this football season. Always a sell-out, don’t miss the special performance by the illustrious Showtime Marching Band. Tickets can be purchased at www.BisonTickets.com
Call to Chapel
Date: Sunday, October 13
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Start time: 11 a.m.
Join us to close out the homecoming week with a thoughtful oration by Senior Pastor of Friendship -West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, Reverend Dr. Frederick D. Hayes, III. #SundaysAreForChapel
Wrap up Homecoming weekend at the Alumni Jazz Brunch, where fellowship, style and music all come together for a delightful time for alumni and friends to share in the rhythmic expressions of Step Afrika! plus a showcase of Jazz artists and performers. WHUR-FM radio hosts Allison Seymour & Marc Clarke will emcee the event. Purchase tickets at https://alum.howard.edu/homecomingjazzbrunch
Gospel Concert
Date: Sunday, October 13
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Start Time: 7 p.m.
Rankin Chapel presents a foot-stomping, spirit-filled evening of Gospel melodies to culminate the Homecoming weekend engage in fellowship all around.
# # #Celebrations / Milestones Student Life & Activities Homecoming Press Release Howard Newsroom Staff
Nearly two and a half decades after Howard University was established, collegiate football came to life. The university then welcomed a new type of student to this “Mecca.” Over a century later, Howard football is boasting a legacy of historic wins and several exceptional football alumni.
According to Howard University Athletics Director Kerry Davis, the team had an exciting season in 2017. That followed their incredible opening under the leadership of Head Coach Mike London, defeating the UNLV with a 45-point favorite in their first match. That was the biggest upset in the history of college football by the point spread. The Howard Bison football team then finished the season with 7-4, 6-2 during the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) play, finishing in second place.
The 2018 season represented Howard University football’s 125thanniversary, showcasing not only the football team’s rich tradition but also the athletics and the entire university. As such, Howard named the 2018 football season as the year of legends and legacies in celebration of this illustrious football year. Howard University athletics also showcased a couple of outstanding teams and alumni throughout the year. Just like most online casino bonuses, this was another great season for the team.
During the 2018 season, the team released multiple comments from head coach Mike London and athletics director Kery Davis. The team also embarked on their extended early bird sale for tickets and a major campaign to get funds for their athletic needs and a new press box.
Over the last century, the Howard University football team has won five national Championships in 1920, 1925, 1926, 1993 and 1996. They also boast of three conference championships won in 1912, 1914 and 1993. More recently, their first winning season after 2012 was guided by the historic 43-40 victory over the UNLV in the 2017 season opening.
Aside from the team’s accomplishments, there is a host of expectation football alums. Today, Hall of Fame member Doug Porter and Willie Jeffries, among over 20 other Howard Alumni are currently playing in the NFL and have already retired from the professional league.
In 1983, Howard University launched its first football squad under the leadership of director Charles Cook. This program remained independent until 1911, and it was dissolved in 1912 when Virginia Union University, Hampton University, Shaw University, Lincoln University, and HU launched the central Collegiate Association. The last conference move saw Bison join the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) as one of the founding members alongside Maryland Eastern Shore, North Carolina Central, Morgan State, and South Carolina State.
As a college student, have you found yourself randomly needing a study partner for your next exam, or a carpool? Maybe you need someone new to roast in NBA 2K20? Now with a new app, it just got a lot easier to connect with other students on campus.
JoinMi is the new college tasking-sharing app created by Hampton University junior Carlos Mayers. On campus, there’s so much out there to collab on. So JoinMi has interest categories like sports, food, health, transportation, and shopping. You can easily be someone’s partner to go for a run, or find a new friend to split the cost of a pizza.
The app is refreshing and fun because it’s run for and by students, not administrators. JoinMi is user friendly as well. To post an activity you want others to join, just pick a category, location, then the date and time. Students looking to join the fun just need to browse categories and select a task. There’s even direct messaging to make connecting even easier.
What sets JoinMi apart from other apps is it replaces the awkwardness of searching for a partner on a college bulletin board or virtual chatroom, where there is little to no personal connections, and in some cases little to no controls. It also initiates these one-to-one contacts based on a common goal, in a space that is student controlled and comfortable for a generation in which technology is central and essential.
As a freshman, Mayers recognized how hard it was get things done when he needed help. Now with JoinMi, setting things up doesn’t have to be so awkward and time consuming.
Download JoinMi on the App Store and Google Play today for a smoother semester.
For years, Bumpy Johnson ruled the drug trade in Harlem, but he never became a legendary name like John Gotti or Al Capone. Although Bumpy has never had a movie biopic of his own, his character has been featured in several big motion picture films. His death in Frank Lucas’ arms was even portrayed in the hit film American Gangster.
Finally, his life will be detailed in The Godfather of Harlem, premiering September 29th on EPIX. The story picks up in the early 1960’s, after he Is just released from a 10 year stint in prison. Played by Forest Whitaker, Bumpy returns to find his firm grip on Harlem has loosened with the influence of the Italian mob.
He was born Ellsworth Raymond Johnson in Charleston, South Carolina, but was nicknamed Bumpy due to a deformation on the back of his head. At 10 years old, his mother moved he and several siblings to Harlem after his brother was accused of killing a white man. Upon moving to Harlem, he was teased for his appearance, for being new, and for being a southern boy in New York. He made a name for himself as a fighter who wouldn’t tolerate disrespect.
When Bumpy eventually dropped out of school his life of crime took off, particularly as a bodyguard for criminals. Eventually Bumpy guarded the powerful Stephanie St. Clair, a gangster queen ruling multiple organizations in Harlem. St. Clair engaged in a violent war for power with the Italian Mob, causing Bumpy to upgrade his duties to robbery and even murder to help her win. The end of the war came with unprecedented power and peace. The Italian mob could operate their bookkeepers in Harlem as long as Bumpy and St. Clair skimmed some of the profits. St. Clair eventually left the crime life after spending time in prison for shooting her husband. Bumpy stayed in the game to take the throne. Unfortunately, just a little while after, he was suddenly sentenced to 10 years in prison at Alcatraz.
The Italian Mob had taken control of much of Bumpy’s territory while he was in prison. To get it back, Bumpy would need more than his street skills. Malcolm X had long been a friend of Bumpy, and was willing to come to bat to get Harlem back in order. Although the two men were very different people, their individual influence made them powerful contenders when together. Malcolm X represented the Nation of Islam, a group with thousands of young and active members. Malcolm X didn’t believe power was gained through being passive.
Godfather of Harlem Season 1 Episode 103: Our Day Will Come
He encouraged all his members to power past white aggression “by any means necessary.” Bumpy, on the other hand, was known as a sort of Robin Hood in Harlem. He became a man for the people, a surefire way to keep even regular people in Harlem loyal to him. He gave away turkeys to those in need for Thanksgiving. He was fashionable and wrote poetry. He encouraged youth not to fall into a life of crime, despite his own dealings. With Bumpy having adoration of those in his crime organization and people throughout the city, he was more prepared than ever to snatch power back.
Watch how it all unfolds for the Godfather of Harlem beginning September 29th on EPIX.
Both teams struggled for offensive production throughout the non-conference contest. The Bulldogs tallied 384 yards of total offense with 150 coming in the first half. Bulldogs redshirt junior quarterback Gaston Cooper made his debut under center, completing 5-of-16 passes for 38 yards but was intercepted twice. Junior Ja’rome Johnson came off the Bulldogs bench late in the second quarter to take over at quarterback and finished the game with 230 yards of total offense (58 passing and 172 rushing) and scored two touchdowns. Redshirt senior wide receiver Deron Smith caught three passes for a team-high 41 yards while senior DuShon David added three catches for 13 yards.
Defensively, the Bulldogs turned in a tremendous performance. The team played some clutch defense as well, holding American International’s Yellow Jackets to just 144 total yards. Redshirt senior Anthony Howard led BSU’s defensive effort with eight total tackles (six solo). Redshirt sophomore Joshua Pryor added six total tackles while redshirt freshman Jonathan Ross contributed with five total tackles in the game.
Bowie State took advantage of an American International opening drive miscue with redshirt senior Oluwaleke Ajenifuja recovering a fumble at the Yellow Jackets 23-yard line. Four plays later, senior Gene Carson booted a 39-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead at the 14:06 mark.
American International blocked its second Bowie State punt of the game and scored on a 3-yard return by Fayeson Carney. The point after attempt was no good but the Yellow Jackets took the lead at 6-3 with 5:48 to go in first quarter.
With 3:04 remaining in the first half, Johnson connected with Deron Smith for a 25-yard touchdown pass, shifting the advantage back over to Bowie State at 10-6.
A controversial fumble call following an American International punt to Bowie State, gave the ball back to the Yellow Jackets at the Bulldogs 18-yard line. Three plays later, AIC punched it in via a Jayson Demild 2-yard rushing touchdown, shifting the lead back over to the Yellow Jackets at 13-10 with 52 seconds left before halftime.
Bowie State’s Johnson rumbled for a 69-yard TD run with 2:57 to go in 3rd quarter and Carson’s PAT put the Bulldogs back on top at 17-13.
The Bowie State defense held American International to a three and out on the next Yellow Jackets possession and Carson kicked a 29-yard field goal at the 14:20 mark of the fourth quarter to give the Bulldogs a little breathing room at 20-13.
Senior Derrick Kittrell scored his first touchdown of the season, scampering in from 12 yards out with 9:28 remaining in the contest, giving the Bulldogs a 27-13 cushion. Kittrell scored again following a Chauncey Jackson interception, this time for a 1-yard touchdown to extend Bowie State’s lead to 34-13.
AIC’s Samad Davilla broke the BSU 24-0 scoring run, rushing for a 2-yard touchdown but the Bulldogs were comfortably in front 34-20 with 6:56 remaining on the game clock.
The Bulldogs will be back on the road again next Saturday (9/14) traveling south to take on conference foe Shaw University in a non-conference contest. Kickoff time is set for 1 p.m. and will be played in Raleigh (N.C.) at the George Williams Athletic Complex on the campus of Saint Augustine’s University.
FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Running backs De’Rell Freeman and Donte Edwards each ran for more than 100 yards, Daniel Smith threw for two touchdowns and the defense registered seven sacks as Miles pulled away in the fourth quarter to earn a 38-17 win over Fort Valley State Saturday night at Wildcats Stadium.
The win was the first for the Golden Bears in a season opener since beating the Wildcats to open the 2016 campaign. With the game tied at 17 after three quarters, Edwards scored his first career touchdown on a 1-yard run with 11:32 remaining to give Miles the lead for good. He bookended his bruising, second-effort jaunt with a 14-yard scamper with 1:53 remaining that capped a 21-point quarter and sent the FVSU fans to the exits.
Edwards had 13 carries for 111 yards and Freeman added 19 carries for 114 yards. They are the first Miles teammates to rush for more than 100 yards each in the same game since Jamarcus Nance (129 yards) and David Whipple (101) accomplished the feat in a win over Lane in 2015. Equally as impressive was the style that it was done as the duo repeatedly gutted the Wildcats between the tackles. Only one of the runs resulted in negative yards and by the final drive, the pair was getting yards in big chunks.
It was the special teams, though, that got Miles on the board to open the season. After forcing FVSU to punt on its first drive, a bad snap enabled the rush to get upfield and Jairius Shade was able to get the block. Wade Streeter scooped the loose ball and returned it three yards for the early 7-0 advantage.
FVSU would open a 10-7 lead in the second quarter but Jackson Spradlin would tie the contest with a 48-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Miles would go into the half with a 17-10 lead thanks to a 15-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Dominique McNealey, an over-the-shoulder grab to the back corner fo the end zone with 2:26 left before halftime.
Defensively, Miles was solid early but spectacular as the game wore on. Defensive coordinator Rashad Watson was bringing pressure from all angles, resulting in seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. MarQuel Shelton was credited with two sacks, and Austin Stephens and Kadarius Roberts each had 1 1/2 sacks as six different players got to FVSU quarterback Slade Jarman. The surge up front also stymied the running game for the Wildcats, who had just 12 yards rushing – 11 coming on a fourth-quarter run by Jamari Clark.
Still, a 5-yard touchdown pass from Jarman to QA Walker with 22 seconds left in the third quarter tied the game at 17. But while the Wildcats were running out of steam on a sweltering night, the Golden Bears continued to roll.
Smith opened the game-winning drive with a 23-yard completion to Leonard Tyree – his first catch of the game and the longest toss by Smith on the night – on the last play of the third quarter. A key 14-yard completion to Antonio Lee gave the Golden Bears a first-and-goal situation and three plays later, Edwards was in the end zone for a 24-17 lead.
On the ensuing drive, Jarman threw his only interception as Mitchell Smileypicked him off and gave Miles the ball at the FVSU 35. That possession ended in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Tyree with less than six minutes to go for a two-touchdown advantage. The Wildcats would move to the Miles 21 on their next drive before turning it over on downs. Six plays later, Edwards was in the end zone again and Miles was ready to celebrate a win.
The Golden Bears are back in action on Saturday when they open the home portion of their schedule against Morehouse in the Prince Hall Americanism Football Classic. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The Broncos jumped out to a 26-0 halftime lead and the Fayetteville State defense held the Tigers to 74 total offensive yards on 64 plays in the game. FSU recorded five sacks and 14 tackles for losses, while Benedict committed five turnovers (three lost fumbles [six total] and two interceptions) and two safeties. On offense, FSU QB Collyn Anderson went an efficient 16-of-28 for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
It was the Broncos’ defense that provided the key
moments early in the game for Fayetteville State with the defense executing a goal line stand after a blocked Broncos’ punt on their first drive. Following the goal line stand and Shawn Andrews converting a 34-yard field goal for FSU with 3:27 left in the first, the Broncos’ defense scored the first two touchdowns of the season late in the first quarter with Chrishon Springs recovering a fumble and returning it 20 yards and Brandon Smith returning a bad snap on a punt six yards for the second touchdown.
Trailing 17-0 with 9:30 on the clock in the second quarter, the Tigers missed a 36-yard field goal. Anderson made Benedict pay on the very next drive by connecting with Jayden Maynor for 68 yards to extend the lead with 24-0.
Benedict was plagued by special teams’ issues and bad snaps all game. In addition to the bad snap that resulted in a touchdown, two more bad snaps on punts resulted in two safeties and four points for the Broncos. The Tigers’ punter fumbled on another punt and Brandon Smith was able to recover the ball at Benedict’s eight-yard line. Three plays later, Anderson connected with Tyeous Sharpe for an eight-yard touchdown to give the Broncos a 33-0 lead early in the third quarter. Another potential Tigers’ special teams blunder was nullified when Johnnie Glaspie‘s kick return touchdown was called back due to a penalty.
Benedict finally got on the board early in the third quarter, with a 11-yard touchdown pass, buoyed by a 76 yard kick return from Myquerris McGrier—it was not all bad for the Tigers’ special teams as Benedict also recovered a bad snap on a Broncos’ punt in the endzone. Plus, Benedict scored a defensive touchdown of their own with a strip-sack and a 45-yard fumble return.
Stevie Green led the Broncos rushing with 70 yards on 19 carries and Nigel Peeleled the defense with 11 tackles, including two tackles for a loss. Joshua Williams added three tackles for a loss and Markus Crutchfield had a team-high 2.5 sacks.
Fayetteville State is home again in Luther Nick Jeralds Stadium next Saturday for a 7 p.m. kickoff against Wingate University.
Since transitioning to Division I in 1995, Hampton University had never lost to a lower-level team. In fact, there hadn’t been many close calls.
But there always seems to be a first time for everything. On a picturesque Saturday night at Armstrong Stadium, the Pirates were outplayed in every phase by a former rival from the D-II Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Panthers quarterback Khalid Morris completed only 7 of 21 passes, but he threw four touchdowns that covered 192 yards. Wideout Charles Hall had 152 yards on three catches, each for a touchdown.
“I knew they had a good football team,” HU coach Robert Prunty said. “And they played exceptionally well tonight.
“Their quarterback was 7 for 21, but we gave up the big plays. And they connected for them. … You’ve got to give Virginia Union credit, man. They played well.”
Morris and Hall made the big plays. In between, 225-pound running back Tabyus Taylor rushed for 165 yards, 126 coming in the second half, on 25 carries.
“That kid is an NFL player,” Prunty said. “He’s one of the biggest backs we’ll see. He’s huge.”
Virginia Union, No. 25 in Lindy’s preseason Division II poll, also made history. It was the program’s first win over a D-I opponent.
“We came into it like it was just another game,” Panthers coach Alvin Parker said. “We never came in with a David and Goliath type of mentality like I guess everybody expected us to. They came out and played their hardest.
“We’ve got a good, tough group. They’re taking coaching well. We came in at halftime and we knew as a staff we had to coach aggressive. That’s what we did, and the kids responded.”
President Donald Trump will deliver remarks at the 2019 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 10, a White House official exclusively told BLACK ENTERPRISE Friday.
More than 1,800 people are expected to attend the conference, which is themed “Enhancing HBCU Competitiveness: Student Achievement. Quality Partnerships. Institutional Performance,” including representatives from each HBCU around the country. It will be held Sept. 8–10 in Washington, D.C. Sources did not specify where Trump will make his speech.
In 2017, President Trump promised to make HBCUs an “absolute priority” and increase federal funding for these institutions. Since then, HBCUs have been included in the federal five-year STEM Education Plan and the federal Research and Development Budget Priorities. In addition, investment in HBCU programs has increased under Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965. According to a White House statement, this has resulted in the following:
A $35 million increase in the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program
A $9 million increase in the Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions
A $1 million increase in the Strengthening HBCU Masters Programs
Meaningful increases investments in student support like Pell Grants, Federal Work Study, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Increases in Howard University’s annual appropriation by nearly $11 million, bringing its fiscal year 2018 investment level to $232.5 million
The bill also increased by $30 million investments in the HBCU Capital Financing Program, helping eight schools experiencing financial difficulty to redesign and restructure to better meet student and community needs and fulfill loan obligations
Republican President Ronald Reagan created the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities back in 1981. In 2002, President George W. Bush moved the initiative from the White House to the Department of Education. President Barack Obama’s administration also put a number of pro-HBCU reforms into place, including doubling the annual investment in Pell Grants, tripling investment in higher education tax benefits, making student loans cheaper to repay, and increasing institutional aid to minority-serving institutions.
In addition, in 2016, Obama revamped a series of laws and regulations that aimed to curb the number of black and brown students who are disproportionately classified by schools as having disabilities and placed into special education. Trump’s U.S. Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, however, has delayed implementation. The matter is currently being reviewed in court.
ATLANTA (SEPTEMBER 3, 2019) – Spelman College recently received a $2 million grant from the Department of Defense to support its continued growth in STEM education.
The Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM, which will be affiliated with the Office of Research, Innovation and Collaboration, is the first center of its kind and will serve as the hub for all STEM undergraduate research and training activities at the College.
“The Center aligns with the College’s strategic priorities and ensures that our students are empowered and equipped to enter competitive STEM fields,” said Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., Spelman president. “We are honored to be awarded this grant, and to have the support of the Department of Defense in assisting Spelman in fulfilling its mission to diversify STEM.”
Spelman is one of six “model institutions for excellence” designated by the National Science Foundation for its significant track record of recruiting, retaining and graduating minority women in the sciences.
Over the past three academic years, the percentage of students pursuing STEM majors at Spelman has grown significantly. In 2017, 26 percent of Spelman students received degrees in STEM compared to 16 percent at other HBCUs and 17 percent at other liberal arts colleges.
The Center seeks to address minority under-representation in the sciences, particularly in computer science, mathematics and physics, explained Tasha Inniss, Ph.D., associate provost for research.
“Spelman has a strong record of educating women in STEM disciplines; however, there is still a lack of representation among women of color in STEM-related careers,” said Dr. Inniss.
The Center will offer three main access points for students and faculty, including research support, academic enrichment and professional development through mentorship opportunities. In addition, the grant will allow the College to introduce an annual Women in STEM Speaker Series, designed to increase knowledge among faculty, staff, and students about emerging areas, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science.
The Center also will encourage year-round research collaborations between faculty, students and DoD personnel, which is expected to increase the capacity of faculty to do research, said Dr. Inniss.
“Our overall goal is to increase the skills of our students and resources for our faculty,” she said.
Recently, Spelman participated in the annual second annual HBCU Diversity in Tech Summit, where 47 companies, 34 HBCUs, and members of Congress gathered for conversations around tech diversity and student preparation for careers within emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The College is also part of a new initiative designed to prepare students within the Atlanta University Center Consortium to meet the growing demand for data scientists and data analytics experts. Funded by the UnitedHealth Group, the five-year $8.25 million investment in the AUCC and its membership: Spelman, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Morehouse School of Medicine, will fund the launch of the Atlanta University Center Data Science Initiative.
In addition, Spelman recently announced a new scholarship initiative with Booking.com, designed to help bridge the gender-divide within the tech sector. The scholarship initiative is designed to provide women students with the funding needed to advance their education in STEM.
Undergraduate research and training programs at the College have been supported over the last 30 years by the NSF, National Institutes of Health, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Security Agency and the Department of Education.
“According to the university, it was planned in connection with her contract extension in 2018.
The Board of Trustees has launched the search for the next president. The Board is appointing a Presidential Search Advisory Committee to work with search consultants and the Board to find the next president.
A new president is expected to be appointed in the first quarter of 2020, the university said, to allow for a transition period between the two presidents.”
