Central State University Alum Willie Walker Named To A Full Board Position For The African-American Community Fund

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A Central State University alumni was named to a full board position for the African-American Community Fund. He becomes the youngest member of the board.

“The feeling of being the youngest board member is really phenomenal,” said Willie Walker, adding “I credit Central State and Wilberforce for installing in me the proper ways to become a product of success.”

“In this role and the sub committee which I will be working on my goal is to look at ways to find for educational college opportunities for Students wishing to attend The GREAT Central State University and Wilberforce University.”

Walker said that as of December 2014, the African-American Fund has over 180 funds with an estimated value of $5.3 million. In addition, AACF since its inception has contributed $3,273,762 to non-profits providing services within the African-American community of the Dayton/Greater Miami Valley region.

“What a wonderful testament to the many donors of the African-American Community Fund,” he said.

Walker added that the African-American Community Fund includes a variety of current and deferred funds that support various needs within the community – religious, arts, social services, education, youth, and health and human services organizations. These funds will ensure that the current and future needs of our community are met.

TSU Offering “Fast Track To Graduation” Classes As Flexible Alternative To Traditional Semester

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HOUSTON (August 16, 2018) – Texas Southern University (TSU) students who need a more flexible schedule for the upcoming fall semester have a flexible alternative to consider – the new “Fast Track to Graduation” option.

TSU will offer flexible weekday afternoon classes that start on Monday, September 10, but end at the same time as traditional semester classes. All “flex” classes are general core courses that are required by most majors at TSU.

“We know that, for a variety of reasons, some students aren’t ready to start when the semester begins in August,” said TSU Provost Dr. Kendall Harris. “The Fast Track to Graduation program gives them an alternative. It keeps them on a path to achieve their goals and to graduate in a timely manner.”

Harris noted that for this new pilot program, to ensure student success, students will be limited to enrolling in either the regular fall semester, which begins on August 27, or the Fast Track to Graduation program.

Fast Track classes are 13 weeks in length and offered only in the afternoon between 1-6 p.m. The traditional college semester is 16 weeks long with classes offered throughout the day and evening.

For more information about the Fast Track to Graduation program, including a listing of courses and the course request form, visit www.TSU.edu/FastTrack. Students can also request more information at getconnected@tsu.edu. Registration for Fast Track classes is available now through September 10.

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.

Great Advice For Those Wanting To Become A Member Of Alpha Phi Alpha

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As the start of the academic school year at historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, nears HBCU Buzz contributor and member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Xi Chapter at Central State University in Wilberforce Tevin Cameron created a guide to help HBCU students chart out their journey and enjoy an incredible life in Black Greekdom.

The guide includes helpful information such as rule of thumb, to do and not to do and details of what it takes to be an Alpha man.

Below is an excerpt of the guide:

Image may contain: one or more people✓ We have 7 Jewels, NOT Founders.

This is important.

According to Apaxal.com, the Founders, affectionately known as the Jewels of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., were no ordinary achievers. Given racial attitudes in 1906, their accomplishments were monumental. As founder Henry Arthur Callis euphemistically stated—because the half-dozen African American students at Cornell University during the school year 1904-05 did not return to campus the following year, the incoming students in 1905-06, in founding Alpha Phi Alpha, were determined to bind themselves together to ensure that each would survive in the racially hostile environment.

Image may contain: one or more people✓ Everyone training on the right leg is doing it wrong.

So practice training on your the left leg, if you must. But in your own discretion, of course.

Image may contain: one or more people✓ DO YOUR RESEARCH.

Have your mind made up that THIS is what you want. No “house hopping.”

Image may contain: one or more people✓ Follow your heart not legacy.

Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country.

Image may contain: one or more people✓ Death to loose lips.

The less one knows, THE BETTER.

Image may contain: one or more people✓ The real works begins when your FINISHED.

Since its founding on December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world.

Image may contain: one or more people✓ DON’T QUIT!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit-Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Celebrates The Life Of Member Aretha Franklin

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WASHINGTON, DC – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. joins with the family and loved ones of Aretha Franklin in grieving the loss of this music giant. We extend our sincere condolences to the Franklin children and the entire family. We remember her life and celebrate her legacy as an international cultural icon.

Soror Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25, 1942 and demonstrated her singing abilities at an early age at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan under the leadership of her father the late Rev. C.L. Franklin. Soror Franklin was initiated as an Honorary Member into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Friday, June 5, 1992 in New York City.

“We are honored to have had her as part of our illustrious sisterhood,” said Beverly E. Smith, National President and CEO. “We salute her memory.”

While she had a music career that spanned six decades, Soror Franklin is best remembered for her timeless hit “RESPECT.” It was a song that she not only sang but also lived, as she was highly regarded by both her peers within the music industry and generations that followed. Her music is timeless and has crossed genres and countries. She will always be loved and respected world-wide as the “Queen of Soul.” In true Delta fashion, not only was she a multi-Grammy Award recipient, she was also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our country’s highest civilian honor. And, she was ranked as number one of “The Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone magazine.

As long as we continue to enjoy classics like “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools” or “Think,” Aretha Franklin’s spirit of musical excellence will live on.

ABOUT DELTA SIGMA THETA Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. Today Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has over 200,000 initiated members and more than 1,000 chapters worldwide. The Sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to create its national programs.

This post originally appeared on DeltaSigmaTheta.org.

A Group Of More Than 25 Dental Students Traveled To Provide Essential Dental Care To Residents On The Island Of Jamaica

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A group of more than 25 dental students traveled to provide essential dental care to residents on the island of Jamaica, according to a post on Howard University’s official Twitter account.

The annual trip is organized by the Howard University Christian Dental Society and sees up to 700 patients in a span of 5 days, the post says.

https://twitter.com/HowardU/status/1029401724786827264

Texas Southern Will Host The James Harden Basketball Game On Sunday, August 19, 2018

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Texas Southern will host the James Harden Basketball Charity Game on Sunday, Aug. 19 at the HPE Arena at 3:00 pm.

It’s the Rockets second JH-Town Weekend beginning Friday night in Houston.

The weekend kicks off with a comedy show led by DeRay Davis and Michael Blackson on Friday night at Arena Theatre, followed by a celebrity softball game at University of Houston. The weekend raps up with the main event – a celebrity basketball game at historically black Texas Southern’s HPE Arena.

St. Augustine’s Just Clapped Back At ‘Misleading’ HBCU Newsletter That Predicts University’s Closure

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Stating that historically black St. Augustine’s is alive and well, school president Everett Ward speaks head-on against an article posted online this week by HBCU Digest with a headline reading “Saint Augustine’s is on the verge of closure, trustees and consultants fear,” according to an interview with ABC11.

From WTVD:

“If you read the article you’d think the gates are locked, the lights are out, the faculty’s gone and there are no students,” Ward told ABC11. “That is a total misrepresentation of what’s happening.”

According to its website, HBCU Digest is “an industry leader for curating and breaking news in the HBCU sector.” (HBCU stands for Historic Black Colleges and Universities). The Digest also promotes itself as being “widely read” by university administrators, accreditation executives, federal officials, and “affluent HBCU alumni.”

The article cited anonymous sources and posts internal university emails that include budget figures and enrollment numbers.

While acknowledging the documents are authentic, Ward blasted the use of those documents because he said they’re out of context and incomplete.

“We had some challenges, but we’re on an upward trajectory,” Ward said. “We are very confident in our future.”

Head over to WTVD to read more.

Livingstone College Grad, Public Figure Featured In Lala’s Instagram Video About Cheating Boyfriend

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Livingstone College graduate, public figure MyKesha Smith has appeared in a video about a cheating boyfriend on Instagram comedian Lala’s page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmRs8R5BGQw/?taken-by=lalamilan

Bowie State Joins With Maguire Foundation To Establish Program For Top Students In Need

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(BOWIE, Md.) – Two recent Philadelphia-area high school graduates received full-ride, four-year scholarships to attend Bowie State University in Maryland, thanks to a $100,000 gift from the Maguire Foundation, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization providing scholarships for high-achieving students from families in need.

The funding establishes the Maguire Scholars Program at Bowie State to provide four-year scholarships for as many as three top students per year from Maguire Foundation high schools, mostly in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Tatyana Studivant, of Philadelphia, and Kasheem Thompson, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, are Bowie State’s first Maguire Scholars, recognized for achieving a grade point average of a 3.0 or better and having a strong record of community service. Studivant graduated from Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster and Thompson from Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor. Both will begin their freshman year at Bowie State in the fall.

“We are proud to partner with the Maguire Foundation to make it possible for deserving students to have the opportunity to pursue a high-quality higher education and make a difference in the world,” said Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux. “For more than 150 years, Bowie State University has provided generations of learners with higher education that transforms lives and our communities. We are grateful to the Maguire Foundation for helping Bowie State to reach even more diverse populations, advancing public education for the public good.”

The Maguire Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of people’s lives through investments in education, arts and humanities, and relief of hunger and homelessness. The foundation partners with institutions and organizations to provide scholarships and grants for families of need for grade school through college, building a strong foundation for success.

Maguire Scholars attending one of the foundation’s college or university partners receive last-dollar scholarship support, which adds to any institutional aid they qualify for. To maintain their scholarships, students must continue to demonstrate academic excellence and participate in service activities.

Although never visiting the Bowie State campus before enrolling, Studivant was drawn to the university because she heard great things about the academic major in government and had a desire to attend a historically black college or university (HBCU). “I could see myself here definitely. I wasn’t really looking at HBCUs at first, but my dad is a big advocate of them.” She plans to study government and enroll in an Air Force ROTC program.

Thompson has a similar story. He had only seen images of the campus online, but decided to attend Bowie State at the urging of family members who were familiar with it. Plus, he developed a good relationship with a BSU admissions counselor who encouraged him to enroll. Thompson wants to study business administration, with a focus on economics or finance. “That’s why I came to Bowie State. I feel like it’s a good fit. I felt like it would be the best decision to further my education.”

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, criminal justice, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit www.bowiestate.edu.

This post originally appeared on BowieState.edu.

Two Huston-Tillotson University Leaders Receive Promotions

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AUSTIN — On Monday, July 30, Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, President and CEO, announced two promotions at Huston-Tillotson University.  In the Office of the President, Mr. Wayne Knox, Chief of Staff and Clerk of the Board, received a promotion to Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  In Academic Affairs, Dr. Beverly Downing, Interim Director of Sponsored Programs, Title III, and Institutional Planning, Research, and Assessment, received a promotion to Associate Provost.  Knox and Downing’s new roles are effective August 1.

Mr. Knox joined Huston-Tillotson University in October 2015 as Chief of Staff and Clerk of the Board.  Prior to coming to HT, he served in executive management positions at the University of Chicago, City Colleges of Chicago District Office, and Central State University.

“Under his leadership at Huston-Tillotson, there have been continuous improvements to processes across an array of functional areas,” said Dr. Burnette.  “He has established strong teams, consistently delivering end-to-end enrollment services resulting in an overall enrichment of the student experience.”

In his new role, Mr. Knox will be charged with being laser-focused on identifying and executing student-centered strategies to drive enhancements to operations and increased efficiencies for his areas of responsibility – Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Information Technology, Intercollegiate Athletics, Campus Safety, and Food Services – with an enterprise-wide impact.

Mr. Knox will continue to serve as the primary point of contact for the affairs of Huston-Tillotson University’s Board of Trustees and all supporting committees.

Dr. Downing came to Huston-Tillotson University with several years of senior administrative leadership experience.  Her extensive background in accreditation and grant writing made her a timely and excellent fit in January 2017 as the Interim Director of Sponsored Programs and Title III and the Director of Institutional Planning, Research and Assessment.

“Dr. Downing has raised University revenues through grants, matching funds, and other alternative funding sources,” Dr. Burnette said.

As Associate Provost, Dr. Downing will provide guidance and direction in strategic planning for the academic unit, faculty performance evaluations, academic program reviews and other assessments of the University.  Dr. Downing will also serve as our SACSCOC liaison, manage sponsored programs and academic support areas, and supervise the building of strong faculty development programs.

This post originally appeared on HTU.edu. 

A CSU Grad Made A Facebook Post About His Students Needing Comp Books And His Friends Came Through, Showed Out!

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Writing that he needed his Facebook friends to help out buying composition books for students in need at the school he teaches at, a Central State University graduate revealed on Wednesday that people more than came through, and showed out!

“Y’all are amazing!” LaMarr Cole wrote in a post on Facebook. “I made a post about my students needing comp books and y’all more than came through, y’all showed out! I want to shoutout every donor and everyone that contributed but majority declined the recognition and said it was a duty to pay it forward.”

“Friends on Facebook you are amazing! The funds contributed won’t be touched or utilized unless it’s for academic purposes. When you make a contribution you are enabling a child to succeed. A seed is planted and they will pay it forward when the time comes. This will also be utilized to provide snacks for hungry children whose first and last meals are at school. The kids are still in so much need and are lacking so many things, it’s pretty overwhelming. And before we start To point fingers at parents, lets empathize for a second … when we have made it to a place so high, make sure you send the elevator back down.”

Cole also added that people begin donating in less than two hours, saying “y’all really know how to make a grown man cry. I’m so overwhelmed. God Bless you beautiful souls.”

His Facebook friends contributed to over $130 to help him buy his students composition books.

Central State University Grad Omarosa: DeVos Said Black Students Don’t Have ‘Capacity To Understand’ Her Goals

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Stating that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos once said students who booed her at a historically black college lacked the “capacity to understand” what the Trump administration is trying to accomplish, Central State University graduate Omarosa Manigault Newman is definitely telling-all in her new book about her time spent as the only African-American woman in a high-ranking position in the White House. 

“Betsy got up onstage to give her speech and was immediately, loudly booed by the entire audience,” Manigault-Newman wrote. “Graduating students and their families stood up and turned their backs on her.”

“I was seated onstage watching this travesty unfold. When the booing started, she should have wrapped it up, but she went on and on for twenty minutes, talking over the booing. I was thinking, It’s not about you! Abandon your full speech! Adjust, woman!”

But, according to The Hill, Maniguault Newman said that DeVos thought the speech went “great,” before adding that the students who booed “didn’t get it.”

“They don’t have the capacity to understand what we’re trying to accomplish,” DeVos said, according to Manigault Newman, who inferred that what DeVos meant was that “those black students were too stupid to understand her agenda.”

JSU President Tells Freshmen, Transfer Students To Pick Friends Wisely, Dream Big

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During New Student Convocation for the Class of 2022, JSU President William B. Bynum Jr. urged more than 600 freshmen and transfer students to surround themselves with positive peers if they want to be academically successful.

Bynum told them that they must know their true purpose for attending Jackson State University. While most sat in chairs on the basketball court in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center on Sunday, the incoming fall class was so large that some students were seated elsewhere in a reserved section in the arena.

Delivering his keynote address, Bynum spoke admiringly, yet assertively, to the audience like a caring father dispensing practical advice to a loved one starting a new chapter in their lives.

SOME people come here to extend high school. Some people come here to get away from something. You were chosen for this journey. … Understand how truly special this next four or five years will be,” he said.

“One thing I need to share with you as you start your journey and get to know your classmates is to be careful who you surround yourself with and who you call friends.”

In addition, Bynum said, “Most of us are here for great hopes, dreams and aspirations. … I hate to say that not everybody is here for that purpose. So, during the course of this week you have to discern who’s serious about getting a college education and earning that college degree.”

He urged each student to take a litmus test to determine whether or not they’re surrounding themselves with the right people.

“If you’ve got a friend and you tell them, ‘I want to be a cardiologist’ and that friend says you ain’t smart enough to be a doctor. That’s the wrong person in your circle. You need to cut that person right away.”

Bynum advised them to hang around people who can “breathe life into you.”

He gave an example: “You need people who’ll say, ‘If you want to a cardiologist and I want to be an orthopedic surgeon, why don’t we start a practice together so people can have a one-stop shop.” Read full Here.

This Howard Alumna Just Launched A Mental Health Foundation

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This HBCU, Howard University Alumna Taraji P. Henson is on a mission.

In hopes of eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health in African-American communities, the actress just launched the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her late father. The organization will provide scholarships to African-American students majoring in mental health, offer mental health services to youth in urban schools and work to lower the recidivism rates of African-American men and women.

“I named the organization after my father because of his complete and unconditional love for me; his unabashed, unashamed ability to tell the truth, even if it hurt; and his strength to push through his own battles with mental health issues,” Henson said.

The Empire star chronicled her relationship with her father Boris, who died in 2006 at the age of 58 after battling liver cancer, in her 2016 memoir, Around the Way Girl. “My dad fought in the Vietnam War for our country, returned broken, and received little to no physical and emotional support,” she said. “I stand now in his absence, committed to offering support to African Americans who face trauma daily, simply because they are black.”

Iota Phi Theta And Sigma Gamma Rho Join Forces To Help Our Community Register To Vote

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Stating that within the African American community, we have the stigma of not voting and only voting when it is time to vote for the President of the United States, Iota Phi Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho have joined forces in the iVote movement within the #MuchMoreThanAHashtag initiative to get the community involved and registered to vote.

“The Presidential election is a big deal, but there are other elections that are important which makes our government work within the city, state, and county. Voting for mayors, state representatives and Congress representatives are important as well,” according to a release by David T. Boyd, Director of Communications at Iota Phi Theta, adding “It is time to end that stigma and show others that we want our voices heard. iVote educates individuals about voting in every election on every level.”

“National Voter Registration Day is on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. On this day, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will continue to promote within #MuchMoreThanAHashtag and get individuals registered to vote through voter registration drives and promotions all over their respected chapters and areas.”

The press released also stated that we should vote “In Every Election. On Every Level.”