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.”

Read more here

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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Howard Homecoming rumor: Yardfest $5 entry fee this year?

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STYardfestAccording to last summer’s speculations about the most popular Howard University Homecoming event: Yardfest, for the first time it will be a ‘ticketed event’.

Inside sources say that the Homecoming Steering Committee has faced multiple budget cuts in the past few years, and some rumors indicate that the anticipating 50,000 people that usually attend the event will be charged a $5 entry fee.

Last year rapper 2Chainz and group Naughty by Nature performed on stage and dozens of vendors–both local and international–set up shop in the middle of the historic campus.

Known to draw artists such as Jay-Z, Foxy Brown, DMX, Monica, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, LeToya Luckett, J.Holiday, Fabolous, Cameo, Wale, Beenie Man, Mr. Vegas, Serani, Shaggy, Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh, this Saturday (September 14th), the Howard University Homecoming Steering Committee will announce this year’s lineup on campus in the Blackburn Ballroom 7:30-10:00pm.

Hopefully by Saturday the rumors will be put to rest. But $5 is not too bad, is it? Let us know and leave your comment.

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more info visit howard homecoming site..

19 year old Ayaanah Gibson bleeds to death after giving birth in dorm room – Benedict College

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31623_565491996801717_805948187_nAuthorities say a 19-year-old South Carolina college student bled to death after delivering a stillborn baby alone in her dorm room.Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said the student was found dead Tuesday night, but the delivery likely happened about three days before at Benedict College.Watts says the woman likely would have survived if she sought medical help, but he doesn’t know why she didn’t call 911.

Benedict officials said Ayaanah Gibson was a freshman majoring in chemistry from Sacramento, Calif

Watts says she lived by herself in a dorm room. The coroner says she was about 32 weeks pregnant, and it appears the labor occurred naturally and was not induced.

Benedict College is a Baptist-affiliated school with about 3,200 students.

Administrators released a statement asking for prayers for the student and her family.

“The Benedict College family is deeply saddened this evening about the unexpected loss of one of its students. Please join the Benedict College family in praying for our fallen Tiger and her family. President David H. Swinton along with the Campus Minister, Student Government Leaders, and the Director of Campus Counseling spoke with students this evening in Antisdel Chapel about the unfortunate incident. After the meeting everyone in the Chapel held hands and prayed together as a family.”

 

Clark Atlanta Sweeps SIAC Top Runners of the Week

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runner_cau_410_222After finishing 12th in the Georgia Southwestern Rememberance Run last weekend, the Clark Atlanta University women’s cross country team clocked the five fastest times in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and was named the SIAC women’s team of the week today.

Senior Markeisha Woodson, a returning All-Conference runner, led the Lady Panthers with a 26:06.14 finish in the women’s 6K run. Rounding out the other top five peformers were CAU’s Sanley Richardson (29:25.54), Breya Davis (31:17.49), Cynthia Smith (32:55.50) and Ashley Manuel (36:25.07).

Next, the men’s and women’s teams will compete in the University of North Georgia Invitational Saturday, Sept. 14, in Oakwood, Georgia. Referenced

ASU responds to controversy after band spells “Trayvon”

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BTmUkpACYAAIpVI.jpg-largeAlabama State University is responding to controversy surrounding its band and a recent football game’s half-time show.

During Saturday’s game against Jackson State, ASU’s Mighty Marching Band members lined up in a way on the field that spelled out “Trayvon” while they played the song “Amazing Grace”.

Trayvon, referring to Trayvon Martin, was a teen whose case sparked nationwide outrage after he was shot to death by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Florida last year. Zimmerman was later found not guilty by a jury.

Following the band’s decision, the director of the ASU Marching Band, James Oliver, issued a statement on the controversy. It reads:

“ASU’s Mighty Marching Hornets Band’s halftime show utilized the tragic death of Trayvon Martin as a symbolic recognition that far too many young men die of senseless gun violence.

Ours was a call to conscience of all those who wish to protect our children and to build community.

We spelled out the name  ‘Trayvon’ while the band played ‘Amazing Grace’ as a tribute to all the families who have lost their children.

It had nothing to do with a jury’s verdict, but everything to do with the sanctity of life and the amazing grace that only God can give as we deal with tragedies such as the loss of a child.”  Referenced

 

Obama Names Leadership for HBCU Initiative

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Today, the Obama Administration announced a new leadership team for the White House Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  Former South Carolina State University president Dr. George E. Cooper has come on board as the Executive Director of the Initiative and Howard University’s Dr. Ivory Toldson will join him as Deputy Director.

Cooper and Toldson will work with the HBCU Board of Advisors—appointed by President Obama— serving as a bridge between the federal government and historically Black institutions of higher learning. They will also aid Secretary Arne Duncan by serving as an organ for HBCUs within the Department of Education, helping to develop policies and provide assistance schools, students and other key stakeholders.

President Obama has stated that by 2020, he wants America to again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. The HBCU initiative is intended to help increase both the number of Black graduates and help sustain the livelihood of these institutions.

Dr. Cooper is a Senior Fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and is responsible for reviewing key federal legislation regarding HBCUs. As the 10th President of South Carolina State University (SCSU) he was also the chairperson of the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, Council of 1890 Universities (2010-2012).  Cooper has also served as faculty at Alabama A&M University and Tuskegee University. He is a graduate of Florida A&M University and Tuskegee University, and holds a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from the University of Illinois – Urbana.

Read more at EBONY

Doug Williams says he’s been fired by Grambling

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Grambling football coach Doug Williams was fired Wednesday morning.

Williams, 58, said he received a call around 8 a.m. and was summoned to school President Frank Pogue’s office. Pogue handed a letter to Williams and told him the school was going in another direction.

A school news release said the remainder of Williams’ contract was bought out. He had agreed to a new three-year contract in June 2012 that paid him $250,000 a year.

“There wasn’t a lot of conversation. I told him ‘OK’ and I was gone,” Williams said.

The school said running backs coach George Ragsdale will become interim head coach.

“We recognize Doug Williams’ many contributions to our football legacy and we express our deep appreciation for his service to Grambling State University and we wish him well in the future,” Pogue said.

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FAMU experiences steep drop in enrollment

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Florida A&M University continues to cope with a drastic decline in enrollment numbers for the second consecutive academic year.

Though unofficial, the preliminary enrollment for the Fall 2013 semester is 10,786, which is down more than 1,250 from the previous year (2012-2013) and about 2,500 fewer from two years ago (2011-2012).

FAMU, which receives more revenue from tuition than it does from the state of Florida, is preparing for a second straight $6 million loss as a result of the decline in enrollment, interim President Larry Robinson said.

The University’s athletic department, which has been losing approximately $1 million per year for the last six years, is also affected by the decrease in enrollment because student fees are a primary source of monetary support for FAMU’s intercollegiate sports programs.  “Every dime we get is important, and there are a whole lot of things we could do with those monies if we had them,” Robinson said.

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Stillman College fires president one day after fall convocation

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IMG_0212_t620x620_c620x620Only one day after he welcomed students, faculty, and staff back to campus for the 2013-2014 academic year during the annual fall convocation, Stillman College president Ernest McNealey was fired by the college’s Board of Trustees.

On Thursday, McNealey delivered an address of preparing Stillman for personal success in the face of adversity during the ceremony. He reported the state of the private college, with an operating budget of $27 million, as good, but made remarks which highlighted the national decline in student enrollment and financial difficulties.

Additionally, he mentioned an increase in denials in student loan requests. “While certainly there are storm clouds on the horizon, we can see silver linings in those clouds,” he told students and faculty.

McNealey called the national statistics depressing, but said Stillman will continue to pursue its goals despite adverse conditions.

“We will continue to search for the next new thing that circumstances say we cannot do and do it,” McNealey said.

On Friday afternoon, the college released a brief statement naming Peter Millet, provost and vice president for academic affairs, as interim president.

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Howard University students call for boycott of upcoming Tonéx concert

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tonexAward-winning gospel artist Tonéx has been the subject of much controversy within the church community for many years, due to his music and image, then for coming out of the closet on Christian-based cable channel The Word Network in 2009.

Now, students at Howard University in Washington, D.C. are calling for a boycott of Tonéx’s upcoming September 15 concert at the Howard Theatre (which is located less than ten blocks from the University’s main campus).

Angela Powell said, “He’s confused. One second he says he’s not gay then does a tour and says he is. He said he quit gospel but then comes out and says he’s not finished with Christian music yet. He needs to sit down somewhere.”

”As a Christian, homosexuality is wrong. I don’t support it and I’m glad so many students are standing up and rejecting this concert also,” says Curtis Montgomery, a sophomore biology major.

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UPDATE wife of Zimmermann not planning to press charges

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UPDATE: The estranged wife of George Zimmerman is not planning to press charges after police were called to a domestic dispute in central Florida on Monday, said Lake Mary police chief Steve Bracknell.

Zimmerman, the Florida man who was acquitted of murder in the shooting of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012, was being questioned on Monday by police after his wife called 911 saying he threatened her and her father with a gun, police said.

No one had been arrested and police officers were at the scene at a house belonging to Shellie Zimmerman’s father, police added. read more…

Zimmerman’s wife: ‘He threatened with gun’

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Zman copyGeorge Zimmerman’s wife says on a 911 call that her estranged husband punched her father in the nose, grabbed an iPad out of her hand and smashed it and threatened them both with a gun.

Shellie Zimmerman said Monday on the 911 call that she was scared because she didn’t know what George Zimmerman is capable of doing.

She says he had his hand on his gun while he was in his car. read more…