Leading through Education: Interview with Parris Malone, President of Student Tennessee Education

Posted by Robert Hoggard
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Parris MaloneStarting July 1 Parris Malone, a junior at Tennessee State, will begin serving as President for the Student Tennessee Education Association, the largest professional organization in the state that advocates for educators, students preparing to become educators, and students in the public school system.

Malone has been apart of TSU chapter of TEA since she first started classes at the University.

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Q: What’s the most important task you want to accomplish as president?

A: The single most important task I would like to accomplish during my time as president is to get all education students to realize the importance of being a member of their pre-professional organization. The Student Tennessee Education Association not only gives vital information and professional for each member, but they also have great member benefits that many students don’t take advantage of. I want to stress the importance of joining and remaining a member after you leave your prospective university.

Q: What are you preparing to do before you assume your new role July 1st?

A: As of now I’m taking in as much information about the organization as possible. I will be the go to person for each student member when they have any questions, concerns, or simply want to talk. I want to make sure that I’m on top of everything I need to know so that I can be of assistance to them when they need me.

Q: What’s the impetus of your passion for teaching History?

A: My love for History stemmed from the great teachers I had throughout high school and my professors here at Tennessee State University. I have known for as long as I can remember that I wanted to teach, but I was never sure of the subject. When my love for History began to grow I decided that I want to give to my students the passion that my teachers had given to me.

Q: What has been the most difficult task for you as a college student?

A: The single most difficult task for me has been passing classes! I’m kidding, honestly the hardest thing I have had to deal with as a college student is remaining focused on what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and who I’m doing it for. In May of 2014 I will become the first college graduate in my immediate family.

Although my family never put the stress there, I often overworked myself because I want to make them proud and set a good example for my younger family members. I soon realized that trying to carry the load of my entire family was impossible. I also realized that the stress was unnecessary because my family would be proud of me no matter where I decided to go in life.

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Southern Jaguars Head Coach Dawson Odums to host Golf Classic

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Head Coach of the Southern University Jaguars Dawson Odums looks to continue his success from last season when the football team take on the Univerity of Houston Courgars in The Bayou Bucket at Reliant Stadium on August 30.

When asked what’s the game plan for the upcoming season, Coach Odums replied

But before the first-year Head Coach “Claim the State” of Louisiana, he will kick-off the year by leading in another sport.

Coach Odums will host his first annual golf tournament Saturday on June 22 at the Copper Mill Golf Club in  Zachary, LA.

Tickets for the one-day event is $85 for singles and $500 for one-team foursomes.

For donations and sponsorships to the Golf Classic, contact Craig Pierre at 225-324-7234 or via email at craigpierre@bellsouth.net.

All proceeds from the event will be used to support the Southern University Jaguars Football program.

You can follow Coach Odums on Twitter @Coach_Odums

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Virginia Union football team will graduate record number on Commencement day

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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The Virginia Union University football team will graduate a record number 18 players when the school hosts its Commencement on Saturday, May 11 in Richmond, Va.

The total amount of graduates this year doubles the amount of nine the football team had last year.

After a .500 season during its 2012-2013 football schedule, the Virginia Union Panthers hope to have better overall success  this year when the team kick-off its opening season game against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on Sept. 9 at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach, Fl.

For more information on the graduates click here

Howard University Exec used N-word to describe top workers

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Former Human Resources Director files lawsuit against Howard University for discrimination.
Former Human Resources Director files lawsuit against Howard University for discrimination.

Former Howard University Vice President for Human Resources James Jones referred himself and others as “H.N.I.C.,” or “Head Nigger in Charge” and now he and the university faces a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit, according to the Washington City Paper.

Jeannette Frett worked under Jones during his stay at the university and said he repeatedly used the expression in 2011 to “emphasize his authority and discourage any challenge to his actions and directives.”

“Historically, people who have referred to themselves as the “Head Nigger in Charge” have not taken kindly to anyone who they believe is challenging their authority, especially if it is a woman,” Frett said, who is suing Jones and Howard for discrimination and back pay after being fired soon after she reported fraud, waste and abuse by the Human Resources Office at Howard University.

“At Howard University, different rules, standards, and codes of conduct were applied to female employees and dark-skinned African-Americans like Ms. Frett,” said attorney Sharon Eubanks, partner at Edwards and Eubanks, LLC.

“The actions directed at Ms. Frett were far more severe than a breach of standards of professional behavior, they overtly constitute unlawful discrimination. Mr. Jones also created an environment of fear and silence, where any employee who exercised her rights by complaining about discrimination was certain to meet retaliation by Mr. Jones.”

Read more here

From homeless to college grad: Story of B-CU student inspires

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Joshua Williams was once homeless but now a proud Bethune-Cookman University graduate.
For three years Joshua Williams was a homeless student but now a proud Bethune-Cookman University graduate.

As the lights went out and his fellow students settled into their dorms, Joshua Williams would store two duffel bags of belongings in a friend’s room and disappear into the darkness.

He would leave the secure surroundings of the Bethune-Cookman University campus and head across the International Speedway Boulevard bridge and walk, sometimes all night. In the early morning hours, he would sneak into the lobby at the Bronson Hall dorm and sleep a few hours on a couch as if he lived there.

“I would go down to the beach sometimes,” he recalled. “Sometimes I would just take any direction and get lost and try to find my way back — I would just walk.”

Williams, 23, who is graduating Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, was homeless for most of his first three years at the school but too proud to tell anyone.

But just like on his nightly walks, he always found his way. He survived on handouts, slept in empty trucks or on a couch at the apartments of classmates who thought he just didn’t want to go home after a late-night study session.

Remembering the poverty, drug dealers and random shootings he’d seen growing up near Miami, he knew he was on the right path. At school, he would find family, a sense of purpose and even win the title of Mr. Bethune-Cookman University and become the first student to organize a scholarship — but first he had to find a place to sleep.

Read more here

HBCU graduates take celebration to Twitter

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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You can connect with students from Howard University’s Department of Theatre Arts to students from Tuskegee University’s Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences–all within the click of a button.

The ‘follow’ button on social media network Twitter that is.

Here’s what some people tweeted this past week on students graduating from HBCUs

Send us your graduation photos and follow us on Twitter.

Gramblinite Charles Blow speaks on Commencement speech, May 10

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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charles-blow-landscape
Charles Blow is a op-ed columnist for The New York Times and  graduated from Grambling State University.

Writing at The New York Times, Gramblinite Charles Blow asks himself how to encourage students during a struggling economy and low employment rates when he addresses Grambling State University’s graduates on May 10.

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I’m scheduled to deliver the commencement address Friday at my alma mater, Grambling State University in Louisiana, so I’ve been giving quite a bit of thought to the America into which these students are graduating.

I must admit that finding hopeful, encouraging things to say has been exceedingly difficult, in part because the landscape at the moment — particularly for young adults — is so bleak.

Here are some of the facts that I’m up against rhetorically and that these students will be up against more literally.

1. Being a college graduate is becoming less exceptional. As the Pew Research Center pointed out in November, “Record shares of young adults are completing high school, going to college and finishing college.” College graduation rates are growing even more in other countries. And Anya Kamenetz noted in The Atlantic magazine in December, “During the past three decades, the United States has slipped from first among nations to 10th in the percentage of people holding a college degree, even as the job market has eroded for Americans without one.”

2. Graduates are emerging with staggering amounts of debt and entering a still-sluggish job market. This is causing them to delay major life decisions, like marriage or buying a home or even moving out of their parents’ home.

A Pew report from February 2012 found that:

“Since 2010, the share of young adults ages 18 to 24 currently employed (54 percent) has been its lowest since the government began collecting these data in 1948. And the gap in employment between the young and all working-age adults — roughly 15 percentage points — is the widest in recorded history. In addition, young adults employed full time have experienced a greater drop in weekly earnings (down 6 percent) than any other age group over the past four years.”

Read more at The New York Times

Bill Cosby addresses Paul Quinn College graduates

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Comedian, actor and civil rights activist Bill Cosby had some jokes to tell at Paul Quinn College’s 141st Commencement ceremony in Dallas on Saturday.

“I’m very proud to be an honorary — keep that in mind, honorary — graduate,” Cosby said on his honorary degree the school presented him. “Don’t ask me to send any money. Nice try, but don’t write me a letter.”

But Cosby also reminded students, faculty and other guests on the importance of civil rights during his speech.

“You’ve got to speak out. Stop clapping, because you’ve got to speak out,” said Cosby. “What is your excuse for remaining silent when you see your children in a way that you never thought could happen?”

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Winston-Salem State Rams to open season on CBS Sports Network

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The Winston-Salem State Rams will kick-off its opening season game on CBS Sports Network.
The Winston-Salem State Rams will kick-off its opening season game on CBS Sports Network.

Winston-Salem State has played in several big games over the past few seasons, but few of them have found their way to television. The Rams will reap the benefits of their success this year as the national runner-up will kick off the 2013 season on the tube. The NCAA announced on Monday that WSSU’s Sept. 5 season opener against UNC-Pembroke will be televised on CBS.

The Rams finished last season with a 14-1 record, completing its second consecutive undefeated regular season and making it all the way to the Division II Championship game, where they fell 35-7  to Valdosta (GA) State. Pembroke gave WSSU one of its few tightly contested games in the 2012 season opener. The game will take place at Grace P. Stadium in Pembroke and is scheduled for an 8 p.m. start.

Read more at HBCU Gameday

Calling all Clark Atlanta Mass Comm, Speech, and Public Relations grads

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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If you want to keep in touch with former classmates or reach out to other alums, the Clark Atlanta University- Division of Communication Arts Alumni group on LinkedIn is the perfect match for you.

The alumni group allows students to network with people in Public Relations and Communication careers and other fields like higher education, nonprofit organization management, law and information technology and services.

Every college grad should take advantage of the increasing opportunities that LinkedIn provides for its users.

Plus, the LinkedIn search engine “just got smarter,” making it easier and more accessible for prospective job applicants to find unique jobs that they’re looking for.

Not a LinkedIn user yet? You can join today by clicking here.

[It’s as easy as creating a Facebook, just more professional.]

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Central State celebrates Class of 2013 graduation

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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by Tommy Meade, HBCU Buzz

Hours before graduation I asked Central State University’s Commencement speaker Roland S. Martin what people like him do to prepare for big speeches.

Martin replied, “I don’t practice.”

And a natural he was.

Martin was hilarious and woke up the HBCU crowd with his speech “Walk In Your Destiny” that foucused on three points: Be focused. Be fearless. Be faithful.

“At this (black) paper, I’m the boss,” said Martin on individual success and the difference between working for a company and working for a black company.

Several remarks about the wind were made but 265 students who are all too familar with the city’s weather were simply happy to be graduates of Central State in Wilberforce, Ohio.

Check out what some people are tweeting below.

Central State enjoyed several successes this academic school year, like reaching out to the community, networking with University of Dayton, Wright State University and other universities in Ohio, and its first female president, Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond.

And like many other people who calls ‘Central’ home, I’m happy that the historic university found me.

Still, more has to be done for Central State’s continued success with 127 years of academic and athletic achievements if it wants to keep its pledge that “Change is Central.”

(But we ain’t got no worries, because we started from the bottom now we here!)

For God, For Central, For State!

About Central State:

Founded in 1887, Central State University academically prepares students with diverse backgrounds and educational needs for leadership and service in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.

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Starting Salaries Are Looking Higher for Class of 2013

Posted by Brittney Quarles
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The class of 2013 will enter an improved economy and is expected to earn more through its first year in the workforce than its counterparts in the class of 2012, United Press International reports.

A report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers says this year’s graduates should earn an average starting salary of $44,928 — a 5.3 percent jump over last year’s average.

Students entering careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields reported the highest average starting salaries, according to the survey. A list published by the Wall Street Journal on Monday notes that petroleum, computer and chemical engineers topped the association’s annual list of the top-earning majors. Only computer science, management information systems and finance majors were among non-engineers who cracked the top 10.

The journal notes that graduates who major in the humanities or social sciences saw a modest 1.9 percent pay bump, and the educational services sector hired the most graduates but at an average salary of $39,992, or roughly 11 percent below what the average 2013 graduate is expected to earn.

Although graduates could look forward to higher pay, the association said that across-the-board hiring is expected to remain relatively flat, however, and reported that participating employers are projecting a hiring increase of 2.1 percent — or 13 percent below projections reported in fall 2012.

From huffingtonpost.com

Meet the 1st black jockey in Kentucky Derby since 2000

Posted by Brittney Quarles
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A little known jockey and a lightly regarded horse pulled off an upset victory for trainer Doug O’Neill at last year’s Kentucky Derby.

On Saturday, he’ll give another relative unknown a chance of not only winning the big race but joining him in the record books if that happens.

Kevin Krigger, the first black jockey in the Derby since 2000, will be aboard O’Neill’s Goldencents, considered a much stronger contender than last year’s winner, I’ll Have Another.

Only six trainers have won consecutive Derbies in 138 years, and no black jockey has won since 1902.

The 29-year-old Krigger hails from St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and had some success on the smaller Northern California circuit before trying his luck in the big leagues of Los Angeles.

O’Neill is a friend of Krigger’s agent, Tom Knust, and was open to a suggestion of having the jockeyswing by his barn last summer. So Krigger started working out Goldencents in the morning about six weeks before the colt’s racing debut.

“He got off him and in his best U.S. Virgin accent just said, ‘Wow, man, this horse can really run,’” O’Neill recalled. “I had Kevin and Tom starting planting the seeds to the owners of Goldencents, and they fell in love with him right away, too.”

Read full article here

2013 Nation’s Football Classic Announcement, Tickets on sale 5/3!

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The countdown begins! Events DC announced today that tickets for the third annual AT&T Nation’s Football Classic® go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 3 at Ticketmaster, the Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. The Howard Bison meet the Morehouse Maroon Tigers on Saturday, September 7 at RFK Stadium at 3:30 p.m.

All lower bowl tickets are $25 and mezzanine tickets are $50, plus applicable fees. EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Lower bowl tickets are $20 from May 3-31 (while supplies last). Group sales for 50 or more begin June 1.

“Given the thrilling late-game finishes between Howard and Morehouse the last two years, we look forward to another competitive matchup in this year’s AT&T Nation’s Football Classic®,” said Erik A. Moses, managing director of Events DC’s Sports and Entertainment Division. “Fans and alumni can take advantage of great price offerings starting this Friday, with very affordable lower bowl tickets and competitive room rates at premier Marriott properties.”

The Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (2455 Sixth Street, NW. Washington, DC 20059). The Morehouse College Bookstore is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (830 Westview Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30314).

Marriott will once again serve as the “Official Lodging Partner” for the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic®, resuming a successful partnership that offers Classic attendees discounted hotel room rates for an impressive portfolio of properties around the city. The JW Marriott Washington, DC is the headquarters hotel, and will serve as the hub for AT&T Nation’s Football Classic® activity during the weekend. Other participating properties include the Washington Marriott at Metro Center, Renaissance Washington, DC, Courtyard US Capitol, Courtyard Embassy Row and The Mayflower Renaissance. Hotels can be booked by visiting www.nationsfootballclassic.com. All hotels are discounted an additional $10 through June 30.

In addition to the football game, there are several free events that will be held throughout the weekend including the AT&T Kickoff Rally, Pepsi® Fan Festival, Presidential Symposium, Morehouse vs. Howard Student Debate, Chapel Service and Alumni Mixer.

For more information on the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic®, please visit www.nationsfootballclassic.com.

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About the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic®

The AT&T Nation’s Football Classic® is a black college football game held annually at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Organized by Events DC, the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic® was created to celebrate the passion and tradition of the college football experience, recognize the history of service to others by the students, faculty and alumni of historically black colleges and universities, highlight the unity of African American culture, and honor the heritage and excellence of these proud institutions. 

Tickets for the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic® are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced at $25 and $50.

About Events DC

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital.  Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities.

For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com.

Rape and Kidnapping Charges for Morehouse Athletes

Posted by Brittney Quarles
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ATLANTA — Three Morehouse College athletes and another student have been accused of rape and other charges.

These stem from two alleged assaults in March and April. Chukwudi Ndudikwa and Malcolm Frank face rape and aggravated sodomy charges. Tevin Mgbo is looking at charges of aggravated sodomy, kidnapping and reckless conduct. In an unrelated incident Lucien Kidd was arrested and charged with Rape in April.

Once campus police were told of the incidents, they identified and arrested the four men.

As reported from Morehouse College, students who violate the school’s code of conducts and the law will receive disciplinary actions, which could mean dismissal from the College.

NC A&T to play in first Atlanta Football Classic vs MEAC rival South Carolina State

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JTXBWSPZADEGNXR.20130430172907N.C. A&T will face off against MEAC rival South Carolina State in the 25th playing of the Atlanta Football Classic, the Aggies’ first-ever appearance in the game.

The Classic, which takes place at the Georgia Dome on Oct. 5, with a kickoff time yet to be determined, drew an announced 41,042 fans when Florida A&M took on Southern last September.

This season marks the first time since 1997 that FAMU has not been involved in the annual game between teams from historically black colleges or universities.

South Carolina State has played in it six times, its last coming in a 34-28 win over Tennessee State in 1997.

A&T’s game against South Carolina State was originally listed as a road contest when the Aggies released their 2013 schedule in late February. read full