1. Barack Obama, Hassan Rouhani hold first talk between US, Iran leaders in decades
On his way to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York via car President Hassan Rouhani’s phone rang. It was President Barack Obama on the other end, and after fifteen minutes the two men said goodbye in each other’s respected languages. Thanks to the invention of the telephone, history was made in a matter of minutes—it was the first talk between US and Iran leaders in more than three decades.
To those who are asking, “Why just 15 minutes?” Good question. Obvious hostility has kept the two nations out of sync for 35 years. (Friction between the US and Iran began when fifty-two Americans were held hostage for 444 days by students supporting the Iranian Revolution in 1979.) Interestingly, Obama and Rouhani did have a chance to shake hands at the annual United Nations meeting on Tuesday, but the Iranian president said there was not “enough time to make that happen.”
2. Government faces shutdown
The circus like rhythms and sounds of the popular HBCU chant “I’m so Glad”, first introduced by The Aristocrat of Bands at Tennessee State, is the perfect way to describe what is now happening with American government and its ongoing efforts to create political stability. The government, most likely, will shut down Tuesday 12:00 a.m. sharp no thanks to the continuous bickering amongst Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate.
3. Howard University reports increased enrollment
Despite several reports on financial woes, dwindling enrollment and other concerns, Howard University says it has the highest freshmen class enrollment in 15 years. President Ribeau, who arrived at Howard in 2008, reminded students that HU has always been resilient during trying times:
“Now, I’m not one to argue with the pundits and the newspapers but I think numbers need to speak for themselves sometimes, “said Ribeau speaking at convocation on campus. “No matter what people may say on the outside, we are strong here at Howard.”
4. Education Secretary issues apology to HBCU leaders
After a year of tensions between HBCU leaders and the Obama administration—following a decision that caused more than 14,000 students to abandon their studies in the fall of 2012—Education Secretary Arne Duncan issued an apology at National HBCU Week Conference to HBCU presidents.
5. Follow-up on the HBCU Week Conference 2013
The White House Initiative for HBCUs hosted the annual HBCU Week Conference 2013 Sept. 26-27 with representation from Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Tuskegee University, Jackson State University, Howard University and other top HBCU colleges.
At one of the event’s programs, a group of panelists portrayed “the worst kinds of geriatric stereotypes” on the use of cell phones, rejecting that “new technologies could possibly serve time honored values.” One sole student rose from the audience to differ, however, citing that it helps students with a number of things (besides socializing) like course materials and homework assignments.
What do you think of the use of cellphones in relation to education? Let us know and leave your comment.
Tommy Meade Jr. is the Editor of HBCU Buzz. Link up with him on Twitter @tommymeadejr
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Brandon Brice, at the Washington Times, asks whether President Barack Obama could do more to help historically black colleges and universities. The federal government prepares to enact a new set of loan-eligibility requirements, which could greatly reduce enrollments.
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Howard University leaders on Friday hailed the second-largest freshman class in 15 years, an influx of 1,596 new students who have helped the school rebound from an enrollment plunge a year ago.
