Check out this year’s Miss Maroon & White Pageant in the video above!
Miss Maroon & White Pageant 2015-2016
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The Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. – Three years have passed since the brutal beating death of a Florida A&M University drum major exposed a culture of hazing within the school’s band.
The final three former band members charged with manslaughter and felony hazing in the death of Robert Champion will go on trial Monday. Champion, 26, of Decatur, Georgia, died after being attacked on the band’s bus in November 2011 after a football game where the highly-regarded Marching 100 had performed.
The defendants — Benjamin McNamee, 24; Aaron Golson, 22; and Darryl Cearnel, 28; are being tried together and each face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Known as “Crossing Bus C,” the ritual required band members to make their way through a pounding gauntlet of fists, drumsticks and mallets from the front of the bus to the back. Two other band members — Lissette Sanchez and Keon Hollis — went through the bus before Champion, and survived.
A total of 15 former band members were charged with manslaughter. One, Jessie Baskin, served one year in county jail. Others plea bargained for probation and community service. The band itself was suspended for more than a year while officials tried to clean up the program.
Dante Martin, now 27 and serving a six-year term for felony hazing and manslaughter, is the only former band member to receive prison time the death of Champion.
Martin’s attorneys told his jurors that there was no actual hazing, likening the ritual to a “competition” in which Champion and the others voluntarily took part.
But state attorney Jeff Ashton said testimony made it clear that band members were looking for a measure of respect and acceptance by “crossing Bus C,” and that their willing participation was “not a defense” for those who were charged.
“I hate that it ultimately had to come to the point where we had to take this case to trial,” said Michael Dicembre, who is representing McNamee. “I hoped it would be a case that resolved itself out of trial. But it was just two different mindsets on the side of the prosecution and defense.”
Champion’s parents settled with the bus company and still have a wrongful death lawsuit pending against the university.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Since its founding in 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) has committed itself to producing graduates who are prepared to be effective contributors to the needs of society.
On May 2, nearly 1,200 graduates will further prove the effectiveness of the institution’s mission of enhancing lives through innovative research, engaging cooperative extension, and public service. Graduates will celebrate a new chapter in their lives and prepare to make their impact on the world, as degrees ranging from environmental and food science to engineering technology and sociology will be awarded.
The commencement ceremonies will take place at the Alfred L. Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium, located at 1800 Wahnish Way in Tallahassee. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will serve as the speaker for the 9 a.m. ceremony, and FAMU alumnus and filmmaker Will Packer will serve as the speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony.
“FAMU is dedicated to providing opportunities to students from all walks of life to live out their dreams. Here is where the visions of future educators, scientists, artists, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and politicians have begun to come to fruition,” said President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D. “So, it is a great opportunity to have Will Packer, one of our most influential graduates, and Secretary Vilsack, the leader of one of the nation’s most vital organizations, to speak to our students as they prepare to go out into the world and enrich our communities.”
Vilsack is the nation’s 30th secretary of agriculture and is leading the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a mission to strengthen America’s agricultural economy through building vibrant rural communities, and creating new markets for the innovation of rural America.
In his six years at the Department, Vilsack has worked to implement President Barack Obama’s agenda to put Americans back to work and create an economy built to last. Under his leadership, the USDA has successfully supported the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and growers who are driving the rural economy forward.
The Department has provided food assistance to millions of Americans and carried out record conservation efforts. In addition, it has made record investments in our rural communities, helping to provide a safe, sufficient, and nutritious food supply for the American people. Prior to his appointment, Vilsack served as the Governor of Iowa, in the Iowa State Senate, and as the mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
Packer has established himself as one of Hollywood’s blockbuster hit makers with seven of his films opening number one at the box office. In 2013, Packer signed first-look production deals with Universal Pictures and Universal Television. Under both deals, he develops new projects for the studios under his Will Packer Productions banner. In 2014, he became one of the only African-American producers to have seven films debut at number one during opening weekend.
His most successful film to date is Universal’s “Ride Along” starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. “Ride Along” debuted No. 1 at the box office in 2014 with record-breaking receipts totaling over $48 million during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, making it one of the biggest January opening box office tallies of all time. The film also went on to be No. 1 at the box office for three consecutive weeks and grossed over $153 million worldwide. Packer’s number one films also include “No Good Deed (2014),” “Think Like A Man Too (2014),” “Think Like A Man (2012),” “Takers (2010),” “Obsessed (2008)” and “Stomp The Yard (2007).” Packer graduated magna cum laude from FAMU in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.
The commencement ceremonies will also mark two special occasions for the University. President Mangum will award a Strong Finish Award to 16 deserving students, who despite financial obstacles completed their degree programs on time with a 3.0 GPA or higher. The award provides a stipend to help graduates with the transition from school to work and provides them with assistance to pay down their college loans.
“What distinguishes FAMU from many other institutions is that we have students who often come from low-income families. However, despite the circumstances they face, they remain dedicated to completing their college education – even if that means working while completing their course work,” Mangum said. “So, it is integral that we honor these students and provide them with the support they need to enter into the next phase of their lives.”
FAMU’s international presence in higher education will also be celebrated during the commencement activities. Special guests include representatives from the White House HBCU – Brazil Alliance and José Vicente, Ph.D., president of Zumbi dos Palmares University, the only historically black college in Brazil and South America. FAMU recently announced a partnership with Zumbi dos Palmares to provide higher education opportunities for underserved Afro-Brazilians.
Dayton Daily News
Central State University will host a number of free activities on Thursday, April 23, to promote community wellness and healthy living.
Community Wellness Day will be held at the CSU main campus in Wilberforce, beginning with line dancing at 11 a.m. in the Norman E. Ward Sr. University Center Ballroom.
Participants are asked to arrive at 11 a.m. for the community one-mile walk/run that will be held at noon at McPherson Memorial Stadium. A Spin Class will occur at 2 p.m. in Walker Gymnasium.
The activities, which are free and open to the public, are part of the university’s celebration of the 125th anniversary of the second Morrill Act, which established Central State University and other universities as Land-Grant Schools.
Last year, Central State received its federal designation as an 1890 Land-Grant Institution. Land-Grant community programming and scientific research will be focused on promoting health, preventing disease and eliminating disparities in rural and urban communities.
Kettering Health Network and Greene Memorial Hospital are partnering with the University to provide health information and screenings at the Wellness event.
The 2014 defending SWAC champs strapped up for their annual Purple and Gold Spring Game at Spinks-Casem Stadium.
The purple team put together a strong comeback in the second half but the gold team came out on top with a 28-21 victory.The running game was electrifying today with Arron Baker leading the way with 104 yards on seven carries.Junior college transfer DeLance Turner put the gold team on the board first on a 34-yard touchdown (7-0 gold).
Redshirt sophomore Lenorris Footman connected with Jonathan Hauer on a tipped ball for a 38-yard touchdown (14-0 gold).
The gold team found the end zone again when Footman hit Jalen Walker for a 48-yard touchdown to extend the gold teams’ lead to 21-0.
Senior quarterback John Gibbs, Jr. finally got the purple squad going when he found senior Brandon Vessell for a 15-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 21-7.
Baker scored on the longest run of the day when he scampered up the middle for a 60-yard touchdown to put purple within eight points, 21-13.
Senior Darryan Ragsdale answered back for the gold team by scoring from 10 yards out to push the gold teams’ lead to 28-13.
Joe Price made his return to the gridiron this afternoon and scored a two-yard touchdown for the final touchdown of the day.
Footman completed 5-of-11 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Gibbs was 12-for-23 for 118 yards and one touchdown.
Terrell Williams led the purple team defense with 9.5 tackles while Darien Anderson racked up 7.5 tackles for the gold team. Kylan Johnson (purple team) and Jayron Harness (gold team) each intercepted a pass.
GRAMBLING, La. – Grambling State University defeated the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 6-1, Sunday afternoon at the Lady Tiger Softball Field.
The Tigers grabbed the first two scores of the game in the first inning with efforts from Nicole Ene and Chasity Thomas. Grambling continued its lead, scoring two additional points in the second and two runs in the fourth. T. Hawkins of UAPB scored the only run for the Golden Lions as she produced a single to get on base. Jasmine Hardwrick brought the run in with a double for a RBI.
Ene and Thomas shared a game-high scoring position, each registering two. Nicolette Wunderly was credited the win as she pitched seven innings with 11 strikeouts and seven forced outs. When faced with 27 batters, she only allowed three hits.
Read more at HBCUSports.com.
NORFOLK, Va. – Brandon Walker‘s 50-yard interception return for a touchdown, coupled with a stingy second-half defensive effort, lifted the Norfolk State defense to a 39-31 win over the NSU offense in Saturday’s Green & Gold intrasquad scrimmage before roughly 3,000 fans at Dick Price Stadium.
Saturday’s scrimmage, the last day of this year’s spring practice for the Spartans and first-year head coach Latrell Scott, was played using a modified scoring system and consisted of four eight-minute quarters. The offense was awarded points for first downs and reaching the red zone in addition to normal scoring for touchdowns and field goals. The defense earned points for forcing punts, three-and-outs and turnovers, among other things.
Walker’s interception, when he stepped in front of a Terrance Ervin pass and eluded several tacklers en route to the end zone, gave the defense the lead for good late in the second quarter. The defense built a double-digit lead in the third quarter by forcing four consecutive three-and-outs from the offense and held on late. The offense pulled within 39-31 with two first downs on its final drive of the game, but time ran out before the offense could find the end zone.
Walker’s touchdown was the only one in Saturday’s scrimmage. The offense started strong with a 15-play scoring drive to open the game. It appeared the offense found the end zone when Gerard Johnson scampered in from 19 yards out, but the touchdown was negated by a holding penalty. The offense settled for a 32-yard field goal by Cameron Marouf.
But aside from points for first downs, Marouf’s field goal was the only scoring for the offense. The defense forced three turnovers: Walker’s interception, a fumble recovery by linebacker Jay Anderson and another fumble recovery on a muffed punt. The defense also had a fourth-down stop, as the middle of the defense stuffed Shakeem Copeland on a 4th-and-1 run in the first half to earn more points for the defense in the modified scoring system.
Ervin completed 14-of-28 passes for 127 yards to lead the NSU offense. Johnson rushed for 39 yards and Copeland ran for 33.
“We still have a way to go, but I’m really pleased with the effort from our guys this spring,” Scott said. “I was also excited about the (fan) turnout today. I think the community sees that we are building something special here and they want to be a part of it. We can’t wait for the season.”
This post originally appeared on NSUSpartans.com.
Wiley College Press Release
MARSHALL, Texas — Wiley sophomore Jeremy Jackson has been selected for a prestigious UNCF/Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. Mr. Jackson is the first UNCF/Mellon Mays Fellow for Wiley College. A biology major, he will conduct research under the guidance of Dr. Ruth Washington, Dean of the Division of Sciences at Wiley, and Dr. Leah Aggison, Instructor of Biology at Wiley.
Mr. Jackson will also be exposed to a community of scholars, over 4,000 Fellows nationally at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral levels, who want to make a difference in higher education. As a UNCF/Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, Mr. Jackson will enjoy the following benefits: mentoring throughout his junior and senior years, $1800 per semester for four semesters, $3900 per summer for two summers, research travel grants up to $1600, graduate school support, loan repayment up to $10,000, and funding and mentoring opportunities during and after graduate school.
The UNCF/Mellon Programs are designed to identify the “best and brightest” students from throughout the UNCF network who are worthy of the name Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow. Those accepted into the Undergraduate program are expected to present themselves as serious scholars.
The Associated Press
WILBERFORCE, Ohio — A review team is visiting the nation’s oldest historically black private university to evaluate whether the school has resolved problems that have threated its accreditation.
A peer review team with the Higher Learning Commission is visiting Wilberforce University during the first part of this week to evaluate whether the school is in compliance with the organization’s accreditation criteria. The commission sent a warning last June requiring Wilberforce to show why accreditation shouldn’t be withdrawn, citing concerns with financial oversight, governance structures and the board of trustees.
The Dayton Daily News reports that the university has raised more than $6 million for improvement projects to save the school’s accreditation.
Without accreditation, the school couldn’t accept international students, and its other students would be ineligible for federal financial aid.
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Michelle Obama will deliver the commencement address at Tuskegee University, a historically black university in Alabama.
The May 9 event is one of three graduation ceremonies the first lady will speak at this year. Mrs. Obama will also deliver remarks at Oberlin College and King College Prep, a high school in her hometown of Chicago.
The White House says Oberlin and King were chosen because of their video submissions to two “commencement challenges” issued by Mrs. Obama last fall. Schools had to show their commitment to college mentoring and helping students get financial aid.
Mrs. Obama will speak at Oberlin May 25 and at King College Prep June 9. (The Associated Press)
Arkansas is the home of civil rights activist Daisy Lee Gatson Bates. Bates had been affected by racism early in life, her mother was raped and killed by malicious white men; a crime that was unpunished, filled her with hatred that she turned into something beautiful that inspired others. She was known for mentoring and leading the Little Rock Nine through desegregation in the 1950s and also helped integrate public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. Central High School in Little Rock became one of the first practical tests of the principles enshrined in Brown v. Board of Education. Nine black students showed up for the first day of class, only to be turned away by the Arkansas National Guard. The Brown decision was an extremely significant moment in America’s journey for justice.
When she was 15 she had started courting a Mr. L. C. Daisy; at the time he was an insurance salesman and friend of the family, he later became her husband. They moved to Little Rock in 1941 where they dated for several more months; they later married on March 4, 1942. Bates and her husband were very known and active figures in the African American community. Together they published a local black newspaper, the Arkansas State Press, which focused on the Supreme Court’s desegregation rulings. Bates was very closely involved with the NAACP upon moving to Little Rock. She often expressed in her interviews and explained her history with the organization and that all her “dreams were tied to the organization.
In the State of Arkansas Bates has a very celebrated holiday; “Daisy Gatson Bates Day”, it falls on the third Monday in February. There’s also Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive (also known as 14th Street) was named in her honor in addition to several buildings in the area. The Drive goes past the north side of Little Rock Central High School and the south side of Philander Smith College. She has a host of honors and awards behind her name; in 1957 she was named woman of the year by the National Council of Negro Women, she was also the only woman to speak at the Lincoln Memorial at the March on Washington in 1963, an honorary member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and there’s a school named in her honor, “Daisy Bates Elementary School”, located in Little Rock Arkansas.
Daisy Lee Gatson Bates was born on November 11, 1914; she died on November 4, 1999, but her contributions to this world will live on forever.
This post originally appeared on TheGramblinite.com.
Former FAMU head football coach Alonzo “Jake” Gaither’s home was honored Friday as hundreds of supporters showed up to the unveiling of the landmark sign in the yard of the home.
Gaither has gained yet another honor to add to his collection with the official honoring of his old residence on Young Street right off of FAMU’s campus. Gaither and his wife Sadie lived there for 40 years as Gaither blazed his path to becoming a legend with a record of 204-36-4, and six black college national championships during his tenure as head Coach.
Andrew Martin, a Tallahassee native grew up in the neighborhood where Gaither resided was nostalgic when speaking on his interactions with the coach, and his impact on the community.
“It’s important for Tallahassee to recognize coach Gaither for all the things he’s done during segregation,” Martin said. “I used to ride my bicycle up and down his street and coach Gaither during his retirement would, call me up the hill and ask me questions.”
Donte Fields a freshman physical therapy student from Tampa, Florida recognizes Gathers historical meaning to FAMU despite not being able to witness it.
“Although, I never met Gaither, I know he was of immense importance to FAMU,” Fields said. “He has a statue, golf course, and gymnasium named after him so his legacy will live on forever.”
Read more at TheFamuanOnline.com.
Living In A Womanpreneur’s World
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“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future,” writes Brittney S. Carter on her Instagram page, sharing a glimpse of her personal life, and her ‘womanpreneur’ lifestyle.
What makes B. Carter Solutions unique is that in today’s world, we know that Event Planning, Marketing, and Social Media Management goes hand in hand.
Since being named one of the members of the Top 30 Under 30 2014 list by HBCU Buzz, Brittney S. Carter continues to go above and beyond to exceed her client’s expectations. Carter, a PR pro and also an alumna “from the prestigious Claflin University” says that she is committed to raising the bar and maximizing the value of utilizing cutting edge strategies with her new start-up, B. Carter Solutions that “helps others on the same journey” she once “struggled to overcome,” she told HBCU Buzz’s Editor-in-Chief Tommy G. Meade Jr. via email.
According to her bio, see here, Brittney “is an advocate for empowering individuals for professional success, mentoring young professionals on finding their passion and purpose, while still mastering her craft by learning from other successful entrepreneurs around her.”
[pull_quote_center]I AM COMMITTED TO RAISING THE BAR AND MAXIMIZING THE VALUE OF UTILIZING CUTTING EDGE STRATEGIES AND AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO CULTIVATE BUSINESS SOLUTION TO OFFER CLIENTS THE VERY BEST PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, WHILE REMAINING HUMBLE AND GRATEFUL FOR WHAT’S IN STORE TO COME.[/pull_quote_center]
Check out the rest of the interview with Brittney where she talks about failure and success, how to be social media savvy, and more about her new start-up, B. Carter Solutions.
Tommy: On first glimpse of http://bcartersolutions.com/ one can easily inquire more about event planning, social media, marketing, and resume writing to build upon a new company, or brand. Was this originally what you had in mind?
Brittney: Yes, I knew I wanted to combine my skill-set into one business that can cultivate solutions for all. I knew I couldn’t have separate businesses for Event Planning, Social Media Management, Marketing AND Resume Writing, so, unquestionably I created a one stop shop solutions company that will cater to the needs of those individuals who are in need of those specific services that I offer.
Tommy: What sets you apart from other communications specialists wanting new clients? What makes B. Carter Solutions unique?
Brittney: I am a Communications Specialist by day, and a CEO by night, and what sets me a part as a business owner seeking new clients is that my company provides:
1. The highest quality of service, process and product knowledge, meaning timeliness and 24 hour support when it comes to delivering results, friendliness at all times rather it’s via e-mail or in person, personal attention to each service requested, cleanliness in the deliverance of all services, knowledgeable in the targeted market, and the subject at matter, and presenting the most reliable service that exceeds a client’s expectation.
2. What makes B. Carter Solutions unique is that in today’s world, we know that Event Planning, Marketing, Social Media Management goes hand in hand, and this company is the only one-stop-shop solutions company in the DMV area that can deliver all of those services to accumulate solutions for those unambiguous clientele.
[pull_quote_left]James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves before The Lord, and He will exalt you,” my favorite scripture I live by, as I continue to watch God elevate me and my success.[/pull_quote_left]
Tommy: Why is it imperative to be social media savvy, among other things, in today’s global marketing mindset?
Brittney: It’s imperative to be social media savvy in today’s global world, and more importantly in business because you want to know what people are saying about your company, what are they expecting from your company, is your company engaging with its followers, and are you able to gather useful feedback and data that can better inform the decisions you make for your company. What I’ve learned from working in social media for 5 years is that it’s about building relationships, not marketing a product.
Tommy: “Showcase your talents for the world to see and help others on the same journey that you struggled to overcome.” Is this a personal motto for you? Why do you believe it is important to give back, and to help others climb as you climb?
Brittney: Yes, this is a personal motto and personal quote from me that I discovered was very influential as I progressed in my journey. When growing up, coming from a very small, isolated town, I wasn’t brought up with many resources or hopes to be anything other than a statistic. As I made it through college, transitioned to Washington, DC, I changed my perspective on things I’d previously done, and surrounded myself around people who had now made it happen. I started shifting my approach, and explored utilizing the resources that were put out in front of me. I took advantage of attending the workshops, seminars, trainings, and attaining certifications, paid for by my job at the time, and applied the knowledge to my mindset. As I started to generate success, that motivated me to share my journey of where I came from on multiple social media platforms, and to inform others to know that the journey of success starts with a writing down your vision and having an ambitious mindset to keep going.
I’ve failed a lot in my life, but I share my journey to encourage others to not take the same route I did, but to create a different route but keep the same mindset as I have. During my journey, it’s always been instilled in me to give back no matter how high God elevates me. As long as God continues to give me air to breathe, I am going to help the next person succeed with their dreams. It’s imperative to give back and help others climb to the top, because just as it was given to you, it can all be taken away at the blink of an eye. Being arrogant, prideful, and egotistical will only result in failure from the one in Heaven who will all abide by.
To know more about B. Carter Solutions click here http://bcartersolutions.com/.
Photo Credit: Brittney S. Carter
NPR
The class of 2015 is nearing graduation. For students at Howard University in Washington, D.C., that day is May 9.
The Howard Project
NPR’s Weekend Edition is following four college seniors from Howard University in Washington, D.C., as they think about their futures. Catch up on their stories here: The Howard Project.
Seniors are excited — and they are getting antsy.
NPR’s Weekend Edition has been following four of those seniors all semester: Taylor Davis, Ariel Alford, Kevin Peterman, and Leighton Watson.
This week, the four joined NPR’s Rachel Martin in our D.C. studios to talk about the songs that have formed the soundtrack to their college years.
Taylor Davis
On a moment that Lauryn Hill’s “Just Like Water” reminds her of
“When I was on spring break, I went to Miami. And I went to South Beach at night. And I was having this moment just by myself with God. I was just looking at the waters. I was feeling the sand and the sky and the moon. …
“I was just so in awe of creation and it was beautiful. When you’re in a place of God’s presence there’s just total peace. Whenever I’m going through anything crazy at Howard, because crazy things happen all the time, whenever I can just center myself and drown in God’s presence, I know that things are well and all is amazing.”
Read more here.
WDRB
Kentucky is now officially home to a second historically black college.
Administrators at Simmons College of Kentucky made the official announcement during a press conference Monday.
The event was held on the original campus of Simmons, which was built by newly-freed slaves more than a hundred years ago.
In the late 1990s, Simmons fell on hard times and nearly went bankrupt. But President Kevin Cosby, who was sworn in ten years ago, is credited with turning around the college.
School officials spoke about the significance of being designated an HBCU, which qualifies the school for certain grants and funding.
“Simmons is now eligible to apply for title three capital grant monies which are exciting funds that have been designated $1.1 billion designated just for Historically Black Colleges,” Simmons College COO Robert Harvey said.
Although an Historically Black College, school officials say they recruit other ethnic groups — including whites — to create diversity.
Read more here.
A B-CU student was found dead on Daytona Beach “approximately one day after he was reported missing,” according to police.
Parks’ mother Carolyn Parks told WESH 2 that her son Damian Parks, 22, “wasn’t a good swimmer”. According to the U.S. Coast Guard report, Parks had lost his grip on a friend’s hand in the ocean on early Sunday. Parks and four of his friends were swimming near a popular waterpark, and Daytona Beach Patrol officers says “it’s never a good idea to swim in the ocean without lifeguards on duty.”
[quote_box_center]“I don’t know why it happened, why he would go into the water like this, because he is not a good swimmer. I don’t know what happened. And I had talked to him just before he came out here and he told me he was tired and was going to rest, not knowing he was going to come out here to the beach,” Carolyn Parks said.[/quote_box_center]
“Parks, 22, and four of his friends were swimming near Sun Splash Park in Daytona Beach early Sunday morning when he yelled for help and lost his grip on a friend’s hand in the ocean,” according to the U.S. Coast Guard report.
Carolyn Parks said, “He might be gone in the physical, but (spiritually) he’s always going to do what he wants to do. He’s going to be dancing up there. He’s going to be singing and stepping.”
Bethune-Cookman University, one of the country’s 107 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), posted on its Facebook page “Today, we mourn the loss of a young Wildcat, Mr. Damian Parks. We ask that you keep his family, friends and loved ones in prayer.”
Damian Parks, a student attending Bethune-Cookman, was reported missing since Sunday around 3. a.m., according to the official Facebook account for B-CU. The post continues that the school “is working with the Daytona Beach Police Department and beach patrol on this case.”
[quote_box_center]Bethune-Cookman University student Damian Parks was reported missing around 3 a.m. this morning from the shores of Sun Splash Park on Daytona Beach. The Volusia County Beach Patrol launched a search for the student and, at the time of this statement, have not found him. B-CU staff and students gathered at the beach earlier and are still hopeful for the safe return of Damian Parks. The B-CU Department of Public Safety is working with the Daytona Beach Police Department and beach patrol on this case.#PrayersforDamian[/quote_box_center]
Bethune-Cookman University is offering grief counseling for students.