Grambling Grad Kaeyla Boyd Starts Cultural Threads Brand To Promote Love For Melanin

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GSU graduate, Kaeyla Boyd, creates inspiring clothing brand Cultural Threads, for culturally conscious minds aiming to educate and promote progression through fashionable street-wear.

After contemplating on creating her own brand for years Boyd finally launched her business early this year with merchandise that she feels will appeal to people everywhere who love both culture and style.

“I wasn’t sure in what direction I wanted to go in for a while because I had so many passions,” said the Shreveport native.

The new brand owner explained that her attending Grambling State was extremely inspiring and that just being surrounded by the HBCU culture and many creative people really motivated her.

“I’ve watched people create their own businesses while attending Gram and thereafter, being around that and helping other people with their projects gave me the energy to want to create for myself,” she said.

Recently she figured with her passion for street-wear, urban clothing and social work, that she could tie the things she’s interested in together.

Boyd knew that she wanted to do something that promoted progression and that was culturally conscious, coming up with the brand name Cultural Threads

Boyd’s brother had the pleasure of assisting her with the business concept and her partner assisted her with a name that turned out to be a perfect fit! Although, the name changed a few times before they finally decided upon Cultural Threads

“I’ve sat on the idea for a long time so, it just seemed like now would be a good time to take that leap of faith sort of speak,” Boyd said.

On a few of the new Cultural Threads caps, there is a saying, ‘Melanin & Dope’.

Boyd says to her  the saying means that “we are dripping in finesse”. She felt like it was a pretty cool phrase and that exhibiting melanin is strong, beautiful….and dope!

“Melanin should be praised in any and every way,” she expressed. ” I believes its extremely important that woman of color completely love their skin. The beauty of melanin is that we all have it, some more concentrated than others. This is why its ‘DOPE’.”

She explained that for so long women of color have been devalued for their skin being too dark or their skin being too light. Its as if they can’t win because of the color of their skin.

“I love the amount of praise we are giving each other now days. I only want to be a part of it and continue support my Melanin DOPE sisters,” Boyd said.

Boyd said starting her own business was pretty frightening, but also very exciting.

“You just don’t know how people will respond to the things you put out, so I’m being open-minded and just enjoying this experience. I’m still tackling challenges because we are very new but I find that I have to completely plan and become more organized than I thought I was,” she said.

In addition to Grambling State, Boyd’s inspiration comes from ‘the culture’, and she explained that with different aspects in mind including: Black culture, street-wear as a culture and African-American women as a culture.

In terms of street-wear brand inspiration, Boyd loves the ‘God is Dope’ line.

“I know that brand is fairly new, but the creators behind it are so talented. I admire everything they are doing there. I also admire and got inspiration from Bobby Kim with his Hundreds brand, Neek Lurk with ASS club and old school brands like Karl Kani and Pelle Pelle too.

More personally, Boyd’s aunt inspires her tremendously. She describer her aunt as being very wise and soulful and she’s always looked up to her.

In her aunt’s college days at Southern University she did a lot of poetry. One poem that she performed was titled ‘Taking back my Crown.’ She speaks of the black woman being the mother for us all and how her crown has been taking away by impostors and people that aren’t for her.

Boyd had the poem in mind when deciding on some of  the phrases for the T-shirts.

She says she is still learning to balance her life as a full-time employee and a new business woman.

“Being that Cultural Threads is new I’m multitasking a lot,” she said. “I try to do what I can during my 8-5 work day and dedicate more time to the brand after then. I’m lucky to have my partner with me supporting and helping in any way she can.”

Although, Cultural Threads is a clothing business, Boyd would love for it to become more than that and for people from all over the world to learn and become more aware of their culture and be excited to express that from her brand.

Also, with her professional background in Social Work, she knew whatever she did would be centered around the community and giving back.

“Under Cultural Threads I will host food pantries, clothing closets and back to school giveaways for the community.”

Right now, Cultural Threads has caps available. Boyd mentioned that she wanted do a soft start for Black History Month. The current color theme of the caps and fonts were chosen because of Black History Month.

“I absolutely love the caps,” she said. “I like that they are embroidery instead of screen printed. I really enjoyed the creation process.”

In addition, they will be selling t-shirts and other inspiring apparel that will become available next month.

Boyd plans on working towards having a booth at Bayou Classic next year, the Essence Festival and other events that provide her the opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with other black business owners,” she said.

In five years, Boyd would like to see Cultural Threads become apart of the community by hosting several fundraisers and truly giving back. She would like to offer more products and focus on becoming more than the average t-shirt line and creating an impact on others lives.

The new entrepreneur says her advice to people who want to start a business or build a brand would be not to think about it too long.

She says if you have an interest in owning your own business and it’s all you think about, go ahead and take that step. If you contemplate on it too long you’ll find all the reason why you shouldn’t do it.

Boyd plans on using social media as much as possible to promote Cultural Threads, host pop-up shops and collaborating with other artists in the community.

“I have some fun things coming up,” she said.

If you are interested in purchasing a cap from Cultural Threads for JUST $12, head on over to Instagram @cultural__threads or send a quick order email to culturalthreads00@gmail.com

Wilberforce University Alumna Edmonia Lewis Loved Her Freedom So Much She Emancipated Herself — Three Times

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Today, we honor Wilberforce University alumna and sculptor Edmonia Lewis (1844-1907). She played a vital role sending messages to those who need it most.

“Edmonia Lewis marketed her work to Wilberforce University and other HBCUs by ‘direct mail’ (writing letters): affordable plaster busts of Bishop BW Arnett, Sen. Sumner, John Brown, around 1876, the time of the Centennial,” wrote Albert Henderson on Twitter, celebrating the life and legacy of a lost but never forgotten hero. Henderson is the author of the award-winning biography of the pioneering artist. According to him, Lewis is the first American sculptor of color and an artist at war.

Wilberforce which is adjacent to Ohio’s only public HBCU, Central State University, is the nation’s oldest private black college in the nation.

In a story by Henderson on EdmoniaLewis.com about how Lewis managed to emancipate herself three times, he noted that “Henry Wreford (Athenæum, Mar.  3, 1866) described the first Emancipation statue sculpted by an African-American artist: “Her first ideal group was to be executed under a promise for some gentlemen in Boston, and, in the true spirit of a heroine, she has selected for her subject ‘The Freedwoman on first hearing of her Liberty.’”

He continued:

“She has thrown herself on her knees, and, with clasped hands and uplifted eyes, she blesses God for her redemption. Her boy, ignorant of the cause of her agitation, hangs over her knees and clings to her waist. She wears the turban which was used when at work. Around her wrists are the half-broken manacles, and the chain lies on the ground attached to a large ball. ‘Yes,’ she observed, ‘so was my race treated in the market and elsewhere.’ It tells, with much eloquence, a painful story.”

“A dispute arose with her biggest booster in New England, Lydia Maria Child. Mrs Child was one of several women to whom Lewis sent photographs of her work. “The Freedwoman” was not seen again and was rarely mentioned in later interviews. Edmonia went on to a second Emancipation vision, which we now know as Forever Free. The unfortunate conflict with Mrs. Child continued. Forever Free found a home in Boston without Mrs. Child’s blessing. It is owned today by Howard University in Washington DC.”

Head over to EdmoniaLewis.com to read more.

Posted by HBCU Editors Posted on 5536 articles

Tennessee State Deontae Henderson Takes Children’s Book To The Top

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Deontae Henderson is the young and ambitious author responsible for the creation of “To The Top,” a children’s book that showcases the journey of Koa the turtle. The concept of the children’s story came about when Henderson was running track for the Tennessee State University Flying Tigers. As he began watching motivational videos on YouTube he came across a video of Steve Harvey talking.

In the video, Harvey talked about his journey to comedy. He questioned his involvement with the sport of basketball and figured he needed to operate in his gift. The same awakening came for Henderson. Leaving behind the sport of track and field, he decided to focus on what mattered the most to him and that was being inspired.

To The Top empowers both children and adults by intentionally planting the roots of persistence into their minds. Explained in an understanding format for kids, the story showcases how Koa was always told to not continue up the mountain. Always going with his gut and not the words of others Koa eventually finds something so beautiful as a result of his drive to continue to move forward. Koa wanted a greater view of the world and Deontae is sharing that inspiration of going after what you can’t see yet with young people all over the country.

His friends including Jemarruse Amos took away valuable thoughts from the book. “I enjoyed the story of people talking down on the turtle because people go through it all the time. You only need one person which is God,” stated Amos as he sat still reflecting on the story looking beyond the walls that surrounded us.

Henderson is pictured giving a motivational speech on the campus of Tennessee State University.

You never know how far your work will go and what barriers it will break.

The book is featured now with Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, Kindle, Nook, iBook, Xulon Press, and Mall Of America, and Minneapolis Barnes and Noble in the children’s section with its own section.

The first ever signing was in question for this new author as the expectations from the bookstore that held his first signing was not high. The place that wasn’t too optimistic of the book now showcases a section in the children’s section just for To The Top. Minneapolis Barnes and Noble is proud to showcase Henderson’s work especially with him being a hometown writer.

Congressman Keith Ellison of the Congressional District, who once had the record for most books sold by a local author at the Minneapolis Barnes and Noble, is now second as Henderson is currently the top salesman for the store.

The book has been featured on Thisis50.com briefly for its inspirational message. When presenting the book to Ricky Davis, former NBA Player from Minnesota Timberwolves, Henderson was requested to sign the book for his kids.

Henderson is not slowing up when it comes to writing and has recently came out with yet another children’s book, Momma Bear. The running didn’t stop for Henderson, the track just changed.

Posted by Delvakio Brown Posted on 48 articles

Lincoln University Goes Pink For LU Alumna Liz Morrow

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The dynamic of Lincoln University of Missouri shifted on December 10, 2017, when Liz Morrow shared on her social media that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Although not being able to be there physically, due to winter break, Lincoln University students and faculty began to send their love and support to Liz Morrow. Everyone was determined to let her know she was not fighting this battle alone.

Liz Morrow, also referred to as Ms. Liz and/or Mama Liz, has been very influential in the culture of Lincoln University. She is a Lincoln University Alumna, a member of the Alpha Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Students and the University Registrar. In addition, she is also a mentor, confidant, friend, and a mother figure to a plethora of Lincoln University students.

You could always find her somewhere smiling at a sports event, or mostly at the gym and that is why this diagnosis shocked the entire campus; it just didn’t seem like this would happen to her.

“The moment I found out I was devastated, there were tears, I was in denial and I was the first person in my family to be diagnosed. Not having any symptoms made this diagnoses even more of a shock,” said Ms. Liz.

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, Ms. Liz has been very open with her journey, from sharing her sessions at chemotherapy to her deciding to officially cut her hair. “I want to educate everyone about early detection being the best detection. By sharing my journey, I hope to encourage anyone and everyone who has this disease to fight,” said Ms. Liz when asked why she decided so open during this process.

Lincoln University students have been with Ms. Liz through every step of this journey thus far showing countless amounts of support.

From having a “Pink Out” basketball game dedicated to her and an LU Goes Pink day sponsored the Alpha Iota Chapter, the campus has strived to not only bring awareness to Ms. Liz, but to spread more awareness about breast cancer as well. Ms. Liz was also presented with The Keeper of the Dream Award by the Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Henry T. Asher Award of Achievement by the Rho Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

These are just a few things that LU has done to show their appreciation for Ms. Liz.

Here is what LU students are saying below.

Ashton Eadie

“Ms. Morrow is nothing short of what you would call a ‘change agent’. Everyone she comes in contact life is inevitably changed for the better. I’m grateful to know her and I can only pray she knows the love and admiration others feel for her on a daily basis.”

Kristen Wallace

“Liz Marrow-Cotton touched my heart the moment I stepped foot on campus and I am forever indebted to her. If it wasn’t for her I would have never known what the word Sisterhood meant. I end with this quote – difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”

Ashton Greene

“She is one of the strongest women I know! She’s helped me through so much with no hesitation and that’s why she will always be my mama Liz.”

Paula Vickers

“When I met ‘Mama Liz’ I was reluctant to call her that at first. At that time, I had lost my mom and didn’t want to just seemingly throw that title around too freely, so I still called her Ms. Liz. As time went on she continually showed me all the things I was physically missing from my own mom. She is strength, courage, excited, loving, forgiving, patient, understanding, and so much more. She is a mama. Even in the midst of her own storms, she has adopted me in, and to witness her strength and faith in God has been a wonderful lesson.”

Kat Langley

“Mama Liz gives me the reassurance that my college journey will be worth it in the end.”

Makayla Adams

“Ms. Liz has motivated me to keep pushing even when I felt like I was going to give up.”

According to breastcancer.org, “In 2018, an estimated 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S.”

Like Ms. Liz motivates others, let her be your motivation to go get your breast cancer screening. Early detection is the best detection!

To follow Ms. Liz on her journey, you can keep up with her on Facebook: Liz Morrow & Instagram: @alphaiota10.

Howard Alum: ‘I Want Four Years Where I’m Not Judged By The Color Of My Skin’

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Brandon E. Patterson, writer for reader-supported nonprofit news organization Mother Nature, shares why America’s black colleges are as important now as they ever were. 

Historically black colleges and universities made headlines during Trump’s first year, as students pushed back against what they perceived as a racist administration. Last May, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos was booed during her commencement speech at Bethune-Cookman University. And student activists chanted over former FBI Director James Comey’s speech at Howard University—my alma mater—in September. The demonstrations were part of a long history of student activism on HBCU campuses, a history that, until now, had yet to be told on screen.

Tell Them We Are Rising, a new documentary by veteran filmmaker Stanley Nelson (The Black Panthers: Vanguard of a Revolution, Freedom Summer, The Murder of Emmett Till), is the first feature-length documentary on the history of these institutions. Premiering on PBS on Monday, February 19, the film takes a look at the schools’ inception as slavery drew to a close, their evolution over the 20th century, and the integral role they’ve played in black social movements.

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Mother Jones: Why this film, and why now?

Stanley Nelson: A few reasons. One, the African American community has had few institutions that sustain it: The black church. I made a film a few years ago about black newspapers. And black colleges and universities—there has been nothing that has been more of a catalyst for African Americans to enter the middle class. I didn’t see people lining up to tell the story. I kind of felt like if I didn’t tell it, nobody would. On a more personal note, my mother went to Talladega College and my father went to Howard in the 1930s. If they hadn’t gone to those colleges, they couldn’t go to college. So it changed the trajectory of my family, and so many other families.

MJ: What parts of the HBCU story did you think were most important to communicate?

SN: We set out to cover about 170 years of history in 90 minutes. We figured the best way to do that would be to tell stories. I felt it was really important to start during the time of enslavement, when education was denied to African Americans, because that’s kind of the framework of the whole film. We go into, then, the first HBCUs that are formed after the [Civil War] and into Booker T. Washington and his debates with W.E.B. DuBois. Our mission was for each piece of the story—there’s seven or eight chapters—to convey something different. The first chapter is the denial of education and the importance of education. The Booker T. piece was sort of, which way is education going to go? I found it fascinating that Booker T. Washington was arguably the most powerful black man in the country at that time, and he’s a college president. He’s being propped up in many ways by Southern planters and the Northern industrialists. And then we go into the idea of the New Negro—when African Americans return after World War I and say we want something different.

MJ: You recently released “Black Colleges in the Age of Trump,” a short film for the New York Times, which looks at the politics of Trump and HBCUs. Did you feel the need for a a supplement to Tell Them We Are Rising?

SN: HBCUs have been in the news over the first year of Trump read more…

NCAT Mens Basketball Team Finish Undefeated With Win Over UMES

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GREENSBORO (February 19, 2018) – The North Carolina A&T men’s basketball team did something the program has not done in 30 years. They finished undefeated at Corbett Sports Center. They put the final touches on a perfect home season with a 78-69 win over Maryland Eastern Shore Monday night in the Aggies home finale.

N.C. A&T’s last undefeated season at home occurred during the 1987-88 season when they finished 11-0 at Corbett. During the 2017-18 season, the Aggies finished 12-0 at home as they won their 13th straight at Corbett.

What makes the 2017-18 Aggies different is how far they have come compared to the 1987-88 team. The 87-88 team were coming off an undefeated season at home during the 1986-87 season. Meanwhile, the 17-18 team recovered from a previous season where they were 3-10 at home.

“I think it is a huge accomplishment for these young men to finish undefeated at home,” said N.C. A&T coach Jay Joyner who has seen his team play in a party environment at home this season dubbed #ClubCorbett. “Not many teams are able to do that over an entire season. Basketball is a long season, so you figure at some point someone is going to have your number in your gym. So, it’s one of those situations where you’re proud but you keep plugging away.”

Not only did the Aggies (17-11, 10-3 MEAC) complete an undefeated season at home but they also moved into a three-way tie for first place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with Savannah State and Bethune-Cookman. They are also guaranteed a winning season for the first time since the 2012-13 season.

It is the first time the Aggies have clinched a winning season in the regular season since the 1991-92 season. The Aggies finished that season 18-9. The 1991-92 season also marks the last time the Aggies won the MEAC regular-season title. The Aggies have double-figure wins in the conference for the first time since the 2006-07 season.

In his final game at Corbett, fifth-year forward Denzel Keyes had 21 points and nine rebounds on 9-for-14 shooting. Keyes has scored 20 or more points in three times in his last seven games and two of his last three.

Read full via NCATAggies.com

Fisk University Receives $1 Million Gift From Trustees Member Robert W. Norton

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Nashville, Tenn., February 13, 2018– Fisk University has announced a $1 million gift from Robert W. Norton, a retired Pfizer executive and member of the Fisk University Board of Trustees, and his wife Janice. The Norton’s gift will be used to provide scholarships for deserving students.

“We are extremely grateful to the Norton’s for their generous support and are thankful that this gift will assist us in continuing to provide financial support to deserving students,” said Kevin D. Rome, Sr., Ph.D., president of Fisk University. “We rely on private support to enable us to continue our mission of cultivating the next generation of scholars and leaders. The Norton’s have supported Fisk for many years and we sincerely thank them for the continued support.”

Symbolism Since becoming a member of the Fisk University Board of Trustees, Robert W. Norton has continued to strongly support the lasting commitment to scholarship and the success of students.

“It is indeed an honor to rejoin the Fisk University Board of Trustees and remain committed to being an active participant in the long-term viability of Fisk University,” said Norton. “Fisk is a national treasure that Nashville is privileged to have and we look forward to continuing our family’s financial support for this important institution of higher learning.”

A 1965 graduate of Princeton University, Norton received an AB Degree in Economics. Norton also holds an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Fisk University. Following graduation, he joined the Procter and Gamble Company before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. A military veteran, Norton served in the Vietnam War and was commissioned at the Officers Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia.

Norton joined Pfizer Inc. in their Corporate Human Resources Division in New York, in what would become a 33-year career with the company. He would later move to Nairobi, Kenya where he assumed HR responsibilities for Pfizer’s Africa-Middle East Region. After five years in Africa, Norton and his family relocated to Brussels, Belgium where he assumed HR responsibility for Pfizer, Europe. After returning to the United States, Norton would assume several roles with Pfizer’s global pharmaceutical business before retiring in 2004 as Senior Vice President of Corporate HR.

For more information on supporting Fisk University through private giving, please visit https://connect.fisk.edu/ways-to-support-fisk or contact the Office of Development at 615-329- 8749.

WATCH: CSU Alumnus Reacts To Fergie’s National Anthem Performance At The NBA All-Star Game

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Central State University alumni Zach Campbell — YouTube’s favorite Reactor — just released a new video today, reacting to Fergie’s recent national anthem performance, and much more.

He was like “GIRL WHAT WAS YOU DOING!!!??”

You can check out the video below.

https://youtu.be/Hi4ASQ_Golc

This Dillard University Alumna Is Creating Innovating Ways To Improve The Recruitment Of HBCU Grads To Companies

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Burnish your résumé, and spruce up your LinkedIn profile. If you’re a black professional, here’s great news on the careers front: Accenture, the leading global professional services company, is partnering with HBCU 20×20, a national diversity and inclusion program to host a series of professional networking events in cities across the country.

Called Network 2 Net Worth, the series will target black professionals, especially graduates of historically black colleges.

Read more from our partners over at Black Enterprise:Hampton University Grad And Black Panther’s Costume Designer On Being Inspired By Ancient African Tribes

At Accenture, we’re working to increase the diversity of our workforce at all levels and across all backgrounds, and to create a workplace where everyone feels comfortable to be their true authentic selves,” says Chantel Soverall, North America ethnicity recruiting leader at Accenture. “We are thrilled to partner with HBCU 20×20 to create this unique experience for our people and communities, and to help underrepresented professionals achieve greater career opportunity.”

In an innovative twist, Network 2 Net Worth shifts the business connection to a more social setting. Instead of speed dating, there will be speed networking, during which professionals will have three to five minutes to pitch their résumés to recruiters from Accenture. They will also learn more about the company and hear from its leadership.

Attendees will also learn about other tech companies that value diversity. In a more relaxed setting, they will meet business leaders and network with like-minded professional peers.

“When we created HBCU 20×20, we knew we wanted to create innovative ways to improve the recruitment of people of color to companies, especially for graduates and alumni from HBCUs,” says Nicole Tinson-Johnson, president and CEO of Jobs R 4 U. “Our goal for HBCU 20×20 and Network 2 Net Worth is simple—to directly connect HBCU graduates and underrepresented talent to companies and develop a talent pipeline. Our Network 2 Net Worth series provides attendees with an opportunity to meet and interact with recruiters while enjoying music, hors d’oeuvres, and a drink or two after work. It’s truly a win for all parties involved.”

The first event takes place Feb. 22 in Atlanta at Suite Food Lounge; subsequent events will be held in Seattle, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York.

Sign up here. For more information about HBCU 20×20, visit www.hbcu20x20.org. To learn more about careers at Accenture, visit www.accenture.com/careers.

https://instagram.com/p/BeGHm5bgV1j/

This story was written by Robin White Goode, the Editor of Black Enterprise, where it originally published. This story is published here with permission. 

Posted by HBCU Editors Posted on 5536 articles

HU Grad Taraji P. Henson To Star In ‘Acrimony’ About Bad Blood

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I haven’t got around to see the film Proud Mary yet. Actress and Howard University alumna Taraji P. Henson is basically winning anyway, however. Headed on our way next month, a new film starring Henson will be another must-see film.

“A faithful wife (Henson) tired of standing by her devious husband (Lyriq Bent) is enraged when it becomes clear she has been betrayed,” reads the film’s storyline.

The title of the film is Acrimony and Lionsgate and Tyler Perry Studies are scheduling for a release in theaters March 30.

Check out the footage below.

https://youtu.be/wlpunOUxYSo

Morehouse Mourns The Loss Of ‘Iconic’ Journalist Lerone Bennett Jr.

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Morehouse College is mourning the loss of one of their noted alumnus and iconic journalist Lerone Bennett Jr. In a post on Twitter Friday, the official Morehouse College Twitter account announced that Bennett has died.

“Morehouse College Mourns the Loss of Iconic Journalist Lerone Bennett Jr., former executive editor of Ebony and Acclaimed Historian,” wrote Morehouse on Twitter. “He honed his journalistic talent at Morehouse, where he developed a passion for writing, research, and intellectual debate.”

“Bennett served as an apprentice on the Maroon Tiger school newspaper in the 1940s,” the black college continued. “He was on staff when early writings by Martin Luther King Jr.’48 were published in the Maroon Tiger. Bennett also served as an editor for the newspaper.”

Head over to Morehouse.edu to learn more about Bennett’s life at Morehouse and after. – bit.ly/2GdCgSD

HBCU Buzz Founder Luke Lawal Responds To Christina Sommers Tweet, Says Baby Boomers Need ‘To Catch Up!’

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Last week, Resident Scholar at American Enterprise Institute Christina Sommers explained in a tweet throwing shade at the millennial generation that back in their day, her generation and the rest of the baby boomers had things like sex, drugs and rock and roll. But Bowie State graduate and also Founder of HBCU Buzz definitely responded saying he’s a millennial and he wants baby boomers to shut up and stop complaining.

“Dear kids: I’m a Baby Boomer. We are getting old,” wrote Sommers in a Twitter post. “But at least we had sex, drugs and rock & roll. Seems like millennials have moral panics, workshops, and grievance circles. Time to rebel! xx mom.”

In response, Lawal argued that baby boomers like Sommers should learn to use iPhone applications including texting and FaceTime instead of constantly complaining about things it seems to be irrevelant.

“Dear Parents: I’m a Millennial. We are young,” wrote Lawal in response. “But at least we take risks, tech savvy and more politically informed. Seems like baby boomers just complain about texting/facetime, your day job and trump. Time to catch up!”

https://twitter.com/lukelawal/status/964406729776640002

Read The Three FAMU Law Grads Advancing The Lives Of Blacks In Society Now

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If you’ve noticed the fact that several famous people in Black History have all attended HBCUs, you’ll definitely want to check out these three graduates of FAMU Law advancing the lives of blacks in society now, and into the future.

In an interview with HBCU Buzz, Reshad Favors shared how Mosaic Law Firm which is an all-black owned law firm was started by these three black college grads back in November 2017. You can see the entire interview below.

According to Mosaic Law, while the firm’s primary focus areas are Personal Injury, Family Law, Landlord-Tenant, and Criminal Defense, the attorneys at Mosaic Law have extensive experience in many other areas of practice. Mosaic Law sets itself apart from other firms in three ways: client first, affordable solutions, and their attorneys, the website says.

Favors was also recognized as an HBCU Buzz “Top 30 Under 30 recipient back in 2014. “Mosaic Law Firm is an all-black owned law firm started by myself and two co-founders in November 2017,” Favors explained through email. “We met as law students at Florida A&M College of Law. We feel our story should be told on your platform not only because of our start and composition, but also because our plans for growth. Orlando, Erica and I came together to build a thriving atmosphere for black attorneys.”

He added:

“Each of us have experienced working for majority white law firms, both large and small. The implicit pressures of being accepted in such environments is something all black professionals inevitably face because of a lack of black owned and majority black employed businesses. We plan to eliminate these pressures for lawyers that look like us. We plan to not only provide an environment for “us” but to also demonstrate the necessity, power and influence of black owned and employed businesses. Our law firm is intended to reflect the community in which we serve.”

Despite the many opportunities for young black entrepreneurs to climb the ladder or the lack thereof, Mosaic intends to do just that. “Unfortunately, our community has not been exposed to entrepreneurship as much as our non-black counterparts,” he says. “We intend to use our success and future growth as a model for other young black entrepreneurs in all industries. Being that we have only been in operation for three months, we have yet to meet our full potential.”

He continued, “However, we feel that our story and goals should be told today to begin planting the seeds of entrepreneurialism in other black professional minds.”

Here are some more fun facts to know about Mosaic.

“Attending a HBCU gave me a familial feeling that I never had in school growing up . There were so many diverse invidivuals yet with so many similarities that it felt like we knew each other our entire lives.” – Orlando Sheppard, Esq.

“I had an opportunity to attend a PWI and a HBCU and the experiences were night and day. Sharing lived experiences with indivuals who had shared interests gave us a special bond. I met some of my best friends at Florida A&M College of Law. To see students and an administration who lived and embodied the school’s mission statement was certainly a breath of fresh air and something that was needed at such a pivotal moment in my life.” – Reshad Favors, Esq.

“As black attorneys, we represent less than 5% of the attorney population. Black male attorneys represent less than 1%. It is important to tell our story to your readers to let them know that we exist. Not only do Mosaic exist, but we thrive. Starting our firm was a statement to people who look like us that they can break the mold. Our firm is designed specifically for people like your readers; to serve them, employ them and fellowship with them. Mosaic believes that the readers of HBCU Buzz are the target audience who would like to know that they too can thrive and break molds.”

“The 5-10 year plan is to be the largest black/HBCU-owned firm in the nation. Mosaic want to accomplish this by branching out to different areas of the nation and to truly connect with the communities in which we serve. Currently, Mosaic serves in Florida and Washington, DC but the plan is to have attorneys who are barred in multiple states. Ultimately, we want to be the go-to firm for folks who look like us for all of their legal needs. We want to change the narrative surrounding black attorneys in our community. We want our brand to become synonymous with black excellence.”

HBCU Grad: ‘HBCUs Are Doing Students A Disservice When They Sell Students A Dream’

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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The Root recently reported on some disturbing news. According to a new report by AJC, some black colleges are graduating 1 out of 5 freshmen within 6 years which is an alarming rate.

But some say — and no matter how long it might take one to graduate from college — a degree is still a degree.

Central State University graduate Malik Perkins offered some words of advice for many students that aren’t prepared for life at a 4-year college and in particular the 107 historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, in the nation.

“Unfortunately, many black high school students come from struggling school districts that don’t adequately prepare them for college,” said Perkins, commenting on the alarming news through text. “HBCUs are gracious enough to accept them, but it’s still an uphill battle.”

He continued, “Also, students from poor districts often lack the economic and family support to complete their education in a timely matter. This forces them to take semesters off or go part-time.”

“HBCUs are still needed but those issues have been straining them for years,” Perkins added.

This is a great observation because these colleges are like second chance schools. However, HBCUs continue to graduate students who probably would have never received the incredible opportunity to go to college otherwise.

“But they really can’t afford to do that and at high numbers,” Perkins argued. “Students who aren’t ready to go to college need to go to a community college first and catch up.”

“Its actually doing black colleges a disservice when we sell them a dream knowing the lack the skills. Some make it, but many of them don’t graduate and end up back at home with debt. It’s a tough problem to fix,” he said.

The Book Deserts Of Underserved Communities

Posted by William Jackson
Posted on
There are deserts that span vast distances around the world. They lack the resources to support the diversity of life seen in
places that have sufficient environmental conditions that allow for growth of foliage allowing animals to live, survive and thrive.

The definition of a desert by Wikipedia is:
“A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and consequently living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life.” The application of this definition in many ways can be applied to under-served communities across this nation that suffer from lack of educational materials promoting reading.

Even though there are books in schools, libraries and community centers conditions may not be motivating for children in under-served communities.
Looking at the Twitter tags #BookDeserts, #BookDesert, #ReadingDeserts, there is a serious discussion promoting literacy
in communities. When there are children that love to read it can be challenging to find materials that excite them and their passion to learn about the areas they love.

Stated by Derrick Young (Mahogany Books in Washington, D.C.) about book deserts, “A book desert isn’t a community-created
situation.” Derek Young states, “It’s because other people have decided not to invest into these communities. It’s not because these communities aren’t readers.”

As an educator and two children attending universities I understand that education is an investment that has long term
applications, people living in distressed areas are on survival mode and not seeing long term events because they are surviving from day to day. Aida a mother and grandmother understands
the value and importance of reading. She taught her children that reading is a foundation to educational success.

As an inner city Title 1 teacher over 20 years I have seen students attention directed to just living, not worrying about where the next book will be coming from.
So books may not be available to inspire reading. Studies in 2015 and 2016 have shown that book deserts exist when there is a rise in income segregation, lack of infrastructure investment or financial stability is affected by job loss, incarceration and even when a school receives a failing grade on state assessments and funds are cut.

Negatively impacting a family’s and community’s capability to provide reading material. The focus changes and diminishes the chances of academic success. The impact on adults is big as well,
children do not see their parents reading the newspaper or books so they do not have role models or engagement to talk
about the news and current events.

Even neighborhood libraries face challenges because their materials maybe old, outdated and not culturally relevant. If a child does not see themselves in a book they may not want to read it if there is no previous exposure. Jacksonville Public Libraries often work within communities to provide resources and materials that broaden the vision of children and create a welcoming environment for Black, Latina, White, Asian, etc. There are still some parents that do not access the resources because of their lack of reading skills or past experiences.

In Jacksonville, Florida there are book stores “Chamblin” that have books bursting out of the walls to be purchased and can even be returned in exchange at a lower cost for other books. Teachers can even have accounts setup for their classrooms so students can purchase books and the teacher can pay for all or part of the book.

In this digital age where information sharing, collaboration and knowledge-based application is important. Reading is an essential skill that transcends generations, genders, lifestyles and cultures. Communities of color sometimes lack the educational investments necessary to inspire children, youth, teens and young adults to read, but parents do guide their children to educational success
and movement, parents are the first role models by modeling.

Too often the societal perception and even the media has the idea that people in challenged or poor neighborhoods don’t care about the achievement of their children. This is further from the truth, parents in under-served neighborhoods want the best for their children, because of circumstances in finances, educational lacking, and other social issues do not have the means to provide proper and lasting resources.

Bookstores like “Chamblin” and Jacksonville Public Libraries fill the gap in book deserts so long as there is proper investment and a vision for growth and success to meet the needs of diverse communities.

Parents make 2018 the year of engagement with your children to get them to enjoy reading. Make it a part of your and their life every day. Over 200 Books for and about People of Color and Culture.

https://youtu.be/Uo6UDfrJgqk

Posted by William Jackson Posted on 40 articles

Hampton University Grad And Black Panther’s Costume Designer On Being Inspired By Ancient African Tribes

Posted by HBCU Editors
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Marvel’s Black Panther movie is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2018. But beyond a star-studded lineup of incredible black talents such as Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Lupita Nyong’o, the film also includes an action-packed storyline equipped with a variety of jaw-dropping costumes. So we caught up with Ruth E. Carter, the Academy Award-nominated designer behind the film to talk about how the ancient tribes of Africa inspired her designs of the superhero costumes.

Carter is no stranger to recreating representations of blacks in films—she’s also the creative mastermind behind some of the most iconic black films in history—School Daze, Malcolm X, Amistad, Do the Right Thing, Roots (2016) and Selma, to name a few. Below she shares her design process and inspiration behind the film’s costumes.

Image result for Ruth E. Carter

Ruth E. Carter on working with the film production team and planning for the design process. 

Marvel Studios gave me a blueprint. They had a lot of plans for the costumes, whether it was visual effects, special effects, or photo doubles. So they told me the elements the costume needed to have. From rich saturated colors and beautiful prints to textures—these things were rooted in African culture.

So we researched all of these wonderful different ancient tribes from the continent of Africa such as the Xhosa, Zula, Himba, and Maasai, and learned about their secrets and the reason behind doing things a certain way. For instance, when The Himba Tribe used this beautiful red clay that they put all over their bodies (including, jewelry hands, and hair) it was for the desert dwellers to have moisturizer. It also made your skin and hair really soft. It even had Shea butter—it was also so colorful and intense. It could even be bottled and sold today as a moisturizer.

On the other hand, the Maasai Tribe was known for all of this beautiful beadwork—so we wanted to direct the costumes towards that look. The stacked rings are a very prominent visual jewelry and were worn by ancient African tribes—that was also part of the framework that Marvel said we would like to have. I hired a jewelry designer who does African-inspired jewelry. She created rings, and necklaces—featuring a hand-tooled element that really pulled the looks together. We also pulled inspiration for the costumes from the draped robe attire that you often see in the Nigerian culture.

This story was written by Kandia Johnson, a contributor to Black Enterprise, where it originally published. This story is published here with permission.