Public School Spelling Bee Returns To Savannah State University

Savannah (SSU Newsroom) — The Annual SCCPSS Spelling Bee hosted by the Georgia Association of Educators (Student Program) of Savannah State University and the Chatham Association of Educators will be held in the Student Union Ballroom on February 2, 2017. The competition will begin at 7 p.m.

Doors open for spellers, judges and guests at 5:00 pm and the event is free and open to the public. There are approximately 43 students qualified to participate in the competition this year. Spelling bee participants (winner & alternate) are the winners of their respective Chatham County school spelling bees. The eventual state winner will advance to the National Scripps Spelling Bee. Each Spelling Bee participant receives a T-shirt and Certificate of Participation.

Awards are as follows: First Place: Trophy, $100.00, T-shirt, and Certificate of Participation Second Place: Trophy, $50.00, T-shirt, and Certificate of Participation Third Place: Trophy, $25.00, T-shirt, and Certificate of Participation The Georgia Association of Educators District 8 Spelling Bee, with students from approximately 30 Georgia county school districts will be on campus on Saturday, February 25, 2017 in the Student Union at 7:00 am. More details will be forthcoming.

This post was written by the SSU Newsroom at savannahstate.edu, where it was originally published. 

Clark Atlanta University Announces CAU Day At The Capitol

ATLANTA    Clark Atlanta University announces this year’s CAU Day at the Capitol Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. During this spectacular event, CAU President Ronald A. Johnson will be presented with proclamations in the Ga. House and Senate chambers beginning at 10:45 a.m. At 12:30 p.m. on the South Wing steps CAU will display for state lawmakers our academic offerings from the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Social Work.

Legislators will get to see firsthand the accomplishments of our award-winning CAU-TV and WCLK-FM, learn about groundbreaking research being conducted at our Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development and be exposed to entrepreneurial gains by our business students. They will also witness the great strides being to made level the playing field in STEM careers, which are underrepresented by black professionals.

“It is vitally important for private institutions such as CAU to share their story and successes with our local, state and national leaders,” said Getchel L. Caldwell II, senior vice president for Institutional Advancement and University Relations. “Moreover, we provide a great service to the state of Georgia in presenting robust, academically vigorous and challenging programs, which lead to gainful employment and the strengthening of our communities.”

In addition to showcasing our academic prowess, those in attendance will be entertained by the CAU Jazztet and the CAU Choral. The CAU cheerleaders and Panther mascot will supply the pomp and circumstance as we celebrate our beloved institution. And come hungry because we are also providing lunch for lawmakers, alumni and friends of CAU.

We’re urging all alumni, friends and supporters of CAU who work in the Downtown Atlanta area to join us at the Capitol for this wonderful occasion. For more information on CAU Day at the Capitol email mboone@cau.edu or call 404.880.8558.

Two Black College Football Stars To Play In 2017 NFL Super Bowl

Deji Olatoye, and Eric Weems will represent black college football in this year’s NFL Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 5 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

A graduate from a historically black college is not guaranteed to win it all, though. Both Olatoye and Weems are players for the Atlanta Falcons. We will be rooting for the Falcons, obviously.

Deji Olatoye

According to TheFalcoholic.com, Deji Olatoye had been released by the Ravens, Chiefs, and Cowboys before finding a home on Atlanta’s practice squad early this season and joining the roster in November. He attended North Carolina A&T University.

Eric Weems

Eric Weems of the Atlanta Falcons has played in some 130 straight games, the longest streak among wide receivers for consecutive games played. He attended Bethune-Cookman University.

Google Reminds Us Of The Incredible Life Story Of HBCU Alum Bessie Coleman

Open up the Google search home page and you’ll see today’s doodle dedicated to the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license, Bessie Coleman.

From her biography at bessiecoleman.org:

Coleman earned her piloting license in France. She was born in Texas, one of 13 children. She finished high school, attended college, and dropped out after a semester due to costs. Her next move was beauty school, where she became a sought-after manicurist in a salon owned by the then-trainer of the Chicago White Sox.

An avid reader, she followed the pivotal Wright Brother’s flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, in fascination. She began toying with the idea of flying herself only to be told by her brother, “You nigger women ain’t never goin’ to fly, Not like those women I saw in France.” In the early 1900s, many African Americans sought opportunity in France—as the country was more open-minded and welcoming toward blacks.

She was resolute, however. She was turned down by every American flying school to which she applied. She finally reached out to the editor and publisher of the Chicago Weekly Defender, Robert S. Abbott about her dream of flying.

Abbott did some research and recommended she apply to an aviator school in France. Coleman was accepted to France’s most famous flight school—Ecole d’Aviation des Freres Cadron et Le Crotoy.

Bessie Coleman

After seven months’ training, she received her international pilot’s license. From her biography, “to receive this license, she had to demonstrate high skill sets comprised of life-saving maneuvers including turning off the engine before touching down.”

Coleman eventually headed back to America where she eventually became a featured attraction in air shows, performing stunts and parachuting out of planes. She became world famous.

She died April 30, 1926, after falling to her death when a plane she was testing, flipped over.

Bessie Coleman left a remarkable legacy and demonstrated persistence and courage that inspired many other African Americans in the aviation field.

Read the full details about Coleman’s life at bessiecoleman.org.

Editor’s note: Bessie Coleman attended the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University, now known as Langston University, where she completed only one term due to financial constraints.

This story was written by writer Samara Lynn at Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.

Southern University Students Seek Action After Southern’s SGA President Tweet

In early December, a tweet from Southern University’s Student Government Association President, Zana Harris, found it’s way around the web and not for good reasons.

“Now y’all have officially released the beast,” Harris tweeted, her next post caused controversy among the SU community.

“Let’s be clear…if I wanted to run for Miss Southern I would have,” she tweeted.

“I’m over you faggots making memes of me. Now man up for what’s coming,” Harris continued.

Later, a meme was created which included the face of Donald Trump over Harris’ face using her own words against her. After being talked about on social media by many SU alumni and students, who all probably shared the meme, Harris recognized that she was wrong and has since apologized for her actions.

The clicking of fingers on social media had hit the hearts of many students from various backgrounds. One of those students included Jacqueline Morgan.

“I feel strongly about the LGBTQ community both on and off campus,” Morgan told HBCU Buzz. Still upset with the SGA President’s reactions, Morgan stated that she will not back down until administration takes actions on the incident conducted by Harris.

“It makes my blood boil to see how a person can do such a thing and still stay in office.”

According to the Student Handbook, Harris’ tweet violates Part IV, Section 13 under University Policies and Student Code of Conduct, under Moral Turpitude. It states the following:

13. Moral Turpitude: an act of baseness, vileness or depravity, which brings shame to the University and is in contradiction to the letter and sprit of the University’s Student Code of Conduct, good citizenship and ethics, is prohibited.  Included in this are inappropriate postings on the internet and social media in acts of baseness, vileness or depravity.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

According to Webster’s dictionary, the word is used as an insulting and contemptuous term for a male homosexual. The word also violates Title IX, according to the university handbook. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance.

SU student Joseph Stevenson, felt invisible after the incident. “I’m a radio talk show host and I received many calls and texts urging me not to go on air and talk about the situation,” Stevenson stated, as he reflected on the moment feeling disrespected.

“I know that it’s a lot of pressure being SGA President but heavy the head that wears the crown,” Stevenson added.

When SGA President Harris was contacted by HBCU Buzz, she respectfully explained her actions:

“When I made that tweet, it wasn’t aimed towards homosexual people; I have gay uncles and my best friend is a lesbian, I have many gay friends.”

Harris explained to the Southern community that she is working towards making the campus more inclusive for all students, sending out a public apology.

“As Miss Southern University and A&M College, I vowed to uphold the best interests and general welfare of our students,” Vaughn said. “What I have found is that some student leaders are bribed to no longer represent the students, but to advocate for some administrators who do not have the best interests of the students at heart, evident in the nonexistent and/or non-effective response to grievances here at Southern University.”

SU Dean of Students Marcus A. Coleman stated that “The Office of Dean of  Students imposes reasonable sanctions as a result of conduct or behavior that threatens the positivity or safety of any individuals under Southern University and A&M College’s jurisdiction” based on his response to Morgan’s incident filing. He also went on to say that based on Harris’ public apology no additional administrative action will be taken.

In her letter, Harris explained her regret for her actions. “I made several statements that I deeply regret,” she said. “My statements were offensive, demeaning, and made out of frustration.”  Her letter explains how the SGA is working hard on amendments for the benefit of all students.

Her letter explains how the SGA is working hard on amendments for the benefit of all students.

During the first official Senate meeting held on Thursday, Jan. 12, several amendments were passed. According to an article published by university newspaper, The Southern Digest, students and members of the Student Liberation Alliance Movement collectively left the meeting. This is the result after the Senate voted on increasing the GPA for all SGA positions along with candidates required to complete one full year in the Student Government Association.

The top tier positions include President, Vice President, Chief Justice, and Miss Southern.

A clip sent to HBCU Buzz shows how many students existed the meeting after the amendment was passed. You can check out the video below.

Many students felt as if the amendment keeps students away from joining SGA who have a passion for leadership and serving the university.

SU SGA Vice President Breanna Perkins told The Southern Digest, that “I’m really happy to see that they are sharing their opinions. It brought on a new sense of urgency and hunger for change.”

Some students feel as if Vaughn is stepping out of line when it comes to representing her HBCU.

Across the nation, many students of HBCUs are looked down upon for taking problems to social media and letting the world know what is going on. Many consider university and college problems as an “in-house” task. Feeling hopeless and attempting to reach out to various administrators, Vaughn said enough was enough and that she represents the students and how they feel:

“To everyone who tells me that I’m out of line and that I’m trying to make my university look bad; If I did not love my university, I would continue to stand by and allow the powers that be, destroy it. I will no longer be silent. I will no longer stand by.”

The Student Liberation Alliance Movement plans on hosting many activities on campus including small group discussions focusing on student connections and support systems along with campus cleanups.

What’s Next For Hidden Figures In The Future

Congratulations to Latanya Richardson and her daughter Taylor Richardson for the success of showing Hidden Figures in Jacksonville, Florida to over 200 girls. The awesome story of how African American women helped NASA to put astronauts into space and bring them back to earth.

Girls and women from around Jacksonville, Florida attended representing groups and schools from around the city. As a teacher, I had the honor to bring several students from Venetia Elementary School a Medical Magnet STEM that teaches grade K to 5th  and a Lee High School student. My only regret is that I could not bring more.

The emotional and psychological inspiration of this movie demands to ask what is next to keep the seriousness and the historical value of this movie moving forward. STEM and STEAM that are being applied in the educational cultures of schools is seen as not only career necessary but has scientific, business and commerce influences in this country and on a global scale.

The movie brilliantly showed not just the struggles of women in the NASA Space Program but showed the value and application of their education. The reason why educational degrees are important, the value of visiting the library to learn new things and applying them to real-world situations, and the personal responsibility to prepare for the future.

book-hf

There were many scenes where the women were called “computers” as their analytical abilities were recognized, but only later were they respected after showing and demanding equality through leadership opportunities and promotions that were withheld only because of their color.

Working with many types of math and integrating mathematical equations that sometimes had to be created. This shows that girls and women have the skill sets and analytical abilities to function in complex and STEAM areas that demand creativity and innovation.

Hidden Figures addressed several civil rights issues in the areas of political and educational equality that in some cases are still being addressed for Blacks, Hispanics and others of
color, the struggle still continues and there have been many successes.

Girls and women will take away many lessons from the movie and see how history was changed not just by protests, by going to school to earn advanced degrees, learning the laws of the nation, how to speak properly without using profanity, the importance of family unity and support and setting goals that everyone works towards. Another important key is to carry or act like there is self-pride, cultural respect, and intelligence. A key lesson shared is that children learned early that education is the ticket to a better life even when there are struggles and challenges to be overcome.

Even seeing the implementation of “new” technologies at the time when early computers were not as easy to use, but there was continued learning in programming languages that demanded to study and forward thinking.

The movement to gaining educational parity and equality is a great value for boys and girls of color, this movie is worth seeing again and applied to the learning initiatives in all schools to allow students to see the why they need to be serious about their education and the vision for their dreams of success.

Seeing the new IBM computers being used, but it took a woman to learn the programming language to make it work sends a message that women are as smart and intelligent as men, even if those men are black or white.

There are no barriers that can stop girls and women from gaining leadership skill-sets and applying the intelligence to make positive and historical changes. Parents, mothers, fathers, and grandparents if you have not seen Hidden Figures take your children and
other children if possible to see this movie that not only shows the historical application of education and cultural pride and respect, that gender is not a liability, color is not a curse, there is a blending of historical successes and global influence.

movie-relaxing

Hidden Figures opens the mind’s eye that anything is possible, that dreams can be achieved, and intelligence is dope and lit.

What is next is up to parents, schools, churches and communities to support children, youth, and teens. Time will tell, graduations rates from high school and college will tell and the growing number of girls and boys of color in STEM careers will tell.

TMCF CEO Says He’s ‘Optimistic’ About Trump In New Inside Sources Interview

President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Johnny C. Taylor Jr. is the subject of an educational Inside Sources interview published Monday and penned by columnist Gregory Clay. In the interview, Taylor speaks frankly about what might be in store for historically black colleges in dealing with the new leader of the free world and the Republican Party and is “optimistic.”

“I am optimistic that, under a Trump administration, HBCUs will be a higher education priority as they have been in past Republican administrations,” Taylor told Clay, addressing what he thinks the Donald Trump administration means for the future of HBCUs. Taylor says he will not miss the Obama administration.

“I am on-record regarding my frustrations with (the Obama) administration’s relationship with, and treatment of, HBCUs over the past eight years,” he said in the interview. “So I’d prefer to deal with how we can influence the Trump administration to ensure our collective HBCU interests are protected and our collective voices heard. We should also never lose sight of the fact that (Thurgood Marshall College Fund), as a higher education advocacy organization, will advocate for HBCUs as aggressively as we have done for the last three decades.”

Taylor has a history of dealing with Republican government officials. Last week, TMCF shared a picture on Twitter of him and billionaire Charles Koch, who is a highly influential conservative donor, shaking hands and announcing a major new partnership that will impact HBCUs across the country. The massive $25.6 million donation to HBCUs from Koch is for the purpose of conducting research on criminal justice and entrepreneurship in cities plagued by high crime.

News of the partnership broke and TMCF continues to face backlash from the HBCU community for dealing with Koch money.

When Clay asked Taylor if he has personally dealt with Donald Trump before, Taylor said he has “not personally met” Trump.

“…but I have interacted with key members of his team,” Taylor responded. “I look forward to developing a substantive and positive working relationship with him and his key advisers at the White House as well as other federal agencies. Our work will continue to focus on issues surrounding our HBCUs.”

He continued: “We have three main areas of focus for the new administration: (1) critical infrastructure funding to improve campuses that have suffered from years of deferred maintenance — something we believe will help create jobs that will reduce the stubbornly high unemployment rates in our most fragile communities; (2) education-related funding to remove financial barriers for students seeking to break the cycle of poverty — restoration of year-round Pell Grants and increased resources for non-traditional students; and (3) focus on high school financial aid literacy programs so students from fragile communities make better higher education choices.”

“The best thing the incoming Trump administration can do to most affect HBCUs in a positive manner is invite the HBCU community for an open dialogue at the “policy table,” Taylor said. “This will allow both sides to hear and listen to the HBCU community to get a clear understanding of our needs, and how certain regulatory and public policy proposals could impact HBCUs. For example, we know cutting Pell Grants and making abrupt changes to programs like Parent PLUS are not helpful and cannot happen again for any student.”

Kentucky State University Students, Faculty Brings Home Awards

The KSU Newsroom reports: Kentucky State University (KSU) students brought home several awards at Friday’s annual Kentucky Press Association Awards Banquet for their work on the Thorobred News last year. Students and professional journalists compete for the awards based on the sizes of their publications, and KSU is in Student Publications Class I. The banquet was held in Louisville.

KSU graduate student Elijah Tevis won first place in the Best Sports Story category for his story on the Thorobrette basketball team’s 10-game winning streak last year.

Maya Brown, opinion editor of the Thorobred News, won second place in the Best Column category for a series of three columns she wrote on a range of topics.

Head over to The KSU Newsroom to read more.

Congrats HU Alum! ‘Arrival’s’ Bradford Young Makes History With Oscar Nomination

We think congratulations are in order for cinematographer Bradford Young, who earned his first Oscar nomination for his work on “Arrival,” making Young the first black American cinematographer to be nominated in the category.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Young is nominated alongside Linus Sandgren for La La Land, Greig Fraser for Lion, James Laxton for Moonlight and Rodrigo Prieto for Silence. 

Young attended historically black Howard University in the nation’s capital, where he studied filmmaking and worked under renowned Ethiopian émigré Haile Gerima (Sankofa).

Young won the dramatic-feature cinematography award for his work on the films “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” and “Mother of George” at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 — his second time accepting the honor, having won in 2011 for the coming-of-age drama “Pariah.”

Congrats to Bradford Young on his Oscar nomination!

NCCU To Hold Forums As Search Continues For New Chancellor

As the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) community continues to mourn the death of former Chancellor, Dr. Debra Saunders-White, efforts to find a new Chancellor are officially underway.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees at NCCU George R. Hamilton stated late last year:

“Dr. Saunders-White was a tireless advocate for our institution and has left us with a great legacy and a bright future. As we continue to grieve this deep loss, we must also call on our strength and turn to the important task of identifying a new leader for North Carolina Central University.”

The interesting and most intriguing thing about this search is the involvement from all of NCCU’s most prominent stakeholders.

NCCU announced that four separate forums will be held on Tuesday for students, faculty, staff, and alumni, triangle community members, and businesses to give their input into the selection of a new chancellor for NCCU:

NCCU Students Forum

10:40 a.m.-11:40 a.m.

H.M. Michaux School of Education Building Auditorium

700 Cecil St., Durham, N.C.

 NCCU Faculty Forum

1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Nursing Building Auditorium, Room 1110

1400 South Alston Ave., Durham, N.C.

NCCU Staff Forum

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Nursing Building Auditorium, Room 1110

1400 South Alston Ave., Durham, N.C.

 NCCU Alumni, Triangle and North Carolina Communities, Business and Industry Forum

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

H.M. Michaux School of Education Building Auditorium

700 Cecil St., Durham, N.C.

These forums allow each group to share candidate recommendations, preferred characteristics and other ideas related to the selection of a new Chancellor, according to the university.

George R. Hamilton will serve as the chairman of the search committee and pledges to conduct a search that is inclusive of the entire NCCU community and represents the high standards that NCCU has set for itself as a leading institution of public higher education in North Carolina.

NCCU ranks in top 20 for awarding degrees to minority students by Diverse magazine.

North Carolina A&T To Offer Master’s Program In Industrial Bioscience

Calling all STEM fanatics!

Are you interested in Industrial Bioscience? Want to attend an HBCU?

Well, later this year, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University will begin to offer a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Industrial Biosciences. How cool is that!

The PSM program in Industrial Biosciences is a carefully developed program,” said Sanjiv Sarin, Dean of the Graduate College. “I think it will be very successful in attracting high-quality students from bioscience-related businesses.”

The program boasts a cross-disciplinary approach and is keeping with the trend of the 320 other PSM programs around the country in various sectors of technology and science. The program is part of a nationwide initiative guided by the National Professional Science Master’s Association.

Students enrolled in the program will receive advanced training and business skills. The development of a PMS program combines advanced coursework in both science and business and gives students a well-rounded approach to this particular niche.

“The dynamic frontiers of biomedical research and biotechnology require that graduates not only have strong competencies in biomedical protocol design and data analysis, but also in project management,” said Dr. Scott Harrison, organizer of the Industrial Biosciences PSM program and a faculty member in the department of biology. “Our PSM program provides an opportunity to jointly develop acumen in both science and business in a graduate experience structured around industry related projects,” Harrison said.

For the sixth consecutive year, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical university has been ranked No.1 producer of undergraduate engineering degrees awarded to African Americans.

Both current undergraduate students and working career professionals are encouraged to apply to the program. Visit the Industrial Biosciences PSM program online for more information or email gradbio@ncat.edu.

Top HBCU Bands 2017

Marching bands are essential to the historically black college experience and elevate sporting events to the next level. You can take away the football and basketball teams but the crowd size probably won’t dwindle. No matter the season, black college marching bands are definitely the main attraction! Though they take the field for a few, brief minutes during halftime, the marching band performance is highly anticipated.

Check out our Top 5 HBCU Bands from 2016 and 2015.

HBCU marching band members arrive months early during the summer. They train, practice, and memorize songs, much like athletes on the field who practice and learn various plays. Those who make the cut rehearse every single day. Typically more than once. For months, black marching bands practice making their moves permanent. They embody cultural favorites and the latest jams on the radio. Considering the leadership, performances, song selection, and of course the esteemed drum majors, the band remains top on the field and the stands. Which band deserves to be dubbed the best this year?

Vote now below.

[polldaddy poll=9645939]

Black Actors Nominated In Every Acting Category For First Time In Oscar History

After two years in which the Academy Awards failed to nominate a single black actor in any of the four acting categories, the nominees for the 2017 Oscars are notably more diverse. A black actor is nominated in every acting category — Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress — in the same year for the first time in Academy history. The closest to the record has been three nominations spread across three of the acting categories, which was last achieved in 2013.

This year, Denzel Washington (Fences, Actor), Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Supporting Actor), Ruth Negga (Loving, Actress), Viola Davis (Fences, Supporting Actress), Naomie Harris (Moonlight, Supporting Actress) and Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures, Actress) were all recognized.

The recognition of Davis, Harris and Spencer in the Supporting Actress category is the first time multiple black nominees have been nominated in that category since Margaret Avery and Oprah Winfrey were both recognized for The Color Purple in 1985.

Following his Golden Globe nomination, Ali told ET that he hoped recognition for Moonlight as well as Hidden Figures and Fences, all of which scored multiple nominations at the Golden Globes and Oscars, was “a start to something that becomes really normal.”

“I would love to see people of color continue to get opportunities and have opportunities to do projects that are action blockbusters as well as being a part of projects that are art house and indie or projects that in some way find themselves around and in the conversation every awards season,” Ali said. “We want to exist in all platforms and we want to see diversity and see people being included on every level. I hope that this is a real beginning for that.”

Continue reading at ETOnline.

HU Student: CAU ‘Pathetic’ For All-Male Led Student Government On Campus

Monday, Howard student Allyson Carpenter said that women at historically black Clark Atlanta University exceedingly outnumber men at the school and called the six black male students elected to the presidency at every level of the Student Government Association at Clark Atlanta “pathetic.”

Carpenter, a political science major and community development minor, and also a 2016 Truman Scholar, said, “At a school where 74% of the population is black women, their student SGA is completely controlled by men. Amazing!”

https://twitter.com/AllysnCarpenter/status/823577184166100995

She continued: “In case my sarcasm coming through, I think this is pathetic. Not something to be proud of.”

https://twitter.com/AllysnCarpenter/status/823609306964750336

Others agreed:

“And how does this help an institution that’s majority female? What exactly is there to brag about? No female representation? Oh ok.”

Despite being subjected to unfair and untrue stereotypes for decades, black men at Clark Atlanta are helping to debunk negative stereotypes.

In a release sent to HBCU Buzz late Tuesday, CAU announced that during the 2016-2017 academic year, six black male students have been propelled to every leadership position in CAU’s SGA.

According to the university’s website, Clark Atlanta is a comprehensive, private, urban, coeducational institution of higher education with a predominantly African-American heritage.

Student-Athlete Whose Mother Was Murdered Won’t Have To Quit School Thanks To Clark Atlanta University Scholarship

ATLANTA – At just 20 years old, Michael Brittain faced enormous tragedy when his mother was shot to death. The killing shook Michael to his core and nearly forced the sophomore dual degree physics engineering major to abandon his dreams and quit Clark Atlanta University.

“It was so sudden,” said Michael, an Atlanta native who graduated Therrell High School. “To wake up and find out your mother was shot in the head is traumatizing. You really don’t know how to feel. You’re numb,” he explained.

His mother’s shooting death created a huge financial burden for Michael and his two siblings, who were left to fend for themselves. “My mom was the co-signer for all my student loans. She was our sole provider. Now that she’s gone, it’s been a struggle to pay rent, buy food and afford basic living expenses,” he shared.

But his teammates on the CAU Panthers Men’s Basketball squad, led by Coach Darrell Walker, rallied around him and kept his head in the game. Now, he’s getting the financial assistance he desperately needs thanks to a scholarship for housing and meals provided by CAU Athletics. “There was no way we were going to let this terrible tragedy derail Michael from staying at CAU and earning his degree,” said Walker.

“I just want to finish school in memory of my mom. The scholarship from my university would be a big help to achieve the goals she instilled in me as a little boy,” Michael continued.

For more information on how you can contribute to scholarships for CAU student-athletes, please contact the Athletics Department at 404.880.8123.

Black Males Elected President At Every Level Of Student Government At CAU

ATLANTA – For decades black men have been subjected to unfair and untrue stereotypes.  Now, an historic election during the 2016-2017 academic year, which propelled six black male students to the presidency at every level of the Student Government Association at Clark Atlanta University, is helping debunk negative stereotypes. This significant accomplishment is shining a light on black men at CAU and beyond for their innovation, education, work ethic and polished appearance. These are qualities many have always known black men possess, yet some chose to ignore.

As far as records indicate, this is the first time in CAU’s history black men have been simultaneously elected president of each of the four classes, in addition to the undergraduate and graduate offices on a campus, which is 70% female. It’s a feat even CAU President Ronald A. Johnson took notice of.

“I offer my heartiest congratulations to these six strong men because they bring to life the University’s mottos: ‘I’ll find a way or make one’ and ‘Culture for Service’,” said President Johnson. “They have taken the challenge to create opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others,” Johnson continued.

Consider Freshman Class President Eric Wilson, who organized several fundraisers within his first three months in office to help pay for educational programming for his classmates.  The Chicago native is known around campus as a social media guru because of his huge online following. “I think students respect what I have to say because they feel like they can come to me for anything school related,” said Wilson, a mass media arts major.

Warren Hawkins was elected president of the Sophomore Class. He’s a social work major from St. Louis. “I find it odd how the media is quick to show black men committing crimes, but slow to publicize young black men like us, who are armed with knowledge and influence,” Hawkins remarked. He is active in the Collegiate 100 club, a group of young men who can be seen on campus leading by example by attending classes in business attire.

Next is Junior Class President Elisha J. Harris of Lawton, Okla. He’s a business administration major who doesn’t mind rolling up his sleeves to help victims of the deadly 2016 flood in Baton Rouge. Harris helped organize a relief drive, which filled an entire tractor-trailer with desperately needed supplies. “People here have a lift-as-you-climb mentality that creates a positive atmosphere for growth,” he said, referring to qualities he’s learned at CAU.

Lejohn Tate is a tough as nails corrections officer who routinely holds down 12-hour shifts securing some of the most hardened criminals in Georgia. The Los Angeles native is also the Senior Class president known for his kind heart and encouraging words. “This all-black-male group of SGA presidents at CAU shows it’s more to us than just negative statistics,” Tate opined. “When black men have the opportunity to lead, we will step up to the plate,” said Tate, a criminal justice major.

Adrain Artary has the responsibility of serving as president to the entire undergraduate student body, which includes nearly 4,000 students. The sociology major from Atlanta advocated for a student health and wellness center, including a gym to open in the Student Center in February. “It is an honor to serve my community and promote positive images of black men,” he stated.

Rounding out this historic group is Graduate President Stacy Roberson. The Texarkana, Texas native is pursuing his master’s degree in school counseling. He was recently chosen, along with a second CAU student, as a 2016-2017 White House HBCU All-Star. As part of his duties in this role Stacy implemented a security escort program to increase campus safety. “I pray that our example encourages other young men to carry the torch of leadership,” Stacy asserted.

These young men are the epitome of hard work and humility. They accept no accolades or recognition for the leadership they regularly display. All they hope is their example will be seen as a true representation of black men in America. Not the frightening images you might see on your nightly news.

These are the types of Men of CAU our faculty and staff work hard to build into CAU Men who lead the world in business, civil rights, medicine, higher education, entertainment and much more. “Their efforts fly in the face of negative stereotypes of black men,” CAU President Johnson finished.