Alabama A&M Dancin’ Divas Named #RADIANTDANCEOFF Contest Winner

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World stop!

The Dancin’ Divas of Alabama A&M University danced their way to a $25,000 scholarship from The Tampax and Always Radiant Collection and custom uniforms designed by Brea Stinson.

Though substantial, the monetary reward wasn’t the sole benefit of this campaign that was literally bursting at the seams with black girl magic. Brea Stinson is an HBCU alumna herself, graduating from Clark Atlanta University. The celebrity fashion designer whose garments and styling has landed clients like Beyonce, Willow Smith, Nas, Kelly Rowland, and Usher was thrilled to unite to empower young ladies at a time when building confidence is essential – college years.

“During that time of the month, it can be challenging to feel like your best self, which is why I’m so excited to partner with the Tampax and Always Radiant Collection to inspire HBCU dancers to feel and look confident during their periods no matter what they wear” 

From November 2 – 15, The Tampax and Always Radiant Collection and HBCU Dance Corporation, Inc. teamed up to host the #RadiantDanceOff. #RadiantDanceOff in a national, online dance competition sponsored by HBCU Dance. The competition exclusively for majorette teams at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) was created to give majorettes the chance to show off their moves and demonstrate how confidence is the key to feeling radiant any day of the month.

The winning AAMU Dancin Divas are known for their acrobatic moves and out of site choreographer. The fairly young team was first featured in 1998 and performs alongside the university band, the Marching Maroon and White.

Upon winning, the divas shared their excitement: “Yesterday marked a major milestone in our 19 year history….. if given only 1 word to describe our current mood, we’d sum up those emotions by simply saying “surreal”. Our “story” is one of perseverance; and, as we reflect back on the very beginning and conception of our program, it’s hard not to get emotional about how much it has evolved. The progress over the years has been phenomenal and we are truly grateful and humbled to have an opportunity to represent our university, our brand, the SWAC, and HBCU dancers around the globe! Being selected as the Grand Prize Winners of the Radiant Dance Off Contest is a HUGE honor and we don’t take that designation lightly . Thank you to HBCU Dance Corp and P&G for affording us this opportunity and providing a platform for all HBCU Dance Programs to be recognized. For everyone who voted, shared, prayed and supported in ANY capacity, we say THANK YOU!! The outpouring of support that we received from the local and virtual community, Marching Maroon and White Band and Alumni, Alabama A&M Alumni, Dancin’ Diva Alumni, Dancin’ Diva parents, friends, family and fans during the voting period was remarkable. We couldn’t have made it from 1 of 22 to 1 of 5 to #1 without your persistence and belief in us. 2018 marks our 20th year in existence and we could not have imagined a better way to kick off the new season …we look forward to and embrace what lies ahead. Thank You, Thank You, THANK YOU!!”

Read the official press announcement:

CINCINNATI – December 12, 2017 –  The Radiant Collection from Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) leading feminine protection brands Tampax® and Always®, in partnership with HBCU Dance Corporation, Inc. named the Alabama A&M Dancin’ Divas the winner of the inaugural #RadiantDanceOff contest.

The #RadiantDanceOff, a national online dance competition designed exclusively for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), was conceptualized after learning that African-American women compromise their style and avoid activities like dancing while on their periods1. The contest proves to women everywhere that they can confidently wear and do whatever they want any day of the month while showcasing the bold moves and fierce costumes worn by HBCU majorettes.

“From submissions to voting, we couldn’t believe the level of participation we saw from the teams, students, alumni and fans,” says Keelia Brown founder of HBCU Dance Corporation, Inc. “Not only will the prize awarded by The Tampax and Always Radiant Collection make a valuable impact on the winning school, the #RadiantDanceOff competition really highlights the confidence and talent of the amazing women who make up the teams.”

Alabama A&M’s Dancin’ Divas beat out 21 teams across the country for $25,000 in scholarships and custom uniforms designed by Clark Atlanta University alumna and sought-after celebrity costume and fashion designer, Brea Stinson. The team will rock their new costumes in the 2018 school year.

“We are so thrilled to have won the first #RadiantDanceOff contest! Our performance uniforms typically don’t afford us a lot of options when it comes to selecting the appropriate feminine products and as you can imagine, it could be a nightmare without the right protection. The Radiant Collection eliminated the need for worry so now our Divas, affectionately known as the ‘hardest working ladies in the SWAC,’ can focus on what they do best— entertaining our audiences!” said Chrishana Granger, Coordinator of the Dancin’ Divas.

Over the course of two weeks, HBCU majorette teams battled it out for the top five spots in the #RadiantDanceOff competition. To enter, eligible teams submitted a short essay highlighting why their team runs the yard along with a two-minute video that was voted on by fans, alumni and students. A panel then judged the top five dance teams with the highest number of votes on:

  • Difficulty of dance steps, cohesiveness and technical proficiency
  • Originality of dance performance
  • Creative execution of wardrobe selection
  • Ability to convey character and expression in the dance
  • Essay Submission

“We couldn’t be more excited to grant the Alabama A&M Dancin’ Divas with a $25,000 scholarship and brand new uniforms! All of the dance teams are incredibly talented so it was tough to pick one winner,” says Amanda Hill, Brand Director, North America Feminine Care at Procter & Gamble. “The Tampax and Always Radiant Collection is all about giving women the freedom to be the fiercest version of themselves any day of the month. These women radiate confidence every day and now they are going to shine even brighter on the field.”

Check out the ladies in action:

Official Contest Rules

For full details, see the Official Rules at http://radiantdanceoff.com/rules.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open exclusively to 2017 official female marching band dance teams of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as nominated for participation by their current team director, sponsor, advisor or coach. Submission Period ends on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 11:59:59 am ET. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Tampax is not the Sponsor or Administrator of this Contest. Sponsor: HBCU Dance Corporation, Inc.

Key Survey Findings

  • 4 in 5 African American women say they avoid wearing certain types of clothes during their period for fear of leaks.
  • Nearly half of African American women say they bring a jacket or sweater to wrap around their waist during their period when they’re going out to meet friends or on a date.
  • A quarter of African American women say they avoid dancing while on their period.
  • Half of African American women say they use mostly pads for their period protection.

 

About The Radiant Collection

With The Radiant Collection from Tampax® and Always®, women can mix and match protection for every occasion without sacrificing their personal style.

  • Tampax Radiant tampons feature a CleanSeal™ re-sealable wrapper for quick and easy, discreet disposal and a LeakGuard™ braid to help stop leaks before they happen.
  • Always Radiant pads feature a light, clean scent and absorb 10x their weight for protection you’ll forget is even there.
  • Always Radiant Daily Liners have a CleanGuard™ quilted core to absorb wetness and odors.

 

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

The Tampax and Always Radiant Collection HBCU campaign survey was conducted by MSLGROUP, and surveyed a total of 502 African American women, aged 18-35, with some college education, 2 year college degree, 4 year college degree, graduate degree, or a post-graduate degree. The survey was implemented between the dates of September 11, 2017 and September 15, 2017.

ABOUT HBCU DANCE CORPORATION, INC.

Founded in 2010, HBCU Dance Corporation, Inc. uses dance as a way to inspire students to attend (or stay in) college, preferably at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU). Through its college centric dance camps, annual scholarships, mentoring programs, healthy food initiatives and funding assistance services, HBCU Dance Corporation plays an important role in helping female students, ages 12-22, recognize their beauty, strengths and full potential, while helping them identify and achieve their goals in college and beyond. To learn more about HBCU Dance Corporation, Inc., visit www.HBCUDance.com.

ABOUT PROCTER & GAMBLE

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

______________________________

1 The Tampax and Always Radiant Collection HBCU campaign survey, 2017

Cheyney Football Program Calls a Quit

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Cheyney University, on of the oldest HBCUs is calling it quits in football. Cheyney has decided to drop football, according to a release by its conference, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. See release  Below

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is aware of Cheyney University’s announcement of dropping football from its sports sponsorship menu.

We have been in contact with Cheyney University President Aaron Walton as he and his staff deliberated potential actions. The communications between the Conference and President Walton have been objective and forthright on both sides.

These are very difficult times financially for many institutions of higher education in the country and the Commonwealth. Cheyney’s decision is a result of that.

The Conference Office will work with its member institutions to find potential opponents in the 10 now open dates in mandated league schedules.

The Wolves finished 1-10 in 2017.

Changes in Leadership at Wilberforce University, Tony Pinkard Named President

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See below for the statement to the to the Wilberforce University Community from Chair of the Board of Trustees Mark Wilson

Life is a series of comings and goings and we must at times say farewell to those who have occupied precious status in our lives. If we are fortunate, we may also simultaneously welcome a new and promising chapter. This is the rhythm of life that touches us all.

Since 2016, President Herman J. Felton, Jr. has led Wilberforce University with vision and strategic thinking and action. Under his leadership, Wilberforce has embarked on a bold path to reclaiming institutional prominence as defined by the Wilberforce Renaissance. President Felton has served Wilberforce University as president with distinction and hard work and the University has grown stronger and more confident in its future under his leadership.

President Felton has begun a significant transformation here at Wilberforce and his work is complete. President Felton has announced that he will depart Wilberforce University to pursue an opportunity that will continue his work in the HBCU community. The Wilberforce University Board of Trustees and the University family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation and gratitude for Dr Felton’s leadership at Wilberforce. A presidential transition is always an uncertain and uneasy time as the University community says farewell to a beloved president. Presidents, however, are temporary guardians of the institutional legacy and future. It is the University community that represent the heart and soul of Wilberforce and who are responsible for advancing and supporting our mission of teaching, learning and service. Wilberforce University has existed since 1856 having faced good times and challenging times always transcending the challenges and embracing a future with confidence and audacity. In 2017, this resolve and intention for greatness is undiminished.

The Wilberforce University Board of Trustees has been especially intentional and strategic in developing a presidential succession plan to assure continuity of leadership and an uninterrupted continuance of the institutional transformation established under President Felton. To that end, the Wilberforce University Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to appoint current Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard as the 22nd President of Wilberforce University to succeed Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr.  Dr. Pinkard is a seasoned administrator who is uniquely qualified for the position as he has worked closely with Dr. Felton in developing the path forward for the University. The incredible and exciting momentum occasioned by the Wilberforce Renaissance will continue unabated. Our current president, Herman J. Felton, Jr. will work closely with incoming president, Elfred Anthony Pinkard to facilitate and support a smooth and seamless transition of presidential leadership.

Wilberforce University is assured a vibrant and secure future if as a University community of alumni, students, administrators, staff, and faculty we collectively commit to hard and honorable work on behalf of this venerable institution.

In 1865, if Daniel Payne and the men and women of goodwill who believed in a vision for Wilberforce University could consider the burned embers of a destroyed campus and remain undeterred and certain about a wonderful future, we will do no less as we face a future of challenge and opportunity. This is the fierce and proud legacy that we have inherited and will continue to guard and execute.

We wish you a safe and joyous holiday and look forward to all good things for you, your families, and Wilberforce University in 2018.

SIAC Signs Head to Toe Nike Deal

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ATLANTA, Ga. – The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), BSN Sports and NIKE have entered into a six-year agreement which will make Nike the exclusive apparel, accessory, and equipment brand of the SIAC. The agreement will begin January 2018.

“As one of the top five brands in the world and the preeminent shoe and apparel company the on the planet, it would be difficult to overstate the significance of this agreement with Nike,” stated Gregory Moore, commissioner of the SIAC, “I am certain that this partnership will also have “halo effect” throughout the entire conference positively impacting our brand, the experiences of our student-athletes and coaches and enhancing our value proposition to prospective student-athletes.”

All SIAC member institutions will have access to all Nike game and practice uniforms, Nike shoes and all training equipment through BSN SPORTS. Special online purchase opportunities will also be given to all SIAC members including college and university alumni, fans, students, and parents at key times during the academic calendar (e.g. back-to-school, homecoming and football classics, holiday and graduations).

“The significant investment which Nike has made in the SIAC is not just a testament to our outstanding institutions, student-athletes, coaches, and alumni, but it also underscores the longstanding special and unique relationship that Nike shares with HBCUs in general and our students, fans and alumni in particular,” said George French Jr., Chairman of the SIAC Council of Presidents.

Bill Stote, Senior Vice President of Collegiate Select at BSN SPORTS added, “We are extremely excited to partner with the SIAC and Nike to provide all SIAC member schools with the finest apparel and athletic gear. By partnering together, we are able to elevate the performance and impact of the SIAC athletic program, as well as, the student-athlete experience on and off the field or court. We are proud to be their partner.”

ABOUT NIKE, INC.
NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.

ABOUT BSN SPORTS
BSN SPORTS is the leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 100,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce, and direct sales. Focused on providing game changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS’ more than 2,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit www.bsnsports.com.

ABOUT THE SIAC:
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of historically black colleges and universities with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 14 member institutions (Albany State University, Benedict College, Central State University, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Paine College, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University) which are located within a contiguous six-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors seven men’s and six women’s sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II.

VSU, Bowie, Grambling and NCAT Athletes Finalists For The Deacon Jones Award

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ATLANTA (December 1, 2017) – The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced today four Finalists for the Black College Football Player of the Year Award. The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) that embodies the rich tradition of athletic excellence and integrity associated with HBCUs. Former North Carolina A&T State University, and current Chicago Bears Running Back, Tarik Cohen was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2016.   The 2017 Finalists include RB Trenton Cannon (Virginia State University), QB Amir Hall(Bowie State University), QB DeVante Kincade (Grambling State University) and QB Lamar Raynard (North Carolina A&T State University).   The Finalists were chosen by a five-member Selection Committee, which is composed of Black College Football Hall of Fame founders James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams, longtime SBN Broadcaster and Director of News and Sports for the Power News Radio Network Ty Miller, former USA Today sports writer Roscoe Nance, and ESPN College Football Analyst Jay Walker.   “The Black College Football Player of the Year Award showcases the immense talent of our HBCU student-athletes today,” said Doug Williams, BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee. “Each finalist has had an incredible season and we are excited to celebrate their success.”   The winner of the 2017 Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on February 10, 2018 at the Ninth Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta, Georgia. He will be presented with the Deacon Jones Trophy, named in honor of the football legend and inaugural BCFHOF inductee.   “On behalf of the Black College Football Hall of Fame Trustees, we congratulate the Black College Football Player of the Year Finalists,” said James “Shack” Harris, Co-Founder and 2012 Inductee. “These student-athletes represent the very best of HBCU football.” The Finalists will also be recognized at the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta on December 16th, along with the BCFHOF Class of 2018, which will be televised on ABC.

BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

About Deacon Jones

David “Deacon” Jones played defensive end for South Carolina State University and Mississippi Valley State University from 1958 to 1960. Blessed with speed, agility, and quickness, the “Deacon” became one of the finest pass rushers in the business. He won unanimous All-NFL honors six straight years from 1965 through 1970 and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. Jones is an inaugural Black College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2010) and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

About Black College Football Hall of Fame

The Black College Football Hall of Fame was established in October of 2009 by African-American pioneers and quarterbacks, Pro Bowl MVP James “Shack” Harris and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams, to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There have been 64 Inductees since inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees.

New Members Of TMCF Board Of Directors Include Top Fortune 500 Executives From Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. And Microsoft

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WASHINGTON: Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Board Chairman, Jim Clifton, announced the appointment of Phyllis P. Harris, senior vice president and general counsel of Legal Operations at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and Gail Thomas, vice president of US Public Sector at Microsoft, as TMCF’s two newest members of its Board of Directors.

Phyllis Harris leads Walmart’s corporate team of attorneys and legal professionals in the areas of employment, intellectual property, information security and corporate governance and affairs law. Additionally, she manages data and analytics, diversity and inclusion programs, outside counsel management, and other programs to support the talent development of Walmart’s legal team.

“It’s an honor to serve on the TMCF board,” said Harris. “Helping our nation’s youth with access to opportunities for higher education is critical today and for generations to come. For more than 10 years, Walmart has been supporting TMCF and its commitment to academic achievement and success for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I look forward to continuing to support this important mission and goal of furthering higher education dreams and aspirations of so many.”

Before joining Walmart in 2006, Harris spent twenty years with the US Environmental Protection Agency where she was a member of the Senior Executive Service and served as the deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance in Washington, DC and Regional Counsel in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2001, Ms. Harris was conferred the rank of meritorious executive by President George W. Bush for sustained superior accomplishments.

As vice president of US Public Sector at Microsoft, Thomas leads a large team of sales professionals serving federal, state and local governments, and education customers across the country. Their goal is to ensure the United States continues to lead, prosper and remain competitive by delivering innovative Microsoft products to help empower these organizations to achieve more.

“An integral part of the Public Sector work I have the privilege of leading is a mission near-and-dear to my heart: empowering every student on the planet to achieve more. For over a decade, through our Thurgood Marshall College Fund – Microsoft (TMCF-MS) Software Grants and TMCF Technology Initiative, we’ve invested directly in member schools’ digital infrastructure in an effort to best prepare students, faculty, and administration with cutting-edge tools and software, said Thomas. “Every year we continue to be impressed by the talented set of students entering job market via TMCF’s programs—several of which we’re fortunate to have join Microsoft as employees. I’m incredibly excited to continue on with our mission of empowering students and TMCF member-schools.”

Prior to her current role, Thomas spent five years as the regional VP, Microsoft US West Region and also served as a board member for the California Chamber of Commerce. Thomas has been with Microsoft in various senior leadership positions for 25 years.

“TMCF’s extraordinary success is due, in part, to having a Board of Directors comprised of senior executive leaders from America’s most successful, transformative companies,” said TMCF President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. The Black College Community will benefit immensely from having Walmart’s Phyllis Harris and Microsoft’s Gail Thomas around the board table helping architect TMCF’s long-term strategic direction and value proposition.”

Clifton, who is also chairman and CEO of Gallup, welcomed Harris and Thomas to the board, saying “2017 has been a year of strategic growth and expansion at TMCF and we are pleased to have two exemplary additions to our Board that will assuredly be of great benefit to all of the nearly 300,000 HBCU students we proudly represent.”

Keisha Lance Bottoms to Join Legacy of HBCU-Educated Mayors Governing the City of Atlanta

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The city of Atlanta welcomes is 60th mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms. Bottoms is a proud graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) and woman of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. After winning a runoff election by 750 votes, Bottoms greeted a crowd of exuberant supporters. She ran through a list of thank you’s to her siblings, family, friends, and campaign staff.

With her four adopted children surrounding her, one affectionately laying on her arm, Bottoms shared a direct message to some of her supporters:

“For all the little girls out there, who need somebody to believe that you are better than your circumstances, I️ want you all to remember that black girl magic is real…”

Bottoms is a prime example of the reality that is black girl magic, as is Shirley Franklin.

Fifteen years ago, the city of Atlanta welcomed Shirley Franklin as its 58th mayor. Like Bottoms, Franklin is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.(honorary) and won the mayoral election with 50% of the votes. In 2002, the Howard University (HU) graduate made history as the first female mayor of the city in addition to becoming the first black woman to be elected mayor of a major southern city. Under Franklin’s leadership Atlanta transformed from having one of the lowest percentages of ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’-certified buildings to one of the highest. Franklin left a “green” legacy as she focused on sustainability and environmental friendliness, introducing the “Clean Water Act” her first year I️n office.

Image result for keisha lance bottoms

Blazing a trail behind Franklin, is her fellow Howard graduate Kasim Reed. Attorney Mohammed Kasim Reed is a two-time graduate of Howard University and man of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. I️n 2002 Reed was appointed as the youngest General Trustee to serve on Howard’s Board of Trustees where he continues to serve. Mayor Reed has held his current position as the 59th mayor of Atlanta since 2010. Like Bottoms, the two-term mayor faced a runoff election against republican candidate for Mayor, Mary Norwood, and won by 714 votes. Reed’s legacy includes balancing ]the city’s budget by limiting pensions for employees, spending the money on the police force and community centers I️n poor neighborhoods.

 

I️n 2002 Howard University alumna Shirley Franklin became the 58th mayor of the city of Atlanta.

I️n 2010 Howard University alum Kasim Reed became the 59th mayor of the city of Atlanta.

Next year, FAMU alumna Keisha Lance Bottoms will be officially sworn in as the 60th mayor of the city of Atlanta.

 

If doing math correctly, the city of Atlanta faces the potential of having a HBCU graduate at the helm of its government for 24 years! HU and FAMU have many reasons to be proud and Keisha Lance Bottoms, Kasim Reed, and Shirley Franklin are three of them.

Image result for keisha lance bottoms college

FUN FACTS:

  • Shirley Franklin and Keisha Lance Bottoms are both members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
  • Mayor Reed’s wife, Shirley Sarah-Elizabeth Langford Reed also graduated from the Howard University School of Law.
  • Before he died, Shirley Franklin’s husband David was a proud Morehouse Man.
  • Keisha and husband Derek both have juris doctorate degrees.
  • Keisha Lance Bottoms and Kasim Reed are childhood friends.
  • Bottoms is one of nine children born to soul music legend Major Lance.

Howard Grad and DJ Goes from Hollywood Clubs to the NFL’s Turkey Bowl Halftime Show

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On Thanksgiving Day, while multiplatinum recording artist Jason Derulo hit the field for the NFL Turkey Bowl halftime show between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings, Jae Murphy simultaneously hit the turntables in preparation for the pop singer’s big debut. Subtly dressed in a black Colin Kaepernick t-shirt, Murphy brought his signature high-energy style to the stage as over 126 million viewers tuned in from their living rooms around the country.

Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Murphy always had a passion for music and entertainment, and began building his name as “The Voice” of Howard University, where he would often serve as a host alongside of a number of celebrity guests during his stint at the famed HBCU. Upon graduating he became the host and DJ for the 2012 BET Music Matters tour headlined by Kendrick Lamar, and soon after moved to Los Angeles where a number of opportunities opened up for the SKAM artist, including tours with artists such as French Montana, Problem and Eric Bellinger.

In 2014 Murphy co-wrote and released his first record “You Playin’ (This Could Be Us)” ft. Game, Eric Bellinger and Problem, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Twitter Emerging Artists chart, and also earned writing credits on Eric Bellinger’s record “Viral” from the Cuffing Season album, which debuted No. 6 on Billboard’s R&B Album’s chart.

Over the last couple of years Murphy has joined Derulo on the road as his official DJ, gracing stages around the globe, as well as making appearances at last year’s Forbes Under 30 Music Festival, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel.

But being a DJ isn’t just about festivals and world tours; it’s a business—and Murphy knows that to stay in the game, you have to play like a boss.

As Jason Derulo’s official DJ you recently had the opportunity to perform at the NFL Turkey Bowl half-time show in front of 126 million viewers. What qualities do you bring to the table that has enabled you to get on stage in front of millions of fans?

Just giving the energy that Jason needs to complete the duration of his performance and knowing how to act and perform on TV without being nervous. I’m the only other person on stage that has a microphone besides Jason, so Jason trusts me not to say any wild stuff with a mic in my hand. Him trusting me and allowing me to be vocally present during the performance, it’s definitely a blessing

Your resume is pretty impressive. You’ve worked with a number of notable artists and toured with various events since leaving college five years ago. How did you go about building your brand as a DJ?

I’ve been building my brand as a DJ since 2009 by exploring my talent, music selection, stage presence and vocal presentation. When you’re able to captivate any audience—whether it’s a room of 30 or a room of 30,000—that is your one moment to sell yourself to that audience and for that audience to remember who you are after you get off that stage. So I’m able to brand myself as someone who is very much animated, charismatic and witty, but also educated on performance.

A lot of times when we’re doing state fairs or festivals or whatever, I’m booked to DJ an entire hour before Jason even comes out. So I’ve been able to brand my talent to the point where I’m a separate entity. I’m not only just Jason Derulo’s DJ, I’m also Jae Murphy. Me being somebody who’s still in his 20s, me being relatable, me being a testimony or a success story, that alone makes my brand so credible and believable. I have a real story, and as people have grown with me over the years, they’ve seen the story unfold.

What advice would you give to an aspiring DJ about building their brand and social media following so that they’re attracting bigger opportunities?

They should definitely try to master their 10,000 hours. 10,000 hours read more

Howard’s Mike London Wins 2017 AFCA Regional Coach of the Year

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WACO, Texas (December 5, 2017) – The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced its 2017 Regional Coach of the Year winners and Howard University’s Football Head Coach Mike London was among the recipients. The announcement came Tuesday morning.

“It is an honor and privilege to be recognized for this prestigious award,” London stated. “Words cannot express my gratitude to the coaches, players, athletic director [Kery Davis] and Howard President Wayne [A.I.] Frederick for the opportunity to be the head football coach at Howard. The award reflects a team effort in turning around this program. All of us are a team.”

These winners will be honored at the American Football Coaches Awards, presented by Amway, broadcast live on the USA TODAY Sports Facebook page on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, at 8 p.m. ET. The awards show will air from the Crown Ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center during the 2018 AFCA Convention.

London’s first season at HU began with the program’s first FBS win as the Bison beat UNLV, which according to ESPN,  deemed the biggest upset in college football history. Furthermore, Howard finished second in the conference with a 6-2 mark while posting its first winning season since 2012.

On Nov. 20, Coach London was named a finalist for the 31st STATS FCS Eddie Robinson Award.

The AFCA recognizes five regional Coach of the Year winners in each of the Association’s five divisions: Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Division II, Division III and NAIA. The winners are selected by Active members of the Association who vote for coaches in their respective regions and divisions.

The AFCA will announce the 2017 National Coaches of the Year winners in FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA at the American Football Coaches Awards, presented by Amway, broadcast live on the USA TODAY Sports Facebook page on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 8 p.m. EST. The Regional winners in each division are finalists for the National Coach of the Year.

The AFCA began recognizing district coaches of the year following the 1960 season. The awards were established the same year Eastman Kodak agreed to sponsor the AFCA Coach of the Year award. Before 1960, the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain had sponsored the program, which recognized one national Coach of the Year.

The AFCA first recognized eight district winners in each of two divisions: university and college. In 1972, a ninth district was added in each division. In 1983, the award was changed to recognize regional winners instead of district winners. The number of divisions was also increased from two to four and five regional winners were selected in each division. This resulted in a more equitable selection process and better represented the make-up of the membership. At the same time, the new system increased the number of honorees from 18 to 20. In 2006, the AFCA?Division II Award was split into separate Division II and NAIA divisions, giving us the 25 winners we now recognize.

To view the entire 2017 AFCA Regional Coach of the Year winners, please Click Here.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

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What Impact Do HBCUs Have On The US Economy

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Historically black colleges and universities account for a quarter of the degrees earned by African Americans in STEM fields — science, technology, engineering and math — but the country’s 101 accredited HBCUs represent just 3 percent of public and nonprofit private institutions receiving federal student aid.
HBCUs contribute nearly $15 billion to the U.S. economy, according to a new report by The United Negro College Fund (UNCF).  The study prepared by the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth. Nationally, HBCUs are educating and preparing students for “an information-age workforce,” said Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of the UNCF, in a prepared statement. Locally, they’re a powerful economic engine that generates jobs, income and spending in the cities where they are located.
“The study demonstrates conclusively that HBCUs are not only relevant to the country’s economic health and vigor, they are necessary,” Lomax said.
There are 101 public and private accredited HBCUs concentrated in 19 states — mainly in the Southeast — the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They enroll almost 300,000 students — about 80 percent are African American, and 70 percent are from low-income families.
HBCUs (they’re listed alphabetically here) enjoy disproportionate success at helping African American college students earn bachelor’s degrees, according to the report.

For example, in 2014, HBCUs:

  • Accounted for just 3 percent of public and nonprofit private institutions receiving federal student aid.
  • Enrolled 10 percent of African American college students nationwide.
  • Accounted for 17 percent of the bachelor’s degrees earned by African Americans and 24 percent of the degrees earned by African Americans in STEM fields.

The top eight institutions where African American Ph.D.s in science and engineering earned their bachelor’s degrees from 2002 to 2011 were all HBCUs, according to the National Science Foundation. Read full Via Moguldom 

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Spelman Grad Set To Become Youngest Black Cannabis Dispensary Owner

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Hope Wiseman is a 25-year-old set to become the country’s youngest black female owner of a cannabis dispensary.

The dispensary, Mary and Main, is set to open in winter 2018 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. It will offer medical marijuana in the form of a variety of products. With a medical recommendation, customers will be able to buy cannabis sativa and indica at Wiseman’s shop, as well as cannabis tea, edibles, balms and tinctures.

In an interview with the Washington Informer, Wiseman credits the war on drugs for her interest in the cannabis industry.

“I saw how the war on drugs impacted my community and I knew I wanted to be involved in cannabis to correct that,” the Maryland native said. “I started doing research in my home state and I knew that at that time there would be a bill legalized soon. The next step is an application process and they don’t really announce it, but you’ve just got to know.”

Wiseman said that once a license is awarded, a buy-in cost of $200,000 within two years of being certified is required.

“With an investment banking background I knew what I had to do and began to raise money,” she said. “I also knew I needed to get investors to go in on this with me and I partnered with my mother, who’s a dentist and another investor. From there I left my job as a Equity Institutional Sales Analyst at SunTrust in Atlanta and came back home.”

In addition to Mary and Main, Wiseman also founded Compassionate Herbal Alternative to help create opportunities for minorities who have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.

Read full via Blavity

Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, First Woman To Lead Prairie View A&M University

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The Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System unanimously voted Monday to name Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, a nationally recognized leader in higher education, as the 8th president of Prairie View A&M University. She made history when she became the first Black woman to become the president of an Ivy League school, and now Simmons will assume the presidency of Texas’ second oldest public institution becoming the first woman to lead the university in its 140-year history.

Simmons, who has been serving as the interim president since July, was the only finalist being considered for the position. Faculty expect that her prominence and experience as a leader in higher education will bring the cultural capital necessary to raise the research profile of the historically Black institution.

“I knew Dr. Simmons was the right fit to lead Prairie View when we asked her to serve as interim president,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp in a statement. “I am so excited by the prospect of President Simmons serving our campus for the long-term.”

Simmons’ first presidency was at Smith College, which began in 1995. From 2001-2012, she served as the President of Brown University for over a decade. She has served in an array of academic and administrative positions at universities across the country, such as Princeton University, Spelman College and the University of Southern California. She is currently on the Board of Trustees at Rice University and has served on the boards of Princeton University and Howard University.

“I think this is one of the best things that could ever happen to Prairie View,” said Dr. Fred Bonner, a professor who holds an endowed chair in Educational Leadership and Counseling at the university. Bonner believes Simmons’ reputation and the relationship that she is developing with the institution will inspire students at the university.

 

FAMU Alumna Dee Rees Movie Mudbound’ is the Best Movie Netflix Has Released Thus Far

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Writer-director Dee Rees has been a shining star in the independent film world for years now, having given us movies like her striking debut feature “Pariah” in 2011, about a black Brooklyn teenager struggling with her gay identity, and the 2015 HBO biopic “Bessie,” about legendary blues artist Bessie Smith. But it’s her latest movie that will make her a known name in the mainstream.

“Mudbound,” which received high acclaim at this year’s Sundance Film Festival before being snatched up by Netflix for $12.5 million (it will play in theaters and be available on the site Friday), is a gripping work that looks at life on a rural Mississippi farm in post-World War II America. But it also contains themes of race and class that are sadly still very relevant in today’s world.

The movie is fueled by its perfect cast — which includes Carey Mulligan, Jason Mitchell, Jason Clarke, Garrett Hedlund, and Mary J. Blige — rich cinematography, and tender screenplay cowritten by Rees and Virgil Williams (adapted from the Hillary Jordan novel of the same name). It opens on a Mississippi farm with brothers Henry (Clarke) and Jamie (Hedlund) digging the grave for their recently departed father (Jonathan Banks) in the middle of a downpour. Jamie has cuts and bruises on his face, while Henry is conflicted about burying his father among the chains and bones of slaves they’ve uncovered while digging the deep grave.

We aren’t aware of the significance of any of these things, or why the black family in a carriage that Henry waves down to help with the burial looks so upset at him for asking. But in the next few hours it will all make sense.

“Mudbound” is a story about dreams that go unfulfilled, and how hatred that goes back generations can’t be mended by a single friendship. But mostly it’s about family: for one character it’s all he has, while for another it’s what he’s been trying to run from his whole life.

The two families the movie centers on are the McAllans and Jacksons. Henry McAllan, his new wife Laura (Mulligan), and his father Pappy (Banks) have all packed up and moved from the city to Mississippi to become farmers. Just down the road, Hap Jackson (Rob Morgan), his wife Florence (Blige), and their kids try to build a life of their own with their cotton crop, working on land McAllan owns.

(L-R) Rob Morgan and Jason Mitchell in “Mudbound.” Netflix

This part of the movie is heightened by the work of character actor Rob Morgan, known best for his roles on Netflix shows “Luke Cage” and “Stranger Things.” He plays Hap as a proud man struggling to make a better life for his family, though all he knows is back-breaking work on the farm. Preaching in a half-built church on Sundays, and then tending to his cotton the rest of the week, we feel his pain through his heartbreaking voiceovers. One touching voiceover on the worth of a deed — playing on the word’s dual meaning as a “good deed” or a “deed” to land — is delivered in a way by Morgan that will leave you with goosebumps.

Read full at Business Insider

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xucHiOAa8Rs

 

VSU Basketball Team Ranked 2nd in the Recent D2SIDA Atlantic Region Poll

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ETTRICK, Va. (December 4, 2017) – The Virginia State University men’s basketball team has secured the 2nd spot in the D2SIDA Atlantic Men’s Basketball Poll released today.

The Trojans (6-0) are off to a great start winning their first six games over Pitts-Johnstown (79-75), Indiana University of Pennsylvania (69-64), Lees-McRae College (94-77), Newberry College (90-85), Newport News Apprentice School (94-55) and Bluefield State College (86-55) last week.

D2SIDA Men’s Basketball Atlantic Region Poll
Dec. 4, 2017

Rank School W-L Pts  Previous
1 Wheeling Jesuit (5) 7-0 50 1
2 Virginia State 6-0 43 2
3 West Liberty 7-0 40 3
4 West Chester 7-0 32 5
5 East Stroudsburg 6-0 27 6
6 Kutztown 6-1 22 9
7 Shippensburg 6-2 18 8
8 Fairmont State 5-2 16 10
9 Indiana (Pa.) 6-4 11 7
10 Johnson C. Smith 7-2 10 RV

The Trojans will host No.1 ranked Wheeling Jesuit University on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the VSU Multipurpose Center. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on VSU men’s basketball, please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.

NFL’s Attempt To Bribe Players With $100M Failed

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The NFL’s attempt to bribe players with money, about $100 million, in exchange for the protests against the National Anthem to end was unsuccessful. A number of players rejected the offer and stood their ground.

TMZ reports:

The NFL recently proposed a deal in which they’d contribute $89 million over seven years to 2 organizations focused on African-American causes, as well as to the Players Coalition so they could use the money for whatever causes they wanted.

In exchange, the NFL wanted the National Anthem protests to end — but the deal seems to have failed. Many players continued to kneel and demonstrate during this week’s games.

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Outgoing TMCF Leader, Johnny Taylor Says HBCUs Must Boost Enrollment, Finances

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In the education space, he was perhaps one of President Obama’s fiercest critics.

And now, as Johnny Taylor prepares to step down as president of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund—a position he’s held for the past seven years—he says that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos as well as FCC Chairman Ajit Pai have reached out since the Trump administration took office last November and have been supportive.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.

“Even if it were a photo op, we couldn’t get one from the first Black president for eight years,” says Taylor of the highly criticized Oval Office photo of President Trump with HBCU presidents that went viral earlier this year. “Every year there’s a convening of HBCUs. [Obama] never came.”

Taylor is leaving his post to become the president of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), an association representing human resource professionals. Dr. Harry Williams, the president of Delaware State University, will replace him.

“I kind of had the advantage of coming into this space with no legacy, predisposition or whatever,” says Taylor in a recent interview with higher education reporters. “The question was always, ‘Are HBCUs still relevant?’ I just thought it was a dumb question. Well, of course they are. That’s the beauty of the American system. There are options.”

A graduate of the University of Miami and Drake Law School, Taylor began his career in 1992 at Blockbuster, the now bankrupted video rental company. For Taylor, the rise and fall of his former employer is still relevant in the HBCU context.

“Look at what’s happened to these iconic institutions. That’s what I think higher ed has got to get itself ready for,” he says. “We ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Read full via Diverse Education