https://twitter.com/NCCU/status/892052311962509312
Watch the North Carolina Central University Sound Machine’s feature on a recent episode of ESPN’s ‘First Take.’
Nine GSU alum worked collaboratively to create So Lyrical, It Feels Spiritual, an anthology of Black women poetry book set to release on August 1.
This ground-breaking collection of poetry tackles issues surrounding race, sex, body image, relationships and more!
The featured poets include: Kimberly F. Monroe, Blythe Dennis, Kourtney Thurmond, Katrina Harris, Ardella Player, Landis Anderson, Ja’Mell Fairly, Regernique Rasco and Danielle Savage.
These contemporary poets uniquely bring together contrasting visions and styles that illuminate aspects of women, African-Americans, and life experiences.
Blythe Dennis, who is also a music artist, has been writing poetry since she was a kid. Its actually how she got into writing her own songs.
“Writing poetry for me is freeing,” Dennis said. “It makes me feel at ease and it gives me an opportunity to be as raw and honest as I want.”
She believes this poetry book is awesome not only because she is apart of it, but because she and the poets had a chance to showcase the talent that comes from products of GSU, especially women.
Along with working on the poetry book this year, Dennis also released a project entitled “The Heartbreak EP” that also showcases the authentic her and the pure emotions that she often times gets from poetry.
Kimberly Monroe, editor of the book, posted to social media representing African-American queens, “For Us, By Us” and many supporters responded with excitement and eagerness to purchase the book to dig deeper into each of the poets work.
This is Monroe’s first poetry book, but this is not her first rodeo. She is no stranger to using her gift to write to produce extremely creative content. The alum and current Howard PhD. student wrote her first children’s book about GSU’s homecoming experience entitled “Homecoming In Tigerland” illustrated by Christian Ryan West last year. The book has become a GramFam favorite.
All of the featured poets have been busy working hard to make sure that this also is a favorite for not only poetry lovers, but for supporters of strong women who refuse to go unheard around the world.
The new book described as ‘real, raw and uncut’ is available NOW on Amazon Books and in Barnes & Nobles.
CONNECT WITH: ‘So Lyrical, It Feels Spiritual’:
Instagram: @solyrical_itfeelsspiritual
Rio Lewis is a senior, sociology major at Morehouse College from Harlem, New York. This summer Rio has spent his time away from classes, impacting the lives of young men through an innovative summer camp program that he has founded.
Operation Summer Exposure is the name of his program. It is a subsidiary of his non-profit program, Operation Exposure. The goal of the Operation Summer Exposure program this year was to bring ten young men ages 12 and below, to experience a summer camp. Each young man was a member of the Salisbury-Concord area. The young men experienced a week long camp in New London, North Carolina. The camp’s intention is to expose the young brothers to new recreational activities that they may have never encountered. These activities included fishing, kayaking, archery, rifle shooting, motorboating, paddleboarding and much more.
After talking with River Lewis it is clear to see that this is a project close to home. He says,
“One summer, I was granted a trip to a camp, and have since become a lifelong lover of the experience. I began working there at 14, and have yet to miss a summer of mentoring, leadership, and most importantly, fun. I am a firm believer in doing anything you can to improve the lives of others, and this [summer] project is just one of the many ways I plan on doing so”.
Lewis came up with the idea on a volunteer assignment at Morehouse College. As a Morehouse College Bonner Scholar, Lewis mentors young students at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School. During his time at the school, he learned that many of the children he mentored had never been out of their neighborhoods. The young men had never been to a camp or experienced the camp lifestyle that he had learned to appreciate at their age. This acknowledgment compelled him to want to get involved and expose the young men to different activities he enjoyed as a young child.
With his goal set in mind, Lewis raised over $6000 dollars for the camp through crowdfunding. His drive comes from lessons he has learned while at Morehouse.
“Morehouse has taught me how to be the light even if no one follows you, and to trust in your judgement. My time in undergrad has helped me become more confident in myself and to stand up for something I believe in, and have a passion for.” Lewis expressed.
He also plans to continue his project every summer. Within the next few years Rio Lewis wants to expand the project to not just target young men but young women as well. He aspires to to increase the size of the groups, and one day even travel abroad with his camp participants.
“I simply care for the future of black bodies, most importantly their developmental period. I think that the lack of positive exposure equals ignorance, that’s why I would like to expose more youth to something different.”
We at HBCU Buzz appreciate Rio’s work to exposing the youth to a different way to spend their summers. To learn more about Rio’s work you can follow him on Instagram. at @rio_smoov.
The future of American jobs is in STEM. According to the 2016 U.S. News/Raytheon STEM Index, graduate numbers and salaries in the field of science, technology, engineering, and math are increasing as jobs in STEM fields significantly outpace the national average. In order to prep students to compete in this evolving market, HBCU’s are tasked to adapt curriculum and course offerings accordingly. With a new grant program to support STEM pathways for HBCU students, Intel is investing $4.5 million into this effort, and Morgan State is one of six historically black colleges and universities to be awarded a portion of the grant.
“It’s going to support 25 two-year fellowships for students at Morgan, and it’s going to allow us to start a one-year professional master’s program,”
Michael Spencer, dean of the School of Engineering, said in an interview with WBALTV. With a $750,000 share of the grant to be distributed over three years, Morgan State has earmarked the funding to build up the school’s computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering programs.
The inpouring of support has generated excitement among students on campus. It’s a good feeling to receive some extra help,” said Rico Clark, an engineering student. The HBCUs do fall short on funding from time to time, so the fact that Intel is giving us extra money, it’s really going to help out the program here.” Intel hopes that the investment will attract more students into STEM fields.
In addition to Morgan State, Florida A&M, Howard, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M and Tuskegee universities will benefit from the Intel grant. We see you Intel!
This article was originally published via Blavity.com
Washington, DC – July 28, 2017 – The Howard University Board of Trustees announced earlier today the extension of President Wayne Frederick’s contract until June 30, 2024 – a five-year extension of his original agreement.
“President Frederick has been a transformational leader for Howard University and the entire Board of Trustees is excited to continue to work together in service to our community in the years ahead,” Board Chair Stacey Mobley said. “Because of his visionary leadership, Howard has made great strides in advancing the academic progress of students, enhancing faculty experience, and stabilizing the university’s financial position.”
After serving the University as interim president for more than a year, Dr. Frederick was inaugurated as the 17th president of Howard University on March 6, 2015 after an exhaustive national search.
“President Frederick has made tremendous progress in forwarding Howard’s goals and the mission of the university. We are confident that this positive and exciting momentum will continue,” said Vice Chair Mark Mason. “It was incredibly important to the Board that we take a long-term approach and avoid the instability of leadership that seems to be an unfortunate trend today in higher education. Howard deserves a strategic leader and we have that in President Frederick.”
According to Board Chair Stacey Mobley, “Throughout his tenure, President Frederick has successfully led innovative efforts to modernize the institution while ensuring Howard continues to uphold its historic mission. Howard is amid incredible transformation. The president has many accomplishments to date, and this extension will ensure we continue moving in the right direction.” The accomplishments include:
Development of strategies that optimize impact and drive transformation and modernization
- In January 2016, under Frederick’s leadership, the University embarked on a strategic planning process to forward a long-term transformation strategy.
- Diversified revenue streams to support the continued vitality of the University.
- Successful management of a $1.5 billion real estate portfolio, which includes generating capital for the University while retaining asset ownership, optimizing the value of underutilized real estate assets and modernizing the campus environment to benefit faculty, staff, students and neighboring communities.
A dramatically improved financial position for the University and the hospital
- FY2016 saw Howard’s strongest financial performance in five years, with a gain from operations of almost $12 million. Operating revenues stabilized in FY2016, and operating expenses were decreased by 8% compared to FY2015.
- Financial performance at Howard University Hospital has vastly improved over the past two years, and the hospital is now profitable and stable.
Advancements in Faculty and Staff Experience
- Established the Office of Faculty Development to improve the quality of faculty life related to teaching and research, career development, and professional satisfaction.
- Demonstrated faculty and staff retention as a priority. Increased compensation of both over tenure, despite budget constraints.
- Implemented monthly faculty forums, summer academy and other initiatives to nurture development of junior faculty.
- Improved faculty onboarding and orientation.
- Conducts monthly meetings with faculty senate and staff organization leadership to foster collaboration on key priorities.
Significant progress of key academic measures
- Howard is now ranked as a Tier 1 national university by U.S. News & World Report and ranked #124, up 21 spots since Frederick’s tenure began.
- In 2017, U.S. News & World Report cited Howard as one of only two institutions with the greatest improvement in National University rankings between 2015 and 2017.
- Howard’s four-year graduation rate has increased year over year since his appointment.
- Established the Office of Honors and Scholar Development to increase access of prestigious academic awards for students. Specifically, over the last 30 years Howard students have received 90 awards. Under Frederick’s tenure 163 students were selected for prestigious scholarships and or fellowships.
Development of Innovative Programs
- Launch of Howard West campus, a strategic partnership with Google designed to immerse students in educational and professional experiences taught by Google staff and Howard professors.
- Established the Bison STEM Scholars program to increase the number of underrepresented students in STEM masters and masters/doctorate programs, keeping with Howard’s legacy of providing a diverse pipeline of STEM talent.
Increases in Enrollment, Fundraising and Student Aid
- Enrollment is growing, and Howard will welcome the largest Freshman class in its history this Fall.
- The 2017 Charter Day Dinner raised $1.2 million in net proceeds to aid students in need, the most ever in the history of the event.
- The alumni participation rate has increased year over year since Frederick’s appointment, and more than doubled in 4 years.
- Howard University has significantly advanced its goal of increasing the level of financial aid it provides to its students and their families. In FY2016, Howard awarded to its students over $101 million in University-provided financial aid. As recently as FY2009, Howard disbursed just $40 million a year in University-provided financial aid.
“I am thrilled and honored to continue to serve as President of Howard University, my alma mater and a place so special to me,” said Frederick. “I truly appreciate the confidence the Board of Trustees has shown in me through this extension and I can’t wait to continue working with my exceptional colleagues in the faculty and on staff to ensure the University is well positioned for continued success in the decades to come. We have made a lot of progress but there is still so much work to be done. Our students and faculty deserve the very best and I’m committed to working in concert with all members of our community, including alumni, to ensure that our alma mater is the best that higher education has to offer.”
A full biography of President Frederick can be found here.
Contact: Crystal Brown
202-806-2521
This week, the NAACP’s 108th Annual Convention took place in Baltimore, MD.
With the theme “steadfast and immovable” setting the tone for the business at hand, attendees quickly realized that this convening was rooted in purpose and urgency.
Politicians, humanitarians, civil rights leaders, youth advocates, and concerned people of color united under one roof to discuss the state of black America
.
Attendees and speakers drawn to the convention included the likes of 82nd Attorney General The Honorable Eric H. Holder, The Honorable Kamala Harris, Esteemed author, life coach and attorney, Iyanla Vanzant, Black Lives Matter supporter and Zero Campaign originator and civil rights advocate Deray McKesson, CNN political strategist and former National Press Secretary to Bernie Sanders- Symone D. Sanders, NAACP WIN Director Dr. Thelma T. Daley, National Urban League Young Professionals President Carlos Clanton, former national chair of the Black Youth Project Jessica Pierce, activist Tamika D. Mallory, interim NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, recording artist Lil’ Mama, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz Esq., CEO Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Kristen Clarke Esq., Legal Director for the Human Rights Campaign Sarah Warbelow, Esq., former national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, The Honorable Robin Kelly, MD Senator The Honorable Chris Van Hollen, The Honorable Jewell Jones, Larry King, The Honorable Ben Cardin, The Honorable Cory Booker, The Honorable the Honorable Tammy Duckworth, the Honorable Nanette Barragan, the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, The Honorable Cedric Richmond, The Honorable Robert “Bobby” Scott, The Honorable Scott Taylor, and Mr. Hilary O. Shelton.
Congressmen and women urged NAACP members and convention attendees to understand the power of their voice and their vote. Collegiate chapters showed up with busloads of youth who, despite not being legal by law, were well-aware of their rights and of their power. In fact, when 27-year-old political trailblazer, CNN political strategist and former National Press Secretary to Bernie Sanders, Symone D. Sanders took the podium at the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Freedom Gala, she brought the entire room to its feet within a matter of minutes reemphasizing that we aren’t fighting fo
r a seat at the table, we stand on the shoulder of giants who already did that. Sanders shared anecdotes supporting that it would be inaccurate to say that we, today, in this moment, are fighting for a seat at the table. She specifically addressed her fellow millennials saying
“I know there are many many times when we have been told to keep our heads down, work really really hard , stay focused, raised and someone will recognize our efforts and our work. Well, brothers and sisters I am here to tell you that I don’t necessarily subscribe to that philosophy.” she continued “sometimes we are the best people in the room, presenting the absolute, most amazing product. We are the smartest, the best, the brightest, the fastest, and sometimes the people still don’t pick us.”
She reminded those in attendance that despite having a seat at the table, we need to effectively use that seat.
“We must be Doers! We need urgency. The time is now, right now.”
It brought great joy to know that the NAACP Youth & College National Coordinator, Anthony Davis. Jr, hails from none other than Morehouse College, graduating just last year. In a meeting, Davis shared:
“We need our
collegiate chapters more than ever. I am not sure why at HBCUs, our chapters are not as engaged, but we need to change that.”
Our staff at HBCU Buzz is determined to do something about improving the collegiate engagement of an organization so pivotal to our success as historic, black institutions of higher learning.
As it has done for the past 107 years, the NAACP can now close out the chapter on another amazing, riveting, life-changing convention that certainly planted seeds for change, nurtured seeds already planted in our trailblazing youth, and tended fertile ground for policy reform, political advancement, and civil rights engagement.
For More Information, Contact:
L. Kasimu Harris
504.816.4328 office
504.416.5519 mobile
NEW ORLEANS—In October, Walter M. Kimbrough, president of Dillard University, will join a cadre of voices from higher education, who will convene in Washington, DC, for the ATHENA Roundtable Conference. The discussions on academic freedom and accountability, will feature university presidents, scholars, and trustees on changing education models and solutions to campus free speech issues.
The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), the leading nonprofit organization advocating for academic freedom, academic excellence, and accountability in higher education, announced the conference theme and the distinguished speakers who will appear at its annual ATHENA Roundtable. Entitled “Restoring Excellence: Ideas that Work for 21st Century College Leadership,” the conference will feature two panel discussions with presentations and commentary by nationally renowned higher education leaders and policymakers. The talk will be held on October 20, 2017, at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center.
Moderated by Catherine Rampell, opinion columnist for The Washington Post, “A Galvanizing Year for Free Speech: A Common Agenda for Academic Freedom,” will bring together prominent scholars and free speech advocates for a discussion on the embattled state of free expression on college campuses today. Speakers include Steven Benner, distinguished fellow of the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution and student member of the 1975 C. Vann Woodward Committee on Freedom of Expression at Yale, Philip Hamburger, the Maurice and Hilda Friedman professor of law at Columbia Law School, Walter M. Kimbrough, president of Dillard University, and Allison Stanger, 
professor of political science at Middlebury College.
“I have been excited to be part of discussions about how we create a climate on campus where we can learn how to embrace difficult conversations from different perspectives,” Kimbrough said. “I learned a great deal from our hosting of a contentious U.S. Senate debate, and it is important to share that with my colleagues.”
The second panel is “Money, Markets, and Management: The Changing Model of Higher Ed.” The conference is followed by the Philip Merrill Award Gala Dinner, where University of Chicago President Robert J. Zimmer will deliver keynote remarks.
Contact: Jack Bailey
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University Vice President for Research and Public Service Dr. Orlando F. McMeans is the Association of Research Directors (ARD) recipient of the 2017 Leadership Award from the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP), a division of the national Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU).
ESCOP is the executive body of APLU’s Experiment Station Section (ESS) Board on Agriculture Assembly, and handles continuing business, organization and policy issues on behalf of the state agricultural experiment station directors.
“The research leadership Dr. McMeans provides on both the regional and national levels is commendable, and this award from his peers in the land-grant system is truly deserved,” WVSU President Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins said. “Under his leadership, the research portfolio at WVSU has significantly expanded and diversified. During his tenure, externally sponsored funding has also increased from less than $1 million to more than $16 million annually, which has translated into more than $148 million for the University and the State.”
McMeans oversees WVSU’s Agricultural and Environmental Research Station, which comprises a variety of federally supported research endeavors dealing with diverse research areas including plant genomics, aquaculture, energy, water quality, horticulture and alternative agriculture systems and plant breeding. He served as co-chair of the 2017 ARD Research Symposium in Atlanta, Ga., biannual gathering of research scientists and students from throughout the 1890 Land-Grant University System.
With a membership of 237 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems and affiliated organizations, APLU’s agenda is built on the three pillars of increasing degree completion and academic success, advancing scientific research, and expanding engagement. The association’s work is furthered by an advocacy arm that works with Congress and the administration, as well as the media, to advance federal policies that strengthen public universities and benefit the students they serve.
McMeans will receive the Leadership Award during the APLU Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., in November.
Follow West Virginia State University on Facebook, Instagram 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.
-WVSU-
ATON ROUGE — Southern University received applications from seven companies seeking to be its medical marijuana grower, as the school sets up one of Louisiana’s two production facilities.
The Southern University Ag Center expects to finish reviewing applications by the end of the month. The university governing board must approve any selection.
The companies vying for the contract are: Advanced Bio Medical, Aqua Pharm, Citiva Louisiana, Columbia Care, Med Louisiana, Southern Roots and U.S. Hemp Corporation.
Under Louisiana’s 2015 medical marijuana law, only the agricultural centers at LSU and Southern University are allowed to grow the plant. LSU has selected its vendor, GB Sciences, and is negotiating contract terms.
The Advocate reports three firms applying for Southern’s contract — Citiva, Columbia and Southern Roots — unsuccessfully bid to operate LSU’s medical marijuana business.
This article was originally published via Shreveporttimes.com
A quartet of DSU students are using a good portion of their summer to help make a crime-challenged section of Dover a safer place to live.
Four DSU students –Dashayna Brown, Danielle McAllister, Ruth Kotter and Eric Wright – are serving as community outreach and engagement specialists as part of the Lights On Dover Strong Program.
While enduring hot summer mornings and afternoons, the DSU interns are providing residences just north of downtown Dover with security lighting designed to discourage criminal activity. Toward that end, the students are installing LED light bulbs in the front of residences and mounting motion sensitive floodlights in the back of those same homes.
One of the first black major news anchors and Washington, DC’s longest serving local TV host Jim Vance, dies aged 75, following a battle with cancer.
WRC-TV President and General Manager Jackie Bradford confirmed in a statement that Vance died Saturday morning. He was 75 years old.
Vance, who was one of the first black major news anchors and DC’s longest serving television news anchor, co-hosted his 11pm show with his longtime broadcast partner Doreen Gentzler on NBC 4.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — A Hampton University Professor won a $1 million prize playing the Gold Bar Bonanza scratch off.
Dr. Calvin Lowe, who is Dean of the School of Science, thought he’d won the top prize, but he wasn’t certain.
After examining the ticket with a magnifying glass, Dr. Lowe realized the ticket really was a top prize winner.
The ticket was bought at the 7-Eleven in the 700 block of J. Clyde Morris Boulevard in Newport News.
Dr. Lowe is the first to receive the $1 million prize in the Gold Bar Bonanza.
The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 1,101,600. The odds of winning any prize in this game are 1 in 3.28.
Dr. Lowe said he told his secretary about the win and she replied, “I’m not losing you as a boss, am I?” He assured her he has no plans to quit and plans to save most of his winnings for retirement.
Wiley College President Haywood L. Strickland announced on Monday his plans to retire in June 2018.
“I’m getting old,” he said Monday, chuckling. “It’s just time. I’ve served longer than most presidents now. Most now (serve about) seven years or so and this is my 18th year. “That’s really a long time to be in this high octane, high pressure job. I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve accomplished what I wanted to now it’s time to enjoy retirement, enjoy my granddaughter. It’s really more personal than anything else.”
Strickland made the announcement and submitted his formal letter of intent to retire to the college’s board of trustees at the end of his board presentation Thursday during the summer board meeting, a release on Monday said.
“We wanted to make it seamless and ensure there was no downtime between presidents,” Strickland said. “Far too often presidents leave under some kind of pressure and there’s a disconnect between the (administrations). I want to make sure I have a conversation with the new president and answer any questions. I wanted to give them an opportunity to prepare for my leaving rather than a short (notice) departure.”
Strickland said the trustees formed a search committee in the spring, which is being advised by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, in its work to recruit and name a successor.
“Not many people know that at one time in his life, President Strickland thought his life’s work would be in the ministry,” said Walter L. Sutton Jr., the chair of Wiley’s board of trustees, in response to Strickland’s letter. “It was fortunate for Wiley College and the higher education community that he ultimately fulfilled his calling through years of consistent and dedicated service to ensure access to a higher education.”
Read full at Marshall News Messenger
There are tons of YouTube videos that show common topics like what you should bring or how to eat healthy while in college. However, the scope of advice needed for college, especially HBCUs is much wider. Kiara Nelson, a TV/Film student at Howard University and Alexis Whidbee, a Psychology Student at North Carolina A&T both have YouTube channels where they shed light on a wide range of HBCU Topics. Below are some of the most helpful (and funny) videos I’ve watched on their channels that I wish I had my freshman year. By the end of these you’ll be able to figure out what songs to learn before coming to an HBCU, as well as the Dos and Don’ts. Be sure to follow them and stay updated on their vlogs and other fun/informative videos!
Handle Sadness in College:
Songs to Know Before You Attend an HBCU:
Terms to Know Before You Get to Howard:
Part1:
How to Dress @ Your HBCU:
Manage Natural Hair in College:
Hacks for Free Textbooks
*DOs and DON’Ts at HBCUs:
*College Must Haves/Essentials:
*Organization Tips for College Students:
For an inside look at life at Howard and NCAT head over to their channels and check out some vlogs!
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCfZxCH0kUH0fCny-30x_sIMX2wm7yekw
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQb7OzMTejnhPHFhnlgueghg7cD0xsaiq
Meet Howard University’s DJ Magic
Posted on
DJ Magic, aka Dionne, is a sophomore, Music Composition major from Atlanta, GA. She began her DJ career in her senior year of high school and quickly learned just how important the role of a good DJ was.
“I really admire the fact that DJs love to have fun, hype people up, and make great memories no matter which genre the audience is into.”
– DJ Magic
Over the past few months she has developed her personal DJ style even more. Many would describe her as a DJ whose style is consistent and smooth, “laid back with a southern twist and feminine edge.”
Dionne’s overall passion for music came sort of out of the blue seeing ASB she didn’t grow up in a musical household. She went from elementary school chorus to middle school musical theatre and band in high school. At Howard she’s taken thisbpassion to new heights with music production in addition to her DJing. Her personal music taste is super diverse including favorite artists ranging from NAO to Dua Lipa; she listens to music from just about ever genre.
A Message from the DJ
“On July 21, I am releasing ‘Femme Fatale Vol. II’ the second installment of my all female hip hop and R&B mix. I’m extremely excited about it because I’ve grown tremendously as a DJ ever since I released the first ‘Femme Fatale’ and I’m looking forward to seeing how everyone reacts to the new artists and songs that I put into this one.
The ‘Femme Fatale’ series means the most to me because it was the first full-length mix that I ever did but I have to say that my favorite project overall is ‘Rise Up: The ATL Mix’. I made it in February 2017 when I got super homesick after the Atlanta Falcons made it to the Superbowl. I felt that I had to make something to pay homage to my hometown and show everyone how prominent Atlanta has become in hip hop culture in a short period of time.”
Make sure to stay updated on all of the latest news and projects by following DJ Magic on her social media sites @yagirldjmagic. Check out some of her most popular mixes and videos below!
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/275081975″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]
https://twitter.com/yagirldjmagic/status/886330945237856257
Femme Fatale Vol. II: https://soundcloud.com/yagirldjmagic/femme-fatale-vol-ii
Rise Up: The ATL Mix: https://soundcloud.com/yagirldjmagic/rise-up-the-li-mix
VIBE Featured HBCU App Changes The Game
Posted on
An app created over a year ago by a group of young HBCU students for a school competition has now become one of the strongest assets to HBCU awareness and enrollment increase, HBCU HUB: Raising Enrollment.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HBCU Hub Jonathan Swindell, a Senior at Grambling State University said the app came into fruition after winning the 1st Idea Competition at Grambling State University, with that also receiving a $1,000 prize to help launch the app. The primary goals of HBCU HUB is to increase HBCU awareness amongst their majority millennial audience, while also increasing enrollment on every HBCU campus. The app also provides a social market for HBCU businesses to sell products, personal tutor(s) for students, information on Divine 9 organizations, and Stop Shop for everything HBCU.
A new featured launched on the app, Live Chat allows for students, parents, and alumni to ask questions, communicate on HBCU related issues, or serve as a hangout to socialize with others.
In short, “HBCU HUB is the high school to HBCU Pipeline.” CEO Swindell said.
With a feature story from VIBE Magazine and ranked #5 on the “Top 5 Successful Black Owned Tech Companies To Check Out” from CampusLATELY, it’s evident that HBCU HUB is the premier app for HBCU interested students, current students, parents and alumni.
The team of HBCU HUB also consist of his Chief Operating Officer (COO) Grambling State student Justin Willis and Creative Director Morgan Adams who attends Southern University. With the combined brain power from these three innovative individuals, they have created an app that impacts the HBCU community and millennial generation. Director Morgan Adams experienced work in the field of social media and as a Creative Director aided in the drastic increase in HBCU HUB social presence, rising by 748% in three weeks.
In an effort to address HBCU enrollment issues, HBCU HUB created a “HUB Pack”. The HUB Pack is a free service provided by the app in exchange for basic student information that sends a student all the information they need to be accepted by any specific HBCU, while also allowing for students to go on an HBCU Tour. With this being the first of its kind this project launched by the app has already began to increase student interest and enrollment at several HBCUs.
“HUB Packs are ordered daily, we are literally helping students get into school each and every day.” says Swindell.
Although the perfect app may have just arrived, Swindell says that the app is still looking to contribute to the HBCU Community in bigger ways. The vision of the app in five years is to increase overall HBCU enrollment by 25% with a presence on every HBCU campus and in 10 years increase enrollment by 50% and offer full ride scholarships to any HBCU in the country on the expense of HBCU HUB. Apart of their vision for the upcoming years is also launch their HBCU HUB 10k Giveway,where they will travel to select HBCUs and rain down $10,000 cash for the students to go after and grab.
HBCU HUB believes that the same community that gave them the opportunity to launch this app and all the success that has come with; they are now in debt to. Providing opportunities that the HBCU community and millennial generation may not have been given before has been proven to be the primary goal.
“As we grow as a company, our efforts to give back will grow as well, our company success empowers our community, the same community that empowered us, we will never forget that.”
The app as also aided in funding several students to attend HBCUs who may not have any the necessary funds prior to. A feature on the app, “Scholarship Matchmaker” allows the user to take a test that determines what scholarships across the country they qualify for. In the past a student attending Howard University received over $77,000 in scholarship money after completing the test and will never have to worry about paying for school again.
With success like the company has had in recent times, the question almost becomes what can’t this app do?
Swindell believes the limit within this company is endless, “With so much accomplished in one year it really leaves the question of how far can this company go?”
Coming in August 2017, HBCU HUB will launch a new feature, “Student Connection” that will soon after become the what we recognized as the “Tinder for HBCUs.”
This revolutionary app has truly emerged into the market spotlight and will continue to ring the bell for HBCUs for years to come with hopes of one day moving from being an app to becoming a dominant HBCU based company.
In his final thoughts Swindell left HBCU Buzz with these short but very powerful words, “We are going to change the world.”