HBCUs are some of the most stylish campuses in the world. Howard University, specifically, is a campus where some students will “pop out” just because. Overall, the goal for many students is to simply showcase their personality through what they wear on a daily basis.
Check out this week’s Stylish Buzz MarkAnthony Burns:
MarkAnthony Burns is a junior, Supply Chain Management major at Howard. He can be seen on campus in anything from a monochromatic streetwear look to an upscale suit and tie number.
“…Dress as if you were going to be interviewed on spot.”
MarkAnthony Burns
This Detroit native exudes style in every sense of the word. Through his use of bold colors, stunning name brand pieces, bright prints and unstoppable confidence, MarkAnthony has definitely created a name for himself on and off campus. His fashion idols include his dad (pictured below) who has been considered one of Detroit’s most fashionable people by his peers, and the rapper Fabolous who inspires MarkAnthony to keep looking to the 90s for fashion inspiration.
MarkAnthony describes his style as a “mixture of conservative and pop, and chic or as my friends would say “Chic Fly.” Detroit in general just breeds its natives to dress for success. Dressing has always been a huge part of my life, as it represents who you are as a person and the amount of creativity a person channels into their appearance.”
MarkAnthony’s Looks!
Make sure you follow MarkAnthony on Instagram so that you can stay updated on all of his upcoming looks!
A former Tuskegee Airmen, Willie Rogers, died in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, CBS News reports. He was 101. Rogers was also the oldest surviving member of the original Tuskegee Airmen. But CBS Tampa affiliate WTS reports that he was pretty low-key about his participation over the years, some of his own family didn’t know about his past. Rogers was drafted into the army in 1942 as part of the 100th Air Engineer Squad. Rogers also served with the Red Tail Angels. In 2007, President George W. Bush awarded Rogers with the Congressional Gold Medal.
Under the leadership of Dr. Frederick D. Patterson, the School of Veterinary Medicine was created at Tuskegee Institute, now University. (According to the university, nearly 75 percent of Black veterinarians in America are Tuskegee graduates.) Dr. Patterson also brought Tuskegee Airmen flight training program to the Institute. The all-Black squadrons were highly decorated World War II combat veterans and pioneers of the modern day Civil Rights Movement. Tuskegee University states that 15,000 men and women shared the “Tuskegee Experience” from 1942 to 1946.
When the sun is out and the weather is just right, in the “Land of Golden Sunshine,” you’re bound to find students strutting the campus of Tennessee State University. Fancy is a word that can describe the swag and Ja’Mecia Mone’.
“…There is nothing wrong with having a few trendy pieces in your closet.”
— Ja’Mecia Mone
“Fancy” Bailey is the example of stylish for this week. Bailey’s nickname Fancy can be heard yelled throughout the campus and in return, she turns with a smile. Bailey is a Mass Communications major with a concentration in Leadership Performance hailing from the same city as her Illustrious University, Nashville, Tennessee.
“Classic never trendy,” are the words of Bailey. Not a trend based type of young lady; Baily asks the question, “When a trend dies who are you?” She adores dresses, blazers, blouses, and solid T-Shirts when it comes to dressing down. Bailey does think trendy pieces are nice to have but limits them. “Now, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with having a few trendy pieces in your closet. However, don’t let that be ALL you have in wardrobe,” Bailey said.
You will not catch Bailey involved in campus organizations because her soul leads her to make a difference in her community through her voice and media skills. Being a motivational speaker for young ladies, she crafts her motivation into comedic but serious & focused topics geared toward feeling good about self, knowing who you are, and most important in her perspective knowing Jesus more than knowing self. With those concepts, Bailey stresses the fact that God can mold you into the woman he wants you to be.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts that Ms. Fancy goes by when it comes to clothing that she would like to share:
DO always look nice for no reason.
DO buy clothing that is versatile. You could dress it up or dress it down.
DO make sure to add your personal stamp to your trendy pieces.
DO mix and match your clothes! You have more options than you think. You’ll find yourself never repeating an outfit and saving money.
DON’T just dress up because you have extra hair in your head! Your weave is not the boss of you! Weave or no weave, still be your cute self!
DON’T “leggings are not fashion, it’s an excuse” – Timothy Snell. The End.
DON’T be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, you may start a trend.
DON’T be dull with professional attire. Yes, it is VERY possible to look professional and be glamorous!
You can keep up with Fancy and her stylish ways on instagram @FancyTheKing Twitter @MsFancyTweets and Snapchat @JmoneFancy
“What should we be doing going forward?” Africans can save Africa: Arnold Ekpe at TEDxEuston
There are millions of potential brother and sister bloggers in Africa, diverse people of color and culture, yearning to tell their stories, developing and waiting to share their brands and expand their opportunities to collaborate in education, business, commerce, finance and global entrepreneurship.
This writing is a contribution of knowledge to share and hopefully motivate and inspire Africans desiring to blog, microblog, videoblog, podcast and create dynamic content
within their communities. Their (African) voices and stories are important and should be shared on a global platform of respect and collaboration on dynamic Social Media platforms.
To represent the African diaspora and historical significance of the art of storytelling.
What better way than to share with the world, to create unique content that is just as diverse as the most culturally rich continent in the world, Africa. I encourage Africans of all ages to write their stories, to use their creativity to share innovative ideas and create content that bridges generations and cultures.
The ability to create unique and transformative content that can connect and unify their continent.
Following the literary talents of Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Wole Soyinka, Ben Okri, Buchi Emecheta, Ama Ata Aidoo, Dinaw Mengestu, Africans are historic creators of stories’, poets, and diverse content creators. African children are learning that through education
they can contribute to the world in ways not available decades ago.
Colonialism attempted to silence the voices of Africans, it failed because the voices of Africans can be heard whispered on the flowing waters and in the air currents, stories that travel through the trees, and the paths both dirt and paved across the continent.
Social Media platforms and tools are allowing African boys and girls to share their stories with the global community, bringing attention to their lives right from their mouths and to the ears of billions globally.
As an educator and parent, I want to encourage African children, teens, youth and young adults to share their stories through the diverse tools that blogging has to offer and enhance their language abilities, “language is the way to memory.”
Do not allow others to tell your stories as was done during the centuries of slavery, oppression and colonization.
In the spirit of Chinua Achebe share your stories and let the world hear you. Chinua Achebe the “Father of African Literature” has stated many times that the minds of the people were influenced by the colonization of Europeans. That African writers need to be activist in their
writing, to challenge the thinking of Africans, to encourage intellectualism and activism even still today.
The thinking and the writing of Africans are challenging the “emperors” way of thinking,
“because the storyteller has a different agenda” than the emperor, “Conversation with
Chinua Achebe 2012.”
In many ways, Africans have a responsibility to share their stories and share their voices, what better way to tell truth to life what Europeans have tried to deny for decades. There was a denial of building of thought leaders and intellectuals in Africa during colonial rule. The independence of
The independence of Ghana in 1957 and subsequently other African countries allowed for the potential of building new intellectuals that, in turn, will teach others. Sharing the value of their voices just as Achebe, Soyinka and others have done, storytelling is a powerful
tool to build cultural pride and dignity.
The 20th and 21st century have opened new ways for Africans to soar, to embrace the winds of change that allow for the chains of colonialism to dissipate. Achebe shares that Africans have the right to share their expressions. No matter the medium, the tools, or the platform. The encouragement of children is important because as Achebe says that “children can fly,” and should be encouraged to.
Achebe states that he writes because he likes to write, I feel the same passion. To share not just stories, but information to encourage people to think, contemplate, dream, consider the possibilities to grow beyond the limited imaginations of those that do not respect the diversity and the heritage of African nations or the diaspora.
Africans must tell their stories, share their voices and build a new dynamic identity for the 21st century.
Africans are more than a people to be colonized and ruled. They are a people that have passions, expectations, and dreams, this should be shared with the world. African voices can influence geopolitical decisions that will take Africa into the 22nd century and beyond.
Africans as a collective can influence the gaps in education, in commerce, in the innovation of technology and the opportunities to achieve more to the benefits of Africa and African people, not just people from other countries.
54 countries united to solve their own problems can achieve great things if they unite and speak united. Africa united as a strong united force to make positive, and transformative change.
These powerful words from stated that, “no foreigners have ever developed a country, the nationals have developed their own country.”
The Black Expo provides a wonderful opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs, performers and even youth, teens and young adults to show the community what they are about. How they can better engage and participate in making the community better for everyone in the areas of business, commerce, investments and building needed collaborations.
Networking is a learned experience that youth, and teens and young adults need to understand now at a young age to prepare them for future business, civic and community collaborations and projects. Many have a business dream but do not have access to the resources that allow the dream to come into fruition.
The mental spark is there, but the kindling needs to be provided to build the fire of production so it starts to burn hot and bright. Leading to a viable and strong business that contributes to the community.
Each year the Black Expo embraces, and recognizes and awards business owners, visionaries, entrepreneurs, innovators, and smart creatives. Their passions that drive them are inspiring and lead to continued opportunities to hire and mentor others with the same interests. Even in business it takes a village because the village will buy, barter, and have access to the services the business provides.
Building that business because the relationship is based on trust, respect and the accountability of providing a service and need for the community.
Many that attend the Black Expo, from our observations are looking for that spark of inspiration, that opportunity to gain the knowledge that will allow them to follow their dreams and to help their business.
Potentially hiring new people, providing educational training and financing investments to the community.
Small business is the glue that bonds communities and allows for re-investments. Technology has allowed many to connect with each other and build a network of clients and partnerships. The statements that many are starting to embrace is, “don’t look at your business competitor as competition, but an opportunity for collaboration.”
Hello Tee – www.shophellotee.com
In order for businesses to be recognized, Social Media is not the end all and be all, it contributes, but nothing beats meeting and greeting people with a handshake and a smile. Sharing information and “word of mouth” alliances.
As an Educational Technology and Social Media instructor at Edward Waters College, it is a requirement for my students to blog about their interests, passions, abilities and skills. Building their Brand and understanding how important a digital presence is, but more important building relationships in the community.
Volunteering, mentoring and helping outside of the business brings exposure and respect to the business.
As I talk to youth, teens and young adults at local and national conferences it is valuable because the information they gain is relevant and can be applied to their goals.
Youth, teens and young adults that have a business mind set must be taught things that are relevant to them for the now and how it influences their future.
Moxie Girl and Gabby
The Black Expo is a part of the building process to put people together, a platform where handshakes are exchanged, business cards are flowing and smiles are shared. Before many do business they establish a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
The business package starts with the building of relationships, having a solid Brand and knowing your Niche.
Developing a Marketing strategy that is a living document with multifaceted avenues to provide streams of revenue not just from one source, but dynamically creating a continuous path to making money, and just as importantly re-energizing the community with investments in people.
The desire to gain business power should never be the priority over humanity. It is the people that are the ones that will help build a business or allow that business to wither away. The youth, teens and young adults attending should be embraced, mentored and provided role models so they can achieve their dreams as future business owners.
Youth, teens and young adults are contributing to business success models.
Too many times there are gaps in education, political influence, economic stability, diversity in commerce and generational wealth is lacking.
Venues like the Black Expo are proved as viable, solid and productive Black businesses that are influencing the community in positive ways and showing each generation of youth that they do have alternatives to potentially dangerous and illegal activities.
There is life in following positive people doing positive things through education, hard work, networking, technology and investments.
Support Black Businesses because these Black businesses support the communities they are established in, by providing needed tax revenue, mentors, role models and job opportunities.
Pro. Wm Jackson, Blogger and Author Harold Harvey author of “Justice in the Round” Essay on the American Jury System.
This blog is independently written by #MyQuestToTeach The information is strictly the opinion of its writer. William Jackson, M.Ed. CVO My Quest To Teach @wmjackson Twitter.
Being fashionable is a huge priority on the campus of Tennessee State University. Whether it’s getting dressed up for Courtyard Wednesday or headed to a grown and sexy lounge in Nashville, Students dress in ways that impress. Justin Young, a senior business marketing major hailing from Clarksville, Tennessee takes his appearance very seriously. The way his dress code comes together includes exploring different variations of casual and professional looks from what is seen in person and online then adding his own flavor to it.
His passion for fashion can lead him in the right direction has his aspirations are to learn the ins and outs of marketing. Furthermore, he wants to lead a marketing team of a large company in the automotive or fashion industry. The company Cole Haan has inspired creative looks for Young. “Working for Cole Haan, I have become a fan of the innovation of mixing a dressy look with the street style,” Young said.
Rather it’s running for the Tennessee State University Flying Tigers Track Team, serving in Collegiate 100, or being active with the Zeta Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, Young is always up to something good on the campus of Tennessee State University.
Check out the photos below. You can keep up with Young’s styles on Instagram and Twitter.
In collaboration with Spanish and Journalism department, Howard University hosted its first semesterly cultural excursion entitled ‘Spanish for the News Media’ to Havana, Cuba during December 13-18.
The five-day expedition explored various aspects of the communist country in order to provide an opportunity for students to delve into the language, culture, and history of Havana in addition to sharpening journalistic skills by documenting every experience.
Anthony Brown, a junior at Howard, agreed.
“Being exposed and surrounded by the language enabled me to grasp it better,” Brown said. “Reading signs, conversing with people and reading menus in restaurants helps like nothing other. Journalistically, experiencing a new place and trying to consider how it from an unbiased perspective improved my ability to see things clearly.”
This was expounded upon by a surprise visit by Professor Max Barbosa, a communications professor at The University of Havana who discussed in English while students asked in Spanish the difference between the social, political, and economic issues blacks endure in the United States and Cuba. Due to Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro, blacks are viewed as equal- a complete contrast to the reality of many African Americans.
Two weeks since the death of Castro, all around Havana were signs and images immortalizing his death despite his desire not to be immortalized via statues and images. Castro’s death sparked an array of tourists visiting the Plaza de la Revolución for its cultural significance.
Plaza de la Revolucion. Courtesy of Daja Henry.
Howard student Francisco Joseph recounted his visit:
“I think the overall aspect for Cuba’s history really showed. The monuments weren’t erected for the people but were their to signify what they meant to the people. I think the perspective is often skewed of people thinking Cubans are glorifying their leaders, but it just is not true.”
Further historical visits included El Morro Castle, a fortress guarding the entrance to Havana Bay and Finca Vigia, home of Ernest Hemingway.
Howard student Adore Bagasao reminisced:
“The Hemingway house was breathtaking! When touring the house, we were able to see Hemingway’s typewriter, hunting trophies, graves of his dogs, boats, and the bathroom wall on which he wrote down his weight. The house almost seems frozen in time in which you can gain an insight in Hemingway’s life in Cuba. Even for those who aren’t Hemingway enthusiasts, the house has so much to offer. On the way out, we stopped at a stand for sugar cane cocktails which was one of the best drinks I had at Cuba.”
“I felt like the fortress was really inspiring to see,” Alexander Jeffrey, a sophomore at the black university, said. “It was a reminder of how their are grander things in life and even in history, It made me more appreciative of the country as a whole and their progression to where they are now. Seeing the fort reminds me that there is history behind these long standing sites and that we should sometimes stop and think”, reminisced sophomore Alexander Jeffery.
“Seeing the fort reminds me that there is [a lot of] history behind these long standing sites and that we should sometimes stop and think,” he added.
Upon meeting a group of Spelman students and Florida A&M University mathematics professor, Adam Bailey, Cuba appears to be the hot spot for cultural immersion and educational opportunities.
Howard senior Monesha Woods mentioned:
“Experiencing Cuba firsthand was a truly eye-opening experience. Not only was I able to learn so much about the culture there, but I also gained a whole new perspective on the Cuban way of living, much of which challenged my previous knowledge of the country. I left with a whole new understanding of their government and appreciation for their lifestyle.”
As the eighteen Howard students that attended reflect back on their journey to the once banned country, plans are already underway for the spring.
There is now an easier way to donate to a cause with less taken out of donations versus other crowdfunding sites thanks to North Carolina A&T graduate Ronell Miller. The concept of Sponsor4Change was created while Miller was studying aboard in Paris during the summer of 2015. The International Business major created the new crowdfunding site to instill accountability to funding by upholding criteria that ensure correct usage. Miller along with digital developers Stephanie Springer and Bill Lennox are tackling high levels of fraudulent activity because reform is necessary for the crowdfunding industry.
Have you ever thought about where funds go once the goal is reached for a crowdfunding campaign? It can easily be scrutinized and used for projects or personal use other than what is stated for the generalized campaign. One example of crowdfunding that went terribly wrong is the campaign started by Erik Chevalier on Kickstarter.com for a board game “The Doom That Came To ATLANTIC CITY.” The campaign raised more than $122,000.00 by 1,246 supporters. This averages out to $97.31 per donor.
This became the first investigation conducted by the Federal Trade Commission with crowdfunding back in 2015. Another case is when a Kickstarter supporter sued a Kickstarter project creator. Back in 2011, Seth Quest launched a campaign to create a standing iPad mount that raised over $35,000. Neil Singh was one support of many that Quest was not able to fulfill the preorder for. Singh, later on, filed a lawsuit which led Quest to bankruptcy. Sponsor 4 Change is different because of a few reasons.
Donations from donors are protected because the company buys the actual products or services that people are raising funds for. Famous crowdfunding site, GoFundMe, deducts a 5% fee from each donation a campaign receives along with a 3% processing fee according to its website. Sponsor4Change charges a 3% fee per donation along with a 3% processing fee. With the use of company cards services and products will be purchased from online companies to ensure campaigns are purchasing and collecting for reasons they are promoting for.
It will also test the validity of businesses that campaigns use. “We want to buy products or services over the phone in the near future but for now we are focused on online transactions.” The way the company operates makes campaign creators actually think about what they need versus what they want.
When Sponsor4Change review campaigns that desire to use is services, it will make sure that costs for what the campaign is seeking to its services and products are aligned with the campaign objective.Sponsr4Change also cover that the businesses that are providing the products and services for the campaign are definite companies.
This results in a given estimate on how much revenue actually needs to be raised to fulfill the campaign needs.
Sponsor4Change takes an extra step by giving an authentic date and range of time for when services and products will be provided. Once campaign goals are reached the tables turn as the campaign organizers now hold the power to make a difference for a nonprofit organization. The choice of a nonprofit is up to the creator of the campaign if more money is raised than the stated goal amount.
Some organizations that Sponsors 4 Change has partnered with so far include Sisterhood of The Traveling Heart Incorporated, Georgia Giving A Hand, Brainiac Incorporated, Deaf Ability Resource, It Takes Two Incorporated, HBCUTRAVELERS.COM , and Raise ‘Em Up Mentoring. Sponsor4Change promotes itself as a proud supporter of small nonprofits to provide more recognition for the work they do by providing another avenue to raise capital.
You can pick any nonprofit that you want to donate too we just wanted to highlight some of these great organizations. If you want to create a campaign you can go on over to www.sponsor4change.org to register. Once your campaign is reviewed and approved the fundraising can begin.
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
Read the rules below
Post this link via Twitter or Facebook
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.
In many ways, Africans have a responsibility to share their stories and share their voices, what better way to tell truth to life what Europeans have tried to deny for decades. There was a denial of building of thought leaders and intellectuals in Africa during colonial rule. The independence of
Youth, teens and young adults are contributing to business success models.
