16 Reasons Why Edward Waters College Students Should Visit The Orlando Science Center

Posted by William Jackson
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The visit at the Orlando Science Center (OSC) was one of the highlights for our family during the winter school break. A great period for family time, learning, participation in activities that were fun, educational and creating “ah ha” moments. There were many instances that highlighted the day included those below.

1. The interactive play areas at OSC are fun and educational.

They have the family involved and engaged.

2. OSC embraces the STEAM educational initiative that 21st century careers demand.

3. OSC embraces the diversity of cultures visiting the center with a welcoming atmosphere.

4. The presenters of the programs are knowledgeable, engaging and entertaining.

5. The building and infrastructure is inviting and sensory stimulating.

The visuals are colorful.

6. Families are welcomed and assisted by the staff.

7. There are opportunities for children to be involved in multiple activities that require different skills.

8. Children with disabilities are welcomed and supported.

9. The facility is clean and well maintained.

10. Families with autistic or special needs will find activities that are hands on and stimulate, but not overly excite the senses.

I (Aida) would like to add a few additional points to this list that, as a mom, I noticed.

11. The OSC has something for everyone in the family.

As William mentioned above, we had as much fun as the kids did. What he didn’t mention, however is that one of the kids is 9 and the other is in college yet, they both enjoyed themselves. There is even a section of the museum set-up exclusively for children 7 and under. Knowing that there is something for everyone can be a stress reliever when trying to find something to do with the whole family.

12. Along the lines of “something for everyone,” the exhibits varied.

There were dinosaurs in one exhibit, complete with animations and a fossil dig in one area and a complete gingerbread village in another area, which I thought was wonderful. Also, while everyone else was enjoying the show on space, my little one was having a go at being a weather forecaster – so no one was “bored.”

13. The exhibits change.

While we were there we noticed some areas blocked off in preparation of new exhibits, which made us decide that we need to come again and check them out.

14. There’s plenty of interaction.

As William mentioned above, there are plenty of interactive activities throughout the entire museum. We cut out paper snowflakes, jumped in the hurricane simulator, “dug” for fossils and so much more.

15. Location and practicality.

Firstly the OSC is conveniently located and offers plenty of parking. We also noticed that in same location as the OSC, there are other centers and museums we can check out during future visits. As for practicality, there is a cafeteria located on the ground floor of the museum and there are plenty of restrooms.

16. The cost is reasonable.

While the regular cost is fairly reasonable, check out their website for additional discounts you may be eligible for.

Activities from the hurricane simulator, to the dinosaur discovery, to the high tech presentation about our solar system provide unique learning. There is evidence of STEM, STEAM and even STREAM learning. Aida and I (well past our teen years) had a wonderful experience, not just watching our girls, but participating with them as well. Family time is about enjoying the experience together and building lasting memories.

The OSC employs traditional and hands on activities that allow for touching (tactile) stimulation, video and auditory presentations. Visual acuity and auditory sensory experiences are not overwhelmed. The VR or virtual reality provides a full range of learning. Parents take the time to schedule family time and arrive early enough to have children participate in a rich learning environment. There is plenty to do see, hear, learn and experience.

Resources:
Orlando Science Center – http://www.osc.org

This story was written by William Jackson and Aida Correa.

This Morehouse Grad Is Creating The Google Chrome For Virtual Reality

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AR/VR is relatively still new to the market but it seems that we are starting to see some early adoption and use cases. Black Enterprise caught up with Russell Ladson, co-founder of Drop, the search engine for VR, to discuss why he started the company, how he sees the search engine being used and what his experience has been like to fundraise for technology that is still relatively new to the marketplace.

Tell me about your background.

I grew up in Philadelphia and then went off to Morehouse College—which was a defining moment in my development as an African American male. Subsequently, I moved to New York City to work as an investment banking analyst. I am now based in San Francisco where I spend my time working with an exceptional team at Drop, hanging out in art spaces, and hiking while hopping on and off planes to Asia and Los Angeles.

Why did you start Drop?

Drop started as a personal obsession with information discovery on computing devices.

One afternoon while heading back to New York City after a weekend trip, I was a passenger in a near-fatal accident. I recall the moment the ER doctor told me my injuries didn’t match the physics of the accident—that I was lucky to be alive. Having that face-to-face encounter with death reshaped my perspective on the relationship between our human existence and our daily work.This occurred around my third year on Wall Street so I was already contemplating new opportunities. Unintentionally, Drop became the new opportunity, thus taking this personal obsession and building a product around curiosity, intuition, and empathy.

Can you explain the product and its use case?

Drop is the “Google Chrome for VR/AR.” It’s an immersive internet searching and browsing experience for virtual reality and augmented reality users.

The first thing many of us do when we open our MacBooks or iPhones is access a web browser because the browser has traditionally been our gateway to information discovery. Well, what does this foundational computing experience look like in about 3 – 5 years when our iPhones or MacBooks are no longer our primary computing devices but instead each of us owns a virtual reality or augmented reality headset? Our team has been looking to answer that fundamental question.

Today, Drop is one of the most popular VR titles among HTC Vive users—the leading VR headset in the space.

How has it been for you and your team to fundraise for technology that is still trying to find its place in the market?

The formidable challenge wasn’t finding interested investors in VR/AR because funding for VR/AR startups remains popular among Silicon Valley venture firms. Our challenge was fundraising as African Americans building a software company. Even with a world-class team and an impressive product with significant traction, we found ourselves defending our legitimacy to create an enduring technology company. To circumnavigate that issue, we looked for strategic investors outside of traditional Silicon Valley firms. We secured a majority of our capital from institutional investors in Asia and Los Angeles.

Where do you see AR/VR going in the future?

At Drop, we build products that help people connect with the world in a more meaningful and authentic way. We often say we are building for the post-smartphone world. We believe the future adoption of these technologies in our everyday lives will create new social interaction paradigms, information-gathering systems, and new approaches to human productivity.

This story was written by writer  at Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission. 

Blast From The Past: Former Mom-In-Chief Michelle Obama Offers Leadership Tips For Today

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Mom-in-Chief. Golden smile. Arguably one of the most progressive first ladies of our time. Michelle Obama has made her mark. Coloring outside the lines of past traditional roles of first ladies, Obama plays an active role in support of her husband’s agenda. Like many first ladies before her, Michelle skillfully weaves a personal identity of her husband— an image that will gainfully assist him to his reelection. However, she accomplishes what few great speakers have done, evoking exemplary practices of leadership through her words.

In Leadership Challenge (Jossey Bass; $24.95), a Businessweek best-seller, authors James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner point out their five exemplary practices of leadership, all of which are embodied by First Lady Obama. Take a cue and learn from these tenants of excellence in your career and overall life:

Image result for michelle obama first lady

Encourage the heart: According to Leadership Challenge, a culture of celebration and encouragement will carry your supporters through difficult times. “Every day, the people I meet inspire me. …Every day, they make me proud. … Every day they remind me how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on earth, said Obama at the start of her recent Democratic National Convention speech. Expressing gratitude is always important.

Model the way: Basically, practice what you preach. In order to position an organization to continuously set high standards and show commitment, leaders must model their ideal behavior. This builds trust, loyalty, and support. “I love that we can trust Barack to do what he says he’s going to do, even when it’s hard — especially when it’s hard, Obama has said.

Modeling the way also means listening to the concerns of others and being open to find ways to promote better work. Describing how President Obama pours over letters of struggling Americans, Michelle has said, “I see the concern in his eyes… and I hear the determination in his voice as he tells me, “You won’t believe what these people are going through, Michelle….It’s not right. Having the ability to understand people and their values and concerns, gives one the advantage of arriving at a more viable solution, according to Leadership Challenge.

Inspire a shared vision: Leaders cannot exist without followers. The most palatable way to lead is understanding the concerns, values, and aspirations you share with supporters. You’re most likely to execute great work when you can identify a shared vision, which enables people to act. You must be able to speak the language of those you seek as well, while articulating your vision. “..fundamental American promise that, even if you don’t start out with much, if you work hard and do what you’re supposed to do, then you should be able to build a decent life for yourself and an even better life for your kids and grandkids. The vision as spoken by Obama. “I got to know Barack, I realized that even though he’d grown up all the way across the country, he’d been brought up just like me. Barack was raised by a single mother who struggled to pay the bills, and by grandparents who stepped in when she needed help. Obama uses this opportunity to connect Barack with her own story, and the story of all Americans. This theme throughout her speech provided authenticity to her words.

Challenge the process: Don’t wait until paint dries. In leadership, you must venture out into the unknown to go against the status quo and improve the current condition. Challenging the process can yield some risk, failure, and obstacles when arriving at solutions. “And I love that even in the toughest moments, when we’re all sweating it, when we’re worried that the bill won’t pass, and it seems like all is lost, Barack never lets himself get distracted by the chatter and the noise, Obama has said.

Enable others to act: Fostering collaborations is what sustains organizations and the ability to execute missions. In the aforementioned practices, one must understand the shared goals, vision, and concerns of those they lead— while articulating effectively the intention. The First Lady says, “… He [President Obama] believes that when you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity…you do not slam it shut behind you…you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.

This story was written by writer  at Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission. This story was also published in 2012.

Central State Alum And Rapper Saeed Shares Inspiring Words With Instagram

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Back in December 2017, rapper Saeed was featured on miciagirls.com where he talked about creating music to inspire others to overcome adversity.

Indeed, he followed through on his word and dropped some inspiring words on his Instagram earlier this month. “Real words we need to hear this,” one Instagram user wrote.

Check out the message Saeed shared below. You can also listen to his first album Write Now and stream it on saeed4music.com. Saeed is a graduate of Central State University in Ohio and is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Delta Xi Chapter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdx4KMhnHq9/?taken-by=saeed4music

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd-Ubr4HzeG/?taken-by=saeed4music

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeDyQQWHerQ/?taken-by=saeed4music

Shaw University Receives $50,000 Grant For Innovation And Entrepreneurship Center

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The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center is a vital resource for the next generation of entrepreneurs at Shaw University,” said Shaw University Interim President Dr. Paulette Dillard. “Through our partnership with the Carolina Small Business Development Fund, we have been able to create opportunities for our students that will allow them to build companies right here in Southeast Raleigh. We are grateful that the Annie E. Casey Foundation recognizes that potential and has made this investment in our young people.”

Shaw University and the Carolina Small Business Development Fund opened the IEC on the corner of Blount and Cabarrus Streets in downtown Raleigh to provide business services and office space to Shaw students and community entrepreneurs. The goal of the IEC is to provide access to capital and industry expertise to these clients. CSBDF’s Business Services department is currently housed at the IEC and provides loan assistance, technical assistance, and one-on-one counseling.

“The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center is the result of a model partnership with Shaw University and our combined commitment to increase access to capital and innovation to small businesses in Southeast Raleigh. We are excited that the Casey Foundation recognizes our efforts and has given us an opportunity to continue to make an impact and support small business growth across the state,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President/CEO of CSBDF.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation is a private philanthropy whose mission is to create a brighter future for the nation’s children by developing solutions to strengthen families, build paths to economic opportunity and transform struggling communities into safer and healthier places to live, work and grow.

“This partnership between a historically black institution of higher education and a leading regional community development financial institution represents a unique model for increasing access to capital for local entrepreneurs and for providing practical learning experience and business assistance for Shaw University students and the surrounding community,” said James Wahls, a senior investment analyst at the Casey Foundation. “The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center will support local enterprises that create jobs and increase opportunity — particularly for individuals and families of color.”

The University will use the funds to expand programming offerings for entrepreneurs and service more clients. The IEC is currently offering services to current Shaw students, alumni, and residents of Southeast Raleigh.

“It has been an amazing experience to witness the volunteer and business community support we have received to develop the IEC,” said Talib Graves-Manns, Executive Director of the IEC. “Financial contributions from the Annie E. Casey Foundation will allow us to further expand our programming and impact across the small business community, as well as foster our student and alumni entrepreneurial talent.”

Shaw University, located in North Carolina’s vibrant Downtown Raleigh, is the first historically black institution of higher education in the Southern United States. Founded in 1865 by Dr. Henry Martin Tupper, Shaw is proud to be educating more than 1,800 students who will become the change agents of tomorrow. Our motto is “This is E.P.I.C,” as we are committed to advancing our mission with Entrepreneurial Thinking, Positioning and Presence, Innovation, and Customer Care. Learn more at www.shawu.edu.

Carolina Small Business Development Fund’s mission is to foster economic development in underserved communities by providing capital, business services, and policy research to support small businesses. Since 2010, Carolina Small Business has invested more than $43.4 million through 594 loans to small businesses across North Carolina helping to create or retain more than 1,991 jobs. www.carolinasmallbusiness.org.

Harvey Successfully Launches Book At Prestigious Beijing Book Fair

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HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 12, 2018) — Dr. William R. Harvey, Hampton University President, successfully launched his latest work “The Principles of Leadership” in China via video chat with  a captive audience at the prestigious Beijing Book Fair Thursday night.

Dr. Harvey appearing live via video chat in China, broadcasting from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications TV studio at Hampton University, spoke of his many travels to the country and shared what inspired him to write the book and the foundation of his 10 tenants of leadership.

“…Outstanding leadership examples from my parents, other role models, professional mentors and colleagues, the study of leadership, and my own thoughts propelled me to develop the Harvey leadership model,” said Harvey.

Dr. Harvey recently celebrated his 40th anniversary as the president of Hampton University, and is one of the longest sitting presidents of any American university or college. “Principles of Leadership” Mandarin version will be sold in bookstores throughout China, including the Xinhua book stores, and can be bought through e-commerce online sites Dangdang, Jingdong and Amazon China and on the Alibaba website. In the U.S., the English version of the book can be purchased on amazon.com. Dr. Harvey is donating the proceeds from his book to fund student scholarships at Hampton University.

“Principles of Leadership” chronicles Dr. Harvey’s many challenges, as an African American growing up in America’s then-segregated South. One of the great appeals of his work to his
Chinese audiences is that his book and life are a testament to how through hard work, perseverance and education, anyone can achieve his or her dreams. That is a powerful and inspiring message to China’s 1.4 billion people, which include 56 different ethnic groups (55 of whom are minority).

“It is the great honor of IPPH to publish the Chinese version Principles of Leadership,’ said Mr. Zhu Mingang, president of IPPH. “The successful experiences of President Harvey are fully revealed in this book, which is not only related to management science, but also more to the humanities. Since the knowledge and wisdom of leadership is not confined to any nation’s border or to any industry, we believe the life and experiences of Dr. Harvey will greatly inspire management leaders, as well as would-be leaders from all walks of life.”

Since taking the presidential helm at Hampton in 1978, Dr. Harvey has helped shape the university as a leader in educational standards, innovation and financial stability.

“If my life’s work and my book can be an inspiration to young minds in China, as well as here in the U.S., I will indeed feel truly blessed that I’ve been able to help to make a positive difference in the world,” Dr. Harvey said.

Dr. Harvey received his doctorate in college administration from Harvard University, has served on several multinational corporate boards of directors, and has been appointed to national advisory boards by six U.S. presidents, including presidents George W. Bush and Barack H. Obama. He is included in Who’s Who in American Education, International Who’s Who of Intellectuals, Who’s Who in Business and Finance, and Who’s Who in America.

Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta Season 2 Brings The Drama And Hustle

Posted by Jasmine Mosley
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Drama, family and fame is the business of Growing Hip Hop Atlanta. Season 2 of Wetv’s popular show delves deeper into the personal lives of Rapper and Actor Bow Wow, Singer Zonnique Pullins (daughter of T.I. and Tiny), Reginae Carter (daughter of Lil Wayne), Ayana Fite (daughter of DJ Hurricane), Brandon Barnes (Son of Ms. Deb and Brother of Waka Flocka) and Shaniah Mauldin (daughter of Jermaine Dupree). Each cast member brings to the show their own story of growing up around hip hop royalty as well as working towards their own goals and ambitions.

Photo Cred: Paras Griffin/Getty Images for WEtv

Here’s what Season 2 has in store for viewers. Bow Wow is diligently working on a new music project, but begins to hesitate about his collaboration with legendary music producer Jermaine Dupree. Although, Dupree was heavily responsible for Bow Wow’s initial success, Bow Wow seems to allow a petty disagreement come between their musical partnership. Some believe a seperation of the two artists could stunt Bow Wow’s continued growth as a rapper. Drama is steadily brewing between Reginae and Brandon, as an altercation from Season 1 left both parties ready to seek revenge. Both of their parents fear that things could escalate, causing the prolonged disagreement to end in violence. We’ll have to stay tuned to see if Reginae and Brandon actually end their beef. Speaking of Brandon, he is still working hard to make a name for himself as a music executive. Throughout  the show, he’s steadily plotting to make one of his protegees the next great music star. Barnes is extremely opinionated, a quality he shares with his mother. However, his opinions often trap him into arguments (i.e., Reginae) and keep him as the center of controversy.

Songtress Zonnique is solely focused on her budding career. After firing her mother from her management team, Pullins is finding that booking multiple shows is a little harder than expected. As always, mothers never truly leave their children behind. It will be interesting to see how Zonnique and her mother, Singer Tiny of Xscape, rebuild their professional relationship. Then their’s Ayana, an aspring fashion designer with a bold personality. DJ Hurricane’s daughter is completley unafraid of anyone who gets in her way. This new season reveal’s more about her fashion business and rocky romantic relationship. Lastly, but most certainly not least, theirs the seemingly sweet and shy Shaniah. Ms. Shaniah is ready to take charge of her love life, but is afraid her dad may not approve. Jermaine Dupree seems to be very protective of his daughter (as most dads are), so Shaniah’s transition into womanhood, could possbly affect their father/daughter bond.

The new season of Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta, is a little different from your average reality television show. They are offspring of some of the world’s biggest stars, which means they aren’t blinded by the bright lights. Each cast member has presumably seen the success and pitfalls of stardom and yet they still have the desire to hustle in industries that can be unforgiving. Yes drama exists, but in each storyline lies the ambition to make it happen, a sort of salute to the parents that raised them. To see how their stories unfold, tune into Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta on Thursday nights at 9pm only on Wetv.

Where Are They Now? Former Mister North Carolina A&T Jeffron Smalls

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Jeffron Smalls went from serving as Mister North Carolina A&T State University 2016-2017 to working as a Channel Operations Manager at Microsoft. After walking across the stage of college a new rhythm starts.  The normal routine of studying, attending class, and meeting with professors suddenly ends for those entering straight into the careers of their choice. Smalls can attest to that as he went from being a student leader in Aggieland to adjusting to a new lifestyle in Seattle, Washington.

Each step became heavier as life decisions depended on it. “I started to look at the details of what actually mattered the most to me in terms of career and personal development”, stated Smalls. Smalls went from comfortable surroundings full of people who look like him to being pushed out his comfort zone.  Suddenly his perspective was opened to new possibilities because he was for sure not in the south anymore. The world was big and small at the same time. While Jeffron quickly noticed the differences in ethnic makeup, spirituality, and ways of life he still had a connection in a city so far away from home.  With a good network of friends from his home university the move was made even better.

Graduating from NCAT, Smalls left with no regrets. Giving it his all, Smalls focused on leaving a legacy and empowering as many students as possible. “I recommend that all students explore every opportunity in college and take advantage of them. I would rather say I did it or tried than regret not doing anything,” stated Smalls. Eventually the goal is to obtain a Master’s Degree and focus on the passion of uplifting others who are finding the way to tap into their fullest potential.

Xbox is a household name that many individuals can relate to.  Its either a product that we own, use to own, seen through advertisement, or know of someone who is interested or have ownership of. Smalls has the pleasure of working on all Xbox products for its Supply Chain.

Looking back at the opportunities that were presented while a student at North Carolina A&T, Smalls feels fortunate for the hand he was dealt for he capitalized on every opportunity given. Close friend Brandon Harris says that a difference he has noticed from college to now is, “Jeffron has a different mindset, a better understanding of who he is, and what’s really important.” Personal expectations where definitely surpassed. The result of becoming Mister A&T through the election process along with the term not only prepared Smalls for the workforce but enhanced his leadership and communication skills. The time spent in college goes by swiftly and if not spent wisely a resource that is provided so easily is hard to come by once in the real world.

Once accepting an offer with Microsoft, the good news continued to come towards this HBCU grad’s way. Re-assurance came wrapped inside the next surprise.  Smalls found out that two of his closest friends also accepted offers to join the Microsoft team. Brian Oulds and Brandon Harris had so much in common with Smalls. Three best-friends, HBCU grads, fraternity brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, taking on a new horizon at the same time was quite unusual yet comforting in a career thrill that will set a working tone for the rest of all their lives.  With Harris having a few years of living in Seattle under his belt Oulds and Smalls took advantage of that.

Coming together the trio decided to rent a house. That put them at a better place to pay off student loans, make investments, save more money, and learn from each other. There in the same household lived accountability partners that could motivate each other well because all are like-minded.

Smalls still finds the time to make a difference in the community that he is in. Microsoft is a company that motivates its employees to get involved through extracurricular activities. Smalls made it a point to get involved early and often with volunteer efforts. The mission of Microsoft is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Smalls is continuing his legacy of making a difference by getting involved with different opportunities within the company that aligns with his personal goals, missions, and values.

Getting out of our comfort zones enables us to grow. Smalls now prays more. Listening to TD Jake’s podcast is a morning starter. Since moving he has found a church home that he is comfortable with.  Complacently is not present as Smalls continues to grow professionally and personally. As this eagle soars he relies on God to use him in making a difference to change lives.

Prioritizing time and staying organized goes a long way. The papers, events, appearances, test, and assignments that Smalls once had eventually shifted to bills, job tasks, and personal development. Oh the places you will go might not be what you imagined but offer more than anything you have imagined.

Posted by Delvakio Brown Posted on 48 articles

Black College Alums Get Ready For Oprah (TSU Grad) 2020

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Since Oprah Winfrey’s incredible “speech at a Hollywood awards show launched a round of presidential speculation,” writes Steven Shepard at Politico, some voters across the nation think she should challenge President Donald Trump in 2020, leaving the black college community shook.

But anything is possible in 2018, especially with President Trump in office now and that’s the real key-key. Ki-ki-ki-ki.

Anyway. Everybody loves Oprah, who graduated from historically black Tennessee State University in 1986, according to the school’s website. In case you missed it, here are the receipts that prove once and for all that Winfrey, in fact, is an alumna of TSU:

For all you stupid people out there.

“Here’s what I’m grateful for: One. The beautiful, eloquent powerful, brilliant, inspirational and very presidential stable genius that is Oprah Winfrey. Two. HBCUs (where both she and I attended). A new day on the horizon,” Jalina Porter posted on her Twitter account.

Another Twitter user, Corbin J. Pickett, said, “Oprah equals the product of an HBCU.”

Pickett continues, “Felt now was a good time to remind folks.”

“Run Oprah. Run,” another Twitter user said.

However, leftwing voters aren’t exactly clamoring the black college grad to run against Trump in 2020 just yet, according to Politico.

From Politico:

“Still, there’s enough evidence to continue fueling speculation about her political prospects. Winfrey performs well on polling ballot tests, tying or leading Trump in a number of surveys. The POLITICO/Morning Consult poll shows Democratic voters prefer her to a host of other potential candidates — except former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)

And despite the persistent disapproval of Trump’s job performance thus far, voters are still open to political neophytes as presidential candidates — though Democratic voters are more likely to say they want candidates with experience in elected office.

The topline result from the POLITICO/Morning Consult poll: Winfrey would lead Trump by 2 percentage points in a head-to-head matchup, 40 percent to 38 percent. More than one-in-five voters, 22 percent, are undecided.”

Head over to Politico to read more.

Shakyla Hill Becomes First-Ever Grambling State Student-Athlete Featured On SportsCenter Edition ‘The Six’

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What a way to start off her new year! GSU junior star guard Shakyla Hill will cherish this year forever, after her coaches and teammates helped her earn a quadruple-double on Wednesday, a record not even made often in the WNBA or NBA.

Hill managed to collect 15 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals during a game against the Alabama State University Lady Hornets, where Hill and the Lady Tigers took a huge 93-71 victory.

“I feel really really blessed, I feel like I owe it all to my coaches and my teammates because my coaches have been pushing me to do better in every aspect of the game and leave every aspect untouched,” Hill said.

During a post-game interview Hill said without her teammates and that last shot from Mo( her teammate Monisha Neal), she wouldn’t have been able to reach the quadruple-double status. While talking about it, Hill was filled with emotion.

The Arkansas native has been a strong player and has led the team all season. This is the first quadruple-double in NCAA women’s basketball history in nearly 25 years.

The fact that she made history is incredible, but how she made history is the beyond amazing part!

It came to nearly the last ten seconds of the game, when GSU announcer Larry Gipson announced that Hill only needed two more assists to make the quadruple-double happen.

With just about five seconds left in the game Hill found her teammate, Monisha Neal, who beat the buzzer with a quick 3-point bucket, helping Hill earn her 10th assist.

In a NewStar article, GSU women’s coach Freddie Murray said he has seen a few of historic NBA performances watching on TV, but Hill’s was the first he had ever witnessed in person.

“She is very unselfish,” Murray said, according to the school’s website. “She had to do a lot more last year, because we didn’t have a lot of pieces. Now she is surrounded by players who feed off what she gives us. To get a quadruple-double is just a testament to the hard work she puts in.”

This huge milestone for Hill literally broke the internet being mentioned by several media platforms including ESPN, SportsCenter, The Undefeated, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report and more!

In an article Hill said that she had never been on SportsCenter before, so this is probably the biggest thing that she’s ever done.

“I really don’t think I can take all the credit because coach Murray pushed to me do good in every aspect and my teammates worked to help me get there. So this is probably the best team game we’ve played this year.”

Hill appeared on SportsCenter6 at 6 p.m. on Thursday with ESPN’s Michael Smith and Jemele Hill. She is the first ever GSU student-athlete to be featured on the 6 p.m. show.

During the interview, the reporters asked Hill how she felt about being recognized by professional players. She responded that she was excited and now she was just waiting to get a call from or hear from LeBron James. A few days later, King James congratulated Hill on her quadruple-double on clevelanddotcom.

 

The star guard was also recognized by NBA players, Houston Rockets’ (positions) James Harden and Chris Paul who both stated that, “This is not something you see everyday.” Jared Sullinger, also quoted the tweet, with the word ‘Respect’.

In a NewStar report, GSU women’s coach Freddie Murray said he has seen a few of historic NBA performances watching on TV, but Hill’s was the first he had ever witnessed in person.

“She is very unselfish,” Murray said, according to the school’s website. “She had to do a lot more last year, because we didn’t have a lot of pieces. Now she is surrounded by players who feed off what she gives us. To get a quadruple-double is just a testament to the hard work she puts in.”

The last quadruple-double was by Sonja Tate of Arkansas State against Mississippi Valley State on Jan. 27, 1993. Tate had 29 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals.

The other official quadruple-double, 10-10-10 and 12 steals was by Ramona Jones of Lamar against Central Florida on Jan. 14, 1991.

Hill, has received so much positive feedback from people all over the world. She  even gained thousands of followers overnight on social media. Who knows, you might just see her playing on your favorite WNBA team really soon.

 

 

Hampton Alumna, Ivana Thomas To Appear on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ on VH1

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Hampton University alumna Ivana Thomas gets her shot at being VH1’s “America’s Next Top Model” hosted by Tyra Banks, starting tonight at 8p.m.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I love Tyra Banks,” said Thomas. “I grew up watching her on the show. With this season being her return to ‘America’s Next Top Model,’ I was beyond excited to be a part of it.”

Banks returned the compliments in the previews of the show: “Contestant number 11; this girl has the mind of a genius and the hips of the sexiest woman you’ve ever seen.”

At the young age of 23, Thomas’ resume is stacking up to prove that she has just as much brains as beauty. In 2016, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hampton University. That same year, Thomas was named a winner of the Schwarzman Scholarship, an international award that afforded her a year of study at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, in Beijing, China.

It was during her time in Beijing that Thomas came across a live post on Instagram encouraging young ladies to submit audition videos for America’s Next Top Model.

“I uploaded my video and it all took off from there,” said Thomas.

It didn’t take long for Banks to recognize Thomas’ edge. After a rigorous series of virtual interviews, Thomas was called to Los Angles, where she and some 30 finalists met up for more rounds of judging and competition.

Thomas made the cut along with 13 others, but her journey is far from over.

“I was very grateful to be on the show, but it was an intense emotional rollercoaster,” Thomas said. “Being criticized by people you look up to is hard, but I understand that it has to be that way.

Thomas credits her years at Hampton University for building her strength and confidence.

“Hampton University taught me how to represent myself at all times, and going to an HBCU in general made me proud of my heritage,” Thomas said. “It allowed me to appreciate my natural look and embrace who I am.”

Thomas continues to pursue her career as a journalist, but you’ll have to stay tuned on Wednesday nights to see if a modeling career is in her future.

NCAT Football Coach Rod Broadway Retiring After Unbeaten Season

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GREENSBORO, N.C. — North Carolina A&T coach Rod Broadway is retiring after an unbeaten season, ending a 39-year coaching career.

The school announced Broadway’s retirement Monday and promoted assistant Sam Washington to head coach. Washington had served as assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and secondary coach.

The Aggies (12-0) won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title, the Celebration Bowl and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) national championship in 2017.

North Carolina A&T set a school record for wins this season and became the first unbeaten team in MEAC history.

The 62-year-old Broadway went 57-22 with the Aggies and was 125-45 overall, including stints at North Carolina Central (2003-06) and Grambling State (2007-10). He guided all three programs to HBCU national titles, with this season’s crown his second at North Carolina A&T and fourth overall.

Broadway spent seven seasons as the Aggies’ head coach and also won the HBCU national title there in 2015.

Broadway will serve as a special assistant to athletic director Earl M. Hilton III for six months.

“While we are losing one of the greatest coaches of all time, I love that he gets to go out on his own terms, a luxury not afforded to most coaches,” Hilton said. “He took our football program from being the laughingstock of the [FCS] to being the envy of black college football and one of the premier programs on the FCS level. He did it with class and intelligence.”

Bowie State Alum And HBCU Buzz Founder Luke Lawal Gives 14 Things To Learn From 2017

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When Luke Lawal attended Bowie State University, his first goal was to make a difference. He said he didn’t see any of the major media outlets highlighting black colleges on their platforms.

A few years later, while still a Bowie State student, Lawal created his own magazine, HBCU Buzz (HBCUBuzz.com), which he said is one of the best ways to help HBCU alumni, students and supporters learn the latest news in regards to the 107 HBCUs in the nation.

Now, we learned and relearned lots of valuable lessons in 2017 and Lawal just dropped some incredible gems on Twitter. Here are 14 things Lawal said he learned this year:

1. Take your time, but make time.

2. “Stay in your lane” – smack anyone who tells you this.

3. If you find satisfaction in verification, you are a slave to others approval.

4. Invest 10%, give 10% save 20%, it adds up.

5. Travel, Travel, TRAVEL!

6. Put your foot down but remember how it feels to be stepped on.

7. Before you give up, remember why you started.

8. Not everything demands a response.

9. We > I.

10. Love and forgiveness. Never felt closer to God like the times I exuded those two.

11. Deal with your enemies quietly.

12. “To prove a point” is the most stupid reason to do anything.

13. When it all falls down. Get up.

14. Protecting your brand doesn’t mean respond to every negative opinion. It’s means being consistent and true to what makes you unique.

You can follow Luke Lawal on Twitter.

‘Safe Spaces Matter:’ More Students Are Choosing HBCUs, Thanks In Part To Trump

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President Donald Trump and “the current divisive racial and political climate” of his presidency maybe one reason more students are choosing to attend historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, according to Good Magazine.

Great news, right? Trump is a racist, bigot, sexist, and etc, right?

Wrong.

Black college enrollment has increased over the last three decades but the people over at Good Magazine says more students are going to these colleges for the need of “safe spaces.”

Sad!

I think more students are choosing to attend HBCUs because these colleges are supposed to be a place where all ideas are discussed, not political correctness.

From Good Magazine:

Thurgood Marshall. Oprah Winfrey. Toni Morrison. Spike Lee. Martin Luther King Jr. These are just some of the notable graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), which are home to many of the nation’s most brilliant scholars. HBCU graduates have not only shaped the course of history, but today, these institutions produce 90% of the nation’s black science and technology graduates, half of the nation’s black teachers, and approximately 20% of black graduates.

While HBCUs play a vital role in educating the next generation of leaders (both black and non-black), historically black institutions have struggled over the years to receive necessary federal and private funding to help them compete with other universities. Still, enrollment has increased over the last three decades.

In 2016, Spelman College, the top ranked HBCU by U.S. News & World Report, received 7,868 new applications, a record for the 135-year-old institution, which has a total undergraduate population of just over 2000 students. Of course, Spelman is not the only HBCU to report significant increases. From 1976 to 2015, HBCU enrollment increased by 32%, from 223,000 students to 293,000…

…

“The racial unrest in this country probably has a huge impact on enrollment rates,” says Dr. Jacob Butler, chairperson of the division of social sciences at Morris College, a small HBCU located in South Carolina.”

Head over to Good Magazine and read more.

Cleveland Browns Fire VP Sashi Brown, HBCU Alum

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The Cleveland Browns fired executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown earlier this month, reports USA Today.

“Hue Jackson will remain our coach and will return for the 2018 season, but we feel it is necessary to take significant steps to strengthen our personnel department,” said owner Jimmy Haslam in a statement, announcing Jackson will return next season in 2018.

Haslam continued, “We have begun the process of having productive conversations regarding the leadership of our football operations and will provide further updates when appropriate.”

With Brown finally getting the boot (fired, in other words), the Browns record now stands at 0-15, a dismal record no Browns fans can get behind.

Brown, who graduated from Hampton University, said in a statement, “I want this to be real and clear, the way I know Cleveland and Browns fans can appreciate: Our win-loss record since I became executive vice pressident isn’t going to cut it.”

“We worked hard. I am so grateful to the people I worked with throughout my four-plus years with the Browns, particularly the people I worked with the past two years,” Brown continued. “We embarked on a mission to rebuild the Browns for long-term, sustainable success. We were committed and aggressive in our approach, even if unorthodox at times. We made dramatic changes and put in place a foundation on which championships can be built. Obviously, the Browns have not yet achieved the turnaround we wanted for a franchise and the best fans in the NFL, who deserve it more than any other in sports. I know that turnaround is coming.”

Head over to USA Today and read more.