Golden Rams Take Pair From Claflin Panthers

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ALBANY, Ga.- The Albany State baseball team recorded a shutout in one contest and rally in the second to get a pair of wins on Saturday afternoon. In a key SIAC doubleheader, ASU beat Claflin University 9-0 and 5-3.

With the victories, the Golden Rams improve to 10-20 overall and 8-3 in league play. The Panthers fall to 9-24, 3-8.

Albany State 9, Claflin 0

After two scoreless innings, Albany State used the third stanza to begin its scoring. Kelvin Wimbish doubled to score Chasen Roulhac for a 1-0 lead. Nicolas Griggs followed with a triple to center that sent Wimbish home, and he later scored himself for a 3-0 Albany State edge.

The Golden Rams started to pull away in the bottom of the fifth inning. Griggs added a double to right field to score two runs. Then, Ryan McClendon’s sacrifice fly scored Wimbish. ASU scored five runs in the stanza for an 8-0 advantage.

In the sixth inning, Albany State finished its scoring. Wimbish was able to score on a wild pitch for a 9-0 lead.

Griggs finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, and McClendon added two RBIs. Tristan Rice (3-2) was the winning pitcher with five strikeouts. He only gave up two hits during the contest.

The Golden Rams recorded seven hits, one error and six runners left on base.

Albany State 5, Claflin 3

Albany State began its scoring in the third inning. Quantico Dodson-Williams went home off the pitcher’s balk to give ASU a 1-0 lead. In the fourth inning, Robbie Feagan’s single to right field scored McClendon for a 2-0 edge.

Claflin rallied to take the lead in the top of the fifth inning. The Panthers scored three runs to take a 3-2 advantage.

However, the Golden Rams would not be denied in the bottom of the inning. Griggs’ single to center field led to a score by Roulhac, and Theo Smith doubled to center for two more runs to put ASU ahead 5-3.

McClendon was 2-for-3 for the game, and Smith added two RBIs. Brandon Pearson (3-2) was the winning pitcher.

The Golden Rams collected eight hits, three errors and seven LOBs.

The two teams will complete the three-game series on Sunday, April 9. The contest will begin at 1 p.m.

Lady Rams Dismantled Archrival FVSU

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ALBANY, Ga.- The Albany State women’s softball team got back to their high-scoring ways when its archrival rode into town. ASU assembled an array of long range hits and beat Fort Valley State by the scores of 16-0 and 22-1.

With the pair of wins, the Lady Rams improve to 21-17 overall and 16-2 in the SIAC. FVSU falls to 3-25, 3-15.

Albany State 16, Fort Valley State 0

After a scoreless first inning, Albany State started its scoring in the bottom of the second inning. Malea Maye took one pitch before belting a solo homerun. Lavette Tucker later followed with a two-run homer, and ASU led 3-0.

The Lady Rams extended their lead in the third inning. Led by Kayla Alexander’s opening homerun and Brianna Murillo’s grand slam, Albany State scored seven runs to take a 10-0 advantage.

In the fourth inning, ASU continued to be solid at the plate. Kyera Whitaker homered to right field, and Toni Coleman smashed a three-run homerun to ignite the team to a 16-0 edge.

Maye was 2-for-2 with three RBIs, and Coleman hit 2-for-4 with four RBIs. Murillo also had four RBIs. Whitaker was 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Tiffany Massey (10-8) was the winning pitcher. She had eight strikeouts and only gave up two hits and a walk.

The Lady Rams collected 10 hits, two errors and five runners left on base.

Albany State 22, Fort Valley State 1

Albany State didn’t wait until after the first inning to seize control of the Lady Wildcats. After a couple of walks, Alexander hit a single to score Jade Williams. Maye then homered to right field to score three more runs, and the Lady Rams were on their way to a 17-run first inning.

In the second stanza, ASU scored a single run. That came courtesy of Coleman, who doubled to right field to score Alexander and give Albany State an 18-0 lead.

FVSU scored their only run in the top of the fourth inning, but the Lady Rams answered in the bottom. Alexander hit a homerun to start the inning, and Cristiana Houston hit a three-run shot to give ASU a 22-1 advantage.

Coleman and Tucker each finished 4-for-4 with two RBIs apiece. Maye was 2-for-3 with six RBIs, and Alexander with 2-for-3 with three RBIs.

Aryn McGowan (10-7) was the winning pitcher. She had eight strikeouts and only gave up one hit and three walks.

The Lady Rams recorded 16 hits, no errors and three LOBs.

The two teams will complete the series on Sunday, April 9. The program will also observe Senior Day before the contest. Game time is slated for 2 p.m.

‘TIGERTALK’ Experience 2017 At Edward Waters College

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The experience to speak in front of large groups should always be provided to students in higher education. Providing the opportunity to practice skills that will be needed in business, corporate environments, educational settings, the medical profession and even in military experiences and service. The skill of speaking is very important to success in any career field.

Public speaking, corporate presentations, business collaborations and even scientific conferences and discussions rely on a certain level of intellectual thought and engagement. Higher education students, especially those attending HBCUs need to have the exposure of sharing their knowledge and experiences to others. There needs to be a platform that they can express themselves in several areas.

The first where they came from, the second where they think they are going and third their destination. Each is important because they are each learning experiences.

HBCU students need to understand that they will be judged, measured, graded, scrutinized on their professional successes and even the journey, their articulation may be based on how well they speak and carry or present themselves.

The disadvantage comes where many HBCU students from their past have not had the opportunity to be taught how to speak and share content in an environment of structure and academics. Exposure to educational, social and networking opportunities may have been limited or not available.

HBCUs should have platforms of learning that engages students in their skills of public speaking. TEDX, TEDTalks, and HBCUs like Edward Waters College “TIGERTALKS” Experiences where students are provided opportunities to speak and share content. Students at the time may not appreciate or understand the importance of these events, but they need to be prepared and ready for the engagement.

To date, several semesters of students have participated and students have shared their hopes, dreams, aspirations and plans for the present and the future. Because of these experiences now those that continue will be prepared to provide professional presentations at diverse venues.

Professor William Jackson and research specialist Emma Kent of the Library Services Department of EWC strives to create in each student a well-balanced and practiced student with diverse skills they will use in the real world of employment. The need for articulation, timing, passion, confidence and even research skills are vital to building in students a foundation that will build future success and achievement.

HBCUs will continue to face challenges no matter what administration is in office, that is a fact, so the best way to face any challenge is head-on and with a plan that hard work, collaboration, teamwork, faith, dedication, and prayer will help continue to build a legacy of success.

Looking at the recent Roland Martin discussion on HBCUs and their proposed help from the new administration it is seen that the last administration did not equally create a financial cushion of support and acceptance. HBCUs must continue to do more with less and build the leaders this nation needs for the future to be competitive and globally relevant.

Student From Chicago School Gets Accepted Into 23 Historically Black Colleges

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What a wonderful time to be young, black, and a future college student in America. A student at Chicago’s Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School has been accepted at 23 historically black colleges.

Ariyana Davis has already chosen to attend historically black Alcorn State University later this year, majoring in accounting. She had to choose from 24 colleges, 23 of which were HBCUs thanks to the Common Black College Application that allows students to apply to up to 50 of these institutions for just $35.

HBCUs “…are known for producing successful black professionals. It was important for me to go to an institution that feels like home,” the 18-year-old senior told ABC News.

Additionally, Davis was offered a total of $300,000 in financial aid from all the schools.

“I’ve seen her grow, and change, and mature and now that she has this goal for after high school…she went for it,” Julianne Alvarado, the school’s learning resource coordinator, told ABC News.

“She’s very well organized and follows through with things,” Alvarado added.

On her decision to attend Alcorn State, Davis said:

“I love the family-oriented environment and close-knitted community, and the opportunity they will provide to me when I join the honors courses.”

Congrats to Ariyana Davis!

Morehouse Names Interim Prez, Hails Beginning Of A New Era For School

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Morehouse College has officially replaced its president and board chairman effective, immediately. On Friday, the historically black college released a press statement detailing the new changes in leadership.

Dr. John S. Wilson, Morehouse class of 1979, who has been president since January 2013, will end his tenure as president today. William Taggart, the current chief operation officer at Morehouse, will serve as the interim president.

Morehouse Man, Robert Davidson will also conclude his role as board chairman of the Board of Trustees, on June 30th, 2017.

Chairman Davidson made the decision to step down voluntarily with the interest of helping Morehouse reach new heights. Willie Woods, co-founder of a New York-based finance company, will assume the role as the new board chair.

This transition at Morehouse was made after much turmoil at the college. It was in January when the news broke that the board would not renew Dr. Wilson’s contract as the president.

Following the announcement was when news broke that the board of trustees at Morehouse decided to make this decision. It seems that the ambiguous storm at Morehouse has finally passed over. With Morehouse gaining new leadership, Morehouse has officially entered a new era.

Why The 2017 BET Awards Should Tribute HBCUs

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This past week BET and the BET Awards have been asking questions on social media regarding what they should do at the 2017 BET Awards. The @BETAwards Twitter handle has been asking questions about who should host, perform and what should happen at the show.

In the wake of all that is going on right now, (i.e. The War at Morehouse, the change of leadership at Fisk University and the group photo that was taken at the White House) the BET Awards should make an effort to highlight HBCUs.

In 2016, a reported 7.2 million viewers tuned into the BET Awards. According to Deadline.com. This statistic made the award presentation the No. 1 cable awards show in the key 18-49 demographic for the 2015-2016 TV season to date (3.8 million viewers in that coveted age range).

The numbers prove that the BET Awards platform is huge and resonates with young audiences. For the 2017 BET Awards to showcase some of the best and brightest of HBCUs, would firstly, shift the negative narratives of HBCUs in the media and second, raise awareness of HBCUs as a whole.

I’ll never forget the first time I watched the BET Awards back in 2003. It was the first time I ever saw Beyonce perform. After that year, looking at the BET Awards with my family became a summer tradition. The BET Awards was a production that celebrated people that looked like me. I learned so much from watching these award shows. 

As a young man, I learned to appreciate James Brown. During the awards, I was introduced to Rick James. After seeing Monique perform during the 2004 BET Awards,  I had a new appreciation for curvy women. All of these presentations were great but not once did I ever learn about HBCUs. I think I was done a disservice as a child because I was nineteen years old when I found out about Morehouse College, where I’m currently enrolled.

Of course, it is not the job of the BET Awards to educate young teens about college, but it is a positive way to use the massive platform.

Assata Shakur eloquently stated, “We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.” This statement reigns so true in regards to our historically black colleges.

The new white house administration recently cut federal funding for higher education. It should be noted that this executive order claims to “maintain” minority institutions and HBCUs at around $492 million, the same amount the previous administration initially budgeted. The problem with this is that HBCUs can agree that the $492 million is not enough.

It is clear that under this new white house administration HBCU’s are not a priority. With that said it is the job of us, non-whites to use every platform we can to protect and support our schools.

We must remember the intention of the BET Awards.

The BET Awards were established in 2001 with the intention of celebrating African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and entertainment over the past year.

Students of HBCUs continue to create astounding works of art that should be nationally recognized. Spelman College put on an impeccable display of art with their presentation, Art After Dark. Morehouse College senior, Corbin Sanders is a fantastic violinist that intersects violin artistry and Hip-Hop flawlessly. The BET Awards could highlight some of these underrepresented HBCU art efforts under the umbrella of their award show to catapult their works to new heights.    

Last year at the BET Awards, Morehouse alumnus, Samuel L. Jackson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Hearing about his story in the AUC during his acceptance speech and seeing him alongside his Morehouse brother, Spike Lee was a good effort from the BET Awards.

As a Morehouse student, it was an honor to see a Morehouse Man recognized for his impressive works.

What would be even better would be to see, current students, showcased. By these students sharing their stories and receiving recognition, would show the relevancy of HBCU’s today.

This relevancy is often forgotten and overlooked.

In summation, HBCUs are not in a safe space. The media has perpetuated ideas of poor leadership at HBCUs. The new apparent federal budget cuts are also relinquishing students of the chance to attend schools of higher learning. For the survival of HBCU’s, it is imperative that platforms like the BET Awards get in the battle, and help raise awareness for our schools.

A small gesture of the award show sharing the stories of common HBCU students could make such a difference. I hope the BET Awards hears this plea, and decides to make this a segment of this year’s award show.

NYT: ‘Why I Chose A Historically Black College’

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New York Times writer Skylar Mitchell takes aim at historically black colleges relevancy in today’s society in an op-ed titled “Why I Chose a Historically Black College.”

From Mitchell’s editorial:

“A black school? But you’re so smart, you could go anywhere.”

That was the reaction I got when U told some high school friends that I would attend Spelman, a historically black women’s college in Atlanta. I know they thought they were complimenting me.

At first, I tried to justify my decision, pointing to the college’s notable alumnae and research opportunities. But the fact that Spelman is the nation’s top-ranked historically black college was lost on them. I couldn’t make my peers understand the experience of a black student in an overwhelmingly white school. I couldn’t convey the significance of historically black colleges and universities.

I wasn’t interested in Spelman when I first visited. I was in the eight grade and my heart was set on the Northeast Ivies. I knew I wanted extensive study-abroad options, a core curriculum, and at least a 10 percent black student population. That last item was nonnegotiable.

…

Being one of the few black kids in my school was all I’d ever known before college. Having my hair teasingly prodded during recess or being called “oreo” felt normal. From 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., I learned to excuse small indignities, and I used humor as a defense mechanism. When I got home, I could finally vent to the few other people who understood. My mother was very clear: “Don’t let anyone touch your hair and you better not let them call you outside of your name.

Read the entire story here.

2017 HBCU All-Star Application Is Available, Nominate Yourself Today

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Are you a student who wants to impact your HBCU Campus and community? The 2017 HBCU All-Star application is available, the deadline is May 12.

Here’s how you can nominate yourself today:

The Review Process

Frequently Asked Questions

2017 Application Form

PROGRAM DETAILS

The appointment period will last approximately one year, and during this time students will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities by providing outreach opportunities and communications to their fellow students about the value of education and the Initiative as a networking resource. Through social media, personal and professional relationships with community-based organizations, student will share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to realize their educational and career potential. The program will provide an opportunity to participate in regional and national events, as well as, web chats with Initiative staff and other professionals from a wide range of disciplines that support a spirit of engagement and personal and professional development.

ELIGIBILITY AND RULES

1. Nominee must be a current undergraduate, graduate, or professional student at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Student must be enrolled for the 2017-2018 fall semester. View HBCU Listing by State

2. Only complete applications will be accepted. This includes signed nomination form, unofficial transcripts, short essays, resume and endorsement letter.

3. Submissions entered past the due date will not be acknowledged.

For more information regarding the 2017 HBCU All-Star Student program and application contact: hbcuallstars@ed.gov and follow us on Twitter @WHI_HBCUs

About The White House Initiative on HBCUs:

The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities works to promote HBCU excellence, innovation, and sustainability. The Initiative recognizes undergraduate, graduate, and professional students for their accomplishments in scholarship, leadership, and civic engagement.

NCCU Grad André Leon Talley Snags Weekly Talk Show

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Congrats to André Leon Talley. The fashion insider and former Vogue editor has snagged a weekly talk show on Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM channel Radio Andy, according to Women’s Wear Daily. The show will be called “Full Length” and puts Talley at the mic.

Reportedly, the show will cover all things fashion including trends as well as pivotal moments in pop culture.

From Yahoo News:

“Full Length” will spotlight an array of celebrity guests and friends, dishing about all-things fashion including trends as well as pivotal moments in pop culture. The limited-run weekly series will get going April 14 at 11 a.m. EST. It will air Fridays on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy channel 102, on the SiriusXM app, as well as online. Talley said he was unavailable to comment Tuesday.

Talley, who has appeared on Cohen’s “Deep & Shallow” show on SiriusXM, will initially have a six-week run. There is the potential for additional episodes later this summer, a SiriusXM spokeswoman said.

…

Talley said in a statement, “My SiriusXM radio show will be fabulous. We will cover it all — from global style influences and trends to iconic pop culture moments that wowed us. ‘Full Length’ will showcase the connection we all have with fashion.”

Cohen said in the press release, “André Leon Talley is one of the most entertaining and knowledgeable men I’ve ever met — he was made for Radio Andy.”

Talley is a graduate of historically black North Carolina Central University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in French Literature in 1970. He also earned his master’s in French from Brown University.

Morehouse’s Jabari Jones And Marcus Washington Destroys Sigma Walk To ‘4 Lit’

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Words can’t describe just how impressive Morehouse man Jabari Jones is whenever he does the Sigma walk. When you check out his Instagram page you never know what you might see. Add in some swagger, some Timbs and lots of talent — and there’s your girl’s favorite Sigma basically.

For his latest stroll, Jabari recruited his neophyte and future stroll master Marcus Washington for this incredible stroll to B.o.B.’s “4 Lit” Featuring T.I. & Ty Dolla $ign. You can check out the video below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSdF0xEjwks/?taken-by=6_solo

McGowan Named SIAC Pitcher Of The Week

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ATLANTA, Ga.- Albany State women’s softball pitcher Aryn McGowan has been named the SIAC Pitcher of the Week.

McGowan (8-6) added two wins in her pair of appearances for the Lady Rams (19-17, 14-2) last week who went 4-1, with a three-game sweep over Paine. The sophomore pitcher from Hazelhurst, Ga. pitched a no-hitter where she recorded a shutout and 10 strikeouts in a 26-0 win over Paine. McGowan added six strikeouts in a 23-7 win over the Lions to claim the series.

Albany State will host archrival Fort Valley State in a conference series on April 8-9 in Albany, Ga.

Campus Lately: ‘Latino Students May Help Keep HBCU Doors Open’

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Campus Lately writer Damica Odom points out a trend happening at the country’s historically black colleges and universities in her article titled “Latino Students May Help Keep HBCU Doors Open” — over the years, Hispanic enrollment at these institutions has dramatically increased. “[HBCUs] that were once fighting to educate the African-American race are fighting to continue that tradition,” Odom writes.

From Campus Lately:

In places where the Latino population is increasing, it is not unlikely to notice that Latinos are the minorities keeping HBCU’s alive. These minorities are upon many who are actually being recruited by Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Being that most of these institutions are fighting to keep their doors open, due to a lack of enrollment. Other minorities are to blame for their recent success.

Texas Southern’s enrollment of Latino pupils has doubled in the past six years and is projected to double once again. HBCU’s are remaining majority black institutions, but at least 25% of these schools have reported a constantly growing population of non-black pupils. The same universities that were once fighting to educate the African-American race are fighting to continue that tradition.

Enrollment of African-American students at HBCU’s is collapsing. Being that these public institutions are financially struggling in comparison to the average Predominantly White Institution, it is harder for these schools to survive. It is a constant battle for these colleges to provide for and educate students who have little to no opportunity of receiving higher education while yet affording to flourish while steadily inheriting budget cuts.

Head over to Campus Lately to read more.

TSU Aviation Program Reaches New Milestone

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The Department of Aviation Science and Technology took a major step toward becoming a Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) approved flight program during Spring Break when it took possession of two new aircraft.

Matthew Julien, former chief pilot and current first officer for Envoy Airlines, (shown above) earned the privilege of flying TSU’s aircraft to Signature Aviation – Hobby Airport. The first aircraft – a Cessna 150 Maroon and Gray – arrived on March 14. The second aircraft, a Cessna 172, arrived on March 16. Captain Roscoe Edwards, TSU’s director of flight operations, had the honor of driving the chase vehicle for the occasion.

“Adding these aircraft to our fleet is a major accomplishment for our department,” Capt. Edwards said. “This will help tremendously in recruiting students to the program and preparing them with the foundation to enter graduate school or enter the workforce as entry-level aviation professionals.

TSU’s aviation program is currently an FAA-approved ground program.

Morehouse Grad Shaun King: ‘Texas School Building Could Be Making Students And Staff Sick’

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New York Daily News Senior Justice Writer Shaun King sheds a light on a Texas middle school horror story in his latest piece titled “Texas middle school could be making students and staff sick — but building still in use.”

From King’s article:

“Shut the school down and move my child.” Those are the words of Valarie Gibbs, one of dozens of parents worried that a Texas public school is making their children sick.

I agree with her. The students and staff of Nichols Junior High in Arlington, most of them black and Hispanic, should be immediately removed from their school building. Something there seems to be sickening them, according to a recent lawsuit, which alleges that they were “exposed to dangerous mold and/or unknown toxic substances.” Since this current school year began, 522 medical complaints have been filed by employees and students’ parents. And these aren’t just kids playing pranks or faking sickness like Ferris Bueller.

Numerous teachers and administrators, including a former principal, nearly passed out or lost consciousness, according to the lawsuit and interviews with parents. Some were put on IVs and oxygen. At least a dozen staff members have reported symptoms. Several staff members have resigned or been reassigned — and some allegedly told parents that they refuse to ever step foot in the building again. They believe it’s that toxic.

Since September, students and staff members have complained of dizziness, muscle spasms and weakness, leg cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches that last for hours or even days, strange tingling feelings, and exhaustion, according to the lawsuit. Among the hundreds of complaints filed this school year, many report that symptoms nearly disappear on the weekends and improve significantly when they leave the school grounds at the end of the day. In the midst of it all, the Arlington Independent School District (AISD) removed the principal and multiple teachers from the school with little explanation.

…

For its part, the school district has conducted numerous environmental tests, but none seem to adequately explain the severity of symptoms reported by students and staff. The district says it continues to work with county public health officials and sent six letters to parents about indoor air quality concerns at the school.

Read the entire story here.

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The Black Beat: ‘Grambling Transfer Miguel Mendez Eager To Uphold G-Men’s Historic National Title’

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E’Vonne Gipson writes at The Black Beat that Miguel Mendez, a California native, is thrilled to play on a team that’s winning like Grambling State University.

From The Black Beat:

Gonzales, California native Miguel Mendez says he has been kicking his entire life and joining a winning team like Grambling State University as their kicker is a dream come true.

“I had additional offers, but I decided to commit to Grambling because of the environment a football player has on campus,” he said. “Everyone is family at Grambling, and it feels like no other school has that same “Where Everybody Is Somebody” togetherness, whether it’s in the classroom or on the field.”

The future economics major says he feels this way because when he went to visit the university the coaches brought him in like he was already one of the members of the team. They even took time to explain to him the impact he would really have on the team.

“What they said gave me that extra boost of confidence, and made me that much more excited about becoming a Tiger,” he said. “I never realized how important I was to them.”

…

“I am ready to touch the field because I know my new team can score in any all three phases of the game, offense, defense and special teams and if we do all that we’ll come out on top each time.”

Head over to The Black Beat to read more.