Tennessee State Stylish Buzz Of The Week: Ebony Baker

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Hailing straight from the “A” (Atlanta, Georgia) is Ebony Baker, a Theater major concentrating in performance. With a style described as “Dainty With An Edge” Baker awakens every day in the mindset to slay in some type of way.

Her close friend Pamela Taylor noticed more as she got to know Ebony better.

“I didn’t notice how cute all her stuff really was until we started hanging out more, she has the perfect outfit for all occasions and can help you find yours, haha.

Always up to something, you can catch Baker modeling with the Tennessee State University Allure Modeling Troupe, serving the campus and community through Christian ministry with She Is…Ministries, and performing with the T.E. Poag Players Guild.  “What shocks me about Ebony is her interest and passion for Black rights and history. I am shocked by this because I believe people always labeled her as being a sweet, rule-following little girl,” said her big sister, Erica Baker, who is also an FAMU graduate of 2011.

Ebony is really in tuned to portraying the art of black culture. “She looks awesome in her dashiki and African wear. I also appreciate how she expresses being proud of who she is and the skin she wears with graphics tee’s that speak to uplift the black community,” said her friend Pamela Taylor.

Ebony gives us simple Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to fashion.  They are as followed:

Do:

Always be confident in yourself and what you wear. If you feel good in it, then that’s all that matters.

Add some bold colors into your wardrobe!

Don’t:

Be afraid to mix patterns, have fun with different pieces!

Wear club attire to class, that is a no no!

Just follow a trend.  Put your own spin on it and make it yours!

Sleep on thrift stores! Period!

When her best friend and long lost sister Marissa Walker speaks, she means every word that she says.  “Ebony’s style is so unique, personal and distinct.

“Be yourself because if you don’t that’s ugly”, her style alludes to her HBCU education”.

You might not catch Ebony in person but you can always catch her on social media on Instagram @Ebonydon16 and Tumblr: Madefromsunflowers16

Pushing The Culture Forward With Prairie View A&M Alum Blake Simon

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Blake Simon, a Prairie View A&M University graduate, took many battle wounds to become the multi-talented warrior he is today that develops, motivates, educates and impacts your students.

Simon, also known as BlakeMotivates, is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and philanthropist who aims to positively change the lives of youth and young adults by sharing his “started from the bottom, now I’m here” story with millions.

Well, things got off to a rocky start for Simon, he was once a young man who spent his youth overcoming obstacles including abandonment, losing his mother and a troubled adolescent.

In spite of the temporary setbacks, the native of Southwestern Louisiana never let the challenges in his life keep him bounded. He used them as motivation and knocked down every wall that stood in his way!

With Simon’s education being a very important component in his life, he wanted to make sure that he was able to give back once he graduated from college.

Giving back in a mighty way, Simon produced two publications entitled “The Transition Guide & Journal”, a simple tool for students to help maximize the college experience and “The Transition”, a simple guide to help visionaries transition to the next level.

In addition to the publications, he began a career in higher education as a Financial Aid Counselor working with college students and their families.  He enjoyed it, but his heart and passion wanted to help people and he wanted to do a bit more of that, so he hopped on the long tedious journey to becoming an entrepreneur.

After quitting his job he worked at for four years, he became the CEO of Blake Simon & Associates (BSA), a speaking & consulting business and the Rise Above Project (RAP), a non-profit corporation for at-risk youth.

BSA does motivational, public and also keynote speaking. It covers a range of areas including college readiness, entrepreneurship, leadership, life skills and more. BSA is able to create a custom presentation tailored to fit your audience or event theme.

With this platform, Simon has been able to motivate and empower people from all walks of life. His continued progression in life is a testament to his faith and perseverance. None of this would be possible without God and his family.

“Words can’t describe how magnificent Blake’s presentation was to our students at Prairie View A&M University,” said Student Service Manager at Prairie View A&M University. The positive feedback was overwhelming, and the connection Blake had with the students was tremendous. The Transition book will be legendary!”

Simon says every student has the potential to be successful and further their education, but this potential has to be developed. Connect with Simon at his next speaking engagement July 2 at the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine at the University of Houston.

More about the author:

In December of 2016, Simon received a Master’s of Arts degree in counseling from Prairie View A&M University. He impacts youth and the community as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As a board member of the Hardly Home Initiative, he also encourages education through travel.

CONNECT WITH BLAKE SIMON:

Social Media: @BlakeMotivates

Website: http://www.blakemotivates.com

Booking: info@blakemotivates.com

Purchase Book: https://www.amazon.com/Transition-Guide-Journal-Students-Experience/dp/1535337257

BOOK TOUR DATES:

29 Things To Do Before Your High School Graduation – How Many Have You Done?

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These suggestions are to help as graduation gets closer. Graduation, an end to an educational journey from Day Care to High School. Before this occasion parents need to make sure all the I’s are dotted and T’s crossed to make a smooth closure to a long journey. These are just a few suggestions from my experiences as a parent and a teacher.

Parents make sure your child has enough credits to graduate and has a “diploma” not a “certificate of completion”. Make sure your child understands that their journey in public education maybe coming to a conclusion, learning does not end there. It is a continuous life-long process, ask anyone that is successful, successful in their career and working in a “real” career, not just a job.

1. Make sure you obtain the most recent high school “official” transcript to send to schools or potential employers. Many organizations, schools, and groups require a transcript to see if academically students are “qualified” to be eligible. The world is highly competitive and education is the key to achievement and advancement.

2. Make sure you have current and up to date medical and dental records. Even after graduating from high school students are still dependent on their parents for certain medical services. Parents must understand “their” graduate is not an adult yet, they are still maturing, learning and growing. There are some information and documentation only parents can obtain until children are 21 or even 25. As a parent of a 25 and 21-year-old,
I still in some cases support my children outside of money.

3. Make sure there are boundaries and expectations on behaviors, actions, and even responsibilities in the home for the soon to be graduates. There should be mutual understanding on everyone’s duties and responsibilities and always respect. Stop telling your child they are “grown” until they are out of your house and working independently. Even that is not a guarantee that they will not need some support until they are established and able to support themselves.

4. Talk to your child’s teacher(s) about internships, scholarships, summer employment and community projects. Do not accept the words, “I got this,” as being responsible and accountable. Parents end up paying more in the long run, keep informed and stay on your child unless they show responsibility.

5. Make hair, nail or beauty appointments months before May to avoid the rush and chaos of getting your child ready. Young men need to also reserve haircuts, shaves, and clothing appointments.

6. Remind your child of the two institutions that want their attendance Correctional (Prison) and Instructional (Higher Education) and to make wise decisions even after graduation.

The closer it get to graduation sometimes kids lose touch with reality and get “stupid” and maybe even “ignant” as some seasoned seniors would say.

7. Check your child’s academic (Cumulative) folder for items that may delay graduation or entrance into college, trade school or the military. You have a right to see their records and ask questions and if not provided seek an attorney for help. Don’t wait for the last weeks to make demands. It makes that person look like a fool because there are 180 days in the school year, why did you wait. Check for discipline referrals, changed grades, teacher notes, etc. All documentation is important.

8. Make sure all deposits and fees are paid in full before graduation. Check for lost books, needed forms, and other items that should be completed. Do not trust your child unless they show they are responsible. “I got this” are the words that put gray hairs in more parents hairs because something will be undone that costs money.

9. Know what your child’s GPA is, weighted or un-weighted.

10. Make sure your child takes or has taken the SAT and the ACT several times. Many schools only require one, but better safe than sorry.

11. Check on Bright Futures scholarship information. Many HBCU’s accept ACT scores that show your child’s academic success and the potential for future success. Use whichever gives you a better chance of getting into college and this may affect monies. Check athletic scholarships, make sure it is a full ride or partial. Does it cover books and incidentals?

12. Work on your child’s Marketable skills to help them network and grow. Get them involved in community events before they need community service hours, not rushing to beg people to help and the child does not learn anything from their experiences.

13. Set Academic, Professional, Monetary and Career goals now so your child will have a flexible plan of attack when they graduate.

14. Have your child volunteer consistently, stay involved in your community, and church. Volunteer hours can still help with networking and build marketable skills to use later.

15. Search online and inquire with local businesses about summer internships paid and unpaid. Your time is valuable so unpaid is important also.

16. Join local business organizations like Chamber of Commerce to gain marketable skills and get a jump on career goals.

17. Participate in church events and activities helps build your resume or CV curriculum vitae.

18. Take college tours, visiting the school environment to make sure you are familiar with college or even the military.

19. Social Media entries; post POSITIVE content, pictures, text and video. Your e-Reputation and e-Personalities tell a story about you. Social Media content will define you and may be your first representation of you to others.

20. Register with LinkedIn to start networking and connecting. There is a new LinkedIn for students.

21. Continue to research educational options and inquire even now about  Masters and Doctorial programs.

22. Make sure you and your child understand what type of diploma they will have. It is painful to expect a High School Diploma and receive a Certificate of Attendance, Certificate of Completion, an ESE Diploma or others.

23. On Social Media unfriend and even block those that are openly using drugs, weapons and involved in criminal actions. You may be “guilty by association” by having them part of your network.

24. Have a “real” Social Security card and Birth Certificate, and if necessary a Visa to travel abroad. Many high school students and those going to college are even getting passports.

25. Check with your local police department to make sure there are no records of mistaken criminal activity from someone impersonating you or looks like you.

26. Financial Aid and Scholarship Information can be found online here.

27. Google and Hashtag yourself to “see” what is online about yourself to be prepared for questions about activities and events that you’re involved in.

28. Contact teachers and other professionals that you may need letters of recommendations from them. This is one reason why children need to be taught to respect and honor adults because it is the right thing to do and they WILL need their help.

29. Teach your children to be humble, approachable, honest, responsible and accountable for their actions. The world is sometimes an unforgiving place and if mistakes are made sometimes an apology is accepted, but if one is not given that can be counted against them.

Parents, sometimes it is hard to accept that the apple does not fall far from the tree. So take extra care to support your child to build their confidence, to be proactive and responsible.

The world has changed, being prepared means being a well-rounded individual with people skills, confidence and that understanding that the world is based on global competition. Teach your children early about the value of having an education and being a life-long learner.

Janelle Monáe To Deliver Commencement Address At Dillard University

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NEW ORLEANS – Dillard University will hold its 81st Commencement on Saturday, May 13, at 8 a.m., on the historic Avenue of the Oaks. The University will confer more than 160 undergraduate degrees that day.

“Janelle Monáe’s significant accomplishments in music and particularly, film and STEM, both signature programs here at Dillard, along with her activism made her the ideal person to deliver a timely message to our graduates,” President Walter M. Kimbrough, Ph.D., said. So for more than a year, he pursued Monáe for the University’s commencement speaker. Kimbrough tracked her down going through magazine reporters, record companies, and finally the national president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., to get her here. He said: “I believe this is her first commencement speech and we are very excited to see this day come.”

Immersed in the performing arts at a young age, she founded her record label the Wondaland Arts Society releasing the EP “Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase).” In 2010 Monáe released the highly anticipated and critically acclaimed “ArchAndroid,” which earned her two Grammy nominations, including one for the hit single “Tightrope.” In 2013 she released her highly-acclaimed album “The Electric Lady” which marked her highest first week debut in the Billboard Top 200 Chart. The album’s first single “Q.U.E.E.N.” garnered rave reviews and the accompanying video received a coveted MTV VMA Moonman. In February of 2015 Monáe launched her very own label, Wondaland Records.

As 2016 closed, Monáe took her talent to the silver screen, starring as a lead actor in the dramas Hidden Figures and Moonlight. Both films earned Oscar nominations for Best Picture, with Moonlight winning the award at the 89th Academy Awards. Hidden Figures centers around the true story of three African-American women who work for NASA and help make John Glenn the first person to orbit the Earth in 1962. The film also stars Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, and Kevin Costner. Hidden Figures won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Moonlight, produced by Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment and A24, chronicles the coming-of-age of Chiron (Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes), a young man facing an uphill battle with his sexuality during Miami’s turbulent war-on-drugs era in the 1970s.Moonlight also stars Naomie Harris, André Holland and Mahershala Ali.

Monáe hasn’t allowed her fame to silence her from being vocal on injustices. Conversely, Monáe has used fame as a platform and her political activism is well-documented. During a 2015 performance on NBC’s “Today,” Monáe performed her protest song “Hell You Talmbout.” Last February, Monáe performed at a concert in Flint, Mich., to raise money for the city’s recent water crisis. In January, after the most recent presidential election, she spoke and performed at the Women’s March on Washington that drew a record-breaking crowd.

Using Hidden Figures as a catalyst, Monáe has become an advocate for STEM, and in an interview with Teen Vogue she said: “I hope we see more girls from all backgrounds working in STEM [science, technology, engineering, mathematics] as a result of it being on-screen.”

ASU’s Malea Maye Leads NCAA In Offensive Categories

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ALBANY, Ga.- Albany State women’s softball player Malea Maye has been putting on an offensive show this season. The senior from Marietta, Ga. is currently ranked in the NCAA Top 10 in a barrage of offensive classifications.

After this past weekend, Maye ranks first in RBIs (62), RBIs per game (1.59) and total bases (126).

Maye is also in the NCAA Top 10 in several other categories. She is second total homeruns (17), homeruns per game (0.44) and slugging percentage (1.041). Maye is also sixth in runs per game (1.31).

Maye and Albany State will host Columbus State on Wednesday, April 12 at 2 and 4 p.m.

To view the 2017 NCAA Division II statistics, visit here.

Central State University Alum Omarosa Weds

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Omarosa Manigault, alumnae of Central State University and a graduate of Howard University, announced Saturday on Twitter she married Florida pastor John Allen Newman.

The ceremony took place in front of 150 guests including Trump Organization executive Lynne Patton, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks, socialite Paul Wharton and Trump supporters Diamond and Silk.

The black college alum announced her engagement to Newman last July.

The wedding took place at Trump International Hotel in Washington, which opened in September 2016.

News of Omarosa’s marriage comes a few months after she joined Trump’s White House staff as director of communications for the Office of Public Liaison.

Golden Rams Win Streak Ends With Loss To Georgia College

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ALBANY, Ga.- The Albany State baseball team saw its three-game win streak end after its loss to Georgia College. ASU dropped a 10-5 decision to the Bobcats and saw its three-game winning streak snapped.

With the loss, the Golden Rams fall to 11-21 overall. GC improves to 26-9.

Albany State fell behind after the first inning when Georgia College scored three runs in the top. In the bottom of the third, ASU scored its first run. Jonathan Cirullo scored to cut the home team’s deficit to 3-1.

After the Bobcats pushed their lead to 4-1 in the top of the fourth, the Golden Rams answered in the bottom. Quantico Dodson-Williams hit a sacrifice fly that scored Jonatan Galan, and Cirullo singled to left field that allowed Robbie Feagans to go home. Albany State only trailed 4-3.

Georgia College scored four runs between the sixth and seventh innings to take an 8-3 advantage. Albany State scored two more runs in the bottom of the seventh to cut its deficit to 8-5.

However, that’s as close as ASU could get. The Bobcats scored two more runs in the ninth, and the Golden Rams could not push anymore runs across the plate.

Cirullo finished the game going 3-for-3. Kelvin Wimbish and Chasen Roulhac each had two hits. Nicolas Griggs added two RBIs. Brock Rountree was the losing pitcher.

The Golden Rams had 12 hits, two errors and 11 runners left on base.

Georgia College was led by Cal Gentry and Clayten Ayres. Both players had two hits and two RBIs. Kane Keith was the winning pitcher.

The Bobcats recorded 12 hits, three errors and 11 LOBs.

On Wednesday, April 12, Albany State will travel to Montgomery, Ala. to face Auburn-Montgomery. Game time is slated for 5 p.m.

Norfolk State University DECADES Fashion Show Takes Place Tonight

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On tonight a total of fourteen designers will have their fashion lines showcased on the runway at Norfolk State University.

Springfest at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are the second best week to homecoming and this week SpartanFest is set to bring nothing below fun for the students of Norfolk.

Devon Jackson serves as director for the production working along with Michael Ricks as the producer and Norfolk senior chemistry major, Alexandria Hood as the event chair. Jackson and Ricks who are Norfolk alumni are giving back to their university in a very fun and exciting way.

The show is expected to be bigger and better compared to last year.

Last year the main focus was in the production of lighting and musical selections but this year the show is shifting. Having a theatrical root gives the entire show a thrilling twist.

This year’s theme is DECADES.

With a blast from the past, a history lesson will be taught as the show broadcasts fashion of Black America from the 1930’s to the present time.

With fifty-five models, the runway will showcase the fashions of Dakayla@dakaylajoy, Vintage 6 @Studio6vintage, OVER FASHION @overfashionllc, Chnobz @chnobz, Tuna Creek @tunacreek, Cas Styles @tons_ofcee, Officially Slayed @officially_slayed, KONCRETE KULTURE @koncretekulture, 10FOEBOYZ @10foeboyz, The Mix @themixonig, 5ive Kings @5ivekings, Machet @_Kiraaa_, BLEUBEING STUDIOS @bleubeingstudios, and Random Object Gallery @randomobjectgallery.

“DECADES was an idea I had already developed but just waited for the right time to bring it out,” Jackson told HBCU Buzz.

The show will provide the audience with entertainment that reviews the past which was not experienced by the college generation of today while reminiscing over years that the 90’s babies can remember, ultimately developing an understanding for the path that fashion holds for the future.

This marks the second year of the production of the SpartanFest Fashion Show.

Expectations are set higher from last year’s show and the people behind the production are going to provide nothing under awesome.

“It was truly an experience to watch these men and women work hard towards making this fashion show successful. It’s a true definition of Spartan Pride,” Alexandria Hood said.

From this point on the bar will only be raised for what seems to be a new annual event for the SpartanFest. The show will take place tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Joseph Echols Hall.

‘Hidden Figure’ Katherine Johnson To Deliver HU’s Commencement Speech

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Katherine G. Johnson has been selected to deliver the Spring commencement speech at Hampton University, one of the nation’s premier historically black colleges. In 2015, the ‘Hidden Figure’ was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former U.S. President Barack Obama.

Johnson is one of the leading inspirations behind the Hollywood feature film Hidden Figures. 

“With her razor-sharp mathematical mind, Katherine G. Johnson helped broaden the scope of space travel, charting new frontiers for humanity’s exploration of space, and creating new possibilities for all humankind,” Obama said. “From sending the first American to space to the first moon landing, she played a critical role in many of NASA’s most important milestones.

Obama went on to say, “Katherine Johnson refused to be limited by society’s expectations of her gender and race while expanding the boundaries of humanity’s reach.”

Hampton University Newsroom released an announcement on their website “HU News” that states the university is “pleased” that Johnson will be addressing the school’s graduation ceremony:

“Considered to be one of NASA’s human ‘computers,’ Johnson performed the complex calculations that enabled humans to successfully achieve space flight. In 1961, Johnson was tasked with plotting the path for Alan Shepard’s journey to space, the first in American history. Johnson was later responsible for verifying calculations of the ‘machines’ and giving the “go-ahead” to propel John Glenn into successful orbit in 1962.”

…

“Johnson earned a B.S. degree in mathematics and French from West Virginia State College. In 1999, that university named Johnson ‘Outstanding Alumnus of the Year.'”

According to HU News, the black college alum and her late husband James Goble sent all three of their daughters to historically black Hampton University. The ceremony will be taking place at Armstrong Stadium on Sunday, May 14.

Unforgettable Star, Rosario Dawson Talks Domestic Violence For College Students

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Rosario Dawson uses her own personal experiences with domestic violence to give advice to college students at the “Unforgettable” movie press junket. 

The media event was held at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunday, April 9th where cast members Geoff Stults and Katherine Heigl also participated.

As the movie focuses on a love triangle with a crazy ex-wife played by Heigl, it also shines light on the ongoing issues of domestic violence in the US. A recent report conducted by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence showed that 21% of women are experiencing abuse from current partners and 32% of women have experienced abuse from previous partners.

“The statistic is that a billion women on this planet will be raped, killed or beaten in this lifetime and that’s just horrifying,” said Dawson. “We are the majority sex on this planet and that’s not the way it should be.”

In the film, Dawson’s character Julia Banks sought help and found love but she still held on to the insecurity around it which is something that Dawson believes we all have to let go of.

“Women aren’t raping themselves and there’s no reason why they should be ashamed of the abuse that’s happening to them.”

Dawson also made headlines last week after tweeting about Kendall Jenner’s Pepsi Ad where she said it’s sadly missing the point.

She told us that she understands how her tweet could have came off mean and aggressive but “it is sad,” she said.

“Their heart was in the right place seemingly but the opportunity that was missed was profound.”

Heigl almost played her role of the crazy Tessa Connover too well. When asked if there were any challenges of playing her character, she explained that it was refreshing.

“It was freeing and fun because you’re not worried about other people’s feelings, needs or their agenda,” said Heigl. “I sort of move through life trying to take care of everyone else and everyone else’s needs but I’ll have those moments like enough of all of you, it’s got to be about me at some point.”

“Unforgettable,” will be in theaters everywhere on April 21st. For more information on the film check out unforgettablemovie.com

HBCU Alum Pastor Cordell A. Jenkins Arrested For Sex Trafficking Of Children

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested two pastors in Toledo as part of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The Task Force is comprised of members of the FBI, Toledo Police Department, Perrysburg Township Police Department, Lima Police Department, Oregon Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Lucas County Sheriff’s Office.

The two pastors arrested in the state were Cordell Jenkins, 46, and Anthony Haynes, 37, “pursuant to a federal complaint and arrest warrant for sex trafficking of children,” according to the FBI’s website.

“Jenkins and Haynes are accused of knowingly recruiting, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person(s) that the defendants knew was less than eighteen years old to engage in commercial sex acts. In addition to the above, Haynes is also being charged with Obstruction of Justice and Jenkins is being charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children,” according to the website.

The FBI reported that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Jenkins attended historically black Livingstone College majoring in Political Science. In August 1994, he accepted this call to preach the Gospel.

 

Student Explains The Meaning Behind ASU Alum 2 Chainz Stage Name

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A student writes a letter to the editor about a recent 2 Chainz concert.

UNC student David Oakley said that he enjoyed Karyn Hladik-Brown’s article about a 2 Chainz concert at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, but “there was one part of your article that I disagreed with.”

He went on to say, “You said, ‘2 Chainz is not that great at personal branding — he wore three chains.'”

“While I understand that this was a small joke, I find it necessary to set the record straight. In his song ‘I’m Different,”’ he states ‘2 Chainz but I got me a few on,'” Oakley said.

“2 Chainz has never claimed to only have two tangible chains; rather, the names 2 Chainz symbolizes his second chance at the rap game. This is a common mistake, and I’m sure you meant no disrespect.”

NCCU Interim Chancellor Remembers Fallen Eagle Myiah N. Andrews

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North Carolina Central University Interim Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye issued a statement remembering fallen Eagle Myiah N. Andrews today. Andrews, an 18-year-old freshman student at the black university, died in a tragic car accident in Durham yesterday evening, he said.

Akinleye is urging the NCCU community to keep Andrews’ family in their thoughts and prayings during their time of grief.

“The sudden passing of a promising young person who was just beginning her journey is indeed heartbreaking and causes us to lean on one another for strength as members of a unified Eagle family.”

He also said three other NCCU students (Jeremiah Phronebarger, Quillon Rendleman and Celi Smith) who were in the same vehicle as Andrews were also injured in the accident.

“…One student is still being treated at a nearby hospital. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident has been arrested by Durham Police Department.

As our community begins to deal with this deep loss, counselors from Student Health and Counseling Services are available in the Student Health Building, as well as in McLean Residence Hall. We also have leaders from the Office of Spiritual Development and Dialogue available to assist with any grief counseling.

More details will be shared once they become available.”

The university says more details will be shared once they become available.

Lady Rams Complete Series Sweep Of FVSU

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ALBANY, Ga.- Led by seniors Malea Maye, Toni Coleman, Kyera Whitaker, Kayla Alexander and Tiffany Massey, the Albany State women’s softball team completed another blow out of its archrival. The ASU women’s softball team beat Fort Valley State 19-1 on Senior Day.

With the win, the Lady Rams win the weekend series 3-0 and improve to 22-17 overall and 17-2 in the SIAC. ASU is still in first place in the SIAC East Division, four games ahead of Claflin.

The Lady Wildcats fall to 3-26, 3-16.

Just like the second game of the series, Albany State utilized a big first inning to take control. Alexander started the scoring with a double up the middle that scored Jade Williams. Maye smashed a two-run homer for a 3-0 lead. By the end of the stanza, ASU led 18-0 after a barrage of various hits.

After a scoreless second inning by both teams, Fort Valley State scored its only run, but the Lady Rams added their final one in the bottom of the fourth. Maye scored off an error to seal the game.

Brianna Murillo led Albany State with two hits and four RBIs. Maye and Coleman both had two hits and three RBIs, and Alexander and Whitaker each had two hits and two RBIs.

Massey (11-8)  was the winning pitcher with three strikeouts. She only gave up one hit during the contest. Massey also had two hits offensively, which were both doubles.

The Lady Rams finished the game with 18 hits, one error and four runners left on base.

Albany State will return to action on Wednesday, April 12 when it hosts Columbus State University. The two teams split a pair of games in Feb. The Lady Cougars won 10-2 on Feb. 11. The Lady Rams took the Feb. 12 matchup 3-1.

Paul Quinn Is First HBCU Work College, Serious About Reducing College Debt

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Paul Quinn College has made history by becoming the first historically black college to be named a “work college.”

Paul Quinn has met the Department of Education’s standards for the work college designation.

“After a two-year application process, Paul Quinn College has become the first HBCU to meet the Department of Education’s standards for the “work college” designation. As of Monday morning, Paul Quinn now joins seven other institutions trailblazing this new method for potentially reducing student debt,” Raz Robinson wrote in an article regarding the matter.

Paul Quinn is getting serious about potentially reducing debt for its students, providing students with either a job on campus or with a local business in Dallas.

Robinson explained:

“Unlike traditional work study programs, whose distribution is based solely on the student’s financial needs… According to college president Michael Sorrell, due to 80 percent of students being eligible for Federal Pell Grant’s, a majority of the students at Paul Quinn can graduate with less than $10,000 in debt, as well as gain valuable professional training.”

Robinson wrote that “Though work colleges seem like a viable way to reduce college debt, the future of their funding is currently uncertain.”

He continued:

“As of right now, work colleges are allocated funding via the federal work study program, and in its budget proposal last Wednesday, the Trump administration suggested making cuts to the same program. As well as funding cuts, the administration is looking to make monetary allocation more need-based, rather than embracing a model that lets each student work to reduce debt across the board.”

You can read the rest of Robinson’s story here.

Tell Them Historically Black Colleges Are Rising

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By this time next year, the documentary Tell Them We Are Rising may have already aired on PBS, but even now there’s plenty of buzz around this eagerly awaited film.

Scheduled to broadcast nationally on the PBS series Independent Lens in early 2018, the film examines the role that historically black colleges have played in the development of African Americans.

The 90-minute film and multiplatform project by award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson also explores how HBCUs have left their impact on the country as a whole.

I spoke with Nelson via e-mail to learn more.

Why are you doing this film, and what is its purpose?

Outside of the HBCU community, most Americans know little about these institutions…. I figured that if I taught African Americans something new about HBCUs then I would be educating all of America…. These schools have provided the foundation of black intellectual thought for 160 years. I’ve spent a career documenting key leaders and events in African American history but make no mistake, there would be no civil rights movement without HBCUs.

In working on this film did anything surprise you?

The subtext of the film is the importance African Americans place on controlling their educational destiny.… HBCUs have not always been controlled by the African American community, and that has been a point of tension for over 150 years. I think any discussion about current tensions between students and HBCU administrations needs to understand that tension in its historical context.

Why is it important for all Americans to know about the role of historically black colleges?

I set out to tell a story of Americans who refused to be denied a higher education and—in their resistance—created a set of institutions that would influence and shape the landscape of the country for centuries. Tell Them We Are Rising sets out to uncover the role these institutions have played throughout American history.  

What do you want viewers to take away from your film?
We have to tell the story of HBCUs so that all Americans understand the role they have played in lifting formerly enslaved African Americans out of poverty, of creating the black middle class, and educating the architects and foot soldiers of social movements, and leaders across business, medicine, the arts, and politics. It is critically important for Americans to understand that they were not the “first example of school choice.” And despite the fact that these schools were born of racial segregation, their impact and vitality is unparalleled.

This article was written by Robin White-Goode, the Editor of Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. It is published here with permission.