NCAT Aggies Punish NCCU Eagles 45-0, Return to Celebration Bowl

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DURHAM – North Carolina A&T got everything it wanted out of its 45-0 win over archrival North Carolina Central in football action Saturday afternoon at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. We can start with the fact that N.C. A&T shutout their archrival in the most lopsided contest between the two schools since the Eagles rejoined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 2011.

Also, in the everything went their way category was junior all-conference wide receiver Elijah Bell who looked completely healthy, at least healthy enough to make 10 grabs for 122 yards and two touchdowns putting one career TD reception shy of tying the school record.

Speaking of someone who looked injury-free. After missing last week’s game against Savannah State, Aggies quarterback Lamar Raynard had his best game of the season. He threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns on 16-for-23 passing and he did not throw an interception.

Raynard’s longtime teammate from high school into college, Marquell Cartwright, rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. His performance carried him over the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second straight season.

Running Back U continues to be a serious issue for N.C. A&T opponents. The 2018 season marks the eighth time in nine seasons the Aggies have had a 1,000-yard rusher. The only exception in that span was 2012 when Mike Mayhew ran for 848 yards. Cartwright will also lead the MEAC in rushing for the second consecutive season.

And yes, everything went right for the Aggies defensively as well. In what was a complete annihilation of the Eagles offense, the Aggies held NCCU (4-6, 2-4) offense to 41 yards. That includes minus-21 yards rushing from NCCU. Saturday marked the 19th time the Aggies have shutout the Eagles in the 90-year history of the storied rivalry.

“That’s what we do. That’s what we’re about. Stop the run,” said N.C. A&T coach Sam Washington. “They play into what we do, so we knew we could give them a considerable amount of problems. The thing you worry about is are the kids going to deviate from what we do because their eyes start to deceive them. But they didn’t. They did a good job of executing the game plan.”

Oh, but things got even better for the Aggie faithful as the nighttime sky began to cover the Bull City. The Aggies 51st all-time win over the Eagles was completed at 5 p.m. At 5:13 p.m., the Aggies piled into the Walker Physical Education and Recreation Complex to celebrate their fourth MEAC title in five years after closing out the regular season 9-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play.

What they did not know as they jumped up and down with exuberance, was if they were going to be outright champions and earn a third Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl bid in four years, or if they were going to share the title with Florida A&M and wait to be handed an FCS NCAA playoff berth Sunday afternoon.

FAMU held the Aggies fate in their hands. A win by the Rattlers and the Aggies would have to share the title, miss the Celebration Bowl and settle for a possible playoff berth. As players and coaches watched on their hand-held devices FAMU face rival Bethune-Cookman in the annual Florida Classic on an app, the Rattlers were at the B-CU 10-yard line trailing 26-19 with 37 seconds remaining.

B-CU’s Tydarius Peter’s 90-yard pick-6 to seal the game for the Wildcats sends the Walker Gym lobby into another frenzy as a new celebration breaks out. At 5:27 p.m., the Aggies realized they were headed back to Atlanta. They also realized they had their second straight outright MEAC championship and their 10th MEAC title in school history. Yes, everything went right for the Aggies.

“We have a championship coaching staff. That has been proven year after year after year,” said Washington. “And we have a bunch of great players to be proud of. Four championships in five years say a lot. The one year we didn’t win the conference, we went to the playoffs. Forty wins for this senior class? That’s a tremendous feat on any level.”

It also means four straight postseason appearances for the senior class. That has never happened before in the history of Aggies football. N.C. A&T has won 11 straight true road games and 13 straight away from BB&T Stadium.

N.C. A&T’s path to Atlanta in 2018 was an interesting one. They opened the season with two impressive wins. They first defeated FCS No. 6 Jacksonville State before downing FBS foe East Carolina on the road. Three weeks later the Aggies had their 15-game winning streak snapped in a 16-13 upset loss to Morgan State on a last-second field goal at BB&T Stadium. On Oct. 13, the Aggies held a 21-6 lead over FAMU before losing 22-21 on a last-second field goal at BB&T Stadium.

The loss put FAMU in the driver’s seat for the outright title that they had a chance to clinch three weeks ago. But a loss to Howard put the Aggies back in contention for the Celebration Bowl bid. N.C. A&T’s 28-12 win over Savannah State last week put the Aggies in a position to steal the outright crown.

They did their part as they jumped out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead on a 4-yard miraculous grab from Bell and a 35-yard TD run from Cartwright. Sophomore Noel Ruiz then booted a 32-yard field goal before sophomore Jah-Maine Martin ran in from 10-yards out to give the Aggies a 24-0 halftime lead. After Cartwright scored on a 1-yard run 2 ½ minutes into the second half, it became apparent there was nothing for an Aggie fan to do but pull out their cell phones and scoreboard watch.

“We appreciate you guys,” Raynard told @BCUGridIron on Twitter, Saturday.
That’s because the Wildcats helped to make everything go right for the Aggies on Saturday.

Howard University Wins Fourth Straight MEAC Volleyball Championship

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WASHINGTON, D.C.,—Howard University won its fourth straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) volleyball championship Sunday evening in Burr Gymnasium, sweeping North Carolina A&T State 3-0 (25-23, 27-25, 25-16). The Bison claimed the MEAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championships. The NCAA Selection Show will be on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

Jurnee Tipton led the Bison (20-10) with nine kills on a night when offense was at a premium. She had 12 digs to go with her offensive production, while Tamia Dockery added 28 assists and 14 digs for yet another double-double. Both Tipton and Dockery were named to the All-Tournament Team, as was Outstanding Performer Kira Porter.

Fola Wilson led the Howard defense with 20 digs.

“This was an ugly game offensively,” Shaun Kupferberg, Howard head coach and the tournament’s Outstanding Coach, said. “And a lot of that has to do with A&T’s defense. They’re a defensive-minded team, just like us, and that showed through tonight.”

Both teams hit below .100 for the match, and in the first two sets, the Aggies – the No. 3 seed from the Southern Division – were game. In fact, the Aggies (14-12) were within two late in the first set, having cut the lead to 24-23.

But Tipton answered with a kill on the next point, giving the Bison a 1-0 lead in their fifth straight championship match appearance.

North Carolina A&T State then jumped out to an 8-2 lead to open the second set, finding that margin on an Edie Brewer kill. But the Bison answered by scoring 10 of the next 14 points, tying the set at 12-12 after Courtney Dalton and Indira Dandridge paired on a block. Howard’s momentum carried from there, and the Bison led 19-15.

But the Aggies had another spurt in them, and a Courteney Pitt kill gave them a 25-24 lead and set them up to tie the match at 1-1. But Howard answered with two Kailyn Williams kills and a Porter strike to close out the set 27-25.

The Aggies led 3-1 early in the third set, but Howard used a 10-2 run to go up 11-5 and take control of the set. The clincher came when Fatimah Shabazz committed an attack error, ending the set and giving the Bison another trophy.

“They’re all different,” Kupferberg said of his four straight titles. “It’s so hard to compare one year to the next. We’ll enjoy this one tonight and then focus on getting ready for the NCAA Tournament.”

“I feel a closeness with this year’s seniors simply because I’ve been with them longer,” Porter said. “And that makes this one really sweet.”

Pitt and Brewer joined Porter, Tipton and Dockery on the All-Tournament Team, as did Florida A&M’s Maria Yvette Garcia and Bethune-Cookman’s Jordan Jefferson.

Outstanding Performer: Kira Porter, Howard
Outstanding Coach: Shaun Kupferberg, Howard

All-Tournament Team
Jordan Jefferson, Bethune-Cookman
Maria Yvette Garcia, Florida A&M
Tamia Dockery, Howard
Kira Porter, Howard
Jurnee Tipton, Howard
Edie Brewer, North Carolina A&T State
Courteney Pitt, North Carolina A&T State

Over $10 Million Raised to Preserve Historic Black Sites By The National Trust

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Nov. 15, 2018 – WASHINGTON) Thursday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that one year after the launch of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund the organization has hit a funding milestone, raising more than $10M dollars for this $25M initiative. The Action Fund aims to uplift stories of African American achievement, activism, and community, crafting a narrative that expands our view of history, and that helps to reconstruct our national identity while inspiring a new generation of activists to advocate for diverse historic places.

“We are proud of how over this past year we’ve helped to broaden the conversation about the places that matter,” said Stephanie Meeks, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.“Since the launch of the Action Fund, we have seen overwhelming support across the country in saving spaces that tell the full American story.”

Launched in partnership with national foundations, and with support from a National Advisory Council, including co-chairs Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, and actress and director Phylicia Rashad,the Action Fund has changed the landscape of African American preservation. In year one, the Action Fund empowered youth through a hands-on preservation experience, modeled innovative approaches to interpreting and preserving African American cultural heritage at historic sites, continued on-the-ground work protecting significant historic places, and launched a national grant program.

“The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund has seen remarkable grassroots engagement, in the more than 800 grant applications asking for help protecting African American historic places, and in the tremendous community support at newly-launched National Treasures like the John and Alice Coltrane Home,” said Brent Leggs, director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. “As we embark on year two of the Action Fund, we will continue working to foster a national landscape where every person can see themselves, their history, and their potential in our collective story.”

In this inaugural year, the Action Fund was able to award 16 grants, totaling more than $1M, to preservation organizations across the country, with funding going to support the preservation of sites and stories of black history. These grants, presented at Essence Festival this July, covered work in communities from Birmingham to the South Side of Chicago, including sites of struggle and strength.

“The Action Fund grant enabled us to move forward with the goal of transforming the August Wilson House into a community space, a hub of art, memory, and interpretation that will support young artists in Pittsburgh and across the country, and celebrate August Wilson’s legacy” said Paul A. Ellis, Jr., Executive Director of the August Wilson House, an inaugural grant recipient. Mr. Ellis, an Attorney, is also Wilson’s nephew and the founder of the Daisy Wilson Artist Community, named after Wilson’s mother, Daisy. “This house and this community are more than just a place where August lived – they are the inspiration for his plays, and the physical representation of what he was able to accomplish.”

In addition to grant funding, the National Trust through its Action Fund has supported four new National Treasure designations, including the childhood home of singer Nina Simone, and Memphis-based Clayborn Temple, famed for its role in the Sanitation Workers’ Strike of 1968.

In the coming year, the National Trust will continue work on key preservation efforts, including conducting research exploring the impact that preservation has on contemporary urban issues that disproportionately affect communities of color — equity, displacement and affordability. Additionally, support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will continue, from celebrating their history to advocating for the reauthorization of the HBCU Historic Preservation Program which ensures that their histories and legacies are preserved.

The Action Fund draws support from a renowned group of leaders in academic, business, government, arts, and philanthropy, as well as the continued support of first-year lead funders Ford Foundation, The JPB Foundation, and others.

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About the National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places.

About the African American Culture and Heritage Action Fund

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is a multi-year initiative led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in partnership with the Ford Foundation, The JPB Foundation, the Open Society Foundations and other partners, working to make an important and lasting contribution to our cultural landscape by elevating the stories and places of African American achievement and activism. www.savingplaces.org/TellTheFullHistory

WATCH: ChloexHalle Talks Season 2 of Grown-ish at Morehouse

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Freeform is revving up for Season 2 production of their hit series grown-ish. Starring black-ish‘s Yara Shahidi as Zoey Johnson, this spinoff follows the college student and the friends she meets along the way. And ahead of the second season, the network is upping Season 1 recurring stars Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey (aka Chloe x Halle) and Luka Sabbat to series regulars.

New episodes launch in January 2019, and grown-ish will also see the return of Trevor Jackson as Aaron Jackson, Francia Raisa as Ana Torres, Emily Arlook as Nomi Segal, Jordan Buhat as Vivek Shah and Deon Cole as “Professor Charles Telphy.” Additionally, Diggy Simmons will return in Season 2, this time as a recurring star.

In this video, Morehouse College hosts cast members Chloe x Halle, Angela Yee and EP Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry to discuss the new season including dating in college and their passion as creatives.

 

 

Ray J Goes To College… an HBCU!

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…and his college of choice: a historically black college!

Earlier this week, singer, songwriter, actor, and businessman William Ray Norwood Jr., known as “Ray J” made the decision to pursue his college degree at Philander Smith College.


“After speaking to the students about perseverance, hard work and being self-motivated, I was very inspired,” he wrote under a picture of him surrounded by students cheering him on. “I welcome the opportunity to further my business skills as I continues to grow and expand my technology company @RayconGlobal. It’s never too late to go to college,” says Ray J.

The new father and 37-year-old star will begin his courses in January 2019.

“I’m very familiar with the HBCU experience because my parents attended HBCUs,” he shares.

Father, Willie Norwood, attended Jackson State University and mother, Sonja Bates-Norwood, is a graduate of Southern University.

Welcome to the HBCU family Ray J, congratulations!

Florida Recount Begins For Governor & Senate

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The counting is over. Now, the recounting begins.

More than three days after the polls closed in Florida, the secretary of state announced on Saturday afternoon that the razor-thin races for governor, senator and agriculture commissioner will be reviewed in a series of recounts.

According to unofficial results filed by the counties, Republican Gov. Rick Scott leads incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson by more than 12,500 votes, or about .15%. The spread in the governor’s race is larger, with Republican former Rep. Ron DeSantis ahead of Democratic Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum by nearly 34,000 votes, for a lead of .41%. In the narrowest contest, Democratic agriculture commissioner Nikki Fried’s advantage stands at 5,326 votes — just .06% — over Republican Matt Caldwell.

With the margins in all three contests at under .5%, the votes will now be recounted by machine. That process must be finished by 3 p.m. on Thursday. Races within .25% will then go to a hand recount of overvotes and undervotes. An overvote means a voter selected more than the allotted options on the ballot; an undervote means a vote selected fewer than the available choices or, in these races, none. The Senate race and the contest for agriculture commissioner both currently both fall within .25%.
The Senate race and the contest for agriculture commissioner both currently both fall within .25%.
In a statement after the unofficial count was made public, Scott’s campaign called on Nelson to opt out of a recount, which is his option under state law.
“It’s time for Senator Nelson to accept reality and spare the state of the Florida the time, expense and discord of a recount,” said Scott spokesman Chris Hartline.
While the politicians tweeted and activists kicked off new protests this weekend, demonstrators on the streets outside the Broward County Supervisor of Elections office on Friday targeted Snipes, chanting “lock her up” and “fake votes don’t count” as she and others worked inside trying to finish the initial vote count. “Make America Great Again” and “Trump 2020” signs and hats were also visible as a group carrying signs supporting Scott and DeSantis were met by another backing the Democrats, as nose-to-nose screaming matches nearly escalated into physical altercations.

HBCU Buzz and HRC Partner to Create First-Ever LGBTQ HBCU Alumni Network

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Today, HRC and HBCU Buzz, the premier news site covering historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), announced a partnership dedicated to creating the first-ever LGBTQ HBCU Alumni Network. The announcement comes as HRC Foundation’s HBCU Program convenes its 13th annual HBCU Summit in Atlanta today through November 12.

“We’re excited to launch this groundbreaking partnership with HBCU Buzz, giving us the unique opportunity to connect LGBTQ HBCU alums across the country,” said Leslie Hall, Associate Director of HRC’s HBCU Program. “At a time when marginalized communities are under constant attack by anti-equality politicians, it has never been more important to build welcoming spaces that give LGBTQ people of color the opportunity to share their experiences and support one another. I’m confident this network we’re building will bring people together and add to the richness of the HBCU experience.”

“In 1837 the first HBCU was founded. It has taken 181 years to pivot towards the inclusionary visions of community that HBCU founders envisioned and we are honored to blaze this trail with HRC,” said Brittany Ireland, HBCU Buzz President. “3.7% of the African American population —more than 1 million people— identify as LGBTQ. This partnership may represent those 3.7 percent statistically, but it is a step in the right direction for all of us,” said HBCU Buzz Founder Luke Lawal.

The premier media brand covering news relevant to HBCU campuses, HBCU Buzz reaches over 300,000 students and alumni monthly, celebrating the Black college experience and promoting HBCU pride and unity through social platforms. Through this partnership, HRC will engage LGBTQ students within the HBCU community to create an HBCU LGBTQ ombudsman, increase campus collaborations with student-driven associations, and produce a biweekly HBCU HRC column filled with HRC opportunities for both students and alumni.

The HRC Foundation’s HBCU Program empowers LGBTQ students to be change agents on their campuses and in their communities, and trains them to lead effectively through the intersections of race, religion, gender identity, class, and sexual orientation. At the upcoming HRC Foundation’s HBCU’s 13th annual summit, participants will develop leadership skills in the key areas of self-awareness, awareness of others, courageous actions and collaboration to advocate for LGBTQ equality and other social justice issues. Sessions will cover topics including the intersection of race and sexual orientation, mental health and wellness, policing and the Black community, inclusive leadership and harnessing political power.

HRC’s HBCU Project was founded to support LGBTQ students at HBCUs by providing resources and training to advance affirming and supportive college campuses. The program is supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation. For more information about HRC’s HBCU Program, visit http://www.hrc.org/blog/topic/hbcu

 

Phylicia Rashad Talks Preserving The Spirit Of Howard University With Essence

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Like thousands of Americans this college homecoming season, I think back to a place I love – a place that shaped me as a young woman, a place whose spirit has been bound up with mine ever since – my alma mater, Howard University.

An appreciation for the history of African American educational institutions was instilled in me from an early age.  My first memories of my own education stem from being at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, as a kindergarten student. So much of the activity of the Houston’s Third Ward community — where I grew up — revolved around the university life of that campus; academic lectures, cultural presentations, art exhibitions, social activism, high school forensic tournaments, college football games, track meets, and the marching band. It was thrilling!

My parents were educated at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). My mother attended Barber Scotia and Bennett Colleges; my father, St. Augustine College and Howard University Dental School. My aunts and uncles were also educated at HBCUs; among them were teachers, principals and a state legislator. As a young person, my family’s affiliation with HBCUs filled me with a sense of pride. I felt this same sense of pride when I was admitted to Howard University.

Like the other hundred plus HBCUs across the country, Howard is both an embodiment of, and testament to excellence and perseverance.  It, and all of our nation’s HBCUs, connect generations together and serve as both the creators and chroniclers of achievement in America – they cultivate talented, critical thinkers and house some of the most impressive collections of African American art, history, and culture in the country. And yet, too many HBCU campuses are in great need of restoration and reinvestment

NEWARK, NJ – AUGUST 26: Actress Phylicia Rashad speaks on stage during the 2018 Black Girls Rock! at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on August 26, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/WireImage)

When I visit Howard University today, I remember the young girl from Houston, who arrived there in the fall of 1966. I can recall my excitement at being on the campus grounds and in the nation’s capital. I think of my classes and the distinguished scholars who comprised the faculty and administration, my days in Founders Library, my nights in the Ira Aldridge Theater, and the campus rallies that shook the social consciousness of the nation.

I think of the friends who shared this rich and transformative experience with me, who, awakened to their own creativity and inspiration, have achieved great success in their careers and have made important contributions to the communities in which they live.

But coming home to an HBCU is about more than just nostalgia. HBCU campuses are not simply brick and mortar. Physical spaces resonate with the energy of what has transpired within them. These institutions of higher learning, founded so that African Americans could earn college degrees even in the face of profound discrimination, are living legacies, pulsating with great accomplishments, determination and purposefulness. Walking through these campuses, the energy and the pulse of its legacy is palpable.

We all have within us the power to transform our world.

While HBCU’s make up just 3 percent of America’s colleges and universities, half of America’s Black teachers, 60 percent of its Black engineers, and 40 percent of its Black health care professionals were educated at historically black colleges and universities.  Nearly one-in-four of America’s Black college graduates received their degree from an HBCU.

For all these reasons, and as part of my own commitment to give back, I have been working with the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, an initiative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that over the past year has begun working to highlight and protect more historic places in America, like HBCUs, that celebrate the full diversity of our American story.

In the case of HBCUs, there is bipartisan support for legislation providing funding for the rehabilitation of iconic campuses. Let’s encourage our political representatives to support this funding and help ensure that these historic campuses can be visited and attended by future generations.

For generations, HBCU students have learned of scholars, thinkers, and leaders who changed America for the better, and discovered the most important lesson there is: We all have within us the power to transform our world. This homecoming season, let’s use that power to protect the colleges that educated us, nurtured us, and inspired us.

Let’s make sure we always have a place to call home.

Phylicia Rashad is a Tony-winning Broadway, film, and television actress and director, an alumni trustee of Howard University, and the Advisory Council Co-Chair and Ambassador for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.

Barack Obama Rallies For Stacey Abrams at Morehouse College

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ATLANTA, Ga. — Though his voice was weak from a full day of campaigning, Barack Obama delivered a energetic speech in support of Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams in Atlanta on Friday.

Obama was the featured speaker at a “Get out the Vote” rally along with Abrams and other Democratic candidates at Forbes Arena at Morehouse College. Other speakers included Rep. John Lewis, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, the Democratic candidate for Georgia’s Sixth Congressional seat Lucy McBath Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and, of course, Abrams herself.

Abrams talked about mental health, expanding Medicare, helping grow small businesses, as well as the expansions of human rights. “As someone once said, we must be the change we wish to see,” she said.

“I’m here for one simple reason, I’m here to ask you to vote,” Obama said.

“This Tuesday I believe may be the most important election of our lifetime,” he said. “That’s saying something because some of those elections were mine.”

Anthony Anderson Plans To Graduate Howard University Class Of 2022 With His Son

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Anthony Anderson has big plans in the works. The Black-ish star tells Jimmy Fallon that he’s on the road to graduating from Howard University alongside his son, Nathan Anderson, in 2022.

“I was paying for college myself, and I ran out of money after my Junior year,” Anderson says of his decision to drop out of college during his younger years. Anthony Anderson’s story is definitely one that exhibits delay without denial as he has been working to find a way to finish his final year of undergraduate studies.

“I’ve been speaking with the university and Dr. Frederick, who’s the president of the university, about creating a curriculum that I can take online and at home and do some practical classes on campus so I can walk with my son in 2022,” the actor tells Jimmy Fallon. “So I have four years to finish one year of college.”

Education and family are big in the Anderson household. Perhaps, such is the reason why Anthony Anderson’s son felt like he found his wife after spending just two days at Howard University.

“I dropped him off one weekend,” Anthony explains. “I left on a Sunday. He called me on Tuesday and was like, ‘Dad!’ And I said, ‘What’s up, son?’ He was like, ‘I found my wife.’ I was like, ‘Son! It’s only been two days. School hasn’t even started yet. You’ve got another week before classes start.’ I said, ‘Son, you’ve got to walk down the hill.’ I was like, ‘Son, you may miss out on finding your wife because you think you already found your wife.’”

Check out Anthony Anderson’s full segment about his education plans and family in the clip below. Catch Black-ish every week on ABC!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNVigydWJ0M

Fisk University Unveils a Recycling and Organics Collection Program

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Nashville, Tenn., October 29, 2018 – Fisk University unveiled a new recycling and organics
collection program during a ceremony held on campus Monday, October 22, 2018. Fisk
University has partnered with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
(TDEC), Metro Nashville Public Works (MNPW), the Natural Resources Defense Council
(NRDC), Turnip Green Creative Reuse, Compost Nashville, and Thompson Food Services to
implement a master plan of sustainability moving the institution toward zero-waste.
“Fisk’s core values include accountability, service, and leadership,” said Fisk President, Kevin D. Rome Sr., Ph.D. “With this program, we hope to cultivate these values in our students, so they may be leaders in the community by showing their accountability and service to living sustainably on campus.” “The purpose of this partnership with Fisk is to not only significantly reduce waste sent to the landfill, but to also teach our future leaders the importance of living sustainably and being environmental stewards,” said Kendra Abkowitz Brooks, assistant commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

TDEC has contributed 47 recycling bins to Fisk as part of the Department’s Higher Education Institution Campus Sustainability Improvement pilot program. In addition to providing signage and logistical support, MNPW assisted Fisk in securing a $6,000 grant from the NRDC to support compost collection by Compost Nashville. Turnip Green Creative Reuse will provide 5 recycling and composting education to faculty, staff and students.
“Up to forty percent of all food in the U.S. goes uneaten,” said Darby Hoover, senior resource specialist at NRDC. “NRDC is proud to support Fisk University’s new program to keep wasted food out of the landfill and educate more people about their role in preventing food from going to waste.”

Fisk is currently experiencing a 25-30% increase in student enrollment, representing a need and opportunity to educate the campus community on how to divert food waste and eligible recyclable materials from the landfill. The program, when fully implemented, is projected to reduce Fisk’s disposable waste by 37%. Recycling and compost bins are located throughout campus in Crosthwaite Hall, Jubilee Hall, Shane Hall, New Livingston Hall, the John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library and Spence Dining hall.

“We are thrilled to see this project come to fruition. What started as a student led initiative last spring has blossomed into a great sustainability program for Fisk. We are honored to have been part of it from the beginning and look forward to following it and supporting it in the future.” Kelly Tipler, Director, Metro Beautification.

Fisk University staff supports the recycling and organics collection programs by providing
signage, education and outreach to staff and students about the benefits to recycle and compost, explain what can be collected for recyclables and organics, and inform staff and students of the bin locations. Stewart Watts, Director of Residential Life and Campus Services, will hold weekly dormitory residential assistant (RA) meetings to teach RAs how they can educate students and monitor the recycle bins on the floors they’re responsible for.

About Fisk University
Founded in 1866, Fisk University is a private, liberal arts university located in Nashville,
Tennessee. Consistently recognized for its brand of academic excellence, Fisk is ranked No. 6 on the Top 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the 2019 U.S. News & World Report. Fisk ranked No. 1 in the nation for social mobility and No. 3 in the nation in research among top liberal arts colleges in research expenditures in the 2018 rankings of National Liberal Arts Institutions by The Washington Monthly. The school’s faculty was rated No. 4 position among Tennessee Universities by the Department of Education. To learn more about Fisk University, please visit www.fisk.edu.

Howard Homecoming Brings Bittersweet Emotions to Class of 2019

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Howard homecoming is one of the most highly anticipated events of the academic year. The historically black university celebrated its 95th homecoming this past weekend entitled Euphoria.

The celebrity-filled week started off with performances by R&B singers Jhené Aiko and Ari Lennox at the #YoutubeBlack Fan Fest on Tuesday, Oct. 23 and ended with Jay Rock at the homecoming football game against South Carolina State University on Saturday. International Yardfest included Gunna, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Lil Baby, Slick Rick, Agent Sasco and Zoey Dollaz.

Participating in their last homecoming as undergraduates, the class of 2019 made sure to make Euphoria, one for the books.

According to some seniors, homecoming was a disaster their freshman year so this was the week to make up for it.

Due to the extensive rainfall caused by Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, many plans of students and alumni were thwarted. Yardfest was on a two-year hiatus, the Homecoming Parade was cancelled and the extensive rainfall caused by Hurricane Joaquin dampened many students’ and alumni’s plans to enjoy the one of the most talked about homecoming celebrations

Senior Imeriah Page was a host for International Yardfest and made sure her last year was something special. She bought an array of “Howard pop-out” outfits, had a full beat face at every event with the iconic toothbrush and edge control combo.

Imeriah Page, a senior television and film major, poses or a quick photo before retuning to host International Yardfest Friday afternoon.

“It was definitely necessary to make my senior year homecoming one for the books. Hosting Yardfest was surreal. It was big for me but I enjoyed every minute of it.  It felt good to be this care-free person and my true self on a stage in front of people who were vibing with me.”

Page mentioned that students can not rely solely on the events to have a good time. “People want so badly for Howard homecoming to be popping and lit but people don’t understand is that homecoming is what you make it,” she said.

Savannah Miller and Francisco Joseph had similar sentiments. The seniors found their last undergraduate homecoming bittersweet.

“It’ll be exciting to see how this time next year the dynamics have changed from being out with your classmates on a day to day basis to seeing them progress in their different fields. The week was definitely bittersweet but it served as a reminder that we are nearing the finish line and it’s necessary to maximize our time here as students.” said Joseph.

Journalism major Savannah Miller smiles while at the Howard Homecoming Tailgate Saturday afternoon.

“My last homecoming will be remembered as the most genuinely happy experience spent with the people I love at my favorite place during the best time of the year. It’s sad to think that my time at Howard is coming to an end but I am really excited to come back as an alumna,” said Miller.

The class of 2019 has high expectations for next year. They feel as if coming back as alumni will bring a new vibe and a new sense of purpose when they return to their beloved alma mater–even if only for a weekend.

Mathew Lambkin, a strategic, legal and management communications major, at the Howard Homecoming Tailgate Saturday afternoon.

“Homecoming as an alumnus will be more special because we would be able to do more and enjoy the weekend to the fullest. By this time next year, I will have more money and I’ll be further along in my career to possibly help fund and support the organizations I was in.” He continued. “I can attend more club events and come back to see my line brothers, prophytes and friends I made in undergrad,” said senior Mathew Lambkin.

“I’m looking forward to my homecoming experience as an alumnus. There were a lot of things to juggle as a senior so hopefully next year  I can enjoy homecoming for the celebration that it is,” Joseph said

The annual black affair has claimed a special place in the hearts of many seniors and remains to be a Howard tradition that gives students a place to call home.

 

Preserving Communities of Color to Hold Conference at Texas Southern

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HOUSTON (October 23, 2018) – The Preserving Communities of Color (PCOC) conference, which explores the social, institutional and economic changes that impact communities of color across the nation, will hold the first day of the three-day (Nov. 1-3) event on the Texas Southern University campus. On Thursday, Nov. 1, PCOC will convene in the School of Public Affairs Building auditorium, with free admission for TSU students (must present student ID), and they may register here. Student lunch tickets may be purchased herefor $12.

The day will include several panel discussions, workshops and keynote speakers, with the following schedule:

 

7-8 a.m.                       Registration
8-8:50 a.m.                  Disrupting Brazil! (Sara Zewde)
9-9:50 a.m.                  Historic & Cultural Assets Planning (Ana Mod)

10-10:50 a.m.              Disrupting Third Ward! (Asata Richards)

11-11:50 a.m.               Archives & Repositories (Area archivists & librarians)
12-1 p.m.                     Lunch & Tour (TSU Terry Library Special Collections)
1-1:50 p.m.                  Inspired by Africa! (Wyking Garrett, Africatown Community Land Trust)
2-2:50 p.m.                  Community Planning – Plans that Work in Communities of Color
3-3:50 p.m.                  Friends & Allies Panel – How to Make Your Partnership Successful
4-4:50 p.m.                  Data & Research (Lester King, Ph.D.)

 

For more information about the PCOC and the full schedule of its 2018 conference, visit http://preservingcommunitiesofcolor.org/index.php/2018-conference.

8a to 3pm. Join us in the historic community of Third Ward, Texas for a jam packed day of panel discussions, workshops and key speakers. We will also share recommendations from the 2017 conference and plans to implement unified goals.

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 more than 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.

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Edward Waters College Student Shines At FlBlogCon

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Dennis Jackson, no relation to this author, has been honored with recognition at the recent Impact Biz Jax Business Expo winning finances to help him in starting his business “Primal Instinct.” A clothing line he has dreamed about for years. He will soon not only graduate with his degree, but with a well established business. It is hopeful that business majors at other HBCUs follow suit. One of the testaments to a successful business program is how many students before graduation actually have a business. The application of years of school work put to the test and realized.

Mr. Jackson has also had the opportunity to attend and participate in the recent Florida Blogging and Social Media Conference in Orlando, Florida held at the internationally known and respected Full Sail University.

The 8th annual conference is attended by business owners, bloggers, social media experts, Podcasters and entrepreneurs. In a digital world where content is King and engagement is Queen HBCU students are learning that their online presence defines their ability to be hired or put on a waiting list. That list being the waste basket or recycle bin of computers.
Opportunities like FlBlogCon are important for HBCU students to create, build and establish their Brands and creating an online presence based on a foundation of business, collaboration and relationship building.

Business opportunities are important because they open doors for increased networking, business mentorship, collaboration and future educational and business connections.

Technology conferences for HBCU students are valuable even in some cases more than classroom engagement because they allow for real and relevant interaction with business professionals. Real people not videos or webinars.

Classroom instruction is great, as a past professor at Edward Waters College teaching Educational Technology, Social Media and STEAM, the lack of exposure can mean the difference in being able to “code switch,” engage in conversations related to business and technology. Lacking communication skills could deny HBCU students the chance to sit at the tables of industry, business, commerce and even to be employed.

HBCU students have opportunities today to participate in unique and blended learning chances that can provide employment before the student graduates with a degree. Mr. Jackson being involved with Impact Biz Jax, and networking with technology business owners like Aida Correa (Love Built Life), William Jackson (My Quest To Teach) and Sharon Johnson (The Madisel Group). Aida Correa, business mentor, small business owners on
Social Media, web development and the artistic side of tech (STEAM). She is a speaker at national and international WordCamp conferences. With exposure, networking and connections HBCU students like Mr. Jackson can build their PLN – Professional Learning Networks and participate in many more conferences.

The growth potential allows for scalable development and increased visual exposure for future investments and expansion. HBCU students when the opportunity presents itself should acquire business mentors, advisers and expand their business partnerships. Each business student should obtain their business licence before graduation to begin the process of being a thought leader and digital visionary.

The next technology event in Florida is WordCamp Orlando, Florida where William Jackson (My Quest To Teach) and Aida Correa (Love Built Life) are speakers and organizers for the KIDSCAMP. It is hoped that more HBCU students participate in events that HBCU institutions sponsor, invest and pay for their students to attend. Preparing them for the real world of business, technology, commerce, STEM and STREAM

Voting Has Begun For The HBCU Dance #RadiantDanceOff Contest

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In a survey, The Tampax and Always Radiant Collection found that 4 out 5 black women sacrifice their personal style while on their period. In its second year, The Radiant Collection want African-American women to feel comfortable to wear what they want throughout their periods – especially majorettes who are known for bringing their A-game on and off the field in the some of the most beautiful costumes all football season long.

In the HBCU community, we know that halftime is game time and The Tampax and Always Radiant Collection are bringing the iconic HBCU halftime show performances from the field to your fingertips with HBCU Dance #RadiantDanceOff contest. Over the last few weeks, majorette teams from across the country submitted videos showing off their best moves to the classic Frankie Beverly and Maze track, “Before I Let Go” for a chance to win $20,000 and the custom team uniforms of their dreams!

Now it is your turn to take part in the fun by visiting www.radiantdanceoff.com from October 15 – October 29 to vote for your favorite majorette team and encourage your friends to do the same by using #RadiantDanceOff contest on social media.

In addition to the online experience, The Radiant Collection will hit one of the hottest HBCU events in the country where alumni and fans can learn more about the benefits of The Radiant Collection, the #RadiantDanceOff and dance to the latest tunes at the Radiant Experience Tailgate at the Magic City Classic in Birmingham, AL on October 27th.

Kayla J. Brookins: Tennessee State Stylish Buzz Of The Week

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Show me what your working with and slay us Ms. Brookins! This is the expectations of excellence from the Queen whose fashion statements break necks on the campus of Tennessee State University.  Hailing from the Show Me State and more specifically the city of all huSTLers, St. Louis, MO. Kayla J. Brookins provides fashion that is bold on a regular basis.  “What shocks me most is that Kayla Brookins has the ability to keep up with her school work as well as she keeps her fashion up,” stated Tramon Jones.

When HBCU Buzz caught up with Kayla Brookins we found out that she has versatile looks that changes seasonally.

The senior Health Science major with a concentration in Public Health is months away from entering the world with her bachelors degree but is taking care of business while enduring the process.

Tennessee State University strives on the Motto to Think, Work, and Serve.  Brookins is doing just that.  She is shaping business and people as a proud member of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity Incorporated., representing the growth & development of young black males of Middle Tennessee with Collegiate 100 as the 2018-2019 Miss. Collegiate 100 for the Tennessee State University chapter, and apart of the Mt. Zion College Ministry of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Nashville, TN.  She gives her time to helping young elementary boys and senior high school ladies at The Wesley Foundation of Nashville.

Kayla Brookins pictured with 4th grader of Alex Elementary. She spoke with 4th graders about leadership and what it takes to be a leader.
Kayla Brookins pictured with members of Tennessee State University Collegiate 100 at Alex Elementary where the group of young adults spoke with 4th graders about leadership

Brookins style is versatile yet chic in her opinion.  “Depending on the event I may be attending or how the weather is outside determines what style I’m going for,” stated Brookins very enthused.  Brookins speaks through the way she dresses and many notice it.  “She uses her sense of style as more than just a way of dressing but also a way of showing her bubbly and outstanding personality, stated her line brother, Sunnisha Stephenson.

In America we can dress the way we want.  It’s apart of our freedom. Yet Kayla is fully aware of when not to cross the line.  “I have curves and I’m always mindful of how clothes fit rather its to tight or doing to much because it can give off the wrong impression,” stated Brookins as she reflected on the beauty of dressing appropriately.  We live in a society that loves to compare who wore it best.  Every clothing item doesn’t look the same for every person.

Brookins love the idea of getting ideas from celebrities, models, or even well known social media gurus of fashion but in her opinion everybody’s style won’t always work with yours.

When it comes to fashion tips Brookins has a few.

  1. Glitter and sparkles add flavor to an outfit
  2. A simple jean and sequins top can be dressed up or dressed down
  3. Adding color always adds personality to your outfit
  4. Adding leather and diamond can bring so much life to your outfit of all black or all white.

How you dress should make you feel great.  In the last words of Ms. Brookins, “WHATEVER MAKES YOU FEEL AMAZING, WEAR IT!!!”  That’s because personal style is your style and its never based on the styles of others.

You can keep up with Kayla’s community involvement and styles on instagram @stylingwithk_ It’s all motivation coming from her platform.