Opinion: In college, it’s better late than never

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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AA053817One of my friends in college submitted her application for campus housing weeks after the deadline every semester and always ended up with a swankier room than anyone else.

Don’t worry, parents — I’m not endorsing or recommending this strategy. (Don’t try this at housing, kids!) But it does illustrate an important point about college: It’s rarely too late to try, or to keep trying. In other words, if you miss the train, don’t give up. It might look like you’ve hit a dead end, but chances are it’s just a tunnel. (And there’s a light at the end of it. You see what I did there?)

We all try our hardest, but at some point everyone has something they want to apply for, sign up for, enroll in, — until life throws them off balance and they end up missing that midnight cutoff date. By the time a day has passed, or a week, plenty of people have said, “Oh, well.” And in some cases, it really is an “Oh, well” situation. But if you really want something, there’s no reason to not try for it just because the deadline passed. (Hint: Half of all deadlines are arbitrary. They’ve got to draw the line somewhere — it doesn’t always matter where.) There’s no reason to assume the tickets are gone, the position is taken or the class is full without trying to find out.

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End of White America: Should We Care?

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Is it time to start saying goodbye to majority-white America? Maybe, according to census data and estimates out on Thursday.

The highlights that are getting the most attention: a prediction that, based on current rates of growth, whites in the under-5 age group are expected to slip to a minority this year or next; and another that in five years, minorities will make up more than half of all children under 18.

Plus, there’s the finding that last year, for the first time, more non-Hispanic white people died than were born. And a reiteration of the prediction that the country’s white majority will likely be minority by 2043.

The news inspired Gawker’s Hamilton Nolan to write the tongue-in-cheek “Weep, Weep, for White America Is Dying” (“It is all very scary and sad. So please be sensitive on this somber day. If you see a white American such as Dick Cheney or Gawker staff writer Max Read crying today, embrace them in sympathy. They are contemplating perdición,” he says), but no doubt there are some people out there who are legitimately fretting about these changes to what they know as the “real” America.

And what about nonwhite people? Are we supposed to be celebrating or something? That would be a little premature (and probably a lot misguided), according to the thinkers and leaders The Root spoke to for ourBrowner America series on America’s demographic shifts.

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Has hazing become custom on black colleges?

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When asked whether or not hazing has become custom on black colleges and if it’s necessary, author of “The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities” Lawrence Ross replied back “no” on Twitter Wednesday.

His nonchalant answer didn’t move me.

Unlike Ross, I’m no expert on the history of Black Greek Lettered Organizations. I beg to differ however with his final assertion.

Is hazing now custom on the yard — a practice so long established that it has the force of law?

I think so. (In fact, I would say the black college experience is virtually a process.)

Everyone hazes. From Greeks and cheerleaders to Resident Advisors and campus clubs. Every. One. Hazes.

With several lawsuits filed against HBCUs and Black Greeks year-round it’s hard not to believe that hazing isn’t now tradition on black colleges.

But is it necessary, to some extent?

“Personally, I think hazing is a barbaric practice. The death toll over the years speaks for itself,” one Facebook user commented. “I often hear people say it is used to build brotherhood. The ironic thing about that is I have a brother, and we did not have to beat the mess out of each other to become close. Think about it.”

Others disagree.

“Is Dr. Martin Luther King weak minded? How about Rosa Parks or even Michael Jordan?” said another Facebook user. “How can one be so critical towards something they have never experienced? Although I disagree with hazing I am a member of a black Greek organization who happened to pledge.”

What are you thinking? Let us know in the comments.

HBCU Buzz is the Most Influential Brand in the HBCU Community, and the Leading Source of HBCU News. Like The Buzz on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Three HBCU programs in FCS banned from postseason

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Three programs from the two FCS conferences for historically black colleges and universities received postseason bans Tuesday for poor NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate scores.

The bans, based on four-year APR data, were lobbied against Alabama State and Mississippi Valley State in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and Savannah State in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Eighteen programs across all Division I sports received penalties. Most have significantly fewer resources than those at top NCAA programs.

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Bill Cosby Op-Ed Gets Cold Reception

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He’s at it again! Bill Cosby would really like you young whippersnappers to stop it with the sagging pants and the rap music and the being poor. Also, get off his lawn.

In a rather rambling op-ed he wrote for the New York Post, Cosby says that the problem plaguing our communities isn’t racism or oppression or anything big like that — it’s apathy. “There is this situation where people tend to think that we are all victims,” he writes. “Victim meaning somebody else is doing this to us. That’s not true.” He goes on to shake his finger at people who smoke and drink soda, and kids who curse and disrespect people on subways. He concludes that if we “behave better, eat better, we will feel better, think clearly,” and ta-daa! Problems solved.

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Why music video shot at Howard depicting interracial love doesn’t make me cringe

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“The aspirations and assumptions of one generation are often realized, debunked, and adjusted by the next.” — , The SuperSpade

Okay, I lied. The music video depicting interracial love at Howard University does make me cringe.

Mostly because of the social stigma placed upon interracial relationships in America. Not to mention that it was shot at a beloved historically black college.

Howard alumna and News and Lifestyle Editor at Ebony Jamilah Lemieux is too ‘a bit troubled’ by Jillian Parker’s new music video called “Mr. Football.”

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EBONY, Jamilah Lemieux:

I won’t pretend that had this video taken place on Georgetown’s campus, it wouldn’t have had triggered any sort of reaction in me. I just would have likely dismissed it rather quickly. But Howard is hallowed ground—for me and for a lot of Black people. Our school is known as “The Mecca,” short for “The Mecca for Black intellectuals.” I think of all HBCUs in that way. Safe havens. Not the place where White girls go to find desirable men.

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Reactions to Lemieux opinion on the video are mixed. One user did commented that he knew Parker and questions why this topic even matters.

“If you meet Jilian you would see no evidence that would suggest that she chose to make fun of the black community with the “angles” (that was shot by a black guy, did you check the director),” said ‘A Guy’ on comments. “But was simply using a dear friend to help her achieve higher heights.”

What’s ironic here, to me, is that Parker is a recent graduate of ‘The Mecca for Black intellectuals.’

(For those thinking “Am I the bad guy for having an opinion not based on reason or experience?” — It’s never too late to use your mind without prejudice and without fearing to understand things of the unknown.)

Life lessons has a funny way of repeating itself. So don’t be that awkward person still stuck in the past.

Once upon a time some provisions allowed southern states to count slaves as 3/5 persons.

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Don’t miss Dallas Symphony return to Paul Quinn College

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Returning for a night of classical music under the stars, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will make Paul Quinn College their final stop for the annual Community Concerts Series. The College has added a classic “Quinnite Nation” twist to the festivities with the inaugural PQC Food Truck Festival along the “Avenue of Roses” at 7 p.m. The free performance will begin 8 p.m. Tue, June 11, 2013 at 3837 Simpson Stuart Road. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and/or festival chairs to enjoy the performance.

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5 reasons to be an Iota

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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The original title of this article was “5 Reasons to Go Greek,” but it did not make the cut.

Here’s 5 Reasons to be an Iota:

1. Peter Parker said it best, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Alphas have Hill Harper, the Kappas have Marc Lamont Hill and so on. But if you are an Iota, you can help carry the torch of success for those after you.

2. Youngest Frat

Iota Phi Theta is the youngest member among the “Divine 9“–which means the lesser amount of ‘old heads’ you will have to deal with when you become a part.

3. No individual can fully examine another individual’s make-up or determination 

Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries made interesting remarks on marketing recently–“Candidly, we go after the cool kids,” he said. “A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely.”

Sometimes Black Greek Lettered Organizations can feel the same. Iota however thinks highly of the individual.

4. Women are fascinated by love stories.

5. Iota giving back for almost 50 years

Iota Phi Theta will celebrate its 50th Anniversary September 19, and as Iota continues to grow, “so will its commitment to make meaningful contributions to society in general, with particular emphasis in the African-American community.”

Tommy Meade Jr. is the Senior Editor of HBCU Buzz and a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Mu chapter at Central State University. Follow him on Twitter @tommymeade_

About Iota Phi Theta:

Throughout America, Iota Phi Theta has come to represent excellence in all areas. The Fraternity is, and shall forever remain dedicated to its founders’ vision of “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!”

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Howard trustee says university in ‘trouble’

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A vice chairwoman of Howard University’s board of trustees recently told the board that the historically black school in Northwest Washington “is in genuine trouble” because of fiscal and management problems, according to a report published Friday.

“Howard will not be here in three years if we don’t make some crucial decisions now,” Renee Higginbotham-Brooks wrote in a letter dated April 24, which the Chronicle of Higher Education published on its Web site.

Among the concerns Higginbotham-Brooks cited were competition for students from less expensive public colleges, the possibility of a reduction in federal appropriations, expenses associated with the university’s hospital, the absence of a robust fundraising system to offset declines in tuition revenue and a university workforce that she said is too large.

Rachel Mann, a spokeswoman for Howard, said Friday afternoon that the university would refer questions about the letter to the board chairman, Addison Barry Rand, who was traveling and was unavailable for an interview.

“Spirited debate and discourse are part of the culture of higher education,” Rand, who is chief executive of AARP, said in a statement. “The board and the university’s leadership team continue to work tirelessly to address many of the tough issues facing colleges and universities like Howard.”

Higginbotham-Brooks, a Howard graduate who is a lawyer in Fort Worth, did not immediately respond to e-mail and telephone messages left with her office. She has been on the board since 1997 and vice chairwoman since 2005.

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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity to host Fatherhood Brunch and Forum

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The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Second District will host a Inaugural Fatherhood Brunch and Forum on June 15 at Temptations Banquet Hall in Philadelphia, PA.

Free to the public, the event focuses on building healthy families and supports President Obama’s Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative.

Click here for more information

About Omega Psi Phi:

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization to be founded on the campus of a historically black college.

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NFL hopefuls can learn from HBCU standout Padric Scott

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Ever since he was a little boy Padric Scott wanted to be an NFL player. With hard-work, self-determination and ongoing support, the 6’1 320 pound Nose Tackle made it happen when he was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals.

Now the once feared lineman of the FAMU defense is in a new position where those after him, talented HBCU football players with the same dream, will use his record of achievement as a model for their success.

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North Carolina Central welcomes new Chancellor Debra Saunders-White

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Nicknamed the “Technology Lady,” Debra Saunders-White, the 11th and the first female chancellor at North Carolina Central University, received warm support from students, faculty and friends while on campus for Welcome week in her honor.

“A heartfelt thank you to @NCCU for the amazing welcome I received this week!” Saunders-White tweeted yesterday.

Follow the new Chancellor-elect on Twitter @DSaundersWhite

About North Carolina Central:

The mission of the North Carolina Central University is to prepare students academically and professionally to become leaders prepared to advance the consciousness of social responsibility in a diverse, global society.

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FAMU hazing defendant Shawn Turner agrees to plea in Champion’s death

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FAMU hazing defendant Shawn Turner, who claimed he was drum major Robert Champion‘s “protector” and not an attacker, agreed today to plead no contest to felony hazing in the deadly ritual.

Turner, 27, will likely receive a community-service sentence similar to those imposed on other band members who have admitted they were present at the hazing, Orange-Osceola assistant state attorney Nicole Pegues said. Prosecutors will drop the manslaughter count in the agreement, which requires Turner to provide investigators with detailed testimony about Nov. 19, 2011, hazing that killed Champion.

Turner, who has moved from Florida to North Carolina, was ordered to appear in court Friday, when Champion’s parents are expected to travel from Georgia to Orlando for the sentencing of fellow drum major Rikki Wills.

Like Wills, who pleaded no contest last month, Turner has insisted he was only trying to shield Champion from the punches, kicks and drumstick strikes on a charter bus in the Rosen Plaza hotel parking lot.

No one has acknowledged striking Champion during the ritual known as “Crossing Bus C,” but detectives estimated he absorbed 300 blows while running through a gantlet of bandmates.

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Opens Elementary School in Haiti

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20090908NS-ho-HAITIAID687_t607-300x200As the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding this year, they will also be celebrating an additional accomplishment: the grand opening of an elementary school in Haiti on June 15.

In collaboration with the non-profit Water and Educational International, the Delta Research and Educational Foundation established the Water and Educational International Student Collaboration for Haiti Outreach Opportunities for Learning (WEI SCHOOL) project in 2012 that seeks to provide “an adequate school facility to include clean water for school children in Haiti,” according to a statement.

A school in Chérette, a village southwest of Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, was rebuilt with bigger classrooms and new technologies that will promote a “hands-on global service learning experience.” There will also be unlimited access to fresh, clean water to meet the needs of the 300 students who attend the school.

“As a former elementary school teacher, it has been my experience that providing the proper educational tools and creating a positive learning environment to school instruction … enables students to excel in and outside the classroom,” National president of Delta Sigma Theta, Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre said in a statement.

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Sallie Mae To Split Into Separate Companies Within 12 Months

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Sallie Mae plans to split into two separate, publicly traded companies. The student loan giant also named John Remondi as its CEO.

Sallie Mae, formally named SLM Corp., said Wednesday that the two separate companies – an education loan management business and a consumer banking business – would help unlock value and boost its long-term growth potential.

The education loan management business would include the company’s portfolios of federally guaranteed and private education loans, as well as most related servicing and collection activities. Remondi will continue as its CEO.

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