Dr. Julianne Malveaux Pens Book on Obama’s Presidency

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If there’s a need for proof that one can love their POTUS for all the good he’s done, all while being skeptic and calling him out when he is flat out wrong, let me introduce you to Dr. Julianne Malveaux and her new Book “Are We Better Off?”

Dr. Malveaux, an author, journalist and President Emerita of Bennett College, comprised 80 of her journalistic columns from 2008 to 2015 that analyze and critique Obama’s presidency, and his handle on issues that effected the free world. The book touches on many topics through articles and research, displaying the highs and lows of our 44thpresident’s tenure.

“On any given day the same people are going to feel differently about their President. On any given day and then as time goes on. There’s going to be this ebb and flow, but for us as black people, no matter where you are on the political spectrum, there was some sense of pride, and I hope expectation,” Malveaux said.

Ranging in topics from economics, social justice, public policy, and other pertinent world issues that America faces today, Malveaux saw fit to create the piece to put her opinion on Obama’s time as president and to create an important conversation.

Malveaux says, “This is our first black president, this is history I don’t regret having voted for him.” Nevertheless, standing on her right to exercise and legitimately criticize Obama and what he’s done as POTUS.

download (2)According to Malveaux, there were also issues during Obama’s presidency, specifically affecting the Black community, that he did not show up for or rather address–HBCUs, Affirmative Action, student loan debt and an array of other issues that basically went overlooked in her opinion.

As former Bennett president, active in years of 2007-2012, Malveaux worked through a time where HBCUs were essentially cut from the US budget. Nothing like a time where president Bush made it so that 85 million dollars was included in the budget specifically for historically black institutions. Malveaux says that she doesn’t believe Obama has an “HBCU Sensibility.”

“We in HBCU land have especially seen it,” she said. “When he goes to Morehouse and gives a commencement speech that is essentially demeaning, when he goes to the Congressional Black Caucus and tells people to put on their marching shoes, when he has the person who leads his HBCU initiative [Dr. John Silvanus], who says that half of our HBCUs don’t even need to be open. But in many ways black people have not seen what we thought we might see from this black president.”

Dr. Malveaux says that though there are issues that went unsolved in his presidency, there has to be some recognition of the obstacles President Obama has had to overcome.

“When you assume a critical face with this president, you also have to look at many of the challenges he had to face,” she said.

“Are We Better Off?” also takes a look at the student loan issues for college students and alum in America: “If we believe in developing intellectual capital, we ought to believe that students should have a subsidized opportunity to pursue higher education.”

Malveaux says the average student who graduates with student loan debt is having to pay close to $60,000. She believes that like highways, roads, and regulation of wall street, Higher Education works for the good of the public.

In retrospect, “Are We Better Off?” is a mouthpiece for what a lot of black Americans wish to express about president Obama, but are afraid to. Each of the issues Dr. Malveaux touches on in the book, are at the forefront at a lot of our woes and struggles in black culture.

Malveaux also notes that, if we as a people would have pushed him as hard as LGBTQ and Latino communities have done, that there would have been more changes. “President Obama ignored us, but we let him ignore us,” she said.

“The African American Community never felt emboldened to push him as far as he needed to be pushed. We always allowed grace, loyalty, and our enjoyment of style to trump our needs for substance.”

You can find out more about “Are We Better Off?” at Juliannemalveaux.com

Posted by Sonia Montalvo Posted on 67 articles

Former Jackson State Coach Inducted To The National College Baseball HOF

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Former Jackson State head baseball coach Robert Braddy was one of seven new inductees to enter the National College Baseball Hall of Fame at its annual Night of Champions in Lubbock, Texas last week.

Braddy compiled an 824-546 record in 28 years at Jackson State. His teams advanced to the NCAA tournament three times, and he was named NAIA District Coach of the Year twice and SWAC Coach of the Year eight times. He was the first African-American to be inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2003, and he also was inducted into the JSU Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 and the SWAC Hall of Fame in 2005.

“I’m a country boy from Florence, Mississippi, so it’s an awesome honor,” Braddy said of his induction. “I coached baseball eight years at the high school level. I got a scholarship to go to Jackson State. I was eventually offered the job after eight years at the high school level. It was an awesome experience. I just can’t thank Jackson State and my family who are here from all over the place. Jackson State was a blessing in disguise. It was an awesome experience for me.”

Braddy is the winningest baseball coach in Southwestern Athletic Conference history. Between 1973 and 2001 his teams won 12 conference championships, more than any other coach in league history, and he led the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances, two NCAA play-in games and four NAIA Tournaments. He was named SWAC Coach of the Year nine times. During his 28 year coaching career, 52 of his players reach the professional ranks, producing two first round draft picks in David Clark (1983) and Earl Sanders (1986).

In 1978 his Tigers posted a 52-12 record, which is a SWAC and JSU record. Braddy also played baseball for the Tigers under head coach Joe Gilliam, Sr. and was named an All-Conference selection in 1962 and 1963 as a pitcher.

Braddy is only the second coach from the SWAC to be inducted into the NCBHOF. Grambling State’s Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones was inducted in 2011.

The remaining 2016 induction class consisted of coaches in Texas and Cal State Fullerton skipper Augie Garrido as well as Valdosta State coach Tommy Thomas. Four former players also were inducted, including Florida State’s J.D. Drew, Arizona State’s Rick Monday, Houston’s Tom Paciorek and Marietta College’s Matt DeSalvo.

Braddy is pictured below at the 2016 SWAC Baseball Tournament in New Orlean.s

HBCU Young Alumni Series: Chasing Dreams ft. John Holland

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The idea behind the HBCU Young Alumni Series, is to take the time to honor graduates who, since graduation, managed to do the work, create opportunities for themselves, and are now on the brink of success. These alumni defy the myths of life after graduation and prove that reality can be quite rewarding. It also pays homage to their respective HBCU’s for being the reason they have chosen to be successful. Although this series is starting off with alumni from North Carolina A&T State University, which is the alma mater of many of our writers, the goal is for it to continue to unfold and open doors for success stories from graduates from HBCU’s across the country.

This week, we interviewed comedian and film/media maven in the making, John Holland, alumnus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

John Holland Jr

CH: Long before YouTube was a means to generate income, GreenBench TV, which was shot in the early days on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University started it all. In lieu of humble beginnings, let’s start with your YouTube-channel-turned-production-company, GreenBench TV. How did the initial idea come about to put these comedy skits on YouTube?

JH: It all kind of happened by accident. This was around the time Facebook had just launched, but slightly before YouTube actually went live. I had grown tired and frustrated of being a business major, so one day I just tuned out and began writing what would become our first sketch, “The Blocker”. Upon finishing the writing of it, that same day I decided not only would I go the extra mile to shoot it, but I would switch majors to the place I belonged, TV production. Fast forward to a finished product, and the video simply lived on my computer for weeks. We’d show friends who came by and that was about it. A friend of mine at another school wanted to see it so I uploaded on a friend’s server to send to them.

Little did I know, the owner of the server enjoyed the video and began posting it on tons of HBCU websites and forums. Next thing I know, people on campus are coming up to us saying how much they loved the video, as well as people on Facebook messaging us giving us props. What amazes me is that the video was some crazy link like this, which if I saw that link today, there’s no way I’d click on it. Thank God people were so trusting back then to click on videos and watch them. Seeing that people liked it, we began spamming Facebook hard, sending personal messages to hundreds of people at different schools. Then we had to follow-up so we wrote another sketch and then another, and another. Each time we’d hit every website we could (at the time the only social media was an infant Facebook, infant Myspace and Black Planet). From there we enjoyed “overnight success”. Eventually YouTube would be purchased by Google, so we started uploading our content to there as just another way for people to see it. It would be years before YouTube became our main content site due to the crazy publishing times (it would take up to two days to upload and publish a video in the beginning) and the model for making money at that time was make your own website, people go to it, you throw up banners and you hopefully make money from it.

CH: Talk about technology and its evolution! So now, you and the original crew have decided to take your talents to the West Coast. Since literally going Hollywood 7 years ago, how has your perspective on the film/media industry shifted, if at all?

JH: We’ve definitely become a lot more seasoned, and it’s so crazy how quickly the landscape has changed. When we moved out here in 2009, networks didn’t really know what to do with internet stars. Now they’re getting crazy deals from corporations, getting movie deals and so much more. I remember back in 2005, I would tell people that the future of entertainment was going to be on the internet, with TV shows and movies making their debut on there (we did an internet TV show for two years from 2005-2007). I’d say that to industry people and they’d shrug off the idea of the internet being dominant over TV. Most of it was because networks and studios didn’t know how to monetize the internet (although it was a really simple solution sitting right in front of them). We’ve shifted our focuses from “we got to get a show, we got to get a show, it’s got to be a sketch comedy show” to “we’re going to get a development deal and work behind the scenes, building our reputation until it’s our time to have “The Green Bench Show”.

CH: Last time I checked, you guys were working on a pilot in correlation with Adult Swim. Where are you all now in terms of getting shows aired on prime television? As a young, black, filmmaker, essentially, what has that process been like?

JH: We had a TV deal with Adult Swim back in 2011-2012 that allowed us to shoot two TV pilots. They weren’t picked up by the network, but we continue to work with Adult Swim. It’s amazing when you learn how difficult it is to get a pilot picked up. Hell, it’s even more difficult to get past the show pitch. We’ve worked on another TV pilot for them for World Star and we got the chance to write on season 2 of ‘Black Jesus’. With so many options now like Netfix, Hulu, etc. the TV deal doesn’t seem as prestigious as it once did (of course we’d still take one!). Not sure on the time table for Green Bench on prime time lol. It took two years for our first deal to go from start to finish, but we are making projects now with TV in mind (like Black Angus and World History Barbershop). I haven’t experienced the “racist” moment in Hollywood yet, but I’ve met with agents who want my writing to be less black. I’ve had to lead a conversation with a producer with something that isn’t so inside-joke black culture just to get them to listen. It can be frustrating, and sometimes it can be a fun challenge.

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CH: Going to an HBCU, where there any stigmas or negative stereotypes that you felt were attached to your interest in film and media? How were you able to overcome that?

JH: Hopefully this story answers this question:

When I was an intern at CBS in New York, I remember a big meeting with all the interns (like 30 other interns) and everyone went around saying their school. Duke, Harvard, Yale, etc. etc. All the school names are met with awe and wonder. Then it’s my turn and I proudly say “North Carolina A&T State University”. No response. It didn’t surprise me. These Ivy league kids don’t even know what an HBCU was. Because they never heard of it, they just discounted me as if I was some affirmative action pity case. I left that meeting angry, and I remember running into one of the VP’s (who was a wonderful black woman) who asked why I was upset. I explained to her what happened, and then I had a moment where I forgot I was in a professional atmosphere. I had a Kanye moment. I told her “they’re up there on each other’s dicks, little do they know, I’m going to be their boss one day. Each and every one of them will work for me”. She told me that was her favorite thing anyone has ever said.

Fast forward to the end of the summer and guess what? Not a single one of the kids knew anything about TV or journalism. All the interns had been assigned a big end of the program video project, and these kids were struggling. $80,000 a semester and they couldn’t do basic functions like checking audio levels, white balancing, applying ND filters, researching a news story, etc. Little old black school John came to the rescue out of the kindness of his HBCU heart, and let me tell you those kids got humbled really quick when I helped all of them get their projects in proper shape. I didn’t have to, but I wanted to, because how else will they come work for me?

CH: Wow! That answers the question perfectly! Tell me this: in a society that tries to dictate young millennials in terms of what industries are the most lucrative, what motivates you to stay on the path of your dreams?

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JH: Oh my favorite question! Listen, I started as a business major. Marketing to be exact. I hated every day in it. The only reason I choose it was because as a black community, we always tell each other to go after the money. Get some benefits. Play it safe. I can’t tell you how miserable and how unemployed I’d be if I had stayed in business. Too many times we pass on taking the risk to chase our dreams for the safety net of working corporate jobs. Get out there and take these risks while you’re young, because when you’re older, it’s near impossible. I moved to LA with 5 guys and lived in a studio apartment the size of a kitchen for an entire year. We ate ramen noodles and slept on air mattresses. I had enough clothes to fill one suitcase and that was it. I did that was I was 24. The perfect age to do something that dumb! And it totally paid off. If I were to try and do that again now at 31, I’d have so many doubts. So many hesitations. I’d be too comfortable to essentially start over.

Just do it! Do it now! Don’t say “I’m going to save up money and do it next year”, because you won’t! Something will happen, your money will be gone, you’ll get pregnant or fall in love and you’ll have to wait until the next year, and the next year.  Get on the internet, read a book, find someone who is currently doing it, and find out how you can do it. It drives me nuts when someone says they don’t know where to start. What do you mean!?!?!? You have an abundance of information online to do anything you ever wanted. The best motivation is the desire to want it bad enough! Remember you only live once, and you don’t want to be on your death bed wondering “what if?”. I have too many friends in their 30’s now back home who wish they had gone out on a limb and chased their dream. You don’t even have to leave home nowadays to chase a dream. Sure, I miss home every now and then but when I’m successful, I can go home as much as I want. At the end of the day, you need to want it, and want it bad, and not let anyone or anything get in your way or discourage you, because someone else WILL want it more than you, and they’ll go the extra mile to do it, and they’ll be enjoying the happiness you could be enjoying. Wake up earlier, and go to bed later than everyone else, and you’ll easily hustle your way to the top.

I’m rambling now but this is the question I love to answer because I like getting people fired up about fulfilling their dreams. Half the time, it’s just people being lazy, and they need a little spark. Don’t let this be you!

CH: Whew! There was absolutely a blessing in that message. I felt that!

CH: In 2014, your surprise engagement to your lovely fiancé, Megan “broke the internet” (which I’ve personally watched a million times already, by the way). How has your love life shaped you into the man you’ve become? What role does she play in your career ambitions?

JH: Glad you enjoyed! I was fortunate to meet a woman who was so driven, and it made me wonder if I was working hard enough. Love and dreams can be hard to juggle but putting in the time and communicating will plug any holes in your relationship. There’s 24 hours in a day; a hello and some flowers goes a long way when you’re working a 12 hour day and haven’t seen each other since the weekend. I work hard to give us a better life. I like making her happy. When she’s happy, so am I.

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CH: What is one thing you want the world to know about John Holland?

Hmmm that’s a good one. I’m passionate about what I do. I love and accept all challenges with the delusion that I can do anything, and that’s helped me accomplish everything! I move all obstacles and excuses out of my way to get what I want, and I hope that one day I can make whoever is reading this laugh and forget about all their problems!

CH: Thank you so much for taking the time to interview with me on behalf of HBCUbuzz. You and the GreenBench TV production team has made some really positive strides over the years and I have no doubt in my mind that you will continue to be successful in your future endeavors.

Keep up with GreenBench TV: Podcast  | YouTube | Twitter

FAMU Receives $266,000 from Washington, D.C. Alumni for Scholarships

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Foundation has received a gift of $266,000 from the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the University’s National Alumni Association (NAA). The gift is the largest donation ever received from a single alumni chapter. The funds will be used to establish the Washington, D.C. Chapter Annie B. Pharr Endowed Scholarship at the University. The donation is a result of an estate gift that was bequeathed to the chapter by the late Annie B. Pharr.

We chose to establish the endowment at the FAMU Foundation so that Annie B. Pharr’s legacy could live forever while also helping the University fill in the funding gap for students,” said Chapter President Artie L. Polk, D.Min.“After meeting with President Mangum while she was visiting Washington, D.C. recently, the chapter decided to provide long-term resources that would help the University meet state metrics and assist in retaining and graduating students.”

Annie B. Pharr earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from FAMC in 1946 and received graduate training at the McGill University in Montreal, Canada.  She worked as a nurse at Freedman Hospital in Washington, D.C. where she served in several senior management positions including head nurse, supervisor, and director of training. She also worked at Doctors Hospital in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

“Annie B. Pharr was greatly respected for her dedication to uplifting the community and promoting the success of FAMU,” Polk said. “Because of her generosity, commitment, and service to Florida A&M University, the legacy of Annie B. Pharr will live on in the hearts of many forever.”

Before Ms. Pharr’s death, she was one of four alumni of the Washington, D.C. Chapter to be honored with a named student scholarship from the Chapter, acknowledging her immense support for scholarships and the financial stability of students pursuing higher education at the University.

Through the endowment, the Chapter will begin awarding scholarships to students matriculating at FAMU, who are from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area.

“FAMU alumni have an unparalleled tradition of service throughout the country, and we are proud to have a scholarship program that carries the name of such a remarkable woman,” said President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D. “We are grateful to the members of the D.C. Chapter for their commitment to working with the University to ensure a successful educational experience for our students.”

Hampton Alumna, Kai Kitchen Charged With Reckless Driving After Being Stopped Three Times in 30 Minutes

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Kai Niambi

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The mother of a recent historically black university grad charged with reckless driving in Dublin, Va. says her daughter was “stopped three times in 30 minutes” by the same Dublin Police Officer driving home to Los Angeles from Hampton and is in desperate need of help.

Kai Niambi Kitchen, who just graduated from Hampton University with honors, is currently being held without bond on a class 1 misdemeanor charge for “reckless driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit—limit is 30 mph or less,” according to Inmate Lookup.

Rae Jones, Kitchen’s mom, says her daughter was only allowed to call her after being held in jail for 15 hours. “You can only imagine my horror after having attempted to locate her all day,” Jones said.

“You can only imagine her horror after doing everything she was expected to do and graduating “with honors.” The soonest I can get there is Tuesday morning due to holiday traffic,” she said.

Jones added, “What I need you to do is flood the Dublin County Courthouse at 540-643-2000… We need an attorney right now! We need help right now!”

HBCU Buzz tried to contact Ms. Jones for comment but did not get a response up to now.

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Clark Atlanta Suspends Men’s Track & Field Team

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colleges.nicheATLANTA, Ga. – After reviewing the impact on the institution and the department of athletics, Clark Atlanta University has opted to suspend Men’s Track and Field. The resulting reduction will bring the number of sponsored sports at CAU to 10 – four men’s and six women’s sports.

“For the next few years, Clark Atlanta University has suspended the Men’s Track program after evaluating the entire athletic program” stated CAU Athletics Director J. Lin Dawson. “Suspending or reducing a varsity sport is not an easy decision.  The decision to right size the department was based on resources, competitiveness, gender equity, and facilities.”

The men’s cross country team and women’s running sports will not be affected and will continue to compete.

“Several young men will be impacted. These young men give their hearts and souls in representing Clark Atlanta University. The Men’s Cross Country program is still a varsity supported sport at CAU.”

“We will continue fundraising efforts to install a new track and to create a sustainable competitive program. While the Men’s Track program is suspended, although a small consolation, the University will work to provide opportunities for young men to run unattached at several meets where CAU competes.”

Clark Atlanta University had 3,500 students for the 2015-16 school year with roughly 74% of the enrollment base as female students.

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Paine College Receives $1 Million Donation

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It seems this historically black college is turning things around. On Wednesday, the leader of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Kenneth W. Carter announced that the black church has donated $1 million to Paine College in Augusta to help keep the school afloat financially. Carter proclaimed the impressive donation a “historical moment” and said he believes the black college “will ride through this brief storm and come out even better,” according to The Augusta Chronicle. Paine has already raised $4.1 million in fundraising this year alone.  

But Paine board Chairman-elect Michael Thurmond has a new goal of $5 million—using the slogan “No Pain, No Gain”—so Paine can show and prove that the school is “getting control of the finances” and meeting the financial standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Earlier this month, the agency voted to remove Paine from the prestigious membership, citing the school “failed to meet three financial standards after two years on probation.” The black college is in the process of appealing the decision. Carter said students and alumni and the Augusta community must give to the school. “We invite you to give until it hurts,” he said. “Our gift today does not come without pain. Please join us in this sacrifice.”

Morehouse Professor Lamont Hill to Host Live Late-Night Talk Show on VH1

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b106123062_marclamonthillThe Viacom-owned cable network has handed out a series order for a live weekly late-night talk show hosted by Marc Lamont Hill, according to The Hollywood Reporter

The CNN commentator will anchor the weekly series, called VH1 Live. The show, produced by Embassy Row (Watch What Happens Live, Talking Dead), will deliver pop culture spin on entertainment news and gossip. The series debuts Sunday, July 17 at 10 p.m.

The deal keeps Hill in the Viacom fold after serving as a BET News host. The VH1 show will see the Ivy League educated host infuse his opinions and wit with what’s billed as a “raw street savvy ” approach to the subject matter. The audience and social media will also play a role in the conversation, with Hill poised to be joined by some of VH1’s biggest stars to get exclusive, behind-the-scenes buzz on the cable network’s top-rated shows.

VH1’s newly appointed reality topper Nina L. Diaz will executive produce VH1 Live alongside Trevor Rose, Jen McGovern, Tolani Holmes and Embassy Row.

HBCU Freshman Bible: How To Throw An Amazing Event On Campus

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drakeyardfestRather it is a welcome back to campus party, a day of community service, or a seminar aimed at getting college students prepared for the real world, a group of people are behind preparing the event and the next one could be your organization. The key to success in putting together any successful event is remembering your P’s. Here’s 5 P’s that will produce a very prosperous event on campus, you can see them below.

No idea is a bad idea, plan for everything.

Your idea for an event will not happen if you think it can’t happen. Write out your thoughts and ideas. Take time to think on them and write out various options. The most important detail to ponder on is the purpose of planning. Why do you want to have the event? Who is benefitting from it? What will participants walk away with? If the event has no purpose to it then there is no reason to plan.

Your planning should include backup plans for location, responsibilities for those working the event, dates, times, and cost. Planning takes time and successful events should not be rushed. The more time you have to plan the better.

Try working on your process. 

Pull out your calendar and let’s get organized.

One person should not do everything. One person should not take on to many tasks at the same time either. Putting on events is a process so the task should be planned out in how they will get accomplished. Write out all that needs to be done. After you have compiled that list write out all who is working with you on the event.

Task should also be scheduled out so nothing is overlapping giving you time to complete everything in a decent order. Assign tasks to responsible individuals. Color-code each task with top priority, medium priority, and low priority. Make sure those top priority tasks are not placed on your calendar close to the date of the event. The process is made easy when you’re prompt.

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Be prompt.

To be prompt is the difference from starting on time to an event beginning in chaos.  Events should not be evaluated with leaders under stress. The day of an event should be smooth and have everyone in position. When you move promptly in making sure every task is completed, everyone is in order, and everyone is aware of what they are supposed to do, then everything works out.

One person messing up a task can throw a whole event off track. For example a person is assigned to make sure the doors are unlocked at 3:30 p.m. and set up for the event begins at 4:00 p.m. The doors are unlocked at 4:30 p.m. because the person is late. That throws set up off and the event doesn’t start on time. Everyone must move promptly for the event to run smoothly.

Precaution ensures that everyone is safe. 

You have to check to make sure no one is in danger while attending your event. Will money be taken up? Will an advisor need to be present? Do you need to reserve security for the event? How many people can occupy the room? Is there any certifications you need for the activities taking place? These are questions that need answers and if you don’t know the answers you need to find someone that does.

Partnership can help save you money and give you resources. 

It’s a great feeling to say that you put on a successful event but there are resources out there that will love to help you. Connect to offices on campus that relate to your event.  Does your event deal with first year students? Check into ways that the office of First Year Students can help with your event. Does your event deal with academic success? Check into the possibilities of the department of Academic Affairs helping you out.

If you talk to people, there could be sponsorships available to help with the many cost of your event. Partnerships make events better and can help cut down on the costs for you and your organization. If you make these P’s a priority then your destined for greatness.

Ready for college but not sure what to expect, or even bring? Before you say goodbye to your parents and friends, check out this ultimate guide to surviving your first year in college, and in particular at the country’s 107 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). We created the #HBCUFreshmanBible to help build a bridge for students to make a successful transition from high school to black colleges, you can read more here.

Bennett College Students Discuss Clean Energy in China

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China 3GREENSBORO, NC. — A group from Bennett College which includes 20 students will travel on an all-expenses-paid trip to China to conduct research, become immersed in the culture and learn more about clean energy as part of the 100,000 Strong Initiative by the Wanxiang Group, a multinational automotive components group headquartered in Hangzhou, China.

The group will depart the U.S. on June 30, 2016 and return July 14, 2016.  The students will be accompanied by Lee Todhunter, interim director of Bennett College Center for Global Studies; and Michelle Linster, dean of the Division of Sciences and Mathematics.

 The program is designed for female students who are interested in learning more about the application and development of clean energy.  The Bennett College students are expected to conduct clean energy research projects in collaboration with participating Chinese female students during and after their return to the U.S.  They will be required to submit their research reports one year after completion of the program in China.

 “Over the last three years, 155 Bennett students have engaged in an international exchange, making our strategic goal of global acumen a reality,” said Bennett College President Rosalind Fuse-Hall.  “This work certainly enriches the life of the campus.”

 During the two-week trip, students will participate in seminars on the history, language, social and economic development of China and the teachings of ancient Chinese philosophers.  The seminars will also address the development and application of various types of clean energy in China and visit clean-energy related facilities.  The students will tour the cultural attractions in China and attend sporting and entertainment activities.

This program is supported by the 100,000 Strong Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that was created as a result of the U.S. State Department initiative of President Barack Obama that called for 100,000 American students engaging with China.  Wanxiang partnered with the City of Chicago to set up the first program.  Other colleges the group has partnered with include the Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Lone Star College, and the Congressional Black Caucus and two delegations of students from historically black colleges and universities.

“This program provides an immersive experience, exposing our students to the culture and language of the most populous country in the world, and allowing them to gain valuable research skills that they will bring back to Bennett to share with the entire campus,” said Todhunter. “Fully funded opportunities are rare and Bennett is so fortunate to have formed this partnership.”

 “I am so grateful that I will have this opportunity, to go to China at no cost and bring back knowledge about clean energy,”  Shani McMichael, sophomore  from Dayton Ohio majoring in  psychology with a Spanish minor.  “This will be my first time traveling outside of the country.  I hope to gain knowledge on how Bennett can reduce its energy costs.  The dedication from Ms. Todhunter is tremendous.  We are grateful to her.”

The Bennett College students traveling to China include:

 Tyler C. Binion, Antioch, TN

Ajana Blackwell, Mooresville, NC

Alexis Branch, Upper Marlboro, MD

Tiara Campbell, Atlantic City, NJ

Rochelle Givens, Atlanta, GA

Kiarra D. Harris, Jamaica, NY

Ka’la Hill, Upper Marlboro, MD

Ayana Kilpatrick, Dewitt, NY

Marshae S. Kirkpatrick, Pittsboro, NC

Toriell M. Lewis, Greensboro, NC

Esther Maxy, Raleigh, NC

Shani McMichael, Dayton, OH

Ophelia Murray, Philadelphia, PA

Brianna Shields, Norristown, PA

Ebony Small, Greensboro, NC

Chelsa Tubbs, Greensboro, NC          

Nia Watson, Capitol Heights, MD

Sabrina Simpson, Chicago, Ill.

Deja Willis, Mooresville, NC

Cassidy Lyric Wise, Los Angeles, CA

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Caption:  Lee Todhunter, interim director of Bennett College Center for Global Studies (right), is in the Center of Global Studies at Bennett preparing for the trip to China.  She is accompanied by Ebony Small of Greensboro, a journalism and media studies major who will be traveling with the group.  Also in the photograph is Hsia Pei-An, a Chinese Instructor at Bennett.

HBCU Olympian Talks About Coaching In The Segregated South

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Coach Ed Temple, center, and Tigerbelles sprinters Wyomia Tyus return home from the Olympics in 1964.

When people start to think about the Olympics, a few thoughts comes to mind. Record Breaking feats, Medal Counts, Locations, Sports, and even political significance. But when it comes to Olympic Success, every great athlete has a great coach. Edward Temple from Tennessee State was one of them.

A Complex Environment

When Temple became the coach of Tennessee State in 1950, things were very different. During that time, coaches had to teach classes and coach at the same time. That is bizarre compared to today’s standards. Thousands of college athletic departments are dedicated to the business and requirements of the athletic competition. But back then, Temple stimulated students brains and their athletic abilities.

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Racial Issues were a problem at the time as well. Tennessee is a state full of Civil Rights history. The Nashville Sit-Ins. The Nashville Race Riots. The Clinton, TN integration conflicts. The Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The list goes on and on. The Civil Rights movement was alive and well during this time. And for Temple, coaching an HBCU track team during this time was difficult. When traveling in the south, the athletes had to “hit the field” just to use the bathroom. Competing in a region full of Jim Crow laws was almost impossible.

From a broader perspective, female sports did not really get proper funding and respect until Title IX came into play.

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” (US Dept of Education)

This was a huge moment not just for college athletes, but for any athletic organization in the county. Governments and educational institutions were forced to have equal funding for female sports. But unluckily for Temple, this law did not become effective until almost halfway through his coaching career.

Despite the various circumstances, Temple developed a hard track program. He established 3 a-day practices in the summer heat. He consistently trained his athletes to be the best. Temple named his team “The Tigerbelles”. The Tigerbelles won 34 National Titles in his 44 years as the head coach. His expertise led him to the Olympics.

Read more here.

Dallas HBCU Starts Think Tank To Address Challenges Facing Black Community

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Paul Quinn College in Dallas and black elected officials are taking matters into their own hands to help better serve underresourced and underserved people in Texas, according to Blavity.

In a press conference in early June, President of Paul Quinn College Michael Sorrell announced the new African American Leadership Institute at the black college, which the school says will “attempt to address the economic development, educational, public policy, and leadership development issues that we feel are presently in place in our community, and in Texas,” reported Dallas Weekly. The think tank will be fully operational in at least two years.

“It’s especially important because in today’s era of socio-economic trials and tribulations, of communities who don’t have access to any the things they need; for school that aren’t’ yet everything they should be because of lack of resources. We know that we can do more, and today we announce our collective effort to do more,” Sorrel told the press.

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Paul Quinn leader Michael Sorrell pictured. Photo credit: Texas Tribune

County Commissioner for Tarrant County, Roy Charles Brooks, proclaimed that “This is an historic opportunity,” because this has never happened before:

“It’s historic because we have never before reached out to each other in a way that will allow us to share best practices, and to hone our ability to advocate for our constituents; both on the national stage and on the stage of our school,” Brooks stated, “This is necessary for us to raise our game in public service, so I am proud to be on the ground floor of the establishment of this leadership institute.”

“The people of Texas deserve an institute that is devoted to the needs and issues of its African-American community,” Sorrell said.

Head over to Blavity to read more.

Morehouse Man Samuel L. Jackson Wins BET Award For Years Of Work As An Actor

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In a speech at the BET Awards on Sunday, world-renowned actor Samuel L. Jackson made us laugh and think while accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award for his incredible work over the years.

Jackson told a crowd that he found a passion for acting, thanks to his “Aunt Etna,” and said that “she was the spark. So thank you. Love you so much for that,” according to The Huffington Post:

“It’s been a great ride getting here, and there’s a couple of people who are very instrumental in that. My Aunt Etna was the first person to put me in a costume of any sort,” Jackson told the audience. “She was the performing arts’ fourth grade teacher in Chattanooga, Tennessee and she was in charge of making sure the Negros performed for the white school board. She never had enough boys and I lived in the house with her, so she lit the fire that started all this.”

The actor is also a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta.

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In a speech presenting the prestigious award to his longtime friend, producer and fellow Morehouse man Spike Lee said, “We’ve all witnessed his performances and his drive,” referring to Jackson.

Lee added, “Sam is the hardest working man in show business!”

“I had the pleasure of meeting Samuel L. Jackson way, way back in 1975 on the mighty campus of Morehouse College. Sam had graduated from the house in 1972 and was still doing theater in Atlanta,” Lee said. “I knew then and there, God-willing, one day we would work together. And I’m here to say, let’s not get it twisted, he’s one of the greatest actors on this God’s planet.”

The black college graduate had also become a trending topic during the awards last night, check out some tweets below.

Tuskegee University Student Authors Two Books Targeting Black Society Problems

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Seeing the problems that black people face in America sprouted an urge in a new author’s soul to write. Javanna Plummer, 20, is a junior English major at Tuskegee University. She recently wrote the five chapter book Mo’s Mix and eight chapter Mo’s Mix: Queen-dom, which tackles the struggles of the natural beauty, survival of black business, infidelity, poverty and homosexuality within the black community.

She has also wrote the play “Say La Vie,” which is based on different personality types. After the production hit the stage at Tuskegee, the idea of writing a book began and it didn’t take long to produce. Within months Plummer put together the story of Monique, a determined dreamer who opened up a natural hair supply store.

According to the book’s summary, “While fighting to take care of her business, the 27-year-old Monique also has a brother struggling to stay faithful with his wife and another brother struggling with homosexuality. Striving to make a difference in her community, April Spring plots for ways to take down Monique’s business and save her own. April thinks the black race doesn’t accept her because of her mixed racial makeup so she struggles with self-acceptance in her mind.”

6Natural beauty is important to Plummer and she realized she needed to appreciate hers when she saw how so many young ladies were natural at the black college.

With a” Why Not?” mentality, she plans on publishing more work as these two books are part of a series.

She is currently traveling to various libraries in the Chicago area speaking about her books.

Inspired by getting involved with the Young Black Artist Movement at TU she met Kiana Leveritte, who motivated her to strive to make her writing career blossom and now they are sorors of Zeta Phi Beta.

Through meeting people like Leveritte, and committing many nights to writing while on campus and home for the summer Plummer is an example of not waiting to make thoughts into stories.

You can keep up with Mo’s Mix on facebook, Instagram, twitter, snapchat, and youtube at MosMixSeries and purchase online at Amazon.

Alcorn State Mourns The Loss of Game Changer, Tollette “Tonka”George

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ClxTSWqWYAAfXlpThe HBCU community as a whole is in mourns the loss of former Alcorn State University receiver Tollete ‘Tonka’ George. He was shot to death in New Orleans late Friday night.

George played five years with the Braves, where in 2013 he led the team in receptions with 52, totaling 637 yards and three touchdowns.  He is also known for his game tying touchdown in the Inaugural Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl last December, according to SWAC

In a release from the university:

Alcorn State University sends its deepest sympathy to the family of former wide receiver Tollette “Tonka” George, who died late Friday night in New Orleans.‪Tonka graduated from Alcorn in May and was a member of the Braves football team for five years.”Tonka was a talented student and athlete,” Athletics Director Derek Horne said. “The Alcorn family is deeply saddened by Tonka’s death and we are praying for his family and all who knew and loved him.”Grief counselors will be available to assist students, faculty and staff next week.

https://twitter.com/CatchMeOn__E60/status/746563225647484928

 

Jesse Williams Delivers Acceptance Speech of a Lifetime

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If you did not tune in to the BET Awards 2016 last night, you missed a great show. Not only were the stars looking amazing on the white carpet, the performances were purposeful, dripping in symbolism — a true celebration of black culture. Of particular awesomeness was the speech of Jesse Williams, who was awarded the 2016 BET Humanitarian Award.

His truths coupled with his delivery went viral in seconds. Watch and see the full transcript below:

“Peace. Peace.

Thank you Debra. Thank you, Nate Parker. Thank you, Harry and Debbie Allen, for participating in that. Before we get into it, I just want to say I brought my parents out tonight — I just want to thank them for being here and teaching me to focus on comprehension over career. They made sure I learned what the schools were afraid to teach us. And also, thank you to my amazing wife for changing my life.

Now, this award, this is not for me. This is for the real organizers all over the country. The activists, the civil rights attorneys, the struggling parents, the families, the teachers, the students that are realizing that a system built to divide and impoverish and destroy us cannot stand if we do. Alright? It’s kind of basic mathematics. The more we learn about who we are and how we got here, the more we will mobilize.

Now, this is also in particular for the black women in particular who have spent their lifetimes dedicated to nurturing everyone before themselves. We can and will do better for you.

Now, what we’ve been doing is looking at the data and we know that police somehow manage to deescalate, disarm and not kill white people every day. So what’s going to happen is we’re going to have equal rights and justice in our own country or we will restructure their function in ours.

Now, [standing ovation] I got more, y’all.

Yesterday would have been young Tamir Rice’s 14th birthday. So, I don’t want to hear anymore about how far we’ve come when paid public servants can pull a drive by on a 12-year-old playing alone in a park in broad daylight, killing him on television and then going home to make a sandwich.

Tell Rekia Boyd how it’s so much better to live in 2012, than it is to live in 1612 or 1712. Tell that to Eric Garner. Tell that to Sandra Bland. Tell that to Darrien Hunt.

Now, the thing is tho, all of us in here getting money that alone isn’t going to stop this. Alright? Now dedicating our lives to getting money just to give it right back. To put someone’s brand on our body when we spent centuries praying with brands on our bodies and now we pray to get paid with brands for our bodies. There has been no war that we have not fought and died on the front lines of. There has been no job we haven’t done. There’s no tax they haven’t levied against us. And we pay all of them. But freedom is somehow always conditional here. You’re free, they keep telling us, but she would have been alive if she hadn’t acted so free.

Now, freedom is always coming in the hereafter but, you know what tho, the hereafter is a hustle. We want it now. And let’s get a couple of things straight here, just a little sidenote. The burden of the brutalized is not to comfort the bystander. That’s not our job. Alright, stop with all that. If you have a critique for the resistance, for our resistance, then you better have an established record of critique of our oppression. If you have no interest in equal rights for black people, then do not make suggestions to those who do. Sit down.

We’ve been floating this country on credit for centuries, yo. And we’re done watching, and waiting while this invention called whiteness uses and abuses us. Burying black people out of sight and out of mind, while extracting our culture, our dollars, our entertainment like oil — black gold. Ghettoizing and demeaning our creations then stealing them. Gentrifying our genius and then trying us on like costumes before discarding our bodies like rinds of strange fruit. The thing is tho, the thing is, that just because we’re magic doesn’t mean we’re not real. Thank you.”