Norfolk State Alumna Brehanna Daniels To Compete On NBC’s “Titan Games”

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

NORFOLK, Va. – As a Norfolk State University student, Brehanna Daniels majored in mass communications and had designs on a career in entertainment.

Daniels, who played basketball at NSU from 2014-16, will take another step in that direction as a contestant on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s NBC reality physical competition series “The Titan Games,” which premieres Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.Daniels

“The Titan Games” features everyday people from across the country competing in a series of endurance-based mental and physical challenges, similar to the old show “The American Gladiators.” If successful, competitors will become a member of the group of “Titans,” who will have to defend their title every week against new competitors in order to remain in the group and have a shot at a $100,000 grand prize.

Fame, and competition, isn’t new to Daniels. For the last three years, she has worked as a tire changer on pit crews at various levels of professional auto racing. In July, she became the first African-American female to work on a pit crew for a race in NASCAR’s Cup series, the sport’s top level.

VUU Joe Taylor Elected to College Football Hall of Fame

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Virginia Union University Athletic Director Joe Taylor, has been selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

“This is an extremely humbling experience,” said Taylor, who has been the Athletic Director at VUU since 2013. “This is the result of not just myself, but of many people. It really shows that hard work does not go unnoticed.”

The announcement of the 2019 Class was made live on on Monday, January 7, on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” from Santa Clara, California, the site of the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship.

Taylor’s induction will take place during the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 10, 2019, at the New York Hilton Midtown.

2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS

PLAYERS:
TERRELL BUCKLEY – DB, Florida State (1989-91)
RICKEY DIXON – DB, Oklahoma (1984-87)
LONDON FLETCHER – LB, John Carroll [OH] (1995-97)
JACOB GREEN – DL, Texas A&M (1977-79)
TORRY HOLT – WR, North Carolina State (1995-98)
RAGHIB ISMAIL – KR/WR, Notre Dame (1988-90)
DARREN McFADDEN – RB, Arkansas (2005-07)
JAKE PLUMMER – QB, Arizona State (1993-96)
TROY POLAMALU – DB, Southern California (1999-2002)
JOE THOMAS – OL, Wisconsin (2003-06)
LORENZO WHITE – RB, Michigan State (1984-87)
PATRICK WILLIS – LB, Mississippi (2003-06)
VINCE YOUNG – QB, Texas (2003-05)

The all-time winningest coach in Hampton history, Taylor compiled an impressive 233 wins overall during his standout 30-year career. His remarkable 70.6 winning percentage ranks in the top 10 in FCS coaching history.

After one season as the head coach at Howard, Taylor took over the program at Virginia Union, where he won 60 games in eight seasons. His best season with the Panthers was in 1986 when he guided the team to the CIAA title, an 11-1 record and a trip to the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Taylor also guided Virginia Union to the playoffs during a 10-2 season in 1990 and an 8-3 season in 1991.

Taylor shined during his tenure as Hampton’s head coach from 1992-2007, posting a school record 136 wins while leading the Pirates to four SBN Black College National Championships. Hampton played at the NCAA Division II level his first three seasons, earning two Division II playoff appearances, including the school’s first-ever NCAA playoff win. Taylor guided the Pirates to CIAA titles in all three of those seasons and the first of his four Black College National Championships in 1994. After moving to the FCS in 1995, his Hampton teams would win three more Black College National Championships and five MEAC titles while making five FCS Playoff appearances. The four-time MEAC Coach of the Year owns eight of the top 10 winningest seasons in Pirate history, including the top six. Taylor also guided Hampton to a win in the 1999 Heritage Bowl over Southern, and he coached three NFF National Scholar-Athletes during his time at the school: Timothy Benson (1993), Malcolm Benson (1995) and Michael Bland (2000).

Taylor concluded his stellar coaching career at Florida A&M from 2008-12, where he became the first coach in school history to win 25 games in his first three seasons. Arguably, his best season with the Rattlers came in 2010 when the team went 8-3 and claimed a share of the MEAC title.

At the time of his retirement, Taylor’s 233 career wins were tied for the third most among coaches at historically black colleges and universities. Over his entire 30-year career, he coached 68 First Team All-Americans, 142 first team all-conference players and one First Team Academic All-American.

A former president of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Taylor also served on the FCS All-American Selection Committee and the advisory board of the Black Coaches Association. He has received lifetime achievement awards from the AFCA/FCA and the All-American Football Foundation, and he is enshrined in the Virginia Union Athletics, Western Illinois Athletics, CIAA and MEAC halls of fame.

A graduate of Western Illinois University, Taylor played offensive line for the Leathernecks under College Football Hall of Fame Coach Darrell Mudra. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Howard D. Woodson High School in his hometown of Washington, D.C., from 1972-77. Before his first head-coaching job, Taylor also served as an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois (where he helped earn the 1978 NCAA Division II national title), Virginia Union and Howard. Since December 2013, he has served as the athletics director at Virginia Union.

These HBCU Grads Are 2019 NFL Playoffs Bound

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Tarik Cohen – NCAT – Chicago Bears

Tarik North Carolina A&T University grad became the first NFL rookie to record a rushing, receiving, passing and punt return touchdown since Gale Sayers in 1965 … his 53 receptions in 2017 were the third most for a rookie in franchise history. 

Darius Leonard – South Carolina State – Indianapolis Colts

Leonard attended South Carolina State and was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft! Darius Leonard #53 LB 6-2 234 R South Carolina State

Grover Stewart – Albany State – Indianapolis Colts

Selected by the Colts in the fourth round (144th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. Recorded 141 tackles over his four-year collegiate career.

Chester Rogers – Grambling State – Indianapolis Colts

Chester Rogers is an American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He played college football at Grambling State and signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2016

Anthony Lanier – AAMU – Los Angeles Chargers

Anthony Lanier II is an American football defensive end for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League. He played college football at Alabama A&M, and was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2016.

Trenton Scott – Grambling State – Los Angeles Chargers

Played four seasons (2013, ’15-17) at Grambling State after redshirting in 2014. Allowed just three sacks in his collegiate career. As a senior in 2017, posted 39 pancake blocks and no sacks en route to earning first-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference recognition.

Anthony Levine – Tennessee State – Baltimore Ravens

“He’s been amazing for us – one of the best defenders we’ve had playing this year,” Weddle added. Levine’s says he’s not playing any better than before; it’s just about being put in the right position. “Everything is just lining up,” he said.

DeLance Turner – Alcorn State – Baltimore Ravens

Watch RB De’Lance Turner making the most of his opportunity with this 65-yard TOUCHDOWN.

KhaDarel Hodge – Prairie View – Los Angeles Rams

Signed by the Rams as an undrafted rookie free agent (7/24/18). Began his collegiate career playing quarterback at Alcorn State as a freshman in 2013

Terron Armstead – UAPB – New Orleans Saints

=American football offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas–Pine Bluff.

Michael Ola – Hampton – New Orleans Saints

American football offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saintsof the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Hampton University

Maryland HBCU Case Back iS In Mediation

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

A three-judge panel on Wednesday ordered Maryland and its historically black universities into mediation to try to resolve a long-running lawsuit over program duplication and segregation, warning failure to settle likely means years of costly and divisive litigation hurting higher education in the state.

Although both sides in the dispute presented their arguments well, neither “has a realistic appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of their respective claims and contentions,” according to a three-page order from the panel of judges for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

“The Court is of the firm conviction that this case can and should be settled,” the order says. “Otherwise, the parties will likely condemn themselves to endless years of acrimonious, divisive and expensive litigation that will only work to the detriment of higher education in Maryland.”

Supporters of the historically black institutions backed the decision Thursday, saying they have been committed to negotiating in good faith.

“Given the legal gravity of this case, the ruling by the Fourth Circuit reaffirms our long-standing commitment to mediate in good faith and fairness with the State,” said David Burton, president of the Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education, one of the case’s plaintiffs, in a statement. “We trust that Maryland will now do the same.”

The HBCU supporters believe they drew a relatively conservative panel of three judges that nonetheless didn’t rule in the state’s favor. That, they hope, will signal to the state that it needs to take a different approach going forward.

“They’re kind of running out of courts,” said Jon M. Greenbaum, chief counsel at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, which argued the HBCU supporters’ case last month along with the law firm Kirkland & Ellis. “Our hope is that maybe this will create a change in tenor.”

Of course, the court didn’t rule in the plaintiff’s favor, either. Greenbaum acknowledged that judges had harsh words for both sides.

“We have to consistently evaluate what the realistic settlement is going to be under the circumstances,” Greenbaum said in a telephone interview Thursday. “But it’s never been to a point where it’s even been close.”

Several Maryland entities and government offices are involved in the lawsuit. A spokeswoman for the Maryland Office of the Attorney General declined comment Thursday. A spokeswoman for the state’s governor, Larry Hogan, said the state is interested in reaching an agreement.

“As our administration has throughout this case, we reached out to the plaintiffs and their supporters in an effort to resolve this matter prior to the 4th Circuit ruling,” said the spokeswoman in an email. “We remain interested in reaching an agreement that will conclude the case in a way that is fair and equitable for Maryland’s college students.”

Hogan offered as much as $100 million over 10 years to historically black universities last year. That was more than double the amount offered earlier in the case, but HBCU backers argued that the offer didn’t address what they see as a history of predominantly white institutions duplicating programs that were successful at HBCUs, undercutting the historically black institutions.

Others on the state’s side noted past rulings in their favor. The University System of Maryland is committed to a mission of excellence and inclusion, and historically black universities play an important, valued role in that mission, a system spokesman said in an email. He went on to reference past rulings, including rulings that rejected controversial proposals.

“The trial court found that the State was equitably funding its historically black institutions’ operations and facilities, and that the historically black institutions were not limited in their missions in comparison to non-historically black institutions,” he said. “The trial court also rejected the Coalition’s proposed remedies of transferring academic programs among campuses, merging two institutions, and dramatically reducing the size and role of another institution.”

Mediation is to conclude by April 30. The appeals court ordered the mediator to report progress every 30 days, to the extent allowed by confidentiality rules.

The new order represents yet another step in a case that has dragged on for over a dozen years. In 2006, a group of historically black college and university supporters sued the state of Maryland, alleging violations of the Civil Rights Act and the equal protection clause of the Constitution. The case centered around the question of whether Maryland had caused segregation at historically black universities by allowing their successful programs to be duplicated by traditionally white institutions. Under that line of thinking, unnecessary duplication would effectively prevent the historically black institutions from enrolling diverse student bodies.

U.S. District Court Judge Catherine C. Blake found in 2013 that the state could not justify effects of segregation from unnecessary program duplication. The parties went into mediation, failed to agree and submitted competing proposals in 2015. Blake went on to order the appointment of a “special master” in 2017 to create a remedial plan and monitor it under court supervision.

The plan would have created new unique or in-demand programs at the historically black institutions. It also would have provided them with additional funding for efforts like marketing, recruitment and financial aid.

The Fourth Circuit stayed the district court’s orders Wednesday. During oral arguments, Fourth Circuit Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III voiced skepticism about adding a layer of bureaucracy by appointing a special master, The Daily Record reported.

Also at oral arguments, Judge Stephanie D. Thacker indicated the record doesn’t show the state to be working with the plaintiffs after Blake’s ruling. She asked what assurance the court would have that the state would come to the table if the Fourth Circuit reversed the district court.

“It seems like the state didn’t really come to the table on the remedy issue, well, at all or much,” she said, according to The Daily Record. A lawyer for the state said it would come to the table if liability was affirmed, the newspaper reported.

Read more via

https://www.insidehighered.com/users/rick-seltzer

What It Means To Study Food At Historically Black Colleges

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

By Dr. Ashanté Reese, Spelman Professor //I stare at a photo of seven women. They are presumably Spelman College students, tilling the soil of the Oval, the green space around Giles Hall, the historic building that houses my office. The Spelman archivist dates the photo in the 1890s. The women’s eyes concentrate on the ground. They aren’t smiling. No one recorded their names.

Clad in long skirts, armed with farming tools, the unidentified women grew food as part of their education well before food studies had a name or structure. In this period, it was not uncommon for women’s academic training to include homemaking skills, including growing food. My work as an interdisciplinary professor in anthropology and food studies is part of a long legacy.

I joined the Spelman faculty in 2015 to help build a food studies program that other faculty had been developing for years. I teach black women about food access inequalities, urban agriculture, and the role of race in the food system. What we know as food studies did not exist when Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were founded in the mid-1800s. The role of food in curriculum and campus life, however, was firmly in place. The women in the photo grew food for their own consumption and were likely involved in managing the Spelman College Dairy.

Spelman was not the first HBCU to connect food and academic inquiry. HBCUs and other black educational institutions were beacons in the midst of legally enforced white supremacy and segregation. To provide for the campus and build community, students, especially those attending Southern HBCUs, were expected to show industrial and practical skills alongside their academic training. In other ways, the academic and practical training that students received proved to their white counterparts that they deserved full citizenship. Perhaps the best-known example of this is Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama, founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881—the same year Spelman College was founded.

READ FULL HERE

Alabama State Becomes 1st HBCU to Lead Rose Bowl Parade

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

History was made at the 130th annual Rose Parade when Alabama State University became the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to lead the parade.

Nationally acclaimed, the Mighty Marching Hornets, led by Dr. James B. Oliver, is one of two HBCU marching bands appearing in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The other is the Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University Marching 100. Both bands join 18 other marching bands at the parade.

One of the world’s most popular parades, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade is seen by more than 70 million people in over 150 countries.

“I’m telling everybody, you have to catch the parade from the beginning, said band director, Dr. James Oliver, “otherwise you are going to miss the best band there is”.

In most cases, interested prospects, which also include floats and equestrian units, apply to participate and anxiously await a response from the parade selection committee. Not in the case of ASU.

“The president of the Tournament of Roses, the first African-American president (Gerald Freeny), reached out and asked if we’d apply,” Marching Band Director James Oliver said. “It’s a historic time, to have the very first African-American president of the Tournament of Roses, and it’s going to go down in history for ASU to have participated in the parade.”

Oliver called the trip a “dream come true. This is a big after Christmas present for these guys and they are excited they are really excited” he said about his band members.

Thousands of spectators lined the parade route but Oliver and the group also made several other special performances including a stop at a nursing home for seniors that aren’t able to attend the parade. That’s all a part of nearly a week of “unforgettable experiences” Oliver said, that would not be possible without the outpouring of community support.

“It’s not easy to raise $300- or $400,000 to make this trip so it means a lot to our university but it represents so much because we’re representing the state of Alabama and we’re also representing the city of Montgomery,” he said.

Jussie Smollett Fights To Save Bennett College

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

There are several historically Black colleges and universities across the country that have experienced financial woes, and celebrities are stepping up to save them. After learning that Bennett College—an all-women HBCU—was on the brink of losing its accreditation, actors Jussie Smollett and his brother Jake Smollett stepped in to help the institution, Essence reported.

According to the news outlet, the school—which was founded in 1873 and became a women’s institution in 1926—needs to raise $5 million by February 2019 to stay afloat. The Smolletts took it upon themselves to use their platforms to spread awareness about what’s happening at Bennett College and motivate individuals to pitch in and help save the school. Jussie posted a photo of both him and his brother donning shirts that read “Stand With Bennett” accompanied with a caption that read “In the 1930s we had 121 #HBCUs now we’re at 101. Don’t let us be down to 100 if #BennettCollege, who has made the education of black women a priority since 1926, closes its doors.”

Bennett College President Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins hopes that they can raise enough money to not only save the college from closing but keep the college’s doors open so that they can continue to educate, empower, and inspire leaders for generations to come. “We look forward to working with partners who understand that their investment supports the education of deserving young women whose potential is only limited by the opportunities we give them,” said Dawkins in a statement, according to the news outlet. “Our challenge is great. Our time is short. Our resolve is mighty.”

The Smolletts aren’t the only celebrities who are showing their support for HBCUs and their students. Beyoncé generously donated thousands of dollars to fund scholarships for HBCU students. Most recently, the cast of “A Different World” presented a $100,000 check from Ford to Southwestern Christian College in Texas.

UNCF and Mayor’s Masked Ball Raises $1.3 Million for HBCUs

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

The 35th Annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball, the inaugural for Florida A & M University alumnae Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, again exceeds the United Negro College Fund’s event record — raising more than $1.35 million for UNCF member-institutions last weekend.More than 1,300 attended the sold-out signature fundraising event including UNCF president Michael L. Lomax, honorary co-chairs and Ball founders  Billye Aaron and Ambassador Andrew Young; corporate honorees Rodney Bullard, vice president of community affairs at Chick-fil-A Inc.; Ted Blum, managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Atlanta office; and UNCF member-institution presidents Dr. Mary Schmidt-Campbell of Spelman College; Dr. David Thomas, Morehouse College; acting president Lucille Mauge’ of Clark Atlanta University; and Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice of the Morehouse College School of Medicine.“One of the unique assets of Atlanta is its extraordinary Atlanta University Center (AUC) — the largest consortium of private HBCUs in the nation,” said Lomax.

“For a century and a half, the institutions of the AUC have been producing generations of talented and educated grads, who have been prepared for careers, active citizenship and leadership. UNCF awards more than $100,000 each year in scholarships to more than 600 area students, securing a better future for us all, as many of these students and the HBCUs they attend contribute significantly to the local economy. According to a study commissioned by UNCF, Georgia’s nine HBCUs contribute $1.3 billion to the total economic impact and produce 12,040 area job.”

Music mogul Jermaine Dupri donated $50,000, and rapper Jeezy followed up with $10,000 during the Fund the Mission part of the evening, while several other celebrities pledged donations totaling $100,000. Bell Biv Devoe (Ricky Bello, Michael Bivens and Ronnie Devoe) and CAU Jazz Band performed during the ball.“As we celebrate 35 years, we appreciate the contributions of our Atlanta community who always support us in a big way,” said Justine Boyd, regional director, UNCF. “With the support of our corporate sponsors, volunteers, and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in her inaugural year as host, we continue to go beyond expectations to support deserving students and our 37 UNCF-member institutions, four of which are in Atlanta.”Founded by former mayor Andrew Young and Billye S. Aaron, educating students has always been at the forefront of the event’s mission. With the success of the UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball, thousands of students have a brighter future because of the financial support they have received.

Posted by HBCU Editors Posted on 5535 articles

Jerry Lorenzo Made Air Fear of God 1s for his Alma Mater, FAMU

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Thanks to his first-ever Nike collaboration, 2018 was a huge year for Fear of God-founder Jerry Lorenzo, which included the highly anticipated release of the Air Fear of God 1. But what many may not know is the amount of effort that went on behind the scenes before the sneakers were officially released to the public.

Lorenzo reflected on the sneaker with an Instagram post that shows off a box full of look-see samples, featuring never-before-seen colorways of his high-top basketball model with the Swoosh. While he says that there are 20 to 30 more colorways that haven’t been revealed, he explained the inspiration behind the one most prominently featured in the photo—an orange and beige pair that pays homage to his alma mater, Florida A&M University. Lorenzo says that if given the opportunity, he wants to make the school “what Michigan and the Fab 5 were to me in college, or what Oregon is to kids today.” Also spotted in the background is a neon green pair that’s not referenced in the post.

View this post on Instagram

…over the past year we’ve sampled tons of sneakers in lots of colorways, fabrics, materials, etc… i design in 3d so i have to touch and feel it before pulling the trigger. my gifts are in physicality not photoshop. there’s actually about 20 to 30 more vibes/sneakers in this box… some will see the light of day, some may forever live in this box… in an era of leaks, i’m not mad this colorway made the light of day… i actually love this orange box color cage and bone upper vibe… this shoe for was made for @famu_1887 mens/womens hoop teams… when i played baseball there in the 90’s we didnt have coordinated team shoes and we just wore whatever we could afford… playing ball at a black college in the 90’s was everything except D1. …anyhow, i said if i ever get the opportunity i’m going to make @famuathletics what michicgan and the fab 5 were to me in college or what orgegon is to kids today… so anyhow, this is a just a sample from that train of thought… not sure whether or not it sees the light of day or hits the @famuathletics teams, but thought i’d provide you with the context of the spirit behind this (sample) shoe… everything we do has reason and has foundation. we don’t move on hype. and we dont ride waves. 👊🏽

A post shared by jerrylorenzo (@jerrylorenzo) on

According to Lorenzo, the pair may never see the light of day, but he does mention that some of those samples will. In other Fear of God x Nike related news, a new model dubbed the Fear of God x Nike Moccasin is rumored to release next month. 

Texas Southern Beats Texas A&M 88-73

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Texas Southern knocked off its third Power 5 conference team on the road with an 88-73 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday at Reed Arena.

The Tigers (5-8), who already had wins over Baylor and then-No. 18 Oregon, got balanced scoring with five players in double figures to end the Aggies five-game win streak, four of which were at home.

LSU transfer Jalyn Patterson had 20 points for the Tigers, who got a big boost off the bench from TCU transfer Shawn Olden with 13.

Devocio Butler added 17 points as the Tigers went 12 of 26 from behind the arc.

Texas A&M (6-5) was paced by Wendell Mitchell with 21 points and Savion Flagg, who broke out of slump to score 17 points and add eight rebounds and six assists.

After trailing by 13 at the half, the Aggies got within 62-58 on a Mitchell basket after a steal of an inbounds pass, but the Tiger scored the next seven points and were never threatened again.

What Students Want Contest

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Paramount Pictures & HBCU Buzz have teamed up in the #WhatStudentsWant Video Contest. (2) Lucky students from different HBCU campuses will win a chance to attend the What Men Want premiere in Los Angeles, all expenses paid. Our (10) day contest will run January 7th, 2019 until January 18th, 2019. Each contestant must create a video describing their new year goals, career goals after graduation or academic goals for the spring! Using the hashtag #whatstudentswant, winners will be selected based on the number of likes, comments and creativity of their video. Tell us a story in 60 secs or less. GOOD LUCK! 

RULES

  • The contest will start January 7th, 2019 and will end January 18th, 2019 at 11:59PM(PST)
  • Posts must include the hashtag #WhatStudentsWant and Tag @hbcubuzz & @WhatMenWant
  • Video Submissions must be 60secs or less
  • Videos must be submitted via Instagram 
  • Instagram profiles must be public

WHAT MEN WANT

Ali Davis (Taraji P. Henson) is a successful sports agent who’s constantly boxed out by her male colleagues. When Ali is passed up for a well-deserved promotion, she questions what else she needs to do to succeed in a man’s world… until she gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts! With her newfound power, Ali looks to outsmart her colleagues as she races to sign the next basketball superstar, but the lengths she has to go to will put her relationship with her best friends and a potential new love interest (Aldis Hodge) to the test. WHAT MEN WANT is the latest comedy from director Adam Shankman (HAIRSPRAY) and producers Will Packer and James Lopez (GIRLS TRIP), co-starring Tracy Morgan, Richard Roundtree, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Josh Brener, Tamala Jones, Phoebe Robinson, Max Greenfield, Jason Jones, Brian Bosworth, Chris Witaske and Erykah Badu.

NIKE Names FAMU Alum G. Scott Uzzell President & CEO of Converse, Inc.

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) announced today that effective Jan. 22, 2019, G. Scott Uzzell will become President & CEO of Converse, Inc. Uzzell comes to Converse from The Coca-Cola Company where he most recently served as President, Venturing & Emerging Brands Group (VEB).

Uzzell joins Converse at an exciting time as the brand sets the stage to move into new spaces by reconnecting to its heritage in sports. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Florida A&M University.

“Scott’s unique blend of experience driving both strategic business growth and strong brand development is well-suited to help unlock the full potential of the Converse Brand and lead its next phase of growth globally,” said Michael Spillane, President, Categories and Product, NIKE, Inc.

As head of Coca-Cola’s VEB Group, Uzzell led the identification and development of a portfolio of high-growth brands for The Coca-Cola Company, including Honest Tea, ZICO Coconut Water, Fairlife Milk and Suja Juice, contributing to new revenue streams for the company.

Uzzell began his career in sales and marketing for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Nabisco, before returning to Coca-Cola in 2000 in the Strategy & Planning division. Since then, he has held a number of leadership positions across its business including McDonald’s U.S. Division, Global New Business Development, Global Marketing, ZICO and VEB.

In addition, Uzzell serves on the boards of State Bank and Trust Company; Fairlife, LLC; and Suja Juice Company. Uzzell is also a member of the Florida A&M University Foundation Board as well as a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC).

Uzzell will report directly to Michael Spillane, President, Categories and Product, NIKE, Inc. Uzzell replaces Davide Grasso who has decided to retire at the end of this calendar year.

About Converse

Converse Inc., based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including men’s, women’s and children’s footwear, apparel and accessories. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 92 company-owned retail locations in the U.S.

Photo: Atlanta Tribune/Coca-Cola

Mo’ne Davis, Little League World Series Legend is Headed to Hampton University

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Mo’ne Davis, who four years ago hurled her way into the annals of the Little League World Series and the hearts of the sports world as a pitcher for the Taney Dragons of South Philadelphia, has decided she will attend Hampton University next fall.

Davis, who used a 70-plus mph fastball to become the first girl to win a Little League World Series game as a pitcher and the first girl to toss a shutout in Little League post-season history, selected Hampton over Bethune-Cookman University, Southern University, Coppin State University, the University of Massachusetts and the University of Pennsylvania.

Hampton’s communications department won Davis over, said her parents, Lakeisha and Mark Williams.

Davis is a three-sport star at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, where she plays soccer, basketball and softball. She will play softball for Hampton University.

At just 16 years old, Mo’ne Davis has had her jersey retired next to Derek Jeter’s, spent time with Michele Obama at the The White House, and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated…to name a few. But behind her vast accomplishments is a story of one girl and a team of believers who refused to let circumstances stop her from her dreams.




The Black Black Spiderman We’ve Been Waiting For

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Marvel and Spider-Man fans have been waiting for a film featuring Miles Morales, the Brooklyn-raised black Spider-Man partially inspired by Donald Glover, for quite some time now. Morales will finally make his big screen debut next month with the animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which sees him juggling his superpowers with being a regular kid, only for things to get even crazier when Miles’ world crosses with alternate universes, revealing even more Spider-Men.

Swae Lee, however, thinks the character deserves his own live-action film, and he wants to be the one to play him. “It’s only right, if anyone’s gonna be the first black Spider-Man in a real movie it should be me,” he told TMZ.

“Especially because I made the soundtrack Miles Morales was singing in the movie, it’s only right I be the black Spider-Man, so Marvel, we need to get together.”

Actor Shameik Moore made history this month when he played the first-ever biracial Spider-Man — and he’s excited about the groundbreaking role in the animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

“This kid could be white, Black, Asian, Hispanic. He just happens to be Black and Hispanic,”

Moore, 23, said in a recent appearance on Popcorn with Peter Travers. “It doesn’t matter what his race is. He just happens to be Black. And I love that about the movie itself. It reflects what New York looks like, what the world looks like today.”

Excitement and anticipation were ignited at the advance screenings that took place in several markets across the nation. Attendees explained; film is about mentoring, overcoming challenges, and the power of diversity by introducing the world to the first biracial Spider-Man. 

Posted by HBCU Editors Posted on 5535 articles

Maryland HBCUs One Step Closer to Victory

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Bowie State University graduate student Elijah Bell Clarke sensed history was looming as he and a classmate drove to Richmond, Dec. 11, to listen to oral arguments before the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in the decade-long Maryland HBCU Equity Trial.

“The ramifications of this trial for HBCUs and my own education are critical. The importance can’t be overstated,” he said.

Inside the historic Lewis F. Powell Courthouse, Judges Steven Agee, Harvie Wilkinson and Stephanie Thacker jumped in right away, intensely peppering attorneys from the State of Maryland and the Maryland Coalition for Equity and Excellence for Higher Education with questions about the US District Court’s original liability finding in 2013 and the Court’s remedy issued in 2017, providing for a court-ordered administrator to oversee creation of unique academic programs at each of Maryland’s HBCUs.

“Maryland’s nine TWI’s (traditionally white institutions) are fully integrated and the HBI’s (Historically Black Institutions) have diverse enrollments,” Adam Snyder, chief council for the Maryland Attorney General’s Office said in opening remarks.

“The HBI’s are not integrated in the same way as the other institutions, are they?” Judge Thacker quickly interjected.

“How much is this going to cost,” questioned Judge Wilkinson, who openly expressed reservations throughout the two-hour proceeding about a range of issues from the effectiveness of the District Court’s remedial order establishing an administrator, to the legitimacy of the court’s role in mitigating the “effects” of discrimination.

“The remedy is highly unlikely to boost White enrollment at HBI’s,” Wilkinson mused.

“So, what would succeed?” countered Thacker. “Has the State been doing that?” Are you saying that nothing would succeed?” Thacker added.

Agee jumped into the fray, seeking clarification from the State on the types of issues being brought before the 4th Circuit Court. “You challenge both liability and remedy?” Agee questioned. Most cases appealed from U.S. District Court will end with the decision of their designated Appellate Court. The U.S. Supreme Court hears less than two percent of cases brought before them annually.

“It seems like the State did not come to the table at all on the remedy issue,” said Thacker. “What assurance do we have that the State would come to the table if we reverse this decision,” she asked?

Michael Jones and Jon Greenbaum, attorneys for the Coalition for Equity and Excellence (HBCU students, alumni and supporters) emphasized State Maryland Higher Education practices that continue to have a damaging effect on HBCU’s.

“The traceable policy is program duplication,” Jones told the appellate judges. “White students would not go the HBI if they could get the same [academic] program at a TWI,” Jones said.

Jones told 4th Circuit Court judges that the State of Maryland did not present an expert on academic programs during the trial. “The State is trying to re-litigate issues of liability. The consensus of experts in the field is that unnecessary program duplication hurts the HBI’s,” he added.

“The State had an affirmative responsibility to remove duplication of programs,” argued Greenbaum before the Court. “One of the things that is unique about Maryland is the system has been set up to unfairly disadvantage HBCUs.”

“I don’t see the endpoint in this,” said a frustrated Wilkinson. “I just see more supervision stretching out for years.”

Greenbaum ended by affirming that 10 years is not too long for students and alumni who have witnessed a violation of their 14th Amendment rights.

“You made a point that Maryland could have fixed this, but it hasn’t,” said Greenbaum. “Allow HBI’s to reach their potential, don’t duplicate their programs and then students would have a real choice,” he concluded.

Oral arguments, usually limited to 20 minutes per attorney, were extended far beyond the normal court time frame due to the high interest in the case demonstrated by Appellate Court judges. Judge Agee ended the afternoon with a final comment. “This is a case that should have settled long ago,” he said.

The usually hollow appellate court chambers were filled with more than 100 HBCU students, alumni, faculty, staff and advocates from Maryland’s four HBCUs along with friends and supporters from neighboring institutions in Washington DC, Virginia and North Carolina. Supporters left the courtroom with diverse views on what should come next.

“The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education is hopeful…that the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals will affirm the judgment of District Court Judge Catherine C. Blake and cease delaying judgments for HBCUs their students…and all beneficiaries of HBCUs,” said Lezli Baskerville NAFEO CEO who drove down from Washington to witness oral arguments.

“There has been a lot of time and effort spent on this case over more than 12 years,” said Morgan State University President, David Wilson, who was also present for oral arguments. “I hope the parties will come together and reach a settlement in the best interest of Morgan State and all of Maryland’s HBCUs.”

“Today is one step toward victory,” said Marvin “Doc” Cheatham, chair of HBCU Matters Coalition who worked with alumni and students from Bowie, Coppin, Morgan and UMES to sponsor buses that packed the courtroom. “We still have a long way to go and must keep the pressure on,” Cheatham said looking ahead to an HBCU event at the Maryland State Capital in Spring of 2019.

This story originally appeared on Afro.

COMPLEX: Exploring the Bond Between Hip-Hop and HBCUs

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Understanding the impact that HBCUs have on African-American youth, The Home Depot has committed to revitalizing HBCU campuses through its Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program. To date, the program has awarded over $2 million towards campus improvement projects to help sustain our nation’s HBCUs, ensuring that their legacy and contributions to the larger culture of the United States continue on.

Many whisper about the sort of controlled chaos that exists during homecoming, but only HBCU students and alumni can truly speak to the weekend’s significance. For many students of color homecomings are a concentrated dose of life on campus; a seamless stretch of parties and pride soundtracked by the music of the moment. As HBCUs are seen as centers of blackness and cultural shifts, their celebration of black music is as natural as it is necessary, given that black artists often shoulder the same responsibilities.

Throughout the years, the love has been reciprocated. Whether it be Drake shouting out Jackson State and Grambling’s marching bands on If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, or Beyonce bringing the traditional black homecoming experience to Coachella Valley, the culture’s biggest superstars have always displayed appreciation for black universities, even in spaces where there may not be a single HBCU grad in sight.

As the fall semester has come and gone, now feels like an appropriate time to dig through the crates and revisit hip-hop’s two-decade-long love affair with historically black colleges and universities.

READ FULL VIA COMPLEX