VIDEO – Morehouse President Responds to Rape Allegations

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Morehouse President

Morehouse College is launching its own investigation into allegations that a woman attending neighboring Spelman College was gang-raped by four Morehouse students. This was a direct response to the Twitter Allegations this passed week alleging, Spelhouse silenced victims of rape. View Story here

 


Dear Men of Morehouse and the entire Morehouse Community:

I am deeply troubled by the recent allegations that have been anonymously stated on Twitter alleging that a Spelman student was assaulted by four unidentified Morehouse students. At Morehouse, we take seriously all allegations of sexual assault and we are redoubling our efforts to ensure that our students and students throughout the Atlanta University Center are encouraged to report any such incidents. Both our Office of Campus Safety and the Title IX Office have been activated to fully investigate the allegations with the limited information that we have. 

As I have stated before, sexual assault is a critically important issue at Morehouse College and we are committed to working with the entire Morehouse community to examine the cultural norms that underscore and perhaps exacerbate this difficult issue, while also ensuring that our policies, procedures and practices are aligned with the federal law and provide swift and fair outcomes. We are also determined that our approach to addressing this serious matter is informed by the loftiest values of this institution. Sexual assault is a heinous form of violence and it is a stark contradiction to Morehouse College at its best.

The information anonymously shared on Twitter was our very first indication of this incident. Now that we are aware of these allegations, we are determined to pursue the investigation to the fullest extent possible.

I encourage any victim of sexual assault to report the incident to our Title IX office, the Office of Campus Safety, or any other mandatory reporter. Morehouse is determined to create, shape and maintain an environment where victims are supported and feel free to report any incident of sexual assault, trusting that they have Morehouse as an ally.  We are determined to change the culture on and around campus, and “get right” a problem that has confounded the industry of higher education and the country. We must all work together to shape an environment and culture where sexual violence committed against our students or by our students is not tolerated.

As most students now prepare to leave our campus for the summer, we ask that you return in the fall fully prepared to join in the fight against a scourge that has traumatized too many for far too long.

For updates on the critical steps we have taken since last fall and will continue to take in the coming months go to www.morehouse.edu/collegestatements, which will include a living document that we will continue to update.

John Silvanus Wilson, Jr. ’79
President

Alcorn State To Build Largest Scoreboard In HBCU History

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ScoreboardPartners with ASU Foundation to dramatically enhance football game day experience

Defending Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Champions Alcorn State University Braves will soon boast the nation’s largest Historically Black College and University owned video scoreboard when they kick off the 2016 season at Spinks-Casem Stadium this fall.

The LED display is expected to measure 65 feet by 25 feet, will feature an impressive 10 mm pixel pitch and a high quality 1952×736 resolution. It will be capable of variable content zoning allowing it to show one large image or it can be divided into multiple smaller windows to show any combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.

University president Alfred Rankins Jr. announced plans and unveiled the design to a packed assembly of alumni gathered on the Lorman campus for commencement weekend activities.

“We are excited to announce this new addition to the Braves football experience and extremely grateful to the Alcorn State University Foundation for its historic investment because it is going to significantly impact the entire Alcorn family from our students to our fans to our valued student athletes,” Rankins said.

ASU Foundation Executive Director and Manager of the Foundation’s Development LLC, Marcus Ward said, “The ASU Foundation is proud to be a part of this project that supports the university, because it’s the foundation for which long-term athletic and business success can be built. Alcorn and its fans will enjoy and benefit from the new experience on football Saturdays in Lorman. This will be a great enhancement and very beneficial for the best school, best team, best fans and best game day atmosphere in all of HBCU football.”

The Foundation’s Development, LLC has contracted with Laurel, Mississippi based Capturion Network, LLC, a division of Busby Companies, a leading multi-format LED display company to construct and operate the new scoreboard.

Athletics Director Derek Horne said, “Alcorn’s fans deserve the biggest and the best. The new video scoreboard will directly impact the performance of our student athletes on the field of play and will enhance our recruiting abilities to prospective student athletes.”

Businesses and organizations interested in advertising opportunities on the new video board should contact the Busby Sales team at 800-268-3260 or email .

-ALCORN-

Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships that benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation, and world.

Four Historically Black Colleges And Universities Battle For Bragging Rights In The BE Smart Case Competition

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3Q2A3853-00000002-1One team experienced technical difficulties—but remained unflappable. Another used impressive primary research; still another included extensive research on competitors; but the team that won presented the most actionable solution of all.

The BE Smart Case Competition—hosted by Shell, supported by our partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and by Lenovo—at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit in Miami Beach, Florida, offered a glimpse at tomorrow’s leaders—and from where I sat, the future looks good.

Student teams from four historically black colleges had been working for a minimum of four weeks to devise solutions to a problem that had been solicited from Industrial Bank, a black-owned bank in Washington, D.C.: How can Industrial Bank market financial products to millennials?

To mitigate bias for or against any team, the judges did not know the schools the teams represented—neither did the audience—until a winner was determined. But there’s no reason to keep you in suspense. The teams presented in this order:

  • Fort Valley State University: Abrahana James, Jarvis Pressley, Montrell King, and Sheronda Wilkerson
  • Morgan State University: Kristen Selby, Maliik Nelson, Mariyah Bryant, and Tracy Eziama
  • Florida A&M University: Brooke Slauter, Shytina Harley, and Walter Bennet
  • Hampton University: Brielle Lewis, Macie Owens, and Mykail James

And the winner is … FAMU!

Although each team of HBCU students provided excellent content and presented in a way that was energetic and well-paced, FAMU bowled the judges over with its presentation quality and flow, its use of a personal narrative—Hope, who put a face on the millennial market—in addition to its clear, specific, actionable solution.

The competition was engagingly facilitated by Felecia Hatcher, co-founder and CEO of Code Fever Miami, serial entrepreneur, and sought-after speaker; and skillfully judged by Scott Brown of Georgia-Pacific, Trabian Shorters of the BMe Community, and Eric Lyons of the National Black MBA Association.

For more information about the BE Smart Case Competition and the Entrepreneurs Summit, go to its website.

Robin White Goode is a writer at Black Enterprise. This article was written by Robin White Goode and originally posted on Black Enterprise. It is reprinted here with permission.

Central State Student Joins The Peace Corps, To Serve In Togo

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Central State senior Kyree Rollins has been accepted into the Peace Corps and will be departing for Togo this summer—and he “wants to be able to teach people what I learn here.” He will serve as a health extension volunteer working in community health and malaria prevention, according to a news release.

Rollins said the assignment is “the perfect fit” and will join about 25 other volunteers helping out in mainly rural areas of the West African country.

According to the school’s website, Rollins has always had an interest in public health growing up in the nation’s capital. He also served as a peer educator with Metro Teen/AIDS, a non-profit organization that promotes safe sex

President Obama Announces Intent To Appoint Howard’s Leader To Serve On Board Of Advisors For The White House Initiative On HBCUs

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On Friday, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick to serve on the Board of Advisors for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, according to a news release.

The Board, created in 1981 under President Ronald Regan to strengthen the country’s 107 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), along with the White House Initiative on HBCUs work in conjunction with the president and the secretary to provide methods, programs and strategies to expand the capacity of black colleges to provide a high-value and quality education.

More on the Buzz: Obama Becomes Sixth Sitting US President To Deliver Keynote Speech At A Howard University Commencement

From the school’s website:

“Specifically, the Board issues an Annual Federal Plan for Assistance to Historically Black Colleges and Universities to the President on participation by HBCUs in federally-sponsored programs; provides advice to the Secretary of Education and makes recommendations in reports to the President on how to increase the private sector role in strengthening HBCUs, with particular emphasis on enhancing institutional infrastructure; and facilitates planning, development, and the use of new technologies to ensure the long-term viability and enhancement of these institutions.”

“I am grateful and honored by this appointment,” said Dr. Frederick. “I will work to fulfill President Obama’s confidence in me and his commitment to HBCUs. The role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation’s higher education arena and in the discourse of higher education is critical.”

“We must make sure they thrive,” he added. “The 100-plus HBCUs of this nation represent an array of diversity, in size, in scope of offerings and in students enrolled. I appreciate this diversity, and I intend to be a staunch advocate for the role of these very important institutions.”

Here’s How To Add Howard University On Snapchat

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Howard University has now launched a Snapchat account, letting recent grads and current students keep tabs on the black college by using the mobile app. You can find and add the school on Snapchat by searching for “howard1867.”

On Saturday, more than 2,300 graduates received degrees from Howard University at the school’s 148th commencement on campus. President Barack Obama also gave one of the best speeches of his presidency delivering the keynote address to graduating students and their families at the unversity. You can also follow the black college on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Why Neglecting Retirement Savings For Student Loans Isn’t A Good Thing

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Juggling the monthly payments of student loan debt is often the leading factor that causes millennials to put off saving for retirement. While young professionals are always advised to save now rather than later, a recent study from Morningstar shows the impact student loans can have on retirement savings.

According to the new report, which includes data from the Federal Reserve, each additional dollar toward student loan debt decreases your retirement savings by 35 cents. That means, someone with $100,000 in student loans can be set back by $35,000 in retirement funds.

With the average student loan debt for recent graduates having reached a little more than $35,000, the likelihood of millennials saving for retirement is slim. According to a Bankrate survey, 18% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 say they owe too much in student loans to even consider saving for retirement.

Photo credit: Slate.com.

While the idea of getting rid of your student loans quickly sounds appealing, putting all of your money toward paying extra on your loan is not exactly the smartest thing to do. Pace yourself with your payments and if your budget doesn’t allow you to give more than the minimum required then don’t force it.

According to a breakdown by Bankrate, a professional who starts saving for retirement at 25, putting away just $2,000 a year for 40 years, will earn around $560,000 in savings, assuming earnings grow 8% annually. If a professional waits until they’re 35 to save, putting away the same $2,000 a year but for 30 years instead, they will end up with less than half the same amount of money at $245,000.

For young professionals who are looking to save on retirement now, be sure to enroll in your company’s 401(k) plan and take advantage of any matching they offer. Also, with more companies helping employees to pay off student loan debt, be sure to ask your employer if this option is included in your benefits package.

Courtney Connley is a writer at Black Enterprise. This article was written by Courtney Connley and originally posted on Black Enterprise. It is reprinted here with permission.

Dillard University’s School Of Nursing Admissions Suspended For The 2017-2018 Academic Year

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New admissions to Dillard University’s School of Nursing will be suspended for the 2017-2018 academic year due to an assessment of its generic baccalaureate and LPN-BSN nursing programs, according to a press release issued by the university Director of Communications and Marketing David Grubb on April 26.

This self-imposed assessment will begin immediately and will continue throughout the suspension period said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Yolanda Page. Although new students will not be admitted during this time it will have no affect on the approximately 100 students currently enrolled in the program. In fact, Page said she believes the assessment will enhance the experience of those currently enrolled.

The assessment will consist of various activities, “including but not limited to review of curriculum, review of admission process and curriculum, review of remediation and tutorial support,” said Page.

via WWLTV.com.

Student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is what brought on the need for an assessment. Dillard University’s School of Nursing 2015 NCLEX-RN passage rate for first time writers was 50 percent, according to the School of Nursing Chair Dr. Sharon Hutchinson

The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that each state board of nursing uses to determine readiness of a candidate for entry-level nursing practice.

Beginning in 1942, Dillard University’s baccalaureate in nursing program is known for being the first of its kind in Louisiana.

Hutchinson was quoted in Grubb’s statement saying, “The School of Nursing has been working with and will continue to work closely with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing in getting the program back to the lofty status it has had historically.”

Why You Need A Mentor To Grow Your Business

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Mentor–protégé relationships are critical for growing your business,” said Black Enterprise’s SVP, chief content officer, Derek T. Dingle at a discussion on mentors and protégés.

The discussion was part of a panel of the third day of the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit: “Grow Your Business: Building Mentor–Protégé Relationships.”

Michelle-Thompson Dolberry of American Express OPEN, Advisor on Small Business Growth, also offered sound advice.

“Learn from others around you,” she said.

The panel was composed of a protégé and her mentor, both two very successful entrepreneurs.

Photo credit: BlackBusinessOwnersNetwork.com

The protégé, Nailah Ellis-Brown, founder of Ellis Infinity L.L.C., has found wild success with her Ellis Iced Tea products.

She was going to go to college and during her first semester she realized how much debt she would incur getting her degree.

Instead, she set out to fulfill her dreams of entrepreneurship. She was interested in the beverage industry and asked her Dad for his tea recipe.

Ellis-Brown started selling out of a cooler and made a couple $100 a day. Then she aimed for Whole Foods. She had to tailor her recipe for Whole Foods. Her business started to grow and then she opened a production facility.

However, with growth came growing pains. She was frustrated, needed further funding, didn’t have a business plan, and felt stymied.

That’s when she got a fantastic mentor.

At an event honoring successful black business people, she bluntly asked for help while on stage. At the event happened to be businessman and BE 100s veteran, Leon Richardson, president and CEO of ChemicoMays.

ChemicoMays is a chemical manufacturing company supplying the automotive industry. The company made $106 BILLION last year.

Richardson was moved to mentor Ellis-Brown based on his experience with his mentor and partner, the legendary Bill Mays, a pioneer in the chemical industry.

Both offered advice based off their mentor–protégé relationship. Here are the key takeaways:

  • Before you expand your business, perfect your process.
  • Protégés and mentors should exchange ideas and both should grow.
  • You can get mentoring anywhere, through a lot of different relationships; get it wherever you can.
  • Gather those with different perspectives when selecting a board of advisers.
  • Mentor–protégé relationships can fail and do end. People can discover they perhaps don’t get along, and sometimes the protégé outgrows the need for the mentorship.

Samara Lynn is a writer at Black Enterprise. This article was written by Samara Lynn and originally posted on Black Enterprise. It is reprinted here with permission.

Father And Son Graduate At Claflin University Together

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How awesome is this.

A father and his son both earned their undergraduate degrees together from historically black Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. According to Blavity, the duo motivated each other to finish what they started. Stanley Timmons and his son, Brandon Johnson, will receive diplomas in criminal justice and in computer science.

The two says they will cherish this moment forever. “Going back to school and seeing him study, making good grades, that pushed me to make good grades and to keep on moving so I can graduate,” Timmons said.

“It’s never too late to go back to school to get something,” Stanley, 40, said.

The work and pushing each other over the course of their time at the black college has paid off. Stanley and Brandon are both graduating with honors.

Congrats to the incredible father and son duo!

Two Former Braves Football Players Sign With The NFL’s Green Bay Packers, Washington Redskins

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After four years of training and two Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships, two former Braves football players will fulfill their dreams of playing professional football.

Warren Gatewood, a defensive back, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers. Jarvis Turner, a wide receiver, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Washington Redskins.

The significant phone calls from NFL teams that Warren and Jarvis received are the first step into professional stardom. Both players are extremely grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s a great feeling that I would never forget,” said Warren. “The Packers had been in contact with me the whole time. When they officially selected me, it was a great feeling for my family and me. I’m really excited to get started so that I can prove myself. I appreciate the opportunity.”

“This feels amazing because I have been waiting on this opportunity every since I started playing football,” said Jarvis.”

Alcorn State’s Jarvis Turner (8). Photo credit: TheNewOrleansAdvocate.com.

Both players have had dreams of playing in the NFL since their younger days. They both plan to make the best of their life changing opportunities.

“Playing in the NFL has been a dream of mine. It became more possible during my final two years due to my success while playing for the Braves. Most young football players have dreams of playing in the NFL, but it’s surreal to know that my dream is coming true,” said Warren.

“When I started playing football at age 13, I knew I wanted to make a career out of playing the sport. So playing on the professional level has been my mission since then,” said Jarvis.

Warren and Jarvis are not only proud of representing the Braves on a professional level, but they are also proud to represent the SWAC. They hope that their selections will encourage other teams to look for talent in the SWAC in future drafts.

“I’m really excited to represent Alcorn on the professional level. I look forward to adding to the University’s sports legacy. I hope that our selections will lead NFL teams to selecting more SWAC players. There’s so much talent in the SWAC and they deserve the opportunity to showcase their talents on the professional level,” said Warren.

“It’s truly a blessing to represent Alcorn in the NFL because athletes from historically black colleges and universities rarely get the chance to compete in the NFL. I plan to take advantage of the opportunity by giving it my all,” said Jarvis.

This post originally appeared on Alcorn.edu.

More Than 200 Received Degrees At Historically Black Dillard University

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Dillard University held its 80th commencement and awarded more than 200 graduates with their degrees on Saturday on campus. Actor and TV personality Terrence J also gave an inspiring address to graduates and their families on a beautiful day at the black college.

“I was nervous about my speech until I realized most of you grads are drunk,” said Terrence J. The Dillard University official Twitter account tweeted the place to be on Saturday was definitely under the oak on campus. The Twitter account also reminded graduates they are a family, and though “families go their separate ways” Dillard will always and forever be a home away from home.

“Give of yourselves to the world, and remember to give back to Dillard in whatever way you can. Inspire the next generation of Bleu Devils.”

Check out the tweets below.

Lots of Dillard grads, alums and fans also thanked Terrence J on Twitter for his inspiring words and giving a great address at the university.

Shout out to the Class of 2016 at Dillard University!

Serena Williams’ Niece Graduated From Howard University On Saturday

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Serena Williams, the greatest female tennis player of all time, is very excited for her niece who graduated from historically black Howard University on Saturday.

“I could not me more proud of my niece @justussb Today she graduated from Howard University. How amazing. I love you dearly #shoesonFleek.”

Howard grads and supporters flooded Serena’s comments with lots of love and congratulations after the tennis star posted a pic of her beautiful niece in her cap in gown at the black college on Instagram.

“Congratulations. Keep your mind and eyes focused on the everlasting prize,” one Instagram user said. “May God continue to Bless and keep you on your new journey in life.”

Congrats to Serena’s niece!

Obama Becomes Sixth Sitting US President To Deliver Keynote Speech At A Howard University Commencement

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President Barack Obama has become the sixth sitting U.S. president to deliver the keynote address at a Howard University commencement, speaking to more than 2,300 graduates and more than 25,000 family members on campus at the black college.

It was also one of the best speeches of his presidency, reported Mic. “The speech was unapologetically black, quoting black author Zora Neale Hurston, lauding singer Prince and applauding activists in the Black Lives Matter movement who fight for racial justice.” At one point, Obama even told graduating students to “be confident in your Blackness.”

In his commencement speech, Obama said the country is “a better place today” compared to when he graduated from college 30 years ago. “A lot of folks didn’t even think blacks had the tools to be a quarterback,” Obama said. “When I was a graduate, the main black hero on TV was Mr. T.”

Obama told graduating students to serve as “seeds of change” and pointed out how many great American icons started off at Howard. According to the school’s website, Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick awarded Obama with a Doctor of Science degree rather than a doctor of laws or letters to call attention to the importance of the passing of ObamaCare for all persons in the country.  

“The seeds of change for all America were sown here,” Obama said.

“So make no mistake Class of 2016. You’ve got plenty of work to do,” said Obama, speaking on the many challenges and issues including the “justice gap,” terrorism, and racism and inequality needing attention in the country and elsewhere. “But as complicated and intractable as these challenges may see, the truth is your generation is better position than any before you to meet those challenges.”

Many Howard grads and supporters shared their thoughts on the black college’s commencement on Twitter, check it out below.

Congrats to the graduating Class of 2016 at Howard!

NFL Partners With SWAC And MEAC To Create Job Opportunities

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On Friday, the NFL announced a new partnership with two of the leading historically black college and universities (HBCUs) conferences, Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and Mideastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), in order to create job opportunities for ethnic minorities both for professionals and current students at black colleges, reported USA Today.

“Our partnership with the HBCUs is not only important for our pipeline of qualified individuals at all levels of football, but also to improve the NFL’s goals for diversity and inclusion,” said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent. “With our HBCU partnership, we are making steady progress in developing future coaches, officials, scouts, managers, front office personnel and others through effective football resources, educational programs and internships.”

The partnership bridges the gap on a much-needed support system from the NFL. Because of this partnership MEAC and SWAC will be able to offer current and future athletes in their conferences with an opportunity to intern with the NFL. Athletes will also be able to work as athletic trainers, video directors, or equipment managers to gain the hands on experience in the NFL, thanks to the partnership.

MEAC commissioner Dennis Thomas said, “We are elated to continue our partnership with the National Football League, which includes our current officiating involvement, to advancing the NFL’s diversity and inclusion initiatives with a strategic plan to increase diversity in all areas of employment at the league office and the clubs.”

SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp was excited with the partnership, saying, “The Southwestern Athletic Conference is excited to partner with the NFL and MEAC to ensure that our student-athletes and students have exposure to superior professionals development and the difference career contingencies that the NFL and professional sports to offer.”

Stanley Nelson’s Film On Historically Black Colleges And Universities Set To Release In 2017

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In early 2016, filmmaker Stanley Nelson announced he will examine the history and legacy of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for his next two-hour doc, reported Jet magazine.

The documentary is titled “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Historically Black Colleges of Universities” and is set to premier on PBS in 2017.

“To tell this important and complex story, it is essential that our documentary highlights personal accounts, letters, diaries, photographs, and even home movies of the people who have lived the HBCU experience,” Nelson said.

From Shadow and Act:

“Titled “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” the PBS documentary (and multimedia project) will dig into the significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in American history, culture, and national identity, via the many stories from HBCU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The documentary will tell stories of Americans who would not be denied a higher education, demonstrating how the 150-year history of HBCUs have influenced generations of Americans and shaped the landscape of the country.”

According to Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell, the school and students will make an appearance in the film.

“The Quinnite Nation is proud to participate,” Sorrell said.