Unsolved crimes still remain at UMES

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Last weekend’s shooting of a University of Maryland Eastern Shore student remains under investigation, according to reports.

Princess Anne police are figuring out exactly what happened when Devin Ryan Johnson, 21, was wounded in the ankle as he tried to break up a fight between women.

“Getting accurate information is the biggest challenge,” said Chief Scott Keller.

Though a number of people were involved in the incident, some of the witnesses are not saying much. When officers arrived, only Johnson and a female friend (a former UMES student) were on the scene.

[Anyone with information should contact the Princess Anne Police Department at 410-651-1822]

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The Daily Times (Salisbury):

The incident took place at about 4:15 a.m. Sunday near the entrance to the Mid-Pines development at 11917 Somerset Ave. Keller said several shots were fired from a semi-automatic handgun, one of which struck Johnson.

Johnson, who is from Baltimore, lives at an off-campus address on Beechwood Street.

No arrests had been made in the case as of Monday afternoon, but Keller said he was optimistic.

“My guys have a pretty good success rate,” Keller said. “I think they’ll figure it out.

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The University of Maryland Eastern Shore community still lingers on a previous unsolved case.

Student Edmond St. Clair, 21, was stabbed to death during Homecoming weekend in February. Police say when St. Clair was stabbed his brother ran to a campus police officer’s car and reported the incident.

St. Clair, a junior, was pronounced dead at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury from stab wounds to his upper torso.

The reward in this case was increased from $2,000 to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest.

“There is no more heart-wrenching duty for a college administrator than conveying this kind of tragic news to not only parents and loved ones, but everyone in the UMES community,” said President Dr. Juliette B. Bell in a release statement.  “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Edmond’s family and friends.”

If you have any information on this cases call Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore at 410-548-1776

UPDATE: Man fatally shot near NCCU campus identified

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The man fatally shot by North Carolina Central University police late Monday has been identified as Tracy Daquan Bost, 22, of Charlotte. He was not a student at the university.

Bost had an arrest record that dates back to January 2008 with an assault offense and includes multiple counts of larceny of firearms, resisting an officer and felony breaking and entering. index1

According to reports three police officers and Bost exchanged gunfire that ended fatally near university campus. NCCU Police Chief Timothy Bellamy said Durham police were searching for the suspect in connection with two prior off campus incidents, in which weapons and other property were stolen.

Bost pulled out a shotgun when officers approached him on campus, proceeded to open fire then fled to a wooded area. During a second exchange of fire after Durham police dogs located his position, the suspect was killed.

No students were harmed and a lockdown was issued for the campus and surrounding area approximately at 10:15 p.m. to ensure the safety of the university community. The lockdown was lifted at 1:09 a.m.

“We want you to know our campus was safe yesterday, is safe today and will be safe tomorrow,” said Bellamy in a town hall meeting held Wednesday.

The police chief said two officers from his department will be “dedicated to providing service” on NCCU’s campus for the next four days.

North Carolina Central Chancellor Debra Saunders-White highly praised campus police in an open letter to the community: “I applaud the NCCU Police for their responsiveness and vigilance in keeping our campus safe.  NCCU is committed to supporting our community during this time.”

An investigation will be conducted by the NC State Bureau of Investigation—the three campus officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave until further notice.

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Suspected gunman shot, killed by police near NCCU campus

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North Carolina Central University police shot and killed an armed man late Monday after the gunman exchanged bullets with officers, according to reports.

A lockdown was issued for the campus and surrounding area approximately at 10:15 p.m. to ensure the safety of the university community. No students were harmed. The lockdown was lifted at 1:09 a.m.

“I applaud the NCCU Police for their responsiveness and vigilance in keeping our campus safe,” said Chancellor Dr. Debra Saunders-White in an open letter to the campus community. “NCCU is committed to supporting our community during this time.”

The suspect fired a shotgun at an officer and then ran into a wooded area after NCCU police moved toward the man on campus. A Durham Police dog traced his position and in a second exchange of gunfire, some 45 minutes later, the man was hit with fatal wounds.

The man’s name was not immediately released but NCCU police said he was not a student.

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Mitt Romney welcomes new black grandchild, Kieran James

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On Friday ex-presidential candidate Mitt Romney tweeted a picture of his new adopted grandchild, Kieran James.

Of course, the picture created some humorous remarks from black Twitter. Check some of them out here:

Lincoln adopts new athletic logo

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AR-130919971.jpg&MaxW=620&MaxH=320After nearly 30 years, The Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), unveiled its new athletics logo and branding for the university’s CIAA, Division II athletics program at a press conference yesterday.

The change is part of an overall rebranding effort for the entire university, which has included the adoption of a new university logo, the official addition of “The” to its name and the launch of the “Where Being The First Matters” promotional campaign over the last year.

The name revision reflects the university’s effort to distinguish itself from the three other Lincoln Universities and the three Lincoln Colleges as well as highlight its distinction as the first Lincoln and the first degree-granting HBCU.

“We are extremely excited to share with The Lincoln University family and community our new athletics logo and marks, representing the first complete branding marks for our Department of Intercollegiate Athletics,” said Dr. Robert R. Jennings, president of The Lincoln University.

“All these efforts (the new athletics logo and entire university rebranding) are aimed at restoring and reclaiming The Lincoln University’s brand and legacy as the nation’s first-degree-granting Historically Black College & University, responsible for producing a myriad of FIRSTS and distinctions unrivaled by many other premier American institutions.”

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Shaq speaks out against binge drinking

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Retired NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal spoke out against binge drinking and over-consumption of alcohol on the black college campuses Wednesday.

In 2012, the rapper, television analyst and recent film-school graduate joined the Century Council, a non-profit organization that fights against underage and binge drinking, launching a campaign to raise awareness on historically black colleges and universities using unorthodox methods.

“Social media and comedy was the best way to get to these guys,” said O’Neal, at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 43rd annual legislative conference Wednesday.

Buzzing News: 5 things to know on Monday

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1. Obama urges people to push stalled gun legislation

Earlier this year President Barack Obama made a strong push for expanded background checks to control the increasing amount of gun crimes in America. Though legislation failed to clear the Senate POTUS Obama is now urging his supporters to “get back up and go back at it.”

“We can’t rest until all of our children can go to school or walk down the street free from the fear that they will be struck down by a stray bullet,” Obama said in a keynote speech to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual awards dinner.

2. House Republicans passed nutrition bill that eliminates $39 billion from ‘food stamps’

Despite a veto threat from the president, Republicans in the House of Representatives on Thursday narrowly passed a nutrition bill that eliminates $39 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as food stamps. Just about 15 percent of the population (or nearly 47 million Americans) will be affected.

But even with the cuts, SNAP would cost more than $700 billion over the next 10 years.

3. Kofi Awoonor, Ghanaian poet, among 39 killed in Nairobi attack

The 78-year-old Kofi Awoonor, a noted literary figure, died of injuries sustained in Saturday’s militant attack by the Somali militant group al Shabaab in Nairobi, Kenya. He was among 39 people killed during the attack on a shopping mall, according to news reports.

“Kofi Awoonor was one of the pioneering figures in the history of African literature,” The Root‘s Editor-in-Chief Henry Louis Gates Jr. said in an email statement. “This is a senseless, devastating loss.”

4. Merkel triumphs in German vote, elects Germany’s first black lawmaker

Chancellor Angela Merkel won Germany’s election Sunday, a personal triumph that cements her position as Europe’s most powerful leader. In addition, Senegal-born chemist Karamba Diaby won a seat in the lower house for the Social Democrats—becoming the first black lawmaker in Germany’s Parliament.

5. Help your HBCU win $50,000 from Allstate

Show your school pride by getting a quote now and Allstate will donate $10 to the Tom Joyner Foundation to support students at HBCUs. Then vote to help your favorite HBCU win a $50,000 donation from Allstate. The HBCU with the most votes wins $50,000!

Right now Lincoln University of Missouri is leading with 1976 votes!

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Jackson State breaks all-time enrollment record

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With 9,134 students, the fall 2013 enrollment for Jackson State is the highest in the University’s history.  According to JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers, the enrollment growth shows that the university continues to be the institution of choice for students in pursuit of a quality education and the proper skills to compete at a global level.

“Our faculty and staff are committed to providing the best possible higher education experience for students. The successful matriculation of students is our ultimate goal. That’s the reason we’ve invested in academics, innovative programs and technology,” Meyers said.

The fall 2013 enrollment is a 3.6 percent increase over the fall 2012 number of 8,819. The fall 2013 enrollment represents the highest percentage increase of all Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. The historic enrollment surpasses JSU’s spring 2013 enrollment of 8,760 students, which also was a record for a spring tally.

“We are pleased to know we’re attracting some of the best students in Mississippi and from around the country,” Meyers said.

Visit Jackson State’s newsroom for the full story.

Medical examiner from Zimmerman trial confirms cover up?

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zimmermanThe lead medical examiner of the George Zimmerman case is now coming forward with alarming accusations! Dr. Shiping Bao is now confirming what the rest of America already knew; Trayvon Martin’s death was covered up by Florida officials. read more…

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Queen Latifah’s new talk show, debut’s today

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queenl copyQueen Latifah knows a reliable stress reliever to cope with the pressures of launching a daytime show.

“I have a drum set in my dressing room and I go in there and play for a few minutes to relax. They can forget about it being quiet around here – I’m going to bang my drums,” said the singer-songwriter and actress, who’s adding the job of host to her resume.

With Monday’s debut of the syndicated “The Queen Latifah Show” (check local listings for station, time), she intends to make noise in the competitive realm of daytime TV.

“I’m naturally a bit edgier than typical daytime, but I kind of want to push things a little bit further, as far as I can respectfully, within the daytime space,” said Latifah. “I want more out of daytime TV. I want more choices, I want more heart, more humor.”

She also wants more music, befitting someone who broke ground as a female rapper before expanding into other genres. Her wish list is varied and includes Coldplay and Kings of Leon, and she’s already got Alicia Keys and Plain White T’s lead singer Tom Higgenson booked for her first week. more info…

Bet on Black: African-American Women Celebrate Fatherhood in the age of Barack Obama

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betonblack2 copy“So I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle—that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls; that if I could give them anything, I would give them that rock—that foundation—on which to build their lives. And that would be the greatest gift I could offer.” —President Barack Obama, Fathers Day 2008 speech at Apostolic Church of God

After Kenrya Rankin Naasel saw the president commit himself to the cause with the President’s Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative and after marrying a man who takes the work of being a daddy as seriously her own “I was inspired to find more women whose lives had been impacted by strong Black fathers. Bet on Black: African-American Women Celebrate Fatherhood in the Age of Barack is the result” says Rankin.

On the pages of this lyrical anthology, 20 women gather to swap the stereotype-busting stories of their fathers, grandfathers, husbands and best friends, inviting readers to join the conversation and honor the men in their lives who made their own resolutions to be the best dads they can be. You’ll meet a young father whose love for his daughters compelled him to care for a wayward “dancer” one crazy night, a man whose fierce determination is the glue that holds together his blended family, and another who used an indiscretion as a catalyst to rededicate himself to his children. Whether you are a fantastic dad, or just adore one, the essays in Bet on Black will forever change the way you view fatherhood in America. more info…

Remembering Birmingham’s ’4 Little Girls’: 5 Buzzing things to know on Monday

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Barack Obama is the hardest working man in the world. The 44th and current President of the United States, and the first African American to hold the office, indeed has tough job—just look how he has aged in photos from his first term in 2008 to now.

Even so, Obama seems to handle stress and conflict with ease, despite what critics say. He needed such skills as he helped resolve the crisis in Syria, while naming new leadership to his HBCU Initiative.

1. Obama rejects criticism of shifting Syria policy

After trying to persuade Congress and the American public to support military strikes on Syria, POTOS Barack Obama praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for his diplomatic solution to the chemical weapons used by Syrian President Bashar Assad, killing nearly 1,500 of his own people.

“The use of chemical weapons anywhere in the world is an affront to human dignity and a threat to the security of people everywhere,” Obama’s statement said. “We have a duty to preserve a world free from the fear of chemical weapons for our children. Today marks an important step towards achieving this goal.”

2. Obama names Leadership for HBCU Initiative

Former South Carolina State University president Dr. George E. Cooper was named the Executive Director of the HBCU Initiative and Howard University’s Dr. Ivory Toldson will join him as Deputy Director.

President Obama has stated that by 2020, America will again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.

3. We remember Birmingham’s ‘4 Little Girls’

On this day 50 years ago (September 15, 1963) Denise McNair, 11, Carol Robertson, 14, Cynthia Wesley, 14, and Addie Mae Collins, 14, were killed when the Ku Klux Klan bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. That day quickly became a ‘defining moment’ for the Civil Rights Movement.

4. Xavier University of Louisiana welcomes 18th U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin

The only Historically Black Catholic University in the nation, Xavier University of Louisiana, recently named the 18th Surgeon General of the United States (2009-2013) Regina Benjamin as its first NOLA.com/Times Picayune Endowed Chair in Public Health Sciences.

5. Petition wants the NAACP to hire its first woman president

A petition created by Michael Cottman, an award-winning journalist and author, wants a new direction for the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization.

“From Benjamin Hooks, to Benjamin Chavis, to Kweisi Mfume, to Benjamin Jealous,” Cottman said in his petition,  “it’s not only time for the NAACP to elect a woman president, but there shouldn’t be another NAACP president named Benjamin either.”

Tommy Meade Jr. is the Editor of HBCU Buzz. Follow him on Twitter @tommymeadejr

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18th U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin named Endowed Chair at Xavier Uuniversity of Louisiana

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dr-regina-benjamin-us-surgeon-generalThe 18th Surgeon General of the United States (2009-2013) Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA was announced as the first NOLA.com/Times Picayune Endowed Chair in Public Health Sciences at Xavier University of Louisiana during a press conference this morning.

“I am honored to be named the Endowed Chair in Public Health at Xavier University of Louisiana,” said Dr. Benjamin. “I look forward to positioning Xavier as an international center for public health with a strong focus on the community.”

Dr. Benjamin is a long-time champion of the power of prevention. As Surgeon General, she led the U.S.

Public Health Service and chaired President Obama’s National Prevention Council, which released the first ever National Prevention Strategy– a road map for a healthy and fit nation. She oversaw its implementation throughout the federal government.

“In July, I stepped away from my position but not from my mission,” Dr. Benjamin stated. “This endowed chair at Xavier provides an ideal platform from which I can broaden my mission of prevention and wellness.”

An alumna of the only Historically Black Catholic University in the nation, Dr. Benjamin will have a major role in developing future public health professionals. Former Surgeons General often go to medical schools or large academic health centers, rarely, if ever, to a liberal arts college. Dr. Benjamin wants to bring public health to the community and to have students engage early in their careers. Xavier has consistently ranked number one in the nation in awarding bachelor’s degrees to African American students in biology, chemistry, physics, and the physical sciences. The university is also renowned for ranking number one in the nation in the number of African-American students who go to and complete medical school.

“Having the 18th Surgeon General join our family is a milestone achievement for Xavier University, the city of New Orleans, the state of Louisiana, and the United States of America,” said Dr. Norman Francis, President of Xavier University. “I am honored to have Dr. Benjamin join our public health program and grow it into a global force for promoting healthy communities.”

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Former FAMU football player gunned down by police in Charlotte, NC

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J-FerrellA police officer in Charlotte, NC is being charged with voluntary manslaughter for the excessive shooting death of 24-year-old Jonathan Ferrell.  Ferrell, an ex-football player at Florida A&M University, was shot and killed during his attempt to reach out to police for help after wrecking his car on a nearby street.

Officers responded to a “breaking and entering” 911 call at a home in Charlotte early on Saturday morning (September 14).

The homeowner told dispatchers that a man had been knocking on her door repeatedly.  Police say that when they got to the scene, a man matching the caller’s description ran toward them.

One of the officers fired his stun gun, but was “unsuccessful.” Another officer proceeded to open fire on Ferrell.

Ferrell was unarmed and pronounced dead on the scene.

Click here for more information on this story.

Should the NAACP hire its first woman president?

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NAACP President Ben Jealous reflects on the challenges in the wake of Zimmerman verdict at the annual convention of the NAACP.
NAACP President Ben Jealous reflects on the challenges in the wake of Zimmerman verdict at the civil rights organization’s annual convention.

Ben Jealous is a man of his word. He made a promise to his seven-year-old daughter that after 5 years at the helm of the NAACP as the youngest president and CEO in its 104-year history, he would call it quits.

Jealous said that his responsibilities kept him away too much from his wife Lia Epperson, a civil rights lawyer, and children, daughter Morgan, and son Jack, 13 months.

“Leadership knows when to step up and when to step down,” Jealous said. “This day I can say with pride that I’m prepared to step down and make room for the next person who will lead this organization to its next chapter.”

Effective Dec. 31 Jealous, who came in at age 35, will resign and the next chapter will officially began. But who should take over the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization?

A petition created by Michael Cottman, an award-winning journalist and author, wants a new direction for the historic organization founded in 1909.

“It’s time for a radical change at the top: The next president of the NAACP should be a woman,” said Cottman in his petition.

“From Benjamin Hooks, to Benjamin Chavis, to Kweisi Mfume, to Benjamin Jealous, it’s not only time for the NAACP to elect a woman president, but there shouldn’t be another NAACP president named Benjamin either.”

Ebony magazine agrees, too, that a woman should take over the helm.

The magazine listed the director of African-American voting for the Obama 2012 campaign Stefanie Brown James, former Bennett College president Julianne Malveaux and several other woman as qualified applicants for the job.

“The NAACP can send a great signal that a change has come by choosing an African American woman to head the organization,” Ebony said.

“I’m the 17th president of the NAACP and the 17th man,” Jealous told USA Today, hinting toward the next direction of the NAACP. “I do expect that the next president of the NAACP will be different in some way.”

About the NAACP:

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.

Tommy Meade is the Editor of HBCU Buzz. Follow him on Twitter @tommymeadejr

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Howard University Homecoming’s ‘EPIC’ Unveiling

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“Lets jump in the car and just ride for hours, I’m making sure I don’t miss the Homecoming at Howard” says rapper Ludacris in his hit song ‘Pimpin’ All Over The World.’

We all know about Howard University’s Homecoming (or at least you should), its legacy and the excitement it brings across the nation. But the question on everyone’s mind this year is “Who is coming to Homecoming 2013?”

The Howard University Homecoming 2013 Steering Committee Chairwoman, Kristin D. Hutchinson, hopes to excite the student body and help incite a pride in the University, starting with Homecoming.

This years Homecoming will take place from October 22nd to October 27th at The Mecca. Known to feature the most popular artists and acts each year, a great turnout by students and family and friends of the Howard community is expected–just last Thursday 950 students picked up their golden-tickets as the Homecoming Unveiling tickets were distributed from the Cramton Auditorium box office.

‘EPIC’ will be the 2013 theme for Howard Homecoming festivities.

“Epic, by definition, means larger than life,” said senior Jenelle S. Coy, who serves as the Marketing & Media Relations Manager for the 2013 Howard University Homecoming Steering Committee.

“Our staff consists of 25 incredibly talented individuals who have been grinding since May to produce an amazing Homecoming for the student body. The Unveiling is only the beginning of what is to come from the EPIC staff,” Coy said.

Stay Tuned

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