We first told you about Clark Atlanta University Women’s Basketball player Danielle Veney in early December when she was awarded the prestigious L.S. Epps Memorial Scholarship. This time Danielle is making news for her efforts to fulfill the Christmas wishes of disadvantaged children in her hometown of Baltimore, using donations and her own limited
funds as a college student for her annual toy giveaway. Soon, dozens of underprivileged families will be treated to free bicycles, video games and toys thanks to Danielle’s effort.
It’s just one of three charity events she has sponsored annually in Baltimore since 2010. That’s when she launched the Kelvin Wendell Sorrell Sr. nonprofit organization in honor of her cousin who died of cancer. In addition to the Christmas toy giveaway, Danielle sponsors a yearly Thanksgiving Day dinner with all the trimmings and a back-to-school book bag giveaway. She also provides mentoring for at-risk children living in shelters.
“I love giving back,” said Danielle, when asked why she took on this huge challenge while she was still in high school. “I just want to prove people wrong. There are children in Baltimore who have dreams and want to be something,” she continued.
Danielle is proof that hard work off the court also has its rewards. In the summer of 2016 she was honored by former Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake for outstanding community service to the city’s children. As a senior criminal justice major, she maintains a 4.0-G.P.A. Upon graduation, Danielle plans to pursue an advanced degree to prepare for a career in forensic science.
“It could have been me in a tough situation. I could have been in a shelter growing up, but I was blessed,” she remarked. Danielle eventually wants to spread her blessings beyond Baltimore.
“I definitely see it growing and expanding. I would like to bring it down to Atlanta.”
For more information on her charity events email KWSnonprofit.org@gmail.com or call 443.739.5831.
“Giving back is part of my game; and with God, I have everything, without God I have nothing,” Danielle finished.
Open Road Films and HBCU Buzz have teamed up in the Sleepless Movie Sweepstakes. One lucky winner and their choice of guest will receive a trip to the Los Angeles premiere of Sleepless. Definitely not something you’ll want to miss!
Enter Now before it ends on 12/29 at 8am PST
Tweet/Facebook Post about the contest with #SleeplessMovie as your hashtag. HBCU Buzz will pick the winner in a random drawing. Good luck and stay tuned to find out who wins!
DIRECTIONS
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RULES
The Giveaway is only open to legal residents of USA and D.C. who are 21 or older at the time of entry. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. HBCU BUZZ, Open Road (“Open”) and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries’, affiliates, distributors, retailers, sales representatives, advertising and promotion agencies and each of their respective officers, directors and employees (collectively, the “Promotion Entities“), and members of their immediate families and/or persons living in the same household as such persons, are ineligible to enter the Giveaway or win a prize.
You must have an email address, or Facebook and Twitter account to be eligible to enter this Giveaway.
After a competitive first half resulting in no points, Grambling State found its spark and rallied to defeat North Carolina Central University in the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl 10-9. Grambling’s Martez Carter secured the lead for good in the second half, taking a handoff for a 32-yard touchdown to give the Tigers a 10-3 in the 3rd quarter.
Itoro Umontuen // FansFavoriteFan.com
NCCU Quarterback Malcolm Bell made the game interesting leading the Eagles to a fourth quarter score, finding receiver Quentin Atkinson for a 39-yard touchdown. However, after excessive celebration penalized the Eagles PAT, the Tigers blocked the field goal attempt and sealed the win.
From there, the G-Men never looked back. Carter finished with 12 carries for a total of 109 yards and touchdown. He was named the player of the game.
During the 3rd quarter, Grambling wide receiver Verlan Hunter arguably made the catch of the year, with an Odell Beckham Jr. like one-handed catch. The play did not count due to a flag on the G-Men.
Emotions and tension clouded the first half, resulting in several penalties and yards for both teams but no scores. The MEAC champions seem well prepared for the talented team from Louisiana, controlling the first half and taking the lead into halftime but in the end, it was all Grambling. The G-Men found their rhythm and controlled the tempo for the remainder of the game.
Itoro Umontuen // FansFavoriteFan.com
Heading into the game, NCCU was viewed as the underdog and did not seem like it was a favorable matchup for the Eagles. The Tigers were the only NCAA FCS team to be ranked statistically in the top 5 in both total offense and defense. The Eagles defense dominated and surprised many by holding the dominant Tiger’s offense to 0 points.
Coming into the second half, it seem as if NCCU had control of the game. Some of the Eagles leaders were not inferior of Grambling success this year. But Grambling second time adjustment, which was key, was the deciding factor of the game. Carter’s shifty runs sparked the Tiger’s offense in the second half to open the game. From there both defenses continued to help the other side of the ball until Bell’s touchdown strike late in the 4th quarter.
Yet Atkinson’s helmet came off in the touchdown celebration, as the wide receiver sprinted up his own sideline. Out came an official’s penalty flag, costing North Carolina State 15 yards on the extra-point attempt — which was then blocked.
Itoro Umontuen // FansFavoriteFan.com
“Coach instilled in us the faith of God and with that, we played together as a family and got the job done together,” said Carter.
This is Grambling’s 15th HCBU Football National championship, most of any school.
Greentop Gifts founders Jackie and her husband Shaun have created a new wrapping paper that features a melanin-rich Santa Claus. The pair of Atlanta University Center (AUC) alumni — Jackie went to Clark Atlanta University and Shaun went to Morehouse College — told NBCBLK that they looked for a Black Santa but to no avail, so they made their own. Jackie and Shaun spoke to NBCBLK about running their new company. Some highlights of the interview are below.
Photo credit: NBCBLK
On how the Greentop Gifts came about:
Jackie: Last year this time I was looking for wrapping paper for our two-year-old to wrap his gifts, and I couldn’t find any paper that featured a black Santa. I found white Santas and in the past, I bought them and colored them in with a colored pencil but it wasn’t something that I wanted.
I was just really discouraged so I came home and told my husband that if I couldn’t find wrapping paper by next year that I was just going to make my own. If I had to go to Kinko’s, get on photoshop, or otherwise, I was going to figure it out. And so that’s how we started this process. It was out of a void we were trying to fill for our son.
On how their education helped them in launching their business:
Shaun: Jackie went to Clark Atlanta and I went to Morehouse College. We’re AUC alumni. Those experiences were so phenomenal and really the formative years for us, not just within the classroom, we were both business majors, but outside the classroom as well. Just learning about our neighborhoods, our communities and all the different types of people that make up our communities how they make decisions.
Then, once we started rolling out ‘Greentop’ that was the same base —the Clark-Atlanta, Morehouse College base —who really helped us get it out there and really showed up and showed out for us and through their support and love.
Jackie: We were both business majors and we both work in sales now. My husband started in finance and he has is MBA from Duke University. All our educational background has really helped to launch this for us because when you think of it, all our experiences in our corporate jobs helped grow ‘Greentop.’ In addition to that, we really relied a lot on our HBCU network with finding different vendors, from our attorney, who’s an HBCU
In addition to that, we really relied a lot on our HBCU network with finding different vendors, from our attorney, also an HBCU graduate, to finding other black illustrators and graphic design artists, we tried to really make sure that we could support black businesses as much we could.
Also, with our launch in October we did a marketing dump where we attended different homecomings and passed out promotional items. We went to Clark Atlanta, Morehouse/Spelman, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, and Howard’s Homecomings and passed out promo items and had our brand ambassadors there. They had on the ‘Clarence Claus’ shirt. It was a really great opportunity for us to be at those homecoming events. As an HBCU graduate, you know important and how exciting an HBCU Homecomings are so for us to have ‘Clarence Claus’ there it was really great to launch our business.
Conferences like WordCamp, WordPress, Florida Blogging Conference and others offer opportunities never before heard of for HBCU students. The journey to start a career comes with the preparation that needs to be done ahead of graduations and not rushed.
Mistakes happen when what should have been done was not, procrastination can kill the beginning of a career and destroy the first impression by not being prepared, and then rushing causes mistakes that can keep a person from earning an internship, scholarship or the dream position with a corporation.
Conferences, workshops, seminars and technology camps provide access to thought leaders, smart creatives, programmers, developers and others that are involved
in the tech industry.
The leaders, doers and those that make things happen.
HBCU students must get out of their comfort zones, they must climb out of being introverts and express their passions when in the company of opportunity.
Students like Jon Gregory, Joshua Rodriguez Ramirez A. Poole of Edward Waters College attend events that put them in the position of sharing their knowledge and speaking with those with the experience and connections to take them to the next level.
HBCU instructors should take the opportunity as I do to take students to these events to allow students to spread their wings and apply what is learned in the classroom in discussions with professionals and startups.
These suggestions were developed by Jon and Josh when returning from attending WordCampUSA Philadelphia. The international blogging and digital conference held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. https://2016.us.wordcamp.org/
HBCU institutions should continue to provide learning and networking opportunities to push, guide and inspire their students to get to the next level.
Here are 10 reasons why HBCU students need to attend conferences and HBCU instructors need to support their students in doing this.
1. To get off campus to experience new things.
All learning does not happen in the classroom setting. Sometimes the best learning experiences are found with industry leaders and professions at conferences where sharing is valuable and current.
2. Awesome networking opportunities.
True networking is not friending on Social Media it is handshaking, golfing, tennis, lunch, and dinners. True networking is the physical presence that happens when people meet and build a relationship that grows to opportunities for both.
3. Learn why it’s important to build your brand.
Each HBCU student needs to develop their Brand and find their niche. You Brand is your promise for quality and service.
4. Learn Marketing strategies for your brand.
Once your Brand is developed start planning to strategically market for your audience you are working to grab. Marketing strategies will be different for each Social Media platform and the demographic you are addressing.
5. Seeking wisdom from professional elders.
Professional elders are the best mentors for growth, exposure, and knowledge. When a dope letter of recommendation is needed or a word from an experienced elder is in need this the way to go. Building relationships are important with elders and carries a long way to not making mistakes and overcoming professional challenges that will happen.
6. Learning how to gain internships and career options
Using LinkedIn and LinkedIn for Higher Education are awesome resources that help to get out what students abilities, talents, skills and aspirations are. Most Social Media platforms are free and even using HBCU Connect (http://hbcuconnect.com/) LinkedIn (http://linkedin.com)
7. Experience and learn new travel methods
Traveling teaches many lessons about one’s self and how to conduct behaviors in public and private settings. Parents that fail to teach when children are young find out later their errors when as teens and adults the lack of social skills hinders their growth.
8. Learn how to manage a budget for traveling
There is more to traveling than just reserving a plane ticket, hotel room or renting a car.
There is a process that includes good credit, having access to finances that allow for rentals
and the maturity to be able to do all of these with confidence. Lessons must be learned in advance and this is what is not taught in the classroom, these are real life experiences that need mentoring and guidance.
9. Make sure you have an up to date resume
And business cards and curriculum vitae.
Imagine attending an international conference and meeting the CEO of a corporation. He finds out he is looking for someone like you but wants to know your experiences and to have you email documents to Human Resources. Imagine that your resume, business cards, and even your curriculum vitae are several years old? HBCU students must take seriously that their information must be up to date and accurate.
10. Preparation is key
Opportunity will only knock once in some cases and preparation can take you to new levels.
Many students in the country’s public K-12 schools are, in fact, minorities. But recent research has revealed that “only 7.6 percent of teachers in those schools are African-American,” reportedDaily Press.
In early December, Hampton University President William R. Harvey told a group of people at Yale Law School as the keynote speaker of an “HBCUs and Minority Teacher Recruitment Summit” that school districts nationwide “needs” to hire more minority teachers.
The event was in collaboration with the Connecticut NAACP and New Haven (Conn.) Public Schools.
“It doesn’t mean that teachers who are white can’t have a positive impact, but the fact is it needs to be more African-American teachers,” Harvey said.
“That was the major driver for me to go up and talk about what the facts are,” Harvey added. “Not emotion, but facts, and then to suggest to them doing something about it. One of the things I said is I don’t like to curse the darkness, I like to light a candle.”
Harvey, who has led Hampton for nearly four decades, also suggested the following ideas for colleges and universities and school districts to recruit more minority teachers:
The profession can be better marketed to potential students;
HBCUs can partner with their neighboring school districts;
Federal funding should be designated for teaching programs and;
A consortium of foundations should come together to help allocate funding for programs
Hampton University is one of the top historically black universities in the world. Hampton is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators, representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations.
Edward Waters College Students attending EWCs Educational Technology, Social Media and
STEM course had the opportunity to attend EdCamps, WordCamps, and internationally recognized conferences.
The ability to blog, post intellectual content, speak and present professional PowerPoint are skills that build a student’s skill sets that can influence business, commerce, finance and educational pursuits.
Careers require skills of writing, speaking and creating content to share ideas, interests, and data.
Students applied what was taught by Prof. William Jackson, a Teacher of the Year at his public elementary STEM school, national and international blogger, speaker and community activist and the research and library skills taught by Emma Kent in the Library Services Department and her vast knowledge of research database and Social Media platforms.
Prof. Jackson not just teaches students basic foundation skills in the department of Education and Urban Studies, but mentoring them outside of the classroom.
Helping students to network with industry leaders, programmers, developers, coders and business leaders in technology and education.
These engagements build an important network and allow for collaboration outside the classroom making a global presence for the students and the college. National and global recognition can lead to careers not thought of and invite leadership roles that were once thought unimaginable for HBCU students.
Historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, are realizing that learning continues outside the classroom, not just in the confines of concrete walls.
Students must be allowed to interact with those in positions of influence if they are to be the future smart creatives, technical innovators, leaders and developers that people of color and culture need to see to inspire children, youth, teens and young adults of color to be excited about participating in STEM, STEAM, Blogging, Content Development, Business and Commerce.
This semester EWC students have participated in national and international conferences like WordCamp USA in Philadelphia where Jon Gregory and Joshua Rodriguez attended, learning how to be proficient bloggers and content developers.
They had the chance to speak to international bloggers from China, India, and Australia. Jon Gregory was the first EWC student to attend and speak at EdCamp NABSE (National Alliance of Black School Educators) and had the honor to speak at TEDxFSCJ Salon, a TEDx event at Florida State College in Jacksonville, Florida.
Even students that are mentored by Prof. Jackson had the privilege to speak at TEDxFSCJ Salon, Elisha Taylor an 8th-grade student attending Kirby Smith Middle School actively involved in robotics, STEM, mathematics, and engineering.
Mr. Taylor was requested to speak at TEDxFSCJ Salon the first DCPS student and he attended the internationally recognized Florida Blogging and Technology Conference in Orlando with Jon Gregory, Rameriez Poole.
Attending WordPress 2016 in Orlando was Joshua Rodriguez of proud Puerto Rican heritage who shares that Latinos need to grow their presence as content developers and innovators in technology. Mr. Rodriguez blog can be found here.
The ability to speak intellectually, passionately and professionally is a skill that many businesses state that college grads are missing and in dire need of.
Students attending Edward Waters College are gaining valuable skills that will allow them to compete nationally and globally not just as educators but in diverse areas of business, commerce, and other areas that require speaking, content development and writing.
To help encourage speaking, articulation and research in areas of growth, students participated in the first “Tiger Talks Experience.”
The motto: “Every Tiger has a story that needs to be told,” was developed by Emma Kent of Library Services and Prof. William Jackson.
This new initiative provides a platform for EWC students to speak about their passions, career goals, dreams for national or global change, and the list grows as participants grow.
“Tiger Talks Experience” is modeled after the TEDx and TEDTALKS that are global in the speaking of diverse topics of global concern.
The difference is that “TIGER TALKS EXPERIENCE,” is geared to HBCU students and their unique backgrounds and cultural diaspora.
“Who writes your life story?” shares the importance of HBCU students not to be discouraged because of what others say they cannot do, but to be empowered that they can accomplish anything the dream of being.
EWC students are preparing to compete on global platforms so must be provided platforms to show their knowledge, share abilities and access to tools to spread their passions and intellectual growth and influence.
Edward Waters College students are off to a great start learning in Educational Technology and applying Library Studies tools of research and application of research skills to invest in continued educational growth.
ALBANY, Ga.- Junior forward Kayla Green recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds, but the Albany State women’s basketball team was defeated by Georgia Southwestern State 70-60 on Saturday night. With the loss, ASU falls to 1-8 overall, losing its third straight game.
The Lady Hurricanes improve to 5-1 overall.
After a slow start in the first quarter, Albany State used some inside scoring to bolt to a 15-10 lead after the stanza. The Lady Rams continued to hold the lead until the final minutes of the second period. GSW’s Kris Beckham made a three-pointer give the visitors a 33-32 edge with 42 seconds left. ASU trailed 35-34 at halftime.
In the third period, the two teams swapped the lead on several occasions. A basket by Aniefiok Udofia gave the Lady Rams a 50-48 advantage to take in the final quarter.
After Elesha Foster’s three-point play provided Albany State with a 53-52 lead at 7:50 mark, the two teams exchanged the lead on a few more times. With 3:55 left in regulation, Ciera Norman hit a jumper to give the home team a 57-56 edge. However, the Lady Rams went cold the rest of the way, and GSW finished the game on a 14-3 run.
Zuri Frost scored 12 points for Albany State, and Udofia finished the game with 11 points. Elesha Foster added nine points and 11 rebounds.
The Lady Rams shot 22-of-59 (37.3%) from the field, 1-of-7 (14.3%) from three-point range and 15-of-21(71.4%) from the free throw line. The team out rebounded the Lady Hurricanes 50-37, but it also committed 28 turnovers.
Georgia Southwestern State was led by Va’Queshia Hall’s game-high 14 points. Beckham added 10 points.
The Lady Hurricanes shot 27-of-68 (39.7%) from the field, 3-of-14 (21.4%) from three-point ranges and 13-of-19 (68.4%) from the free throw line.
Albany State will return to action on Monday, December 19 when it travels to Tampa, Fla. to face the University of Tampa. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
This story was written by Albany State University Athletics. This story is published here with permission.
HBCUs are some of the most stylish campuses in the world. UMES is no different. It may surprise you just how much fashion runs through this school! Check out this week’s Stylish Buzz: Kayla Mosegi.
Kayla Mosegi is a junior, Fashion Merchandising major from Somerset, New Jersey. Her style is vintage yet fashion forward and class yet athletic at times.
“I would say [my fashion] is trendy and chic!”
Kayla Mosegi
Being a student at UMES, Kayla has also found countless opportunities to slay! One in particular is “Pretty/GQ Wednesday” on campus. Students are encouraged to pop out and show their personality through their style. Kayla even admits to buying around 30 pairs of heels since she’s been at the school! If she doesn’t wear them to go out, she’s definitely wear them on Wednesday:
“If I had to describe my style, I would say it is trendy and chic. I like to stay up with the trends and my age group but then at the same time I have an older style. I don’t do a lot of accessories so I have to incorporate a “wow factor” as I call it in one of my looks. That’s either my jacket, top, or my shoes. I am also girly but versatile I love to mix it up with a streetwear look.”
The black university is focusing on addressing citywide and national concerns
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a $1,402,200 grant to a three-university consortium led by Morgan State University, to establish a second University Transportation Center at Morgan. The newly formed Urban Mobility and Equity Center (UMEC) will focus on research to improve the mobility of people and goods in an environmentally sustainable and equitable manner. In addition to Morgan, the consortium includes the University of Maryland, College Park and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). All three institutions have strong track records in transportation research.
“As Maryland’s premier public urban research university and an anchor institution in the city of Baltimore, it is important that the research we conduct examine all facets of improving daily life for everyday people, and enhancing transportation should be at the forefront of that examination,” said David Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “We have a top-notch transportation center at Morgan and are looking forward to working with our consortium partner institutes on finding solutions to the transportation challenges of today and tomorrow.”
The grant is one of 35 five-year grants awarded under the University Transportation Centers (UTC) program, which was reauthorized by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. Identified as a Tier 1 center, UMEC will concentrate on improving access to opportunities, “smart cities” technologies, novel modes of transport, systems integration, analytical tools to optimize movement, and regional planning. Researchers from any of the three consortium universities can apply for transit-related research funding.
“Many low-income urban residents in the United States experience a spatial mismatch between affordable housing and jobs,” says Andrew Farkas, director of the National Transportation Center at Morgan, who will also direct UMEC. “They contend daily with poor access to economic opportunity. Baltimore and other urban areas are constrained by aging infrastructure and congestion, and transportation of goods can burden nearby residential areas.”
The center will establish a public interest research and community technical assistance program to develop problem-solving projects that address citywide and community concerns, such as employment access and economic development. UMEC also will promote education and research opportunities for minorities and women to prepare them for transportation careers.
The Morgan State University National Center for Transportation Management, Research and Development (NTC), is part of the DOT’s University Transportation Centers Program and also a member of the Council of University Transportation Centers. The center was established by Congress under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991; reauthorized in 1998 by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century and reauthorized again in 2005 by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral Research Institution offering more than 70 academic programs leading to bachelor’s degrees as well as programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. As Maryland’s premier public urban research university, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. More information about the university is available at www.morgan.edu.
This story was written by Morgan State University. This story is published here with permission.
Aqeel Glass, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound quarterback announced that he’s taking his talents to historically black Alabama A&M. The 3-star prospect, considered to be the No. 2 HBCU recruit behind Alcorn State pledge Cleveland Ford, chose the Bulldogs over offers from the likes of the MVFC’s Missouri State. He was once a Florida International recruit until the coaching change.
Alabama A&M wrapped up its season with a game at Auburn a few weeks back, and now it is cranking into full gear when it comes to recruiting.
The Bulldogs received big news this week when the No. 2 overall rated HBCU commitment in the country announced he’d be playing for Alabama A&M — and he’s quite the keeper. Quarterback Aqeel Glass is 6-foot-5, 230 pounds and was committed to the FBS’s Florida International until the coaching change.
“Coach (Ron) Turner got fired and then Butch Davis came in and wanted more of a dual-threat quarterback which I’m not and A&M just came in and told me that they were looking for their starting QB and they thought I would fit,” Glass told HERO Sports Friday morning. “Their coaching staff was up front with you and honest and I liked that.
“They said they love how even when I scramble outside of the pocket I always keep my eyes down and they feel they wanted more of a thrower who could make all the throws over the field.”
ALBANY, Ga.- After recording a career-high 30 points against Georgia College on Dec. 3, Michael Green had another historic night. The sophomore guard tallied a triple-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Albany State Golden Rams to an 85-81 victory over Edward Waters.
With the win, ASU improves to 4-4 overall. The Tigers fall to 4-6.
After playing a close game for most of the first half, Albany State began to pull away late in the stanza. A dunk by Randy McClure at the 2:29 mark gave the home team a 39-29 advantage. Brandon Hudson nailed a three-pointer to give ASU a 45-31 edge with 57 seconds left. The Golden Rams led 45-33 at halftime.
In the second half, the Golden Rams extended their lead with steady defense. A layup by JaDon Davis gave Albany State a huge 66-46 lead with 14:32 left to play. Another basket by McClure at the 13:11mark gave ASU its biggest advantage, 70-46, of the game.
However, Edward Waters was able to get back in the game when Albany State went cold from the field. Guard Trey Gosier scored eight points during a key run to cut the Tigers’ deficit to 79-78 with 2:01 left in regulation.
Green scored a basket to push the lead back to 81-78 with 56 seconds left. With 45 seconds remaining, EWC’s Charles-Eddie Smith hit a trey to tie the score at 81. Green was fouled on the home team’s next possession, and he connected on two free throws to give ASU an 83-81 lead with 25 seconds left.
Edward Waters had a chance to tie the game, but a turnover negated its opportunity. Tylen Walker’s two free throws with 11 seconds sealed the game.
Brandon Hudson led Albany State in scoring with 18 points. McClure recorded 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Devontay Ward overcame foul trouble to score 14 points, and Khaliq Hughes added 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
The Golden Rams shot 31-of-64 (48.4%) from the field, 5-of-19 (26.3%) from three-point range and 18-of-23 (78.3%) from the free throw line.
Edward Waters was led by Oshey Washington’s game-high 19 points and six rebounds. Gosier finished with 16 points and five rebounds, and Oceaan Maddox had 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Tigers shot 31-of-74 (41.9%) from the field, 8-of-18 (44.4%) from three-point range and 11-of-18 (61.1%) from the free throw line.
Albany State will return to action on Monday, Dec. 12 when it hosts Auburn-Montgomery University at ASU HPER Gymnasium. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
This story was written by Albany State University Athletics. This story is published here with permission.
HOUSTON — Texas Southern University is living its purpose – and then some; a purpose showcased by two of its soon-to-be graduates in particular.
Renald “Ren” Moore, for example, is the living embodiment of TSU’s designation as a special purpose institution for Urban Program. That designation given to TSU by the Texas Legislature in 1973 underscored the University’s founding mission – to provide higher education opportunities for those for whom such opportunities rarely existed. Making mistakes that landed him in prison for nearly 20 years, Moore chose not to give in to despair. Rather, he began rebuilding his life while behind bars, earning an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. That success gave birth to even bigger dreams, a major part of which will come to fruition at TSU’s Winter Commencement this Saturday, December 190 at 9 a.m. at the school’s Health & Physical Education Arena (H&PE).
But Moore’s feel-good story doesn’t end there. For, the aspiring actor/rapper will earn a Bachelor’s Degree from TSU with a Radio, Television and Film major and Theater minor as none other than the Class of 2016’s Valedictorian.
“When I first arrived on campus I didn’t even know how to use a computer,” said Moore, who expected an icy reception from faculty and fellow students. To Moore’s surprise, he was greeted with open arms, provided the necessary guidance and assistance, and has emerged as an academic star sporting a 3.9 grade point average.
Moore cites support received from several campus entities, particularly the Office of Disability Services, which also served as an invaluable resource and “second home” for another graduating overcomer – Ana Cepeda.
On paper Cepeda seems like any other soon-to-be TSU graduate. But her reality, like that of so many TSU students, is far deeper than a surface observation. You see, Ana is 100 percent visually impaired, losing her sight in a bout with cancer at a young age. But she did not lose her determination to earn a college degree.
While experiencing numerous hurdles, including being robbed (off campus) of her computer equipped with a special screen reader critical for her studies, Cepeda bravely and boldly met all challenges – including providing police with a description of the perpetrator so succinct that he was caught and arrested within hours. The fiercely independent Cepeda, who navigates campus and the city aided only by her trusted companion and guide dog Calliope, is quick to acknowledge the many helping hands she has encountered at TSU, including the Office of Disability Services’ Sharon Benavides, Disability Coordinator II and Kaya Pickens, Program Assistant, and Dr. Johnnie Williams, who taught Cepeda’s favorite class – international business.Though Cepeda’s journey from her birthplace of Monterey Mexico to Houston, was lengthy, her most cherished journey is the one she will make this Saturday walking across the graduation stage to receive her Business Management degree – just her and Calliope, both adorned in cap and gown.
Though Cepeda’s journey from her birthplace of Monterey Mexico to Houston, was lengthy, her most cherished journey is the one she will make this Saturday walking across the graduation stage to receive her Business Management degree – just her and Calliope, both adorned in cap and gown.
“Graduation is a major accomplishment because despite all the difficulties and obstacles I had to face, they didn’t discourage me from accomplishing my goal,” Cepeda said.
This story was written by Texas Southern University. This story is publisged here with permission.
Morgan State University (MSU) President David Wilson today announced that nationally syndicated columnist, author and noted broadcast journalist Roland S. Martin will be the commencement speaker for the University’s graduation ceremony to be held on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, in the University’s Talmadge Hill Field House. Martin will deliver his address before a graduating class of nearly 400 students, during the first of three special commencement ceremonies commemorating Morgan’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary.
“Throughout Morgan’s storied history, commencement has remained a very special occasion for the University, our students and their families,” said President Wilson. “This December’s ceremony takes on added significance, as it marks the beginning of Morgan’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary celebration. For 150 years, Morgan has been a major center for the exchange of ideas and a cultural touchstone for the community that we serve, and it is only fitting that we bring in one of the voices of this generation in Roland Martin, to impart a fresh perspective and words of inspiration to our next group of leaders.”
Roland Martin, no stranger to lending his voice to the important issues of the day affecting African Americans, is the host and managing editor of TV One’s NewsOne Now, a daily morning news program that focuses on analysis of politics. In addition, he is a nationally syndicated columnist and serves as senior analyst for The Tom Joyner Morning Show, where his daily segment is heard on more than 100 stations broadcasting to eight million listeners. He also is the author of three books and spent six years as a contributor for CNN, appearing on numerous shows and earning accolades for his no-holds-barred honesty, conviction and perspective on various matters.
Before participating in the sesquicentennial commencement ceremony, Martin will host his NewsOne Now program live on the campus and broadcast it from the MSU School of Global Journalism and Communication’s Bear-TV studio.
The December commencement activities will also include the award of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree to Willie E. Lanier Sr., a Morgan alumnus and chair of the MSU Foundation board. Lanier is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a successful businessman who recently bestowed a $500,000 gift to establish an endowed lectureship in business ethics at Morgan’s Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management. Since his graduation from Morgan in 1967, he has been a standout both on and off the field as a professional, ultimately making his mark in business as the president and CEO of Virginia-based Lanier GroupLLC.
In addition, a posthumous degree will be awarded to student Dmitri T. Clemons, a civil engineering major from Silver Spring, Md., who died unexpectedly in September 2016 after meeting his requirements for graduation. Clemons’ mother will be on hand to accept the degree on his behalf.
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral Research Institution offering more than 70 academic programs leading to bachelor’s degrees as well as programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. As Maryland’s premier public urban research university, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. More information about the university is available at www.morgan.edu.
This story was written by Morgan State University. This story is published here with permission.
In an article that originally appeared at beingtheboy.com, Laura Eley and Miah Hardy writes about a day in the life of the trans-Black man at an historically black college or university (HBCU), and in particular at Spelman.
When Keo Chance O’Neal, a self-proclaimed Spel-Man, got to campus at Spelman during his freshman year, he said that it “was really hard trying to deal with my identity and just the Black community in general and not being accepted.”
“Not everyone was as aware of pronouns and preferred name,” O’Neal added. “…I got called my legal name a lot and I went by she/her pronouns because no one could understand the concept of they/them pronouns.”
Spelman College’s Fitness Coordinator for the Wellness Center and LGBTQIA advocate Makeba Reed-Johnson said that Black people “should be so sensitive to discrimination, but we’re not.”
“We’re sensitive to it when it’s directed against us, but when other marginalized groups are discriminated against, we don’t have that same level of compassion,” Reed-Johnson said.
“There’s a lot that needs to go into meeting the needs of queer students, queer students that are already here and queer students [Spelman’s administration] plans on accepting,” O’Neal said. “I think that part of being a Spelman student is changing the world, so why can’t I change the world while also bringing Spelman along with me?”
