West Virginia State University Plans Variety of Homecoming Activities

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INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) will celebrate its 2017 Homecoming with a variety of activities held at the school’s Institute campus beginning Sept. 23 and concluding Sept. 30.

A highlight of the annual celebration will be the State of the University address by WVSU President Anthony L. Jenkins at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, in the P. Ahmed Williams Auditorium, located on the second floor of Ferrell Hall.

“Homecoming is a special time of year as the Yellow Jacket Nation gathers to celebrate our proud history, as we welcome alumni from all over the world home to the place they love so dear,” said Jenkins. “It is also a time to look forward and discuss the steps being taken and actions needed to keep us at the forefront of meeting the needs of our students and driving the region and state’s economy.”

Homecoming festivities officially kick-off on Saturday, Sept. 23, with the annual Homecoming 5K Run/Walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the plaza of the James C. Wilson University Union. Register online at TriStateRacer.com. The cost is $20 in advance of the race, or $25 on race day.

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Other activities scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 28, include a WVSU National Alumni Association Board Meeting set for 3 p.m. at Embassy Suites in Charleston, and a Young Alumni Mixer at 7 p.m. in the Erickson Alumni Center on campus.

On Friday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m. in the Della Brown Taylor Hardman Art Gallery of the Davis Fine Arts Building a dedication ceremony will be held for a portrait honoring the late Lou Myers. A 1962 WVSU graduate, Myers was a world-renowned stage and film actor known for his role as Mr. Gaines on the hit television show “A Different World.”

At 11 a.m. on Friday in the Fannin S. Belcher Theater of the Davis Fine Arts Building an induction ceremony will be held to honor the newest members of the Yellow Jacket Battalion ROTC Hall of Fame. Friday’s Homecoming activities will also include a Golf Outing at Little Creek Country Club in South Charleston with registration at 10 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Cost is $50 per player and proceeds benefit the WVSU men’s basketball team.

At 3 p.m. in the Dr. Ann Brothers Smith Conference Room of the Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Hall, President Jenkins will hold an open forum and take questions from alumni, guests and friends. Friday at 7:30 p.m. the WVSU National Alumni Association will hold its annual Homecoming Awards Banquet at Embassy Suites in Charleston. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased by visiting https://connect.wvstateu.edu/homecoming/registration or by calling (304) 766-3387.

On Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8:30 a.m. in room 134 of the Wilson University Union, the National “W” Club will induct new members into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Cost to attend the induction brunch is $10 and tickets will be sold at the event.

At 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 30, the annual Homecoming Parade will begin at Shawnee Park and proceed along Route 25 before turning onto campus and continuing along the red road through the heart of campus to the football field where it will be followed by tailgating.

At 1:30 p.m. the WVSU Yellow Jackets will take on the Glenville State College Pioneers in the annual Homecoming football game. Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the gate.

At 8 p.m. Saturday there will be an alumni dinner at Embassy Suites in Charleston. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased by visiting https://connect.wvstateu.edu/homecoming/registration or by calling (304) 766-3387.

For more information, and a complete schedule of Homecoming events, visit http://connect.wvstateu.edu/homecoming or call (304) 766-3387.

Follow West Virginia State University on Facebook and Twitter @WVStateU.

 

West Virginia State University is a public, land grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi-generational institution, located in Institute, W.Va. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service, and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research.

Tuskegee Is Ranked as top HBCU by U.S. News & World Report

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Contact: Michael Tullier, APR
Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing

Tuskegee University remains one of the nation’s and region’s best historically black universities, according to national rankings released on September 12 by U.S. News and World Report.

In U.S. News’ 2018 edition of Best Colleges, Tuskegee University tied for sixth place in its “Historically Black Colleges and Universities” category. It also was the only Alabama university to appear in the publication’s list of Top 20 HBCUs. This U.S. News ranking measures the quality of the undergraduate education at HBCUs in context to the 80 HBCUs eligible to be ranked by the publication.

“Tuskegee University is focused on a model of continuous improvement for all university areas, especially academics,” said Interim President Charlotte Morris. “U.S. News’ ranking program is just one metric available to our university’s senior leadership with which we can evaluate our success and academic rigor over time.”

Tuskegee University also rated high among its regional peers in U.S. News’ “Best Regional Universities South.” The university tied for No. 27 in the category, making it the third-highest-ranked HBCU regionally, the second-highest-ranked regional university in Alabama, and the only Alabama HBCU in the Top 50 regionally. Institutions like Tuskegee appearing among evaluated “regional universities” offer a broad scope of undergraduate degrees and some master’s degree programs but few, if any, doctoral programs.

Continually accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges since 1933, Tuskegee University offers its current 3,000-plus students 41 bachelor’s, 16 master’s and six doctoral degree options. In addition to SACSCOC accreditation, several academic units and degree programs in specialized fields or disciplines also are accredited by their respective accrediting bodies.

The university also ranked 54th in U.S. News’ list of “Best Value Schools-Regional Universities South” — making it the category’s third-ranked school both in Alabama and among regional HBCUs. The calculation takes into account the school’s academic quality as reported in its 2018 rankings, and its 2016-17 net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid.

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Depending on the category, U.S. News and World Report’s methodology relies on a number of indicators that, collectively, determine an institution’s overall collegiate ranking. These include peer assessments or reputational scores derived from surveys completed by collegiate presidents, provosts and admissions deans, or high school counselors.

Other indicators are self-reported by each institution and include categories such as “faculty resources” (which includes faculty-student ratios, salaries and the frequency of terminal degrees); “student selectivity” (which includes students’ pre-admission performance on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT, the proportion of enrolled freshmen who graduated in the top 25 percent of their high school classes, and the institution’s acceptance rate); year-to-year graduation rates; “financial resources” (which includes the average spending per student on instruction, research, student services and related educational expenditures); and “alumni giving rate” (which is the average percentage of living alumni with bachelor’s degrees who give to their school as an indirect measure of student satisfaction). read more

FAMU Repeats As Top-Ranked Public HBCU on U.S. News & World Report List

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Florida A&M University (FAMU) repeats on U.S. News & World Report as a top-ranked public HBCU.

FAMU also appears on the U.S. News & World report list for the top overall 132 public schools in the nation at No. 113. High school teachers rank the institution in the top 254 colleges, at No. 177.

The university was also listed among the top 254 colleges in the nation ranked by high school counselors (No. 177).

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UMES Graduates 29 Doctors of Physical Therapy

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UMES named a United Methodist historic site Thursday, September 14, 2017

Two sisters from Baltimore County were among 29 students who received Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees today at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 2017 summer commencement.

Kayla Coad of Parkville was just behind older sister Karis crossing the stage at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts, which doubled as the venue for the 131st Founders’ Day convocation.

Graduates and the audience also were treated to an announcement from the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church, which bestowed denomination historic site status on UMES.

         Karis and Kayla Coad of Parkville, MD

 

Karis Coad, 26, wants to specialize in geriatric treatment, while Kayla says doing outpatient / orthopedic care is what interests her as a career path.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to work one-on-one with people,” said Kayla, 25. “Getting this degree is the biggest accomplishment in my life.”

Karis said she chose to study physical therapy because she values “developing a relationship with patients and seeing first-hand how what you do can make a difference in people’s lives.”

Faculty and classmates admired the Coads’ dedication over the past year in helping care for an elderly grandparent who died this past summer.

The Coad sisters, who earned bachelor’s degrees from Rosemont (Pa.) College, and their classmates now shift their attention to the national licensure exam each must pass to practice in the profession.

UMES’ pass-rate record is among the nation’s best, a fact not lost on Dr. LeRoi Hicks, the commencement speaker, who said he was impressed by graduates’ performance he discovered while doing homework on the program.

                                Class of 2017 Dept. of Physical Therapy

Hicks, a senior physician at the Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington, Del., proved an inspirational choice as a graduation day speaker.

Hicks was stricken nine years ago with Guillain-Barré syndrome, “a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system,” according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

“It was the therapist who had the greatest impact on my health and well-being,” he said. “I’ve gained empathy for my patients that never existed before.”

Hicks told graduates they will be successful if they treat each patient “in exactly the same manner in which you want to be treated.”

“You are going to directly impact the health of individuals,” Hicks said. “I congratulate you on entering this career.”

Moments before the 90-minute ceremony, where 25 Marylanders received degrees, Alex Harrington of Baltimore was still coming to grips with the notion “all those years of hard work were coming to an end.”

Tyler Long of Frederick, standing nervously nearby, agreed.

“I’m just happy it’s over,” Long said. “Seven years of school is a long time.”

Except … Long says he has an interest in pursuing certification as a “hand therapist,” which will mean more study.

Kristen Russo called receiving her doctorate “a huge accomplishment. It’s the beginning of a new phase in my life.”

Russo said she came away from her three years at UMES with an appreciation of how to be disciplined and putting in the time and effort it takes to be successful.”

She’s hopeful of finding work near Bel Air, her hometown, where she would like to focus on acute care / neuro-therapy in an outpatient setting.

A Methodist Church conference delegation led by 1950 alumna Jessie Cottman Smith, the university’s librarian emerita, presented UMES President Juliette B. Bell with a resolution and plaque naming the university an official historic site of the denomination.

Leaders of the 19th-century Methodist Episcopal Church opened the Delaware Conference Academy in Princess Anne on Sept. 13, 1886. It soon became known as Princess Anne Academy, followed by a series of name changes that accelerated after it became a publicly supported institution.

“This honor is long overdue,” said Russ McCabe, President of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference’s archives and history commission.

UMES is officially United Methodist historic site no. 536.

“We are so very proud of this great institution,” said the Rev. Fred W. Duncan, the Peninsula-Delaware Conference’s Salisbury district superintendent.

Following commencement, Trevor Hirsch, also of Bel Air, received the physical therapy department’s 2017 Joseph Beatus Student Award for Excellence in Patient-Centered Care.

Michael Coard: Why Blacks Should Attend HBCUs

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This weekend marks the 130th birthday of George W. McLaurin, born September 16, 1887. He’s the Black man who made history when he won a landmark civil rights lawsuit against the University of Oklahoma (UO).

In 1948, McLaurin was denied admission into UO to pursue his Ph.D. in education because of a state law that made it a crime for Blacks to attend any school with whites. After successfully challenging that law in federal district court, he was admitted into the university over its strong objection. And the officials there decided to humiliate him by segregating and isolating him not only in all classes by putting him in anterooms with a separate desk but also segregating and isolating him in the library, in the cafeteria, in the restrooms, and at sporting events. Think about that level of suffocating humiliation for a minute.

He then petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court and on June 5, 1960 won, thereby forcing Oklahoma to end discrimination, segregation, and isolation statewide in all of its schools, colleges, and universities.

The fact that McLaurin was 61-years-old when he applied to UO in 1948, the fact that he held a Master’s degree, and the fact that he was a retired college professor who had taught for 33 years at Oklahoma’s only HBCU, Langston University, didn’t matter to those racists. They considered him to be nothing more than an educated n——.

Many Black students who attend white colleges and universities today are knowing or unknowing victims in an abusive relationship with those schools even though the historical (and modern day) record clearly exposes that abuse. Education for Blacks was outlawed in all schools from elementary on up since slavery became law of the land in 1619. Speaking of law, there was legislation throughout the country similar to a 1740 South Carolina law that proclaimed “(It) shall be unlawful” for “all… slaves or free Negroes…” to be taught “reading or writing. And any… (judges)… may… direct… any officers… to inflict corporal punishment” on the educated slaves or free Negroes “not exceeding 20 lashes.”

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That abuse continued with the Supreme Court’s 1857 Dred Scott ruling that Blacks have no rights (educational or otherwise) that whites are bound to respect and its 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson ruling that Jim Crow is acceptable based on the “separate is equal” fallacy.

And if you think that academic abuse ended with the overruling of the Plessy case by the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case known as Brown I, consider this: Although the court ruled that educational Jim Crow is outlawed because “separate but equal is unconstitutional,” that decision in reality wasn’t worth the paper it was written on since most states ignored it because the feds didn’t enforce it. Then came the vague 1955 Brown II “all deliberate speed” decision. But that moved just as slowly. Then came the tardy 1978 Brown III (what I describe as the) “we supposedly mean it this time” decision. But that wasn’t supposedly implemented until 1998. And, it still hasn’t been fully implemented.

Even worse, just ten years ago, read more

Florida Memorial University’s Dean Said He’s Just Keeping His Promise

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(Black PR Wire) MIAMI, FL – It was never a part of his job description, but Dr. Michael Gary, the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Florida Memorial University, really never gave it a second thought.

In preparation for Hurricane Irma’s visit, Dean Gary and members of the FMU faculty and staff were busy getting students off campus and back to their homes safely. But some of the students did not have time or resources to return home and ride out the storm. So, they stayed in a nearby shelter. Dean Gary did not feel comfortable leaving his students there alone. And instead of heading to his own home, he opted to bunker down and stay with them.

“We made a promise to the parents and families who entrust their loved ones with us that we will guard, guide and educate them to the best of our ability,” says Dr. Gary. “I felt it was our duty to provide them with that extra security they needed during this turbulent time.”

Dr. Gary, as well as Vernon Martin, the Associate Director of Residential Education, and Michael Matos, a Residence Hall Director, determined they would also accompany FMU’s seven young men and seven young women at the shelter.

For many, it was their first time experiencing a hurricane, and the first time ever in a shelter.

“It was a unique and humbling experience,” recalls Gary. “We helped with everything – from offering our cots to the elderly and sick, to assisting with serving the meals and handing out water. We weathered the storm to get the food and water in the shelter, walking in the rain, thru the floods, and doing whatever was needed. It was a ‘all hands on deck’ type of situation.   But there was a sense of gratitude and appreciation too, as everyone was coming together to help comfort and support each other – such efforts of basic human kindness at its best.”

Dean Gary could have easily secured a space at the shelter for his students, and then left to join his wife and son who headed for Atlanta a few days earlier. The same scenario applies to Martin, who is also married and Matos who has two children. But they all elected to ride out the storm with their students. Clearly, their commitment to the safety and welfare of the students at FMU took precedent over everything else.

“These dedicated men truly embodied the very essence of leadership and compassion,” said Interim President, Dr. Michelle Howard-Vital. “We are ever so grateful for their effort and commitment to go above and beyond for our students.”

Florida Memorial University is located at 15800 NW 42nd Avenue in Miami Gardens, FL. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. FMU is south Florida’s only Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

The University reopens on Monday, September 18th and all classes will resume both on campus and online.

For additional information on Florida Memorial University, please contact VP Marcus Burgess at (305) 626-3600.

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Media Note: For media interested in interviewing Dr. Michael Gary, or for any other media inquiries, contact Bernadette Morris of Sonshine Communications at (305) 450-0942.

TSU Students Will Soon Take Advantage of $75 Million for Residence Halls

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – New buildings to call home! That’s what future Tennessee State University students will have when two new residence halls are completed.

The $75,300,000 project is one step closer to reality following approval for construction from the State Building Commission. The plan was presented by the Tennessee Board of Regents for TSU’s student modernization program late Thursday morning.

“Anytime a university can expand its footprint, that is a definite sign of growth,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “The additional housing will benefit our students, as well as the entire Tennessee State University family.”

With the increased expense of off-campus housing and a record-setting freshman class at TSU, President Glover stated that the new housing is critical in the recruitment and retention of students.

“New residence halls represent a remarkable recruiting tool, and add to the life of any college campus,” Glover added.

State Senator Thelma Harper, a TSU alumnae and staunch supporter of the university’s construction plan, issued a press release just minutes after the commission gave the student housing development the green light.

“Student housing has a big effect on their education,” Harper said. “Across this country, many universities have already tapped into the benefits of ‘Live and Learn’ dorm environments which ultimately attracts more students and results in increased enrollment.”

Cynthia Brooks, TSU Vice President of Business Finance, explained that the debt for the buildings will be repaid from student housing fees, and that the next steps included the design phase.

“The next step is to engage an architect who will get campus input and design the new facilities,” Brooks said.  “That process should be completed by December 2018.  Contractor bidding and selection will then occur, with actual construction projected to begin Summer 2019.”

The announcement comes at a critical time for TSU housing as more students are deciding to transition back to campus because of the high cost of living in the city of Nashville. Dr. Tracy Ford, head of Student Affairs, echoed that sentiment.

“We are extremely happy to receive this great news,” said Ford, the vice president of Student Affairs for TSU. “The university’s goal is to have the freshman class of 2020, as well as returning students, as the first occupants of these new halls.”

The residence halls additions, combined with Glover’s recent announcement of two new academic buildings, are signs of a new era of expansion at TSU. While details about the new engineering facility are yet to be disclosed, Glover informed the TSU community during the university’s opening convocation that $40,000,000 has been secured for the construction of a health sciences facility.

HBCU Football To Coincide With Confederate Rally in Richmond

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Winston-Salem State’s Thursday football practice ended with the usual instructions, for the most part. Players were told to get their rest before Friday’s bus trip to Richmond, what to wear on the bus and to bring their books. They also received a somber warning that was likely necessary in light of recent events.

“Remember what we saw in Charlottesville a couple of weeks ago,” WSSU SID Kevin Manns told the team after practice. “That could very well happen in Richmond.”

Three HBCU football teams will be competing in Richmond on the same day as a planned rally in support of the city’s Robert E. Lee monument, organized by The New Confederate State of America, a group based in Tennessee. The Sons of Confederate Veterans, a local group, says the rally is simply a bunch of out-of-towners looking to stir up trouble.

Howard is set to take on the University of Richmond on Saturday in Mike London’s return to the school which he helped lead to the FCS national title in 2008. A few hours later, Virginia Union is set to host visiting WSSU in the inaugural Willard Bailey Classic.

Col. Carlton G. Edwards, Virginia Union’s  Police Chief, released a statement through the university on Thursday warning students and fans about the events expected to take place.

“It is my recommendation, and that of the university, that you avoid Monument Avenue and Broad Street beginning tonight through Sunday,” Col. Edwards wrote. “This is out of concern for your safety and your right of free speech and peaceful assembly.  The VUU Police Department is closely monitoring information and plans put in place by city and state authorities. This event is not expected to be a safe environment of free expression.”

Safety In Numbers

WSSU head coach Kienus Boulware re-iterated Manns’ words when he addressed the team as well, imploring his team to stick together.

“If you catch yourself in the elevator with somebody with a scarf on or something like that just hi-five ’em, don’t give ’em no attitude or lip,” Boulware said. “We’re gonna be as peaceful as possible. We’ve got a game to play, we don’t want to jeopardize ourselves.”

It is a warning that wouldn’t have happened a year or even six months ago, but now three HBCU football teams find themselves playing in a city where the next big conflict regarding Confederate monuments could take place.

This article was originally published by via HBCU Gameday

One Major Change Has People Wondering: Has Howard University’s Homecoming Lost Its Juice?

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Howard University is known for many things, and one of them is its Homecoming celebration.

The universities Homecoming Week is a time when alumni and currently enrolled students come together and “turn up” without cease. With annual events such as the fashion show, tailgate, Yardfest, etc., Howard’s Homecoming has always been the place to be. Even Ludacris said it: “Then jump in the car and just ride for hours/ Makin’ sure I don’t miss the homecoming at Howard.”

However, Howard’s success at creating memorable Homecoming weeks over the past 20+ years is all due to the hard work and dedication of student-ran Homecoming committees. Each summer, a committee of selected students unite to plan the biggest Howard event of the school year. After a long summer of planning, the rest of Howard’s students can count on festivities with unparalleled fun. Unfortunately, this October, Homecoming might have a different outcome; there is no student Homecoming committee.

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Because this year is the 150th anniversary of Howard’s establishment, alumni took the responsibility of planning the 2017 Homecoming week. Although current students are supposed to be optimistic about Homecoming, it is difficult since the calendar of Homecoming events was released. The calendar showed no Yardfest, but instead a Youtube Fanfest, which students were not fond of.

Based off of the lack of Homecoming event planning, it is evident that current students will have a hard time supporting this year’s Homecoming week. No one is certain whether this year’s Homecoming will be a hit or a miss, but Howard University is surely playing games.

Meet HU Stylish Buzz: Gada Bell

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HBCUs are some of the most stylish campuses in the world. Howard University, specifically, is a campus where some students will “pop out” just because. Overall, the goal for many students is to simply showcase their personality through what they wear on a daily basis.

Check out this week’s Stylish Buzz:

Virginia native, Gada Bell, is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is one of the up and coming fashionistas on Howard’s campus! Her confidence and bold pieces are a reflection of her equally as independent style. Her main inspiration is…. you guessed it… herself! The way she sees it, there’s no need to look to others for inspiration when you can get inspired by your own journey and uniqueness. Gada loves to stand out in a crowd with her vibrant colors and statement shoes! Check out some of her most recent looks below:

“I don’t really look at other people for inspiration.”

Gada Bell

 

Gada’s Looks! 

Make sure you follow @Its_Gada so that you can stay updated on all of her upcoming looks!

Blogging Concepts for HBCU Students

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Blogging Concepts for HBCU Students to Reflect
William Jackson, M.Ed.
HBCU Alumni – South Carolina State University
HBCU Instructor – Edward Waters College
Social Media Visionary for #MyQuestToTeach
Share your voice, share your story, let the world
hear you.

1. Why Do You Blog – bloggers must have a reason to
do what they do. There should be passion and commitment
when putting fingers to keyboard. Why you blog is a very
important statement and should have a definite answer and
purpose.
During the blogging process “why” may change just as
content changes, every blogger should have an answer
as to Why Do You Blog.

2. Who Is Your Demographic – an important element
to go consider is: Why is; Who is your demographic?
Is there an age group, gender, nationality, lifestyle,
culture or specific group you want to connect with?
People enjoy having a connection with bloggers. Any
successful blogger knows who their audience is and
tries to give them what they need and to provide
relevant content.

3. What Type of Content Do You Share – sharing is
very important.
You want your audience to understand that you are sharing
a part of yourself with them. You’re not thrusting things
down their throat, but providing something that they need
or as you grow in your writing giving your readers something
they think they need. Create the atmosphere of sharing
which helps in receiving feedback from the
reader/viewer.

4. How Do You Support Your Brand
Do you have a domain name, are you using a free site, is
there a lot of advertising, is there adult content, video,
audio, and multimedia?
Supporting your content on a platform requires some
research on your part to validate you and build your
Brand. In the educational, political, and business
environments you have to backup what you have stated
with dynamic information links, quotes, and data.
In your blogging you’re competing with traditional media
so go that extra step to help readers understand where
you’re coming from, how it can help them and where else
they can go for additional resources.

5. Do You Use Photos, Video, Graphics – The power of
a picture, video or multimedia element can never be under
estimated. If there is a video that can be used or you create
your own do it. This provides an extra element to attract
and keep readers to your content.
Search Engine Optimization(SEO) does need help with text
(words), but additional elements that provide audio
(podcasting), video (YouTube) and multimedia to create an
interactive platform. Never be scared to branch off into
new areas to help engage and excite your readers.

6. Do You Offer A Service – What can you provide your
audience? What type of service or services do you have?
The popular blogs of relationship building, natural hair, nails
(hands and feet) provide a service that can be seen and is
engaging.
There is a service that results can be seen. Think hard on
what service you can provide if this is your choice. Be sure
that you can keep your customers happy.

7. Do You Evolve – One of the important things about
blogging is keeping and expanding your audience, that
means evolving.
No blog stays the same just as people change, there is an
evolutionary process that writers go through. Just as age
and maturity happens so should a bloggers content evolve
because their readers evolve and change. What you wrote
3 years ago will not be of the same interest for your readers
now. Their lives have evolved (changed) so as a blogger
your content must evolve also.

8. Do You Have a Brand – Can you Brand yourself to
the public?
What are you known for, what does the title of your Blog
bring thoughts and feelings of? Branding is important
because of the interest it generates in readership. Creating
a Brand allows for Marketability and potential profits.
Branding shows you, who you are so the public will make
that connection.

9. Can You Be Marketable – to make money is only one
important aspects of blogging. Eventually a blogger considers
how can they make money so must be wise in how they Market
their content.
This may take a team to get the word out about you and
promote what you are doing. Social Media tools are diverse
this must be strategic in application.
These elements are worth considering and using as a
guide to anyone blogging. Your blogging content, goals,
designs and objectives will change the more you blog so be
ready to make adjustments and evolve to keep pace and
stay important enough to be followed, read, quoted, inspiring, engaged and influential.

Gabrielle Union, Lisa Ling, Angela Rye visit NCA&T in Chancellor’s Town Hall Series

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Gabrielle Union, Angela Rye and Lisa Ling discuss the importance and struggles of being  women of color.

Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. held his Town Hall on Sept. 12th in Harrison Auditorium at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC to a packed house of engaged audience members.  The woman’s issues forum featured a panel with Gabrielle Union, Lisa Ling, and Angela Rye, moderated by NBC reporter, Danya Bacchus.

“People say, what comes first? Your womanist or your blackness? I say neither, I am a black woman. You cannot separate the two.” said Gabrielle Union, star of BET’s hit show “Being Mary Jane”

Angela Rye, CNN social advocate correspondent, added to the conversation by speaking about how women of color do not need to allow components like being a minority or being a woman, act as blockade of equality, specifically in receiving things like equal pay. 

“Black Lives Matters, well black pay matters too” said Rye.

“This is Life” star Lisa Ling also noted that there is a patriarchal hierarchy that allows inequalities like the wage gap to take place in present day society.

“Women historically have been less willing to stand up for themselves, and I am hoping that that would change with this generation.” said Ling.

Union spoke to how this type of gender equality even affects factors that seem independent from gender inequality like parenting.

“When I teach my boys in our household how to stand up for themselves, it’s very threatening. When my male best friend does the same thing, he’s a natural born leader.” said Union.

Ling noted, how gender and race play a role in the way women of color have limited access speaking about how there is unintentional prejudice when it comes to factors like gender directly impacting things such as visibility.

“I do not think that there is a malicious intent behind it, but sometimes they just don’t see you.” said Ling.

Union, highly active in sex trafficking prevention, spoke about rape and its affects on women. “Rape is about control and violence, period.” said Union.

“Human trafficking is rampant in America, but its not called human trafficking. It’s called prostitution.”

said Ling, who has highlighted and documented rape culture throughout different societies through her different docu-series.

Moderator A&T alum, Danya Bacchus closed out the event with a recitation of Maya Angelou’s “I Rise.”

Spectators of the event, which included many students and faculty seemed to have enjoyed  it. Union, Rye, Ling, and Bacchus all stayed after to take pictures with students.

The series was launched a few months ago in March 2017 and was an initiative that Chancellor Martin Sr. created to bring renowned individuals for in depth discussion on A&T’s campus. The first town hall included Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg and there he discussed building community as it streamed on Facebook live to millions of viewers.

There was a lot controversy on A&T campus surrounding who would and who wouldn’t be able to see this amazing panel of women. Tickets were made available on September 23rd and were unavailable in less than two hours. Many students wished that the event was placed in a larger location allowing more students the opportunity to hear this panel. For those who attended, it was one for the books.

For More Information visit:

http://www.ncat.edu/news/2017/08/womens-issues.html

FAMU Alum Kamau Murray Coached Sloane Stephens All The Way To Win The US Open Title

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Stephenson’s inaugural major win also solidified and verified her coach Kamau Murray’s decision to cease a steady career in corporate pharmaceutical work at Novo Nordisk Inc. to take his part-time hustle of coaching tennis and make it a full-time grind.

Murray, now 36, graduate of Florida A&M University didn’t just end up coaching professionally, he helped a young African-American tennis prodigy fulfill her potential and reach the pinnacle by winning her first U.S. Open title in a sport that – Williams Sisters aside – doesn’t produce many champions of color.

Murray’s story fits into the chapters of Sloane Stephens’ book of black girl magic perfectly. There’s a cultural connection and mutual understanding between the two that can only be found in minorities striving to be champions in a traditionally white-dominated sport.

Murray first met Stephens while coaching her doubles partner, Taylor Townsend. At that point, Stephens had flirted with major victories, defeated both Williams Sisters in matches and was stuck in a rut, unable to get over that first majors hump.

Murray started coaching Stephens in November 2015. When Stephens suffered a stress fracture in her right foot that ended her 2016 season and required surgery, Murray was there to lend support, keep her mentally sharp and provide solid mentorship.

“I’m extremely proud,” Murray said about Stephens. “She’s earned it. She’s put in a lot of hard work. She’s been open to guidance and direction.”

Since Stephen’s monumental win and phat payday, the dynamic duo are gaining in celebrity and notoriety. The world is eager to find out more about the new face of American women’s tennis and her coach, probably the first from an HBCU to guide an African-American prospect to one of tennis’ greatest achievements.

Murray would have never found his Mona Lisa in Stephens if he didn’t throw his inhibitions to the wind and take a leap of faith by coaching full-time. It was a risk he was willing to endure and now that he is an accomplished coach, Murray still utilizes his intelligence and the business skills he acquired in college, off the courts.

Read Full via The Shadow League

Howard University Barbershop Offers Free Haircuts, Taper App

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTS1qGEiC9E

College means a lot of change. On top of the new schedule and school work, students may also find themselves looking for a new barber. News4’s Molette Green went to Howard University, where students have a great new option. Book your next appointment, Taper App http://taperup.com/download and search “HUBarbershop” Apple & Android

Coors Light Kicks Off 2017 HBCU Football Season With T.I. and Scholarships

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One of the best selling beer, Coors Light, recently announced it will once again be a proud sponsor of historically black college and university (HBCU) Football Classic season.

Coors Light will create unique fan experiences at four of the premiere HBCU football classics in the country. While also, giving away scholarship donations to participating schools, and hosting exclusive tailgates and post-game events for alumni in the host cities. Teaming up with artist like T.I and D.J. Evy to sponsor the 2017 HBCU football classic season through scholarships and donations has made Coors Light a favorite in the HBCU community, investing more than $1 million help students climb on and achieve their educational dreams.  The participating schools will be given $10,000 scholarships ($80,000 in total) targeting juniors and seniors who are 21 years of age and older.

In a time where it seems like we are struggling to keep HBCU culture and heritage alive it is great to see that companies like, Coors Light can see the importance of our institutions and the need for support to sustain a generation that made it all possible for us for the generations to come.

Coors Light will host exclusive tailgates and post-game experiences at all four HBCU football classics featuring appearances by superstar hip-hop recording artist T.I. and music by national deejay and syndicated radio host, DJ Envy. These events are designed as VIP spaces where alumni 21 and older can reconnect over an ice-cold Coors Light while living out the pride and tradition of the HBCU experience. Access to the tailgate and post-game event are complimentary to eligible consumers who participate in the Coors Light XP promotion and qualify for access. Participation is through the new Coors Light XP mobile application, available for free in the App Store and Google Play. Coors Light XP is a loyalty program where consumers 21 and older can earn XP (Experience Points) through several different ways, and redeem XP for one-of-a-kind rewards, like Coors Light gear and exclusive access to events.

The 2017 Coors Light HBCU Football Classic schedule:

  • Southern Heritage Classic (Memphis, TN) – Sept. 9
  • Magic City Classic (Birmingham, AL) – Oct. 28
  • Florida Classic (Orlando, FL) – Nov. 18
  • Bayou Classic (New Orleans, LA) – Nov. 25

Hype at Howard University: Student Releases Luxury Hair Company

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Howard University is a place where students are not only encouraged to present their best selves, but also try new things and develop their Howard hustle. “The Hype” is a weekly YouTube series that showcases exceptional movers and shakers at Howard University. In a recent interview on the show, Amara Onwukaeme, a junior Legal Communications major from Atlanta, GA, discusses how she has made it her goal to help women look and feel their absolute best. With the recent debut of The Headline, LLC, a luxury wig and hair company, Amara’s wigs have been seen all over the country.

Originally from Nigeria, Amara grew up in a family full of entrepreneurs. Her father once drove an ice cream truck and her mother worked at Checker’s. Her two older brothers have also started their own successful businesses. As a self taught entrepreneur, Onwukaeme describes her company as selling a lifestyle, saying

“it’s one thing to show up, but there’s another thing to have presence.”

Her original wig company, titled GlamStrandz, developed a strong presence on Howard University’s campus. After only one year of sales, Onwukaeme realized her talents could expand far from wigs. She licensed her company and created a stronger social media presence. In an attempt to keep up with new styles and trends, she developed the concept of having a magazine style promotion release every month.

As her brand is quickly expanding, Amara’s next move is to have social media influencers and celebrities begin wearing her pieces.

To watch the full interview on “The Hype,” click here.