Dr. Austin A. Lane Appointed to Texas Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees

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HOUSTON (January 29, 2019) – Dr. Austin A. Lane, president of Texas Southern University (TSU), has been appointed to serve on the Texas Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees.  Ranked 4th nationally among all children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, TCH is a leader in pediatric and women’s health.

“To be appointed to the Texas Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees is an honor,” said Dr. Lane. “I look forward to supporting the great work being done at Texas Children’s Hospital under the direction of (President and CEO) Mark Wallace.”

ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation’s underserved communities. TSU’s academic and research programs address critical urban issues, and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.

This story was written by Texas Southern University Public Relations. This story is published here with permission.

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Morgan State University Announces Multi-Year Financial Technology Program With Silicon Valley-Based Firm

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Ripple Partners with MSU to Fund Education and Research in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Cybersecurity and Related FinTech Disciplines  

Bolstering its position as a preeminent public urban research institution, Morgan State University (MSU) has received funding from Ripple, a leading Silicon Valley financial technology (“FinTech”) company. The funds will underwrite a five-year academic partnership bringing advanced education and research programs to the University. Morgan joins a select number of institutions now participating in Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI), a global effort designed to further accelerate academic research, technical development and innovation in blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital payments. The UBRI program fosters increased engagement and participation in FinTech among faculty and postdoctoral and graduate students.

Through the efforts of the Center for the Study of Blockchain and FinTech Innovation (the Center) at Morgan’s Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management, the University’s UBRI program will encompass the development of specialized curricula, expansion of academic courses, hosting of conferences and awarding of scholarships to faculty and students pursuing work in blockchain, cryptocurrency, digital payments and related topics. The Center will also serve as a funding hub for other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) seeking to develop their own FinTech initiatives.

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce the UBRI partnership with Ripple, as it further strengthens Morgan’s commitment to advancing the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs and tech professionals,” said David Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “We are a modern research institution vested in innovation and critical study, and this caliber of transformative higher education is a testament to the progress of our mission. We are very proud that Morgan is among a select number of UBRI partners and the only such partner in our region.”

The UBRI program at Morgan will be housed in and administered by the Graves School in cooperation with the University’s Department of Information Science and Systems, as well as other engineering, computer science, finance and business departments. The addition of UBRI follows a number of other recent advancements within the University’s Computer Science Department and School of Engineering that included the opening of labs and research centers, among them the Cybersecurity Assurance and Policy (CAP) Center.

“Blockchain has the potential to be a disruptor in many businesses and industries, and universities must be flexible to adapt to the changing environment. Based on this premise, we plan to expand our campus-wide engagement in research and curriculum development in blockchain, cryptoeconomics, and FinTech innovation,” said Ali Emdad, Ph.D., associate dean and professor of Information Science for the Graves School. “The Center for the Study of Blockchain plays an important role in providing opportunities to the faculty and students at Morgan and at other HBCUs to push the boundaries in this exciting new space.”

Introduced in June 2018, UBRI supports 29 domestic and international university partners and has cultivated a vibrant global network of researchers and practitioners in its field.

“In less than a year, our initial UBRI partners hit the ground running with the launch of new research projects, events, course offerings and more,” said Eric van Miltenburg, senior vice president of Global Operations at Ripple. “Expanding the ecosystem to a more global, diversified network of UBRI partners, including such esteemed and historic universities as Morgan, will only continue to enrich these projects.”

For more information about Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative and its partners, visit https://ubri.ripple.com.

About University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI)

UBRI is a partnership between Ripple and top universities around the world to support academic research, technical development and innovation in blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital payments. Ripple is providing both financial and technical resources to university partners and collaborates with faculty and students on research and technical projects. UBRI launched in June 2018. Some university partners began conducting research and technical development immediately. All partner programs are expected to be underway by fall 2018.

About Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution offering more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

This story was written by Morgan State University Public Relations. This story is published here with permission.

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Morgan State University Names New Head Football Coach

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BALTIMORE, Md. — Morgan State University Director of Athletics, Edward Scott has announced the hiring of Tyrone Wheatley as its 22nd head football coach effective February 21, 2019.Wheatleybrings an extensive coaching résumé to Morgan State and has experienced tremendous success, both as a player and as a coach, at the professional and collegiate levels.

He comes to the Morgan State Bears after serving the last two seasons under head coach Doug Marrone, as the running backs coach for the National Football League’s (NFL) Jacksonville Jaguars. Wheatley also worked with Marrone at Syracuse University from 2010-12, and then with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills from 2013-14.

As a college assistant coach, Wheatley was one of Michigan’s best recruiters and ranked No. 6 nationally on 247Sports “recruiter rankings.”

“We are thrilled to bring a person and football coach of Tyrone Wheatley’s caliber to Morgan State,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Edward Scott. “Tyrone is an outstanding recruiter and understands the game of football at every level, both as a player and a coach.  We are confident Tyrone can build broad support and engagement in our program while continuing to advance our football program in the classroom and on the playing field.”

“It is with great pleasure and honor that I accept the Head coaching position at Morgan State University. I would like to thank President David Wilson and Mr. Scott for this incredible opportunity,” said Tyrone Wheatley. “I consider it a privilege to lead the young men of Morgan State using football as a vehicle to implement a continuation of development, mentorship, and productivity beyond the field and when their playing days are over. I can’t wait to become united with the city of Baltimore and become woven in the fabric of the community.”

The University will host a press conference on February 12, 2019, at 11 a.m. in the University Student Center to officially introduce Wheatley as Morgan’s new head football coach. The press conference will also be live streamed via the University’s main and athletic websites.

Wheatley finished his Michigan football playing career as the program’s second-leading rusher (now fifth). He was the Big Ten’s “Offensive Player of the Year” in 1992, and also earned All-America honors in the 110-meter hurdles as a track athlete in 1995. He enjoyed a 10-year career in the NFL before starting his coaching career.

Wheatley guided the running backs for the Buffalo Bills from 2013-14 under head coach Doug Marrone. During his time with the Bills, he mentored pros like Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. The Bills averaged 3.7 yards per rush in 2014 and 4.2 yards per rush in 2013.

Prior to coaching in the NFL, Wheatley spent five seasons in the collegiate ranks. From 2010-2012, he coached running backs at Syracuse University. While with the Orange, he coached Delone Carter to a 1,000-yard season in 2010 and a second-team All-Big East selection. He also helped Syracuse win two Pinstripe Bowls during his tenure (2010, 2012).

Wheatley spent one year each at Eastern Michigan University (2009) and Ohio Northern University (2008) as the running backs coach. At EMU he also served as the program’s recruiting coordinator.

Wheatley got his start in coaching at his high school alma mater, Robichaud located in Dearborn Heights, Mich. in 2007. He took a team that had gone 0-9 before his arrival and led them to a 9-2 record and appearance in the state playoffs. He also coached track and field.

Shortly after retiring from the NFL, Wheatley held two appointments as a Minority Coaching Fellow in the league, first with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2006) and then with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2008). While completing his degree at U-M in kinesiology, Wheatley served as a volunteer assistant with the Michigan track and field program (2005-06).

Wheatley played 10 seasons in the NFL after being selected 17th overall by the New York Giants in the 1995 draft. He played in New York through the 1998 season, and then joined the Oakland Raiders. Wheatley played with the Raiders from 1999-2004 and appeared in the 2003 Super Bowl. During his playing career he amassed 6,562 all-purpose yards as a running back and kick returner, and he scored 47 touchdowns.

Wheatley had a distinguished career in the Michigan backfield from 1991-94, including three straight All-Big Ten selections (1992-94). As a sophomore in 1992, he won the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year award and capped that season with a 235-yard game in the Rose Bowl, earning him the game’s MVP award. He rushed for 1,357 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding three receiving TDs and one on a kickoff.

He would break the 1,000-barrier in both his junior and senior seasons as well, totaling 1,129 and 1,144, respectively. Wheatley finished his Michigan career with 4,187 rushing yards, 510 receiving yards, and 53 total touchdowns.

He also had a standout track and field career in the Maize and Blue winning three letters (1993-95). He earned an All-America citation for his eighth-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles at the 1995 NCAA Championships. He won the Big Ten’s Outdoor title in the 110-meter hurdles in 1994. Wheatley still owns top-five times in Michigan history in the 100-meter dash (5th) and 110-meter hurdles (4th).

A native of Inkster, Michigan, Wheatley earned his bachelor’s degree in 2008 from the University of Michigan. He and his wife Kimberly have five children: Tyrone, Jr., Terius, Tyrique, Tiana, and Tamari.

He was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

About Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution offering more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

This story was written by Morgan State University Public Relations. This story is published here with permission.

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Howard University Alum Diddy And Jay-Z Launching New ‘Black-Owed’ App Showing Love To ‘Black Friendly Businesses’ In ‘Any Given City’

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There’s one thing that we all know about Sean “Diddy” Combs and it’s the fact that even when he isn’t working, he’s working. [Que the rapper’s song Workin’.] His new endeavor is nothing short of motivational, however.

GQ magazine interviewed the Howard University alumni and his business partner Jay-Z last year in March to discuss they’re partnership in a new app that is “black-owed” that shows love to “black friendly businesses” and in “any given city.”

The Diddy said, “This is not about taking away from any other community,” he said. “We’ll still go to Chinatown. We’ll still buy Gucci!” He laughed. “But the application will make it possible for us to have an economic community. It’s about blacks gaining economic power.” He and Jay-Z have been talking about this, he said, about moving the race forward actively, by means of: making a lot of money and putting it back into the community.”

Head over to TVOne.com to read more.

Goal Surpassed: Bennett College Raised $8.2 Million To Help Keep Accreditation

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Bennett College‘s deadline to raise $5 million to help keep their accreditation arrived Monday. Following a 90-minute gathering Monday afternoon, school officials announced that they’ve raised $8.2 million.

Hundreds have been working to maintain the school’s accreditation after the board of trustees with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges voted to remove Bennett’s membership due to financial instability in December. 

“When we were cited in December that we would be removed from membership in SACS, we were told that we did not meet one standard, which was financial resources. And so, SACS has 90 to 95 standards, and that’s the only standard we did not meet. So, to that extent we have to produce $5 million to demonstrate financial stability,” Bennett College President, Phyllis Worthy Dawkins said.

“This $5 million can be used to support operations of the institution, can be used to support student gap funds and can be used in a variety of different ways,” Dawkins said. “We also are still liquidating some of our assets, so that does not include that amount (already raised), and we’re also seeking loan forgiveness, so a combination of things will make up the $5 million, so I feel confident we’re going to make it.”

As part of the fundraising goal, High Point University made a $1 million donation on Friday.

Dawkins said she never wants to be in this situation again and has a plan to keep Bennett’s future bright.

“Build an endowment, growing scholarship dollars, re-engineering the institution, changing our business model, looking at market-driven majors, so there’s a variety of things we plan to do,” Dawkins said. 

Dawkins said if they didn’t reach their goal, they would file a lawsuit against the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. If the school was denied accreditation, Dawkins said they would switch to a different accreditation organization.

The formal appeal to keep Bennett College’s accreditation is Feb. 18. They will know the accreditation board’s decision on Feb. 25.

read full via wxii12.com

NCAT Aggie Cheerleader Speaks Against Rape Culture

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To Whom it May Concern:

My name is Raina Gee, a Freshman marketing student and first year member of the Blue Squad Cheerleading team. During the fall semester, I was raped by a graduating senior and former drum major of the Blue and Gold Marching Machine. Upon reporting my case to the Cheerleading coaching staff, I was met with lack of empathy and responsibility for my situation.

Additionally, my coaches failed to follow proper protocol and report the incident on my behalf. I would like to express my deep disgust and disappointment for the negligence and utter disregard that the Cheerleading coaching staff displayed towards my sexual assault case.

In the Sexual Misconduct Handbook, Section 5 lists athletic coaches as responsible employees that are required to report any incident regarding the sexual assault of a student. This means that once a student expresses that they have been sexually assaulted, the LEGAL response from a coach and/or staff as stated in the Sexual Misconduct Handbook is: 

NC A&T is “on notice” once sexual misconduct has been reported to you. As a Responsible Employee, you are expected to report to the Title IX Coordinator within 24 hours of receiving the report.

The Aggie Cheer Staff blatantly failed to do so and further ignored my attempts to discuss the situation with them. Moreover, the month of January will mark two months in which the coaching staff has failed to address and report this incident. I am deeply appalled by not only the blatant negligence, but also their disregard for my safety as a student on this campus. Because of my sexual assault, I have been bullied by members from the Blue Squad Cheerleading team and made to feel as though I am at fault for my assault. I refuse to allow this culture to perpetuate on this campus or within any athletic program.

The treatment that I have received throughout this process from my coaches has not been conducive to my mental and emotional health. Because of the maltreatment that I have experienced and the neglect shown by the cheerleading coaching staff, I am calling for their immediate removal from the North Carolina A&T Cheer Program. It is my belief that if the coaches remain in place, that the culture of sexual assault and victim blaming at the expense of protecting the brand of program will continue.

It is my sincere desire that the university and athletic department further discuss the protocol in place to address sexual assault and that there is thorough training to assure that all employees and athletes are well educated. There is a crucial need for implementation workshops and training related to sexual assault on campus. The lack of support on behalf of the NC A&T cheerleading coaching staff further affirms that we need to actively work to dismantle this cycle of rape culture and oppression of women on this campus! Iam here to say…this ends with ME!

Sincerely,

Raina Gee

Survivor & Concerned Student

Colin Kaepernick Mural In Atlanta Destroyed Days Before Super Bowl

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Just two days before Super Bowl LIII, a prominent mural of Colin Kaepernick was torn down in Atlanta. The mural, which was located on a building that stood across the street from Morehouse College, featured Kaepernick in an Atlanta Falcons uniform according to the Rolling Out

But on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, the entire building was destroyed.

Created by artist Fabian Williams in 2017, the mural became somewhat of a landmark in Atlanta. People from across the nation would visit the mural to take photos in front of it.

The story of how he discovered the building is interesting as well, according to The Root

Williams, who sometimes paints under the name, “Occasional Superstar,” has painted murals and projects all over the city. He was driving through Atlanta one day when he was struck by the space, which is right across the street from the Morehouse College basketball arena and about a mile from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The wall had been used as a space to promote advertisements for albums, parties and movies. Williams never sought permission to paint on the wall and met the building’s owner once. 

“He said he liked it,” Williams said. “But said that the city was complaining to him about it.”

Also of note, the building was ravaged by a fire about six months ago, but the mural remained unharmed. And with the Super Bowl in town, Williams made plans to spend his weekend touching up the mural prior to the game.

“I figured at some point they would tear the building down, but it has been sitting up this whole time,” Williams said. “The fact that the Super Bowl happens here and the weekend when the festivities are gearing up, the building gets demolished is very odd.”

But despite this setback, Williams remains undeterred. Not only has he painted another Kaepernick mural on a wall on Peeples Street, but he recently completely another mural commissioned by Nike entitled “Where Dreams are Made,” located in Midtown on the side of the Westside Cultural Arts Center.

Coppin State Edges Past Morgan State, 73-71

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BALTIMORE – Dejuan Clayton converted on a three-point play with 27 seconds left to cap off a rally as the Coppin State men’s basketball team defeated rival Morgan State, 73-71 on Saturday afternoon at PEC Arena.  The Eagles have now matched their win total from last season.

The Basics

  • Final Score: Coppin State 73, Morgan State 71
  • Records: Coppin State 5-19 (5-4 MEAC) / Morgan State 8-14 (3-6 MEAC)
  • Location: Baltimore, Md. (PEC Arena)
  • Series History: Coppin State Leads, 58-32

How It Happened
First Half 

  • Both teams battled for position throughout the first half as leads fluctuated for both teams between one and six points.
  • At the 3:51 mark, Ibn Williams made a driving layup to cut the Morgan State lead to 27-26, but the Bears closed the half on a 9-2 run to take a 36-28 halftime lead.

 Second Half 

  • Trailing, 39-30 with 16:57 left, the Eagles went on an 8-1 run, starting with a three by Cedric Council and a three-point play by Dejuan Clayton, cutting the deficit to a single bucket.
  • Morgan built the lead back up to six with 9:38 to go but Taqwain Drummond found Council wide open underneath for a slam, and Lamar Morgan buried a three to pull within 51-50 at the 9:09 mark.
  • Following a Bears bucket, Morgan tied the score at the 7:18 mark and again at 57 with 5:58 to play after a couple triples.
  • The teams traded baskets but Kent Auslander buried a three from the corner, giving CSU a 62-59 lead with 4:28 left.  It was the Eagles’ first lead since the 5:47 mark of the first half.
  • Kyson Rawls answered for Morgan with a three to tie the score back up but Auslander hit another three on the ensuing possession, putting the Eagles back on top with 3:34 left.
  • A three-point play by Morgan’s David Syfax tied the score but Dejuan Clayton hit a pair of free throws and found Auslander for a layup to give the Eagles a 69-65 advantage with 2:38 left.
  • Sherwyn Devonish cut the lead in half with a layup with 39 seconds to go but Clayton answered as he drove for a layup and converted on the and-one with 27 seconds remaining to seal the win.
  • Morgan tried desperately to get back with a couple free throws but a free throw by Morgan put an end to that as he gave the Eagles a 73-69 lead with seconds remaining.

Inside the Numbers

  • Dejuan Clayton finished with 16 points, six rebounds and matched a career-high with eight assists.  The redshirt sophomore was brilliant in the second half, going for 11 points, five rebounds and seven assists to no turnovers.
  • Lamar Morgan added 15 points while making four three-pointers and Cedric Council was also in double figures with 13 points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots.
  • Taqwain Drummond also chipped in with nine points and six rebounds while Chad Andrews-Fulton was all over the box score once again with seven points, a game-high nine rebounds, two blocks and three steals.
  • Kent Auslander came up big once again down the stretch, scoring eight points while grabbing five rebounds. All eight of his points came in the final five minutes as he hit back-to-back three’s.
  • Sherwyn Devonish led all scorers with 19 points as three other players added ten points each for Morgan State.
  • Coppin outshot Morgan, 40.0% to 35.7% and held the Bears to just 30.6% shooting in the second half.  The Eagles held a 49-44 advantage on the boards.

HBCU Grad, Darius Leonard Awarded Defensive Rookie of the Year

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ATLANTA, GA – Former South Carolina State star Darius Leonard was honored by the Associated Press as the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Honors show in Atlanta on Saturday night.

Leonard, who was a 2nd round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2018 Draft, led the NFL in tackles this season with 163 and was 2nd among all rookies with 7 sacks.

Among rookies in 2018, Leonard ranked in the top-10 in tackles (first), tackles for loss (second), sacks (second), passes defensed (ninth), interceptions (tied-seventh), forced fumbles (first) and fumble recoveries (tied-first).

Leonard earned numerous awards this season, including AFC Defensive Player of the Month (December), AFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 2, Week 17), Defensive Rookie of the Month (September) and NFL Rookie of the Week (Week 2, Week 8).

was honored by the Associated Press as the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Honors show in Atlanta on Saturday night.

Leonard, who was a 2nd round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2018 Draft, led the NFL in tackles this season with 163 and was 2nd among all rookies with 7 sacks.

Among rookies in 2018, Leonard ranked in the top-10 in tackles (first), tackles for loss (second), sacks (second), passes defensed (ninth), interceptions (tied-seventh), forced fumbles (first) and fumble recoveries (tied-first).

Leonard earned numerous awards this season, including AFC Defensive Player of the Month (December), AFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 2, Week 17), Defensive Rookie of the Month (September) and NFL Rookie of the Week (Week 2, Week 8).

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to Present Bennett College with $100,000 Endowment

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GREENSBORO, N.C. – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the country’s oldest African-American sorority, has pledged an endowment in the amount of $100,000 to Bennett College. The gift is one of the largest the Institution has received since announcing on Dec.11, 2018, that it must raise a minimum of $5 million to remain accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded on Jan. 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. The sorority has about 300,000 members worldwide. Notable members include Congresswoman Kamala Harris, who this week announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, actress Phylicia Rashad and author Toni Morrison.

Bennett College President Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins was notified of the gift in a letter from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. International President Dr. Glenda Glover, who said the sorority wanted to support Bennett because of its national goal to support and make an impact on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The endowment will be presented at a Black History Month gathering of HBCU presidents at Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International Headquarters in Chicago.

“As an HBCU graduate and someone who has dedicated my life’s work to the HBCU community, I personally know the impact that establishing an endowment has on a student’s enrollment or graduation prospects,” said Glover. “Our organization has established the AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund with the goal of investing in the future of our young people and the sustainability of our treasured Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Over the next four years, we have pledged to donate a total of $10 million towards the endowment. We are honored to provide Bennett College with their full endowment immediately to support their fundraising goals.”

Dawkins said the Bennett College family is grateful to Alpha Kappa Alpha for the generous donation. In addition, local AKA chapters have been very supportive of Bennett.

“On behalf of the Bennett College Board of Trustees, as well as our faculty, staff and students, I can’t thank President Glover and the members of AKA enough for their donation to Bennett College,” Dawkins said. “While we appreciate all of the support Bennett has received from individuals, foundations and corporations, substantial gifts like the one from AKA will go a long way toward helping us reach our fundraising goal of a minimum of $5 million by Feb. 1. We are truly appreciative to the women of AKA for their amazing support.”

On Dec. 11, 2018, Bennett College was removed from membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Bennett immediately appealed the decision and remains accredited during the appeal process. Bennett was removed strictly for financial reasons and was not issued sanctions against its academics, leadership, faculty or students.

Founded in 1873 as a coeducational institution, Bennett became women’s only in 1926. Spelman College in Atlanta is the country’s only other all-women’s HBCU.

Bennett has a history of producing outstanding women leaders, including: the first woman or African-American to head the U.S. Peace Corps; the screenplay writer for “The Loving Story,” which in 2016 was made into an Academy Award-nominated motion picture; the Deputy Minority Leader in the N.C. General Assembly; the first African-American female dentist in Indiana; the first African-American woman to serve as an Assistant Attorney General in Massachusetts; the first woman to hold the position of Director of Drug Program and Policies within the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA); and the first active teacher and youngest person to be elected to the Berkeley (California) Unified School District School Board.

Current Bennett students and recent grads are also impressive, including senior business administration major Tyler Binion, who was selected among 63 students to serve as a Competitiveness Scholar through the White House Initiative on HBCUs, and Delrisha White ’13, who enrolled in Bennett from the foster care system in San Francisco and became SGA President.  She graduated with honors and is now earning her master’s degree at Harvard.

Ways to give to Bennett College:

  • Online: bennett.edu/donate
  • Text2Give: Text the word BELLES to the number 444999
  • Cash App: $StandwithBennett
  • S. Mail: Send a check to Bennett College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 900 E. Washington St., Greensboro, N.C. 27401

NCAT Alumna, Jessica De Vault Hale Named Hype Hair New Editor-in-chief

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Hype Hair, the industry-leading magazine for African-American women and hairstylists, has announced its new editor-in-chief, Jessica De Vault Hale. A seasoned journalist with nearly 15 years of experience in the print media and fashion industries, Hale has also been charged with overseeing the rebrand of the reputable magazine.

The January/February 2019 edition debuting her new direction will be available to subscribers and participating salons on Feb. 7. Hype Hair will feature a fresh new design and purpose in print and online, focusing its sights on hair and beauty trends for African American women and men while digging deeper into the culture of Black haircare. Click here to view the upcoming print edition cover featuring songstress Marsha Ambrosius, and the digital cover featuring Atlanta-based rapper Yung Joc, the first man to ever grace the cover of Hype Hair!

“It was important to me that Hype Hair extends beyond a hairstyle look book. That component is important, but there are endless opportunities to explore when it comes to our self-expression through hair, beauty, and celebration of Black style,” Hale said.

“Hype Hair has been a staple in Black salons for decades, and there’s room for it to grow and evolve just as our unique hairstyles do. I grew up with this namesake magazine and appreciate the work that former editor Adrienne Moore has accomplished,” she added. ‘For this reason, I plan to take great care in elevating Hype Hair to the next level for this generation while building on its legacy.”

Hale joins the Hype Hair team while maintaining her editor-in-chief
position at OTC Beauty Magazine, a trade publication that serves the multicultural beauty supply industry. There, she is responsible for partnering with major ethnic beauty brands to connect with beauty supply stores via the monthly magazine.

Prior to that, she worked independently as an editorial stylist for a North Carolina women’s magazine and as a branding consultant for a clientele of entrepreneurs and small business brands. She’s also an award-winning journalist, having won The New York Times Chairman’s Award and the NABJ Chuck Stone Salute to Excellence Award. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Hale’s unique background in print media, fashion, and branding have well equipped her for the task of revamping Hype Hair.

Hale is joined in this endeavor by Hannah Aryee, who serves as the magazine’s new art director, and long-time editorial team, Adrienne Moore, the former Hype Hair editor-turned-publisher; and Digital Media Director Stephenetta (isis) Harmon.

Norfolk State to Retire Kyle O’Quinn’s Jersey

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NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State University will retire Kyle O’Quinn’s No. 10 Spartan jersey at NSU’s home game against North Carolina Central on Feb. 16, the athletics department announced on Monday.

O’Quinn will be the third player in NSU men’s basketball history to have his jersey number retired, joining Bobby Dandridge (No. 12) and David Pope (No. 34). O’Quinn will be honored during halftime of the NSU-NCCU Alumni Day men’s game on Feb. 16, which tips off at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Dandridge, Pope and the five NSU women’s players with their numbers retired were honored last Saturday in a ceremony at the NSU-Maryland Eastern Shore game.

After playing a key reserve role as a freshman on NSU’s MEAC Tournament runner-up team in 2009, O’Quinn earned three straight All-MEAC awards. He was a second-team All-MEAC choice as a sophomore in 2010, then was a two-time All-MEAC first-team selection in 2011 and 2012. O’Quinn averaged 11.5 points and 8.8 rebounds as a sophomore before posting back-to-back seasons where he averaged a double-double: 16.4 points and 11.1 rebounds in 2010-11, and 15.9 points and 10.3 rebounds in 2011-12.

But O’Quinn will forever be remembered for his magical senior season in 2011-12. That year, he won his second straight MEAC Defensive Player of the Year award, and became the first player in MEAC history to win both the MEAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. He capped that off by earning MEAC tournament Most Outstanding Performer honors after leading the Spartans, who went 26-10, to their first-ever MEAC tournament title and NCAA Division I tournament berth.

From there, O’Quinn led NSU to what was (at the time) just the fifth-ever upset by a No. 15 seed over a No. 2 seed in NCAA tournament history, as the Spartans knocked off Missouri 86-84 behind O’Quinn’s 26 points and 14 rebounds. Missouri was ranked No. 3 in the national polls entering the tournament and was a Final Four favorite of many prognosticators. To this day, ESPN ranks the upset as the biggest in NCAA tournament history in terms of point spread. O’Quinn rode that performance and new-found fame to several more honors, including the Lou Henson Award for the nation’s top mid-major player – a first for an HBCU player.

O’Quinn was picked by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft. He was the first Spartan drafted since 1988 and first MEAC player drafted since 1998. He played six seasons with both the Magic and then the New York Knicks before signing with the Indiana Pacers for the 2018-19 season.

O’Quinn still ranks as the top shot-blocker in NSU history, with 283. He also ranks seventh in program annals in rebounds (1,092), 10th in field-goal percentage (55.3) and 15th in scoring (1,607 points). He is still the only two-time winner of the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Award.

O’Quinn will be inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame in March.

Hampton Adds Former HBCU Rivals to 2019 Football Schedule

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Hampton University is heading into its 2019 football season, its first in The Big South, with a bit of old mixed in with the new. 

Despite not being apart of the MEAC anymore, Hampton still managed to schedule some HBCUs, most notably Howard. After a year break, The Battle of the Real HU will be held on September 14 at Howard University.

Hampton also plays old CIAA rival Elizabeth City State, its first game since 1995. For its final game against an HBCU before homecoming, Hampton will play Virginia Union. The two private schools, separated by an hour’s distance, will face off on September 6th. This rivalry predates the one with Norfolk State. Virginia Union leads the all-time series 41-38-3.

Speaking of NSU, Hampton’s closest rival isn’t on the schedule again in 2019. No updates on whether or not there will be a meeting in the future.

Here is the schedule in its entirety. Home games are in bold.

Aug. 31 – Elizabeth City State – 6 pm – Alumni Day

Sept. 7 – Virginia Union – 6 pm – Greek Day

Sept. 14 – at Howard – TBA – Washington, D.C.

Sept. 21 – at Liberty – TBA – Lynchburg, Va.

Oct. 5 – North Alabama – 2 pm – Pink Day/City of Hampton Day/Family Day

Oct. 12 – at Gardner-Webb – TBA – Boiling Springs, N.C.

Oct. 19 – at Campbell – TBA – Buies Creek, N.C.

Oct. 26 – Virginia University of Lynchburg – 2 pm – Homecoming

Nov. 2 – Presbyterian – 1 pm – Military Appreciation Day

Nov. 9 – at Charleston Southern – TBA – Charleston, S.C.

Nov. 16 – Kennesaw State – 1 pm – Senior Day/Corporate Partners Day

Nov. 23 – at Monmouth – TBA – West Long Branch, N.J.

Howard Alumna, Taraji P. Henson Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress, Howard UniversityAlumna Taraji P. Henson is the latest recipient of a star that was unveiled Monday on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an honor that she calls “surreal.”

Getting a star on the Walk of Fame “really confirms that in spite of the circumstances in your life whether you were born into them or they just happened along the way, it doesn’t matter because with God, all things are possible,” Henson told City News Service.

“I want to say to all of the little brown babies all over the world, ‘Look at me and see you.’ I was a single mom, raised by a single mom and lived in the hood,” the 48-year-old actress said. “I never focused on my circumstances. I focused on my dream and looked at God. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a journey through history and today my legacy will be forever etched in the history of Hollywood. I’ve worked so hard for this. It’s surreal.” 

Henson recalled walking along the Walk of Fame “and seeing all the phenomenal names and daydreaming about what they must have felt like on that day.” 

“You would always see them on TV on their hands and knees with cameras flashing and people hoping to get a glimpse of them and maybe an autograph,” she said. “One day, I literally kneeled down and put my hands inside of Bette Davis’ star. I’ve always admired her talent, then I got up, brushed off my jeans and said, ‘One day my name will be cemented in this town. I grabbed my son’s hand and as I walked away I could feel it, one day.” 

Henson’s star is on the same block — although on the opposite side of the street — from the star Davis received for her motion picture work. It is a block away — and on the same side of the street — as the star Davis received for her television work.

Davis’ stars were among the initial 1,558 when the Walk of Fame was completed in 1961. Henson’s star is the 2,655th.

Henson — whose latest film, “What Men Want,” is set for release on Feb. 8 — will be joined bt John Singleton and Mary J. Blige at the 11:30 a.m. ceremony in front of the Eastown apartment complex in the 6200 block of Sunset Boulevard.

Singleton directed Henson in the 2001 coming-of-age hood film “Baby Boy,” the 2005 crime drama “Four Brothers” and a 2015 episode of her Fox hip-hop drama “Empire,” and was among the producers of “Hustle & Flow,” the 2005 film where Henson gave her breakthrough performance as a pregnant friendly prostitute. Henson also provided the vocals for the film’s Oscar-winning Three 6 Mafia track, “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.” 

Blige appeared with Henson in the 2009 Tyler Perry-directed romantic musical comedy-drama “I Can Do Bad All by Myself” and sang on her 2015 Fox variety special “Taraji and Terrence’s White Hot Holidays.” 

Read more via NBC

First Black NCAA President, Dr. James Frank Has Died

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced the passing of former Southwestern Athletic Conference Commissioner Dr. James Frank on Saturday.

Among his many notable accomplishments, Frank served as the first African-American President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) from 1981 – 1983.

“Dr. Frank’s impact and legacy with the NCAA and the Southwestern Athletic Conference is truly remarkable,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland. “He was a true pioneer in the field of collegiate athletics and his vision and legacy continue to positively impact countless student-athletes both past and present.”

“The Southwestern Athletic Conference will forever be indebted to Dr. Frank and his contributions to the SWAC,” said McClelland. “We will continue to strive on daily basis to embody the core principles of his amazing leadership.”

After graduation, Dr. Frank served two years as a first lieutenant in the Army Corp of Engineers before earning a master’s in education from Springfield College in Massachusetts.

In the early 1970s, Dr. Frank served as Dean of Students and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York.

He later served as assistant basketball coach at Lincoln University before being named head coach and ultimately the college’s President.

He began his educational career when he was awarded a four-year basketball scholarship to Lincoln University in Missouri, eventually becoming captain of the basketball team.

Under Frank’s leadership, the NCAA became more inclusive of women’s sports. Dr. Frank first served as secretary-treasurer before taking the office of the President. He believed during his tenure that “’separate but equal’ does not lead to equality.”

He led the NCAA Planning Committee that eventually led to a demographic change in Association leadership. Dr. Frank was named one of the NCAA’s 100 Most Influential Student-Athletes and in 2007, he won the NCAA’s prestigious Gerald R. Ford Award as well.

During Dr. Frank’s presidency, he was a significant influence in defining NCAA decisions:

  • Dr. Frank chaired the governance subcommittee and oversaw the governance plan that defined how and when women sports and championships would become part of the NCAA.
  • Dr. Frank presided over the passing of Proposition 48, the legislation that set eligibility standards for incoming freshman student-athletes, which resulted in raising graduation rates.
  • Dr. Frank facilitated enhanced presidential collaboration through the NCAA Long-Range Planning Committee that lead to a demographic change in Association leadership.
  • Dr. Frank was integral in the NCAA’s establishment of the Minority Opportunities and Interest Committee, a group devoted to inclusiveness in Association policy decisions.

From 1983 until his retirement in 1998, Dr. Frank served as Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). He returned to the position as Interim Commissioner in April 2001, where he served for 20 months. During his guidance, the conference evolved to rank among the elite in the nation.

Dr. James Frank was one of a few individuals who elevated through the collegiate ranks as a student-athlete, coach, educator, college president, and conference commissioner.

During a long and distinguished career of over 50 years, Frank’s efforts and influential leadership touched the lives of countless people and resulted in positive changes in the many organizations he served.