One word to describe Howard Homecoming 2013: Epic

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I don’t mean to brag or anything but Howard University’s Homecoming is the best of all time, bar none—and I don’t even attend Howard.

Word on the yard is Howard Homecoming 2013 will be “larger than life.”

Last year the school made headlines when Grammy winning artist Drake made an unannounced visit. This year nothing will be the same: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Big Sean, Erykah Badu, Brandy & Trey Songz are among the lineup for Howard Homecoming in three weeks.

Click here for the list of events and the celebs headlining them

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Did Howard University hire Judy Smith?

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jsmith copyYou may remember Judy Smith the Crisis Management Expert that inspired hit television show “Scandal”. Is Smith’s next client the mecca of excellence? Just days after Howard University President, Sidney Ribeau, announces his resignation rumors surface within the Bison community that Smith is in fact on the job, working to resolve the real reason behind Ribeau’s resignation.

Howard University has been diligent in communicating President Ribeau’s resignation, but it fails to mention what everyone is dying to know – why? One thing is for sure, if Judy Smith – one of the nation’s leading Crisis Management Experts – is on the job, there is something major that is worth concealing.

rumor (n.) – a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts; gossip; hearsay

BREAKING: U.S. Capitol Building on lockdown

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_cap copyThe United States Capitol was placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon following reports of shots fired in the vicinity of the chamber. At least one Capitol Police officer was injured.

The FBI was responding to the scene, and a helicopter landed in front of the Capitol. A message from the Capitol Police ordered anyone in a House office to “shelter in place.”

“Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows,” the message said.

The House recessed, and the Senate went into a quorum call — dispensing momentarily with its official business — shortly thereafter.

Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill tweeted: Shots fired outside the Capitol. We are in temporary lockdown. read more…

Langston increases enrollment 45 percent

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Langston University reported a 45 percent increase in first time freshmen enrollment in 2013 over 2012.

Langston President Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr. said hard work and recruiting college ready students are some key tools that helped the university achieve one of the largest classes in its 116 year history.

“Students from across the country are recognizing the tremendous educational value and quality available at Langston University,” said Smith. “As Oklahoma’s only Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and the western most HBCU in the country, Langston University has an incredible opportunity to serve the public good through our unique urban and rural land-grant educational mission.”

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Tuskegee community honors life of Bobby J. Smith, Jr.

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bales for press webIn a memorial sprinkled with tears and laughter, fellow students and friends reminded the Tuskegee community to “smile for B.J.” Hundreds gathered in the University Chapel today to pay tribute to the memory and life of student Bobby J. Smith, Jr., who was affectionately known as B.J. to friends and family.

Smith, 21, was fatally wounded Sept. 28 when a shooting occurred at a block party in the City of Tuskegee. The native of Mabelton, Ga., played for the university’s tennis team and was the father of an infant son.

During the memorial, Kyle Spencer, Student Government Association president, said Smith was a friend who could always see the positives in a situation, loved to make people laugh, and was ambitious about his future.

“B.J. was a guy who dreamed big,” Spencer said of the senior finance major. “He always talked to me about making it to Wall Street and how he and I were going to fly to Fashion Week in Milan.”

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BREAKING: Howard President Sidney A. Ribeau retires

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Reports of Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau’s retirement caused several reactions on Twitter yesterday as the sudden news shocked faculty, staff and students and supporters of the nation’s most recognized HBCU.

Ribeau announced his departure Howard after just five years in office: “This is the time, this is the season, for me to retire from the presidency,” Ribeau told The Washington Post.

In an open letter Ribeau thanked the Howard community for the many accomplishments achieved during his tenure from collaboration. “Serving as the president of Howard University was the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Ribeau.

“In nearly 150 years, only 16 people have had this privilege. It is one I will always treasure. Again, I would like to thank the entire community for supporting me, for extending a collegial spirit and for helping us to expand and renew the Capstone.”

A drop for the university in a major national ranking, a downgrade in its credit rating and declining enrollment may have led Ribeau to make his decision to retire. In addition, a letter by vice chairwoman of Howard University board of trustees Renee Higginbotham-Brooks stating that the school “is in genuine trouble” did not help his position.

Despite all of this, Ribeau and the school reported that Howard hailed the second-largest freshman class in 15 years.

This story is still developing

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

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Grambling State opens search for new head football coach

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Now 0-5 this season, Grambling State is looking for a new head coach who can bring back the good ol’ days of hard knocks to the university.

According to reports a press conference for Grambling State University’s head football coach position for current interim coach George Ragsdale was scheduled yesterday at 10:00 a.m.

Still it was not always like this for Grambling.

Grambling’s late football coach Eddie Robinson, who coached from 1941-1998, holds the NCAA division I school record for most career wins as a head coach with 408 victories. His coaching career helped the university gain national attention because of a number of athletes to join the NFL as professionals.  

[Did you know Robinson recorded just one losing season between 1960 and 1990?]

When Doug Williams, the former Grambling State standout and NFL Super Bowl XXII MVP, succeeded the legendary coach in 1998 he certainly had big shoes to fill. Yet Williams kept the momentum moving and Grambling State’s reputation as a college football team powerhouse continued as he led the Tigers to three consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference titles from 2000–2002 before leaving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a personnel executive position.  

Today however all of that momentum from years of triumph has come to a sudden halt. Grambling State, once feared and admired, have become dwarf like versions of actual Tigers and more like puny cats with tails between their legs.  

Though Williams rejoined the team in 2011 he could not stop the wheels from flying off. After losing their first two games by a combined score of 71-19 Grambling State dismissed him and placed running backs coach Ragsdale as interim coach. (The Tigers were 1-10 last season under Williams.)

Williams said Grambling President Frank Pogue told him of his firing during a meeting in the president’s on Sept. 11: “There wasn’t a lot of conversation. I told him, ‘OK,’ and I was gone.”

So, with a little less than a month after firing Williams, the search for a new head coach has officially began. The committee for the search will include athletic director Aaron James, VP for Finance and Administration Leon Sanders, a student rep and others, the Gramblinite says.

More members will be named later.

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Howard University reports enrollment rebound

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405x225Howard University leaders on Friday hailed the second-largest freshman class in 15 years, an influx of 1,596 new students who have helped the school rebound from an enrollment plunge a year ago.

University President Sidney A. Ribeau, speaking at a convocation on the campus in Northwest Washington, told the Class of 2017 that its size is evidence that Howard is on the rise after a trying year for one of the nation’s most prestigious historically black centers of higher learning.

“Now, I’m not one to argue with the pundits and the newspapers,” Ribeau said, “but I think numbers need to speak for themselves sometimes. There’s a demand for the Howard product. There’s a demand for a Howard education. And these students represent that demand.”

Total enrollment stands at more than 10,330, Ribeau said, up 3 percent from the fall 2012 count of 10,002. That marks a partial recovery from last year’s drop of 5 percent.

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What’s Buzzing? 5 things to know for Monday

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1. Barack Obama, Hassan Rouhani hold first talk between US, Iran leaders in decades

On his way to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York via car President Hassan Rouhani’s phone rang. It was President Barack Obama on the other end, and after fifteen minutes the two men said goodbye in each other’s respected languages. Thanks to the invention of the telephone, history was made in a matter of minutes—it was the first talk between US and Iran leaders in more than three decades.

To those who are asking, “Why just 15 minutes?” Good question. Obvious hostility has kept the two nations out of sync for 35 years. (Friction between the US and Iran began when fifty-two Americans were held hostage for 444 days by students supporting the Iranian Revolution in 1979.) Interestingly, Obama and Rouhani did have a chance to shake hands at the annual United Nations meeting on Tuesday, but the Iranian president said there was not “enough time to make that happen.”

2. Government faces shutdown

The circus like rhythms and sounds of the popular HBCU chant “I’m so Glad”, first introduced by The Aristocrat of Bands at Tennessee State, is the perfect way to describe what is now happening with American government and its ongoing efforts to create political stability. The government, most likely, will shut down Tuesday 12:00 a.m. sharp no thanks to the continuous bickering amongst Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate.

3. Howard University reports increased enrollment

Despite several reports on financial woes, dwindling enrollment and other concerns, Howard University says it has the highest freshmen class enrollment in 15 years. President Ribeau, who arrived at Howard in 2008, reminded students that HU has always been resilient during trying times:

“Now, I’m not one to argue with the pundits and the newspapers but I think numbers need to speak for themselves sometimes, “said Ribeau speaking at convocation on campus. “No matter what people may say on the outside, we are strong here at Howard.”

4. Education Secretary issues apology to HBCU leaders

After a year of tensions between HBCU leaders and the Obama administration—following a decision that caused more than 14,000 students to abandon their studies in the fall of 2012—Education Secretary Arne Duncan issued an apology at National HBCU Week Conference to HBCU presidents.

5. Follow-up on the HBCU Week Conference 2013

The White House Initiative for HBCUs hosted the annual HBCU Week Conference 2013 Sept. 26-27 with representation from Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Tuskegee University, Jackson State University, Howard University and other top HBCU colleges.

At one of the event’s programs, a group of panelists portrayed “the worst kinds of geriatric stereotypes” on the use of cell phones, rejecting that “new technologies could possibly serve time honored values.” One sole student rose from the audience to differ, however, citing that it helps students with a number of things (besides socializing) like course materials and homework assignments.

What do you think of the use of cellphones in relation to education? Let us know and leave your comment.

Tommy Meade Jr. is the Editor of HBCU Buzz. Link up with him on Twitter @tommymeadejr

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Tuskegee student, Bobby “BJ” Smith, fatally shot at block party

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Tuskegee University student Bobby “BJ” Smith, 21, of Atlanta, Georgia was shot in the back at a party that was taking place on East Church Street in Tuskegee. Later he was rushed to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

He was new father with a baby less than a month old, friends say.

“The Tuskegee University community is mourning the unfortunate loss of one of our own,” said Tuskegee University President Gilbert L. Rochon. “We are all deeply affected by this terrible incident. Our prayers and condolences are with the [Smith] family…”

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“All 106 HBCU’s need assistance”: Director of the White House Initiative on HBCU’s

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Howard is having some challenges.

That is what the Department of Education Secretary Arnie Duncan and the new Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Dr. George Cooper, said in an hour-long session focused on addressing issues facing Howard University and the other 105 HBCUs in the nation.

Because of a loss of revenue at its hospital, cuts in federal funding, a dip in enrollment and other challenges, Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Howard’s credit rating on Tuesday to Baa1–one category above “junk“.

Supporters of black colleges fear that if ‘The Mecca’, arguably the nation’s most well-known HBCU, finds itself in such financial trouble, other HBCUs certainly will, too.

“Funding is a real challenge for public and private institutions,” said Cooper. “We can’t manage their budgets, but I think the supplemental funds that are provided by federal agencies will help them.”

“Supplement funding” from federal agencies, according to White House Correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks April D. Ryan, is what Cooper believes will help strengthen the HBCU’s that have taken a hit from the falling enrollment because of various reasons, including denials of those receiving the Parent Plus Loans—which affected some 14,000 students from HBCUs who were forced to abandon their studies in the fall of 2012.

Cooper, who once served as president of South Carolina State University, also said that many HBCUs face some challenges because of the lack of experience from new administration.

“It’s on the job training,” Cooper said. “One of the things I think I can do is share some real experiences in terms of how you deal with downturns in enrollment, state appropriations and foundation and corporate partners.”

Optimism for the state of HBCUs remains high even with these drawbacks. We want HBCU’s to thrive, said Secretary Duncan.

In a presidential proclamation observing 2011 HBCU Week, President Barack Obama said:

“HBCUs continue a proud tradition as vibrant centers of intellectual inquiry and engines of scientific discovery and innovation. New waves of students, faculty, and alumni are building on their rich legacies and helping America achieve our goal of once again leading the world in having the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020.”

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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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Developing

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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