Magic Johnson’s Sodexo Gives $2M To Grambling State

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 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. 

To show your support for Grambling State, visit www.gram.edu/giving. 

Howard Alumna, DC Photographer Creates Her Own Table

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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.

Howard University Football Head Coach Placed On Administrative Leave

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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:

https://twitter.com/NewtonCaylin/status/1179136350064451584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1179136350064451584&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheundefeated.com%2Ffeatures%2Fcaylin-newton-leaving-hbcu-howard-for-chance-to-compete-for-a-championship%2F

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.

The Bison Football Team’s current record is 1-8.

HBCU Grad Spike Lee Says ‘Morehouse Is Where I Became A Man’

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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.

Read more here.

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Two Prominent Artists Are Advocating For An HBCU Tour

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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.”

https://twitter.com/arilennox/status/1191086336658137088?s=21
https://twitter.com/arilennox/status/1191086691961802752?s=21
https://twitter.com/arilennox/status/1191087223531130880?s=21
https://twitter.com/arilennox/status/1191088013939367936?s=21

Wale who recently dropped his album Wow… That’s Crazy joined in after seeing Ari’s post and seeming to really want to make the tour real.

“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.

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.

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The Impact Of HBCUs On Diversity In STEM Fields

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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.

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Finalists Announced In Footaction’s No 1 Way HBCU Design Program

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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.

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Jackson State’s Prancing J-Settes Feat. In MAC Makeup Campaign

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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!

Check it out 💄 

https://twitter.com/hbcubuzz/status/1191133295658127361?s=21

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.”

Howard Graduate Starts Fitness Company After Losing Over 60 Pounds

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“When my collegiate [athletic] career ended in December 2018–with high blood pressure and over 33 percent body fat–I had to change my lifestyle.”

Over the next five months, the former Howard football defensive tackle lost over 60 pounds and is now under 26 percent body fat. 

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.

Bowie State Remains Undefeated With Win Over Lincoln (Pa.) 65-20

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BOWIE, Md. – In the 12th meeting between Lincoln University of Pennsylvania and No. 15 Bowie State University, the Bulldogs clinched the CIAA North for the second-consecutive season after defeating the Lions by a score of 65-20 on Saturday afternoon at Bulldogs Stadium. This is the fourth time in five seasons that Bowie State clinched the division title and send the Bulldogs back to the CIAA Championship game with one regular-season game remaining.

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.

FAMU To Cut Specific Athletic Programs To Address Deficit

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There are reports that Florida A&M is planing to cut staff along with two unspecified men’s athletic programs, to save $800,000 in operating expenses.

The cuts are part of FAMU’s plan to reduce a projected $2.4 million budget deficit in its athletics department. The cuts are expected to take effect for the 2020-2021 season. Specific sports have not been announced. Speculation is that FAMU Athletics Director John Eason will decide what sports to cut between now and Thanksgiving.

A&T Aggies Top SC State Bulldogs

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When quarterback Kylil Carter stepped on the field at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in 2015 as a freshman and threw one of the most historic touchdown passes in North Carolina A&T football history in a win over the South Carolina State Bulldogs, very few people had ever heard his name.

When Carter walked off the field at Oliver C. Stadium on Saturday for the final time in his career, it is assumed everyone associated with S.C. State would rather forget his name from now until the end of time.

Carter recorded career highs in passing yards (267), completions (21) and pass attempts (38) and he threw a touchdown pass to lead the Aggies to a crucial 22-20 win over the Bulldogs. The win puts the Aggies (6-2, 4-1 MEAC) in a first-place tie for the conference lead with Bethune-Cookman. Florida A&M is undefeated in the conference but are not eligible for the MEAC championship or the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl that comes along with it because of sanctions.

Included in Carter’s great day was a crucial third-down completion to senior Elijah Bell that iced the game late in the fourth quarter.

“It’s a great feeling to come out of here with a win today and to be able to say we never lost to them because they’re a great program,” said Carter. “I’m glad my guys played well and were able to keep the streak going.”

The Aggies did win their fifth straight over the Bulldogs (5-3, 3-2 MEAC). It was Carter who as the third-string quarterback on the Aggies roster came off the bench against the Bulldogs in 2015 because one quarterback ahead of him on the depth chart was injured and the other was ineffective. Carter threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Khris Gardin to help the Aggies escape with a 9-6 win that eventually propelled them to the first-ever Celebration Bowl.

On Saturday, the Aggies got the ball back at the SCSU 49-yard line leading 22-20 with 2:31 remaining in the game. The Bulldogs still had two timeouts remaining, so the Aggies needed a first down to ice the game.

Faced with 3rd-and-5, the Aggies decided not to run the ball and force SCSU to call its final timeout. Instead, Carter dropped back and tossed a dart to the Aggies all-time leading receiver in  Bell who walled off his defender and made the catch for the key first down. It was Bell’s 11th reception of the day as he finished the afternoon with 107 yards receiving. It was his eighth career 100-yard receiving game.

“South Carolina State is a physical football team, so to come out with a win in their house is incredible. We had a better chance of getting that first down by throwing the ball. Bell ran a great route and I just got him the ball,” Carter said about the crucial play.

N.C. A&T head coach Sam Washington said the thought going into the play was to take what the S.C. State defense was willing to give them.

“We wanted to see how many they would put in the box,” said Washington. “We had another play called if what we saw was not what we wanted; we could check out of it. Fortunately, we got what we were looking for. We ran the drag and got what we needed.”

The needed win didn’t come easy. The Aggies found themselves down 10-0 midway through the second quarter. Bulldogs quarterback Tyrece Nick made a critical mistake which helped the Aggies get on track. Nick held on to the ball too long in his end zone eventually getting sacked by sophomore Kyin Howard for a safety.

The play propelled the Aggies as they scored 22 unanswered points. The Aggies scored after getting the free-kick as junior Jah-Maine Martin scored from five yards out. When Carter connected with junior Korey Banks on a four-yard touchdown pass, the Aggies carried a 16-10 lead into the locker room at the half.

Two Noel Ruiz field goals in the third quarter gave N.C. A&T a 22-10 lead. But the Bulldogs would rally thanks to two big pass plays.

SCSU quarterback Corey Fields connected with De’Mo Burroughs on a 49-yard touchdown completion to cut the lead to 22-17. On the Bulldogs next drive, Fields connected with Burroughs again, this time on a 56-yard completion to set up a 28-yard field goal by Dillion Bredson to make it 22-20.

“We made two bonehead plays in the secondary, one of them on 3rd-and-10 when we allowed them to get behind us,” said Washington. “We don’t play that type of football here. We’ll address it.”

On the Bulldogs next drive, however, sophomore cornerback Amir McNeill intercepted Fields to end the Bulldogs’ hopes of taking the lead. The Aggies picked up some key first downs off the interception, punted the ball and then held SCSU to a 3-and-out to set up their final game-clinching drive.

“That guy has the heart of a lion,” said Washington about Carter’s performance. “He has so much fight in him, it’s amazing to watch. I thought he threw the ball extremely, especially when we really needed him. He did great on play-action and the (run-pass-options). Perhaps we should have gone vertical a little more as we look at things in hindsight. But I thought he did what we asked him to do for the most part.”

N.C. A&T had a few milestones on Saturday. Ruiz broke the school’s single-season field goals made record as he made his 15th and 16th field goals of the season. Martin reached the 1,000-yard mark becoming the ninth different Aggie to have a 1,000-yard rushing season. It marks the ninth time in 10 years and the seventh straight year the Aggies have had a 1,000-yard rusher.

Enter the Young Thug x Gunna #HBCUHotChallenge For A Chance To Win $25,000

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Young thug and Kevin Liles have announced, the “Hot” Battle of The Bands Challenge. The digital campaign invites all historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) marching bands to produce a short video to be posted on social media showcasing their school spirit and talent with their best marching band rendition of Young Thug’s “Hot”. 

The school that receives the highest engagement on their video will receive a $25,000 donation total to the winning school’s music department/Band Program from Young Thug’s record label Young Stoner Life Records & Kevin Liles and 300 Entertainment.

How To Enter:

  • Create a short video including; Young Thug – Hot ft. Gunna (Listen Here) 
  • Publish that video on social media (TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube)
  • #HBCUHotChallenge, #HotBOTBChallenge, #HBCUBattleofTheBands, #EverythingLitty and #Contest
  • Engage engage engage
  • Deadline: December 1st, 2019

The contest comes fresh off the heels of Young Thug’s performance of “Hot” ft. Gunna and Wheezy on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. 

Said Kevin Liles, Co-Founder and CEO of 300 Entertainment:

“I come from an HBCU, I started out at the school of engineering at Morgan State University and there would be no me without my experience at MSU.

Homecomings and the power of their marching bands have always been at the core of an HBCU’s school spirit. Our commitment from Young Thug and 300 is to support those very creatives who give their all and inspire us to build upon the HBCU communities. On behalf of Young Thug and I will always commit to putting the arts at the front of our philanthropic efforts.”

Why Was Donald Trump At Benedict College?

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Second question: Why were less than 10 students given tickets to attend this event that had an audience of 300+?

Historically black Benedict College recently hosted a 3-day criminal justice reform event, the Second Step Presidential Justice Forum, with 7 students in attendance. The rest of the audience consisted of Trump supporters and political figures, most of which, came from out of state, including black Trump supporters.

The event featured 2020 presidential election candidates including Senator Kamala Harris, former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Cory Booker, former rep. John Delaney, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Senator Amy Klobuchar, former HUD secretary Julián Castro, Senator Tulsi Gabbard and Donald Trump.

Candidates took the stage and joined a conversation on a critical issue our country is facing. The forum allowed the presidential candidates the opportunity to follow up on the passing of the First Step Act criminal justice reform bill last year and to propose their second step to address criminal justice reform.

Donald Trump spoke and was presented with an award for his work on the First Step Act from event organizers, the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center.

Image result for benedict college criminal justice reform

During his speech, Trump took digs at his Democratic opponents, criticized the media, and unsurprisingly attacked President Barack Obama’s administration (again).

Democratic candidates for president were not happy. Former president Biden shared, “Let me just set the record straight … President Trump has fanned the fuels of white supremacy.”

Senator Harris was so passionate, she originally vowed not to be apart of certain events. Her sentiments stemmed from Donald Trump being awarded and speaking, but also from her disapproval of students being advised to remain in their dormitories during the event. She shared, “It’s about everybody being here…This is such an important conversation.”

Following Senator Harris’ vow, candidate forum co-host Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin then announced that he and Benedict College would be removing the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center as a sponsor of the event, and taking over the weekend’s events.

Positive takeaways include criminal justice reform being recognized as a critical and necessary discussion in the current presidential election.

Tennessee State University Is Struggling With Infrastructure Issues

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Tennessee State University, one of the Nashville’s four historically black colleges and universities, is struggling with infrastructure issues. Most recently, after months of power outages kept students in the dark and without hot water, some launched a petition demanding a partial tuition refund. But the incident reveals the broader challenges facing these historic institutions.

The tradition of Tennessee’s historically black colleges and universities runs deep. At Tennessee State’s recent homecoming pep rally, that pride was palpable as the school’s top-rated marching played.

The fact is, while HBCUs enroll only 10% of African American college students, they’re responsible for much more. They’ve awarded a quarter of the STEM degrees earned by African Americans. They’ve trained half of the nation’s black teachers and doctors. And a 2015 Gallup poll found that black HBCU graduates are more likely to thrive professionally and financially.

And in recent years the schools have been celebrated in popular culture. The now-famous Beyoncé performance at Coachella was a highly produced homage to HBCUs.

But times are difficult for these historic institutions.

“It all boils back to we got to get some money,” says Dwight Beard, the president of TSU’s local alumni chapter and a member of its foundation board. “We got to get more money and we need more support. And that is one of our major problems.”

According to a recent annual report for the school, alumni giving has dropped to its lowest point since the 1930s. And TSU has an endowment of just $52 million. For scale, Vanderbilt has $6.4 billion.    

Part of the issue is the rising cost of college. Plus, 70% of HBCU students qualify for Pell Grants, meaning they are low income and they often graduate saddled with debt. At TSU, for example, 87% of graduates have student loans. 

In recent years, TSU has admitted more students from outside the U.S., those who can pay full tuition. But Beard says the school needs to find other ways to increase revenue.

“It’s no easy answer, but we all have to improve,” Beard says. “We all have to find new strategies, and we all have to turn up the volume and do a better job in what we do.”

Tennessee State University didn’t make anyone available for an interview.

But it’s something Fisk University, another historically black college in Nashville, has been focusing on. After financial struggles repeatedly put the school on probation by its accreditors, the school has been working to rewrite the narrative.

Jens Frederickson, Fisk’s vice president of institutional advancement, says the school made a huge push in the last few years to build relationships with companies like Google, HCA and others. Their pitch: help fund the pipeline of high-caliber minority applicants.

“We were very deliberate about targeting big multi-nationals here and saying, ‘Listen, we have all these remarkable students, but we also need you to get behind them,'” Frederickson says. 

Between that and targeting more alumni, last year Fisk raised a record $10.7 million, far higher than they expected. And its enrollment has surged, from 705 students in 2017 to now around 900.

But it’s not cheap keeping up the infrastructure of such storied and historic institutions.

TSU is 106 years old, Fisk is nearly 50 years older. And while repairing things like electrical wiring and leaking roofs is needed, it’s far more expensive than people realize, Frederickson says.

“When people say, ‘I want to give $100,000 to that’, we’ve sort of started discouraging that because then the expectation is that it’s fixed,” he says. “And it’s not fixed with $100K, right. It’s fixed with $5 or $6 million.”

Right now, he says, Fisk is focusing on what it can offer to African American students that other institutions simply can’t: a shared history and pride that empowers them to take on life after graduation. 

And Dwight Beard, who has 43 family members who have attended TSU, feels the same way about his alma mater.

“We would be devastated without it,” he says, “because of all the great history and legacy and the great things it’s doing.”

But the fact remains, it will take more money to keep TSU, and other HBCUs, a competitive choice for students.

HBCU Jarvis Christian College Hosts First East Texas Got Talent

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HAWKINS — Fifteen performers got the opportunity to compete and receive feedback from entertainment industry professionals at Jarvis Christian College during its first East Texas Got Talent on Saturday night.

Talent show participants heard from celebrity judges Dr. Mathew Knowles, DJ Michael “5,000” Watts, independent artist Tia P. and celebrity publicist Skyy Daniels.

Knowles is the CEO of Music World Entertainment and father of world-famous singers Beyonce and Solange. He also managed his daughters and the music group Destiny’s Child.

While judging, Knowles gave contestants important advice on being entertainers.

“There’s a big difference between singing and entertaining,” he said during the contest. “Entertaining means connecting with people. It has to have meaning.”

He also emphasized the importance of work ethic.

“It’s a hard work business,” Knowles said. “It takes practice, practice, practice.”

Knowles also gave a lecture Friday on how to be successful and his book titled, “The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals.”

Watts, who is CEO and founder of the Swishahouse record label, said he looks for work ethic and originality in an artist. He added that some people just have an entertainment factor about them. He called being at Jarvis an honor.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping people out and discovering people. They normally start on the stage right here,” Watts said. “I like people that have good music. It’s something that I can feel.”

Blackk Egyptt, an artist from Dallas, came in first and received a $1,000 cash prize. R&B singer Keke Wyatt closed out the contest with her performance.

Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Development Dr. Kenoye K. Eke Sr. said the show helps up-and-coming entertainers and spotlights the college.

“We think it’s a good opportunity to show talents of young men and women of East Texas as well as drawing people to Jarvis and have fun at the same time,” Eke said.

As an educator, he likes to see young people be able to hear from entertainment industry professionals such as Knowles and the other judges to become better artists in general.

“Nothing will compare to the advice they’ll get from this exercise,” Eke said.

The show is a part of the annual eight-day Jarvis Fest to reach the college’s yearly fundraising goal of $90,000, benefiting the United Negro College Fund.

The fund goes toward scholarships for black students and general scholarships for the 37 private historically black colleges and universities in America.

Eke said the college receives a large return on investment with $6 coming back for every $1 raised by the college.

Jarvis Christian College President Dr. Lester Newman noted the benefits of UNCF and encouraged the show participants.

“Take heed to what you heard and continue to grow and develop your talent,” Newman said.