North Carolina A&T Jeremy Taylor Earns Title Of FCS Stats Player of the Week

Posted by Chymere A. Hayes
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Photo cred. Gerry Broome/Associated Press

Fall semester is in session and that means it’s a pretty exciting time for sports fans in America. Needless to say, football is back! Alongside the wins so far in the season, once again an athlete from North Carolina A&T State University has made notable headlines. Junior computer science major and linebacker, Jeremy Taylor, has been named the FCS Stats defensive player of the week, according to College Sports Madness. Alongside teammates Brandon Parker, Tarik Cohen, and Cody Jones, who all received conference recognition, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference also honored him as defensive player of the week.

Jeremy Taylor played a major role in in the Aggies’ most recent upset against Kent State in week 2. Leading the team with 15 tackles, 12/15 unassisted, two pass breakups, and 2 turnovers. The tackle and ball steal against Kent State’s QB, G. Bollas, one of the most epic plays of the game, pushed the ball to Aggies at the 38 yd. line in the 2nd quarter.

Last season, Taylor successfully played in 12 games without starting, accomplishing a total of 22 tackles (17 unassisted) and 2 sacks. In the 2014 season, he played 12 games with 2 starts, 27 tackles (11 unassisted), and 6 pass defenses. With plenty of room for growth in the current season, I can only predict the statistics to improve in 2016.

Congratulations to Jeremy Taylor and best wishes to continued success in the remainder of the season!

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NCAT vs Chowan Septemeber 20, 2014. Photo cred. Charles E. Watkins and Kevin L. Dorsey

This HBCU Grad Has Been Dubbed The “Sexiest Teacher In America” (Photos)

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Probably everything you can imagine exists on the internet.

Whether you’re in search of the best Asia Martin dance videos or looking for beautiful teachers to make your new Woman Crush Wednesday, it’s all here. Especially the part about beautiful teachers!

Apparently the internet has found our next Woman Crush Wednesday, and she teaches the fourth grade. Patrice “Tricey” Brown isn’t just any teacher. In fact, she is the sexiest teacher alive.

From GossipOnThis.com:

“An Atlanta elementary school teacher is blowing up on social media for her good looks and bangin’ body.

The teacher, whose real name is Patrice “Tricey” Brown, is a graduate from Alabama State University and teaches the fourth grade. She goes by “Paris Monroe” on Instagram and is being dubbed as the “sexiest teacher alive.”

Several rappers and celebrities have followed Ms. Brown’s IG page, which is currently sitting at around 35,000 followers (which isn’t bad at all for a teacher).

Brown’s page has also been showered with numerous compliments and dating offers by men, who wish she was their teacher when they were in the fourth grade.

“where were u when I was in 4th grade lol … all A’s on my report card lol would of been looking forward to go to school even on weekends,” one commenter wrote on IG.”

According to her Instagram, Ms. Brown is a graduate of HBCU Alabama State University. Now she’s dubbed the “sexiest teacher in America.”

ASU

So if you’re still looking for your next Woman Crush Wednesday, you can thank the internet for finding Ms. Brown!

PINK

WHITE

Tennessee State Student Brandon Lenox Publishes For The Unspoken

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Since 9th Grade Tennessee State University sophomore Brandon Lenox has used his talent of words to expressive himself. After competing in various poetry slams many people would ask Lenox where they can buy his poems. After many moments of touching people’s lives he began to put together all of his work and authored Diary of A Stage Sitter and later on isoLAtion.

Noticing that he didn’t have a cohesive piece of work he wanted to write poems that created self-motivation, that was easy to relate to, and base it on spreading love and faith.

When seeing ads on TV or opening brochures for colleges, you never see pictures of students starving because they don’t have food to eat. You never see them crying because keeping up with classes becomes unbearable. You never see confused faces because individuals are trying to figure out what they want to do in life. They don’t want to waste time and money because college is more than just a few dollars. You don’t see the struggles of waiting in financial aid lines and getting to the front of the line just to find out that something went wrong with your FASFA or loan.

Lenox writes a lot about his experience from his freshman year and believes it can motivate so many.  “When it comes to the freshman experience, I want to keep it real about the trials and tribulations because everything is not shown and many times there is no one to talk to”, stated Lenox.

In Diary of A Stage Sitter Lenox takes us on a journey that he speaks for all those who have words to say but always go unspoken. It’s the deep words of one’s soul that have been trapped and never found a door. Thinking that the poems would be hard to understand he struggled with the message but realized that the message is for personal interpretation. Being a part of a single parent home like many African American males in America, growing up wasn’t easy. Dealing with what life offered, which was a father who disappeared, and a mother who had to sacrifice more than she probably ever thought she would; created an earthquake in Lenox and now he speaks with passion to make a difference and relate to others.

41xkupE9GALIn isoLAtion he goes again correct grammar for the title because it has a message of its own. He emphasizes a lower case I to point out self-confidence and LA meaning love always.

Now 19, the sophomore hopes to reach hearts of many to give them something to read in knowing that even when you go unspoken you can still speak through difference volumes.

You can purchase Diary of A Stage Sitter and isoLAtion by clicking on the links below. In college many students can become isolated from everything and not realize that the campus they reside on has so many opportunities that would love to embrace them.  Through the book Lenox pushes readers into becoming confident in self. It’s okay to be a puzzle piece that doesn’t fit. It’s not meant to be forced.

Diary of A Stage Sitter

isolation

NCCU Student Spreads Favor Across North Carolina

Posted by Delvakio Brown
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img_0477Imagine having $30.00 and a mixer to start a business.

This is a reality for Master Baker and North Carolina Central University student Keijuane Hester. Favor Desserts and Coffee Shop came to fruition in a life changing experience.  Getting involved with a drug scene, mixing and whipping desserts started for Hester while he was incarcerated. It was in prison where he began creating his first specialty, carrot cake. Sitting baking to the side, Hester left his gift alone for two years. Soon potluck dinners would take place at his job so of course he would make dishes he’s good at, desserts!

After tasting his treats many co-workers began asking how much he would charge for a cake. He was soon laid off of that job but applied to another one that required the accomplishment of the same task. After coming home one day he received a call that he didn’t obtain the employment. This is the moment Hester decided to step out on his gift.

Traveling to Barbershops, beauty stores, and various restaurants Hester was on a quest to sell his delicious treats to all that would give their taste buds a chance to think the same thing. Suddenly the buzz began to grow about his baking and many became curious if he could actually bake. After writing down the goal of opening a store front, 8 ½ years later Favor Desserts opened its doors at 5607 NC 55105 Durham, NC 27713 in the Bentley Ridge Complex. It was because of his nonstop networking and marketing drive that he is now a successful business owner.

Working out of a garage to now having six employee’s Favor Desserts is reaching communities all over North Carolina. Many stores closed their doors on Labor Day but through the glass window, you could see Hester in his orange shirt working hard to finish up for a big night.

“Overnight success takes ten years, it doesn’t happen tomorrow, it happens after years of putting in work,” stated Hester as he finished up boxing cakes swiftly for a huge football game.

When the store opened all employees made it a priority to help feed the homeless, support back to school drives, and have purpose in giving back to the community.

Hester even hires ex-offenders because everyone needs a chance and opportunity at being the best they can become.

He was once in jail but never paid attention to negativity because that could never stop his dream of being a business owner.

“I don’t listen to negative talk, all is based on someone’s opinion.  I don’t let it stop me, block me, I don’t feed into it,” said Hester as he finished making the stores most popular cake, red velvet. Right beside the red velvet was his creation of “The Love Cake” which combines strawberry and red velvet together in one.

Specials include the following:

Monday: Red Velvet Slices $4.00

Tuesday: Buy 1 slice, get a cupcake for $1.25

Hump Day: All Cupcakes $2.00

Thursday: New Cake Alert

For the month of September 10″2 layer and pound cakes are $40.00

The name of the store came about because Hester wanted a name with meaning.  He wanted God’s favor over his store so he named it Favor Desserts.  He learned quickly that you should surround yourself with people who are trying to grow like you.  Attending North Carolina Central for fashion he can soon have an audience eat cake while watching a fashion show.

There is always a special day at Favor Desserts and don’t feel bad if you can’t get into the store because they ship off desserts as well.

You can keep up with Favor Desserts  on Instagram at favor_desserts, Twitter @favordesserts and Facebook Favor Desserts.

HBCU Enrollment Booming – Could This Be The Missouri Effect?

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imgresStudent protests at the University of Missouri last year captured the national spotlight and uncovered deep-seated racial tension on campus. But Mizzou was not alone. Several other campuses were also on edge—from the University of Oklahoma fraternity members caught singing a racist chant on video, to hate groups counter protesting a University of Mississippi student demonstration to remove the state flag with its Confederate emblem.

Walter M. Kimbrough, president of the historically Black Dillard University, points to the “Missouri Effect” in his new Washington Post article as an explanation for the enrollment increase this year at HBCUs.

Kimbrough said freshmen enrollment is up by 22 percent at his university, 49 percent at Shaw University in North Carolina, and 32 percent at TuskegeeUniversity in Alabama.

This upward trend goes back at least three years, according to University of Pennsylvania Professor Marybeth Gasman, director of the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions, and Ph.D. candidate Amanda Washington, a research assistant at the institute.

They wrote in The Hill that America’s social and political landscape contributes to the enrollment surge at HBCUs.

“Black students who choose to attend an HBCU are doing so to continue learning their history, to engage in an environment that appreciates their contributions, and to cultivate their minds in safe and welcoming spaces,” Gasman and Washington added.

Interestingly, many university presidents are apparently unaware of racial tensions on their own campus. A recent Inside Higher Ed and Gallup surveyfound that 84 percent of them believe race relations are excellent or good on their campus. But only 24 percent of the presidents believe race relations are good on other campuses.

Kimbrough said he graduated from predominantly White universities and believes that African-American students can flourish in that environment.

However, parents and students who choose those institutions must do so with their eyes wide open. For example, don’t expect (or demand) to find many Black professors at a university located in a rural area of a mostly White state.

At the same time, Kimbrough calls on White university presidents to lead the way on campus inclusiveness.

This is article was written by Nigel Roberts over at News One

Nation’s Football Classic: Is Howard or Hampton the Real HU?

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att_nfc_desdc_temp2_520x250This weekend, hold on to your seats as rival schools Howard University and Hampton University battle it out on the football field each clawing for the title of the Real HU. This college rivalry dates back decades and the winner of the game crushed the ego of the competition and secures bragging rights for an entire year! Last year, the Hampton Pirates brought the title back to their Home By the Sea. Will they go for a repeat this year?

The AT&T Nation’s Football Classic® was created to celebrate the passion and tradition of the college football experience; recognize the history of service to others by the students, faculty and alumni of historically black colleges and universities; highlight the unity of African-American culture; and honor the heritage and excellence of these proud institutions.

On September 17th at 3:30, enjoy the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic® at RFK Stadium in Washington DC. Howard and Hampton University share a commitment to higher education, a record of successful alumni, and top spots among historically black college and university rankings, but one thing they are not willing to share is being the #realHU.

The Nation’s Football Classic is more than a football game. Beginning on September 15, enjoy the festivities:

Technoir Innovator’s Classic 9/15, 7pm

Drawing from the very same spirit of healthy rivalry that is at the heart of AT&T Nation’s Football Classic, Technoir’s Innovators Classic has one aim – the unabashed celebration of Black brilliance. Join the live pitch competition featuring top black startup organizations. Enjoy food from Ivy City Smokehouse, open bar hour, and performances from DJ Mane Squeeze, DJ Spicoli, and DJ Jerome Baker III. Partners include Events DC, Shark Tank, Microsoft, UNCF, DC Chamber of Commerce, TipHub, Digital DC, ColorTech, and more! Get more information or your tickets here

Diversity in Sports Forum 9/16 8am

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Howard vs. Hampton Student Debate 9/16 1pm

Do not miss the opportunity to see student leaders from both Howard University and Hampton University go head to head. This event is free, and will take place on campus at Howard University in Cramton Auditorium.

Pepsi Block Party 9/17 11am

This year, the first ever #TailgateBattle commences! Showcase your tailgating skills in the designated tailgate lot (Lot 8) during the Pepsi Block Party. Three judges will circle the lot in search for the most creative and unique tailgate to receive the title of the 2016 Tailgate Champion! To increase your chances of being noticed, be sure to utilize your social media and use hashtag #TailgateBattle

GAMETIME 9/17 3:30pm

Join the fun at RFK Stadium. Do not miss kickoff! Purchase tickets here today.

To be in the center of the action, be sure to make your hotel accommodations at the official hotel for the weekend, Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.

Don’t be stuck in the nosebleed section, purchase your tickets to join in on the fun here today. The AT&T Nation’s Football Classic® is much more than a game – the Classic weekend includes an array of elements unique to the black college experience.For more information visit www.nationsfootballclassic.com

Delaware State Comes Up Short Against Monmouth

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Dover, Del. – Delaware State cut a 27-point deficit to seven early in the fourth quarter before running out of gas in a 34-20 loss to Monmouth in steamy conditions Saturday at Alumni Stadium.

The Hornets (0-2) trailed 27-0 after a third-quarter Monmouth touchdown.

On DSU’s first play from scrimmage on the ensuing possession, Brycen Alleyne scored a touchdown on a career-best 64-yard run to put the Hornets on the board. The touchdown run was the fourth of Alleyne’s career and his second score of the season. He had a 13-yard touchdown catch in the Hornets’ season opener at Delaware. Wisdom Nzidee’s extra point kick cut Monmouth’s lead to 27-7 with 4:03 left in the third quarter.

After the Hornet defense forced Monmouth to go three-and-out, Delaware State used a big play to pull even closer on its next possession.

The three-play, 62-yard drive was capped off with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Epperson to Jerimiah Williams. Epperson was forced out of the pocket and nearly sacked on the play before finding Williams behind the Monmouth secondary for his first career touchdown catch. DSU’s extra point attempt following the score was blocked, but the Hawks’ lead was cut to 27-13 with 43 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

The Hornet defense again held Monmouth without a first down on the next possession, giving DSU’s special teams a chance for a big play.

The punt attempt by Monmouth’s Matt White was blocked by Kameron Rogers. The ball was scooped up by DSU freshman Brock Nichols, who dashed to the endzone from 13 yards out to cut the Hawk’s lead to eight. Nzidee’s extra point kick capped off the 20-point DSU run, and pulled the Hornets to within 27-20 with 14:47 left in the fourth quarter.

Monmouth (2-0) answered with a long scoring drive to grab the momentum back from the Hornets. Reserve running back Ed Royds capped off the 17-play, 79-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run to give the Hawks a two-touchdown lead. Back-up quarterback Cody Williams completed six-of-seven passes for 40 yards, and Darren Ambush had a 20-yard run to highlight Monmouth’s seven-minute-44-second scoring drive.

The Hawks took advantage of two special teams plays and a Delaware State turnover to open up their big lead. Monmouth scored 10 points on drives that started after blocking two Hornet punts, and the Hawks added a touchdown four plays after a recovering a fumble at the DSU 26.

Monmouth outgained the Hornets 441-to-221 in the contest. The Hawks rushed for 206 yards and passed for 235. Delaware State had 124 yards rushing and 97 by the pass.

Image result for delaware state footballAlleyne rushed for a career-high 94 yards on just nine carries, while freshman Mike Waters added 33 yards on six rushing attempts.

Delaware State again used both Kobie Lain and Epperson at quarterback. Lain started the contest, and connected on six-of-12 passes 20 yards, while Epperson was three-for-seven for 77 yards. He threw his third TD pass of the season and was intercepted once in the game.

Royds led the Hawks with 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.

DSU linebacker Malik Harris had a game-high 11 tackles, including five solo stops, while fellow linebacker Rashawn Barrett recorded 10 tackles, highlighted by two behind the line-of-scrimmage.

The Hornets will have a week off before taking on FBS Missouri on Sep. 24. DSU returns home Oct. 8 to face MEAC rival Hampton. Game time is 2 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.

— Via Delaware State University Athletics

Hampton Falls To 0-2, Will Face Howard In Nation’s Football Classic

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HAMPTON, Va. — A two-touchdown swing in the third quarter proved to be the difference in the ballgame on Saturday night as 13th-ranked William & Mary defeated Hampton 24-14 in front of 4,412 at Armstrong Stadium.

The Pirates got on the scoreboard first following a blocked punt. Forcing a fourth down by the Tribe on its 31, Joseph Turner came through the middle of the line and blocked the punt giving Hampton possession on the Tribe 10. On fourth and goal from the one, Eric Carter pushed his way into the end zone to give Hampton (0-2) a 7-0 lead with 12:21 left in the opening quarter.

William & Mary (1-1) answered with a touchdown drive on 73-yards in seven plays. Steve Cluley connected with DeVonte Dedmon on an 18-yard pass to tie the game 7-all with 9:45 left in the first.

“We showed we could play with the 13th-ranked team in FCS tonight,” said Hampton coach Connell Maynor. “You can’t turn the ball over (two interceptions) or have as many penalties as we had against a team like William & Mary and expect to win.”

Both teams couldn’t put it in the end zone during the second quarter, but each team ended the half with missed field goal opportunities. The Tribe missed a 48-yard field goal with four minutes left in the half giving Hampton possession on its 30.

The Pirates responded with a 10-play, 57-yard drive down to the Tribe 13 with 10 seconds left in the half. A 31-yard field goal by Anthony Provost was deflected by Bill Murray and fell short as the teams went into the half 7-all.

“That field goal at the end of the half was a momentum changer,” said Maynor. “From a chance to go up 10-7 with the ball to start the third, to still tied hurt.”

In the third, the Tribe scored on its first two possessions. Cluley connected with Jack Armstrong on a 20-yard pass to cap a 13-play, 83-yard drive to give the guests a 14-7 lead with 7:50 left.

After forcing a Hampton three-and-out, the Tribe got possession at midfield and quickly pushed the lead to 21-7 as Albert Funderburke broke off a 40-yard run down on the second play with 5:34 left in the third. William & Mary started the fourth quarter finishing a nine-play, 73-yard drive as Nick Dorka booted a 25-yard field goal to lead 24-7 with 13:03 left.

Hampton finished the scoring with an 80-yard, 11-play drive as Jaylian Williamson connected with Rashawn Proctor for a seven-yard scoring pass with 3:12 remaining.

Image result for hampton university footballThe Pirates were nearly balanced on the night running for 150 yards and passing for 184. Yahkee Johnson ran for 115 yards on 12 carries to lead the Pirates on the ground. Williamson was 22-of-39 for 184 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Proctor topped the Pirates with eight receptions for 61 yards. Devin VanDyke had nine tackles to lead the Pirates on defense.

Hampton will start Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference action on Saturday, September 17 in Washington, DC participating in the Nation’s Football Classic at RFK Stadium when they face Howard at 3:30 pm.

— Via Hampton University Athletics

Golden Rams Fall To Tuskegee In White Water Classic

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PHENIX CITY, Ala.- Quarterback Caleb Edmonds went 18-for-35 for 216 yards and a touchdown. However, the Albany State Golden Rams could not snap its losing streak to SIAC rival Tuskegee. After losing its lead late in the third quarter, ASU dropped a 28-18 decision to the Golden Tigers in the 3rd Annual White Water Classic.

With the loss, the Golden Rams have now lost to TU four consecutive times in the series. Albany State is falls to 0-2 overall, while Tuskegee, the 15th-ranked team in the country, improves to 2-0.

Albany State scored the first points of the game at the 10:15 mark of the initial quarter. Freshman Emilio Maldonado connected of his first career field goal attempt from 33 yards. The drive went six plays for 36 yards in three minutes.

Tuskegee answered the ASU scoring drive with one of its own. The Golden Tigers’ quarterback Kevin Lacey completed a 9-yard touchdown to Leo Gilbert, and ASU trailed 7-3 after a successful PAT.

In the third quarter, the Golden Rams reclaimed the lead. After Grover Stewart sacked Lacey, the TU quarterback fumbled and it was recovered by Emmauel Brown at the Tuskegee 3-yard line. ASU only needed one play to take the lead, and Jarvis Small completed the drive with the damper. The PAT was successful by Maldonado, and Albany State regained the lead at 14-10.

Image result for asu golden rams football

Between the latter part of the third period and the early moments of the fourth, the Golden Tigers regained and extended their lead. In the final two and a half minutes of the third, TU scored two touchdowns to take a 21-10 lead into the final stanza.

At the 7:29 mark of the fourth, Lacey threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Desmond Reece to put Tuskegee ahead 28-10. Two minutes later, Albany State made an attempt at a comeback. Edmonds found Michael Green, Jr. for a 21-yard touchdown and added a two-point conversion with a pass to Christopher Hunt to cut the team’s deficit to 28-18. The drive used 1:38 and went five plays for 50 yards.

After a defensive stand by the “Dirty Blue” Defense, ASU had a chance to narrow Tuskegee’s lead. However, the Golden Rams could not find the end zone on the possession.

Green finished the day with four catches for 74 yards. Freshman McKinley Hambersham rushed seven times for 68 yards. The Golden Rams were outgained by Tuskegee in total yardage. Tuskegee netted 406 yards to ASU’s 293.

Defensively, Ryan Selby led the way with nine tackles (seven solos), while Emmauel Brown added eight tackles (seven solos) and two fumble recoveries. Monte Taylor and Grover Stewart recorded seven tackles apiece. Stewart also had two sacks.

Albany State returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 17 when it travels to Lakeland. Fla. to battle Southeastern University. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.

-Via Albany State University Athletics

HBCU President Ronald A. Johnson Issues Statement On 9/11 Anniversary

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Image result for 9/11 memorialClark Atlanta University (CAU) pauses with the nation to honor the nearly 3,000 innocent lives taken from their family and friends in a despicable act of evil during the attacks on the World Trade Center Sept. 11, 2001.  The events of that tragic day are forever etched in our memories.  Likewise, we honor the sacrifice of the men and women who work hard daily to keep us safe here at CAU and across our great nation. We pray God’s strength and peace for all the affected families.

Pres. Ronald A. Johnson, Ph.D.

Clark Atlanta University

-Via CAU Newsroom

Overcoming Depression — How To Beat Depression During College At An HBCU

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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During my five years at HBCU Central State University in Wilberforce, I had a hard time dealing with depression. According to the Oxford dictionary, depression is feelings of severe despondency and dejection. But there are lots of things you can do to beat depression. “The suicide rate for Black Americans of all ages was 5.25 per 100,000, nearly half of the overall U.S rate of 10.75 per 100,000 between 2000 and 2004. Black males from ages 20 to 24 had the highest rates of suicide in the Black population, averaging 18.18 per 100,000,” according to the CDC, reported Diverse Education. Cicely Evans, a licensed professional counselor at Southern University at Baton Rouge, said, “The hardest part is getting students through the door,” adding “Many are afraid of the stigma attached to mental health treatment. Students do not want to be labeled as crazy or weak.”

“Students at HBCUs may be at more risk for suicides and other mental illnesses, because we are not talking about them. Black campuses haven’t experienced a large-scale catastrophe like the one at Virginia Tech, but these issues are still prevalent,” said Tracy Reed, a registered licensed professional counselor intern.

Image result for depression students

Depression can happen at any time and everyone goes through it—sometimes you may not even know that you are in a state of depression. But it is beatable. Here are some tips to beat depression this year at college.

Working out

Working out is one of the quickest ways to beat depression. It is also probably the best thing you can to start your morning before classes. Make sure you create time, if not find time to utilize the free fitness center in the student union on campus.

Writing in your journal

Try writing in a journal. They are relatively cheap and personal. One cool thing about journals is the fact that you can always see where you are going.

Writing in a journal is relaxing and fun.

Talking to a friend

It is true, the hardest thing to do sometimes is to talk about our problems, especially to others. But this can be one of the most satisfying things, because the friends you made on campus so far cares about you and want to see you happy. Do not be afraid to talk to someone, you never know where your blessings can come.

It is never easy, but there are lots of things you can do to get rid of feeling down and out in addition to my tips above.

Morehouse Student Uses The Power Of Art To Debunk The Boys Don’t Cry Myth

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Jamel Smith, 21, is a senior at Morehouse College in Atlanta, a Marketing representative for Universal Music Group, and a creative himself. However, he is most passionate about the scarring of black boys in their formative years at the hands of toxic masculinity. This is his passion project and “the first step to generational understanding and healing in black boys and men.” Introducing BOYS DON’T CRY.

What is “BOYS DON’T CRY”?

No, it is not the Frank Ocean version that released in August. This version of Boys Don’t Cry is a creative interactive project curated by Smith about topics, including but not limited to: toxic hyper-masculinity, gender roles, America’s stereotype of the black male, Black America’s monolithic outlook on the black male, and all of its weighing effects on black boys and men today. Over the years, the black community has seen the repercussions of our narrow-mindedness when it comes to the aforementioned ideas via gang violence, abuse towards black women + LGBTQIA people, the disconnect and disband of black families due to ignorance and stubbornness. It is time to evolve past the archaic nature of hyper machoism.

How will this project be different?

You know what’s better than a project with one black man’s emotional journey? A project with multiple perspectives on this broad subject. In order for this to work, Smith is inviting black men with differing skin tones, sexual orientations, religious preferences, social backgrounds, etc. to participate. BLACK MEN ARE NOT MONOLITHIC and it is time for there to be a body of work where every black boy sees himself in what he reads because as we have seen, visibility and representation in multimedia is very important.

What can you submit?

Want to write a personal anecdote? Want to write a fiction story? Want to write a poem? Want to write a rap/song? Feel free to do so! The ultimate goal for #BOYSDONTCRY is to curate and release a highly creatively, honest, diverse and revolutionary body of work that attracts, teaches, and encourages young boys of color who find themselves in the same situations that some of us men are currently healing from, as well as, have already survived.

Where can contributors submit?

Contributors can submit their art, stories, songs/raps, etc. to boysdontcrystories@gmail.com.

The time is now. It is time to get liberated, emotionally and mentally, from this narrow minded idea of how a black man is allowed to feel, what a black man is allowed to do, and who a black man is allowed to love. Join the movement, black man. LET’S LIBERATE OUR LEGACY!

Additional information on http://www.boysdontcryblog.tumblr.com/.

Darren Seals, One Of Ferguson’s Prominent Activist, Has Been Killed

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Activist Darren Seals, 29, was found with a gunshot wound inside a burning car just outside of Ferguson early Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Seals was one of Ferguson’s most prominent activist. On his Twitter page, Seals described himself as a “Businessman, Revolutionary, Activist, Unapologetically BLACK, Afrikan in AmeriKKKa, Fighter, Leader.” From CBS News:

“Authorities here are investigating the death of a leader of the protests that followed the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in August 2014.

The body of Darren Seals, 29, was found inside a burned car very early on Tuesday in the city of Riverview, reports CBS St. Louis affiliate KMOV-TV. He’d suffered a gunshot wound, authorities said.

A woman who lives across the street told the station, “We were asleep and we heard this big, big boom. …  The next thing we knew, it was on fire. Like, flaming.”

The St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons Unit and Bomb and Arson Unit were called to assist Riverview responders.

Seals’ remains were found after the flames were extinguished, police said.”

According to the St. Louis American, Seals held a job as a factory line worker and was also a hip-hop artist.

Image result for darren sealsAuthorities in St. Louis County, Mo. are investigating the activist’s death.

There is no motive at this time.

Read more here.

Maryland HBCU Designated As Center Of Academic Excellence By The NSA And DHS

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In recognition of the University’s efforts in the advancement of research and preparing students for careers in internet security, the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated Morgan State University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE). Morgan joins a select list of institutions to have earned this distinction. Official letters of notification will be sent to the State of Maryland Governor’s Office, members of Congress and appropriate congressional committees making them aware of this certification, which is valid through the academic year 2021.

The NSA and the DHS jointly sponsor the CAE-CDE program, which serves as a catalyst to reduce vulnerability in the country’s National Information Infrastructure, by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise. Universities participating in the program are able to become more involved in defending America’s cyberspace as well as help address a critical shortage of professionals with the relevant and necessary skills to do so.

“This designation is a very significant achievement for Morgan, and we are proud of the work that our team has contributed to bringing this to fruition,” said Morgan President David Wilson. “Cyber defense continues to be paramount to our national security interests and is one of the fastest-growing professions. Morgan has consistently demonstrated a strong capability to meet the increasing demands for research and workers in this field and looks to serve the nation as a contributor to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure.”

To prepare for the evaluation process, Morgan assembled a multidisciplinary/intra-school team led by Craig Scott, Ph.D., interim dean of Morgan’s Clarence M. Mitchell School of Engineering, and composed of members from the School of Engineering (Farzad Moazzami, D.Eng.), the School of Computer, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences (Prabir Bhattacharya, D.Phil.), the School of Business and Management (Sanjay Bapna, Ph.D.) and the Division of Research and Economic Development (Gerald Whitaker). In 2017, Morgan plans to submit an application for designation by NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research (CAE-R) led by Kevin Kornegay, Ph.D., Morgan’s lead researcher in the Internet of Things.

“Bringing this designation to Morgan was a collaborative effort, only made possible by three university schools working together toward a strategic end and with the full endorsement and support of President Wilson,” said Victor McCrary, Ph.D., Morgan’s vice president for the Division of Research and Economic Development. “We commend all of the deans and faculty members who worked tirelessly on assisting the university in earning this new designation and increasing the prospects for faculty and students to participate in cyber-related research and cyber-related student internships.”

Image result for morgan state universityThe CAE-CDE program comprises designations for four-year baccalaureate/graduate education, two-year education, and research. All regionally accredited two-year, four-year and graduate-level institutions in the United States are eligible to apply. They are selected to receive the designation only after meeting stringent CAE criteria and mapping their curricula to a core set of cyber defense knowledge units and specialized focus areas. Designation as a Center does not carry a commitment of funding from NSA or DHS, however, funding opportunities may become available periodically from other sources, such as the National Science Foundation.

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral Research Institution offering more than 70 academic programs leading to bachelor’s degrees as well as programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. As Maryland’s Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. More information about the university is available at www.morgan.edu.

—Via Morgan State Newsroom

Howard Alum Diddy Is Forbes’ Highest Paid Hip-Hop Artist

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Diddy just topped Forbes’ “Hip-Hop Cash Kings” list for a second straight year. It seems like the rapper turned mogul doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Earlier this year, Diddy kicked off his highly anticipated Bad Boy Reunion Tour and in addition to his record sales income, he continues to go all out for his brand Ciroc vodka. Not to mention the fact that his “resume will only continue to grow,” per Nerisha Penrose at Billboard.com:

“Which rappers “started from the bottom” and made it all the way to the top? On Wednesday (Sept. 7), Forbes unveiled its “Hip Hop Cash Kings 2016” list, and Diddy holds down the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row.

Diddy has kept himself quite busy this year, kicking off his Bad Boy Reunion Tour last week and releasing a short-film as part of his new Ciroc vodka campaign. Diddy’s resume alone is proof that hip-hop and entrepreneurship work simultaneously, and after raking in $62 million this year, the mogul’s resume will only continue to grow.”

Image result for diddy bad boy tour

The Howard alum is no doubt a living legend.

Check out the entire top 20, via Hot New Hip Hop below.

20. Rick Ross ($10 million) (tie)

20. Ludacris ($10 million) (tie)

19. Swizz Beatz ($10.5 million)

18. Eminem ($11 million)

17. Snoop Dogg ($12.5 million)

14. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ($14 million) (tie)

14. LilWayne ($14 million) (tie)

14. J. Cole ($14 million) (tie)

13. A$AP Rocky ($14.5 million)

12. DJ Khaled ($15 million)

11. Kanye West ($17.5 million)

10. Birdman ($18 million)

9. Kendrick Lamar ($18.5 million)

8. Pharrell ($19.5 million)

7. Pitbull ($20 million)

6. Nicki Minaj ($20.5 million)

5. Wiz Khalifa ($24 million)

4. Drake ($38.5 million)

3. Dr. Dre ($41 million)

2. Jay Z ($53.5 million)

1. Diddy ($62 million)

The Black Beat: Launching The Pulse Of Black Sports

Posted by Brittany Ireland
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From the Heart of Black Sports Everywhere
From the Heart of Black Sports Everywhere

As parent company to the leading media source reporting historically black college and university news, L & Company is pleased to announce HBCU Buzz’s new sister brand, targeting the sports market. This brand will specifically highlight African American and black athletes.

From the heart of black sports everywhere, we introduce the Black Beat.

Deriving from a place of uplift and celebration, Black Beat news will be the pulse of African American and black sports, delivering news, information, highlights, and updates on all athletes including the newest, hottest, and most talented players at the professional, collegiate, amateur, and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) levels.

The mission of Black Beat sports is to advocate for and advertise African American and black athletes around the world during game time and after the final whistle is blown.

Basketball, Tennis, Rowing, Cheerleading, Lacrosse, Rugby, Football, Soccer, Swimming, Baseball, Track & Field, Hockey, Gymnastics, Cycling, Boxing, Skiing, Beach Volleyball, Badminton, Fencing, Ice Skating, Cricket, Archery, Pool, Ping Pong, Wrestling, Long boarding, Water Polo, Skateboarding, Field Hockey, Body Building, and Golf athletes, we welcome you. Keep us abreast with your records, sporting events, accomplishments, and community service initiatives, email info@theblackbeat.com.

The Black Beat Editor-In-Chief, Brandon Banks, is a graduate of Howard University and a former Basketball, Football, Baseball, Track and Field, and Soccer player.

Banks shares that the Black Beat will offer fans a chance to stay informed on their favorite athletes’ performance during the game and gain insight on professional, collegiate, high school, and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) athletes.

“We will offer the chance for our audience to relate with the black athletes and have a deeper understanding for their personal story and motivation. Since I played varsity basketball in my hometown of New Orleans, one quote has always stuck to me – hard work beats out talents, when talents fails to work hard.”

Brown skin dominates the sports industry. Minority-owned media representation is lacking. The time for the Black Beat is now.

Today, L & Company is a integrated marketing and consulting agency providing marketing strategy,research, full-service digital and advertising. Founded in 2016, its diverse portfolio of businesses and investments includes media, marketing, and technology.