Howard University Black Girl Magic Promotes “Black Girls Rock”

Posted by Maya Reese
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Recent Howard University graduate, Tiara Bolton was recently featured in BET’s newest commercial for it’s event “Black Girls Rock.” Appearing on screen next to event host and fellow HU graduate, Taraji P. Henson , Tiara is seen standing strong in solidarity and dancing with other beautiful black women.

Bolton secured her position in the commercial by running into Alan Ferguson, an accredited director and husband of Solange. On July 21st, Tiara and her friends were at The Promontory Nightclub in Chicago to celebrate a friends birthday. That night, he and his assistant approached them, asked what they were doing the next day, and if they wanted to be in the commercial.

“It was so unexpected. I was walking out of the club to take pictures of one of my friends. When we passed him, we whispered to each other like ‘is that Solange’s husband?’ When he said come here at first I was like ‘omg he heard us,'” says Bolton.

He was very quick, introduced her to his assistant, who later sent her the information that night. The next day, she went to a huge house in Indiana to film.

The house was decorated cute and had lights everywhere. “It was HOT! There were floors for make up, hair, clothes, and then the main floor was for shooting,” says Bolton. There was another building next door that provided food and solo shots. To her surprise, they were even serving delicious soul food. Tiara reminisces on the great food, saying “they served macaroni & cheese, crab cakes, green beans, and dessert. I laughed in my head thinking, ‘very black of you, BET.'”

When picking out scenes, Tiara and the other actresses stood around in a circle and were hand chosen. Luckily, she got to be in a few scenes with fellow Howard University alumna, Taraji P. Henson. In between takes, Henson was laughing and joking with the extras.

“She’s super down to earth and small. We talked about us both graduating from Howard. She told me about a scholarship she gave to be given to [School of Communications] students,” Bolton says.

Though Tiara doesn’t have any aspirations in acting, she admits that she enjoyed the entire experience, especially the monetary compensation. Black Girls Rock!

https://youtu.be/J9s63eIzDvc

 

UAPB Receives Historic $900,000 Grant From NCAA

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PINE BLUFF – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is celebrating a feat never before accomplished by its athletics program – the winning of a major grant from the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) that will vastly improve the level of academic support that it will be able to extend to its student-athletes.

The grant, known as the Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP), is a comprehensive (multi-year) grant dispersed over a period of three years. UAPB is one of just three schools nationally which saw its application for the award approved and one of just two athletics programs that were awarded the maximum amount of $900,000. Southern University, like UAPB, is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and was also awarded a $900,000 AASP grant. Morgan State University, a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, was awarded $887,700.

“We’re elated to receive the multi-year comprehensive grant from the NCAA,” UAPB Chancellor Lawrence B. Alexander said. “This award honors the supportive academic environment that exists in our athletics department and it recognizes the broad university-wide support for even greater academic achievement by student-athletes across campus units.”

Lonza Hardy Jr., UAPB’s Director of Athletics, echoed Chancellor Alexander’s sentiments, saying getting the AASP grant is an historic accomplishment for the University’s athletics program.

“The $900,000 AASP grant will be a game-changer for Golden Lion athletics,” said Hardy.

“With it, we will not only be able to implement initiatives which will positively affect our academic support program during the duration of the three-year grant period, but those initiatives will extend well into the future. This was our third time applying for the multi-year grant and winning it this time around is a testament to the collective efforts of personnel in our athletics program as well as key individuals from other areas across the UAPB campus which are integral to the success of all of our students.”

Hardy said the initiatives of UAPB’s AASP grant application, the brainchild of Student-Athlete Academic Services Director Kimberly Evans, includes four initiatives which should aid the athletics program as it works to make sure that UAPB student-athletes continue to pace their non-athlete counterparts in academic achievement. The initiatives include: installation of a Student-Athlete Academic Center at the J. Thomas May Field House, hiring of additional academic counselors and tutors and the purchase of computer hardware and software; funding to increase the number of student-athletes who will be able to attend the LIONS summer bridge program; a Degree Completion and Scholarship Program that will assist students who will need additional time to earn their degrees after their playing eligibility has expired; and professional development that will provide funds for members of the academic support staff to take advantage of opportunities that would help them to better assist student-athletes.

Schools eligible to apply for the AASP comprehensive multi-year grant program are non-Football Bowl Subdivision Division I schools in the bottom 10 percent of resources as determined by per capita institutional expenditures, athletics department funding and Pell Grant aid. Bernard Franklin, the NCAA’s Executive Vice-President of Education and Community Engagement and Chief Inclusion Officer, said he has been pleased with the program’s success.

“The impact of the Accelerating Academic Success Program has exceeded expectations and the reach has expanded far beyond the Academic Progress Rate (APR),” said Franklin. “The program’s success is an illustration of the transformation that can take place when adequate resources are combined with creative and strategic planning.”

In addition to the three universities which have been awarded the multi-year grants, six other universities have been awarded single-year grants. Combined with the multi-year grants, a total of $3.1 million is being dispersed to the nine schools by the NCAA.

For UAPB, the AASP grant comes just four months after the athletics program received a $315,000 grant from the NCAA which is being used to assist with academic support, promotions and athletics training services. This year alone, the athletics program at UAPB has generated more than $1.2 million to better serve its student-athletes.

For more information about the grant, please call Kimberly Evans at (870) 575-7900.

FAMU Rolls Over Texas Southern In Inaugural Jake Gaither Classic

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xs7wqc4sd4

Florida A&M University beats Texan Southern University for the inaugural Jake Gaither Classic in Tallahassee, Florida Saturday.  FAMU dominated Texas Southern from start to finish on national television, claiming a 29-7 win in the inaugural Jake Gaither classic.

 

Tatyana Ali To Speak At University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

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Pine Bluff, Ark. (August 24, 2017) – Actress, singer and activist Tatyana Ali will be the keynote speaker for the annual Lyceum event Thursday, September 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The free, public event will be held in the John McLinn Ross auditorium of the Hathaway-Howard Fine Arts Building.

Tatyana Ali motivates audiences to actively pursue their goals, while encouraging them to cherish education as the path to personal growth. Best known for playing Ashley Banks on the hit sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” Ali is an accomplished actress, musician, advocate and Harvard graduate whose presentations affirm and empower the next generation to become active in strengthening their communities.

A five-time NAACP Image Award winner, she delivers passionate entreaties on the importance of civic participation, as well as the need to be true to one’s self. As the host of the United Negro College Fund’s “Empower Me” Tour, she has traveled the country inspiring students to take control of their academic, personal and professional destinies.

Ali’s jubilant personality lights up rooms as she offers practical advice for maintaining pride and self-esteem when the going gets tough. With behind-the-scenes stories of growing up in the entertainment business, she illustrates the importance of identifying and holding on to your core values, and defining your own version of success.

For more information about the event, please call (870) 575-8866

 

FAMU Alumnus Maurice Allen is New No.1 World Long Drive Competitor

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PINE HILLS, Fla. – FAMU alumnus Maurice Allen (USA), professional long drive competitor, is now the No. 1 Long Drive competitor in the world. His championship at the Catawba Classic, Catawba CC, Hickory, N.C., was his second win in as many events and moved him from No. 4 to No. 1 in the rankings. 

Three wins on the season have put Allen in prime position for the Volvik World Long Drive Championship. Allen hit a monster drive of 395 yards with a Krank driver in a Rev shaft and Volvik Divot XT ball, in the final match to beat Trent Scruggs putting him back on the podium.

This is Allen’s first time as the No. 1 competitor in the World Long Drive rankings. He moved quickly through the rankings this past month with a win at the Mile High Showdown in July, followed by his victory at the Catawba Classic this week. This was also Allen’s third victory of the season, the most of any competitor this year.

“To be No. 1 in the world is a great blessing and honor,” said Allen. “But I find it to be more of a responsibility than something that one can brag about. In the critical state of the sport of Long Drive, I feel that it is my responsibility to grow the sport and make it better in my tenure as the No. 1 ranked player. The Golf Channel has done an amazing job to give us a platform to showcase our talent, now it’s on the players to step up and as world No. 1. I must lead the way.” 

Allen has created quite the buzz on the WLD circuit this season. His interview on the Golf Channel following his win at the Mile High Showdown went viral after he did a spot-on imitation of Pro Wrestler Ric Flair. (Video link is below.) The response was immediate and positive, earning Allen a Tweet from Ric Flair with his approval! 

“I grew up watching wrestlers like Ric Flair and right before I came out on the tee for the event my friend sent me a message ‘if you win give me two claps and Ric Flair,’ so I did,” said Allen.

 

Allen’s complete schedule can be found at www.mauriceallen360.com.

 About Maurice Allen

Allen, who grew up in Pine Hills, Florida, earned a biology degree from Florida A&M University. He attended chiropractic school in Atlanta, where he also became a student of the game of golf. After countless hours of practice around the Atlanta area, he set a new Guinness World Record for golf ball speed (211 mph), using a 3 wood. His longest drive in competition is 484 yards. In 2015, 2016 Allen competed on the Long Drivers European Tour, where he won tour champion title, based on points.

 In addition to his professional long drive competition, Allen is committed to giving back to his community. He dedicates time to the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association, which provides inner-city youth with the opportunity to learn the game of golf while attaining skills to succeed in life. He also is a Boys and Girls Club Ambassador of Golf.

 

Isaiah Crowell One Of 12 Browns Kneeling During Anthem

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Former Alabama State running back Isaiah Crowell was one of several Cleveland Browns players to take a knee during the national anthem before Monday’s preseason game against the New York Giants.

Crowell, who was not in uniform on Monday, was one of a dozen Browns players seen kneeling in prayer on the sideline.

Joining Crowell were Duke Johnson Jr. and Terrence Magee, Jabrill Peppers and Calvin Pryor, cornerback Jamar Taylor, Kenny Britt, Ricardo Louis, Kirksey, Jamie Collins and Brandon Wilds.

Also included in the gathering was Seth DeValve, who became the first known white player to kneel for the national anthem since the peaceful protests were made prominent last season by quarterback Colin Kaepernick to bring awareness to racial injustices in America.

The act came just days after Browns head coach Hue Jackson said he supported his players right to protest, provided he be notified first.

“There’s a lot of racial and social injustices in the world that are going on right now,” rookie safety Jabrill Peppers told the press after the game. “We just decided to take a knee and pray for the people who have been affected and just pray for the world in general.”

Former Lane College Defensive End Signs With Los Angeles Chargers

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Jackson, Tenn. — It was announced Monday that Whitney Richardson, former Lane College defensive end, signed a free-agent contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Richardson, the 2016 NCAA Division II Player of the Year, recorded 17.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss during the 2016 season.

Dorsett Davis, Lane College defensive line coach said he’s extremely proud of Richardson, especially considering the uncertainty about what position Richardson wanted to play initially.

“I remember when he was in between positions coming out of high school,” Davis said. “He really didn’t know what [position] he wanted to play. “For him to take pride and be dedicated to a position and excel in it, that says a lot and I’m proud of him for sticking with it.”

Richardson’s best performance as a Dragon in 2016 came on October 8 against Benedict College during the Lane College homecoming game, when he recorded 15 tackles (14 solo), five for total loss and three sacks in a 19-18 win over the Tigers at Lane Field.

 

Morgan State Professor Leads Ghana’s First Space Satellite Launch

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In a historic moment for the African nation of Ghana, NASA launched the country’s first-ever satellite, the GhanaSat-1, into orbit from the International Space Station on July 7. GhanaSat-1 is the first private university satellite developed in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A team of engineering students, led in part by Dr. Richard Damoah, director of the Space Systems and Technology Lab at All Nations University College (ANUC), located in the southern Ghanaian city of Koforidua, developed the satellite as part of a two-year, collaborative project between ANUC and Kyushu Institute of Technology in Fukuoka, Japan. Dr. Damoah is also a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics of Morgan’s School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, and works on the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) program on behalf of the University.

GhanaSat-1, a CubeSat satellite equipped with low- and high-resolution cameras as well as other technology, will be used to measure atmospheric density and monitor Ghana’s coastline for mapping purposes. In addition, it will help the country build capacity in space science and technology, further enhancing Ghana’s future capabilities in utilizing satellite technology.

White House Denies Request to Delay HBCU Event

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WASHINGTON The White House will not postpone a conference on historically black colleges next month, rejecting calls from African-American lawmakers who said President Donald Trump should shelve the event after his comments about the fatal protest in Charlottesville, Va.

The Sept. 17-19 conference will go on as scheduled, Omarosa Manigault-Newman, director for communications for the White House’s Office of Public Liaison said Tuesday.

“President Trump’s commitment to the HBCU community remains strong and unwavering,” Manigault-Newman said in a statement to McClatchy. “Registration is currently at capacity and we are looking forward to welcoming HBCU presidents, students and guests.”

In addition, Manigault-Newman said administration officials will make an announcement regarding the naming of an executive director for Trump’s HBCU Initiative.

Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C., the first African-American lawmaker to call for Trump to postpone the conference, was still wary. The White House did not respond to her August 1 letter seeking an update on Trump’s initiative. Nor did it get back to her after the president said “there’s blame on both sides” for the deadly August 12 Charlottesville rally that was dominated by neo-Nazis and white supremacists.

 Image result for president trump hbcu

Adams said Tuesday that instead of holding a conference next month, “It would be more productive to hear from the president directly or from his education secretary about what progress they are making on the HBCUs’ request before asking presidents to come back to Washington for another photo op.”

President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at bolstering historically black colleges and universities by moving the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities from the Department of Education to the White House. “This is a very important moment and a moment that means a great deal to me,” said Trump. Written by William Douglas and Franco Ordonez read more.

Former FBI Director James Comey Joins Howard University

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Former FBI Director James Comey is scheduled to deliver a convocation address at Howard University next month, part of a series of lectures he has been invited to give during the coming academic year at the historically black college.

Howard officials said Comey had agreed to donate $100,000, his full compensation as the school’s King Endowed Chair in Public Policy, to a scholarship fund for students who come from foster homes.

Comey and his wife, Patrice, are longtime supporters of foster children, as NPR has reported. Image result for james comey education

The new role continues a connection that the former FBI director had forged with Howard. Earlier this year, Comey invited university President Wayne A.I. Frederick to address FBI employees, part of an effort Comey had been making to diversify the ranks of the bureau, which is overwhelmingly white and male.

“I am pleased to welcome Mr. Comey to Howard,” Frederick said in a statement. “His expertise and understanding of the challenges we continue to face today will go a long way in sparking rich discussion and advancing meaningful debates across campus.”

Comey has tried to keep a low public profile since his surprise firing by President Trump in May.

A month later, the former Justice Department leader and federal prosecutor told senators that he believed he was fired to relieve pressure on the White House over the ongoing investigation of Russian interference in last year’s election. The other explanations from the president, Comey testified, were “lies, plain and simple.”

Trump had cited what he said was Comey’s unpopularity within the FBI and recommendations from the Justice Department, among other reasons. Recently, the FBI released employee surveys indicating that the former director had enjoyed broad support from staff and agents.

Since his dismissal, with about seven years left on his 10-year-term, Comey has largely gone quiet. His firing has come onto the radar of Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating ties between Trump’s campaign and Russia and the motivations for Comey’s dismissal. Published by Carrie Johnson at NPR: read more

5 Reasons Why Bingx and Caleb Brown Should be Added to Your Playlist

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Who is Bingx? Bingx is an energetic lyricist who refuses to be placed in a box. He’s also a singer, writer, producer and musician. Bingx is forever evolving, creating music that reaches across multiple genres.

Who is Caleb Brown? Caleb is a young rapper from Louisiana, whose music reflects the disbelief, pain and passion he houses for his community.  Brown doesn’t shy away from expressing his feelings nor does make ask for apologies.

Both rising artists are uniquely talented and relatable, so here’s why HBCU students should consider adding Bingx and Caleb Brown to their playlists.

Caleb Brown is Young, Black, And Unafraid to Speak his Truth

So many HBCU students are protesting, signing up for political organizations on campus, or simply joining national conversations on social media. The current state of this country, keeps the HBCU community rallying together and speaking up when necessary. Brown believes in taking a stand and protesting through his music. “I’m here to tell stories and help people through their situations. 4 My Dawgs is one of my favorite songs to date, because I speak about the ills of mass incarceration.”

Bingx’s Music Reflects his Growth

College makes you grow up. It forces you to handle your business and make important changes in your life.  Bingx believes that his growth has helped him to mature personally as well as musically. ” My music represents all of the growth in me. I went from rapping about doing drugs and smoking weed, to speaking about more progressive topics, like my dreams, fatherhood, and other positive things happening in my life.”

Music is Life for Caleb Brown

A huge percentage of students listen to music in the car, on the bus, on the way to class, in the dorm rooms and many other places. Music can help you get through a break up, crush a work out session or simply dance like crazy with your friends. We are all part of the musical atmosphere and Caleb Brown is no different. ” When you listen to music it makes you feel.  I use writing, recording and performing as therapy treatments for my life.”

Bingx isn’t afraid to Tackle the Bullies

Before you made it to college, your high school most likely consisted of at least one bully. Or maybe you were the victim of bullying? Either way, Bingx wrote the song Bully to spread awareness about kids who are ill equipped to deal with their emotions.  “I have turrets, I was always an outcast for it. So I know what its like to feel pressured by those who think they are popular. Also, the mass school shootings became more relevant, so I wanted to make people aware of how easy it is for shootings to happen when someone feels bullied.”

2 songs Caleb Brown and Bingx want you to add to your playlist

Caleb Brown-  “Holy Ghost and 4 My Dawgs, because they speak about issues that are prevalent in the black community. I think some HBCU students would most definitely connect to those songs”

Bingx – “It’s A Big Deal and In my 64 are both on my newly released album My E.G.O. and I create vibes, so everyone should enjoy”

 

For Caleb Brown Music: https://soundcloud.com/calebbrwn 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWns0wJUvHs&w=560&h=315]

 

For Bingx Music: http://bingxmusic.com; https://soundcloud.com/bingxmusic

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdiBBH_mMCA&w=560&h=315]

What Role Will You Play? Wilberforce University Call-To-Action

The Renaissance of Racism America’s First Private Historically Black College & University – Wilberforce University Call-To-Action & Reflection on the President’s Open Letter to the HBCU Community

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This year alone, the United States of America has witnessed and undergone a most drastic political and economic value shift that is undeniably impacting the country in varying aspects. From our dwindling education support system, to radical hate crimes and discussion of war, we are being coerced under a leadership that does not see value in the idea of America as “The Great Melting Pot.”  Rather, this administration aids in the filter agenda, suggesting that this course of action will “Make America Great Again.” With the restoration of hate rhetoric, we have also seen an emergence of activists, especially millennials, who desire to consider their country— their world— a safe haven for all.

This past weekend in Charlottesville, a group of students in support of the Black Lives Matter cause, peacefully counter-protested for the rights and liberties of minorities and marginalized people. As they chanted, they were met with the fury and weapons of white nationalist, klansmen, neo-nazis and other racial hate groups, threatening them with obscenities and being physically abrasive with no remorse or consequence. A young woman was killed, many were badly injured, but all are impacted, near and far.

Wilberforce University – America’s First Private Historically Black College & University, founded by William Wilberforce, an English politician, philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to stop the slave trade – openly opposes racism and injustice of any kind.  President Herman J. Felton, Jr., used the Renaissance occurring at Wilberforce to address this Renaissance of Racism, reflecting on the incident with his most recent open letter about the riots in Charlottesville, Virginia.  President Felton questions how such occurrences would impact the student body in HBCU communities, the morale of youth and minorities within our education system, and how these youth now are to be cautious that their own campuses may be overtaken by hate.

So, what now? The President presented a call-to-action, the formation of safe spaces for students to gather, discuss, organize, and unify without judgment, bias, or the fear of violence or fatality.  Felton highlighted in his letter:

“… as president, I am left asking what now, more specifically what more should we do. Should students at HBCUs, who are recipients of the dream, be transformed into ‘Guardians of the Dream?’ I think so. Keepers of the Dream have license to pontificate about theory. Guardianship is rooted in action and dictates that we oversee the dream into fruition. The effort for Wilberforce to lead will come through the Dr. Mark and Shelly Wilson Center for Entrepreneurship, Social Good and Transformative Leadership.  The Center will serve as a core to creating an experience for Wilberforce students to develop and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit, participate in transformative leadership opportunities, and grapple with social justice issues of our time. The riot this past weekend is another example of how we are quickly devolving as a nation and must also serve as fuel for continuing to implement social change.  What role will you play?”

This HU Artist’s Clothing Line Challenges the Stigma of Mental Illness

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Mental health and mental illness are usually seen as negative and embarrassing, especially within the black community. Charlotte, NC native, Jewel Ham, is a sophomore painting major at Howard University that is using her new clothing line to challenge this stigma. Her latest shirt collection is called MADDER (M.ania,  A.nxiety, D.issociation). Each design is made to reclaim the power that is often stripped from the lives of those with mental illnesses.

Jewel says that the inspiration from the line actually came from her dealing with varying degrees of these illnesses in her own life. She realized that how she faced her illness was ultimately her choice, and her decision was to push through.

“I noticed that mental illnesses are often considered weaknesses, but it isnt true. it’s a strength, a power.”

How to Order! 

To order, just find Jewel on social media! @whateverjewel on twitter and instagram (dm, text, email) She takes venmo, cashapp, and paypal!

Is Chance the Rapper Actually Heading to Clark Atlanta University?

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Chance the Rapper wants to study at Clark Atlanta University and CAU would love to have him.

“I was tryna go to Clark ATL. I’m still tryna go,” the artist said in a post now retweeted more than 13,000 times. “Like not honorary, the full blown ya dig. Can someone help me sign up?”

Clark was quick to respond to the Chicago native who will be known as Chancellor Bennett on his diploma one day. Officials tell us they’ve made contact and have learned that attending Clark has been a longtime goal – one they want to help him achieve. 

“Chicago students travel to Atlanta for the very education and cultural experience that our city has to offer and we welcome Chance with open arms,” Getchel L. Caldwell II, Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Relations, said in a statement.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama made a cameo appearance via video message at the 2017 BET Awards to congratulate Chance on being honored with the Humanitarian Award recognizing his activism and philanthropic work in Chicago.

“Barack and I are so sorry that we can’t be there tonight in person,” she said. “But please know we are there with you in spirit and we are so incredibly proud of you, Chance.

“We have known Chance and his family since he was a wee little baby rapper. It has been a thrill watching him come into his own in so many ways,” she continued. “In addition to making some really amazing music Chance has been taking that big, bright spotlight that follows him around and he’s shining it on young people in our hometown of Chicago.”

This video clip, which highlights Chance’s work with the young people of Chicago and concludes with Obama’s remarks, is online here.

Clark Atlanta plays Grambling State for the 20th Annual Football Classic in Chicago soon – maybe they can arrange a get-together?

“Being invited back to Chicago for the Football Classic is an honor,” CAU President Dr. Ronald A. Johnson said in a statement. “We would love to engage Chance the Rapper during this historic event in the city he calls home.”

The entire campus community is on board. CAU Student Government Association is also extending a “Panther Welcome” to Chance the Rapper to attend or perform during 2017 Homecoming activities October 16-20. read more here

James Harden Donates $100,000 To Texas Southern

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HOUSTON — NBA superstar James Harden is uniquely identified by his long flowing beard and herky-jerky game that has made him one of the game’s best shooting guards. You can now add HBCU donor to his resume. The NBA Live 18 cover boy recently donated $100,000 to Texas Southern University that is expected to be earmarked for scholarships toward assisting students in financial need, FOX 26 Houston reported.

“For us, that’s amazing, given the population of students that we serve come from what I consider to be one of the lowest socioeconomic backgrounds in the city, if not, the state or the country,” said TSU president Austin Lane. “To have that kind of an opportunity from someone like James Harden, who can help further the educational careers of those students and help their dreams come true, is just phenomenal to be able to have that kind of support from a local icon like him.”