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

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on
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.

Posted by HBCU Editors Posted on 5739 articles

ASU Women’s Soccer To Host First Camp In History

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on
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

Posted by Delvakio Brown
Posted on
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

Posted by Delvakio Brown
Posted on
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

Posted by William Jackson
Posted on
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.

20161210_131333

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.

20161210_142416

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

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on
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

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
Posted on
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

Posted by William Jackson
Posted on
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.

1

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.

taylor-and-me

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

Posted by NCCU
Posted on
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

Morgan State Stylish Buzz Of The Week: Aubrey Johnson

Posted by Delvakio Brown
Posted on
On the campus of Morgan State University walks a stylish young man driven to enhance the world through his passion of architecture. Aubrey Johnson, who attends Morgan, where he studies Architecture and is a native of Philadelphia, describes his style as simple and versatile.

“I just find ways to tweak it for myself.”

His brother, Austin Johnson, noted that Aubrey stirs away from following others, saying “I think that Aubrey’s style isn’t one that follows trends.”

“I would describe his style as being balanced between professional and comfortable,” Marcus Coates said.

Johnson was also the face of A.B.C Modeling Inc. for the academic school year of 2014-2015.

“I go by a memorable quote from my brother William Graves: “Improvisation is just a part of life.” Johnson said.

“I think Aubrey is constantly working to improve in all areas of life, style just happens to be one of them,” JaNee Keyes said.

When asked who he gains fashion inspiration from, Aubrey quickly responded his big brother, Austin, adding “I just find ways to tweak it for myself.” You can keep up with Aubrey Johnson on Instagram.

North Carolina Central Stylish Buzz Of The Week: Jessica Watson

Posted by Delvakio Brown
Posted on
It is a fact proven that North Carolina Central University students fly high in numerous aspects of life. They also are fly with style. Meet Jessica Watson, who is a NCCU student, where she studies Psychology and hails from Winston-Salem.

She describes her style as preeminent.

Whatever you wear, just make sure you wear it with confidence.

“What I like most about Jessica’s fashion is that “IT” is her own. She doesn’t try to copy what’s already out there, she creates ‘IT’,” Watson’s mother Lisa Lawson said. Her father, Phillip Watson, added that she “comes strong and hard.”

Watson says that she likes to switch it up to sweat pants, a baseball cap, and smart sneakers on a relaxed day (add: a grill) followed by a day for a warm fur coat and 5-inch heels. That’s a week of drastic changes for sure.

“We never know what ‘Jessica’ we’re going to see her in the next day. She always keeps us guessing,” her college friend Myles Alston said.

Watson said that her favorite quote is “You can never be overdressed” adding that it reminds her to explore different styles.

Watson is a member of the Student Government Association, Eagle Ambassador to potential students, Eagle Expert for student mentoring, a member of the University Honors Program in which she serves as Miss University Honors Program 2016-2017, and a recipient of the Eagle Scholarship which serves as a full academic scholarship is all under her belt only being a sophomore.

Working with the company Aldo Shoe Store when she has time grants her the opportunity to help those who need advice on shoes. It also expands her fashion sense while exposing her to a lot of different styles and cultures.

Some think that Watson spends a fortune on clothing, but that’s not the case. “She mixes pieces from various prices ranges and makes them look high end,” her aunt Angela Hubbard said.

“Whatever you wear, just make sure you wear it with confidence,” Watson said.

“When I shop with her, she may show me an item and I’m thinking “What in the world will she do with that?”, then when we get home and she does her fashion show for me it ends up just working for her. It’s truly amazing,” Lawson said.

You can keep up with Watson on Instagram @ Youngblvckgoddess

Bowie State University To Host ‘National Day Of Action Rally’

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
Posted on
Bowie State University has been named the location for a “National Day of Action Rally,” according to the university.

The university reported Sunday that the campus will welcome Maryland Democratic leaders to campus to support the Affordable Care Act at the BSU Student Center, doors are set to open at 1:30 pm.

Chris Van Hollen and other community activists and leaders including County Executives Rushern Baker and Ike Leggett, Representatives Steny Hoyer, Anthony Brown, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, John Delaney and others are expected to be in attendance.

Bowie State University is the oldest HBCU in Maryland.

Where Are They Now? HBCU Kings And Queens Edition: Miss Savannah State University Joi Zieh

Posted by Delvakio Brown
Posted on
Joi Zieh, Miss Savannah State University 2015-2016, thought she had life planned all out for after graduation. Boy, was she wrong. But she keeps going.

Serving as the 77th queen for the university placed Zieh in a goldmine of networking and exposure to different groups of people. “I’m so so proud to see how she made history by breaking down barriers in being the first Liberian born to become queen of Savannah State University,” her brother Bill Zieh said. This is what life after graduation was suppose to look like.

Graduation took place in the spring of 2016. That upcoming fall was the beginning of law school and the start of a new chapter resulted in moving to a new state for new experiences. This ultimate dream was brutally disrupted when life brought forth a storm of terrifying no’s. Not being able to take the LSAT exam when expected, meant that law school ceased to exist for the anticipated time frame. It took Zieh time to comprehend life because in her mind, she least expected life to gear towards an unknown track.

Life evolved from having a simple red, yellow, and green stop light to a four way stop with a blinking red light not knowing when and where to turn. Dealing with what life dealt, she used the time to study harder for the LSAT. Time for rejuvenation knocked peacefully and Zieh used time wisely to look for an internship for the spring of 2017. Life was aliening itself  swiftly and the ball seemed to be rolling with no problems. An acceptance came Zieh’s way when the Congressional Black Caucus Pathways to C-Suite Internship Program decided that she was a great fit.

As the time approached to move on the ball suddenly stopped rolling. Out of nowhere the company that Zieh was set to intern for swiftly decided at the last minute to cancel their internship program. Zieh began to spend more time with God in the midst of all the shut doors. “Her growth in God is beyond amazing. Watching her stay focus on God through all the good times and the bad times its unbelievable,” Bill Zieh said.

The most unpredictable spin happened once her HBCU love, Laurentiis Gaines, proposed to her in front of a large crowd after his graduation this past December. “Never did I think that I would be engaged and planning a wedding fresh out of college,” Zieh said. While some experiences in life come on a later date than expected, others come earlier than projected. One of the biggest lessons so far for Zieh is the attest to the plans of God not being on the time frame of ours resulting in personal acceptance of adjusting to the unwanted while still striving for dreams.

Zieh stated that she wish that she could have taken the time to prepare for random no’s and what if’s her senior year.  “If there was one thing that I would have done better, it would be planning for the “no’s” that come with life,” Zieh said. “It was hard going from being the official face of an entire university to having to scramble through the toughness of reality.” The milestone of taking the LSAT is now completed and preparing for law school once again begins. You can now catch Zieh working as a paralegal at an Atlanta Law Firm. While preparing for law school for fall 2017 she is working to gain experience in the legal field along with planning for her wedding.

When life gave lemons, Zieh learned to make new juices instead of regular lemonade. “I have noticed much growth from Joi in the area of self esteem. Though she carried herself well prior to graduating, I sense a level poise that was seldom seen before,” her mentor Randolph Samuel said. The reason the ambition never dies is because her experiences in college prepared her for bumps in the road.

The HBCU experience gave the opportunity to learn the importance of being an African American and a women in the real world. The HBCU leadership experiences granted a platform to expand speaking and presentation skills. “Her desire to work for her community and persistence to achieve her goals shows that she will work her hardest to be that guiding light for those she serves,” her fiance Laurentiis Gaines Jr. said.

Take a look at the gallery below to watch Joi’s college experience unfold up until life now.

HBCU Grad Bishop Eddie Long Dies Of Cancer At Age 63

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
Posted on
New Birth Missionary Baptist Pastor Eddie Long died in Atlanta on Sunday. He was 63.

Long, who attended North Carolina Central University, where he studied Business Administration and graduated in 1977, passed away from an “aggressive form of cancer,” according to a New Birth statement confirming his death.

“New Birth Missionary Baptist Church celebrates the life and legacy of Bishop Eddie L. Long who is now spiritually healed and home with the Lord,” the statement read. “Bishop Long, Senior Pastor of New Birth, transitioned from this life early Sunday morning after a gallant private fight with an aggressive form of cancer. As a man of God with unyielding faith, Bishop Long maintained his commitment to our Heavenly Father as he proclaimed that cancer would not kill his faith nor his spirit.”

“I am confident through my belief in God that my husband is now resting in a better place,” First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, Bishop Long’s wife of 27 years offered. “Although his transition leaves a void for those of us who loved him dearly, we can celebrate and be happy for him, knowing he’s at peace.”

Long took over as the senior pastor of the Georgia megachurch in 1987 and served in that position until his death in 2017.

Long had been fielding concerns about his health in recent years. The pastor once stated that he was recovering from a health challenge and he had hoped to get better soon.

Tributes quickly poured in for Long from friends and church members:

Check out Long’s “Going Through The Door” below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iJzCxagD5E

TSU School Of Public Affairs Receives Multi-Million Dollar Kellogg Grant

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on
HOUSTON — The Barbara Jordan – Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University (TSU) was recently awarded a $3.3 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The grant will expand The HBCU Gulf Coast Equity Consortium, a collaborative project involving Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) formed to address health equity, social inequality and the vulnerability of children and families in the Gulf Coast.

Texas Southern University President Dr. Austin A. Lane said, “We are elated that the Kellogg Foundation has recognized the necessity of this critical research cooperative to improve the lives of people living in the region. It is in line with TSU’s mission as a special-purpose institution dedicated to urban programming, and highlights the academic depth and strength of our talented faculty member and researcher Dr. Robert Bullard and the entire HBCU consortium team.”

Dr. Robert Bullard, a distinguished professor in TSU’s School of Public Affairs, and Dr. Beverly Wright of the Dillard University Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, served as the grant’s co-principal investigators.

“We are excited that the Kellogg Foundation grant allows us to expand our HBCU community-university equity network to address health and environmental issues in the Gulf Coast region using an equity and racial justice lens,” Dr. Bullard said. “Collectively, our HBCUs are in a unique position to build partnerships and implement a ‘southern initiative’ to address equity challenges that are unique to the South given our region’s history and legacy.”

“It is our goal to improve the quality of life for families and children in environmental justice communities through research, data collection, community training and advocacy,” Dr. Wright said. “This generous grant from the Kellogg Foundation gives us the opportunity to do this work.”

The project will focus on addressing social inequality, health equity and the well-being of children (prenatal to age eight) and families in five Gulf Coast states – Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida – with a special emphasis on Houston, New Orleans, Gulfport-Biloxi, Mobile, and Pensacola.

The Gulf Coast region ranked highest in poverty, food insecurity and “food deserts,” uninsured, and access to parks. The region also ranked in the bottom quartile for the state health-system performance, family and community well-being, and child well-being. Children in the region are considered at “ground zero” of multiple environmental assaults. According to the 2014 Kids Count report, the South (including Gulf Coast states) is the worst place for children and families due in part to hosting a disproportionate share of the nation’s chemical plants, refineries, seaports, and other dangerous polluting industries.

The HBCU Gulf Coast Equity Consortium, using state-of-the-art tools, community input and policy review/analysis to develop comprehensive plans and action strategies, seeks to improve the quality of life of children and families in the Gulf Coast.

About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation –

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life. The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org.

About Texas Southern University –

Texas Southern University (TSU) is a comprehensive, metropolitan institution providing academic and research programs that address critical urban issues, and prepares its increasingly diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of 8,000 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college. For more information, visit www.tsu.edu.

This story was written by The TSU Newsroom at tsu.edu, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.