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.

READ FULL

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.

CAU student picked for prestigious Georgia News Lab

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ATLANTA (April 26, 2017)    Clark Atlanta University junior mass media arts student Savannah West, who was selected in April as a 2017-2018 participant in the prestigious Georgia News Lab (GNL). West is a Chicago native with a concentration in print journalism. As part of her work at GNL, West will be paired with professional journalists to produce deep-dive investigative reports of significant public interest.

West had to undergo a rigorous selection process to participate in GNL, which included submitting a résumé and work sample portfolio. At the successful conclusion of her participation, she will receive four university credits toward graduation for two semesters of classwork at GNL partner institution Georgia State University. She will also walk away from this amazing opportunity with enhanced research, writing and investigative journalism skills unmatched by the average student.

“I love CAU and I try to embody CAU in everything I do,” said West, who is one of 14 students selected.  “I feel very fortunate to be able to represent my institution in such a great program like this.”

CAU journalism professor James D. McJunkins complimented West’s work ethic during the past three years of her matriculation. “The Georgia News Lab is a prestigious program for student journalists,” he said. “I am very happy that Savannah West was selected to participate. She will learn a lot more about in-depth research and writing as a part of this program.”

West is participating in another prestigious opportunity this summer as an intern with CBS News in New York City. “This is a rare opportunity to get this level of experience,” she explained. Upon graduation in 2018, she plans to pursue a career as a news copy editor or news producer.

The Georgia News Lab is a collaborative investigative reporting initiative between CAU, Morehouse College, Georgia State University, the University of Georgia, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News, according to its website. It was launched in 2014 after dozens of conversations and extensive planning. The Lab’s goals include training young investigative reporters to produce high-quality public service news stories and bringing more diversity to newsrooms.

Why Everything, Everything is a Must See Film

Posted by Jasmine Mosley
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What are you willing to risk in the name of love? Madeline Whittier is willing to risk everything. “Everything Everything“, is a romantic film based off the novel “Everything, Everything” written by Nicola Yoon. The film follows the life of Madeline Whittier or Maddy (played by Amandla Stenberg), a teenager unable to leave home due to a severe immune deficiency. However, circumstances change once Maddy falls for the boy next door.

Stella Meghie, Director of “Everything, Everything” spoke with HBCU Buzz about what she felt was most important to capture while directing the film;

“I wanted to visually capture what it is like to be a teenager in love.”

Throughout the trailer, you can see some of the butterfly-like feelings between the character Maddy and Olly (played by Nick Robinson).

Amandla, best known for her activism and role in the Hunger Games, told HBCU Buzz what she admires the most about her character, “I admire Maddy for her naïveté, because she hasn’t been disenchanted by her experiences. She hasn’t experienced the world and yet she is so filled with joy and light despite of.”

Florida A&M University alumni and stellar actress Anika Noni Rose plays Dr. Whittier, Maddy’s mother as well as dedicated caretaker. Ms. Rose’s character is a shining example of a strong woman of color, who fearlessly protects and provides for her family. When asked what advice she could give to HBCU college students seeking to become actors/actress she says, “Continue to educate yourself. As an actor, I have lived more lives through reading rather than traveling, so i would advise reading as must as possible. Reading is necessary and fundamental in so many different ways. If you want to be the best, you must take the time to educate yourself about the craft. It will only make you better.”

It is Stella Meghie’s hope that the messaging of the film will resonate with audiences across the nation, she explains “I hope that people will take away a true feeling and understanding of love and I hope that people will test their limits and truly go after what they want in this life.”

“Everything, Everything” hits theaters May 19, 2017. Be sure to grab a ticket and get ready to see a beautiful love story full of some of the riskiest decisions one could make in the name of love.

To keep up with current movie updates follow @everythingfilm on Twitter.

 

20 Arrests After Alcorn State Football Players Campus Brawl

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The Claiborne County Police Department made up to 20 arrests earlier last week after a fight that broke out on campus at Alcorn State University.

Claiborne County Sheriff Frank Davis said they’ve been charged with simple assault and malicious mischief. Alcorn students on the scene captured the fight “on several cell phone cameras” and posted the video across social media.

List of Alcorn State football players arrested:

1.  Trae Ferrell

2.  Corvette Gilmore

3.  Leishaun Ealey

4.  Deago Sama

5.  Jalin Thomas

6.  Arron Baker

7.  Marquis Warford

8.  Taurance Wilson

9.  Sterling Shippy

10.  Michael Brooks

11.  Javen Morrison

12.  Daniel Franklin

13.  Ramonte Bell

14.  Jayron Harness

15.  Terry Whittington

16.  Randall Tucker

17.  Silas Spearman

18.  Kwanzi Jackson

19.  Quintin Smith

20. True Gibson

ASU student Gabrielle Hall said the university represents “so much more than what that fight was, and at the end of the day we’re a family, things happen.”

History major at ASU Jami Eubanks agreed:

“It doesn’t affect the school, and it doesn’t affect who we are, because, you know, we have leadership and character and sometimes we all fall short. They’re young kids, they’re growing up, but they’ll learn.”

7 Howard Seniors Share What Being A Bison Means To Them

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As the 2016-2017 academic year comes to an end, it becomes a bittersweet moment for the graduating class of 2017.

I sat down with seven Howard graduating seniors as they reflected back on what it means to be a Bison. 

Marcus Sessoms

Major: Political Science

Being a Bison means to be excellence. Whatever it is you decide to do, whether it be in politics, music, business, journalism, fashion, you will be a part of a legacy of black excellence and you will bring that excellence with you in your future career. Being a Howard student you have the power to bring excellence into anything you do and you should never lack confidence in your abilities.

Rachel Darko

Major: Biology

To be a bison is a humbling honor and blessing. This university has offered me so many opportunities that I could have never even imagined. It’s also a challenge because I           know that Howard University is internationally acclaimed for its world-shaking legacy. I       have big shoes to fill, and I know that I want to do everything in my power to make my alma mater and my people proud of me!

Joshua Mitchell

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Being a bison means the world to me, I wasn’t sure when I first came in, but after 4 years, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love telling people that I go to the Howard University. The campus, the people, the memories..they will never be forgotten. For real.

Danielle Solomon

Major: Broadcast Journalism

Being a bison means being on top of your game while staying true to service.

Nicholas Sheppard

Major: Economics

It means that I’m part of an indescribable legacy that to those who haven’t walked these halls, seems like and indescribable and impenetrable club. I can’t tell you what it’s like to carry this name with me, but if you make it, you’ll know.

Darien Thomas

Major: Health Education Community Health

First and foremost it means perseverance and resiliences because we all know the difficulties that come with the Howard experience. It also means I’m part of an extended family, it means I am part of the greatness that is black excellence and it means I have a duty to continue the legacy of greatness in service to our people.

Kallie Brown

Major: Psychology

Being a Bison means succeeding academically but also being able to balance many different things as well.  Nearly everyone on campus is balancing things like work, community service, friends, extracurricular activities, and so many other things. I believe as Howard students we have the drive to want to succeed in every facet of life we are capable of, and that proves to be valuable in the long run. Bison are always on the go to the next opportunity.

TSU And Fisk Are Creating Mentorships Between Alumni And Students

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Dreams can become reality but so often we find that many college students are sold a dream. Many are painted a picture full of happiness and joy coming into college that portrays a career that upholds various hopes and dreams of accomplishment if you work hard and diligently, having the impression that once graduating a job will await them. This is not reality for all and many just really want to start their own thing. That is why “Live Above Day” became a reality.

For the 2nd year in a row Live Above Day took place on the campus of Tennessee State University. The event consisted of students and alumni working together on creating a cleaner neighborhood that both Fisk and Tennessee State share along with a discussion with alumni of each respective school who have ventured out to create their own company or started their own community initiatives. Even though the event took place last Wednesday the benefits for students are still reaping.

The event brought together HBCU alum from both Tennessee State and Fisk University who decided to stop working for others and start their own businesses and initiatives which inspired current students who want to do the exact same thing. Students had the opportunity to learn from the panel on how they started and what it took for them to start their dream. HBCU Buzz was live on campus and many students publicly stated why they personally live above.

Tennessee State University student Courtney Hollis walked away with great gold nuggets from the interactive discussion. “#GetOverYourself It takes you to do what you want to do.  Ask for help and don’t be afraid to get told no,” stated Hollis as she reflected over the great advice shared during the event.

During the event, students could ask questions but also had an opportunity to speak with panelist Portia Phillips, CEO of PFP Communications Agency and Lumiere Teeth Whitening, Demetrius Short, creator of Steps of Success 5K, and Adrian Winston and Darin Wyly, creators of Appealed Design. Panelist Portia Phillips focused on the importance of mobilizing brands on social media. It is one thing to have a lot of followers but another when followers are also supporting and buying into the business that you have.

Panelist Demetrius Short really tuned into the importance of being accountable for actions.  Being an effective leader means that you must be disciplined for yourself. Adrian and Darin really emphasized not feeling defeated so early in the game. There will be losses but you must deal with them. Ajani Aaron, a future fashion line owner who attends Tennessee State University stated that he learned how to bounce back. “It will always stick to me that you have to jump back from losses of investments, numbers speak to me and I learned the importance of capitalizing,” stated Aaron.

Now, students are meeting one on one with the panelist for further help and what started as a day of inspiration is now creating mentorships between Alumni and students. “I love giving back but I’m careful in how I give back; I want to be the best mentor that I never had,” stated Portia Phillips.

Many students took the opportunity to publicize how they “Live Above” by writing the reason on a whiteboard and taking pictures with it.

Stay on the lookout because Live Above Day will take place again next spring. “We are already putting together ideas to make it bigger and better,” stated a very enthusiastic Adrian Winston.

Would you like to see an event like this take place on your HBCU campus? Let us know and leave your comment below.

Historically Black Colleges Are Quitting Smoking

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Historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, are quitting smoking to prevent “young adults from starting tobacco use.” New policies aim to ease health burden among young blacks.

“Of the 102 federally recognized HBCUs in the country, less than half have smoke-free and/or tobacco-free campus policies. Of the 1,108 community colleges in the U.S., only 360 have 100 percent smoke-free policies in place,” the Director of Media Relations for Truth Initiative Sarah Shank told HBCU Buzz in an email.

Truth Initiative, the nonprofit organization behind the truth youth smoking prevention campaign, is working to put an end to this type of profiling.

“Where you live, who you love, your race, your mental health and financial status play an important role in how hard tobacco companies come after you,” Shank said. “For decades, African Americans, low-income neighborhoods, LGBTQ communities and those with mental illness have been disproportionally targeted with advertising and promotional efforts. African Americans in particular, have long been targeted with intense advertising and promotional efforts by the industry. For example, in major cities like Washington D.C., there are up to ten times more tobacco advertisements in African American neighborhoods than in other neighborhoods.”

The organization launched their tobacco-free college program in 2015 as well as awarded funding to 135 colleges.

According to the organization, to date, 50 colleges have gone smoke- or tobacco-free (40 community colleges and 10 HBCU’s). CVS is also joining us in helping more than 100 schools go tobacco free in the next 2 years.

Howard University student Julia Osagie is helping to take a stand, joining the organization to change the status quo.

Osagie is spearheading an effort at Howard to help the school go tobacco-free.

She and other students are working on the issue.

“There is a disproportionate health burden of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality among African Americans,” Shank said. “Each year, approximately 47,000 African Americans die from smoking-related disease. Research has also shown a clear pattern of targeted marketing in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods.”

“People living below the poverty level in the U.S. are nearly twice as likely to smoke, compared to those at or above the poverty level.”

HBCU Students Trying To Bring Back Freaknik

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The Industry On Blast shared an Instagram post Wednesday that stated Atlanta residents and black college students “are trying to bring back” Freaknik after reports the event is coming back. The Industry On Blast says that “Atlanta authorities are not having it, and plan on shutting down popular exits in areas travelers may be coming in from,” referring to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s promise to be tough to keep Freaknik-related events from inside the city limits.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTElc8ylzuY/?taken-by=theindustryonblast

One Instagram user said he wonders “why are we as people trying to bring that mess back?” Another Instagram user said, “Stfu [sic] lying.”