Must Read Letter From Morehouse President John Silvanus To Students

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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

JSU Standout Michael Tinsley Qualifies for 2016 Rio Olympics

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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 Williams Named Acting Athletic Director at Fort Valley State

FVSU_Logo-750x400LuWanna 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.

Coppin State Alumna Christina Epps Headed To 2016 Rio Olympics

Being the first Olympian of the best HBCU on the planet, my alma mater, Coppin State means the world to me,”Christina Epps Said. “I hope I’ve not only made my school proud but have inspired my fellow Coppinites to know that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what other people are doing, but with God, the right mindset, hard work, and dedication anything is possible!

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.

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“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.”

Roland Martin To Educate Wendy Williams Live This Thursday

attends the Lane Bryant launch #PlusIsEqual campaign at Times Square on September 14, 2015 in New York City.
attends the Lane Bryant launch #PlusIsEqual campaign at Times Square on September 14, 2015 in New York City.

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.”

2 HBCU Alums Who Hillary Clinton Might Pick As A Running Mate

Image result for kamala harrisHillary 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.

From NewsOne:

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.

The 3 Best HBCUs Of 2016, According To Forbes

On Wednesday, Forbes released their annual list of top colleges in the country and Spelman College in Atlanta earned the top spot for the country’s 107 historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, at number 290.

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.

5 Things Wendy Williams And Stacey Dash Have In Common

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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.

Coin Over Culture

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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.

Uneducated Opinionist

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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?

The Thirsty For Relevancy

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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.

Forgot to Check Your Skin Today?

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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.

Operation Failures

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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.

NBJC Names Bethune-Cookman Alumna Trinice J. McNally Program Manager for HBCU Initiatives

Washington, DC – The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation’s leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, is proud to announce the expansion of its Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) LGBT-Equality Initiative  with the creation of a new leadership role—Program Manager for HBCU Initiatives.

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.

Trinice headshot“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 State Men’s Basketball To Compete Overseas

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.”

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Courtesy NSU Athletics

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.

College Value Ranks Hampton University 3rd In Best Online Religious Studies Degree

Hampton, VA- Hampton University Online has been ranked 3rd for online bachelors degree in Religious Studies by collegevaluesonline.com

The ranking considered graduation and tuition rates using data that was gathered from the NCES College Navigator Database.  College Values Online ranks schools and programs, highlights features of the college experience, and provides career information from the angle of value in order to steer you towards the completion of a degree that is worth the investment

“There has always been a wide and conspicuous curiosity about religion; which makes sense to me because religion has always been a part of our world,” said Debra Haggins, University Chaplain and Director of the Religious Studies Program. “I am pleased that our program offers courses from both branches: theology and religion for the purposes of academic preparation and vocational formation.”

The Religious Studies Program provides an opportunity for those who are seeking a solid foundation in the study of religion an opportunity to obtain an accredited Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies through distance learning. The program curriculum provides a strong core of biblical, theological, and pastoral courses reinforced by a strong liberal arts foundation. 

The program is designed to sharpen the skills of students already in ministry, to   prepare students for advanced studies, especially in religious education and theology, and to broaden their options in the careers that put a premium on an informed religious consciousness. In addition to the personal benefits of this degree, Hampton’s unique program can qualify students for ministerial work of all kinds. Many graduates also take a path to advanced study by attending seminary or divinity school.

College Values Online:

College Values Online’s mission is to provide assistance in selecting the best college for each individual situation by offering rankings of schools and various degree programs, in addition to information on numerous career options from a value perspective.

College Values Online offers practical guidance rooted in careful research and informed by over 20 years of experience in college selection. Our researchers interact with multiple data sources like College Navigator, Forbes, Kiplinger, US News & World Report, and Princeton Review, saving you valuable time now, and money later.

Jacquelyn Coward, Alabama State Coach To Compete In Olympic Trials

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Jacquelyn Coward came to Alabama State in August of 2015 to help the young ASU runners reach for the best they could be and in the process has found herself on her way to Eugene, Oregon for the 2016 Olympic Trials which will run Monday-Friday, July 4-8.

Coward will compete in the 100 meter hurdles and has been training with ASU assistant coach Charles Ryan, who coached Coward when she was a Knoxville, Tenn., teenager several years ago.  ASU Head Coach Richie Beene and assistant Michael Snapp have also been helping the Central Florida graduate along the way.  It is an opportunity she is ready for after qualifying for the trials back in April at the Florida Relays. 

“I’m excited and ready to go and compete against some of the best runners and right now my event is the hardest team to make,” Coward said.  “I’m excited and very confident.  Coach Charles Ryan has implemented a really good program for me to use to go and compete.  I’m taking his advice, I’m taking the lessons I’ve learned from Coach Beene and Coach Snapp.  I am going to go out there and let the chips fall where they may.” 

Courtesy: University of Central Florida Athletics
Courtesy: University of Central Florida Athletics

This is not the first trials for the Central Florida graduate who finished her collegiate career a six-time All-American in both indoor and outdoor events.  She was good enough coming out of high school to earn her first trip to the Olympic Trials and then again four years later coming out of college.

 “The first time I went to the trials I was 17 years old.  I was a young lady that didn’t know what was going on and was star struck.  So at 17 I was not supposed to make the team, but four years later coming out of college I was 22 and I had learned a lot since my first time.  It was different because I was older, but I still made small mistakes.  Fast forward four years later and life has taught me a lot of lessons of how to persevere, how to be strong, how to continue to go after the things that you’re passionate about,” Coward added.

As Coward used her experience to teach the ASU runners she found out she was learning some things herself just by teaching.  Coward said, “Being around the ASU runners has taught me a lot as far as developing my own craft and getting better.  So going into these trials I think I have a little advantage because I have been through a lot and I have taught it to other people to help them get better and it has helped me learn some things as well.”

Coward will be flying to Oregon Monday with the 100m hurdles actually running Thursday.  So she will be able to get to Oregon and do some training there before the excitement begins and she is looking forward to another shot at the Olympics.

“I am more confident than I have been in the past and I am healthier now than I have ever been, I am happy and this is a great opportunity for me,” Coward said.  “These (Olympics) only roll around every four years so I have prepared a lot and doors have opened up.  People have been pouring into me giving me donations here and there and words of encouragement and it has all been a blessing.  I’m excited and ready to see what happens.”

Here’s 10 Ways to Get Ready for Your Freshman Year of College

Use the summer before your freshman year to prepare for college this fall. Here are 10 ways to get ready for campus life.

Take Care of Thank You Notes and Paperwork

Send thank you notes to those who helped you throughout your college application process; be sure to tell them which school you’ll be attending. In addition, make sure that the school has received all of your required paperwork (your final transcript).

Continue the Scholarship Search

Check with local organizations and businesses, libraries, and houses of worship to see what they offer. Should you receive any additional scholarship money, be sure to inform the school. If you don’t, and your aid exceeds your financial need and the cost of attendance, you could lose financial aid from the school.

Get a Physical

Visit your doctor before you leave for college. Your doctor needs to complete the school’s health form and send it back before you arrive on campus.

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Learn Basic Banking

You must know how to write a check, use a debit card, withdraw money, make a deposit, and balance your checkbook or checking account. Opening a bank account is a big step in becoming independent. Make sure you are aware of how much money you have in your account so you aren’t charged an overdraft fee.

Learn How to Do Laundry

If you don’t already know how to do your own laundry, now is the time to learn.

Contact Your Roommate

Connecting with your roommate during the summer and learning about each other’s likes and dislikes will make it that much easier when you arrive on campus.

Register for Classes

As soon as you can register for classes, do so. The sooner you register, the greater the chance that you’ll get into the classes you want—and need. If you need help selecting courses, contact your institution and speak with an adviser or admissions counselor.

Complete Your Summer Pre-Reading

Many institutions require incoming students to read a specific book during the summer prior to their arrival on campus. Check to see if yours is one of them.

Attend Freshmen Orientation

Orientation programs introduce you to the tools and resources available on campus to help you succeed. They also provide a great way for you to meet other freshmen.

Relax and Have Fun

Spend as much time as you can with those you love.  Once you’re off to college, you won’t have the same opportunities that you now have.

Bonus Tip: Memorize your Social Security number.

This post was written by Chelsea L. Dixon, M.S., M.A.T., founder and CEO of GamePhox Unlimited L.L.C.  A motivational speaker who has lectured at various high schools, colleges, professional youth sport foundations, and youth groups, Dixon is the author of Bridging the Gap: A Simple Guide to College. This post originally appeared on Black Enterprise.

Google Sets Sights on HBCU Engineering Students for Recruitment Efforts

yolanda_mangolini_6d5691697fb289ff7bedde0fcb45b223.nbcnews-ux-600-480Engineering students at select historically Black colleges and universities may have an advantage over students at other institutions when it comes to getting into the doors of Google. For the past three years, Google has had engineers planted at HBCUs as part of their commitment to increased diversity not just within their institution, but across the industry According to NBC

“Ultimately, what we are trying to do is create a company where our workforce reflects the diversity of our users, where we have a culture where everyone here can thrive and people feel comfortable with being themselves,” Yolanda Mangolini, head of Google’s global Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives, told NBCBLK. “Our mission is to organize the world of information. We cannot be universally useful and accessible if we only look one way.”

In 2013 Google engineers helped to overhaul the Intro to Computer Science course at Howard University. It was the beginning of what would become their Google in Residence (GIR) program. The company is specifically focused on recruiting students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

In 2014, they expanded the GIR to Hampton University, Fisk University, Spelman and Morehouse College. By 2015, the GIR program had expanded to seven HBCUS, adding Xavier and Dillard in Louisiana; and hosted 30 HBCU tech interns.

Chris Hocutt, now a software engineer at Google, had tried unsuccessfully to get his foot into the door of Google his freshman year at Howard University. He had applied to participate in Google’s engineering practicum program, but was denied.

It seemed as though his dream was deferred, until his junior year when one of his professors made a suggestion. That was also the first year of GIR.

“The head of the computer science department was like, ‘talk to this Google instructor and get to know him,'” Hocutt recalled. “He was there primarily for freshmen and sophomores, but I started chit-chatting with him.” READ FULL NBC

Dr. Ivory Toldson Steps Down As White House Initiative On HBCUs Leader

Leader of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Dr. Ivory Toldson is stepping down.

According to Diverse, the HBCU champion has now become “head of The Quality Education for Minorities,” a nonprofit organization in the nation’s capital dedicated to improving education for minorities across the country.

“Toldson, who was appointed deputy director of The White House Initiative on HBCUs in 2013, took the helm of the Initiative after Dr. George Cooper died last year,” reported Diverse. “During his tenure at the Initiative, Toldson is credited with helping to devise strategies to sustain and expand federal support to HBCUs.”

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Toldson, an author, and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Negro Education, will also return to Howard University in the nation’s capital as a professor. He “takes personal pride in his ability to promote HBCU scholarship and being an example of talent cultivated at HBCUs,” according to his LinkedIn account.

Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, who earned her doctorate degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, will replace Toldson at the helm.

Many people, including Reed on her Twitter account, took to Twitter to thank Toldson for his incredible work over the years, you can read the tweets below.

Caught on Tape: Police Officers Murder Family Man Alton Sterling

alton-sterling-killed-in-baton-rougeA 37-year-old Baton Rouge, Louisiana man named Alton Sterling was gunned down by police late Tuesday night, and was caught on a cellphone which shows the footage to be very disturbing to watch, but has been widely circulating online. In the video, Sterling is tackled and pinned to the ground by two officers, identified as Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake II, one of whom shouts, “He’s got a gun! Gun!” before both officers appear to draw weapons and several shots are heard as the individual recording the scene turns away.

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In a confrontation that took place near a convenience store outside which Sterling was apparently selling CDs, the store manager recalls that he was 2-feet away from the altercation turned scuffle when he heard one of the offices yell “Gun!” then afterwards they fired four to six shots into Sterling’s chest, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The manger said “His hand were nowhere near his pocket,” adding that Sterling wasn’t holding a weapon. After the shooting, an officer reached into Sterling’s pocket and retrieved a handgun.

Sterling’s death has since triggered a protest in Baton Rouge in which the president of the local NAACP chapter is calling for the mayor and the city’s police chief to resign. Rep. Cedric Richmond, who represents the city, has called for a federal investigation of the incident.