Hampton University Begins $1M Fundraising Campaign for Divine Nine ‘Greek Plaza’

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Hampton University has started a Greek letter fundraising campaign to raise $1 million for the construction of a Divine Nine Greek Plaza.

From the school’s website, “The Divine Nine Greek Plaza will give Greek life alumni and Greek life students a unique welcoming site to visit for fellowship and a place to inspire students to embark upon a path of service and scholarship,” Hampton reps says.

The Divine Nine Plaza will stand as a site for all NPHC members to assemble with one another. The plaza itself will contain nine different courts for each of the Divine Nine organizations. All money raised will go towards the materials, upkeep and erection of the plaza.

Hampton University has requested of all NPHC members from the campus, past and present, to establish fundraisers within their chapters and generate 110,000 dollars towards their efforts.

UDC Could Become Marion Barry University

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Yesterday, D.C. Council Member Vincent B. Orange (D) proposed honoring Marion Barry’s legacy by converting the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) into a tuition-free institution and renaming the school after Barry. Orange is an avid supporter of improving UDC and has much respect for Barry’s contributions to the city.

Marion Shepilov Barry Jr. was elected mayor of the District of Columbia four times and served as a council member in the nation’s capital for 15 years. Prior to this time, Barry distinguished himself as a civil rights activist, participating in sit-ins and working as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Highlights in Barry’s career include delivering the presidential nomination speech for candidate Jesse Jackson at the 1984 Democratic National Convention and making his political comeback as a member of council in 2004 after being convicted of smoking crack cocaine in an undercover sting with the FBI and District Police in 1990.

For years Barry symbolized African American leadership and was known as a gem to the District community.

Though university officials say they have not been in official conversation regarding Orange’s proposal, his suggestions are timely following Obama’s America’s College Promise pitch, a plan for a free community college program.

Before any action is taken, a commission needs to be formed, especially because of what Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) calls ‘premature’ regarding Orange’s proposal.

UDC is the only public higher education institution in the District of Columbia and the school’s situation leaves much to be desired.

VIDEO – 50 Shades of Black – Colorism By Howard University Students

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“I have a fool-proof method for controlling your black slaves. I guarantee every one of you that, if installed correctly, it will control the slaves for at least 300 years…separate them by SHADE.”
– William Lynch

“50 Shades of Black” explores the issue of colorism within the black community, and addresses the ignorance associated with it in a satirical way.

Directed by Tevin Scott. Written by Tevin Scott and Rome Miller.
Cinematography by Braxton Parr and Tevin Scott.
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Hampton University Revisits “A Different World” for Black History Month

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Hampton University will put together several events specifically for Black History Month based upon the hit television sitcom A Different World! Who wish that they went to Hampton?

The theme is entitled “The Hillman Project: A Different World” and includes events like a viewing of “The Book of Negroes” today, Feb. 4, and “The Black Moses” on Feb. 17. The university will also host civil rights activists Sheyane Webb Christburg and Kemba Smith.

For more information of the events at Hampton University contact the HU Office Student Activities at 757-727-5691 or visit the website here.

Black Workers With Advanced Degrees Pay Is Almost Equal to White Workers With Lower Degrees

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Color Lines recently published an article concerning the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report on income levels based on race in the United States. The findings can be troubling for many, especially African-Americans with degrees beyond the Bachelor’s level.

According to the report, White workers 25 years or older with at least a Bachelors (undergraduate) degree had median earnings of $1,219 per week. Latino workers fitting the same criterion took in $1,007 per week, and Asian workers made $1,328 per week. When it came to Black workers with the same qualifications, the median earnings were $970 per week.

From Color Lines, “The racial income gap is so pronounced that Black workers with an advanced degree made $1,149 – roughly the same as white workers who had only a bachelor’s degree ($1,132).”

The reality that African-Americans are at the bottom among racial groups regarding median income for college graduates is a disturbing enough fact, but what is most disheartening is the fact that even with an advanced degree, Blacks only make $17 more than Whites with only a Bachelor’s degree.

Many reasons can be given for this including, for example, the nature of the employment that African-Americans enter into (i.e. non-profit). The basic reason above all others, however is the continuation of a system of White privilege.

It is not just an issue of those who are college educated and employed. We have to seriously consider unemployment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent report on unemployment in 2013 revealed that African-Americans 25 years and older with a Bachelor’s degree or higher have the highest unemployment rate among any race, at 5.7 percent (8.4 percent as a whole), while the national rate is 5.6 percent, the lowest it has been since 2007 before the economic downturn.

It seems that somehow African-Americans have been left out of the economic resurgence.

What is equal about this? Where is the justice in that?

These findings are the results of continued racial biases by employers that are also a result of the historic racial discrimination in the workforce that the country has never quite dealt with. Not only are the populations among African-Americans with higher education relegated to the bottom in terms of income, but unemployment as well.

It is all indicative of a racism that is institutionalized and perpetuates an economically unequal societal makeup that is unjust. It is time to build up, in an economic sense, towards greater financial independence and promise.

Albany State Presents Three-Day Event Honoring Black History Month on Campus

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Albany State University, a historically black college or university (HBCU), is preparing a three-day event in honor of Black History Month during the month of February. The events will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, Monday, Feb. 9, and Tuesday, Feb. 10, according to the school’s website.

“This will be a historic event for Albany. The community will have the opportunity to interact with an impressive lineup of presenters who are associated with human rights and civil rights,” said James L. Hill, a symposium coordinator who is also a professor of English at Albany.

The Georgia based HBCU hopes to “encourage community engagement and honor those dedicated to civil and human rights,” the school’s website says. 

See full list of events here. 

3 Reasons Why We Should Keep Black History Month Around

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Originally known as Negro History Week, Black History Month is celebrated during the month of February in both America and Canada. Historian Carter G. Woodson, also known as the “Father of Black History,” founded Negro History Week in 1926 and established the week to honor the past and current efforts and hard work of African Americans to society. The week was extended to a month in 1976.

It is said that Woodson chose the second week of February specifically to commemorate the births of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas as these two men made significant changes in history for African-Americans. Plus, because of the United States Senate passing the 15th Amendment during the month of February.

Though there has been controversy with Black History Month, it is still important to highlight those who have made so many things possible for African-Americans today, and thank them for their hard work and efforts.

Without them, many things wouldn’t be possible. Here are a few reasons as to why we celebrate Black History Month:

1. To Change the World’s View of African Americans.

Woodson wanted change the world’s perception of blacks. He thought that creating Negro History Week would assist in this effective change. Recognizing African-Americans who changed society, would allow others the opportunity to become knowledgeable of the contributions to society and culture; it breaks down any misrepresentation or stereotypes of black culture.

2. To Promote Unity Worldwide.

During this month we celebrate and honor the works of African Americans. It also signifies unity as we cut across racial and geographical barriers. We celebrate our rich traditions of African Americans and honor those who positively contributed to society.

3. To Say “Thank You.”

This is a time when we unite as a people and reflect on our history and ancestry. As we remember our past we say “thank you” to those who came before us. We teach the younger generations history through stories and we are able to know more and become proud of our culture.

NCCU Football Releases 2015 Schedule via Twitter

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The Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations at NCCU, Kyle Serba told HBCU Buzz that Twitter has been a favorite of the the program regarding breaking news and updating their fans on scores and upcoming schedules.

“We hope to get people excited.” – Kyle Serba

“This is something that we have been doing for the past few years,” said Serba. “Social media gives the opportunity to get people excited about our upcoming schedule. We hope to get people excited.”

The North Carolina Central newsroom unveiled its 2015 football opponents every 15 minutes starting at 2 pm today on their official Twitter account of @NCCUAthletics.

The complete NCCU Football 2015 schedule is posted here.

Congressman James Clyburn Will Reintroduce Bill for Restoration of HBCU Buildings

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Congressman James E. Clyburn of South Carolina recently reintroduced a bill known as the “Historic Preservation Program” that possibly will again authorize millions to be appropriated in order to preserve some of the country’s historic sites and buildings at historically black colleges or universities (HBCUs) on campus. 

From the Congressman James Clyburn’s website, “In 1998 the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a study to identify historic sites and buildings on the campuses of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and determine the cost of preserving and protecting those sites and buildings.  The GAO indentified 712 historic sites and buildings that were of historic significances and determined that it would require $755 million to successfully restore and preserve them. Congress responded by authorizing and appropriating funds to implement the program.” 

Claflin University, South Carolina State University, Voorhees College, Benedict College, and Allen University will reap the benefits of having a plethora of their campus buildings become recognized historical sites.

The Historic Preservation Program has not been in operation since 2009, but Clyburn wants to put an end to this, saying, “I look forward to continuing my work with HBCUs in South Carolina and around the country to revive this successful effort to celebrate our heritage and strengthen our communities.”

Congressman Clyburn added: “The structures on these campuses across the country are living testaments to African American history and deserve to be stabilized and restored.  I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to preserve our nation’s history.”

NCCU Beats FAMU in Blowout Fashion

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North Carolina Central’s 85-43 win over FAMU extends their home winning streak to 32 games (the 3rd longest in Division 1 basketball), in blowout fashion. According to NCCU, 1,611 watched NCCU give FAMU a beat down.

According to the Box Score all of NCCU’s starters had 10 or more points scored.

Anthony McDonald had 21 points, Jordan Parks had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, Nate Maxey recorded 4 blocks in only 13 minutes of play, and Nimrod Hilliard scored 12 points with 10 assists.

Everything was falling for NCCU, who shot 58.8% from the 3 point line and 54.4% from the field. Almost everyone on NCCU’s active roster scored except for Marius McAllister, playing only 1 minute of basketball.

Had McAllister played 2 minutes he probably would have scored, too.

NCCU prepares to play NCAT on Saturday at 6 pm at home.

This HBCU is the First to Claim Moot Court Title

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The Morehouse College Moot Team recently became the first historically black college or university (HBCU) to earn a national title at the American Collegiate Moot Court Association.

From BlackManCan.org, “The championship was decided by arguments presented in the imaginary case of Andrea Sommerville and William DeNolf v. State of Olympus, in which the plaintiffs challenged a law, “Proposition 417” that mandated women to take a trans-vaginal ultrasound and doctors to offer individual scripted counselling before having an abortion.”

Morehouse was the only HBCU representative in the entire competition, “They represented Morehouse superbly and without fault,” said team coach Winfield Murray in a release.

The team who include Rodje Malcolm and Emmanuel Waddell earned a perfect win record for the entire academic year, the only team to do so, and also went on to 3-2 win over seven-time champion Patrick Henry College at the national championship on Jan. 16-17.

Murray also thinks the moot court is a great opportunity for students.

“Schools across the country have recognized that moot court better prepares students for law school and law careers than any other forensic program,” he said.

“Students have to understand judicial precedent, how to brief case law, how to argue appellate matters before the U.S. Supreme Court and how to address a tribunal en banc. These skills are normally taught in law school, so we are well ahead of the curve in preparing our lawyers of tomorrow.”

VIDEO – Southern Students Help Restore Odell S. Williams Now and Then African-American History Museum

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Students from several Baton Rouge colleges lended a helping hand in restoring the Odell S. Williams Now and Then African American Museum of South Boulevard.

Report: Howard U. Hospital Laying Off 25 Managers

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According to the Washington Business Journal, 25 managers have been laid off at Howard Hospital in Washignton, D.C., and there could be more employee cuts in the near future. The report says that although Paladin Healthcare Capital, who had took over daily operations at the facility, is addressing and fixing financial issues at Howard Hospital, it is also now hampering jobs.

From the Washington Business Journal, “In October, Howard announced it hired turnaround specialist Paladin Healthcare Capital to take over day-to-day operations to revive the financially ailing hospital. The deal represented a ray of hope for a key District hospital that was thrust into the spotlight last year when some Howard University leaders acknowledged the facility was dragging down the financial stability of the historically black university. Some called for an outright sale of the facility. It also represented the growing trend of private partnerships to help manage hospitals.”

“But that group was also charged with finding ways to make the hospital run more efficiently, and that now it’s impacting jobs,” the Journal reports.

Marybeth Gasman Discusses State of HBCUs, Alumni Giving and Retention

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Marybeth Gasman is a professor of higher education and is also the Director of the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions at University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. In an interview with HBCU Buzz Gasman talked about her book Opportunities and Challenges at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“Marybeth Gasman and Felecia Commodore have done something incredibly important with Opportunities and Challenges at Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said president of Paul Quinn College Michael Sorrell. “They have provided an opportunity for a different set of voices from HBCU and higher education talent to be heard.”

Gasman co-authored the book along with Felecia Commodore, a Ph. D Candidate in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.

Here’s our conversation…

Robert: Why did you choose to collaborate on a publication Felecia Commodore? How is your work interwoven?

Dr. Gasman: I have served as Felecia’s Ph.D. advisor for the past four years. I recruited her to Penn. A couple years ago I asked her to serve as the teaching assistant for my seminar on Black colleges because she is interested in doing research in this area. During the class, we asked the students to write chapters for a book and I asked Felecia to edit it with me. I try to give all of my Ph.D. students teaching, research, and writing experience. I have done research related to HBCU leadership since 1994 and Felecia is beginning, what I hope will be a long career, doing research in this area.

Robert: Many HBCUs struggle with alumni giving. Talk about how your book suggests HBCUs should fix this problem.

Dr. Gasman: Alumni giving is a significant issue for HBCUs and has been for years. Some institutions have been able to increase their ability to engage alumni but most HBCUs need work in this area. I have written extensively on this topic — two books — one with Sibby Anderson Thompkins and one with Nelson Bowman. This new book has a chapter related to enhancing alumni giving, the authors suggest a variety of innovative techniques specifically directed at young alumni.

Robert: Media relations is another area in which HBCUs struggle.

Dr. Gasman: Our book brings to light many issues that are rarely discussed with regard to HBCUs. I am hoping that HBCUs will capitalize on the various subjects we bring to the surface and talk more to larger audiences and media outlets about the work they are doing on their campuses. I’ve been saying it for a long time — HBCUs have to do a much better job of explaining their institutional stories — I would really like to see us move the needle in this area. We have some exemplars but many HBCUs are not sharing their stories.

…What I love most is that the book was written by my students — many that graduated from HBCU for their undergraduate degrees. They worked for two years on their chapters, taking a lot of critical feedback. I am so proud of them. They cared deeply about the future of HBCUs and wanted to be a part of it.

Robert: Lastly, you write about how HBCUs can bring up retention.

Dr. Gasman: There are many terrific examples within the HBCU universe to gel institutions to increase retention. We highlight many of these in the new book. I think that it is key for HBCUs to learn from each other and to reach beyond the HBCU world in order to learn from non-HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions. With the emphasis on outcomes based funding, it is essential that HBCUs increase their retention efforts.

Central State NPHC Members to Host ‘Misconception of Greek Life’

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Today, Monday CSU students, faculty and staff are welcomed to an event entitled “The Misconception of Greek Life” in CENS Auditorium on campus starting at 8-10 pm, kicking off Black History Month and is also the first National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) event of the Spring semester.

The NPHC, a coordinating body for the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, are joining together in this student-led event on the yard to promote campus unity, and to dispel any negative stereotypes and common misinformation that Greek Life may have.