From Inmate To Inspiration: A Short Q&A With FAMU Grad Dontae Thompson

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Dontae Thompson is living proof that there are, indeed, second chances and he’s helping youth turn their lives around. In a post on Instagram, Thompson wrote that he went from being an inmate to becoming a graduate of FAMU and a boy to a man. The post now has more than 34K likes. Thompson talked via email with HBCU Buzz editor Tommy G. Meade Jr.

When did you think that your post on Instagram was going to be viral across social media?

I knew that the post on Instagram and also on Facebook had gone viral at around when I gained 500 likes in 3 hours, and popular social media pages were beginning to repost my image.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BThvLWoDbfu/?taken-by=_motion_picture_

What does it mean to be a graduate of FAMU?

It means everything, FAMU is one of the top HBCU’s in the country, and most of my relatives attended and graduated from FAMU before me.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTmRMeSj2Ek/?taken-by=_motion_picture_

What have you prepared that’s helping you for life after college?

I have already accepted a full-time job offer with a company where I will be employed as a Systems Test Engineer.

How did you go from being an inmate to a graduate of FAMU?

I decided that I wasn’t satisfied with where I was currently at in life. I made up my mind that I was selling myself short and that’s when I decided to apply to FAMU.

Who or what was your support system during your matriculation at FAMU?

My family and I also had a part-time job to support myself.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTpoWzdjIKc/?taken-by=_motion_picture_

Bethune-Cookman University Prez On Betsy DeVos As Speaker: ‘Mary McLeod Bethune Would Approve’

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Dr. Edison O. Jackson — who has invited Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to speak at Bethune-Cookman University’s spring commencement — has responded to the criticism issued by B-CU community as graduation day approaches.

Writing in the Orlando Sentinel, Dr. Jackson, who is the sixth president of Bethune-Cookman University, and also a graduate of Howard University, wrote that despite the concerns about DeVos, he is moving forward with this opportunity.

“I am especially sensitive to balancing the notion of academic freedom with quelling potentially hateful and harmful rhetoric,” he writes. “The political and racial chasms in our county have deepened, and college presidents have struggled with these issues over the past few months. Some have rescinded invitations to potentially controversial speakers.”

“That is not my intention with DeVos. I am of the belief that it does not benefit our students to suppress voices that we disagree with or to limit students to only those perspectives that are broadly sanctioned by a specific community.”

Dr. Jackson goes on to state that he believes B-CU founder Mary McLeod Bethune would approve of DeVos:

“Bethune depended upon the support of people who were scattered all along the ideological and political spectrum – some she agreed with, and some she did not. She understood, however, the great value of education, and she understood the nuances of how to balance delicate and difficult relationships in order to achieve her ultimate goal of building an institution of higher learning, of which we are the beneficiaries today.”

He goes on to name those who had supported Bethune’s mission, saying, “Thomas White (White Sewing Machine Co.), John D. Rockefeller (oil baron), James Proctor (Proctor and Gamble), Henry Flagler (Standard Oil), and President Franklin D. and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, just to name a few.”

You can read the entire article here.

5 Reasons Why HBCU Students Should Definitely Be Watching ‘Dear White People’

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Have you ever wanted to express your feelings to a white person, who seems to misunderstand the idea of race in America? Well, Dear White People is your chance to see your thoughts unfold.

Originally released as a film in 2014, the new Netflix series Dear White People created by Justin Simien, chronicles the black experience at an Ivy League institution, while also focusing on the aftermath of a racially motivated Halloween party.

Throughout the series, Samantha White (Logan Browning) leads the school’s revolution against racial discrimination.

The series also uncovers the whispers of racially insensitive experiences, often discussed amongst African Americans. Even though Dear White People takes place on the campus of a predominately white institution, here are five reasons why HBCU students should watch the series:

The Evidence of Black Excellence 

As college students, you’ve already defied the negative stereotype that African Americans are uneducated and lazy. The amount of black scholarly excellence exemplified throughout Dear White People is breathtaking. Each character has their own unique genius; for example, Troy Banks (Brandon Bell) a charismatic future politician and second generation Ivy League student is a prized token amongst the campus (a rare image of a black man who doesn’t play sports). There’s also Samantha White, leader of the campus revolution and an extremely vocal activist.

The Black Hair Moments

Hair is extremely valuable to the black woman. Besides, the wonderful display of natural hair worn by several Dear White People characters, another highlight is the moment character CoCo Conners (Antoinette Robertson) decides to ditch her wig. Not only does CoCo value a straighter patterned hair, she values anything that doesn’t relate to the African American experience. As the series unfolds, CoCo’s twisted world view is unmasked and slowly cleaned once she receives a dose of reality. It is Troy who helps CoCo to embrace her own hair texture, but you’ll have to watch to see how a black man pushed a black woman towards her own excellence.

The White Friend that Doesn’t Understand

If you’ve ever been the minority in a majority environment, you’ve most likely experienced inappropriate gestures, actions and/or comments from your white counterpart. The black characters of Dear White People experience various forms of racism; from a white student petting Lionel Higgens (DeRon Horton) afro, to Troy being offensively addressed as “Trobama”, to the highly offensive “blackface” Halloween party. Dear White People doesn’t fail to show some of the most relatable displays of white ignorance.

The Black Issues of Today Matter

Chapter V brings chills. It’s no secret that black men are undervalued in the United States. Reggie Green (Marque Richardson) the charming black activist and one of Samantha’s greatest allies, finds himself staring down the barrel of a white policeman’s gun. The entire scene is game changing, not only for Reggie, but also for everyone attached to the movement. Dear White People allows art to imitate life and share’s a rare glimpse into one’s own grieving process. Historically, black men have carried the burden of not being allowed to show emotion, but Reggie’s reflections of himself and the incident prove to challenge that burden.

The Characters are Just like You

Although race is the focal point of the story, the Dear White People characters are also typical college students; looking for organizations to join, dealing with annoying roommates, having fun at campus parties and studying for exams. Sound familiar? Each episode breaks down the main characters, and unveil’s their transformation process from Freshman year to present day. It is a refreshing reminder that behind the activism, lies a young person simply seeking a college education.

If you’ve ever claimed to be “woke” you won’t want to miss out on this extremely well-written show. Season 1 of Dear White People is now streaming on www.netflix.com.

Hampton Alum Erika B. Clarke, Creates Organic Beauty Brand

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Erika B. Clark is the Founder and CEO of eHoney Skin Care LLC, a natural and organic beauty brand with products for all skin tones. Her journey to eHoney began while still enrolled at Hampton University. Erika completed research in botany, the study of plants, during her sophomore year. In her junior year of college as a Pre-Med student, she volunteered at the Skin of Color Research Institute at Hampton University. Shortly thereafter she found herself immersed in research on the role that various molecular markers play in Keloid Fibrosis, the structure and function of the skin and the process of wound healing. Keloids, an overgrowth of scar tissue, are a phenomenon most commonly found in people with skin of color. In May 2014, after a stressful senior year completing her B.S in Biology, Erika found herself with an acne problem and an even deeper interest in skin care. Through time and experimentation, she was able to treat some of her breakouts through diet and home remedies. As her passion grew she began working side by side with a dermatologist and in 2016 she decided to work with a lab to create her own skin care line that she has launched under eHoney LLC. Since the Launch Party in November, she has sponsored fashion and modeling agency events in Washington, DC, been a vendor at Cocktails with Claire, Fashion Bomb Daily’s Editor in Chief’s annual shopping event in NYC, and been featured as Fashion Bomb Daily’s “Bomb Product of the Day”” on December 15, 2016. In spring 2017, eHoney collaborated with Weareonyx, a subscription box service and online store curated with our melanin in mind and beauty for brown girls and sponsored Sassboxx’s Sassy Success Brunch in NYC honoring Black Girl Bosses.

“Our mission is to give you skin that glows like honey because the more you glow the more others glow back.”

To learn more about products, benefits, and to purchase check out the website and blog at www.ehoneyskin.com

Beyoncé Offering Scholarships To Two Female Students At HBCUs

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Beyoncé has announced the funding of her new college scholarship for young women, Formation Scholars program.

Beyoncé, who is celebrating the one-year anniversary of Lemonade, is giving scholarships to female students at four colleges, including two historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

According to her website, the program aims “to encourage and support young women who are unafraid to think outside the box and are bold, creative, conscious and confident.”

From News One:

Four scholarships, beginning in the 2017-2018 academic year, will be awarded to one student at four colleges: Berklee College of Music, Howard University, Parsons School of Design and Spelman College.

It’s clear that Beyoncé sees education as a critical tool for society.

Image result for beyonce crying

Former VUU Football Star Gets Invited To Broncos Rookie Camp

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Gerald Huggins writes in a post at LinkedIn:

“Former Virginia Union University DB, Rodeshawn Joseph has been invited to the Broncos Rookie Camp.

Joseph, listed at 6-0, 180 pounds, was a two-time All-American and two-time All-CIAA selection. Joseph is a natural cover corner who is opportunistic in coverage. He has good hands and rarely misses out on an opportunity to catch an interception. Joseph is active in zone and man coverage and has no problem coming up to tackle against the run.

Joseph finished his career at Virginia Union with 100 tackles and 11 interceptions. In 2016, Joseph had 47 tackles and four interceptions.

“Just want to thank God and the man above and all my teammates at Virginia Union for being by my side and always pushing me and telling me that I have what it takes to make it,” said Joseph.”

Read more here.

B-CU Students Launches Petition To Block Betsy DeVos From Speaking At Their Commencement

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Bethune-Cookman University students and alumni launched a petition to rally support for their efforts to block Betsy DeVos from speaking at their commencement. The petition, “Stop Betsy DeVos from delivering the commencement address at Bethune-Cookman University,” seeks to stop DeVos from having “a seat at our table.”

Specifically, the effort refers to DeVos and her role of keynote speaker for B-CU spring 2017 commencement ceremony on May 10 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.

Readers interested in signing the online petition or viewing the effort can do so HERE.

The petition posted to chang.org, says, “We know the name. We know the face. We know the legacy. The time is now for us to protect a woman who had a dream, five little girls, and $1.50.”

“Through several sources, we confirmed that the United States Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, has been scheduled to be the commencement speaker at the 2017 graduation ceremony for Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) in Daytona Beach, Florida, on May 10, 2017,” the petition reads, saying Devos “doesn’t understand” why HBCUs were founded.

As of Tuesday morning, the petition has reached more than 4,000 signatures.

“Having DeVos speak at the commencement ceremony is an insult to the BCU graduating class, students, alumni, family, friends, and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy,” the petition reads. “We, the proud alumni of Bethune-Cookman University, do not want Betsy DeVos to have a seat at our table. Please rescind her invitation to speak at the graduation ceremony.”

“We, the proud alumni of Bethune-Cookman University, understand the importance of engagement and open communication HBCUs must have with all levels of government; therefore instead of inviting Secretary DeVos to graduation, let’s welcome her to the table and have meaningful dialogue about stronger policies, the White House HBCU Initiative, and the importance and contributions of HBCUs.”

“Bethune-Cookman University doesn’t need a photo op from the Trump Administration, we need action done by this administration for all HBCUs,” the petition reads.

Inaugural Maroon And Gray Affair Is A Smashing Success At TSU

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HOUSTON (May 1, 2017) – Texas Southern University held its inaugural Maroon and Gray Affair on April 29 at the Marriott Marquis Houston and raised in excess of $800,000 in scholarship money for deserving TSU students. More than 1,100 people were in attendance. Texas Southern’s award-winning Ocean of Soul marching band opened the evening with a thunderous performance. Nephew Tommy, comedian and radio personality on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, and Melinda Spaulding from Fox News Houston served as the masters of ceremonies.

The Maroon & Gray Affair was conceived by TSU’s President Dr. Austin A. Lane and First Lady Loren Lane as a means to present an evening of elegance in support of student scholarships and programs. The black-tie event recognized four top students and two outstanding alumni.

“It was a dynamic evening to celebrate all of the wonderful aspects of Texas Southern. The gala allowed us to celebrate our best and brightest students and dedicated alumni,” said Mrs. Lane. “We are grateful to all who joined us to support higher education and those who will make a positive contribution to society.”

Brianna Batiste, a finance major from Southern California;  Anthony Collier, a political science major from Manor, Texas; Ashtyn Duncan, an accounting major from Houston; and Kaleb Taylor, a political science major from Missouri City, Texas, were recognized for their academic and civic accomplishments.  Alumni honorees included Alaina Benford, an attorney at Norton Rose Fulbright, who earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from TSU and her Juris Doctorate from the TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law; and Tony Wyllie, vice president of communications for the Washington Redskins, who earned a degree in communication from TSU.

“Texas Southern is elated to honor our fantastic students and accomplished alumni. The University family is buoyed by the support of our stakeholders and friends. This gala will allow us to continue the critical work of serving as a special-purpose institution for the most deserving students,” said TSU President Dr. Austin A. Lane.

Judy Smith, founder and president of Smith & Company and inspiration for the hit television show Scandal who is an acclaimed crisis management expert, recounted her role as a White House advisor in a question-and-answer session with Spaulding.

Turner Construction, Challenge Office Products, Marie Bosarge/Music Doing Good, and AL&H Custom Homes/Southwest Wholesale were Presenting and Founder Sponsors.

Notable guests at The Maroon & Gray Affair included Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, U.S. Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green, State Senator Borris Miles, Texas Representatives Alma Allen, Jarvis Johnson, Ron Reynolds, and Shawn Thierry, Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan, HISD Board President Wanda Adams, HISD Board members Rhonda Skillern-Jones and Jolanda Jones, Texas Southern University Board of Regents members Wesley Terrell, Derrick Mitchell, Glenn Lewis, Marilyn Rose, Samuel Bryant Oliver Bell and Tramauni Brock, and Harris County Justice of the Peace Zinetta Burney (Precinct 7-2).

This story was written by Kendrick D. Callis, the Communications Specialist at Texas Southern University, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.

HBCU Journalism Students Tapped For Prestigious Summer Fellowship

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WASHINGTON D.C. – Chevrolet is putting more students in the driver’s seat with the expansion of its Discover the Unexpected (DTU) fellowship program. Now in its second year, DTU provides college students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) the opportunity to change the narrative of media reporting in the African American community with the help of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

The eight 2017 DTU Fellowship Program students are Jordan Fisher and Tiana Hunt of Clark Atlanta University, Taylor Burris of Spelman College, Darrell Williams of Morehouse College, Kelsey Jones of Spelman College, Ayron Lewallen of Morehouse College, Noni Marshall and Alexa Imani Spencer of Howard University.

Students will work in partnership with NNPA member newspapers in Washington D.C., Atlanta, New Orleans and Raleigh-Durham.

“Last year we were honored to launch the DTU fellowship program at Howard University and meet a group of very talented journalism students,” said U.S. Vice President of Chevrolet Marketing Paul Edwards. “Their enthusiasm, insight and determination made the selection process extremely difficult. We’re excited to send more trailblazers on the road to highlight the positive, inspire hope and document the legacy of African American voices for generations to come.”

This year, DTU fellows will work with editors and reporters from the Washington Informer, The Atlanta Voice, Louisiana Weekly and The Carolinian.

“The NNPA is looking forward to welcoming the next group of fellows to the program,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Ben Chavis Jr. “Our 2016 fellows showed that despite the negative perceptions seen in the media, there are also beautiful and powerful stories in African-American neighborhoods across the country. Our 2017 Fellows will continue sharing stories of community advocates, making impactful and lasting changes on a local and global level.”

The fellowship program is open to communications, mass media, and visual arts students. A panel of judges consisting of NNPA and AUCC staff conducted on-site interviews during the program’s AUC launch.

Chevrolet awarded eight $10,000 scholarships to each fellow and will provide a stipend to defray the costs of traveling to and from school as they report on their stories. In addition to the financial investment, Chevrolet will provide each fellowship team access to the Next Generation 2018 Chevrolet Equinox during their reporting assignments.

Legendary lyricist and hip hop pioneer MC Lyte will return as the program’s national spokesperson.  Information about the Discover the Unexpected Fellowship Program can be found at www.nnpa.org/dtu.

Meet Howard University DJ Jordan Jetson

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Jordan “DJ Jordan Jetson” Myers is a senior , Public Relations major & Business Administration minor from Metro Atlanta, GA. He got into DJing around three years ago when one of his brothers, Izzy, brought him to a party and introduced him to some DJs (DJ Killa Kam and DJ ill Advised). After that, he decided to make moves to get his own equipment and begin practicing. DJ Killa Kam and DJ ill Advised taught him the basics, and he’s been on a roll ever since. His love more music began at an early age; he played drums, rapped in high school and even took up producing for a bit. Jetson took his skills to Howard’s Hottest, a competition on campus where artists go head to head to see who’s hot, and came out with the number one spot! As for his DJ style, he describes it as “groovy.” It’s full of heavy bass lines and upbeat tempos. This, mixed with lots of scratching and blending is a recipe for the perfect hype set! You can’t help but dance and vibe out from start to finish.

“It took me a while to be confident in my skills, but after I won Howard’s Hottest, I knew it was meant to be.”

Dj Jordan Jetson

Check out DJ Jordan Jetson’s Soundcloud and see learn more about some of his favorite projects!

https://soundcloud.com/ajxtg

 Catch a VIBE!

(Commentary by DJ Jordan Jetson) 

“Hope You’re Well” (mix) was probably the most meaningful one, I was going through an interesting time romantically and I was able to do a bit of introspection through the music. That and Ep. 1 of The Layover series I started, that one was me bringing something personal to the art, something I could create and call my own.

“I have a bit more time at Howard so want to use that to hone my skills, learn more about working with crowds. At the end of it all, I want to master all aspects of DJing, I want to be able to walk into any situation, any crowd, any set up/equipment, and be able to have the best set. Peace, Positivity, and Prosperity to everyone man. Trust the process and focus on the happy things. Oh yeah and respect the DJ!”

Make sure to stay updated on all of the latest news and projects by following Jordan on his social media sites:

Twitter: @AJxTG
Snapchat: ajxtg
IG: @ajxtg.1

HBCU NFL Draft And Free Agents 2017

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The NFL Draft hasn’t seen this many HBCU prospects since 2011. From North Carolina A&T Running Back Tarik Cohen Selected by Chicago Bears to Albany State Lineman Grover Stewart Selected by The Indianapolis Colts to Alabama State OL Jylan Ware Picked Up By The Oakland Raiders and Grambling WR Chad Williams Gets The Call From The Arizona Cardinals.

Below is the full list of HBCU movement in the NFL Draft/UDFA. Please contact us leave additions in the comment section as we will be updating this list all week.

[table id=29 /]

North Carolina A&T Running Back Tarik Cohen Selected By Chicago Bears In NFL Draft

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North Carolina A&T running back Tarik Cohen was taken by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 Draft on Saturday. Cohen, a three-time Offensive Player of the Year in the MEAC, had 1,588 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns last season.

He also rushed for a conference record 5,619 yards in four seasons, with 61 total touchdowns. He’s a human lightning bolt on the field, and he does cool flips that look better-suited to gymnastics than football.

Here’s Cohen catching two footballs while mid-backflip:

https://www.instagram.com/p/3JrCt6S1mL/

Albany State Lineman Grover Stewart Selected by The Indianapolis Colts

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The Indianapolis Colts selected Albany State defensive lineman Grover Stewart with the 144th pick in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-5, 334-pound lineman was a four-time All-SIAC standout. Stewart recorded 15 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks as a senior in 2016.

Touted as having an “NFL-ready frame,” Stewart has been projected to be a run-stuffing interior lineman who can play nose guard or the three-technique position at the next level.

Very active interior defensive lineman, and very productive. Put together a very impressive East West Shrine game against much higher level of competition than he has been used to. Gets in the backfield quickly, but will have a big learning curve. Should be able to be a good rotational player to start his NFL career, and has a high ceiling.

— NFL Draft Blaster

Alabama State OL Jylan Ware Picked Up By The Oakland Raiders

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With the 231st pick in the NFL Draft, Alabama State offensive tackle Jylan Ware was picked up by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round.

The Oakland Raiders already had two picks in the 7th round heading into the day, and a trade with the Arizona Cardinals increased that number to four. The first two are the picks they traded for — 221 and 231 — and then the two picks they had coming into the day — 242 and 244.

Projected to be a late-round pick or undrafted free-agent, Ware was touted as featuring foot quickness and agility to handle edge rushers, according to an NFL.com scouting report. Read more 

Grambling WR Chad Williams Gets The Call From The Arizona Cardinals

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Cardinals GM Steve Keim joked that it would not be an Arizona Cardinals draft if they did not take a player from a small school, specifically in the third round.

After finding success in past years with John Brown out of Pittsburg State in 2014 and David Johnson from Northern Iowa in 2015, Chad Williams, whom the Cardinals tabbed with the 98th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, has quite the standards to live up to.

“Definitely can live up to that,” he said. “Honestly, it doesn’t matter where you get drafted. You have a lot of guys drafted in the third round that were amazing guys.

“I just want to come in and be me and I know for a fact I can live up to that third-round hype that you guys got going.”

The Cardinals obviously see something in Williams, otherwise, they would not have used their third-round pick on him. Expecting Brown or Johnson-like success, however, would be a bit unfair.

Yet, what the Cardinals see in the wideout is someone who at 6-foot-1 at his pro day ran the 40-yard dash at 4.37 seconds while posting a 35.5-inch vertical and 21 reps on the bench press.

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said the team was looking for a big receiver, and he believes Williams, who in an early-season game this past season in Tucson against Arizona gained 152 yards on 13 catches, fits the role.

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Saint Augustine’s Grad April Qualls Is Building Her Own Personal ‘Empire’

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Saint Augustine’s University graduate and Los Angeles native April Qualls is on fire! From practicing in the Seby Jones Theater on campus to walking the official stage of “Empire,” April has shown herself to be quite the go-getter in the young professional’s entertainment industry.

Qualls graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Film & Theater. During her matriculation, she was a member of the Bell J’Adore modeling troupe, blue-chip cheerleading squad and was a charter member of the national theater honor society, Alpha Psi Omega.

Currently working as Writer’s Assistant for Fox’s number one show, Empire, she assists a range of executives including Lee Daniels, Danny Strong, and Ilene Chaiken. Through networking, persistence, and determination, April landed her first gig as the Writers Personal Assistant for Empire in 2015. She quickly raised the bar through her ability to quickly learn the ins and outs of set etiquette, having to interact and coordinate with all levels of the production team.

“Working on Empire for the past two seasons has allowed me to establish and grow personal relationships with the cast,” April says in an exclusive interview with HBCU Buzz. “This opportunity has allowed me to achieve my most recent accomplishment–producing Jussie Smollett’s very first music video, F.U.W.! “It has been an amazing experience!”

April was beyond ecstatic to lead and execute such an amazing project. This particular project has opened up many doors for her to collaborate on future projects with Smollett. Go Ape! Follow her journey on IG @ ayeprahl_badu and on Facebook @ April Qualls.