Millennials—the demographic between the ages of 18 and 35—have toppled baby boomers and are reportedly more than 74 million strong in the U.S. What’s more, minorities constitute a big makeup of that population. According to a Brookings Institute report citing data from the Census Bureau, minorities make up 27% of the total millennial population. That millennial group represents 47% of the money-earning minority workforce.
THE MINDS OF MILLENNIALS
It seems these days so many outlets are trying to get into the minds of millennials. A recent Harvard University survey of millennials ages 18 to 29 found that only 11% expressed trust in “Wall Street,” which includes banking and finances overall.
Using MFourDIY, the market research industry’s all-mobile, do-it-yourself platform for designing and carrying out studies, MFour recently conducted a survey of millennials across the representative U.S. millennial population by sex, age, race/ethnicity, income and employment status. MFour posed some 30 questions to millennials who make up about 60% of its million-member active panel, all of whom participate in research via MFour’s on the Go app for smartphones and tablets.
Here are some of the insights from MFour on how millennials manage their money.
MOBILE BANKING
Only 18.1% of millennials said they prefer to do their banking in person. Roughly two-thirds had been to the bank in the past month. What’s more, 61.2% of millennials preferred to do their banking with mobile apps, with 82.7% having used a mobile banking app during the past month. Mobile was the most-preferred banking method across all racial, ethnic, and age groupings as well as income brackets, according to the MFour survey.
Asked how confident they are in the security of banking/finance apps, 62.9% were confident or very confident and 27.4% were neutral. Only 9.7% stated any concern. Mobile apps such as PayPal and Venmo edged out cash as the way millennials most prefer to transfer money to family and friends, MFour discovered.
PC PAYMENTS AND CHECKS
Only 71.6% of millennials had used a personal computer for banking during the past month. That figure fell to 66.7% for the youngest age bracket, 18-24. The survey further revealed that younger millennials also were less likely to use a PC to make a payment—51.1% in the past month, compared to 61.2% of millennials overall.
When asked about their preferences for checks, millennials made it clear that they don’t want a physical check as a gift. In fact, only 10% said they wanted checks from family and friends. Moreover, only 17% of the MFour respondents had written a check during the previous week, while 26.6% said it had been six months or more since they’d written a check, and 24% said they had never used a check.
However, MFour did point out that 87% of millennials do have a checking account—more than any other banking product. It’s just that mobile is their transaction of choice.
This article was written by Carolyn M. Brow , a writer at Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. It is published here with permission.
On October 21, after a two-year hiatus, Howard University Homecoming Steering Committee resurged one of Howard’s greatest homecoming traditions-International Yardfest. The rebirth instilled enthusiasm and excitement from Howard students which erupted from performances of Common, Lil Uzi Vert, Faith Evans, Wale, Fabolous, and Will Tha Rapper.
Due to crowd control issues, Yardfest banned live music from the scene leaving Big Sean as Yardfest’s last headliner in 2013. Undoubtedly, complaints and disapproval from Howard students overflowed.
2016 Howard graduate, Matthew Holmes shared his experience:
“The homecoming committee wanted us to understand the power of yardfest and its meaning to homecoming. I was aggravated but understood why it was taken away for a while.”
Senior, Safir Monroe, expressed his thoughts:
“I felt angry. Homecoming is supposed to be an event to have fun and having performers at Yardfest was the one aspect that was missing from it. I am happy that it was able to return for my senior year.”
Although Common and Evans’ career launched before the birth of most of Howard’s undergraduate population, both acts were accepted with uncontrollable energy. “I was actually surprised to perform at Howard. Initially, I thought my performance would be for alumni- assuming that the students wanted someone fresher and younger,” Evans said. “Overall I was honored and excited.”
Common performing “Black America Again” at International Yardfest.
Common performed “Black America Again” allowing the audience to focus on social issues and challenges affecting the black community which to some students was labelled as “preaching.” A poignant moment occurred when he rapped, “I know that Black Lives Matter and they matter to us,” ensuring his consciousness of reality.
I was actually surprised to perform at Howard. Initially, I thought my performance would be for alumni- assuming that the students wanted someone fresher and younger.
The heavy rainstorm did little to dampen the students’ spirit. Reactions from the sight of Philadelphia rapper Lil Uzi Vert confirmed this. His performance of “Money Longer”, “You Was Right” and “Ps & Qs exhilarated the crowd. Sophomores Bryce Ellen and Kaitlyn Whiting recounted their encounter with Lil Uzi Vert.
“Since I was near the front, I could hear the weight of the crowd behind me. As soon as Lil Uzi appeared, everybody started screaming and tried to bum-rush the stage,” said Ellen.
Whiting agreed, “Everyone went crazy when Uzi came out. Somebody’s drink wasted all over my white shirt and my friend dropped her phone and got stepped on and now it’s cracked.”
The five-hour free concert concluded with unexpected D.C. natives Wale and Will Tha Rapper. Although Wale’s set was no more than twenty minutes, his rendition of “Bad” had the crowd emotionally attached leading to an outbreak of chaos that transformed its way into a rhythm with “No Hands.”
Will Tha Rapper’s “Pull Up Hop Out,” according to sophomore Sherielle Henry, “had the crowd going from one to ten. Everyone was LIT. It was full of singing, dancing, and jumping.”
The reappearance of Yardfest left freshmen like Rebecca Johnson in awe:
“I was unaware of the two-year gap, but aside from the rain, it was amazing. The vibe was great, there wasn’t really much conflict. Wale and Lil Uzi Vert surprised me. It was like a real Coachella type thing. I loved it.”
Yardfest’s revival received positive reviews from current students and alumni via social media. Howard’s music festival was thoroughly enjoyed by all classifications eagerly waiting for the potential 2017 has.
Jackson State University students participated in “5 Days of Giving” on campus to give back for a good cause.
As Jackson State University Homecoming quickly approaches, students are thrilled about the entire week and what is to come. More specifically, they are excited that Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz will be performing at their Homecoming concert, however, the ticket cost was not so attractive.
To address this issue the Campus Activities Board launched their “5 Days of Giving.” For five days from 12-1 they gave out a specific amount of homecoming concert tickets in exchange for 10 non-perishable items. In total, by the end of the week, they raised over 12,000 non-perishable items.
Last week a local food center, Stewpot was broken into and many items were deemed stolen. Stewpot received the majority of the donations so that they can restock their shelves. Items will also be donated to Gateway, Salvation Army, and Stewpot again on Monday. Over 1,000 students on campus received a concert ticket, that was originally being sold for $30.
Campus Activities Board President Larry Strickland released a statement:
“Our primary goal was to be of service not only to the student community but to the community that surrounds our school. We hear the concerns of the students and acted immediately and by doing so killed two birds with one stone. I’m excited to see what the 2016-2017 CAB Administration has in store this academic school year. Stay tuned!”
The JSU Homecoming Concert will be on Tuesday, October 25th at 8 p.m.
Rock Hill, S.C.- Junior Aaliyah Howard and freshman Channelle Wong finished in first and second place, respectively to lead the Albany State women’s cross country team to the 2016 SIAC championship. The 4K event was held in Rock Hill, S.C. and featured 12 conference teams and 69 competitors.
Albany State, who last won the title in 2012, recorded a total time of 1:49:31.42 to run away from the rest of the field. Benedict College, the 2015 league champion, finished second with a time of 1:51:24.52. Paine College, who is coached by former ASU track athlete Michael Hamer, finished in third place, clocking in at 1:55:22.27.
Clark Atlanta was the fourth place team with a time of 1:56:16.32, and Kentucky State (1:55:52.77) earned the fifth place spot.
Individually, Howard won the event with a time of 20:42.87, and Wong finished at 20:50.55. The Lady Rams also had two other Top 10 finishers in sophomore Raelyn Brown (21:44.33), who placed seventh, and ninth place finisher freshman Kashia Darville (21:58.22).
Howard was named the SIAC Most Valuable Player of the meet. Wong, Brown and Darville were also named to the all-conference team for finishing in the Top 10. ASU head coach Kenneth Taylor was named the 2016 SIAC Coach of the Year, but he credited assistant coach Robert Smith for generating the team’s success.
Sophomore Shamicah Tardy (24:15.45) finished in 31st place, and freshman Roneisha Scott recorded a time of 24:46.43 to place 34th.
Rock Hill, S.C.- Freshman Robert Grooms (28:28.41) earned seventh place to lead the Albany State men’s cross country team to a second place finish at the 2016 SIAC Championships, which were held in Rock Hill, S.C. The 8K run featured a total of 75 competitors from 10 conference schools.
Albany State, who finished in third place at the 2015 championships, placed six of its seven runners in Top 15 and recorded a total time of 2:23:36.35. The Golden Rams finished behind Morehouse College. The Maroon Tigers won the league title with a total time of 2:18:48.42. Benedict College garnered third place, clocking in at 2:22:25.92.
Tuskegee was the fourth place team with a time of 2:39:27.01. Clark Atlanta (2:41:35.02) placed fifth.
In addition to Grooms, sophomore Kamil Jones recorded a time of 28:30.30 to earn eighth place, and Khaleed Barrett (28:30.90) was also a Top 10 finisher in ninth place.
Grooms, Jones and Barrett each earned 2016 SIAC All-Conference honors for finishing in the Top 10. Jones was also a member of the all-conference team in 2015.
Junior Jamorris Hill narrowly missed earning top honors in the meet. He finished with a time of 28:47.26, which was good for 11th place. D’Shaun James (29:19:48) and Joshua Ajiero (29:26.03) placed 13th and 14th, respectively. Martin Jones was 23rd with a time of 31:12.49.
David Duke, the former Ku Klux Klan leader and Donald Trump supporter, will get a spot on the debate stage in Louisiana’s Senate race, according to Politico.
From The Week:
“When Duke, 66, learned he would be invited to participate, he said it was “amazing” but that he is concerned about his safety: “Dillard is pretty supportive of Black Lives Matter, and I’ve been pretty critical of them,” Duke said.”
Duke, a white supremacist, former Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, and a firm supporter of Trump, announced that he was running late this summer, reports Politico, adding “GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump had inspired him and drawn more followers to his cause. Other Republicans in the state have disavowed him and the Republican National Committee and Louisiana GOP explored booting him out of the party.”
The debate is scheduled to be held at historically black college or university (HBCU) Dillard University in New Orleans on Nov. 2.
President Barack Obama released a proclamation on Friday declaring October 23 through October 29, 2016, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. You can read his entire statement, from the Office of the White House Press Secretary, below:
America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are living monuments to the cause that has driven each generation of our citizens in the task of perfecting our Union — helping ensure that all people can experience the fullest measure of equality, justice, and possibility. Embodying the notion that the ability to pursue a higher education should be an opportunity available to all, rather than a privilege for a few, these campuses were built from a determination to widely and profoundly expand the reach of our country’s promise. During National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we celebrate this aspiration and reaffirm our support for HBCUs.
Rendered possible by the extraordinary sacrifices and commitment of women and men who resolved to make real and enduring the new birth of freedom that echoed across our country following the end of the Civil War, the rise of these proud institutions marked the beginning of a new chapter in our national narrative. With each generation, HBCUs have shaped America for the better in indelible ways. From a pastor who would give voice to equality’s cause to the great-grandson of a slave who would reach the bench of our highest court; from pioneers of medical and scientific breakthroughs to creators of innovative and prosperous businesses; from artists who expand the boundaries of expression to historians who illuminate our past and help us write our future, so much of the progress that has come to define America has been carried forward by graduates, academics, and leaders of these colleges and universities.
Since I took office, my Administration has focused on expanding opportunity and opening doors of higher education for more people. We have increased Pell Grants, expanded student loan assistance going directly to students, cut taxes for those paying tuition, allowed students to cap their Federal loan payments at 10 percent of their income, and created the College Scorecard to assist prospective students in understanding their options for pursuing a higher education. Today, more Americans are earning a degree in post-secondary education than ever before, and HBCUs are playing an important role. In the 6 years since I signed an Executive Order bolstering the White House Initiative on HBCUs, we have helped ensure that more students have greater opportunities and that these institutions can benefit from a fuller range of Federal programs and assistance. HBCUs and community colleges help build our Nation’s economy and strengthen the middle class, which is why I am working to make 2 years of community college free for hardworking students across our country through America’s College Promise — a proposal that also helps 4-year HBCUs provide more low-income students with up to 2 years of college for free or at reduced tuition.
This week, we recognize the ways in which HBCUs are central to our experience as a Nation and recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead. Let us honor the spirit in which these institutions were constructed by reaffirming the enduring truths at their core, and let us continue endeavoring to ensure all people have the chance to access higher education and secure ever greater opportunity.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 23 through October 29, 2016, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon educators, public officials, professional organizations, corporations, and all Americans to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the countless contributions these institutions and their alumni have made to our country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.
John B. King Jr., the secretary of education and an education champion, will give a speech in Arlington on Oct. 24 to address the progress of the country’s 107 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
HBCUs, as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, include: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans…” Today, HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions prepare students to serve domestically and internationally in public and private sector professions.
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.
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.
