Alabama State Rallies to Restore State Budget Cuts

Alabama State UniversityMore than 200 members of the Hornet Nation rallied in front of the Alabama State House in support of Alabama State University and in opposition to a major cut to the University’s state appropriations.

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When freshman James Maninang traveled from Colorado to attend Alabama State University, he never thought he would be rallying in front of the Alabama State House. But after hearing that the Alabama Legislature was going to cut $10.8 million from ASU’s budget, he knew it would impact him personally.

“A lot of my friends are going to end up leaving ASU because tuition is going to rise,” Maninang said. “This $10.8 million cut is uncalled for, and it happened right after we get a new president who is finally starting to make change.”

Maninang was just one of more than 200 ASU students, faculty, staff and alumni that braved the cold and rainy weather to lobby the Legislature to restore $10 million that was cut from the University’s state appropriations. Many held signs that read “Save MyASU” and sang along with music by ASU’s Mighty Marching Hornets Band.

State Rep. John F. Knight Jr., several members of Alabama’s Legislative Black Caucus and ASU President Gwendolyn E. Boyd spoke to the crowd and encouraged them to keep fighting.

“We didn’t get to where we are today by being complacent. We didn’t get to where we are today by being afraid; so, we don’t have a problem standing up for our rights,” said Knight, who also is executive vice president and chief operating officer at ASU. “The Republican theme has been ‘We dare defend our rights!’ My response to that is ‘We will defend our rights!’ We had to do it all of our lives, and we will continue to do so.”

Boyd energized the crowd before they lined up to go into the State House, where the House of Representatives and Senate were working on the education budget for next fiscal year.

“Our message is clear, and we will not be silent. We will not be quiet. We will not allow you to do this to us. We will not roll over and play dead,” Boyd exclaimed “We are here to raise our voices and let our presence be felt and known that Alabama State has stood for 147 years, and we will continue to stand for many more years to come Let’s let them know we have no fear, and we will fight for our institution.”

Inside the State House, the Hornet Nation swarmed the legislative offices, speaking to state representatives and senators about the 25 percent cut from ASU’s state appropriations.

“I am going to go and try to talk to some house and senate members to try to understand why they are doing this cut and try to persuade them to not vote for this cut,” Maninang said as he entered the State House. “I just want to express that cutting the money is going to hurt the students who need the money and who need the programs that the money is funding.”

ASU’s Student Government Association President Sharod Campbell helped the students lead the charge inside the State House. He said it was important to let the representatives and senators know how the students feel about the budget cut.

“I believe we have made a lot of progress today,” Campbell said. “I think today was very positive, and we are moving in the right direction to get the $10.8 million added back to ASU’s budget.”

CSU Alum Gives $1 million Gift to Central State University

CSU-donation Businessman, radio journalist and 1963 alumnus Josh Smith presented Central State University with a $1 million gift Tuesday.

The gift deepens a longstanding philanthropic relationship between Central State University and the Smith family. Smith was inducted into the 1887 Legacy Society in 2007 in recognition of a $250,000 insurance gift that was increased to $500,000 in 2013. That same year, he contributed $50,000 to WCSU-FM.

“Thanks to the generosity of Josh and Jackie Smith, the University will enhance its ongoing commitment to prepare innovative leaders for the future,” said Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, who is the president of Central State University.

“Jackie and I are pleased to continue our support of my beloved alma mater,” Smith said. “We look forward to empowering more students at Central State University to use their education to have a long-term positive impact on the world.”

Charles Whitehead’61 the current Central State University Foundation President stated “ this gift is magnificent, it will not only support the University in a tangible way, the size of the gift will inspire other alumni to give back to the alma mater.”

Central State University is a historically African American University located in Wilberforce, Ohio.

Delaware State University Seeks to Help Employees on Public Assistance

l_dsu16x9During Joint Finance Committee hearings last month, Delaware State University President Dr. Harry Lee Williams said that his top priority for this fiscal year is pay raises for university employees.

The university and its union representatives will continue to push for higher wages, especially for the lowest-paid employees in the state. Williams has requested $2.2 million, a four percent raise increase for all DSU employees.

About 185 employees are making less than $35,000 a year, and according to Williams, some are even using public assistance.

“We even have some of our employees, and I’m ashamed to say this, who are receiving assistance though other agencies in terms of food stamps and things of that nature,” said Dr. Williams during the hearing last month.

Thousands of state employees on public assistance

DSU isn’t the only institution where employees rely on assistance: Of the 35,000 state employees, about 3,287 received some sort of public assistance last year, according to union officials.

While the exact number of DSU employees on assistance was unavailable, union officials said that its lowest paid employees include custodians, clerical workers and law enforcement officers. READ FULL

New Morehouse President Aims To Yield More Successful Black Men

3-10-2014-2-52-48-PM The new president of Morehouse College appointed by President Barack Obama recently announced a variety of adjustments to help rejuvenate the making of “Morehouse men.” Dr. John Silvanus doesn’t necessarily mean he will be implementing a new program, but instead strengthening the historically black college in renewed efforts to educate and support young, African-American men to help them succeed.

“Only 4 percent of African-American children coming out of high school in America are college ready in a wide range of courses,” Wilson said. “86 percent of African-American males are behind grade-level in reading and math by fourth grade… this is a scandal. It’s a crisis.”

After stating that one in three African-American males born today face imprisonment, Wilson said the function of a “greater” Morehouse is to capture the imagination of grade-school boys to let them know that there is a place made especially for them if they work hard and persevere. Although the approach to smaller class sizes yields a bigger embrace, the act of shrinking numbers is not financially feasible. However, there are ways in which the college can make learning and living environments smaller to better touch the lives of their students on campus.

“I graduated from Morehouse and I got a really, really character-centric education here. I loved it,” he said. “I went to graduate school at Harvard, and I saw all these great buildings, all this great infrastructure, this great endowment. I concluded then that Morehouse needs exactly what Harvard has, but Harvard needs exactly what Morehouse has.”

By referring to a “stronger” and “greater” Morehouse, Wilson capitalizes on a larger endowment for the school, better pay for faculty, improved facilities and more scholarships.

Morehouse Receives $1 Million to Establish African Scholarship Program

buffett0841-600x400Pictured above: Howard Buffet receives Morehouse sweatshirt from President John Silvanus Wilson Jr. ’79

Some of the world’s largest and deepest ecologically diverse freshwater masses give name to the Great Lakes Region of southeastern Africa. But years of conflict over those natural resources, violent ethnic tensions and other issues have led to the destabilization of the area.

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation is looking to Morehouse for help in developing a new breed of leadership for the region.

The Foundation has given Morehouse $1 million to establish the Rugari Scholarship Program to educate young men who live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and, Uganda. Eventually, the future Morehouse Men are expected to help lead the region forward.

“We’re working on peace and Morehouse has a legacy of peace,” Buffett said. “So we felt that what we wanted to do was build on that legacy. Plus, Julius Coles [executive director of the Andrew Young Center for Global Education] has this great program here and [Morehouse trustee] Ambassador Andrew Young is a very unique individual. So we felt like Morehouse had all of the components to hopefully contribute to some success.”

Selected by a Morehouse panel of faculty, staff and administrators, the students will come to Morehouse on full scholarships to focus on general education studies for their first two years and then a mix of political science, economics, sociology and history their final two years. They also will be strongly urged to minor in leadership studies. Read Full

Actress Phylicia Rashad celebrates Howard University’s 147th birthday

rashad-e1394390514469 Hey isn’t that… Tony Award-winner Phylicia Rashad belting out her school’s alma mater at Howard University’s 90th Charter Day dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday. Rashad, and all her regal glory, was on hand to celebrate the university’s 147th birthday, which felt like a fancy version of Howard’s famous homecoming with a massive crowd of 1,700 barely able to sit still long enough for the four-courses. There were just too many people to say hi to or pose in a black-tie selfie with.
Whether announcing the night’s next alumni award recipient or telling “the owner of a Nissan with Pennsylvania plates” to move their car, Rashad, who served as the mistress of ceremonies, kept the crowd enamored with her every note. “I could listen to her talk all day,” whispered our tablemate in all seriousness. Before blowing out the candles Howard announced two major gifts totaling $8.9 million. Happy birthday, indeed. Referenced

Tuskegee Seeded No. 8 in NCAA Division II Tournament

-ad6a79d3b101266d
leon-douglas-2-7f551fda11549c9cAfter winning the the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in Birmingham this past Saturday, Tuskegee has found out who it will face in the tournament. The Golden Tigers (18-11) will face Florida Southern Saturday in the opening round of of the South Regional Saturday.

Ranked No. 16 in the nation, the Mocs (26-4) are the top-seeded team in the South regional.

“As a team, we are elated to represent Tuskegee University and the SIAC in this tournament,” Tuskegee coach Leon Douglas. “We are looking forward to it. It has been a few years since we’ve been in the tournament and we’ve been clawing our way to get back in. Hopefully we’ll go down there and represent our conference well.”

The South regional title game is set for Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Check out the full NCAA Division II men’s basketball tournament bracket here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online Network Highlights HBCU Experience, HBCUX

AR_-_HBCUX_t580 Hakeema Mercurius entered Morgan State University (MSU) in Baltimore in 2010 with dreams of practicing law. Her plans quickly changed, however, upon taking a sociology course that opened her eyes to racial disparities in the criminal justice system and prompted her to pursue a career as a parole officer.

Mercurius said that she’s grown more socially conscious since starting her studies at the historically black university. She said that its Afrocentric curriculum along with the family-oriented campus culture inspired her to choose a career path that would allow her to give back to her community.

“Studying at a historically black college gives me a greater connection to my heritage,” said Mercurius, 21. “I get to network with like-minded people and sharpen my communication skills. Taking classes here showed me that I have to help my people,” said Mercurius, a junior who lives in Baltimore.

MSU stands among more than 100 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the nation that opened its doors to African Americans when they could not enroll in predominately white institutions. Despite carrying rich histories, many HBCUs have struggled in recent years to increase enrollment numbers, maintain financial solvency, and encourage alumni giving, raising questions about their relevance in an increasingly multicultural society.

That’s why two veteran television executives launched an online media outlet last month that features original content about HBCUs. They aim to rally support behind institutions on the brink of shutting down with programming that explores facets of campus life.

HBCUX, also known as HBCU Experience, provides around-the-clock sports, lifestyle, and educational programming about life at predominately black colleges. Curtis Symonds, co-founder and CEO of the Northeast-based company says it can bolster alumni giving and spark interest among prospective students.

“We’re rolling out a full network,” said Symonds, 58. “There’s no place that young people could see this information in one place. Doctors, lawyers and young professionals are sharing their stories [about their HBCU experiences],” said Symonds, former executive vice president of sales and marketing at Black Entertainment Television (BET), who lives in Fairfax, Va.

The launch of the network comes during a time when the Obama administration cut federal grants to the 105 historically black institutions by more than $7 million and imposed strict limits on lending for Federal PLUS loan applicants. Programs chronicle the activities of black fraternities and sororities and members of college bands. Students also give testimonials about their studies in documentaries filmed in college classrooms.

“This is programming that helps young people learn about the significance of historically black colleges,” said Symonds. “They think they can only get a quality education at [a school like] University of Maryland or Georgetown [University]. I’m trying to educate families, educators, and teachers about the strength of HBCUs,” said Symonds.

Symonds and his colleague Clint Evans developed the 24-hour network in 2010, establishing partnerships with The Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage in Northwest and the United Negro College Fund in Fairfax, Va. They opened offices in the District, Atlanta, and Chicago. A deal with college sports network ESNPU allows HBCUX to stream its programming on the website. University journalism programs across the country have also received calls for programming.

“All of the bright communications and journalism students can work with their department heads and showcase their work,” said Evans. “We’re about helping young people establish careers in the media business.”

Veteran sports newscaster Charlie Neal will provide coverage of games in all four HBCU conferences. This type of sports programming comes years after BET cancelled its live coverage of black college games. He said that the network can raise the profile of what he considers quality athletic programs that do not receive media coverage.

“HBCUs are not getting the exposure,” said Neal. “BET doesn’t showcase black athletics anymore. The number of HBCU sports teams [on television] has diminished as well as the conferences. There is a need [for HBCUX],” said Neal who lives in Mitchellville, Md.

Blacks Should be First Line of Defense for HBCUs

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(TriceEdneyWire.com) – This series on HBCUs prompted a two-hour long discussion on the Carl Nelson Show in Washington, D.C. (WOL-1450). As the invited guest, I had the opportunity to deal with the issue of whether we value HBCUs enough to help save them. On the very next day St. Augustine College, in Raleigh, NC, was said to be in dire financial straits and would shut down for a week. We have answered the “what” question; we have heard from the “so what?” crowd; we are now faced with the final question: “now what?”
Do we take responsibility for HBCUs, or do we allow them to flounder to the point of nonexistence? Do we leave them to the will and largess of government? Do we sit back and say, “somebody will fix the problem someday?” As I once heard a preacher say, “somebody is not in the phone book and someday is not on the calendar.”

Bill Cosby (Central State), Willie Gary (Shaw), Oprah Winfrey (Morehouse), and others have shown what an individual can do for an HBCU; imagine what our collective efforts could do.

Black people should be the first line of defense for Black schools. Yes, with all of their challenges, they are still our schools, and we must preserve them. If we contributed more, had better relationships with administrators, and promoted HBCUs more, they would be more accountable, responsible, responsive, and financially sound. Yes, they must be good stewards of their financial resources, but we can be partners in that stewardship.

We are quick to romanticize the past and celebrate schools like Wiley College in “The Great Debaters.” We like to visit HBCUs and watch our students “stomp the yard,” high-step in the marching bands, play football and basketball at the CIAA Tournament, and sing in the choirs. We love to see HBCU students perform in stage plays and in spoken word sessions; and those honorary degrees are great, too. Most of all, we love to see our children graduate, many of who would not have been able to were it not for an HBCU. Where is that same love for HBCUs when it comes to our giving back to them?
Well folks, this is what some would call a “kairos moment” for Black people. We can save our schools if we have the will to do so. We have the financial resources and we have the intellectual capacity to solve this lingering problem, or at least to be able to come to the rescue when necessary. Our abandoning HBCUs is tantamount to what we did to our Black-owned businesses back in the 1960s. You don’t have to look too far to see the results of that self-inflicted wound; take a stroll around your neighborhood and start counting the Black stores. Read More

SWAC Tournament Preview: Texas Southern looks to win automatic bid

093cd0a2083ebadb2e74675096275c89-e1394466811327The SWAC tournament will include all ten teams, a somewhat surprising occurrence given the fact that four programs are ineligible for postseason play. While Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Mississippi Valley State and Grambling State may not be favorites to win the event, the same can’t be said of regular season champion Southern. The Jaguars won the regular season title by three games, and that will have to suffice as the reigning tournament champs can’t play in the NCAA tournament. Last season it was Texas Southern that won the league but couldn’t participate in postseason play, and now that they’re eligible Mike Davis’ team may be the favorite to win the auto bid.

(MORE: Browse through all of our conference tournament previews)

The Bracket

When: March 11 – 15

Where: Houston, Texas (Toyota Center)

Final: March 15, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

Favorite: Southern (to win the event; ineligible for the NCAA tournament)

The Jaguars have been the SWAC’s best team all season long, and defense is a big reason why. In addition to leading the conference in defensive efficiency by a wide margin, Southern led the SWAC in field goal percentage defense (36.1%), three-point percentage defense (27.8%) and blocked shots (5.6 per game). Godfrey and Miller are the offensive leaders for a team that also finished second in field goal and three-point percentage. Solid offensively, it’s the spectacular defense that makes Southern the favorite in Houston.

And if they lose?: Texas Southern

Simply put, the Tigers have the SWAC’s best player in Aaric Murray. Murray’s averaging 19.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game against SWAC opponents, and you likely remember the 48 points he dropped on Temple in a non-conference game back in December. Senior wing D’Aris Scarver (14.5 ppg) and junior forward Jose Rodriguez (11.5 ppg) are solid supplementary pieces for the SWAC’s highest-scoring offense, and the Tigers are also the conference’s most efficient offense.

Sleepers:

  • Alabama State: The Hornets have the SWAC’s best distributor in Jamel Waters (6.2 apg), and the Hornets lead the SWAC in turnover margin.
  • Arkansas-Pine Bluff: The Golden Lions have won nine of their last 11 games, with one of the victories being a 64-58 win at Southern on February 15.

Studs: (three or four best players)

  • Aaric Murray, Texas Southern: Leads the SWAC in scoring and ranks third in rebounding, which has been quite the turnaround for the much-traveled big man.
  • Calvin Godfrey, Southern: Godfrey ranks in the top ten in scoring (10th), rebounding (2nd), field goal percentage (1st) and blocked shots (3rd).
  • Jamel Waters, Alabama State: Not only does Waters lead the SWAC in assists, he also leads the conference in assist-to-turnover ratio and is third in steals.

CBT Prediction: Texas Southern gets the automatic bid.

Spelman College Women to Visit Girls Inc. This Week

mie-spelman-logo-vertGirls Inc. will be joining with the Spelman College Bonner Scholars to enrich programming, inspire girls to go to college and learn about the importance of service to others. Bonner Scholars will participate with Girls Inc. by volunteering to assist our programming in Chattanooga on Monday and Tuesday.  While there, Bonner Scholars will assist with Girls Inc. programming at several area schools and deliver presentations on getting into college at Brainerd High School and the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy.

In January, Girls Inc. teens went to Spelman College in Atlanta to participate in volunteer opportunities there, including jointly participating in a Day of Service as a part of the Martin Luther King holiday celebration.

Girls Inc.’s partnership with Spelman College began in March 2012 when the Bonner Scholars spent their Spring Break volunteering with Girls Inc. girls and at the schools that are served. The Bonner Scholars Program provides service learning scholarships for students who have high financial need and a commitment to service. Each year, Bonner Scholars are expected to perform 280 hours of service. With such high expectations, the Bonner Scholars serve as positive, college-age role models for the teen girls. The Scholars gave presentations on the importance of attending college and returned again to visit the girls and volunteer with them in 2013.

This week, the Spelman Bonner Scholars return to Chattanooga to continue the annual exchange and work with Girls Inc. and the girls.  On Monday, they will be at the East Lake Academy of Fine Arts, Harrison Elementary School, East Ridge Elementary, Woodmore Elementary and Clifton Hills Elementary working with the schools on service projects chosen by the schools and Girls Inc. staff. They will also work with Girls Inc. staff and participate in the teen programming  during their visit to Chattanooga. READ FULL

 

How did “A Different World” Impact HBCU Attendance?

a-different-world1 It is not an understatement to think of “A Different World” as the single most important cultural achievement for historically black colleges and universities in American history, and one of the top five pop cultural achievements for African-Americans. Its impact on exposing the value and social construct of the HBCU is but a subtext to a larger scope of showing personable young African-Americans from diverse backgrounds as intelligent, humorous and introspective in their educational pursuits.

More than 20 years later, its episodic themes continue to resonate with black college students and graduates of all ages, creating a nostalgia among both groups for the HBCU culture that holds tight, instills wisdom and good times, and releases graduates ready to conquer the world.

Bill Cosby’s “A Different World” was the phantom right cross to complement Spike Lee’s uppercutting “School Daze;” a warmer, friendlier, weekly edition of black college life to offset Lee’s gritty depiction of HBCU life. Today, “A Different World” still brings a powerful artistry to the benefits of the HBCUs; the socially conscious, family-centered faculty, intimate community setting, conservative-yet-well meaning administration, and all of the campus trappings.

The show helped usher in a golden age of HBCU culture to mainstream Black America, an age where sweatshirts and step shows and meals at “The Pit” became part of Black America’s mainstream pop cultural conscience. It’s influence created an explosion in applications, enrollment and graduation rates at black colleges, and continues to be catalyst for the loftiest expectations and aims for HBCU student and institution alike. Read Full at YourBlackWorld

Tuskegee men win SIAC basketball tournament in overtime

bildeBIRMINGHAM Tuskegee’s Javier McKinney hit a jumper to tie the game 75-75 with 29 seconds left and the Golden Tigers outscored Fort Valley State 13-5 in the overtime period to defeat the Wildcats 88-80 and win the Southern Intercollegiate Conference tournament championship on Saturday.

The Golden Tigers (17-11) earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II tournament. Tournament seeds and game locations will be announced today.

Graham Olatunji led Tuskegee with 18 points. The tournament’s most outstanding performer Richard Dixon had 17 points, five rebounds and four blocks. McKinney had 15 points. Camden Foster had 13 points and eight rebounds.

Corey Hunter led FVSU (21-9) with 20 points and five rebounds. Brandon Davey added 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. Ralph Wilson had 12 points.

— From staff reports Montgomery Adversary 

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Launches “I Love My HBCU” Month

March-Is-I-Love-My-HBCU-MonthThe Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) launches new nationwide campaign, “I Love My HBCU” Month, to honor Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the pride that HBCU students, faculty, and alumni exemplify, TMCF President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. announced today.

National “I Love My HBCU” Month will be an annual month-long celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In 2012, TMCF began the process of formally establishing the month of March each year as a period to increase awareness and appreciation of HBCUs in the United States and to unite HBCU communities nationwide with the pride and life-long connections.

“HBCUs are an integral part of our country’s higher education system and history of African Americans,” said Taylor. “I Love My HBCU Month will shine a light on these great institutions and the impact they make in preparing future leaders of tomorrow.”

HBCUs have played a vital role in the U.S. since they were formed in 1837 as higher educational institutions designed to educate former slaves. These institutions, primarily serving African American students, have produced a commendable record of accomplished and famous HBCU graduates such as Justice Thurgood Marshall (Lincoln University & Howard University Law School); Poet Langston Hughes(Lincoln University); Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King (Morehouse College); Award-winning Journalist Ed Bradley (Cheyney University); recently-appointed Microsoft ChairmanJohn Thompson (Florida A&M University); Civil Rights Leader and Congressman John Lewis(Fisk University), Four-Star U.S. Army General Dennis Via (Virginia State University); HARPO CEO and Media Proprietor Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State University); ESPN SportscasterPam Oliver (Florida A&M University); Black Enterprise Publisher Earl G. Graves (Morgan State University); Grammy Award Winner Toni Braxton (Bowie State University); and, Academy Award Nominee Taraji P. Henson (Howard University).

“I Love My HBCU” Awareness Month will be observed nationally during the month of March in remembrance of many important people and events in the HBCUs history as well as to highlight contributions HBCUs have played in shaping its graduates. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund created and owns the theme, slogan, resources and materials for the national “I Love My HBCU” campaign. Each year, with assistance from HBCUs, students, alumni, fraternities, and sororities and other HBCU supporting organizations nationwide, TMCF will coordinate activities to raise awareness about the month and its significance.

“Our HBCU founders had the foresight to build such great institutions for African American students that have continued to produce noted public figures from the first African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice, to four-star generals and congressmen to prominent CEOs,” said Taylor. “It is only fitting for TMCF to launch such an annual awareness campaign to honor Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

For more information on the TMCF National “I Love My HBCU” Month or for participation, marketing materials, etc. visit https://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.net/ilovemyhbcu.

About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund

TMCF is named for the U.S. Supreme Court’s first African-American Justice. Established in 1987, TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools and law schools nation-wide and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through its scholarships and programs, TMCF plays a key role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow. TMCF is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit www.ThurgoodMarshallCollegeFund.org.

President Obama Honors 75 HBCU All-Stars from 62 Black Colleges

262505The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCU) today announced its first class of HBCU All-Stars, recognizing 75 undergraduate, graduate and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement. Currently enrolled at 62 HBCUs, the All-Stars were selected from 445 students who submitted completed applications that included a transcript, resume, essay and recommendation. The HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative by providing outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the Initiative as a networking resource.

“Engaging with the next generation of leaders who will graduate from HBCUs and go on to make meaningful contributions to society is crucial to the success of our community, our country and our global competitiveness,” said George Cooper, executive director of the WHIHBCUs. “It is a privilege to announce these 75 students who have demonstrated a commitment to both their own academic achievement and making a difference in their communities, and we look forward to working with them as partners in advancing President Obama’s college completion goal.”

Over the course of the next year — through social media and their relationships with community-based organizations — the All-Stars will share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential. In addition, the 45 female and 30 male All-Stars will participate in regional events and web chats with Ivory Toldson, deputy director of the WHIHBCUs, other Initiative staff and professionals from a wide range of disciplines. They will also have opportunities to engage with other scholars to showcase individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.

More information about the activities of the 75 HBCU All-Stars will be provided in the coming months as they carry out their role as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Attached is a list of the 2014 HBCU All-Stars in alphabetical order by the state and city they are from, the school they attend and the school’s location.

2014 HBCU All Stars

ALABAMA

Aliceville–Keiwan Harris –attends Concordia College Alabama, Selma, AL
Huntsville–Sharesse Mason –attends Alabama A&M University, Normal
Mobile–Justin Wells –attends Bishop State Community College, Mobile, AL
Tuscaloosa–Morgan Curry –attends Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa–Jeraun Pouge –attends Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL
Talladega–Chuck Stewart –attends Talladega College, Talladega, AL
Tuskegee—Kalauna Carter –attends Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

ARKANSAS

Little Rock–Chelsea Fox –attends Philander Smith, Little Rock, AR

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles–Nicole Tinson –attends Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
Fresno–Arogeanae Brown –attends Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Tyrone Hankerson –attends Howard University, District of Columbia
-Jocelyn Cole –attends Howard University, District of Columbia
-LaTrice Clayburn –attends Livingstone College, Salisbury, NC
Abdul Nurriddin –attends University of the District of Columbia Community College, District of Columbia

FLORIDA

Daytona–Shantel Braynen –attends Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL
Tallahassee–Jamil McGinnis –attends Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee–Jazmyne Simmons –attends Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Miami–Jonte Myers –attends Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens, FL
Orlando–Vivian Nweze –attends Howard University, District of Columbia

GEORGIA

Riverdale–Kelcey Wright –attends Albany State University, Albany, GA
Atlanta–Lillian Harris –attends Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA
Rex–Elijah Porter –attends Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
Atlanta–Cameron Weathers –attends Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
Atlanta–David Johnny –attends Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
Atlanta–Sarah Dillard –attends Savannah State University, Savannah, GA
Albany–Bria Carrithers –attends Spelman College, Atlanta, GA

KENTUCKY

Frankfort–Chaundra Bush –attends Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY

LOUISIANA

Grambling–Breonna Ward –attends Grambling State University, Grambling, LA
Ruston–Brooke Battiste –attends Grambling State University, Grambling, LA
Zachary–Robert Chambers –attends Southern University A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA

MARYLAND

Accokeek–Symone Jordan –attends Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
Fort Washington–Kayla Reynolds –attends Delaware State University, Dover, DE
Baltimore–Triston Bing-Young –attends Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Fort Washington–Trevor McKie –attends Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Silver Spring–Chanel Banks –attends University Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Salisbury–So Jin Park –attends University Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD

MISSISSIPPI

Brookhaven–Lawrence Warren –attends Alcorn State University, Alcorn, MS
Jackson–Candace Chambers –attends Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Itta Bena–Rodney Rice –attends Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS
Holly Springs–Larrance Carter –attends Rust College, Holly Springs, MS
Bolton–Kisa Harris –attends Tougaloo College, Jackson, MS

NORTH CAROLINA

Greensboro–Jasmine Everett –attends Bennett College, Greensboro, NC
Raleigh–Victoria Jones –attends North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Whiteville–Valerie Edwards –attends Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC
Gates–Amanda Eure –attends Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC
Charlotte–Jheanelle Linton –attends Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC
Greensboro–Shakera Fudge –attends North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University, Greensboro
Greensboro–Leon White –attends North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University, Greensboro
Knightdale–Joseph Wyatt –attends St. Augustine’s University, Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem–Georges Guillame –attends Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, NC

NEW JERSEY

Newark–Akirah Crawford –attends Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA

OKLAHOMA

Ardmore–Beautiful- Joy Fields –attends Langston University, Langston, OK

PENNSYLVANIA

Chester–Ahn-yea Graham –attends Cheyney University of PA, Cheyney, PA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Leesville–Rodrea Zeigler –attends Allen University, Columbia, SC
Orangeburg–Jessica Mong –attends Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC
Lynchburg–Refugio Banuelos –attends Morris College, Sumter, SC
Orangeburg–Harold Rickenbacker –attends South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC
Orangeburg–Jasmine Harris –attends South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC

TENNESSEE

Nashville–Ciera Carter –attends Fisk University, Nashville, TN
Jackson–Stephanie Phillips –attends Lane College, Jackson, TN
Memphis–Gilbert Carter –attends LeMoyne- Owen College, Memphis, TN
Nashville–Ciera Scales –attends Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
Nashville–Jeremiah Cooper –attends Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
Jackson–Aneesa Sood –attends Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

TEXAS

Houston–Antoine Southern –attends Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL
Dallas–Priscilla Barbour –attends Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
Cedar Hill–Glenn Johnson –attends Texas College, Tyler, TX
Houston–Jarrauri Curry –attends Texas Southern University, Houston, TX
Houston–Candace Jones –attends Texas Southern University, Houston, TX
Garland–Jade Crutch –attends Xavier University, New Orleans, LA

VIRGINIA

Suffolk–Chanae LeGrier –attends Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC
Dendron–Whitney Johnson –attends Hampton University, Hampton, VA
Richmond–Caprichia Moses –attends Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA

VIRGIN ISLANDS

Christiansted–Shereena Cannonier –attends Lincoln University PA, Lincoln, PA
Christiansted–Kevin Dixon –attends University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, USVI

Black Women are Ranked the Most Educated Group by Race & Gender

Black women surpassed any other group based upon race and gender in 2014 by having the highest percentage that is the most educated. Reports by the National Center of Education Statistics as reported by the US Census state that black women have the highest numbers for current enrollment in college.

Black And Married With Kids posted a YouTube video last spring titled, “Black Women Top This List.” This video explains the significance behind the 9.7% mark that states that black women are #1. Hosted by Janks Morton, he questions media’s reactions to this data and states that this history in the making. “I’m here to tell you today that African-American women and African-American men today are holding up the lamp that has always been a testament to blacks in this country. We have always valued education.”

Another report in 2014 from the Black Women’s Roundtable displays that African-American woman are also at the top of the polls in voter turnout among women. According to The Washington Post, “Black Women in the United States, Progress and Challenges” “offers a glimpse of the state of black women across the country over the last six decades, a rare look at a population that numbers over 20 million people.” It extracts data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services.