Spelman Considers Policy For Transgender Students

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Perhaps you heard, and were overjoyed and excited by, the latest news happening at Spelman College, a black women’s college that is leading all other HBCUs in creating conversations about LGBT issues within the black and HBCU community. Many historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) has been slow to address the issues of LGBT students, like the homophobia that exists on campus at HBCUs and hate crimes. Except for Spelman which is considering making a change to its admissions policy that allows transgender women to apply to the school:

“Spelman College will convene a task force to address the all-women’s and historically black school’s admission policy for transgender students, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports. The Atlanta college could join a growing list of leading women’s colleges that welcome transgender women applicants.

The announcement came with little fanfare, tucked into a single sentence near the end of President Mary Schmidt Campbell’s welcome back letter posted to the school’s website: “Ingrid Hayes, vice president for Enrollment Management will convene a task force that makes a recommendation to the president on the admission and enrollment of transgender students.””

“Admission is granted to our circle of faith to all true believers — white and Black,” the letter read, “and brown and yellow; men and women, straight, gay and transgender; rich and poor; Christian, Jewish, Muslim — all faiths; north and south, east and west, spanning the seven continents.” 

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Perhaps, the most important thing for students at Spelman to realize is this: Spelman wants to talk about LGBT issues within Spelman and the HBCU community.

If the school didn’t, it wouldn’t be Spelman.

Bennett College And Its President Agree To Part Ways

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Dr. Rosalind Fuse-Hall, president of historically black Bennett College, is leaving the college to pursue other opportunities. The college’s board of trustees issued a statement Thursday that Dr. Fuse-Hall will step down from her role effective Aug. 15, per Greensboro.com Staff reporters. In the statement, the board said the black women’s college and Dr. Fuse-Hall mutually decided to part ways. Here is the full text of the statement.

During her three-year tenure, Dr. Fuse-Hall has made a positive impact on the school and her passion and contributions will be missed. While at Bennett College, she has continued to keep the focus on the college’s mission to develop women academically while encouraging leadership and civic involvement. During her term, Bennett College was ranked #2 by U.S. News and World Report among HBCUs for alumnae participation. Dr. Fuse-Hall’s efforts also expanded Bennett College’s study abroad program and she played an important role in the partnership with Wells Fargo Advisors, establishing a program to prepare students for the Series 7 exam to become financial advisors – the first program of its kind for an HBCU.

Former NCAT Star Tony McRae Signs With Cincinnati Bengals

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Former N.C. A&T standout Tony McRae has been picked up by the Cincinnati Bengals. He is expected to get some playing time earlier on this season, per CincyJungle.com’s Jason Marcum:

“It looks like the Cincinnati Bengals don’t feel too confident about the health of their cornerback unit.

That would explain the addition of cornerback Tony McRae, who the team announced had been signed on Tuesday. McRae is a rookie free agent who went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft.

McRae, a 5’9″ 172-pound corner, played four seasons (2012-15) at North Carolina A&T and was a first-team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selection as a senior. ESPN had McRae pegged as the 85th-best cornerback prospect entering the 2016 NFL Draft.”

Going to an HBCU made McRae overlooked by players at bigger schools. But, not taking anything for granted, though, the former black college athlete is finally getting his big break:

“To be fair, it’s hard to even find enough college film to properly evaluate FCS prospects. We see guys come out of this division to make 53-man rosters and even turn into quality NFL players.

In 2014, McRae started all 12 games and made 62 total tackles with 46 of those unassisted. He also made five interceptions and had 16 passes defended. He also returned 14 kickoffs for 360 yards (25.7 per return) and a touchdown, so the return game could be where he makes an impact as well.

In 2015, teams threw at McRae far less as he finished with only one interception. He did lead the Aggies with 55 tackles as a senior and also averaged 28.3 yards on kickoff returns.

“For his career, McRae appeared in 46 games over four years at NC A&T. He totaled 153 tackles (112 solo), nine interceptions and 27 passes defended.”

With a recent string of injuries in their cornerback unit, it’s no surprise that the former N.C. A&T standout is a beneficiary addition to the Bengals.

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McRae certainly is living the dream right now.

Stomp The Yard Fans Stay Up Late To Watch A Classic

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If you didn’t know, the film Stomp The Yard is based on a fictional historically black university and is produced by FAMU grad Will Packer. The main character DJ Williams is played by Columbus Short. DJ attends historically black Truth University, initially he declined offers to pledge both Mu Gamma Xi and Theta Nu Theta. Later, he crossed over to become a member of the Theta chapter on campus.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Stomp The Yard was released in 2007. But some folks who apparently have nothing better to do are up late watching Stomp The Yard, one Twitter user says the film is “one of the best movies of all time” and adding the tongue emoji.

It’s safe to say there will be a lot of tears watching the beginning and end of Stomp The Yard.

Tougaloo College Becomes First Ever HBCU To Study Modern Day Slavery

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Tougaloo College makes history!

Tougaloo College President Beverly Wade Hogan told reporters on Monday that the school has been awarded a $550,000 grant to study trends such as human trafficking, forced labor and child labor.

Reports say the black college “will become the first HBCU to focus on the topic of modern day slavery.”

The Institute for the Study of Modern Day Slavery, which will involve research and direct action projects, is groundbreaking—reports say the black college “will become the first HBCU to focus on the topic of modern day slavery.”

“We will have research by students and faculty, and we will also have community engagement where we will work with existing organizations that are already addressing this issue on many different levels,” said Hogan.

Read more here.

Miss Lincoln University Shares “Tips-of-the-Day” For LU Freshmen

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Hello to My LU Cubs !!

I, Janaya Joyner, Miss Lincoln University of PA am very ecstatic for this school year.

For the entire month of August, I’ve been giving out a helpful “Tip Of The Day” so you guys will be nothing but short of ready for your college experience. I need your help though. I need the entire #TheLU20 to help me countdown the final 10 days until move-in day. It’s the final stretch!! Can we all do this ?! I know we can, I believe in you guys already. So spread he word.

With that being said, I cannot wait to officially welcome the wonderful class of #TheLU20 bright and early on August 20, 2016Screen Shot 2016-08-10 at 5.32.15 PM

I love you guys already and look forward to seeing you all.

Ohh and best believe it is not just me that’s eager, your entire NEW LU Family is just as, if not more excited for your arrival as well.

Listed below are the latest tips that you may have missed:

1. Start to categorize your things that  you will be packing.
2. Make sure you are financially cleared!
3. Be open to growing physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.


4. Start making your shopping list for your dorm room necessities.
5. Start texting and getting acquainted with your roommate.
6. Start packing little by little to avoid stress.
7. Pack things that remind you of home!


8. Start making last minute Doctors and Dentist appointments
9. Start making your last minute visits to your immediate family and friends!

Best Wishes To NCCU Chancellor Debra Saunders-White Who Is Battling Cancer

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The UNC system announced Monday that N.C. Central University Chancellor Debra Saunders-White is taking a medical leave of absence and will be replaced by Provost Johnson O. Akinleye who will serve as acting chancellor, reported ABC11.com:

“The former U.S. deputy assistant secretary for higher education programs who has led NCCU since 2013, requested the leave to “fully focus her energies on her treatment.

Saunders-White revealed last year that she was battling cancer.

Saunders-White told UNC President Margaret Spellings she wanted to make sure the institution is moving full steam ahead as the new academic year gets underway.

Spellings said NCCU’s Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Johnson O. Akinleye will serve as acting chancellor of the university, effective immediately.

Akinleye has served as NCCU’s chief academic officer since January 2014.”

In a statement, UNC President Margaret Spelling said she “wholeheartedly support Chancellor Saunders-White’s decision to direct her complete attention to treatment, and NCCU is fortunate that Provost Akinleye has agreed to assume even greater responsibilities while she is on medical leave,” adding “his extensive administrative experience” makes him “exceptionally well qualified to assume oversight of the campus. The university will be in very good hands, and I am grateful that he has accepted this important assignment.”

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The HBCU community took to Twitter to send their thoughts and prayers to Saunders-White.

Morgan Opens Doors For Faculty And Students

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Morgan State University President David Wilson on Thursday greeted University of Havana students and a school official to its campus, opening doors for the black college and the school.

In a post shared by the official Morgan State University Facebook page, Wilson and a University of Havana administrator “signed an official Memorandum of Understanding” that allows “mutual faculty and student exchange opportunities between Morgan and the University of Havana.”

“Today, Morgan President David Wilson welcomed students and an administrator from the University of Havana in Cuba to the campus,” the post read. “Together, they signed an official Memorandum of Understanding which will open doors for mutual faculty and student exchange opportunities between Morgan and the University of Havana. Kudos to Dean DeWayne Wickham, Professor Jackie Jones and our amazing students in the School of Global Journalism and Communication!”

Morgan State was founded in 1867 and is the largest HBCU in Maryland.

HBCU Stories You Need To Know To Start Your Day

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HBCU Buzz stories worth your attention this week.

HT grad brutally arrested by police “for no reason” at all. 

Many people are outraged over a patrol car video from an incident that happened in June 2015 showing a violent arrest of Breion King by a police officer in Houston. Disgustingly, in the video another officer can be heard telling King that black people have “violent tendencies”— “If that was a white woman, would he have yanked her out … and slammed her on the ground? Most of us could say absolutely not.” Agreed.

Wiley College gets a huge gift.

Wiley College has received a $350,000 donation from USA Funds in support of developing and applying strategies to help increase college completion rates and career readiness of its students. I hope that Wiley gets more love to come, it’s an HBCU thing.

Meet Brian Crum.

Not your typical incoming freshman, Crum is an academic achiever who put in the hard work to earn his associate’s degree before he graduated high school. After taking the stage earlier this year to get his high school diploma, the academic achiever said he is taking his talents to Alabama A&M University this fall. Let’s clap it up for him.

SIAC launches new mobile app.

I downloaded the new SIAC mobile app because Central State University plays in the conference. Central State is the best HBCU. I hope others will join me in rooting for the good ol’ Marauders this year and the years to come.

From our partners over at Black Enterprise:

Why did this Spelman College grad quit her dream job for a career in the booming cannabis industry? Why not?

Here is the story.

Alabama A&M Nupes Have A New Stroll, It’s Pretty Dope

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Alabama A&M University students are getting ready for the new school year. And the Gamma Phi Nupes are eager to claim the yard at the university, while at the same time hitting a shimmy on a nice, cool day at the plot on campus for the enjoyment of the ladies passing through.

Love them or hate them, the Gamma Phi Nupes actually have a pretty dope new stroll.

“The livest stroll out right now!” one Instagram user commented.

Check out the clip below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI0a1bwg_M7/?taken-by=bamanupes

HBCU Athletes On Redskins Roster Share Their Stories

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Players from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) talk about the good and not so good experiences of going to a black college.

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Chris Baker pictured. (Photo credit: For The Win)

In a Wednesday night’s sportscast on CBS 6 News, Sean Roberts reports on one group of Redskins “who have overcome something extra to make it in the NFL.”

Both Chris Baker (Hampton) and Lyndon Trail (Norfolk State) started their collegiate careers at much bigger schools before transferring to play at HBCUs. “It helped me become more humble and appreciate the things you have in life,” said Baker. “When you come from a black college sometimes it can be a major struggle.”

Trail shared that “No we don’t have, you know, millions of dollars like these others schools do but when you get there you appreciate the little that you do have, and you appreciate the hard work that everybody else is putting in around you.”

Greg Toler, a D.C. native, and also a graduate of St. Paul College, now closed down said that “I always share my testimony, like I said, I was working at JC Penny’s…I didn’t go to a bigger school and I was told that I probably wouldn’t make it or would get overseen by bigger school guys.”

Check out Baker showing HBCU Hampton love in the photo above.

The Redskins open their preseason Thursday in Atlanta against the Falcons.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Gives $250,000 To UNCF

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There is nothing quite like a black woman with her priorities together. Servicing the community is important to the ladies of AKA—one of five basic tenets that have remained unchanged since the sorority was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908 is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards. UNCF President Michael Lomax thanked Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. earlier last month for their gift of $250,000, praising the oldest black sorority for their service to UNCF and the HBCU community. According to their website, Alpha Kappa Alpha has given a total of over $4 million to the organization (AKA also donated $250,000 to the Tom Joyner Foundation to support the sorority’s Think HBCU initiative).  

“This contribution, and all the contributions that have come before from this great sorority—to a total of more than $4 million—represents not only an investment,” said Lomax, “but an extraordinarily generous investment, in better futures for our students, and through their success, for the college-educated professionals and citizens they will become, for the communities where they will settle and which they will serve, and indeed, for our country and the world we live in. We are beyond grateful to the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha for their continued support of our mission and for Ms. Wilson’s vision to support the historic institutions that helped shape her as a leader.” According to Alpha Kappa Alpha’s website since its inception the sorority “has used the Sisterhood as a grand lever to raise the status of African-Americans, particularly girls and women.” Read more here.

A Different World Fan Starts Petition To Bring Back The Popular Series

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Running out of patience with the writers of A Different World, one concerned citizen has taken to a petition website to demand the powers that be to reboot the popular series on Netflix. “This popular show is in high demand from the fans for a prompt return,” said the creator of the petition Tina La Rosa, who got others to join her cause and now has 2,004 supporters. “A Different World brought about change in our society and touched upon many social issues we deal with today.” From the debut of The Cosby Show until the end of A Different World in 1993, the country’s 107 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) attendance grew by 24 percent, Dillard University President Walter Kimbrough shared. No word on if a reboot is happening, you can read the full text below.

Many 80’s and 90’s shows are making a comeback to the 21st century and all of it is credited to the loyal fans wanting to see their all-time favorites back on the tube. “Full House” and “Boy Meets World,” to name a few made its return to Netflix with a 13-episode sequel and we, the fans feel this is as greater time as ever to bring back another popular series, “A Different World” reboot to the Netflix family. This popular show is in high demand from the fans for a prompt return. “A Different World” brought about change in our society and touched upon many social issues we deal with today. It gave a desire for many to attend college, and it is needed more than ever with the social conflict within the various the communities right now. Adding this show to the Netflix family would be an opportunity you will not regret!

Meet Your New Favorite Rio 2016 Athletes From Black Colleges

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After weeks of training, four U.S. athletes from black colleges will compete in The 2016 Rio Games, one is seeking her second gold medal.

Jackson State grad and two-time Olympian Michael Tinsley is looking forward to his first taste of gold in the 400-meter hurdles.

On the track, the Hampton star Francena McCorory is chasing gold, again. Coppin State’s Christina Epps is a newcomer to the international scene, and Jeff Henderson, who earned a business administration degree from Stillman in 2013, is also experiencing what it feels like to be an Olympian for the first time.

Here is the list of HBCU athletes competing in Rio.

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Getty Images

Christina Epps: Epps is a Coppin State grad who qualified for her first trip the Rio Games, registering a new personal record of 46 feet, 6 inches in the triple jump.

Jeff Henderson: Henderson is a former Stillman College athlete and is the winner of the long jump title in the 2016 U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials.

Francena McCorory: McCorory is a Hampton standout and is the defending 4×400 relay champion along with three others.

Getty Images

Michael Tinsley: The former Jackson State star qualified for the Olympics in the 400-meter hurdles.

A Look At Howard Grad Alma Thomas’ Late-Blooming Career

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Peter Schjeldahl, writing in The New Yorker, says that Alma Thomas was a late-blooming painter—indeed, many of Thomas’s best work came toward the end of her incredible career. Previously an underappreciated artist, Schjeldahl says Thomas would not be recognized as a professional painter until she retired from teaching in 1960. “A small but wondrous Alma Thomas retrospective at the Studio Museum in Harlem put me in mind of a desert plant that spends all year as an innocent cactus and then, in the middle of the night, blooms,” Schjeldahl writes. “Thomas, who died in 1978, at the age of eighty-six, was a junior-high-school art teacher in Washington, D.C., whose own paintings were modernist and sophisticated but of no special note until she retired from teaching, in 1960, and took up color-intensive abstraction.”

The famed painter originally “enrolled at Howard University as a home-economics student, but gravitated to the art department, newly founded by the black Impressionist painter James V. Herring, and became the school’s first graduate in fine arts,” Schjeldahl writes. (Later, Thomas would also become the first black woman to have a solo at the Whitney Museum in New York City.) “The uncompleted arc of her talent makes her a perennial artist’s artist, consulted by young abstract painters even now. Thomas didn’t change art history, but she gave it a twist that merits attention, respect, and something very like love.”

Source: The New Yorker

Miss Morgan State University Resigns

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Citing an opportunity to intern with ESPN this fall, Miss Morgan State University Chelsea T. Johnson said that she will step down from her position. Johnson called the moment bittersweet. “…serving you all as Miss Morgan State University has always been a dream of mine ever since I enrolled at this institution,” she said, echoing the many hopes and dreams of young women at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country who wants to become Queen of their campus.  

“The position as Miss Morgan State University is not about me but serving you all and I do not want to selfishly keep the position knowing that I will be I Connecticut for 10 weeks and I won’t be accessible to you all.” Her successor, Miss Senior Kayla Lawerence, has accepted the appointment to serve as Miss Morgan State University 2016-2017. Here is the full text.

“ESPN? That’s big time. Congrats,” said a Twitter user, commenting on Johnson’s decision to leave school to intern with the worldwide leader in sports.