An HBCU Collegiate Sports Organization Launches Partnership With Walker & Co.

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The grooming company aimed at people of color, Walker & Co. launches a partnership with an HBCU collegiate sports organization

Bevel is about to be used on a number of athletes’ faces. Bevel is a shaving system designed to prevent shaving bumps and skin irritation, made by Walker & Co., and founded by Tristan Walker. The company just announced a partnership with The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

“Our mission at Walker & Co. is to make health and beauty simple for people of color,” said Tristan Walker, founder and CEO of Walker & Co., in a statement. “Given the SIAC’s ties with historically black colleges and universities, we jumped at the opportunity to partner with the conference as we continue delivering the best products and customer service to people of color.”

tcs-logoWith the partnership, Bevel becomes the official grooming product of the SIAC. Walker & Co. will coordinate on-site activation opportunities at all SIAC championships and special auxiliary events. The two entities will also collaborate to create digital and social media activation opportunities.

“We are excited to partner with Walker & Co., which is in the vanguard in delivering outstanding grooming products and customer service to people of color,” said SIAC Commissioner Greg Moore in a press release.

The SIAC is an NCAA athletic conference that includes 14 member institutions (Albany State University, Benedict College, Central State University, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Paine College, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University).

The organization sponsors six women’s sports and seven men’s sports and has led NCAA Division II in average football attendance for 13 consecutive seasons.

Entrepreneur Tristan Walker launched Walker & Co. in 2013. His company has raised more than $33 million in funding to date. Walker will be among the impressive lineup of keynote speakers at Black Enterprise’s TechConneXt Tech Summit this Oct. 10-11 at the San Francisco Marriot Waterfront Hotel in Burlingame, California.

This article was written by Samara Lynn, a writer at Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. It is published here with permission.

Former Tuskegee University President, Dr. Benjamin F. Payton Dies

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It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Tuskegee University’s Fifth President, Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, who passed this morning, September 28, 2016. Dr. Payton served as President from 1981-2010, and became President Emeritus on August 1, 2010. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to continue the University’s legacy of exemplary leadership.

Dr. Payton received the B.A. degree with honors from South Carolina State University in 1955; the B.D. degree from Harvard University in 1958; the M.A. degree from Columbia University in 1960; and the Ph.D. degree from Yale University in 1963.

Survivors include one son, Mark Steven (Christiane) Payton; one daughter, Deborah Elizabeth Payton; four grandchildren, Danielle Marie, Maya Elizabeth, William Isaac and Nicholas Warren Payton; and three brothers and three sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Plane Payton, in 2013, and by two of his brothers, Leroy Oscar Payton and James Israel Payton, in 1998 and 1999, respectively.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. in the Tuskegee University Chapel. The family hour will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Peoples Funeral Home in Tuskegee, Alabama.

“Tuskegee University is deeply saddened at the loss of the university’s 5th President, Dr. Benjamin F. Payton. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire Tuskegee University community,” said 7th president Dr. Brian L. Johnson.

This article is an official release by Tuskegee University 

HBCU Buzz CEO, Luke Lawal Jr. Makes The Root 100 List of Influential African Americans

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After more than 6 years of sacrifice, hard work, and development, HBCU Buzz is proud to serve as the leading source of historically black college and university news, sports, and information. CEO and Founder Luke Lawal is the captain of the ship, and we are proud to announce he has just been named to The Root 100: an annual list of the most influential African Americans in the fields of business, science, politics, technology, social justice, sports and entertainment.

The Root 100: 2016, contains a list of 100 African Americans, ages 25-45, who are responsible for this year’s most significant cultural moments, social movements, and big ideas. Luke Lawal, HBCU Buzz CEO and founder, came in at #96 on the Root 100 list whereas Beyonce came in at #1 and Lebron James following at #2.

The proud Bowie State University graduate, man of Omega Psi Phi, and master mason says:

Thluke-lawal-rightis is amazing. It is truly a blessing.  I am so grateful to know that others label me as an influencer within the African American community. HBCU Buzz strives to promote unity within the HBCU communities to enhance their culture and improve the perception of HBCUs. I have the greatest HBCU Buzz team; Tommy Meade, Sonia Montalvo, and Brittany Ireland are the wheels that keep this train moving. Thank you to The Root for shedding light on the positive impact that we strive to create.

We look forward to the many accomplishments of our CEO Luke and the Entire Buzz team. Congratulations. This is only the beginning!

Former Paine College Student Works To Raise Awareness On HIV

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Gaston Toland is a 26-year-old male from Greensville, South Carolina who has been living with HIV for three years. He began his undergraduate studies in Media Studies, Journalism, and Broadcast at Paine College located in Augusta, GA in 2010, after deciding that this school would be the best fit for him. “I enjoyed that school. I loved it to be honest. I just feel like it was where I needed to be,” said Gaston about his years at Paine College.

On April 25, 2013, he received life-changing news. While attending PAC week at the school, which is held to symbolize HIV awareness, he tested positive for HIV.

“I personally knew about my status, I just wasn’t disclosing it to anyone,” he said.

In this case, Gaston actually knew the partner from whom he contracted it.

However, he was unaware of the fact that his former partner, who he had dated for a while, knew he was HIV positive. He made the decision to reveal who he got it from after he went downtown to an apartment complex to sign-up to join an HIV awareness campaign for travel opportunities and community service hours.

Here, he received comfort, support, and encouragement to be honest and save others from contracting HIV.

He later showed the test to his partner, who at the time worked at MCG Hospital. Gaston then went to Wal-Mart to get another test and the results were the same.

After taking this second test, he decided not to report it to the State of Georgia’s Health Department and remained silent for eight months. Over the course of these eight months, he developed a Staph Infection that grew in his neck, three centimeters away from his windpipe.

This is when Gaston finally decided to speak up.

“When I got the Staph Infection, it was kind of like God telling me I had to speak and I had to speak immediately or else I’m going to die.”

When he found out about the infection, he checked himself into MCG hospital where he remained for twelve hours, untreated and uninformed. It wasn’t until he attempted to discharge himself, that the nurse told him they had discovered spots on his lungs and there was a 98% chance that he had Cancer.

“I was finally able to discharge myself without her knowing when she received a phone call to go up to the front desk and that’s when I left,” Gatson said.

Gaston went home that night but the next morning, he found himself unable to move. “I couldn’t move, I couldn’t sit up straight, I couldn’t do anything,” he said.

That’s when he called campus security to transport him to Universal Hospital where he was taken in immediately. Here, he met up with his parents and friends and received an outpour of love and support after telling them about his status.

He had surgery to remove the Staph Infection in his neck in November and returned back to living a pretty normal life.

Gaston went public on December 1, after typing and sending a Facebook status on his phone shortly before it cut off.

“I was in the car with my mom, brother, and nephew and I told my mom to pull over. I got out the car and fell to my knees and started thanking God for everything he has done for me,” he said.

When Gaston was finally able to check his Facebook page, contrary to the ridicule he thought he would get, he received more love, support, and understanding for his courage.

Although Gaston is publicly HIV positive, he still lives a normal life.

He works two jobs, takes his medication and enjoys typical everyday hobbies and activities such as reading, writing, blogging, exercising and working on his book.

He was motivated to begin a T-shirt line designed for anyone living with a disease. The goal was to get people to have a positive outlook on life while living with their disease.

“Your disease does not have you, you have the disease. No matter what anybody tells you, you’re healthy,” he said. The shirt reads “Walk, Race, Help, Save,” which are all symbolic. Walk as if this is your last day on this Earth. Race means that a disease has no color, it’s just here. Help; each one, reach one, teach one, means to help spread awareness and finally, Save a life.

Gaston looks to re-open his T-shirt line at the beginning of 2017.

As far as spreading awareness, educating people about HIV is important.

“Education will really open your eyes as to how you can contract the virus, how you can live with the virus. It’s all about education at the end of the day,” said Gaston.

In the United States, people living with Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) is ranked the highest among young homosexual and bisexual males, not including the ones who go undiagnosed and untreated. HIV is a virus that is spread through certain body fluids that attack the body’s immune system and CD4 cells. If it goes untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells in the body causing damage to the immune system. HIV can be transmitted by sexual contact, sharing needles to inject drugs, or from a mother to a baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of HIV medicines every day known an HIV regimen.

ART helps those with HIV live longer, healthier lives.

There is no cure for this virus.

A Stand Against Lung Cancer: Hoop For Hope 2016 Recap

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The 5th Annual Hoop for Hope brought together the Howard and D.C. community last Saturday through the love of basketball while advocating and promoting the awareness of lung cancer. 

Through vendors, cyphers, raffles, donations, dunk contests and workout sessions by Project Snatched LLC and Pretty Girls Sweat, Hoop for Hope continues to give a hands-on experience to educate athletes on how to prevent and provide treatment for different life-threatening illnesses each year.  

First basketball game of the tournament.
First basketball game of the tournament.

For cancer to be the second leading cause of death in the nation and for D.C. to have one of the highest cancer mortality rates that remain significantly high in the African American community, Hoop for Hope became an event to help recognize and try to resolve the issue.

Founders and Howard alumni, Kiera “KB” Thomas and Ayokunle “Ayo” Amoo established Hoop for Hope in 2011 during their sophomore year. Amoo claims that the lack of camaraderie within Howard and the D.C. community prompted him to launch Hoop for Hope:

“It is a huge opportunity to impact people and bridge the gap between college and city to learn about awareness and health to prevent cancer.”

In addition to raising awareness, donations were a big ordeal in order to provide treatment for cancer patients. 

Over the past few years donations were raised in the hundreds, but through fundraising activities, this year’s aim was to break the barrier and reach a minimum of $1000 dollars for a $10,000 dollar goal while allowing the event to be memorable and educational.

Throughout the weeks of preparation that led up to the tournament, first-time volunteers had their own perspective of Hoop for Hope’s initiative.

Sophomore, Isaiah Parkes elaborates on his initial thoughts:

“I would like to give thanks to Ayo and KB for giving me an opportunity that I enjoyed volunteering for.”

Everybody that attended simultaneously enjoyed themselves while supporting lung cancer. Sophomore, Ruth Adewale reflects:

“Hoop for Hope impacted the community by bringing people together and educating them on the importance of cancer and how it affects our community. I would appreciate if KB and Ayo continued their grind because I can envision the potential of this event and would like to volunteer again.”

From the support of Hoop for Hope’s volunteers and KB and Ayo’s dedication and effort to produce an annual three-on-three basketball tournament, Hoop for Hope 2017 geared towards childhood cancer is one to look forward to. More information and updates about next year can be found here.

HBCU Alum Shawn Thompson Creates Business That Markets HBCUs

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Remember seeing pictures from freshman pinning ceremonies and convocations? If so, do you remember the special touches of school spirit that symbolized individuals being a part of the college or university family? Logo My Logo helps many historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) with marketing material because the company feels that these universities should look their best since they educate some of the brightest. From t-shirts to banners, mugs to ties and scarfs, items as such are hot commodities as souvenirs. They are loud speaking utensils by representing without having to voice it.

In the past, they have worked with Dillard University and Kentucky State University to help the black colleges brand themselves in the best way possible.

Five years ago, Tennessee State University alum Shawn Thompson created Logo My Logo, a company that specializes promotional products.

In 2011, a dream became reality just because Thompson was prepared.

A friend accompanied Thompson to lunch one day and suddenly asked Thompson, “What’s next for you?” Nervous but prepared he explained his dream for his business. Questions began to come his way. “Do you have a plan?” “What is the name of your business?” “Do you have your marketing material?” “How much will it cost?”

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When asked the last question this was the turning point of his business becoming busy.

Having all of the answers his friend was insured that he was ready to take off. When Thompson told his friend the business would take $25,000.00 to begin, he made a statement that most would need to be repeated because to hear it would make you want confirmation of what exactly was said. “That’s easy,” stated Thompson’s friend who took out his checkbook and wrote out the amount of $25,000.00.

“We help HBCU’s share their story by taking a product to move their message wherever they are trying to go.”

It’s not every day that people invest that much money into a dream!

This is an example of why you should always have your plan together because at any moment someone can come along ready to help you make it come to life.

Having the name of his company since 2004, Thompson was nervous because he had never run a business before. Instead of staying in the mindset of thinking, he put together a plan to innovate and not isolate his thoughts. After working for a company that did similar business for twelve years, Thompson stepped out and realizes that he could run his own business.

Thompson understands the importance of investment and giving back.

That’s why Logo My Logo awarded a grant to Tennessee State University and 11 HBCUs across the country with banners and t-shirts supporting a community service initiative “HBCU Spread The Service.”

“We help HBCU’s share their story by taking a product to move their message wherever they are trying to go,” he said.

Logo My Logo works with athletic teams to recruitment offices of various institutions in helping birth school spirit and unity through finding the right logo an product to market.

If you ever need an example for motivation to shift your dreams into action and turn your blueprint into a grand opening always remember Logo My Logo. You can check out the company on Instagram @logomylogo and their website at http://2logomylogo.com/.

HBCU Grad Writes Children’s Book On Handling Police Brutality

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Children all over this country are terrified as a result of black men being killed at the hands of police officers. Bethune-Cookman alum Darnell Lamont Walker recently wrote an incredible book on how to have “the talk” with your children.

Walker held a conversation with his 11-yr-old son Darnell, after he went through a terrifying nightmare about being attacked by police. Having to explain various situations involving police and black men Walker became inspired to write a children’s book that helps children cope with police brutality and what to do if encountered by police. With the last few incidents of black men losing their life to police, Walker has made the eBook version of his children’s book I Hate I Have To Tell You free.

The book is a family affair discussing what to do when handling a cop.  Walker has had his share with police so he has reflections that he can shift to in relating the book to children.  It was because of an incident that took place when he was 9-yrs-old that changed the way he viewed police for the rest of his life. When I was playing tag with my little cousin the police stopped me and held me for 30 minutes, questioning where I lived, with who, why was I running and it scared me,” stated Walker has he remembered the terrifying day.

Many black families, unfortunately, have this talk with their children but it goes far beyond respectability and politics. Families teach their children to put their hands up but in recent incidents like the death of Terence Crutcher, putting your hands up while obeying the police commands still ends in death.

The artwork of the book was brought to life because of an artist donating pictures to illustrate Walker’s life with Charles HF Davis creating the foreword and Deonte Staats creating the afterword.

Walker wants children to learn countless ways to avoid being killed by police.

The resolution of black society problems goes back to the quote from the mother of Emmett Till from years ago.

One question that Walker will never forget is when his son asked him, “What would you do if a cop killed me?”  All Walker wants the book to do is inspire critical thinking and deeper conversations between parents and their children.

A few years ago Walker almost became the next black male whose name flashed across the TV screen. “I was held at gunpoint by police in Daytona Beach simply for being black.” He recalls his arms being stretched out and his legs moving helplessly as he laid on the hard ground.  “One police officer had a gun on my friend’s head. We watched them lie and pull the entire police department along with the mayor into the situation.”

Questioning the existence of life is one of the last questions a caring parent wants to hear pertaining to their child.  This book stirred tension in a few.  Walker heard many arguments as to why a book at the capacity he created is not meant for the shelves for children.

“I’ve had white and black folks say, “You’re making all cops look bad” and “you’re trying to instill hatred in children toward cops” and “the gap is already wide!” And of course “I bet you won’t Write about black on black crime.”

 

You can check out the book for free here.

HBCU Students Stand In Solidarity With American University Amidst Racist Events

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American University students use Black Power symbol as sign of defiance.
American University students use Black Power symbol as a sign of defiance. Courtesy of Ted Chaffman.

After a series of racially related incidents at American University, Howard University students stood in solidarity with American students this past Monday at Mary Graydon Center by attending a protest organized by American’s Black Student Alliance (BSA).

Although the protest was a result of previous incidents, the catalyst occurred in two separate instances at Anderson Hall where two black freshmen students were physically and verbally harassed with banana peels and racial slurs by white males. One girl had a banana thrown into her dorm room while the other found rotten bananas placed outside her door and pictures of male genitalia on a whiteboard hanging outside her room.

As a former American student and current Howard student, sophomore Joshua Noel Rivera shared his thoughts about his former school and why he decided to emerge himself into Monday’s protest:

“I went in support of my fellow students of color to show them that even though I left American, I am still with them and will do what I can to help make a change. While I never felt at home there and am no longer a student, I really went there to support my friends and the organizations on American’s campus who are pushing to make a change.”

According to a few American students, BSA’s protest did not come as a shock. Ajani Skeete, a sophomore at American mentions:

“These hate crimes are layered on top of previous scandals and the general non-compliance with the administration. I can get expelled if I copy and paste a sentence from Wikipedia but not for committing a hate crime, and that is disgusting.” 

Rivera recalls:

“In the past, messages were written on whiteboards in student lounges and on personal whiteboards saying “N*gger.” The issue has gone beyond just black students. Students with Latin American backgrounds have had Trump stickers posted on their doors, Asian Americans have had messages such as “chink” written on their whiteboards. The accumulation of all of these events – and the administration’s lack of acknowledgment – led to the rally at the school.”

Although the heads of BSA held the stage for most of the protest, students, specifically of color were presented with an open space to speak out about their experiences at American. The BSA voiced their concerns about the lack of diversity initiatives on campus following a list of demands read including the immediate suspension of the aggressors and hiring more professors of color. A Recent victim, Neah Gray, spoke on her expectations at American and was disturbed at the recent race-related events she and others have experienced.

Just as Howard students stood in solidarity with students at the University of Missouri last November, Rivera, like many others, advocated against racism and discrimination to let American students understand that although Howard and American are two different universities, it is still the same fight.

HBCU Young Alumni Series: Paving the Way ft. Brianna Lauren

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In the most adorable way possible, North Carolina A&T grad is giving back to the community using her gift of writing and we’re so honored to have her featured on another segment of the HBCU Buzz Young Alumni Series. Noticing the void in representation of African American children’s books, Ms. Lauren alongside illustrator, Alejandro Socorro, took the initiative to create something positive for children of all cultural backgrounds, as it offers representation for African American family units, as well diversity from a minority point of view.

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Photo cred. daughter of NCAT alumni, Marcus and Xavia

CH: We’ll start with the basics. Did you always know you wanted to write a children’s book? If so, did you always have your own childhood in mind for inspiration?

BL: I didn’t always know I wanted to write Breebe’s Brand New Baby Brother, but I did always know I wanted to write. When I was little, I had black and white composition books filled with short stories, poems and songs. I don’t remember if any of the stories and poems made sense but that’s where it all started. I also wrote skits and plays and I would direct the neighborhood kids and my brothers. It wasn’t until I got older that I decided to write a children’s book and I thought what better inspiration than my own childhood.

CH: What is the creative process like for creating something that a young person can comprehend?

BL: The creative process begins with putting myself in the shoes of my prospective readers. I think about the books I loved to read as a child and why I loved to read them. I think about the lesson I’m trying to teach and the best way to present it. The great thing about kids is they are like sponges, they absorb lessons so easily. I don’t have to over simplify anything, I just try to make it fun. I want children to learn from my stories but most of all I want them to enjoy the story I’m telling.

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CH: Being that your little brother was a driving force behind this book, do you feel like traits from other family members were also reflected in the characters?

BL: My parents are also reflected in the characters. I wanted to make sure I showed a strong family unit, both my mother and my father. Unfortunately, people think black fathers are mythical creatures that aren’t present in the lives of their children. So I made sure children saw the mom and dad present in Breebe & Kel’s lives

CH: I absolutely agree; so many people fail to understand that black fathers do exist. In your interview, you made a point to say that representation for children of color in books is important. How do you think your own child’s future will benefit from having an esteem that was essentially molded by exposure to people that looked like him growing up?

BL: I believe that my son will benefit greatly by seeing hisself positively reflected in characters that look like him. He will know there are no limits to what he can accomplish if he is willing to work hard and believes in himself.

“I think seeing characters in books that are doing amazing things encourages children to reach beyond the stars.”

My son’s future will be so much brighter just by learning about and seeing black men and women in the pages of his favorite books. It will also enlighten children of other races by teaching them acceptance instead of tolerance.

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CH: Let’s talk a little bit about your background. What did you earn your college degree in and how did your educational background help you when the timecame to publish your book?

BL: I have a Bachelors of Science in Sports Science with a concentration in Business Administration. The business classes I took while in college assisted me in becoming an entrepreneur and marketing my book. My educational background was helpful but the connections I made at the schools I attended were invaluable. I know my publisher from high school (Arundel High School) and I made too many connections to count at my Alma mater, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. The connections I’ve made and learning how to properly network have really been a driving force behind the success of my book.

CH: How did you choose your illustrator?

BL: I went through fiverr.com to find an illustrator. I went through several different illustrators before I found Alejandro Socorro, whose illustrations aligned with my vision for the book.

CH: What do you think is your biggest take away from the completion of this project?

BL: I really want to stress the importance of following your dreams and walking in your purpose. It’s an amazing feeling when you’re doing something you were truly meant to do. For so long I really felt lost. I was watching my college friends excel and move into their careers and I had been doing the same job for 10 years. I was discouraged because I thought I should’ve been so much further in life than I was. I had stepped away from writing because I was so focused on football (I worked for A&T’s football team). I was always talking about what I was going to do instead of actually taking the steps to do it. Once I started working on my children’s book, I had this amazing sense of purpose. When I finished it, and decided to share it with others the feeling of joy was overwhelming.

“I want people to know if you feel unfulfilled, find your passion and GO FOR IT!”

I had so many excuses and “reasons” that I told myself over and over for why I couldn’t attain my dreams/goals. Your purpose may not match the field your degree is in. Don’t limit God’s plan for you. I had to learn that through experience but I hope someone else can learn from my mistakes and save themselves some time!

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CH: We’ve discussed how your family inspired the book. How does your journey as a wife and new mom and the role you play in your household inspire you?

BL: My new roles have been extremely inspiring. As a mother, I strive to reach every single one of my goals so I can show my son he can accomplish anything. I want to be the best version of myself so that I can not only teach him but lead by example. He inspires me to be great, relentless and successful. People tend to think that when you have children you have to sacrifice your dreams and aspirations. Motherhood has done the complete opposite for me, it is motivation to dream bigger.

As a wife, I am inspired to be everything my husband deserves and more. One night I overheard my husband telling our son that his mom (me) is fearless. It felt amazing that I live my life in such a way that my husband thinks I’m fearless (which isn’t completely true, I’m afraid of spiders). Despite my flaws and downfalls I will always have these 2 guys that love me and believe in me that is the best form of inspiration!

Learn more about the Miami Gardens Initiative and purchase Breebe’s New Baby Brother by: Brianna Lauren on Kindle and hardcopy here

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VGMHTa9f7c?rel=0]

Everything You Need to Know Before Grand Opening Of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

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The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will hold its grand opening Saturday2016, September 24, 2016 and its set to air live on C-Span at 10 am. In addition, C-SPAN3 will air at 8 am at the National Mall to cover sights and sounds, museum staff setting up, and guests arriving outside the museum.

“We are doing this to give people who cannot make it a sense of being here,” said Susan Bundock, executive producer of American History TV on C-SPAN3. “We want them to see guests arriving and getting into position to watch the ceremony to get a sense of what’s happening to get the museum ready.”

C-SPAN has produced content about the museum that dates back to 2001 including press conference; house or senate, early tours of the museum, the ground breaking ceremony and more. C-SPAN houses a lot of content and stories that serve as a network of records of the development of the museum.

The museum was established to tell the American story through the challenges that African Americans endured and the contributions they made throughout history.

The Freedom Sounds Festival will kick off the weekend of the grand opening on Friday, September 23, and continue on Saturday, September 24 after the grand opening ceremony and Sunday, September 25.

Live music, special guests and speakers, and more will accompany the opening ceremony.

President Barack Obama, founding Museum Director Lonnie Bunch, along with other guest speakers are set to speak at the opening ceremony. First Lady Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Rep. John Lewis and Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton are all scheduled to be in attendance at the ceremony. Wynton Marsalis, Jazz musician, will perform a composition during the opening.

If you are unable to watch it live, visit https://t.co/osvfSVB2X4 to watch the grand opening ceremony at your convenience.

Senate Session to consider bill to authorize museum

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Senate Session – Bill to authorize the establishment of the National African American Museum within the Smithsonian Institution Senate Sen. John Warner (R-VA) on bill to authorize S 523.

WATCH LIVE

Members of Congress Hold a news conference about plans to build museum

Members spoke to reporters about plans to build a museum featuring Africa-American citizens on the national mall in Washington, DC.
WATCH VIDEO

Hearing on Museum – House Oversight Committee

African-American History Museum Witnesses testified about a proposal to build a National Museum of African American History on the National Mall. Among the topics they addressed were the location of the museum, maintaining security at the museum, potential exhibits, and preserving open spaces on the mall.
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Museum hosts “Save our African American Treasures” event

Museum staff and participants in the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s “Save Our African American Treasures” event spoke about the museum and the importance of preserving African American history. This event took place at the Carnegie Library in Washington, D.C.

At the time of filming, the National Museum of African American History and Culture was under construction on the National Mall and was expected to open in 2016. The museum had hosted several events since 2008 called “Save Our African American Treasures,” during which people brought in family artifacts and spoke to curators about how to best preserve them.
WATCH VIDEO 

One Year Countdown to Museum Opening

National Museum of African American History and Culture Ceremony The Smithsonian Institution hosted a ceremony to mark the one-year countdown to the November 2016 opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The event included speakers, performances, and video and still images projected onto the museum’s exterior.

Sean Diddy Combs Gives Back to Howard University, 1 Million Dollars During Bad Boy Reunion Tour

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Sean "Diddy" Combs (R) presents his Alma Matter Howard University's President Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., MBA with one million dollar check at the Puff Daddy and Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour at the Verizon Center on September 22, 2016 in Washington D.C. (LARRY FRENCH/GETTY IMAGES FOR LIVE NATION)
Sean “Diddy” Combs (R) presents his Alma Matter Howard University’s President Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., MBA with one million dollar check at the Puff Daddy and Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour at the Verizon Center on September 22, 2016 in Washington D.C. (LARRY FRENCH/GETTY IMAGES FOR LIVE NATION)

When it comes to HBCU’s especially, it’s always notable when a person of influence gives back to their respective alma maters. During the Thursday night show of the Bad Boy Reunion Tour at the Verizon Center – Washington, D.C., entertainment mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs, awarded Howard University a check for $1 million for any student who is currently struggling to pay for school and/or unable to pay off student debt.

Being Howard University alumnus and one of five to receive doctoral honors from Howard University, it’s understood why Sean Combs, professionally known as P. Diddy, chose Howard University over anywhere else. As a federally charted, private HBCU, tuition per year is roughly $35,000, therefore, the student on the receiving is has so much to be thankful for in this moment.

APSIA Admissions Success at the Chicago Cultural Center

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On Thursday, September 22nd at the Chicago Cultural Center in Chicago, IL, professionals in the private, public, and non-profit sector along with students were able to meet the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) admissions team to learn more about a few amazing opportunities.

The students and professionals discovered ways to pair work experience with a graduate degree to transform their career! In addition to receiving a stellar education, students gain APSIA’s alumni networks and career advancement opportunities.

Dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, APSIA has posed the question: How can deans and directors from leading schools of international affairs better prepare students for professional careers in the field? The organization was founded with the intent to serve students and support their career goals. APSIA understands:

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“The world is interconnected. Trade; communication technologies; health and security concerns; our shared environment; and personal relationships tie us all together.

Careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors demand professionals who reflect and understand that interdependence. Graduate schools of international affairs help you to weave these different strands together — and set you apart from other candidates.

International affairs programs equip graduates with an understanding of regions, languages, and global trends. They provide skills in project management; problem solving; teamwork; and analysis. Cross-cultural training is not an add-on to the curriculum; rather, students live it every day as they mix with classmates from a diverse range of backgrounds.”

screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-9-34-46-amAPSIA graduates excel in the public, private and non- governmental sectors. On average 35% of APSIA graduates go into the public sector, 30% are employed in the private sector, 30% work in the non-governmental sector, and 5% are in other sectors. APSIA graduates run businesses, work for peace, expand trade, counsel governments, and much more.

 

 

 

Learn more about the alumni networks and career advancement opportunities. More information here

 

Are You Ready For Hoop For Hope’s 5th Annual Basketball Tournament At Howard University?

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This weekend, get ready to turn up for a great cause!

The 5th Annual Hoop For Hope Basketball Tournament is back to raise awareness for Lung Cancer. With sixteen different teams, sixteen black business sponsors, food trucks, a Hip screen-shot-2016-09-20-at-3-12-38-pmHop cypher and more, this is an event that you do not want to miss.

The Foundation

The Hoop For All Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded to promote the awareness of health issues in different communities in addition to supporting charities in their fundraising efforts and increasing activity involvement in various communities. In 2012, Howard University Alumni Ayokunle Amoo and Kiera “KB” Thomas, founded the Hoop For Hope basketball tournament. The event has educated many people on the various types of cancer and has also been able to raise money to support research and individual patients affected by cancer.

our goal is to change the community by impacting lives. Cancer affects everyone in one form or the other. But together we believe that we can win the fight against cancer through education, awareness, and fundraising. -Ayokunle Amoo (Co-FOunder of hoop for all)

The Tournament

This year, Hoop For Hope’s partners and sponsors include businesses such as: the American Lung Association, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, AB Foundation, Pretty Girls Sweat and Red Bull. The tournament features three on three basketball games, a dunk contest, a three-point shooting contest, halftime performances, a DJ battle, giveaways, free food, and the opportunity for people to donate to the partnering cancer centers.

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The tournament will take place on September 24th, 2016 at Bruce Monroe Park (3000 Georgia Ave. NW, 20001)  in Washington, DC.

For more details, check out the Hoop For All website: http://www.hoopforall.com.

Mothers Of The Movement Host Roundtable Discussion At NCAT

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In 2016, the number hashtags increase, as the statistics continue to prove that black lives don’t matter in this country. At this point, racism is disease most of us don’t know how to cure. As much as protection and liberty for all matters, minority groups are the ones who suffer the most, because they seem to be the exception in this country. Despite the blatant acts of racism and countless number of senseless murders that happen across this nation, especially in the black community, there’s still hope, thanks to people who fight relentlessly for the sake of black lives and for the freedom of the groups that continue to face oppression daily.

Mothers of the Movement play a leading role in the Black Lives Matter campaign, which is a sub-organization composed of the mothers of those who were killed at the hands of police officers in the past 4 years. On September 19, 2016, three of these phenomenal women, the mothers of Sandra Bland (Geneva Reed-Veal), Dontre Hamilton (Maria Hamilton), and Eric Garner (Gwen Carr) graced the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in a roundtable discussion, dealing with issues such as race, mental health, politics and being voices in a society that wants to silence us. All three have worked closely with their local governments and Hillary Clinton in this presenditial election to attempt to bring about serious change. It was not only an honor to be in the pressence of these dynamic women, but also an inspiration to emerse ourselves in our own individual movements for the cause, register to vote (by October 14, 2016), and empower others to do the same.

Although the video is semi-long, I wanted other students across the nation to have an opportunity to seize what was in store for us coming from these mothers. You can check out the entire video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVCKHkBaXMM

Facebook User Live Streams Riots In Charlotte, NC

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CHARLOTTE, NC – Keith Lamont Scott, 43, is the latest victim in a string of high profile police shootings. Witnesses, including some of Scott’s family members, said he was reading a book in his car when undercover cops approached the vehicle, allegedly executing a search warrant. Police officers claim Scott was in fact armed and “posed an imminent deadly threat to officers.” One officer yelled “gun,” and police opened fire. Fatally striking Scott. His family says he was disabled. This witness’ account is taken by a man named Mills Shaka Zulu Gill, from Facebook streaming live.

In one of his several Facebook videos after the shooting incident, at one point Mills Shaka Zulu Gill had over 72,000 likes, 95,500 shares, and 1.1 million views, his numbers gradually rising. A former student at UNC Charlotte, Gill has been following the unfolding story all day. Through out his videos, Gill can be heard receiving praise from other protesters for his efforts to get Keith Lamont Scott’s story heard all around the world. He is seen giving live updates, on the spot interviews, and has rallied countless people to come out to Charlotte to protest. One woman came all the way from Atlanta, Georgia, which is about a 4 hour drive. The live stream has even captured the attention of mainstream media outlets such as CNN and The Huffington Post.

As the protest evolved onto the I-85 Interstate, protesters were seen on Zulu Gills’ feed blocking traffic, chanting, looting trucks, and demanding national attention. A fire was also started. Riot police soon arrived on the scene. Zulu’s camera captures an altercation between an officer and protester while black men yell out, “don’t touch her,” “don’t touch the queen.” Afterwards, Gill gets into his car to exit the highway. A police officer’s vehicle lights are seen in the distance before Gill cuts his feed.

Mills Shaka Zulu Gill has recently posted on his page that he plans to start a GoFundMe page for the victim’s family. The videos can be viewed publicly on his page.

He was also reached out to for comment.