Matthew Mangram, St. Augustine’s University Football Player Died in Car Wreck

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A St. Augustine’s University football player died early Monday morning after a car wreck near his hometown in Georgia, the university said in a statement posted on its website.

Georgia State Patrol Sgt. Robert Balkcom said Matthew Mangram, 20, was driving south on U.S. Highway 17 – north of Darien – around 7:30 a.m. when he pulled out to pass another vehicle and his Nissan Sentra collided head-on with an SUV.

Mangram, a junior offensive lineman for the Falcons, died at the scene, Balkcom said.

A mother and daughter who were in the SUV were taken to a hospital in Savannah – about 50 miles north of Darien, to be treated for serious injuries.

Balkcom said Mangram had been home visiting his sick grandmother and was less than a mile from his home at the time of the wreck.
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N.C. A&T is Now The Nation’s Largest HBCU

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homecoming_celerbations0d1e20d8-2ace-4708-a1f7-64631fd76467John Newsom/Greensboro News & Record

GREENSBORO — N.C. A&T doesn’t play conference rival Florida A&M in football until next month, but the Aggies already hold a lead — in student enrollment.

Florida A&M, a state university in Tallahassee, Fla., has for years been the largest four-year historically black college and university in the nation.

But a steep decline in enrollment has bumped Florida A&M to the No. 3 spot — and A&T to No. 1.

According to unofficial fall enrollment numbers, A&T is the largest HBCU in the nation. A&T, second-largest a year ago, has 10,734 students enrolled this year.

Howard University in Washington, D.C., traditionally the nation’s biggest private HBCU, moved up to second this year with about 10,500 students.

Florida A&M is third with 10,231 students as of Sept. 10.

Winston-Salem State University’s has about 5,220 students, down about 3 percent from last year, school officials said.

The big reason for A&T’s takeover of the No. 1 spot has been Florida A&M’s decline.

Florida A&M had nearly 13,300 students in 2010. But several issues have caused the school to lose nearly a quarter of its students since them.

Among them are tuition, which rose by 41 percent in five years; tighter rules on federal Parent Plus Loan, which hit students at HBCUs across the country hard; and the hazing death of an A&M band member in 2011 that led to the two-year suspension of the Marching 100 band, criminal charges against 15 band members, the resignation of the university president, probation from the school’s accrediting agency and reams of bad national publicity.

A&T, meanwhile, hasn’t stood still. Enrollment rose this fall by 1.6 percent.

That’s largely for two reasons: A&T made a stronger effort to recruit transfer students from area community colleges and the university has improved efforts to keep students in school and on track to graduate.

“It doesn’t serve you well if you bring them in one door and send them out the other,” said Akua Matherson, the university’s associate vice chancellor of enrollment management.

In future years, the university plans to step up graduate and undergraduate recruitment for high-growth, high-demand programs, including engineering, nanoengineering, science and agriculture.

A&T’s enrollment goal for 2020 is 13,500 students — about where Florida A&M was at its peak. Referenced from 

John Newsom/Greensboro News & Record

How Black College Athletic Programs Will Flourish Again

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On Thursday, September 25th undrafted Larry Donnell, Tight End on the New York Giants, had an electrifying performance. He recorded 7 receptions for 54 yards and 3 Touchdowns. All eyes are on him because he delivered in a big game against his team’s rival, the Washington Redskins. Donnell calought 3 “jump passes” for touchdowns.

The Giants loved the matchups they were given and tossed him the ball. Teams that play the Giants in the future will certainly watch film to find out why Donnell was so explosive.

Larry Donnell stands with Larry Brown, Willie Davis, James Harris, Doug Williams and many others that have played for Grambling State and went on to play in the NFL. In lieu of Grambling’s success, it is clear that Grambling State has adopted what I call the model of successfully raising institutional funds through athletic programs.

Known as the “Black-Super Bowl,” Grambling and Southern generate $1.32 million dollars every year they play in the Bayou Classic, reports The Times-Picayune. Many Public White Institutions have found that this is a model that generates millions of dollars per year for their institutions, if they are successful.

The model is structured around hiring a great Athletic Director, top tier coaches, and invest much of the money they earn into attaining the best athletes in the country, who are mostly African-American, through recruiting. For an example, when Notre Dame lost in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game they earned $6.2 million dollars, according to Forbes.

What would happen if HBCU’s followed this model closely?

In fact, the groundbreaking work of William C Rhoden in his must read book: Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete, paints a vivid picture of the history of the fall of HBCU’s athletic programs:

“The integration of intercollegiate sports in the mid-1970’s created an insatiable appetite for black athletes, which in turn triggered a strip-mining of black communities across the United States. Talented Black athletes and their families were wooed and pursued with the promise of scholarship and, often, material gifts. Black athletes had become a vital a commodity in the sports industry, which necessitated a full-service delivery system to identify, prepare, and carry Black muscle to “market”. That system is the Conveyer Belt.”

In essence, when the superior talent of Black athletes returns to our HBCU’s, then these institutions can attain more financial revenue and with the rise of financial means these institutions will be able to flourish because of more funding.

Better athletes + Better Athletic Directors + Better Coaches = Better athletic programs. Better athletic programs = more funding. More funding = Flourishing HBCU’s.

Larry Donnell is an example of the type of athletes HBCU’s need to recruit in the future to be economically vital.

CSU Hosts 1st Celebration of International Students

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By Gabriela Rodriguez

Central State University held their first Celebration of International Students, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014. Despite the cool autumn morning, the energy was vibrant and the students were honored to raise their flags upon the University’s campus.

The ceremony was dedicated to celebrate their rich cultures and acknowledge their academic excellence and support. Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Charles W. Ford Jr. said, “This ceremony should leave a lifelong impression in the minds and hearts of everyone present and remind us that we should all be together.”

The University’s commitment to its diversification was significantly expressed in the international processional of eight flags. The countries represented were The Bahamas, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jamaica, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe.

Romario McKenzie, a freshman at CSU and business administration major who originates from Jamaica said, “I feel appreciated and recognized…It’s a great feeling, actually.”

According to the Ohio Board of Regents, the university system of Ohio is one of the largest comprehensive public systems of higher education in the nation serving 600,000 students. Central State University offers a variety of academic and athletic opportunities where students can develop the knowledge and skills to be successful upon graduation.

“I appreciate the efforts of Central State University to dedicate a site on campus that commemorates the specific countries represented by the international students,” stated Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich in his proclamation read by Bob Hackett, member of the Ohio House of Representatives 74th District.

The legacy and establishment of academic success in this institution will continue to stand strong with its involvement and service of faculty and students from different countries around the world.

Courtesy of CentralState.edu.

5 Reasons Why “I Love Howard” is a Fundraising Game Changer for HBCUs

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5 Reason Why "I Love Howard" is a Fundraising Game Changer for HBCUsWe launched the I Love Howard Campaign, a grassroots fundraising effort led by a small group of Howard University alumni, in February of this year. As we have committed to raising $20,000 for the university’s endowment, we believe that this simple call-out to Howard alums will change the game for HBCU fundraising at schools across the country. Here are a few reasons why:

1. The I Love Howard Campaign is sexy: Howard University is the epicenter of talented young thought leaders who arrive on campus ready and willing to take the world by storm. Using a popular digital media tool known as a meme, the I Love Howard campaign put the the beauty and brilliance of the Howard University community on display. A simple photo emblazoned with four descriptive words serves as a provocative reminder for why it is incumbent upon all alumni to give back.

2.  Fundraising efforts are transparent: Large-scale capital fundraising campaigns driven by high profile universities can sometimes be hard to follow. Where the money is going, who it is coming from, how much was actually donated and how much was pledged can get lost in the excitement of a new campaign. The focus of the I Love Howard Campaign is to be as transparent and as accessible as possible. It’s pretty easy to see who is donating to our campaign and how much. Truth never damages a cause that is just.

3. The Campaign addresses endowment disparities:  Harvard University has the biggest in the country, $32.33 billion. The University of Virginia has the biggest among schools in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia — $5.17 billion. Howard’s endowment stands at $513 million, according to the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the Commonfund Institute. Endowments typically represent funds or assets invested for the purpose of generating revenue to support a school. Such revenue might be channeled into student financial aid, research and innovation or athletics.

4. Love is our motivation: So often HBCU students and graduates are scolded for not giving instead of being empowered.  Our campaign is heavy on nostalgia. We want you to remember those special days at Howard: on the yard, in the dorms, at the games, homecoming etc. We know that once you remember all of those good times, the fact that someone else deserves those same experiences will tug at your heart string.  With few exceptions, I’ve never seen an alumni community cherish, represent and promote their school as much as Howard University graduates do. So our thinking is that if you love something, you will invest in it. The campaign is about putting your money where heart love is.

5. The I Love Howard Campaign is a template: This  model for HBCU fundraising can be easily replicated by grassroots fundraisers or university development offices. First research existing fundraising efforts to make sure that you are doubling efforts. Get a team. Notify your alma mater about your plans. Carve out an all encompassing goal that the entire university can rally around. Get your friends involved. We can change the narrative on HBCU giving. Decades from now, when I take my grandchildren to 2400 Sixth Street NW, there won’t be a sign saying an amazing university once stood here. Because we made an investment today, there will be a thriving center of intellectual inquiry and knowledge waiting to embrace them tomorrow.

Read more at EBONY

Grambling State Holds on to Beat Jackson State 40-35

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JACKSON – Despite trailing by 19 points early in the third quarter, Jackson State continued to battle Grambling State as the two teams looked for a win in the SWAC opener for both schools.

But as JSU was driving towards a win late in the fourth quarter, a botched snap turned into the Tigers’ fifth turnover of the game and GSU escaped with a 40-35 win in front of 18,522 at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

La Montiez Ivy threw for a career high 407 yards and four touchdowns and Dan Williams had eight catches for a career high 171 yards and three touchdowns for JSU (2-2, 0-1), but three of the five turnovers led to 21 points for GSU (1-3, 1-0).

“Grambling is a good football team,” said head coach Harold Jackson. “That was not a 0-3 team we played tonight.”

Grambling State notched a safety and scored a touchdown on back-to-back drives to take a 33-14 lead with 9:45 left in the third quarter.

But Jackson State quickly responded, going 74 yards in nine plays as Ivy and Williams hooked up for the second time on a 17-yard pitch-and-catch that cut into the deficit.

The two connected again with 5:31 left in the game on a 32-yard strike that brought J-State to within 33-28.

JSU got the ball back looking to take the lead, but Tyree Hollins picked off his second pass of the night and returned it44-yards to the JSU 4 yard line.

GSU scored on the next play to push the lead back to double figures with 3:05 left, but Ivy moved the Tigers 79 yards in just 56 seconds, connecting with Devin Fosselman (who finished six catches and a career high 108 yards) for a 37-yard touchdown pass with 2:02 left.

After forcing a punt, JSU got the ball at its own 37 with 1:09 left. But after moving the ball inside the GSU 40, a muffed snap hit the ground and GSU recovered, sealing the victory.

“We just didn’t execute,” said Ivy. “We just have to work harder to get ready for next week when we play Arkansas-Pine Bluff.”

GSU came out hot, scoring on its first two possessions. A 42-yard field goal by Mark Orozco and a 26-yard touchdown pass from Stephen Johnson to Chad Williams gave GSU a 10-0 edge at the end of the first quarter.

JSU, though, had an answer in the second quarter as Ivy got the offense moving. His 5-yard scoring run got the Tigers on the board. On their ensuing drive, Ivy went deep and found Williams streaking past the GSU secondary for a 49-yard scoring bomb to give JSU its first lead – 14-10 – with 4:29 left in the first half.

Two turnovers by Ivy late in the second quarter handed Grambling the lead heading into the half.

First, an interception by Hollins was returned 44 yards to give the Tigers first-and-goal at the JSU 4. Two plays later, Johnson found Juwan Martin for a 3-yard scoring strike – his second touchdown throw of the half – to give GSU a 17-14 advantage.

On the ensuing drive, Ivy was stripped near midfield and Aaron Breed picked up the loose ball, returning it 41 yards for the score and a 24-14 GSU lead at the break.

This article originally appeared on JSUTigers.com.

How HBCUs Respond to a Call for Inclusion of LGBT Students

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For many who choose to attend an HBCU, the decision is about far more than just academics. Since the first HBCUs opened their doors in the years before the Civil War, they have offered black students an opportunity to pursue advanced studies in a space they can be certain will be supportive, welcoming and inclusive. It’s the very least that every student deserves, really—to be able to work, study and learn as part of a community that accepts them as they are.

Historically, the very act of fostering an atmosphere of support for black students has given HBCUs an indispensable role in the fight for civil rights. For many years, the work of providing HBCU students with an opportunity to achieve educational equality with their white peers was itself a political action. The goals of HBCUs have always been bigger than merely rewarding diligence with degrees. Their core missions have included social justice and civil rights, and they have long served as testaments of the right of all Americans to pursue higher learning.

That legacy is now in question. In recent years, as the movement for gay and transgender civil rights has gained traction, HBCUs have shown themselves to be relatively conservative in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. While many majority-white colleges and universities have embraced the call for LGBT inclusion, HBCUs have been notably slow to extend their historical mission of social justice to the success of their LGBT students. Anecdotally and statistically, the majority of HBCUs have failed to create institutional supports that ensure LGBT-friendly campus environments.

According to the Campus Pride Index, of the country’s 106 HBCUs, just 21 percent have active LGBT-specific organizations, and just three include gender identity and expression in their nondiscrimination statements. All students struggle with coming-of-age issues around identity, sexuality and psychosocial development. Black LGBT students are often also coping with homophobia, stigmatization and discrimination based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, all of which can negatively impact their health and mental wellness. As Howard alumna Victoria Diane Kirby points out in The Black Closet: The Need for LGBT Resource and Research Centers on Historically Black Campuses, “Having a negative self-concept plays a major role in youth suicides, in how well one does in school, and in how one interacts with society at large.”

Read more at The Root.

HBCU Alumni and Students Head To Soldier Field At The 17th annual Chicago Football Classic

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It started off rainy and wet but the sun soon came out and shined on the 2014 Chicago Football Classic. The annual charity event that puts a spotlight on the academic advancement of Chicago youth took place at Soldier Field on Saturday afternoon to a lively crowd that came ready to show their support and respect for historically black colleges and universities.

The day which culminated in a football battle between Central State University and Morehouse College, began with the 2014 H.B.C.U. College Fair and Empowerment Summit, and High School battle of the bands. The college fair, which had over 25 historically black colleges and universities in attendance, focused on financial planning, as both parents and students prepare to take on the most daunting task of beginning their college career, paying college tuition.

As fans began to fill the seats for Central State University vs Morehouse College, the atmosphere was nostalgic and very familiar to any student or alumni of a historically black college or university. The bands, dance ensembles, and Color Guards, were all there to give Soldier Field a little HBCU flavor.

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Alabama State Defeats UAPB 42-7 in Thursday Night Contest

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MONTGOMERY – Malcolm Cyrus rushed for 188 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in leading Alabama State to a 42-7 Southwestern Athletic Conference win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

“This was a great opportunity for our team to play on national television here in our stadium,” Head Coach Reggie Barlow said.  “I thought the atmosphere was really good and our student body really came out and cheered us on and we were excited about that.”

“It was a good effort offensively.  We talked about establishing the run and eventually try to take some shots and then run it some more.  We were really good in the running game tonight. We had a couple of big plays from Davis and Bell which was outstanding and our defense was combative and they took on the challenge of trying to contain Ben (Anderson), their really good quarterback, and for the most part I thought we did a good job.”

Cyrus had a career-high 29 carries in rushing for the season-high yardage.  It was the third consecutive week Cyrus has rushed for more yardage than the week before and he did it all in three quarters as the backups played the entire fourth quarter on both offense and defense.  He now has rushed for 612 yards and four scores during the first four games.

“It was a collective team win for us, 2-0 in the SWAC,” Cyrus said.  “The offensive line blocked real, real good and I can’t take all the credit.  We have a good defensive line so we go up against the best every day.  We came out with the “W” and that’s all that matters.”

Read more at HBCUSports.com

Johnson C. Smith Receives Gift to Strengthen University’s Student Employment Program

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Johnson C. Smith University, a private, four-year research college in Charlotte, North Carolina, was awarded $500,000 by The Bank of America Charitable Foundation to help build up the university’s new College-to-Career student employment program.

The historic Dr. George E. Davis House, which is located a block away from Johnson C. Smith, will also be renovated with a portion of the bank grant, school officials said.

The College-to-Career student employment program is viewed as an “economic investment” for both parties and the city of Charlotte, and prepares students to become a part of the university’s current and future workforce.

“By partnering with Johnson C. Smith on their student employment program … students will have the resources to learn professional skills outside of the classroom,” Charles Bowman, North Carolina market president for Bank of America, said in a statement.

Johnson C. Smith students are more than just researchers and scholars, according to the university’s website.

“[JCSU students] are neighbors and citizens of the city of Charlotte. As such, our university has been involved in several initiatives to better the communities that surround our campus.”

JCSU President Ronald Carter said the university is charged with helping students create ways to pay for college. “We are grateful to Bank of America for helping to remove some of the financial barriers facing our students,” Carter said.

Nearly 85 percent of the entering class at JCSU qualifies for need-based aid, according to the CharlotteObserver.com.

A portion of the grant by The Bank of America, $100,000, will be given to help renovate the historic house of Dr. George E. Davis, who became the first black professor at Johnson C. Smith in 1885. Davis owned the home while teaching for thirty-five years in the fields of mathematics, natural sciences, and sociology at the historically black university.

DSU Women’s Basketball Coach Reassigned Amid Harassment Allegations

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AR-140919835The Dover Post has learned that Delaware State University women’s head basketball coach Tamika Louis is being investigated by the university after a letter containing numerous allegations was sent to the school’s president this week by a parent of one of the team’s players. Read Full at DOVER POST

Former Alcorn State Interim President Rudolph E. Waters Dies

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FeatureImageDr. Rudolph E. Waters Sr., interim president (1994-1995) at Alcorn State University, died Sunday [Sept. 14] at River Region Health Systems in Vicksburg at the age of 82 after an extended illness.

Waters served Alcorn for more than 48 years. He joined the administration in September 1957 as the dean of students and his leadership greatly influenced the progress and legacy of the institution.

During his esteemed career, Waters held influential positions such as dean of instruction, coordinator of Title III Programs, vice president and he retired from the post of executive vice president. In 1964, he was a participant in the Institute for Academic Deans at Harvard University.

“Alcorn has lost a giant,” said President Alfred Rankins Jr. “His service to and love for Alcorn was unmatched. The Alcorn family will miss him dearly.”

Waters’ whole life centered on education, service and leadership development. Even after retirement, he continued to be of service to the University as an executive vice president emeritus and as a member of the ASU Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors.

A native of Brookhaven, Miss., Waters attended public schools in Brookhaven and Hattiesburg. He graduated from Alexander High School in Brookhaven. Waters earned a B.S.C. degree from DePaul University in Chicago, his Ed.M. degree from Boston University, and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University. He also studied at Southern Illinois University.

The Alcorn Family extends its deepest sympathy and prayers to his wife, Kathleen, his children Rudolph Jr. and Veronica, his grandchildren, Arielle, Arrington, Ashton, Christopher White, Crystal White and Rudolph III, and the entire Waters family.

The family of Dr. Rudolph E. Waters Sr. will celebrate his life Saturday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. in the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex on the Lorman campus of Alcorn State University.

Dr. George Bradley Resigns as Paine College President

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25829067_BG2The president of Paine College has stepped down, the college said.

Effective immediately, Dr. George C. Bradley, is no longer president of Paine College after nearly seven years with the college. Bradley was the 14th president and is a graduate of South Carolina State University.

Bradley’s message to the college:

“I’d like to thank members of the Board of Trustees, the Paine College Community and the Augusta community for the opportunity to serve as the 14th President of Paine College.”

“Tina and I are proud of the students that we have participated in helping lay the foundations for the next generation of servant leaders. I am always mindful that we have to continue to plant trees that we know we will never sit under. I cannot thank enough the many people in the CSRA for their support of Paine College and her students. I will continue to be an advocate for the great work that is taking place at Paine College.

“We know that the College, faculty, staff and students have bright futures that lie ahead. We feel so privileged to have shared in this journey.”

Clark Atlanta Sues City of Atlanta Over Property

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061314 morris brown BG5By Janel Davis and Katie Leslie at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Clark Atlanta University has filed a lawsuit against the city of Atlanta claiming the school has long-standing property rights over a portion of land the city recently bought from Morris Brown College.

The suit, filed Sept. 5 in Fulton County Superior Court, claims that the sale to the city triggered a provision in a decades-old agreement with Morris Brown that requires the property to revert to Clark Atlanta if it is no longer used for educational purposes.

In June, a federal bankruptcy court judge approved the $14.6 million sale of most of Morris Brown’s land interests to Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development authority, and Friendship Baptist Church. The financially struggling college had filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and was facing about $30 million in debts. The deal was finalized Aug. 29.

Clark Atlanta University objected to the sale, citing the existing agreement between the schools. Despite approving the sale, the bankruptcy judge said Clark Atlanta could pursue litigation in state court to determine its interests in the disputed land.  Read Full 

 

Homecoming Season Births the MeccaFest

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HOMECOMING SEASON BIRTHS THE MECCAFEST

WASHINGTON (September 23, 2014) – On October 17, 2014, The MeccaFest Music & Arts Festival will debut in the DMV during the 2014 homecoming season.

The MeccaFest is a community event open to everyone, from local college students to those traveling to the area for 2014 homecoming festivities. This year, the MeccaFest has partnered with several powerhouses, including WPGC 95.5, DTLR, Fameus Hookah, Gateway DC, and Uber. The festival will take place at Gateway DC, an innovative and unique state-of-the-art urban open-air park.

The 2014 MeccaFest will showcase local and international music artists such as FUTURE, JEREMIH, ELLE VARNER, RAE SREMMURD, TEYANA TAYLOR, BLACK COBAIN, DAVID CORREY, BACKYARD BAND and many more. It will also feature a variety of art, food, and social interactions for all patrons to enjoy.

Although The MeccaFest is not affiliated with any other homecoming event or institution, it was created by The Culture Collective LLC., a group of Howard University alumni. The festival will certainly contribute to and enhance the 2014 homecoming season, providing an overall exciting entertainment option for this and future years.

Follow @TheMeccaFest and visit www.TheMeccaFest.com for announcements and tickets.

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Reverend Al Sharpton to Speak at Central State University

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WILBERFORCE, OH – Central State University announced that Reverend Al Sharpton, founder and President of the National Action Network will speak at an open community forum on Thursday, September 18, 2014. The presentation will be held at 7 pm in the Paul Robeson Cultural & Performing Arts Center, Auditorium.

The theme for Reverend Sharpton’s presentation is: Voter Engagement Tour. His motivational and informative speech will include the importance of voting and the role students play as global leaders of the future.

He is currently the host of a daily television show on MSNBC that analyzes current political and social news and features the country’s leading newsmakers. ”PoliticsNation” with Rev. Al Sharpton airs at 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The presentation is open to the community.

About Central State University:

Founded in 1887, Central State University is an 1890 land grant institution that academically prepares students with diverse backgrounds and educational needs for leadership and service in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.

Central State U. press release