South Africa Ambassador Announces Partnership With NSU

RASOOL-WEBA South African ambassador who helped fight against apartheid talked to students at Norfolk State University on Monday to provide details about a recently announced educational initiative between the institution and officials in the country.

Ebrahim Rasool, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the United States, delivered a speech to more than 200 students, faculty and guests at the NSU Student Center. The event was organized by the University’s Office of International Studies and Service-Learning, NSU Honors College and African Students Association and was open to the public.

Rasool provided details about “Friends of South Africa” and its university network, a non-governmental organization that will stimulate educational initiatives and partnerships between NSU and schools abroad. The colleges and universities include the University of the Western Cape, University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, WITS University and the University of Johannesburg.  READ FULL

Howard University President Releases Statement on Pan-African Flag

B3TNEUlCMAABN-IHoward University made headlines after replacing the American flag with the Pan-African flag and flying it at half-mast. This was in response to the grand jury’s decision to not indict police officer Darren Wilson for fatally shooting teenager Michael Brown.

Howard University Community:

A flag was raised on Howard University’s main flagpole by an unauthorized individual. While I openly support freedom of expression on our campus, I do not support unauthorized use of University property or official platforms to transmit these expressions of thought and ideas. The flag was removed. Our flagpole is reserved for the American and official Howard University flags.

The events in Ferguson, Mo., have resulted in the loss of a young African-American’s life. That remains the primary concern of the Howard University community. The social construct that exists in our country, which has led to this loss, is one that fortifies why Howard University exists. The core values of our University include truth,service, justice and freedom, which are the same values embodied in the American flag. Howard University must and will lead in finding solutions through our research and scholarship that contributes to our Nation’s betterment.

Wayne A.I. Frederick

President

Howard University

Spelman President Issues Statement on Cosby Partnership

B99220393Z.1_20141125082335_000+G0ND457V.2-0Important Statement from Spelman College
Dear Spelman Campus Community,

In light of the recent news stories about Dr. Bill Cosby, many news outlets have inquired about our relationship with the Cosby family. We have responded to those inquiries by providing factual information. Below is the statement that has been provided:

“The College is not in a position to comment regarding the allegations. The College’s primary connection with the Cosby family is the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Ed.D. Academic Center, which opened at Spelman College in 1996. At the time, an endowed professorship named for Drs. Cosby was also established to support visiting scholars in the fine arts, humanities and social sciences as well as Spelman College’s Museum of Fine Art. The academic center and endowed professorship were funded through a philanthropic commitment from the Cosby family made more than 25 years ago, and at this time there are no discussions regarding changes to the terms of the gift.”

While I cannot control how media outlets position information, and more than one has distorted our statement, I think it is important that all of you have the facts. Two Cosby daughters attended Spelman College. Our building is named after Dr. Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby. The endowed professorship is named after both Cosby parents. The historic $20 million gift that the College received in 1988, more than 25 years ago, came from the Cosby family.

Though it is not appropriate for the College to comment publicly on specific allegations against any individual, sexual assault is a profoundly serious issue for any educational institution. Please know that we do not condone sexual violence in any form and understand our critical role as a women’s college to lead in the fight against it. I trust you will read all news media critically, informed by these facts.

Sincerely,
Beverly Daniel Tatum

Michael Brown: Tip of the Iceberg

Literally, I am sick to my stomach. Events that have transpired seem very apocalyptic. Everyone please get right with Jesus. I don’t know why we (my we=black people) are trying to rationalize with the devil anyway. The world IS his, as worldly things ARE of him.

So now, we have heard the announcement and the sentencing or lack thereof, of Darren Wilson. We turn on the television and the situation surrounding our brother Michael’s unfortunate passing is the topic on every channel. I feel like speeches.. hearings..& news appearances are done “for good measure”..they remind us and show the world that we are conscious but intelligence contained in brown skin has never been openly welcomed or favorable. Though, with a smile, I type: out of every race/gender pairing, African-American women have the most degrees.

I feel I have a  p e r f e c t home for me when The Lord calls me home. One where everything is just and bountiful. THE ONLY PLACE WHERE THINGS ARE COMPLETE, COMPLETELY JUST, AND BOUNTIFUL. I am not about to WASTE my time enlightening “the majority” on why they should or should not do certain things..not more than the dutiful promotion of the gospel that God loves from one human to the next anyways.

The issues at hand, our issues, are not on our hearts to be taken to the Hill or a big, fancy meeting, these are issues to be taken to The Lord, the one who cares.

Moments like this (because there have sadly been many) remind me of the strong faith of my grandmothers. One would say: “Babygirl remember which judge has more power.” Then ask me, “who is actually The judge and which is the man-appointed place holder somewhere deciding fates in our subrogated nation?” Mister or Miss, Supreme Court justice, know that your gavel burns as you do. The other would say something like “Let us not have the audacity to ask God why, but the faith to be answered.”

My soul, heart, head, eyes, ears, and entire being do ache for Mike Browns family, every  single black person. (& remember, per God, white people fall within the scope of family)

We have put our efforts into making the world our audience, rallying and walking and demonstrating our sentiments. If those we are making pleas to–the courts, government, law makers and officials–were to answer and things were “fair” and if somewhere there was a WHITE man going to jail for 23 years for killing a Police K-9, and if Malcolm and Martin and Rosa were still breathing and affecting change..the reality is..better yet, the spirituality is..ultimately this would lead to an earthly advancement; something I have never really been too focused on. What happens on Earth does not last forever. No amount of insurance or influence will change that.

We are spiritual beings having a human experience not human beings having a spiritual experience. Feed your spirit and not your human. (S)He is a beast!

It’s like being the cute popular kid in Pre-K; you will grow up and you can still be deemed the pee-pee kid, “a total loser”, booger eater, or something undersirable. Nobody is going to care that your baby picture is cute or that the Instagram account your momma ran during your toddler days had 17,356 likes in the first 2 minutes. I use this Pre-K example & make light just for this example because making heavy usually makes rage…opposite of my intent. Know that my intellect processes the magnitude of the situation at hand.

Speaking of school, notice that a teacher won’t give a kindergartener a 6th grade test and if the elementary school teacher has got the hang of it, I am quite sure The Lord is aware of the manner in which he teaches and tests His people. Earth is Pre-K, a place to have our human experience. I sometimes feel that we can be so caught up trying to color in the lines of this world that we don’t see the bigger picture, we do not lift our head. (Or bow it enough)

My eyes are on the end goal. All three. The only end I want to know. I love black people and I despise the way we are treated however I understand that perfect things are not found on earth. Perfection is in heaven and instead of working to perfect and change the world we live in (the place that God told us would be ratchet, wretched, and do everything but live up to His potential), everyone ought to serve God and work to get to where Our Father specifically told us is the ONLY place things like justice and equality are not to be fought for and the ONLY place where our hearts can ever truly be at rest. (The meaning of Rest In Peace, R.I.P. sound familiar?)

He is the only way. He wasn’t always, but then he granted us the miracle of a second chance through Jesus who has been the only Rosa, Martin, Sojourner, Harriet, or Malcolm we have ever DEPENDED on.

…..I say all this to say, do not get it twisted, I’m numb and pissed and I’m glad I am almost done writing so I can take this issue to God for peace because my soul is definitely not at rest in this moment, but, rather than all of the the reality checks being tossed around with facts and clever pictures and statistics..we all simply need a spiritual one.

Michael, I love you and I pray your death is not in vain.

U.S. Patent Issued to Tuskegee University Researchers for Detection of Biological Threat and Foodborne Pathogens Discovery

Three-Researchers-in-Lab1Tuskegee University researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health (CVMNAH) have a major accomplishment to be proud of this month with the issuing of the United States Patent no. 8,883,488 for the detection of food threat agents and food-borne pathogens. The researchers credited with this time-saving invention are Dr. Woubit S. Abdela, Dr. Temesgen Samuel and Dr. Teshome Yehualaeshet, all three associate professors in the Department of Pathobiology in the CVMNAH.

This invention will help with the screening of food for potential contamination with foodborne pathogens and food threat agents. If food contamination is suspected with either of the twelve different organisms (bacteria – germs) then this tool can be used to find out which one is possibly present.

“What is so exciting about this discovery is the reduction in time it will now take to identify contamination. Previously, the process of identifying a single bacteria contamination could sometimes take weeks or more depending on the nature of the bacteria,” Abdela said.

Read more at Tuskegee.edu.

HBCU Students, Faculty, Alum and Family All Over Rally Peacefully After No Indictment for Darren Wilson

Morgan State Ferguson

In the wake of the grand jury’s decision in Ferguson, Missouri, students, family, and alumni at various universities protest peacefully. Here are a few examples as more information unravels.

https://twitter.com/OneInA_Million_/status/537288527055425536

https://twitter.com/_thegrlnextdoor/status/537089620966907904

https://twitter.com/stratosmoraitis/status/537247092323127297

Young HBCU Alumni Are Changing the Face of Philanthropy

103114-national-hbcu-alumniThe organizers behind the Puissance Scholarship are encouraging their peers to give back to their respective university and college endowments through memorable social gatherings and community service, while inspiring high school students in the New York area to seek higher education at a historically Black college and university.

“I wanted to give back to the community because a lot of people put me in positions to be where I am now,” Brendan Francis, 24, one of the founders of Puissance told BET.com.

“But I wanted to give people a chance to go see something new. Go step out of their comfort zone and really explore HBCUs, because I had a great HBCU experience and my peers that went had great ones and I really wanted to share that trend,” Francis continued.

In 2013, Francis and Alize Beal, 25, Howard University alumni, founded the Puissance Scholarship for freshmen at Howard. Since then, they brought Lauren Legette, 25, and Anastazia Neely, 22, Hampton University alumnae, and Roger Rojas, 34, an alumnus of Morgan State University, on board to expand the reach of the scholarship fund.

Puissance held their first successful gathering at the Sol Studio in Harlem for an evening of art complete with cocktails and swag bags last summer. SupaBrunch, a Howard Homecoming event, followed. Proceeds from the brunch went to the scholarship. In February, the group threw Hillman Homecoming and brought out hundreds of alumni across HBCUs to The Griffin, a hotspot in lower Manhattan.

“With our generation you have to meet us more than halfway sometimes and it has to be a mutual benefit and that’s why the parties and the mixers work — because we want to be around each other; we want to be engaged,” Beal told BET.com. “Although social media is really nice, what our generation has to understand with social media and hashtags it that it doesn’t translate into dollars.”

Money is especially important as more and more African-Americans enroll in college. Many are not completing college in four years or at all because of financial hardships that hold them back, placing a ball and chain on their future prosperity. African-American students and bachelor’s degree holders have acquired student debt at higher rates than other race groups. READ FULL

Morgan State Lone MEAC Representative In FCS Playoffs

image12the field of 24 teams competing for the 2014 NCAA Division I Football Championship was announced Sunday by the Division I Football Championship Committee. The top eight national seeds will play host to winners from the first-round matchups.

Interactive Bracket

MEAC Co-Champion and Automatic Qualifier Morgan State will face the University of Richmond in first round action, November 29.

New Hampshire (10-1) tops the bracket as the No. 1 seed after capturing the automatic qualifying berth from the Colonial Athletic Association. The Wildcats are making their 11th consecutive appearance in the championship and 13th overall.

Three-time defending national champion North Dakota State (11-1) is the No. 2 seed, earning the automatic qualifying berth from the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Bison are making their fifth consecutive appearance in the championship.

Jacksonville State (10-1), which is making its fifth overall tournament appearance, is the No. 3 seed. The Gamecocks captured the Ohio Valley Conference automatic berth.

Eastern Washington (10-2) is the No. 4 seed, garnering the Big Sky Conference automatic berth. The 2010 national champion Eagles are making their 11th appearance in the championship.

The No. 5 seed is Illinois State (10-1). The Redbirds tied for the Missouri Valley Football Conference title and are making their fifth overall appearance.

Villanova (10-2), the 2009 national champion, will be the No. 6 seed. The Wildcats are making their 11th championship appearance.

Coastal Carolina (11-1) will be the seventh seed. This will be the fifth appearance for the Chanticleers.

The eighth and final seeded team will be Chattanooga. The Mocs will be making their second appearance in the championship and first since 1984.

The 2014 championship field consists of 11 automatic qualifiers and 13 at-large qualifiers:

Automatic Qualifiers
• Big Sky Conference – Eastern Washington (10-2)
• Big South Conference – Liberty (8-4)
• Colonial Athletic Association – New Hampshire (10-1)
• Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – Morgan State (7-5)
• Missouri Valley Football Conference – North Dakota State (11-1)
• Northeast Conference – Sacred Heart (9-2)
• Ohio Valley Conference – Jacksonville State (10-1)
• Patriot League – Fordham (10-2)
• Pioneer Football League – San Diego (9-2)
• Southern Conference – Chattanooga (9-3)
• Southland Conference – Sam Houston State (8-4)

At-Large
• Big Sky Conference – Montana (8-4)
• Big Sky Conference – Montana State (8-4)
• Big South Conference – Coastal Carolina (11-1)
• Colonial Athletic Association – James Madison (9-3)
• Colonial Athletic Association – Richmond (8-4)
• Colonial Athletic Association – Villanova (10-2)
• Missouri Valley Football Conference – Illinois State (10-1)
• Missouri Valley Football Conference – Indiana State (7-5)
• Missouri Valley Football Conference – South Dakota State (8-4)
• Missouri Valley Football Conference – Northern Iowa (8-4)
• Ohio Valley Conference – Eastern Kentucky (9-3)
• Southland Conference – Southeastern Louisiana (9-3)
• Southland Conference – Stephen F. Austin (8-4)

 

 

Smokey Robinson Named Celebrity Judge of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh’s Annual Sing-Off Competition

2DA1A4542-F9B8-A9B0-0E56B1D7DFC91FC8.jpg.pagespeed.ce.a5YF7Vkn0gThe Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to announce that the legendary singer, songwriter and entrepreneur Smokey Robinson will serve as the judge for Highmark First Night Pittsburgh’s annual Sing-Off competition. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is searching for musically talented students to audition for the fourth annual vocal competition celebrating the New Year. The deadline for submissions has been extended through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 12.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting event that supports young talent and fosters arts education,” shared Mr. Robinson. “I look forward to reviewing the auditions and hearing from some of the region’s most promising stars of the future.”

Once pronounced by Bob Dylan as America’s “greatest living poet,” Smokey Robinson‘s career spans over 4 decades of hits. He has received numerous awards including the Grammy Living Legend Award, NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Doctorate (Howard University), Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.

Lincoln Unversity President Resigns After Sex Assault Remarks

54734a91924cf.imageThe president of Lincoln University has resigned following remarks about sex assault earlier this year. A letter from the Lincoln University Board of Trustees announced the resignation on Monday morning.

The letter also announced that the university’s general counsel, Valerie Harrison, has agreed to serve acting president while the board searches for a long-term interim president and begins the search for the school’s 14th president.

Jennings’ speech happened on September 16th, but started going viral with the past month.

During the speech, Jennings remarked, “We have, we had, on this campus last semester three cases of young women who after having done whatever they did with young men and then it didn’t turn out the way they wanted it to turn out. Guess what they did. They went to Public Safety and said, ‘He raped me.’ ”

Jennings apologized two weeks ago, saying it’s obvious that he did not clearly communicate and that he did not intend to hurt or offend anyone

LeMoyne-Owen, Fisk Alum & Former DC Mayor Marion Barry dies at 78

Apology-7 While an undergraduate at LeMoyne College (now LeMoyne-Owen College), Barry picked up the nickname “Shep” in reference to Soviet propagandist Dmitri Shepilov for his ardent support of the civil rights movement. Barry began using Shepilov as his middle name.

Barry completed graduate work in chemistry at Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., earning a master’s degree. He left school short of a doctorate to work in the civil rights movement.

Barry’s political rise began in 1960, when he became the first national chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, which sent young people into the South to register black voters and became known as one of the most militant civil rights groups of that era.

Barry’s work with the committee brought him to Washington. He first entered local politics as a member of the school board and then in 1974 as a member of the first elected city council.

He was wounded by a shotgun blast in the Hanafi Muslim takeover of D.C.’s city hall in 1977. The shooting was credited with strengthening him politically. In 1978, Barry defeated incumbent Mayor Walter Washington in the Democratic primary and went on to easily win the general election.

Barry’s early years in office were marked by improvement in many city services and a dramatic expansion of the government payroll, creating a thriving black middle class in the nation’s capital. He established a summer jobs program that gave many young people their first work experience and earned him political capital. Read Full via rutlandHearold

Alabama State Wins Second SWAC Volleyball Championship Title

alabama-state-vollyball-750x400Courtesy: SWAC Alabama State swept Southern to earn the 2014 SWAC Championship title Sunday night at the Cliford Seymour Gymnasium. This marked the second time in two years the Hornets won. Match scores include: 25-17, 25-16, 25-18.

Tiara Kelley led the match in kills with 10, while Phalen Clark set for 23 assists. Jaime Coleman and Ellyn Jones share the match-high in digs, 10 apiece.

Myla Marshall was named Most Valuable Play, while Coach Penny Lucas-White was named Coach of the Year. The All-Tournament Team is as follow: Myla Marshall (Alabama State), Rachel Smith (Alabama State), Kyanna Sales (Alabama A&M), Taiji Thomas (Jackson State), Mikayla Rolle (Jackson State), Phalen Clark(Southern) and Lelani Lealaimatafao.

Volleys presented themselves as both teams swung for a tied set. Southern gained a four-point lead, but miscommunication pushed Alabama State ahead. Building a seven-point lead, the Hornets caused Southern to call a timeout. With 19-12 on the score board, ASU continued making effective plays, leaving the score in the first set, 25-17. The Hornets kept the Jaguars at a hitting percentage of .061, while the earned a percentage of .393. ASU also led in blocking with five to Southern’s one.

Southern earned the first point in the second set. The Jaguars fostered an impressive lead due to blocks and kills, but not without a Hornet fight. ASU buzzed its way back, taking over the set by two. The set went on with both team scoring and a score of 14-14. Under Setter of the Year Ellyn Jones, the Hornets marched back up with a two-point gap. Wasting no time, ASU gained complete control, ending the set, 25-16.

With hopes of finishing the set and winning the match, the Hornets climbed their way to a one-point lead. A kill from Shauntia Carr placed Southern back in the lead with a three-point cushion. Errors from the Jaguars allowed ASU to tie the set at 11, then 12. After a few volleys, Alabama State secured a three-point lead. Southern tried to work its way back into the set, but ASU shut them down at every turn. Repeating as SWAC champions, Alabama State ended the set, 25-18, winning the set, 3-0.

 

Hampton Lady Pirates Wins 2014 MEAC Volleyball Championship

Hampton-Volleyball-640x400Courtesy: MEAC – The Hampton University Lady Pirates captured its second consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Volleyball Championship title on Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 victory over Howard University  at the Physical Education Complex on the campus of Coppin State University.

Hampton was led by senior Vendula Strakova with 27 kills and 12 digs and was named the Tournament Outstanding Performer. Krista Krasura added 11 digs, while Kitija Megne recorded 23 assists and 12 digs.

Lady Pirates Head Coach Karen Weatherington was named the Outstanding Coach of the Year.

“Today’s match was thrilling,” Weatherington said. “We knew that it was going to be a very tough match and defended well. I think we just had the mental advantage with the tough schedule and season we’ve had.”

Katherine Broussard paced the Howard offense with 14 kills and 11 digs, while Stephanie Shultis finished with 28 assists. Allyson Lods led the Lady Bison with 13 digs. Howard concludes the season with a 20-11 record.

Hampton (21-10) advances to the NCAA Tournament in December. The Lady Pirates will find out their seeding and their opponent on Sunday, November 30 at 9:30 p.m., during the NCAA selection show, which will air on ESPNU.

 

 

Coppin State in the hunt for new President

coppin-state-university-304xx1794-1196-3-0From BizJournals The University System of Maryland has formed a search committee to help find the next president of Coppin State University.

The group of 14 will be chaired by Michael E. Cryor, president of the Cryor Group, a communications firm in Baltimore.

Mortimer H. Neufville started a a two-year term as president of the Baltimore university in July 2013 and had been interim president for six months following Reginald Avery‘s resignation from the presidency.

USM’s goal is to have a new president named by July 1.

Members of the search committee are:

  • Emmanuel Anoruo, professor and chair of Coppin’s Department of Accounting and Management Information Systems
  • Christopher Brittan-Powell, professor in Coppin’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and member of the school’s faculty senate
  • Nicole Barmore, an attorney with Baltimore City’s State’s Attorney Office and Coppin alumna
  • Thelma Daley, counselor educator and organization consultant
  • Nayo Carter Gray, board member of Coppin’s Alumni Association
  • Rodrick Johnson, president of Coppin’s Student Government Association
  • Sherrye Larkins, chair of Coppin’s Staff Senate
  • Marjorie Miles, chair of Coppin’s Department of Teaching and Learning, School of Education
  • Crystal Mosley, controller at Coppin
  • Ackneil Muldrow, adviser to the Coppin College of Business
  • Nayna Philipsen, chair of Coppin’s Faculty Senate and professor in the CSU College of Health Professions
  • State Sen. Catherine Pugh
  • Alicia Ritchie, member of Coppin’s Foundation Board and university alumna.

Hampton University purchases former Catholic retreat in Hampton

dp-hampton-university-purchases-former-catholic-retreat-20141121Hampton University now owns the former Holy Family Retreat House at 1414 N. Mallory St.

Officials closed on the former Catholic retreat center for $1.890 million, according to officials with Norfolk-based Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate who helped broker the transaction in late October.

The nearly 11-acre property is valued at $2.8 million, according to public records, and was owned by the Redemptorists Fathers of Virginia.From 1958 until the center closed in 2010, the Holy Family Retreat House hosted weekend spiritual retreats for Catholics and other functions. Check back later for more on this developing story. – See more at: 

No Students Injured in Howard University Dorm Fire

Howard University had to evacuate students from a dorm around  8 p.m. on Tuesday after reporting a fire at the East Towers on campus. No students were harmed, according to the school newspaper The Hilltop, who was also among the first to break the news last night via Twitter.

In the aftermath of the fire, Howard officials followed the path of the student newspaper when it took to social media at 11:22 p.m. to thank the Howard community for their cooperation with firefighters and the Howard University police, saying in a post, “Impact letters will be provided to each resident of the East Towers to be shared with their professors for the remainder of the week.”

“The impact letters will be available at the Office of Residence Life, located in Campus Hall South,” said the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs in a Facebook post.

The post added, “The fire was contained and no injuries were reported. In an abundance of caution, East Tower residents have been evacuated and are currently being routed to Cramton Auditorium for further instructions.”

“My prayers [goes out to] those impacted and displaced due to these unfortunate events,” said Celeste M. Sharper commenting on the post above. 

Another concerned person Charles D Sharp wrote, “Look into having an EM-101 course available for all students as a general education course for all student majors.”

After being evacuated residents of the East Towers were safely lead to other campus housing facilities by those helping out on the scene, some students were advised to go to nearby West Towers Community Room “until the ‘all clear’ is given.”

All students except those living on the 5th floor and up were able to return to their rooms.