Check out ‘Q.U.E.E.N.’ singer Janelle Monae as she rocks out with the North Carolina A&T Blue and Gold Marching Machine.
About the Blue and Gold Marching Machine:
The Blue and Gold Marching Machine is the most recognized band in North Carolina and is a top contender in the world of historically black college marching bands.
MSNBC journalist Rachel Maddow talks on voter discrimination against Elizabeth City State students.
On Monday North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory signed into law a new policy that requires voters to show a photo ID at polling stations. The NAACP and other groups are now taking legal action.
Developing
It’s likely that if Steve McNair came along today, he would have never set foot on Alcorn State’s campus. In fact, with the nuanced recruiting websites and technology that permeates high-school recruiting today, it’s very likely there will never be another HBCU quarterback as talented as McNair. Part of the reason is that athletic, black quarterbacks are now acceptable in all of college football. This was not the case in the early 90s, when McNair was offered a full-ride to play for Steve Spurrier at Florida–as a defensive back. Knowing in his heart that he wanted to be a quarterback, McNair rejected the glitz and glamor of big-time, SEC football and chose to play at tiny Alcorn State. The rest, as they say, is history.
Blessed with a powerful arm and nimble athleticism, Steve “Air” McNair is easily the most successful professional quarterback ever produced by an HBCU.The numbers speak for themselves. After completing a spectacular college career in which he re-wrote the NCAA Divsion I-AA (Now Championship Subdivision) record books, McNair finished third in Heisman voting in 1994. He was selected third overall by the Houston Oilers, which at the time was the highest an African-American QB had ever been drafted.
After performing mostly mop up duty the franchise’s last two years in Houston, McNair’s career really took off when the team became the Titans in 1999. That year, he and running back Eddie George led the franchise to its first ever Super Bowl, coming up just a few yards short in the end. McNair continued to improve, peaking in 2003 as he threw for over 3,200 yards, 24 touchdowns and completed 62.5 percent of his passes en-route to being named CO-MVP with Peyton Manning.
After playing his last few years with the Baltimore Ravens, McNair finished his pro career with 31, 304 yards passing, throwing for 174 touchdowns and running for 37 more. The three-time Pro-Bowl participant finished with a career passer rating of 82.5 and ranks in the top 20 in career completion percentage. Sadly, McNair’s life was ended prematurely as he was killed as a part of an apparent murder-suicide in July of 2009.
After finishing No. 2 in last year’s final poll, Bethune-Cookman begins the 2013 collegiate football season at No.1 in this year’s Boxtorow FCS HBCU Coaches’ Poll.
The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats received 10 of 17 first-place votes in the annual poll which is administered twice yearly from the press box and press row, and voted on by coaches of Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU).
Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB) garnered five first-place votes this preseason to finish at No. 2 behind Bethune-Cookman, and just one point ahead of the Tennessee State Tigers despite finishing last season in the top position in both preseason and post-season polls. Tennessee State received two first-place votes in the recent poll after finishing third in the final 2012 tally.
Bethune-Cookman’s margin of 19 poll points on No. 2 Arkansas-Pine Bluff is the biggest preseason lead for No. 1 since South Carolina State’s 24-point edge on Prairie View A&M heading into the 2010 season.
No matter who you are, never be afraid to ask for help. Howard University freshman James Ward says that is one of the biggest lessons he has learned from his experience with homelessness, Huffington Post reports.
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“From homeless to Howard” might sound like the title of a movie, but for 19-year-old James Ward, this is his reality — though it still feels like a dream.
“It’s surreal. I can’t believe after everything that’s happened I’m going to be leaving to attend Howard,” Ward said in an interview with The Huffington Post, reflecting on the generosity of strangers who put him on the path to Washington, D.C.
Ward, a resident of Los Angeles, will be able to matriculate at the historically black college this fall thanks to an online campaign he launched just last week called “Homeless To Howard.”
His site is collecting donations through Paypal and has picked up steam across social media. Teach For America sent out a tweet highlighting Ward’s story, and rapperCommon shared the link to the site, supporting Ward’s dream to attend college.
To date, the efforts have raised $12,000, enough to handle his first-year expenses not covered by loans or grants. The bigger goal is to raise the funds for all four years of college. But for the moment, just having enough to cover the first year, Ward said, is beyond what he expected.
“I would’ve never thought that something we started just a couple of days ago would’ve turned out to become this massive,” Ward said. “However, it makes me feel very happy because I know that although the world may seem like a harsh and cold place, there are some people out there that care and want to give to those in need.”
Since the age of 14, Ward, along with his mom and two younger siblings, has been homeless in California. When times were really hard, they lived in his mom’s car, but otherwise they’ve moved between different shelters and relatives’ homes until they secured a spot at the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles’ Skid Row neighborhood in February 2012.
“In the past years, life has been very hectic,” he said. “We had a lot of ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve always managed to keep my grades up and help my younger brother and sister do the same and keep them on the right track as well as myself.”
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After writing an open letter attacking CNN journalist Don Lemon‘s solution to the black America problem, Russell Simmons is now on the defensive.
The video shows an actress portraying abolitionist Harriet Tubman with her “massa” so she can blackmail him in order to operate the Underground Railroad.
Russell Simmons later issued an apology on his website Global Grind called “I Get It and I Respect It… The Harriet Tubman Video Has Been Removed.”
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“In the whole history of Def Comedy Jam, I’ve never taken down a controversial comedian. When my buddies from the NAACP called and asked me to take down the Harriet Tubman video from the All Def Digital YouTube channel and apologize, I agree.
I’m a very liberal person with thick skin. My first impression of the Harriet Tubman piece was that it was about what one of actors said in the video, that 162 years later, there’s still tremendous injustice. And with Harriet Tubman outwitting the slave master? I thought it was politically correct. Silly me. I can now understand why so many people are upset. I have taken down the video. Lastly, I would never condone violence against women in any form, and for all of those I offended, I am sincerely sorry.”
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The video has since been taken down from the All Def Digital YouTube page but is still circulating the internet.
“I’m grossly disappointed in you and I have thought of you as one of our great leaders practically all of my life,” one reader said on the post’s comments. “The fact that you thought it was funny in the first place, wow Uncle Russ. Wow.”
What do you think? Let us know and comment below.
Nicole Tinson is a HBCU Buzz Staff Writer. Follow her on Twitter @NIKKI_T
Kentucky State University is now smoke free across campus. The University Board of Regents has approved an anti-tobacco policy effective immediately that prohibits tobacco use in all buildings, events and around parking lots within the campus.
The American College Health Association (ACHA), which adopted a Position Statement on Tobacco in September 2009, is in part responsible for a recent uptick in campuses going smoke free, according to no-smoke.org.
Their efforts to promote tobacco-free environments have led to “substantial reductions in the number of people who smoke, the amount of tobacco products consumed, and the number of people exposed to environmental tobacco hazards.”
Other HBCUs to adopt the policy include Edward Waters College, Central State University, Bennett College, Huston–Tillotson University, Paul Quinn College and the Morehouse School of Medicine.
The suspension is lifted. FAMU’s Marching 100 will return to halftime lights during the MEAC-SWAC Challenge game in Orlando, the first performance by the band since Nov. 19, 2011.
“We are going to publicly state that we are bringing this band back and we are going to take the field in Orlando,” FAMU Band Director Sylvester Young said. “And without any reservation, knowing that when we take the field we will not be stepping back in time but we will be cutting a new path.”
A medical examiner ruled that head drum major Robert Champion, 26, was beaten to death in a hazing incident Friday night after the Marching 100’s last performance. The band was later suspended indefinitely.
Interim President Larry Robinson said the FAMU Marching 100 will serve as a national model that hazing can be eradicated. He said hazing is not the answer and brought the ‘new era’ in with four core values: character, leadership, academics and service.
“We are fairly confident that we are about to launch a new era, a new understanding and appreciation as to why hazing is not necessary to advance these principles that I just mentioned for this marching band, as well as any other organization on this campus,” said Robinson.
The Florida A&M University Rattlers football team have recently named Trayvon Martin’s father, Tracy Martin, as its honorary captain following an emotional speech he gave the team on Sunday; it was reported to the Orlando Sentinel by the team’s coach, Earl Holmes.
Martin will perform the pregame coin toss for FAMU’s season opener against Mississippi Valley State on September 1, as part of the honors, the Orlando newspaper reported.
“[We] talked and I told him I’d love him to talk to the team,” Holmes said. “He came out and he was very, very encouraging. … “[He] got a standing ovation from our guys. He talked about just persevering and told the guys to keep on pushing through the hard times. The message he shared with the kids was very positive and they were very responsive.”
Following years of well-documented drama within the music industry, R&B singer and FAMU alumna K. Michelle emerges more anticipated than ever with her debut album, Rebellious Soul, released via Atlantic Records on August 13. The singer was initially signed to RCA Records in the mid-2000s, though an album never materialized. Despite the setbacks, she busied herself recording and releasing four mixtapes, as well as collaborating with artists such as Missy Elliott, Bobby V, Trina, Gucci Mane, and her mentor, R&B legend R. Kelly.
K. Michelle became a household name in 2012 as one of the cast members on the hit VH1 reality series, “Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta.” She quickly became known to fans and viewers for her no-holds-barred antics, commentary, and her numerous run-ins with fellow castmates. Although the 2013 season is her last on “LHHATL,” fans can expect to see her on the upcoming season of “Love & Hip-Hop: New York.” Additionally, she is reportedly in talks with VH1 and the “LHH” franchise executive producer, Mona Scott-Young, regarding her own series.
Born Kimberly Michelle Pate, the Memphis, TN native attended Florida A&M University on a yodeling scholarship. As a student, she was very active on the FAMU campus, becoming her class’s freshman attendant, being crowned Miss FAMU, and joining the Beta Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Rebellious Soul is now in stores and available for download on iTunes.
Beijing Olympian and Howard University alumnus David Oliver won the 110-meter hurdles at the 2013 IAAF World Championship in Moscow. Oliver cleared the 10 hurdles in a remarkable 13 seconds, the fastest time of the year. Additionally, Oliver (B.A. ’04) won Olympic bronze medalist at the 2008 Beijing Games. He is also the first 2x All-American in Howard’s history.
Immediately following his victory, Oliver tweeted his excitement, exclaiming:
While at Howard, Oliver won four Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships in the 110-meter hurdles. He was also a walk-on wide receiver for the Bison Football team. Oliver graduated in 2004 with a marketing degree from the Howard University School of Business.
Turns out Spike Lee is toying with a figment in our imaginations. The Morehouse College alum recently said a script for the ‘School Daze‘ sequel is already completed.
Here is what Spike Lee said in an interview:
“I had the script for [the sequel] to School Daze, a contemporary version, same school, 25 years later. Hopefully I can get Laurence Fishburne to play Dap. He’ll be the president now of the school. It would deal with issues in HBCUs today, some of the same stuff from the last film, like the pledging process. But also lots of new stuff like homophobia, it’s a big subject in it. Class issues, color, hair texture, but it’s stuff happening today.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HUUvQ3Yac8
Change in the Parent PLUS loan by the Obama Administration has caused around 300 students at Morgan State University to be in jeopardy of having their academic schedules disrupted this fall. Morgan State University president Dr. David Wilson has set up an emergency fund to help students who need scholarships and financial assistance.
Their goal is to raise $300,000 by August 31st, giving each of the approximately 300 students who face circumstances beyond their control a minimum $1,000 scholarship for immediate emergency assistance until changes can be made to federal student loan policies.
“Everyone deserves the chance to be educated to give back in ways that are positive and immeasurable to the health and well-being of our families and communities,” said Dr. David Wilson in a letter to alumni and friends.
For more information on how to donate to the Morgan State scholarship fund click here.
Picture this: school is approaching and you have a balance on your account, you do not have a roommate, and your schedule is about to be purged. This scenario would cause anyone to go insane; have no worries however. Something can be done, if you take the right steps.
Paying for college does not have to be difficult if you are prepared. Being proactive in obtaining funds can be as easy, breezy as a Cover Girl commercial.
Take into consideration these tips on getting through financial aid and getting school paid for.
Fully review your award letter
Is there anything missing that should be there? Scholarships, grants, loans, etc.? If so, contact the Financial Aid Department.
Contact Financial Aid
Financial aid customer service has a bad rep in the HBCU community but if you try hard enough (and have enough patience) you will eventually get through. You are one of thousands of students seeking assistance. Take matters in your own hands. Call in, put use to email and take advantage of walk in visits.
(Additional tip: do not argue with staff members. You will need them in the future. I promise.)
Apply! Apply! Apply!
Applying for scholarships is key. There truly is a lot of money in the world, and people are ready to give it to students like you. There are scholarships for virtually everything.
A few sites where you can apply for scholarships are UNCF, Fast Web, Cappex, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Tom Joyner Foundation, My Education is my Hustle and H.O.P.E.
Don’t feel embarrassed
Ask local companies, churches, businesses and community leaders for a “love token” or donation. Plenty of people are willing to help you because they truly want to see you succeed. Write a letter describing who you are, what you want to be, and how they can help you out to get where you want to be through an education.
Keep Faith
If you want something in life, you have to Go For It! If it is money that you need, make it happen. Money should never be the excuse for you not attending college.
You can do it!
Nicole Tinson is a HBCU Buzz Staff Writter. Follow her on Twitter @Nikki_T
Francena McCorory, a Bethel High and Hampton University grad, registered a 49.86-second performance in her semifinal section of the women’s 400-meter race Sunday at the track and field world championships.
Here’s a video of her performance.
Not only did she win, but the run was the fastest of her life, superseding the 49.96 she ran earlier this season at the Herculis Meet at Monaco. McCorory, 24, earned an Olympic gold medal in the 4×400 relay at the 2012 London Games.
Click here for the full story.
One day after the armed robbery of a Morehouse College freshman, student activists are asking Atlanta politicians to play a larger hand in crime around the Atlanta University Center (Clark, Spelman, Morehouse, ITC and Morris Brown College). The Morehouse chapter NAACP is demanding to meet with the City Councilwoman, Cleta Winslow to help restructure policies that could help with crime nearby.
Morehouse chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and the NAACP also announced a community back to school kickoff called ‘Project We’, which is an effort to spark a restructuring of the area through communal engagement. The Buzz conducted an interview with one of Morehouse’s student leaders: senior Jeroson Williams, Biology major.
Titles at Morehouse – President of the Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., SGA Senator, John H. Hopps Scholar, Co-Founder of Project WE
HBCU Buzz: How has the crime in the AUC hindered your educational experience?
Jeroson Williams: Crime has created an uneasy tension between the students of the AUC and the members of the community. Our library is located on the very street the past to shooting incidents occurred. That is a problem. We cannot even feel safe walking to our library. It is quite troubling.
When the freshman was robbed on campus a few days ago, was it the last straw?
The murder this summer was the last straw. The danger of the West End is omnipresent, regardless of the number of police and security checks in the AUC these occurrences will continue to happen until we band together and treat the true issues of the West End community. These people prey on us to survive and it is our responsibility to give the alternatives by doing our due diligence in the community.
How cordial has Councilwoman Wilson been with you all’s concerns?
City council is actively trying to decrease crime. They however are going about it incorrectly. We cannot continue to treat the symptoms! We must cure the ghetto. We must cure them of their poverty, end their drug culture, change the violent culture and uplift them.
