Paris Dennard is the new head of strategic communications for TMCF, or the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that serves as a voice of historically black colleges or universities (HBCU). He is also a Trump supporter.
It is an unlikely union, as Dennard and TMCF President Johnny C. Taylor, according to The Atlantic, explained if he can be both an advocate of black colleges and a vocal voice in the Republican party at the same time. The answer is yes:
“I am an advocate by the nature of where I work. Johnny [Taylor] makes that very clear,” he expanded, “so I will speak up and talk about HBCUs in the political sphere.”
Taylor toldThe Atlantic that he sees Dennard, a graduate of Pepperdine University in Malibu, as an asset and not an issue.
BLUEPRINT: Howard University Homecoming Week is underway.
With high expectations already established for Howard University’s homecoming entitled “BLUEPRINT,” the most anticipated week has made landfall with the Homecoming Pep Rally with hosts Malachi Dozier (Mic Man Mal) and Michele Henix featuring special guest Shy Glizzy.
The ambiance was filled with excitement and enthusiasm, thanks to Howard’s “Showtime” marching band, cheerleaders, Bisonettes, Ooh La La dancers and sounds by 93.9 WKYS, WHBC, and 2016’s Top HBCU DJs member DJ Swerve.
Sound complications were apparent throughout the event causing inaudibility from Dozier, Henix and Glizzy. This generated discontent from students.
Howard University sophomore Sydney Pollock tweeted:
“I’m honestly just hurt about Glizzy’s microphone. I rock with Glizzy heavy and he was trying to turn up, but I couldn’t hear him.”
Later, students reflected on past homecomings and were able to explain why and why not as the initial kickoff for homecoming, the pep rally sets the tone for the entire week.
Howard University students pictured. Image credit: The Root
Howard senior Jalen Douglas recounted her previous homecomings and claims the pep rally does not set the tone:
“The pep rally might affect underclassmen just because they have not experienced a real homecoming. You cannot rely solely on Howard to provide you with a lit homecoming. Add your twist, make your own fun, make your own homecoming.”
Sabre Harvey, a Howard sophomore, disagrees:
“Whether or not the pep rally was deemed as fun or not, Howard will always be lit at whatever we do, but I do think that the pep rally sets the tone for the rest of the week.”
The event ended with the habitual Swag Surf with a surprise. The founders of the dance craze, Fast Life Yungstaz (F.L.Y.) joined with students as the event concluded.
Whether or not the initial kick-off event for BLUEPRINT shredded a light on what is to come, Howard’s 93rd annual homecoming remains a week to look forward to.
Anyone following the US presidential campaign is already aware that appropriate language is not a phrase one would normally associate with Republican candidate Donald Trump as he is known to ruffle quite a few feathers. Among his choice of distasteful words, the 70 year old has been denying sexual assault allegations stemming from a 2005 interview where he boasted about sexually assaulting women which recently resurfaced and spread across the web like wild fire.
Now the presidential candidate is at the center of more controversy after a clip from a 2006 New York Expo resurfaced in which he called former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice “a bitch”……yikes. Trump told onlookers
I wish she was a bitch. I don’t care if she’s a lovely woman. I want somebody that can go and make deals. She goes to countries, nothing ever happens.
Since the clip has resurfaced, Ms. Rice, has been giving Mr Trump major shade taking to her Facebook page and posting “Enough! Donald Trump should not be President. He should withdraw.” She added: “As a Republican, I hope to support someone who has the dignity and stature to run for the highest office in the greatest democracy on earth.”
Even 10 years ago Trump seems perfectly fine picking fights with people. During this campaign season, he has made outlandish comments to other women and criticized the old GOP guard. But it looks like his comments are coming back to haunt him.
Universal Pictures and HBCU Buzz have teamed up in the Rep Your HBCU Almost Christmas Sweepstakes. (3) Lucky winners will win one of the following prizes below. The contest ends November 2nd. Fill out the following form and tweet about the contest with the hashtag #HBCUPride & #AlmostChristmas HBCU Buzz will pick the winner in a random drawing.
Good luck and stay tuned to find out who wins!
PRIZES
1st Grand Prize Winner – ALMOST CHRISTMAS Game Day Chair and a $250 Wal-Mart Gift Card
2nd Place Winner – ALMOST CHRISTMAS Game Day Chair and a $50 Grocery Store Gift Card (local store)
3rd Place Winner –ALMOST CHRISTMAS Game Day Chair and two tickets to see ALMOST CHRISTMAS in theaters
DIRECTIONS
Post a video or picture of you showing how you ‘Rep your HBCU’ on social media
Use the hashtag #HBCUPride & #AlmostChrismas
RULES
You must have an email address, Facebook, Twitter, OR Instagram account to be eligible to enter this giveaway. You must use the hashtag #hbcupride & #almostchristmas
The NPHC, or National Pan-Hellenic Council, is fondly called the “Divine Nine” by a host of people inside these sororities and fraternities and out. In May 1930, on the campus of historically black college or university (HBCU) Howard University in D.C., the collaborative organization of the NPHC was formally organized. The charter members of the council are Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta sororities, and Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi fraternities. Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma fraternities, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority joined in 1937.
Later in Nov. 1996, Iota Phi Theta was made a member of the NPHC. The fifth-largest growing black fraternity officially joined the NPHC in Feb. 1997.
Iota Phi Theta International Grand Polaris Bro. Robert Clark with Sigma Soror and hip-hop legend MC Lyte, at the Public Meeting Reception in 2015. Photo credit: Facebook
Iota Phi Theta, in collaboration with Sigma Gamma Rho, announced on Monday that the fraternity has officially executed a Memorandum of Understanding, focusing on addressing the social injustices that face our society on an effective and long-term basis, according to an email to Iota members that HBCU Buzz obtained. It is the first time in the fraternity’s history that this has happened:
Iota Phi Theta® Fraternity, Inc. has officially executed a Memorandum of Understanding with another black greek-letter organization for the first time in our illustrious history. We, along with the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., have teamed up to form…#MoreThanAHashtag.
This initiative will focus on addressing the social injustices that face our society on an effective and long-term basis. What’s unique about this focus is that #MoreThanAHashtag pays attention to issues that are not seen on television and/or social media every day.
The email from Iota Phi Theta also shared some of these issues:
Voter registrations & deputization
Participating on citizen review boards
Serving on grand juries & jury duty
Property taxes protesting
Participating in Home Owner Associations (HOA)/Civic Clubs/Municipal Utility Districts (MUD).
According to Iota Phi Theta, the fraternity wants to get as many people involved and engaged as possible especially on issues that impact the black community:
“Our goal and mission is to get as many Brothers, Sorors, Sweethearts, family, friends and community members as possible involved in local, regional and national organizations that directly affect and impact our lives and communities.”
On Monday morning Devon Mannery, a student at historically black college or university (HBCU) Jackson State University, was the victim of a fatal car accident.
“All he did [was] smile,” said one Jackson State University student after learning about the tragic end of Devon Mannery’s life.
At HBCU Jackson State University students have completed their midterms and are now prepping for homecoming which starts this week, however, the first day of homecoming week began with sad news.
News quickly spread throughout campus as students learned about the fatal car crash that took the life of Devon Monday morning.
Devon was traveling north on the I-55 Interstate in Mississippi, he was attempting to pass a truck on the right shoulder of the roadway as the vehicles collided, reports say.
Devon was loved on campus by many who came across him some point. Many knew him to be an outgoing, lovable, and hardworking individual. He was a proud member of the Sonic Boom of the South, War & Thunder drum line. The Boom was devastated after hearing the news about their dear brother.
The Boom was devastated after hearing the news about their dear brother.
The Student Government Association Bunch Administration released a statement:
“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of our fellow tiger and Sonic Boom Member Mr. Devon “Cujo” Mannery. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”
The night of receiving news about Devon many family members and friends took to social media their thoughts on the situation. “Rip Devon” became a trending topic on Twitter in Jackson, MS as many expressed their love for him. He touched many lives.
I remember marching with you in high school, g. I tried to be as loud as you but never quite got there. Gone too soon 👼🏽 RIP Devon #ICTpic.twitter.com/HJjl0iWtuq
DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University amassed 422 yards of total offence and recorded a season-best six sacks during a 33-3 homecoming victory over Savannah State University on Saturday inside a packed O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium with a crowd of 12,966 fans.
NCCU (5-2, 4-0 MEAC) remains unbeaten in the conference with its 11th consecutive win over MEAC opposition, including seven straight to end the 2015 campaign.
A dominant defensive effort by the Eagles resulted in 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and just 141 total yards by the visiting Tigers. Junior defensive lineman Ja’Quan Smith and senior linebackerLeGrande Harley topped NCCU with eight takedowns each, with Smith contributing 1.5 hits for a loss and a sack. Linebacker Reggie Hunter and end Frederick Henry-Ajudua each collected seven tackles and 2.5 hits for a loss, while Henry-Ajudua added 1.5 sacks with a safety to increase his MEAC-leading sack total to 5.5.
NCCU’s lone takeaway came via an interception by senior Ronald Conyers, his first career pick.
BOWIE, Md. – Sophomore quarterback Amir Hall (Bowie, Md.) scored on a 2-yard run with 9:46 remaining in the game to lift Bowie State University to a thrilling 38-37 come from behind Homecoming victory over Virginia State University on Saturday afternoon. The win puts the BSU Bulldogs in sole possession of first place in the CIAA North. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAWRENCE JOHNSON
Hall completed 25-of-36 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns to pace Bowie State’s offense. His primary target, senior Nyme Manns(Baltimore, Md.), recorded game-highs of 129 yards on eight receptions and scored two touchdowns. Junior Daivon Nixon (Laurel, Md.) and graduate student Kevaugn Townsend (Fort Washington, Md.) tallied a game-high 10 tackles each for the Bulldogs.
Bowie State (5-2, 4-0 CIAA, 2-0 North) drew first blood at the 9:20 mark of the first quarter on a Hall Manns 16-yard pass and catch for a 6-0 lead.
Virginia State’s Kevin Bellamy (Hampton, Va.) put the visitors in front 14-6 by the end of the first quarter with TD runs of two and 24 yards.
Hall and Manns teamed up again to pull the Bulldogs within one at 14-13 at the 9:38 mark of the second quarter, this time for an 18-yard score.
The Trojans quickly responded on their next possession as Cannon rumbled for a 76 yard touchdown run to set the score at 21-13 with 9:16 on the second quarter clock.
The Spring 16 line of the Epsilon Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated left their hEArts on this stage Thursday night! I am beyond proud of my Neos! They had precision, synchronization, impeccable timing, and most importantly ENTHUSIASM OWT OF THIS WORLD!!! OOOOOOOOOOO~OOP!
Clayton English won Last Comic Standing but he got his start at an HBCU. Darren Brand stars on MTV’s Wild N Out and together they share experiences attending an HBCU.
Trina hits the stage for BSU’s throwback concert series performing her classic hit single ‘Pull Over.’
She is accompanied by her performers, the ladies of Models Inc.
Founded by Bowie State alum, Aaron Handy with Iran “Bang” Paylor, Models Inc. was formed with three things in mind: To build self-esteem, enrich young adults, and create a safe place for youth and young adults to express themselves through artistic development and Runway performance. Visit Models Inc.
On October 11 at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, The Campaign for for Black Male Achievement and the Perception Institute presented its third “Black Male Reimagined III” with an emphasis on deconstructing the the black image and identity in the pre and post-Obama America.
The all-day presentation included performances, panelists, interactive discussions which explored the ‘realities, hopes, dreams, and challenges that are tied to the identity and perception of black men and women’ informed Vice President of Communications for the Campaign of Black Male Achievement, Rashid Shabazz.
Panelists included Tracy Martin and Ron Davis, both fathers of slain children Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis, discussed the challenges within themselves and others in the black community.
As the fourth anniversary of Jordan Davis’ death approaches and the rise of police brutality among young black males, Davis’ father continues to stand up for the black community. “Families are more than a fifteen minute spotlight. The media leaves, yet we still have issues surrounding us so I have to stand up because you are my children since mine was taken away from me”.
Left to Right: Shawn Dove, Ron Davis, Tracy Martin Courtesy of Black Male Reimagined
Moderator and CEO of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Shawn Dove, inquired on the difficulty of expressing fear, anger, frustration, and hatred without being labeled as hypersensitive black male. Both Martin and Davis agreed to not deliberately neglect and disregard sensitivity because it creates ticking timebombs of stress, rage and resentment.
“Sensitivity is overlooked and as the head of the household we put a shield over ourselves. We let society tear us apart. We need to start loving people more. We need to let our sons know we love them because they are African American males with potential and help them instil respect, love, and God into their lives”, emphasized Martin. Davis concurred. “We need to learn as men how to cry and live simultaneously.
Davis recommended strategies to preserve the life and potential we as young people have yet to discover. “Seeing as how we get shot with our hands up or with our hands in our pockets, we don’t know what to do or say anymore. We need to make sure of our situations by creating safe zones for ourselves. Davis continues to suggest “if you don’t change the laws/policies, you are going to be right here on this stage with me. We have domestic terrorism but we are not here to be murdered”.
Since the killings of Jordan Davis an Trayvon Martin become catalysts for the Black Lives Matter Movement, the fathers, like other panelist have learned to manage the inevitable rage by using their platform to speak upon social change and the need for African Americans to be the change that we wish to see in the world.
The Wallace Foundation selected Virginia State University, among six other universities, to participate in a national $47 million initiative to develop models over the next four years for improving university principle preparation programs and to examine state policy to see if it could be strengthened to encourage higher-quality training statewide. VSU, along with district partners and the Virginia Department of Education, will receive $2.4 million in the first year to participate.
The University Principal Preparation Initiative seeks to explore how university programs can improve their training so it reflects the evidence on how to best prepare effective principals, and then to share these insights to benefit the broader field. It aims to address a longstanding concern that many university programs have not kept pace with the growing demands of the principalship.
UNCF-member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) made significant progress in reducing student loan defaults rates, according to FY 2013 Cohort Default Rate data released last week. Two-thirds of the 37 HBCUs supported by UNCF reduced their FY 2013 Cohort Default Rates (CDRs) compared to the prior year, and some institutions cut default rates by 40 percent or more over the last two years.
“UNCF-member institutions have devoted tremendous time, resources and effort to reduce student loan defaults, all while using scarce funds to do their part, and these efforts are paying off,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF president and CEO. “Now, federal policymakers must step up to the plate to provide debt relief and better student loan services to the 80 percent of HBCU students who must borrow to get to and through college.”
Notably, all 101 eligible HBCUs produced three-year CDRs that fall below the 30 percent regulatory threshold. HBCUs were recognizedby the Education Department for innovative approaches toward default management and reduction, including best practices such as tracking measureable goals, engaging students at orientation with borrower topics, enhanced entrance and exit counseling, increased contact with delinquent borrowers and borrower tracking.
For additional progress on student loan debt, delinquencies and defaults, UNCF recommends that federal policymakers:
Reduce the need for low-income students to borrow by increasing grant and work-study opportunities
Make federal student loans less costly for students and their parents
Hold federal student loan servicing contractors accountable for serving students at a high level
Establish a single, simple and automatic income-based repayment plan for all federal student loan borrowers
Paris Dennard is the new head of strategic communications for TMCF, or the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that serves as a voice of historically black colleges or universities (HBCU). He is also a Trump supporter.
