Oakwood University Stylish Buzz Of The Week: Tyler Noel Brown

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On the campus of Oakwood University walks a fashionable student by the name of Tyler Noel Brown. Native of The Magic City, Birmingham, Alabama, Brown is majoring in communications with a concentration in public relations and political science.

“I don’t even have my ears pierced.”

The style preferred is in the range of preppy and classic chic. She loves brands J Crew, Misguided, Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, and Zara with reasonable pricing. “Tyler’s fashion sense has definitely changed since coming to college. She went from bright neon, AE fits to neutral, more stylish and mature looks,” Ashlyn Hayes said.

When looking at Brown’s siblings, you have tall athletic individuals and then her, a small framed political driven young lady.

She dresses business professional heavy because she means business. Brown might be tiny by physical nature, but her personality and heart is much bigger than what meets the eye. “Tyler has reached high places including Capitol Hill which confirms that she indeed aims high and reaches goals,” Kayla Hall said.

Brown holds the position of senior class Vice President, and is a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International, and a member of a new political organization in Huntsville, Alabama, United Collegiate Black Scholars. She also is a part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation alumni, where she volunteers when home away from school.

When working on the job, flair and personality is added to business attire such as skirts, dressed, and blouses.  When school is in session, active wear with Nikes is the normal. “Tyler is able to arrange classic pieces already in her closet with a few new accessories to create outfits that look brand new,” Valerie Westney said.

Her style is simply simple. With a niche of mixing items, she prefers mixing simple prints, stripes, and color blocking causal looks. She is even a fan of all black simplicity.  “Tyler is one of the best dressed females that I know because she believes in simplicity,” Lamar Howard said.

Many girls adore accessories and earrings but Brown prefers not.  “I don’t even have my ears pierced,” Brown said. You can catch a simple watch, necklace, or gold bracelets and rings every blue moon.

Take a look at Miss. Brown’s Do’s and Don’ts”

Do: Always wear what you like

Do: Wear a trendy piece if you like it

Do: Invest in a tailor for work/former wear because they can work miracles

Don’t: Wear what everyone else is wearing

Don’t: Be super trendy, be yourself

Don’t: Waste your money on clothes that you wouldn’t pick out for yourself

You can keep up with Tyler Noel Brown on Instagram @tylerangelou

9 Celebs Who Went To Historically Black Colleges

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Last week, all 50 states celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for the first time ever. The civil rights champion, had he lived, would have turned 87. The life and legacy of Rev. King will never be forgotten, as evidenced by a Twitter photo shared by his alma mater historically black Morehouse College in Atlanta.

While Rev. King is a notable HBCU graduate, did you know there are several other celebrities who earned a degree at a historically black college?

From K. Michelle to Samuel L. Jackson, here are nine celebrities who went to HBCUs.

K. Michelle 

The R&B singer and songwriter is already one of the best in the game. All three of her albums debuted at number one on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. K. Michelle earned a degree in psychology from HBCU Florida A&M University. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

David Banner 
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The rapper not only went to HBCU Southern University, where he studied Business Administration and graduated in the 90s, he also went on to attend the graduate business program at University of Maryland.
Phylicia Rashad

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Rashad graduated from HBCU Howard University in 1970. In 2009, Rashad gave the Charter Day speech on campus at Howard for the annual founder day.

Terrence J 
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The actor and television personality graduated from North Carolina A&T University.

Jerry Rice

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The former NFL superstar will go down as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, not to mention that he’s also a darn good ballroom dancer. Rice attended HBCU Mississippi Valley State.

Langston Hughes 
The famous Black writer who was basically the face of the Harlem Renaissance graduated from HBCU Lincoln University.

Samuel L. Jackson 

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Not only is he one of the greatest actor of all time, if not the greatest, definitely the most paid actor, Samuel L. Jackson also earned his degree from HBCU Morehouse College, where he was a cheerleader. Seriously, a cheerleader.

 Omarosa Manigault

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Omarosa attended three HBCUs, Central State University, Howard University, and Payne Theological Seminary.

Anika Noni Rose 
Make sure to tune into Bet’s The Quad later this month. The 44-year-old actress will play the lead role in the drama series. Rose holds a degree in theater from FAMU.

Record Number Of International Students From 21 Countries Enroll At CAU

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ATLANTA – Students returning to Clark Atlanta University for the Spring ’17 semester will find one of the most diverse HBCUs in the nation. That’s because nearly 400 international students from 21 countries, the most ever, are pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at CAU, and that number is expected to grow by the close of spring registration.

87 percent of all international students enrolled at CAU are from Saudi Arabia. Others hail from countries like Nigeria, Yemen, China and India, to name a few. As word continues to spread about the second-to-none educational opportunities at CAU, the number of international student applications is spiking.

“Besides the strategic efforts of the University to enroll a diverse student population, international students have indicated they value their experiences at CAU,” said Gwen Wade, director of International Programs here. The numbers seem to prove her right.  During Fall ’14, CAU enrolled only 167 international students. Within two years that number had more than doubled. The surge in the number of international students is being met by a boost in University resources to accommodate their needs.

“I feel at home,” said Yakuba Adderly, a junior business major from The Bahamas. “I feel a sense of belonging. I feel more welcome here than at other colleges,” Adderly finished.

Wade said the growing presence of international students is a win for the entire CAU community. “International students provide enriching opportunities for the CAU community to broaden individual perspectives and enhance learning experiences on cultures, languages, religions and customs, which might be new or different,” Wade explained. “I have always valued interactions with international students and visitors. I sincerely believe students who have the ability to interact with people of different ethnicities and worldviews enhance their understanding of the global community we share,” Wade said.

Ebony Names Winners Of HBCU Campus Queens: Reigning HBCU Queens Competition

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The votes are in. Ebony Magazine has announced the top ten queens that will grace its pages later this year.

Xavier University of Louisiana retweeted a message from Miss XULA Jasmine Merlette, one of Ebony’s top ten HBCU Campus Queens, and congratulated Jasmine on her achievement, saying: “Congrats [Jasmine] on finishing in Ebony Magazine’s top 10 HBCU Campus Queens for 2016-2017… and thanks XULA for supporting our awesome queen.”

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The HBCU Queens will stand and pose royally for their various institutions. As many flip the pages of Ebony, the queens will showcase the importance of why HBCUs are important.

Half of the finalist are Louisiana HBCU Queens taking positions 1, 5, 6, 7, and 10. Other states represented include Mississippi with two queens and one queen representing the states of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina a piece. Missing the top tier of the competition by a spot was Miss. Oakwood University, Courtney Buckhanon.

Since 1975, according to Ebony, the magazine has celebrated Black collegiate women – poised to make a positive change in the African American community – through the HBCU Campus Queens. This opportunity provides a platform for reigning queens from Historically Black Colleges and Universities around the country to showcase their extracurricular activities, goals. and community impact to more than just their campus – the world.

Congrats to the new HBCU Campus Queens! You can check out the winners below.

Central State Fraternity Holds March To Honor Legacy Of MLK

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Members of Central State’s Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity held their annual march to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Fraternity members marched from the Central State University campus to downtown Xenia Monday.

“This annual march holds importance so we not only as African-American males but as blacks in these communities don’t forget our rich history and where we came from,” CSU Alpha member Kieth Matthews recently told HBCU Buzz. “We also can’t forget the things other people have done and sacrificed so we can live the lives that we live today.”

Photo credit: CSU Alphas

In 2016, Mayor Marsha J. Bayless proclaimed Jan. 18. as “Delta Xi Chapter Day” in the city of Xenia in appreciation of the Delta Xi Chapter as a sponsor of the MLK, Jr., March and for their service to the Xenia community over the years.

TMCF Just Launched A Major New Partnership That Will Impact The HBCU Community

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Thurgood Marshall College Fund has announced a major new partnership that will impact historically black colleges across the country.

And it benefits students at 47 publicly supported HBCUs, including Howard University, the University of the District of Columbia, Bowie State, and Morgan State.

Billionaire Charles Koch, who is a highly influential conservative donor, made a massive $25.6 million donation to TMCF for the purpose of conducting research on criminal justice and entrepreneurship in communities plagued by high crime and other social ills:

“Education transformed my life, and I’ve committed to do all I can to give others that same opportunity,” Koch said in a statement Wednesday evening. The Marshall fund has made that same commitment, he said, “giving students and scholars the chance to discover new ways to overcome barriers holding too many people back. As they succeed, so does our society.”

But Breitbart.com noted that the Left are concerned about Koch money donated to historically black colleges:

Liberals in academia are concerned about Koch money flowing to their universities. Ralph Wilson of Tallahassee, co-founder of a group called UnKoch My Campus, claims that these donations were made so that the Koch brothers can have more control over curriculum and activism at the receiving institutions.

“When they give the donor control, the trade-off is academic freedom,” Wilson argued.

Lumina Supports Morgan State Retention And Graduation Efforts With $700K Grant

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Morgan State University has announced the award of a three-year, $716,700 grant from Lumina Foundation to support the University’s implementation of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Student Success Project, a proactive effort to implement strategies that evidence suggests can increase completion rates, while improving outcomes for historically underserved students. The project, which was designed to extend positive steps already taken by the University, will utilize data drawn from a comprehensive student analytic system to improve academic, financial and social supports. It also includes technical assistance and evaluation support for the University.

Morgan is one of three prominent HBCUs and the only public university among those selected to be awarded grants totaling more than $1.5 million. The other HBCU participants involved in the project are Dillard University and Howard University.

“We are fortunate to have this opportunity to expand our relationship with Lumina Foundation by being selected as one of the standout HBCUs participating in this student success project,” said Morgan President David Wilson. “Bringing this initiative to Morgan complements current efforts underway and serves to enhance our recent success with improved retention and graduation rates. In spring 2016, we launched Morgan’s 50 by 25 Campaign as a university-wide effort to increase graduation rates at Morgan to 50 percent by the year 2025, and with Lumina’s support over the next three years, we are hoping to improve student retention by 4 percent while significantly increasing on-time and six-year completion rates on the road to that goal.”

The HBCU Student Success Project supports targeted work to close attainment gaps between various student groups on campus, specifically to increase the academic success of those who are Pell-eligible. Morgan will implement a predictive analytics solution that will identify at-risk students. Once those students have been identified, Morgan will use interventions such as proactive academic advising and experiential learning opportunities to ensure each student remains on a positive track toward success. Predictive analytics will enable the University to respond more rapidly and in a more pointed and sophisticated way when students experience difficulties. Another strategic component involves the implementation of a second-year experience program.

This story was written by the MSU Newsroom at morgan.edu, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.

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ASU Women’s Soccer To Host First Camp In History

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ALBANY, Ga.- Albany State head women’s soccer coach Alexandria Pickrell has announced the program will host the first individual soccer camp in the institution’s history. The Albany State Girls’ Soccer I.D. Camp will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the soccer field on the ASU West Campus.

“With this being the first ASU soccer camp in school history is an exciting milestone,” Pickrell said. “Soccer, especially women’s soccer, is still growing in America in popularity in many places, and I believe it’s a great opportunity to bring NCAA Division II soccer to the Albany area.

“This is only the beginning of a bigger plan of growing women’s soccer in this area of Georgia. We have many talented players here, and we hope to gain more as time passes. This camp allows players to experience a D2 soccer setting, if they have not before and see our facilities and what we have to offer here at ASU.”

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for girls ages 15-18. The campers will receive training from qualified and experienced coaches. The cost for the camp is $30 per person.

“This camp will provide quality training to participating players,” Pickrell continued. “Coaches will assure that players leave with something new to practice at home. We ultimately want to help players get better, and this camp is a tool that will provide players with new techniques and concepts to continue their growth within soccer”.

For more information about the ASU Girls’ Soccer I.D., contact Coach Pickrell at (229) 317-6988 oralexandria.pickrell@asurams.edu.

This story was written by ASU Athletics at asugoldenrams.com , where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.

Tennessee State Stylish Buzz Of The Week: Trevor M. Holmes

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There is nothing wrong with making fashion statements. This is normal on the campus of Tennessee State University where students create their own clothing. In recent years a few students have created clothing lines that are buzzing around the Nashville area and Trevor Holmes is preparing to be next.

While balancing school work, his up and coming fashion line, and being involved in the Tennessee State chapter of Collegiate 100, he still finds time to put his talents to use as a celebrity stylist. Always taking on opportunities to style, Holmes has been granted numerous occasions to style King and Major, the children of rapper T.I, Cymia Telleria, and even Jacob Latimore a couple of times.

Holmes, a junior business administration major concentrating in international business hails from music city itself, Nashville, Tennessee. He describes his style as statement-making, trendy, clean, and elevated. A fan of mix match patterns he makes his own clothes and is working towards creating all of his clothing soon.

Holmes is into solid fitted shirts and button downs. Ripped jeans are a favorite to accompany blazers, tailored suits, and statement pieces within the range of shoes for the cherry on top. When it comes to fashion inspiration, he looks to designers Christian Louboutin, Chanel and Versace. This is a lot to accomplish while just in college. “When I think of Trevor, determination and driven comes to mind because he has accomplished so much at the age he’s at right now and it’s only up from this point,” stated friend Brandon Corlew.

His clothing line, Revenu Customs specializes in custom and urban wear. “I’m always rocking something I created and I consider himself the Epitome of Style,” stated Holmes. “Trevor’s style is unique, different and always makes a statement,” stated friend Adrianna Abernathy.

No matter how crazy ideas with fashion seem, just do it because it could be inspirational to many others.  This explains Holmes Do’s and Don’ts.

Do: Wear slim but not tight clothing.

Do: Wear patterns but no more than two.

Do: Always dress for you, not for anyone else. Always look nice no matter what.

Don’t: Be afraid to express your fashion humor.

Don’t: Be afraid to add your own trendy items to your style.

You can keep up with Holmes on Instagram and Snapchat @SpeedToRICHES

Norfolk State Stylish Buzz Of The Week: Taylor Maria King

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Behold in the land of Green and Gold, Taylor Maria King has come to slay the day. King is a native of Conyers, Georgia chasing a degree in psychology. Fascinated by the mind, she dreams to become a mental health counselor and has a backup plan of becoming a teacher in higher education.

When asked how she describes her style, her response was, “eclectic.” King appreciates mixing the old school with new from a wide range of styles. With the ability to see the best of mixed worlds, you can see a street-style look incorporated with heels or a nice bootie.  You can also catch her wearing an old flannel shirt that transforms into a skirt nicely dressed down. That is some major reconstruction going on!

Everyone doesn’t have the same view on fashion but King defines it as, a way you showcase and represent yourself. No matter if she’s dressed up or down, she compliments herself on dressing all looks to perfection. When asked who is her inspiration in fashion she stated her mother and grandmother.  I guess for this girl, it runs in the family! Her mother envies her at times. “We can put the same dress on and she will rock it better than me,” her mother Pearl King, said.

King is involved in The League of Extraordinary Women, Virginia 21, and the Young Democrats. She also finds the time to volunteer twice a week at Suburban Park Elementary School. Her freshman year she had the privilege to serve as Miss Kappa Alpha Psi 2014-2015.

“Fashion to me is being natural and showing who you are while wearing different pieces,” King said.

“Risks are a double-edged sword, and Taylor have managed to remain remarkably unscathed,” her friend LoRenzo Mitchell said.

Her Do’s and Don’ts are very simple:

Do: Always be yourself.

Don’t: Let anyone define who you are or how you choose to dress.

You can keep up with all things Taylor on Instagram.

There Are More Hidden Figures Around Us

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Taylor Richardson, attending “Hidden Figures” premiere at the White House 2016 Dedicated to the past Hidden Figures that allowed girls and boys to embrace STEM – STEAM – STREAM and grasp new opportunities to fulfill dreams from the depths of the sea to the height of the clouds to the deepest of space.

The movie ”Hidden Figures” 2016 is inspiring thousands of girls and women to eliminate the fear of learning, to understand the fun of exploration, embrace artistic creativity, develop themselves as “thought leaders” and “smart creatives.” To understand that it is ok to be smart, gifted, talented and special. The perceived glass ceiling of career limitations has been shattered by the flames of curiosity to explore not just the limitations of earth’s atmosphere and her seas but has moved into the airless, weightless and limitless expanse of space and time.

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The emergence of STEM – Science Technology Engineering Math is looking good to girls and women as careers explode in diversity in the embracing of girls and women into areas at one time exclusively open to men, white men. The irony of “Hidden Figures” is that research has proven that women are more analytical and able to comprehend and apply mathematics skills faster than men.

They are more detailed oriented and specific about applying learning to real world situations. African-Americans and others of color have been involved with most if not all space agencies, this involvement is not just as custodians, cooks, maintenance and other support personnel. These positions are important, they help the people do the jobs they to do and service this country.

The other aspect is not just as service personnel, but the intellectual abilities that allow for NASA and other agencies to meet with success and build a legacy through the intelligence of everyone that contributes. People of color have always and will continue to contribute, they have not received the recognition they deserve.

STEM / STEAM are the hottest sectors in the U.S. job market and has grown to international levels. Even before it became a commonly used word the elements of STEM have been important. Because of movies like “Hidden Figures” and others doors of imagination and dreams are growing for girls, women, boys and men of color and culture.

STEM does not start in high school or higher education, it starts in elementary education labs, classrooms and weekend competitions and events. It starts in after school programs and new curriculum’s that teachers have a passion for creating new ways to engage with students who were once thought slow or different, but were actually higher order and critical thinkers, just bored with cookie cutter teaching strategies dated from the 1950s and 1970s. Today’s students need to be engaged and active learners.

When I taught STEAM at an elementary Magnet it is important that learning is relevant and students can apply their past learning to new learning and integrate it into everyday life. If students are not engaged mentally, actively involved, have hands-on activities and allowed to explore environments there are lost opportunities to build the excitement to allow future scientists, mathematicians, engineers, innovators and even technical expertise in computers and robotics.

Many people still do not realize that STEAM and STEM run the U.S. economy, look at the growth of careers that not only require a college degree but certifications. “The future of the economy is in STEM,” says James Brown, the executive director of the STEM Education Coalition in Washington, D.C. Even President and Mrs. Obama have encouraged STEM education through grants and national programs.

Parents must understand as well that their children’s employment are influenced by STEM. Employment in occupations related to STEM science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is projected to grow to more than 9 million jobs by 2022 nationally and internationally.

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Children now may now have to find jobs in the U.S. and have to travel overseas, they must be prepared to keep this nation competitive. U.S. relationships with the world are important because if the U.S. does not have friendly relationships globally then research opportunities, international collaborations, joint projects and even educational research will be in jeopardy.

We cannot afford to be secluded because the world is diversified in economic and social diversity. Students should be asking what their STEM futures are and how is their current educational instruction preparing them for the future? Parents should be asking are their children being prepared to be employed or set up to be under or un – employed.

Students should be asking what their STEM futures are and how is their current educational instruction preparing them for the future? Parents should be asking are their children being prepared to be employed or set up to be under or un – employed.

Events like the first Lego League by Mark Douglas McCombs are foundations to engage youth, teens and young adults into robotics, programming, design, innovation and as developers. There are hundreds if not thousands of “Hidden Figures” in homes, schools, communities, cities and this nation.

They should be encouraged, mentored and provided role models to spread their wings to take the flight to be un-hidden.

Parents your child may be the scientist to discover a cure for cancer, diabetes, heart disease. Uncover the hidden talent in your child by supporting their education, their thirst for exploration and their gifted abilities.

ASU’s Britney Wright: In It To Win It

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The Black Beat reports: Britney Wright is playing to win it all for the third consecutive year as she wraps up her last few games with the Lady Hornets before graduating this May.

The forward/guard began playing basketball at just age 6. After becoming anxious to develop new skills, Wright joined an organized basketball team at 12-years-old. She used to “hang with the guys” and watch her brothers have fun playing ball as she studied some of their moves. Not to mention her mother was a ‘hooper’ when she was younger, so basketball runs deep in the family.

“I spent several days just watching my brothers and cousins play basketball outside in the backyard,” the Detroit native said. “My cousin Robert actually used to play around with me and beat me and from there on we always played each other and the love I had for basketball just came naturally.”

Head over to The Black Beat to read more.

Morehouse College Board Of Trustees Announce Leadership Change

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Morehouse College is parting ways with its president after the board voted not to renew John S. Wilson’s contract as Morehouse enters its 150th-year celebration.

In a release sent to the press, officials at the all-male, historically black college in Atlanta said:

The Morehouse College Board of Trustees and President John Wilson announce that Dr. Wilson will complete his service as President of Morehouse College when his contract ends in June 2017. Dr. Wilson will pass the baton to a new President allowing that person to build on his recent achievements as Morehouse enters its 150th year celebration.

Dr. Wilson was appointed in November 2012 and will serve as President of Morehouse College through June 2017.

“The Board of Trustees recognizes Dr. Wilson’s significant contributions to the College and its students, faculty and alumni,” said Robert Davidson, Chairman of Morehouse College’s Board of Trustees. “Dr. Wilson turned around Morehouse in a number of ways. During his tenure, Dr. Wilson improved student achievement across a wide range of metrics.

“He and his team were champions for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) initiatives for our students and significantly increased the College’s private gifts, grants and contracts,” Davidson added. “In addition, Dr. Wilson played a pivotal role in bringing President Barack Obama to Morehouse as the commencement speaker in 2013, and hosting Vice President Biden in 2015.”

“I am proud of the work we have achieved and the obstacles we have overcome while serving as President of Morehouse College,” Dr. Wilson said, the statement reads. “I am particularly proud that alumni fundraising was significantly enhanced, with donations from alumni and the Board of Trustees reaching record levels over the past two years.”

According to the black college, the Board will focus on identifying new leadership to continue providing Morehouse students with the highest degrees of academic excellence.

Bolles Student Taylor Richardson Receives Historic White House Invites

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Taylor Richardson is on the move to achieve her dreams of becoming an astronaut and traveling to Mars.

She is not the only one, there is a national movement by girls and women to be the first to safely travel to the red planet, explore its mysteries and return home safely.

The difference is Taylor is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida just several hours way from the home of space travel central, Kennedy Space Center located in central Florida.

In just the 7th grade, a student at The Bolles School, her academics are preparing her for the rigors and challenges of higher education, building a foundation in the areas of STEM and STEAM where future careers are linked to. Taylor is sometimes referred to as an Agent of STEAM,

Taylor is sometimes referred to as an Agent of STEAM, Part of the Mars Generation, and AstroStarBright on Twitter seen with her mother. In order for these dreams to turn to realities requires a lot of community work, networking, community support, and a love for STEAM and STEM.

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Taylor and her mother have been working to achieve this dream since Taylor as a young child started dreaming of space flight. They have been blessed to be noticed by the White House on several opportunities and have been invited to events like the “2016 United State of Women: The Movement” and the recent “Hidden Figures” celebration attended by politicians, actors, community activists, astronauts, scientists, and educators. both in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the White House with presentations from First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama.

The struggle is real for the single mother that has strategically guided and managed Taylor’s journey, but the rewards are awesome for Taylor to achieve her goals that allow her to be a mentor to younger girls that are learning about STEM and those interested in expanding their knowledge through reading.

Taylor, a shy and soft-spoken young lady puts aside herself and speaks to youth teens and young adults about careers that are not out of their reach.

Girls of color and culture are valuable and carry within them a magic that they can harness to achieve anything they want to.

There is no glass ceiling just the stars to reach for. Taylor inspires boys, not just girls by letting them known that kids of color can be astronauts, scientists, engineers and that other careers are open to them not just sports and entertainment.

This is seen when Taylor and her mom are invited to events from the Governor in 2016 when receiving honors for volunteering in the community, promoting literacy and being a member of the Girl Scouts and participating in Journey Into Womanhood an initiative to provide mentorship to inner city girls and women in Jacksonville, Florida.

Taylor and her mom were sent invitations to attend the event highlighting the 2017 movie Hidden Figures recognizing the history of space exploration and how African American women were pivotal in the success of space travel because of their mathematics knowledge.

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This historic event featured the stories of African-American women who have made significant contributions to human space flight, space science, and innovation, but who have not often had their stories told. There are thousands of African American, Latino and
many others of culture that have not received their just recognition that contributed to the success of the space program, NASA, and other scientific success stories.

Events like these help to elevate Taylor and inspires her to continue to work hard to achieve her goals and even lift up other girls and even boys to see they can achieve great things no matter their backgrounds and challenges.

Taylor is just one of thousands of girls and young ladies that have astronomical dreams. As her mother states, “it takes a village to raise astronauts.” This is a testimony that collectively we need to support children of color and culture to help them contribute
to the growth of our nation and provide praise and resources to make sure they grow and share their knowledge for those following behind them.

NCCU Divine 9 Chapters Set The Trend In Establishing Scholarship Funds

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Alumni from two chapters of North Carolina Central University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) have established permanent legacies at the university by creating endowment funds for student scholarships.

Members of the Tau Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and of Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. – each part of the “Divine Nine” group of black Greek letter organizations – chose to create the funds as a special way of giving back to NCCU. Through annual gifts, the funds can provide a vehicle for ongoing alumni support.

“We are hopeful that once everyone is aware of what the brothers of the Tau Psi chapter have done to assist NCCU, other fraternities and sororities on campus will follow our lead and establish their own endowments,” said Floyd Ferebee, Ph.D., of Durham, who was initiated into the Tau Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi in fall 1963.

The Tau Psi Scholarship Endowment was initiated in 1992 as the first endowment established by alumni initiated into NCCU’s NPHC chapters. Since its inception, the fund has provided essential support to NCCU students.

Alpha Lambda Scholarship Endowment fundraising committee members, Pandora Frazier, Dianne Peerman Pledger and Jemma Boler

The Tau Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. dates to 1932 on the NCCU campus. Ferebee, a former NCCU English professor, said the idea for the fund was developed during planning for the chapter’s 60th-year reunion. Fundraising efforts began with the goal of eventually establishing a scholarship endowment to assist deserving NCCU students. Donations are accepted from Tau Psi initiates, as well as friends of the chapter.

As with many Greek letter organizations, reunions are very important to Tau Psi members. By the chapter’s 70th anniversary in 2002, the group had collected more than $12,000. By 2006, the endowment began producing scholarships for NCCU students.

Also in 2006, NCCU Board of Trustees member and university alumnus Harold Epps joined with alumnus Benjamin Hill to co-chair the scholarship fundraising committee. Alumnus Robert Woods became the scholarship committee chair. Through their efforts and leadership, the group was able to increase the fund’s value to $100,000 by the chapter’s 80th reunion celebration in 2011. During the celebration, another goal was set to increase the scholarship fund to at least $200,000. To date, the group has raised $150,000, with more than $20,000 awarded in scholarships to students.

“This endowment reinforces that education is the primary way for advancement; it also emphasizes our commitment to scholarship,” Epps said. “We hope other organizations will begin to develop endowments, not only at NCCU but at other HBCUs, as well.” Ferebee agreed.

“We are NCCU alumni, motivated by our love for NCCU and our desire to see it further its representation as one of the leading institutions of higher education in North Carolina and the nation.” he added.

Reflecting the momentum of the Tau Psi endowment, the idea of establishing an endowment in the name of the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. was introduced in 2012 by three NCCU initiates of the chapter – Jemma Boler, Dianne Pledger and Pandora Frazier.

Previous fundraising efforts by a cohort of the alumnae had been used to help the son of a Alpha Lambda member who passed away. Looking for ways to continue their fundraising efforts, Boler led the group in setting up the endowment fund, with support from 33 individuals who were initiated in the chapter in 1983. The fund was officially established on January 8, 2014 with a goal of meeting the NCCU Scholarship Endowment minimum requirement of $25,000 by October 2018. If the group meets their goal by October 2016, they will be three years ahead of scheduled progression for the fund.

As 150 of the chapter’s alumnae members celebrated the sorority’s 85th anniversary on July 29, 2016, donations flooded in to reach the fundraising goal to be eligible for a matching grant of $25,000. The anniversary celebration was an opportunity to allow alumnae to raise awareness of the endowment and increase donations towards the scholarship. They hope to reach the goal by 2018. Some members have pledged monthly support, and alumnae celebrating initiation anniversaries have donated lump sums to raise the total. Some members also have enlisted companies to match donated funds.

“We are thankful to our supporters, friends, family, businesses and most of all our Alpha Lambda alumnae sorors,” said Boler, a 1983 initiate.

“We remain strong in the principles of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Educational Programmatic Thrust, and we have fulfilled those ideals with this endowed scholarship. We challenge the other NPHC organizations to make the commitment and support NCCU.”

21 Essential Blogging Tips For HBCU Students

Posted by William Jackson
Posted on
What does it take to be a blogger and social media influencer?

The ability to create content and share on social media is a process to influence thinking, decisions, and actions of readers.

To develop a personal brand that exemplifies the spirit of HBCUs, students need the exposure and the opportunity to network with those in the industries they are interested in to become serious in their quest for success and growth. Exposure is important and networking is vital to be seen digitally and socially.

Here are 21 essential blogging tips for HBCU students:

1. Write as if the world is going to view your content and provide feedback. When people read your blogs they should understand your passion and the direction you are going.

2. When blogging takes the time to read, review, rewrite, and revise what you have written. grammar and spelling count a great deal.

3. Reflection is important, it is vital to think of your writings and consider your desired end result, what is your mission and vision for your content?

4. Embrace the diversity of the world, it expands your ability to connect and engage with the diversity of your audience. Your blogs should be able to reach out to diverse audiences and make a connection.

5. Attend conferences that allow for sharing of ideas and concepts. No blogger is an island to themselves.

6. When writing remember your building relationships with others. This is important to establish connectivity and validity.

7. Read writers that you respect and admire, this inspires your creativity and literary growth.

8. Storytelling paints a picture, so use words that encourage the imagination and inspire consistent content development. Be careful of using cultural or street language, think about the audience and their interests.

9. When writing understand that writing is a process, the more you write the better you get.

10. Don’t be afraid to submit your blogs to newspapers to be published. You never know who will publish your works. Even if you are rejected 100 times 101 might be the one that gets you an awesome gig.

11. Keep your passion and excitement about your writing, it is an extension of who you are.

12. Write for enjoyment and a purpose.

13. Your writing is an important part of who you are, what you are growing into and how to expand your voice.

14. HBCU students continue to grow in your field, you may start off in a tradition blog, be willing to incorporate microblogging, podcasting, and other technologies that reach diverse audiences.

15. Never doubt your ability to grow beyond where you are.

16. Don’t blog when you are emotional, your judgment will be blurred.

17. Never use your blog to spread racism, profanity, prejudice, hate, sexism or involve in sexting. This will damage your Brand and your reputation.

18. Be careful of who you associate with, this may influence future internships and scholarships.

19. Never let random people take your picture, they can be used later against you.

20. Freedom of speech is a constitutional right until you slander, accuse, threaten and demean others.

21. Be careful and protect your intellectual property, don’t use company or school based hardware/software to store blogs, videos or photos.

A blogger is a life-long journey and should be a life-long adventure.

 

Posted by William Jackson Posted on 40 articles