Take a look Inside The Southern University Summer Band & Dance Team Camp 2016 Directed and Produced by Garrett Edgerson & Perry White.
In her sophomore year of high school, Smith was diagnosed with Severe Crohn’s Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Depression, and Anxiety Disorder. Despite having to deal with the ailments, Smith had no intentions of letting them defeat her visions.
“I remember being so floored by counsel of those who were sworn to protect my education to advise me to then stop pursuing a traditional educational experience as they felt that it would strain my illnesses,” she said.
Staying true to her dreams of experiencing a traditional education, and disregarding counsel to seek other avenues of education, Nyla graduated from high school at the age of 17 with both her High School Diploma and an Associate’s degree in Science, via an early college program available to her, “I internalized that as an opportunity to show not only could I do that, but I could do that times ten.”
Smith, with 60 college credit hours under her belt, was admitted into St. John’s University as a disability student and in May of 2016 became the youngest student in history to graduate from the university with her Bachelors of Science degree, all the while undergoing chemotherapy.
Nyla’s obstacles and triumphs led her to create a movement to inspire others to chase their dreams, too, as well as to bring awareness to chronic illnesses and the challenges they bring about.
Hustle Hard Campaign is Nyla’s miracle idea birthed out of her willingness to never quit.
About one year into her campaign, Smith’s main objective is to motivate others who deal with chronic illnesses, even taking it a step further and helping them to find scholarships to fund their education.
“There are no specific scholarships for disability students with invisible illnesses, and for them to be able to afford the cost of living on campus, meal plans, and treatment,” she said. “When I was going through treatment I often times could not afford treatment, and I had to choose [between] education or my health.”
With no business background, she has took it upon herself to start her organization from scratch. With advice and tips from those close to her, she has been successfully pulling it off thus far.
Currently working to put together her College tour, Nyla wants to be the shoulder for others that she wished she had during her undergrad years.
“There are many students who at times are going through a similar journey, and Hustle Hard campaign is going to meet them right there on these campuses so that they know they are not by themselves,” Smith said.
Nyla is the inspiration story that doesn’t end. The motivation that does not grow stagnant. Nyla Smith is the remixed encouragement that society has been waiting on.
Putting her time and efforts into making sure others realize their worth and to literally never give up despite any literal, physical, or emotional hurdle.
She proves they are merely rocks on the footpath to success.
“I am mentally disabled, I am physically disabled, and I am still rocking with the rest of them,” she said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VE8xjbkdzU
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MARSHALL, Texas, July 11 – Wiley College and the Nate Parker Foundation have launched the first-annual Nate Parker Summer Film Institute, held July 8 to 17 on the historically black college’s campus in Marshall, Texas. The ten-day seminar, hosted by acclaimed director and actor Nate Parker, was launched with the goal of promoting African American representation in the film industry. Following a competitive application process, thirty-one black rising high school seniors and college students from across the country were chosen to attend.
The Institute’s mission is dedicated to transforming the film industry by increasing representation of minority filmmakers through education, hands-on training, and leadership skills. The industry’s lack of diversity is well-documented with a report issued earlier this year by UCLA finding that minorities are underrepresented by nearly every metric examined, including in the number of film leads, directors, and writers.
“We need more people of color working in film today – in front of and behind the camera,” said Nate Parker. “Transforming the industry to look more like America won’t just benefit those individuals. It will benefit the communities they come from and the industry itself. The first step towards making this a reality is to open the doors of opportunity to young people, empowering them with the skills they will need and inspiring them to pursue their passion.”
The students, chosen based on essays and short stories they submitted addressing the lack of diversity in film, are poets, photographers, writers, directors and actors. During the seminar, they will attend courses in screenwriting, acting, and editing, as well as the history of minority filmmaking. At the end of the Institute, each student will display a short film they directed during the course of the seminar.
“Wiley College has a rich history and legacy of producing some of the world’s leading contributors in the fields of education, science, business, and government,” said Dr. Haywood Strickland, president of Wiley College. “Now, with the launching of the Nate Parker Summer Film Institute and the forthcoming launch of our film program, the college will produce the next generation of filmmakers telling stories steeped in African-American history, culture, experiences and beyond.”
More than a dozen notable guest lecturers will address the students, including: Radha Blank, a playwright and writer for the FOX show Empire; Professor and filmmaker, Ya’Ke Smith; Qasim “Q” Basir, an award-winning filmmaker; Cary Anderson, an acclaimed acting coach; Monika Watkins, documentary filmmaker; Kimberly Boehm, scholar of African American and 20th-century US history; and Brian Favors, co-founder of Sankofa Community Empowerment.
Parker’s relationship with Wiley College began ten years ago when he appeared in The Great Debaters, a 2007 film based on the 1930s Wiley debate team which went undefeated for ten years in championship competitions. Most recently, the Wiley College A Cappella Choir provided music for the film The Birth of a Nation – Parker’s directorial debut – which won the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Correction: A previous version of this article stated that Emir Lewis was one of those addressing students during the launch of the Nate Parker Summer Film Institute at Wiley College. Lewis was unable to attend the event, and was replaced by Professor and filmmaker Ya’Ke Smith.
ABOUT WILEY COLLEGE: Wiley College is a historically black, primarily liberal arts institution of higher learning that was founded by the Freedman’s Aid Society in 1873 to train teachers for careers in African-American elementary and secondary schools. Today, Wiley College has a focused curriculum that includes fifteen distinct degree programs. Wiley is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the United Negro College Fund.
ABOUT THE NATE PARKER FOUNDATION: The Nate Parker Foundation leverages film and philanthropy to transform the quality of Black lives through education, cultural enrichment, social justice, and economic empowerment.
Boyd, who is a graduate of Alabama State, returned back to her illustrious alma mater in early 2014 to become the school’s first female president. She is also the “first African-American female to earn a master’s in mechanical engineering from Yale,” according to the website, and was named to President Obama’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African-Americans also in 2014.
Kimbrough has been the leader of Dillard since his arrival back in 2012. He is probably the most active college president on Twitter, which he goes by the name “Hip Hop Prez” and is the author of Black Greek 101, the definitive book on Black Greek Culture. According to TheBestSchools.org, he “made the coveted Ebony magazine Power 100 list of doers and influencers in the African-American community (2010).”
Read more here.
TheBestSchools.org is a leading resource for campus and online education. Their aim is to help you gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need to achieve personal happiness and career success.
This meeting sparked from protest held in Memphis on Sunday that turned into a scene that has never been seen in the area in modern times.
Hundreds marched downtown Memphis and parts of the crowd succeeded at blocking the I-40 bridge connecting Tennessee and Arkansas for nearly four hours. The protesters were fed up with police brutality in the country, and wanted to make a difference. Instead of forcing the crowd to leave immediately, Interim Police Director Michael Rallings marched with protesters to testify that he wanted the best for the community.
Rallings agreed to help hear all of the concerns of citizens but put out a pledge for Memphis to go 30 days of non-killing.
Memphis leaders wanted to hear what the people had to say, and the citizens had a lot to say. Parking had people walking from blocks away with some neighbors of the church handing out water.
A crowd grew outside of frustrated people irritated that the fact that no one else could fit in the church. “Let Us In”, “Here are concerns”, “I have questions” was screamed from the parking lot as people waited for any chance of entrance.
Crowds grew around news trucks just to see what was happening inside.
Within the blinking of an eye the doors open just for a few to enter.
The intensity grew as you got closer to the sanctuary of the church. The screaming and yelling became louder, deep breathes of frustrated people, signs with messages like “I Matter” and “Black Lives Matter” filled the room. In the center of the room was Mayor Jim Strickland ready to take in everything that was being dished out.
There was not enough time to answer every question so what the Mayor did next sent the crowd into applause and excitement.
Mayor Strickland accepted the challenge of answering every question in the next thirty days and said he will publish them publicly. When Strickland was challenged on the lack of diversity in Memphis he quickly responded to explain that his leadership team consist of equal representation with four blacks representing the 67% African American population and three whites representing the 33% white population of Memphis.
He even agreed to take in two students from the inner city school system as interns to help him with this initiative.
Everyone who didn’t get to answer wrote down their questions on notecards for the mayor and his staff to receive.
If you looked towards the front of the room, you saw many police sitting. Who were they? They just happened to be every single commander for each precinct of Memphis. With so many problems at hand, the police commanders and policemen and women took down information from citizens so they can get a grip on problems that so many people are having.
One person that was able to share her story was Likisha Clark, “I’m a black woman in America and the police said that I would never win,” she said, sharing her story about a run in with Memphis Police. Clark said, on June 2, she was arrested and spent five hours in jail for ordinance, loud music being played.
Clark said that her radio doesn’t even work.
Terrified for her life, she didn’t want the world to think she committed suicide if the police killed her, so she called her boyfriend to hear the conversation.
“Sir give me another lie, please,” pleaded Clark in frustration.
What started as a pull over with one cop ended with three cops, she said. She was told that if she didn’t sign the ordinance jail time was her alternative option. Not wanting to sign the ordinance, the three white policemen dragged Clark out of the car, hitting her arm against the door two times.
“I felt like I was profiled because I was black woman in a Lexus downtown,” she said. “They thought I was a dope guy and thought they had something but they had nothing.”
A few citizens were eruptive but some received comfort from police.
There were many hugs and tears shed as citizens and policemen held heart to heart conversations on unsolved murder crimes and situations that police help was needed.
Some citizens wanted to encourage the police to keep doing a good job, saying all police are not bad. Many even wanted Mayor Strickland to go as far as hiring Interim Police Director Michael Rallings as the permanent director.
“The hiring of a director will be complete towards the end of July and early August” stated Strickland.
Rallings went on to say he has refused the position five times but will consider. Others were sick and tired of violence towards black men with Memphis having its own taste of police brutality one year ago.
Darrius Steward was shot by police and later died at Regional Medical Center. From investigations Stewart grabbed the officer’s handcuffs and swung them at the officer but many had questions to why he had to die when there were two policemen on scene versus Stewart.
Some groups are targeting the highest revenue tourist sites in Memphis like Graceland to continue protest because they feel as if nothing is being done while others are going to continue to work with police, the mayor, and elected officials to come up with solutions for the future.
Monday’s meeting was the first for many more to come.
WASHINGTON D.C. ─ Historically black college and university (HBCU) campuses are breeding grounds for cultural and fashion movements, especially lately, as it seems black culture yearns to embrace and celebrate the beauty of its ancestry.
Attention incoming freshman, graduating seniors, professors, athletes, students, and alumni of each historically black college and university: HBCU Buzz is pleased to announce it is expanding. Due to the large demand, and after more than 3 years, the HBCU store will reopen its doors.
The new, online shopping experience will be open to the public just in time for the 2016-2017 school year, launching on July 13, 2016. Celebrate your HBCU pride in a crisp t-shirt or in a cozy crewneck. Students and staff, order your organizational shirts wholesale! Sorority and fraternity members, get your shirts custom made and ready for Homecoming! The HBCU Shop has your HBCU fashion essentials covered featuring apparel in a range of sizes, from newborn to 3X.
Click here to visit the HBCU Shop today.
In partnership with black-owned small business, the HBCU Shop promotes clothing honoring the 107 institutions dedicated to educating minorities. The HBCU Shop strives to foster and feature cultural awareness and pride in retail form. Order uplifting, empowering apparel and represent your HBCU today.
To My Morehouse Sons:
The social climate across America is tragically disturbing. It is not hard for us to imagine that recent events have caused you to personally confront a set of raw emotional questions about where you fit and how you can survive the current state of our nation. As a Man of Morehouse, you have chosen to work hard and excel academically in order to have the life that is promised by America. But the pathway to success probably feels different now compared to last week, given the recent tragedies in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Falcon Heights, Minnesota and Dallas, Texas.
With this letter, I encourage you to endure the recent disruption to your standard summer activities, including your internships, family gatherings, travel and renewal. Keep your heads and your hearts in balance. Look toward the future and strive to be a man of acuity, integrity, agency, brotherhood and consequence. By doing so, you will find your own individual blueprint to change and unite our country. That is why your lives matter.
And, moreover, remember this: black men have managed to survive and remain remarkably productive throughout the slave trade, post-Civil War atrocities, the civil rights movement and so many other challenging periods in the life of this nation – and yet, like the great Morehouse College established 150 years ago, we are still standing as strong men of peace and justice!
My love goes out to each of you. Be mindful, be safe and be constructive. And we will see you next month.
Onward and Upward,
President John Silvanus Wilson Jr. ’79
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Former Jackson State University track and field standout Michael Tinsley is Olympics bound following a third-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles during the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials on Sunday.
The Little Rock, Ark. native posted a time of 48.82 seconds in the event to punch his ticket to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Prior to gaining international fame, Tinsley put together one of the most decorated careers by a Jackson State track and field athlete, becoming a three-time NCAA All-American as well as the Tigers’ first-ever NCAA Division I National Champion in track and field, as he captured the 2006 title in his signature event.
This marks the second-straight Olympic berth for the former Tiger, as he won the silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles during the 2012 Olympic Games in London with a personal-best time of 47.91 seconds.
The Rio Olympics are set to begin Aug. 5 and will continue through Aug. 21.
LuWanna L. Williams was named Acting Athletic Director on July 1, 2016 and will remain in this postion until a Athletic Director is named. Also, she is the Associate Director of Athletics, Compliance Director and Deputy Title IX Officer at Fort Valley State University. LuWanna oversees all aspects of student-athlete recruiting and certification by the University, ensuring all rules and regulations set forth by the institution, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) are followed. LuWanna is the Compliance Chair for the SIAC and is the first line of communication for new Compliance Directors in the conference.
LuWanna offers job shadowing opportunities and monthly call opportunities to discuss NCAA rules, eligibility and certification. Under her tenure as chair, the first SIAC compliance manual is being generated to ensure that all conference institutions have a guide towards eligibility, certification and compliance operations.
Additionally, at Fort Valley State University, LuWanna serves on a variety of University Committees: Judicial/ Student Conduct, Academic Appeals, Registration, Title IX and the Scholarship Committee. LuWanna successfully spearheaded the completion of the NCAA Compliance audit and Blueprint Review visit in 2010 and the NCAA Institutional Self Study in 2012. LuWanna was selected to attend the 2010 NCAA Effective Facilitator Workshop.
The former Coppin State University student-athlete Christina Epps punched her ticket to Rio on Thursday when she placed second at the United States Olympic Team Trials for the Women’s Triple Jump at the historic Hayward Field with a mark of 14.17m/ 46-6. according to MEAC
Epps, a 2014 graduate was more than ecstatic about qualifying for her first Olympics.
“I really can’t describe this feeling, it’s so unreal,” Epps said. “Happy doesn’t do my level of excitement justice. I’ve been through so much throughout my career. I’m just grateful God has given me this opportunity to pursue my dreams.”
After fouling her first two attempts, Epps landed a 45-5 in the third round, earning three more attempts. Again with the pressure mounting, and opportunities dwindling, Epps came through on her fifth jump.
“Oh man, my stomach was dropping,” Epps said. “I had butterflies and I was just like, ‘Please just let it be 14.15m.’ I think I can go further. I’m excited.”
It’s been 20 years since the United States has sent three ladies at one time to compete in the triple jump in the Olympics. Keturah Orji, from New Jersey, and Andrea Geubelle also qualified in the triple jump for the U.S. Olympic Team. Olympic triple jump competition is currently scheduled to start August 13 at 9:40 a.m.
“My experience at U.S. Olympic trials was an amazing experience, something I can’t describe in words. It was my first trials and definitely one I will never forget. I’ve been chasing the dream of making an Olympic Team since 2012, when I tore my ACL. Watching the 2012 Olympic Trials at home when I was injured made me realize how much I had taken my talent for granted and motivated me to work harder to achieve my goal of making an Olympic Team!”
Epps is an academic advisor within the Coppin athletic department and continues to train where she is guided by her former collegiate coach, and Interim Athletic Director of Coppin State University Alecia Shields-Gadson.
“She showed up and God showed out,” Shields-Gadson said. “It is such an honor to represent your country, your family and Coppin State University. This has truly been a journey and Christina has persevered and is reaping the benefits of the hard work, sacrifices, and discipline it takes to be a world class athlete. We are still taking it all in, but that will be short lived as its back to Coppin to resume training.”
Monday Wendy Williams said on her show that she has been “educated” by Roland Martin over the weekend, following his blunt criticism of her comments about historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the NAACP live on national television. The daytime talk show host told her audience that she “had a very interesting conversation on the telephone regarding race” with the TVOne news commentator, and he will appear on Thursday’s episode “to have open dialogue” about the issue according to The Wrap
“He’s educated me quite a bit and I hope you can do the same for all of us and we can begin to heal and stop,” she said.
Williams started off her show by addressing the backlash that arose against her after she commented on Jesse Williams‘ controversial BET Awards speech.
“Over the past few days, if you don’t know, I’ve been facing some really harsh criticism from our viewers and other people in the media because of my comments regarding racism,” she said. “One of my biggest critics was a journalist and activist Roland Martin who I’ve known for several years, but he did what he thought he had to do.”
Hillary Clinton has made history, she is the first woman who will represent the Democratic Party for president of the United States.
Now all eyes are on who she will pick as a running mate.
According to our friends at NewsOne, two HBCU alums “would be a good running mate for” Clinton and, one of whom, just might become our next vice president.
Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty: While she does not appear to be on Clinton’s short list, we like Beatty because she is a woman on the move. She has been the U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 3rd congressional district since 2013. She has been vocal on issues of criminal justice reform, gun control, and LGBT rights.
Kamala Harris: Kamala Harris, California’s Democratic Attorney General, is reportedly on Clinton’s short list. She would go a long way in helping Clinton to implement her pledge to overhaul the nation’s floundering criminal justice system.
Beatty and Harris are alumni of Central State University in Wilberforce and Howard University in the nation’s capital, respectively.
What do you think about these two incredible woman as vice president? Let us know in the comments below.
Head over to NewsOne to read more.
Spelman, one of the country’s premier black colleges, is a private liberal arts university and is known as one of the oldest black colleges for women.
According to NBC News, “Schools that offer the best return on investment are featured prominently in this year’s Forbes magazine list of top colleges. …With the price of college higher than ever, parents and students alike are looking for schools where they’ll graduate on time and get a good job after earning their degree.”
Spelman isn’t the only black college making this year’s list. Coming in at number 367 is Howard University, which makes the school the second best HBCU in the country, according to Forbes. Morehouse College in Atlanta rounds out the top three HBCUs on the list at number 370 out of 660 U.S. colleges and universities.
Check out the entire list over at Forbes.
Correction: A previous version of this article misstated Howard University as the number 1 HBCU in the country, according to Forbes. Actually, that title belongs to Spelman College. We have corrected this and apologize for the error.
It’s no surprise that African-Americans are heavily scrutinized for embracing our culture. With that being said, it’s one thing to be scrutinized by other ethnicities, especially those who has not walked in our shoes. But what happens when it’s your own black sister doing the “bashing” of the culture?
Not too long ago, the black community unleashed a heavy wrath on Stacey Dash for her comments on Black History Month, saying that it should not be in place. And then she said, “Either we want to have segregation or integration…” Well, it seems the apple doesn’t fall short from the BET tree.
Stacey has now passed the torch of ignorance to Wendy Williams who gave her “insight” on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Jesse Williams’ acceptance speech at the 2016 BET Awards. Here’s a list of 5 things that makes Wendy Williams similar to the ignorance that Stacey Dash possesses as well.
Wendy and Stacey has both made the conscious decision to choose the money of the world over the history of the culture. They have realized that, although they are black themselves, if they remain “neutral” in racial situations and don’t lean towards their own race better opportunities will come to them. FAIL. Any sane person that understands the power of the black man or woman in America and appreciates the history of the civil rights movement would know there is no figurative amount of money that would convince one to disown their own race.
During her talk on HBCUs and NAACP, Williams basically stood by the argument that blacks are isolating themselves from others. She said if she were Caucasian, she would feel offended by historically black colleges. Wendy…it’s a choice to be uneducated, please read a book. There have not only been countless white people as members of NAACP, but also leaders of it. She then spoke on how HBCUs are isolating themselves from other races.
USC, UCLA, Harvard, Yale, and the list goes on and on, are in fact historically white institutions in the country. This ignorant rant was a book ripped straight out of the ongoing Stacey Dash saga, where she believes there shouldn’t be a Black History Month, saying we can’t demand integration but still have segregation. And if we want integration we need to get rid of BET and NAACP Awards, she says.
Opinions are welcomed, the lack of knowledge is not. What Wendy and Stacey have done is shown their ignorance to the history of what made it possible for them to do what they do today. They have become a puppet to the industry, and now have turned against their own. We are not requesting segregation, instead what we demand is our history to be acknowledged. If we do not create opportunities for our culture to culminate and celebrate one another, who will?
Both Wendy and Stacey are pretty high up in the cloud as it pertains to age and relevancy, however to make uneducated comments on a touchy subject to gain an audience or attention is classless. Today, it’s all about what you are doing to stay relevant. Stacey and Wendy have dried up in their careers and many new faces are coming onto the scene, so they must say something in order to save face. Whether it may tarnish their reputation or build their relevancy back up, one thing about show business is that all publicity is good publicity.
The most obvious out of all of the points is the fact that both women seems to have forgotten that they are black themselves. Wendy for God sake, you spoke your opinion on a BET, a network for predominantly black viewers. Did you really think you weren’t going to receive heavy backlash from your ignorant comments? And you Stacey, you were constantly on music videos and movies tied with BET, TVOne and etc. This random opinion of you both is proof that you just want the next quick dollar and both have decided to sacrifice the culture for it. But as a result, you just look ridiculous. Operation failed.
The real root behind this problem is that Wendy and Stacey are embarrassed of their own culture. They will go behind the call of duty to please the next race and make more money. Instead of disowning us, you should consider using your platforms to address issues that your own people face today. We are under attack and we need the aid of people in the industry and with social power to bring about change. But instead, you sit and complain…wishing you weren’t black. Wendy..Stacey..I speak for all black people, when I say….your Black Card has been revoked.
Trinice J. McNally, MS, an alumna of Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU), will take on this new role working to foster inclusive and supportive climates for LGBT, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people at our nation’s HBCUs. As the Program Manager for HBCU Initiatives, Trinice will bring her background as a former student affairs professional advancing LGBTQ/SGL equality through institutional change at both B-CU and North Carolina Central University, and as a HBCU student leader and #100toWatch cohort member. She will lead NBJC’s advocacy and programmatic efforts to promote the development of culturally competent administrative, faculty, students and staff support services for the LGBTQ/SGL population at HBCUs.
“NBJC is overjoyed to welcome such an innovative, passionate and steadfast advocate like Trinice to expand our impact and outreach to HBCUs ,” said Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks, NBJC’s Executive Director and CEO. “Central to NBJC’s mission is to educate and expand the knowledge of African American communities about the issues impacting the lives of Black LGBT people in order to accord dignity and respect to all Black people and families. Trinice is fully equipped to strategically lead our efforts to empower HBCUs to serve their LGBTQ/SGL population with the tools to foster affirming, nurturing and inclusive campus climates.”
HBCUs develop many of the future leaders of Black America as part of its core success story. With more than 300,000 students, mostly Black and of African descent, there is no data available to establish how many of those students self-identify as LGBTQ/SGL. In addition there are minimal support structures and policies for LGBTQ/SGL people within the 100+ HBCUs focused, primarily, on advancing Black America. Trinice will lead the effort at NBJC to bring voice and visibility to the lived experiences of the LGBTQ/SGL population at HBCUs and work to address how these institutions can be at the forefront when exploring the dichotomy of race, sexuality and gender.
“Being afforded the opportunity to lead NBJC’s HBCU Initiatives is simply ‘happiness made tangible’ as an HBCU graduate and someone committed to the advancement of LGBTQ/SGL people of color,” said Trinice J. McNally. “I am thrilled to be serving NBJC and the many students, administrators, faculty and staff at our nation’s HBCUs. I look forward to crafting and providing the tools our HBCUs need at the intersection of racial and LGBT equality to create institutional inclusion of LGBTQ/SGL and gender nonconforming people on these campuses.”
Trince comes to NBJC after serving as the Coordinator of the LGBTA Resource Center at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, North Carolina. NCCU is the second of three HBCU’s in the nation to have an LGBTA resource center and the first in the state of North Carolina. Before her service at NCCU, Trinice initiated a two-year research study through the Masters of Science Transformative Leadership Program at B-CU in 2012, where she collected research on the study of best practices and resources needed to create inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ students at HBCUs. As a result of the study, Trinice was afforded the first-ever position as the Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives, specifically responsible for developing LGBTQ inclusive programs that empower LGBTQ students at B-CU. This new position made Trince the first openly queer woman employed at a Florida HBCU with the explicit mission of achieving LGBTQ equality through higher education.
In her new role at NBJC, Trinice will lead the organization’s efforts to provide culturally competent tools that address the critical challenges hindering the LGBTQ community from being welcomed and supported at HBCUs. Central to her work is educating and moving to action HBCU leaders and other key stakeholders in the HBCU network on an agenda that fosters greater opportunities, access and affirmation for the LGBTQ population on these campuses. Through the expansion of NBJC’s 2016-2017 Health and Wellness Tour of HBCUs, Trinice will assist NBJC in building tools for HBCUs to respond with vigor to the health and wellness issues that impact LGBTQ people, disproportionately like stigma, bias, employment discrimination, hate crimes, intimate partner violence, and HIV/AIDS.
NORFOLK, Va. – The last time the Norfolk State men’s basketball program made an overseas trip, the coaching staff used that tour to scout a Spartan team that needed to replace several of its best players. Four years later, NSU again finds itself in a similar situation as the Spartans prepare to head on another summer excursion.
Norfolk State will travel to Costa Rica from Aug. 12-17 and compete in three exhibition games while taking in the sights and sounds of the Central American country as part of an early start to the 2016-17 season. A total of 13 Spartan players, including eight newcomers, will join the coaching staff in making the more than six-hour trek by flight from Norfolk to Costa Rica.
“We wanted to take full advantage of this opportunity to travel during the summer, especially for this new group,” said NSU head coach Robert Jones. “This team will have several newcomers and returnees who are being thrusted into new roles, and this trip will give the coaching staff a first look at possible combinations and lineups. The competition we will receive in Costa Rica will be second to none.”
The Spartans will leave on the morning of Aug. 12 and arrive in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose after making their way through customs. They will play the University of Ottawa on Aug. 13 at 4 p.m. EST (3 p.m. local time), the Costa Rica Invitational on Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. EST and Brock University on Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. They will fly back on the morning of Aug. 17.
“The University of Ottawa is a top-10 team in Canada year after year and would compare to a mid-major in the U.S.,” said Jones. “The Costa Rican team will have some semi-pro players competing, and Brock University is equivalent to a top NCAA Division II program. Between this fierce competition and the NCAA’s allowed practice time beforehand, we believe this will be very beneficial for the new group of players in order to have a solid upcoming season.”
NSU will spend three nights in San Jose, located in the central part of the country, as well as two nights in Los Suenos, located along the Pacific Ocean. In between arrival and departure days, the Spartans will tour San Jose and visit the Holy Spirit Orphanage and the Crocodile Bridge, home to some of the largest crocodiles in the wild. They will also take a zip line/canopy tour in the Vista Los Suenos Rainforest and relax at the pool and beach during their free time.
Under NCAA rules, teams are allowed to take one foreign trip every four years. Under those same rules, the Spartans are allowed 10 days of practice leading up to their departure. Jones is looking to replace his top three scorers from a year ago in Jeff Short, D’Shon Taylor and Charles Oliver, a trio that combined for 40.6 points per game and more than 54 percent of the team’s overall points on the year.
NSU last went on an overseas trip in the summer of 2012 to the Bahamas, just several months after capturing the MEAC title and defeating Missouri in the NCAA tournament. The Spartans had to replace four of their five starters from that championship team. NSU went on to finish 16-0 in the MEAC in 2012-13 to capture its first regular season title in the league.
Norfolk State is expected to release its full 2016-17 schedule by early next week.
