HBCU graduates take celebration to Twitter

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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

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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

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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

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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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HBCU Buzz is the Leading Source of HBCU News, and the Most influential brand in the HBCU Community. Like ‘the Buzz’ on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Central State celebrates Class of 2013 graduation

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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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HBCU Buzz is the Leading Source of HBCU News, and the Most influential brand in the HBCU Community. Like ‘the Buzz’ on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Starting Salaries Are Looking Higher for Class of 2013

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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

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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.

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

VIDEO – Elizabeth City State University Police Chief Sam Beamon on leave, following Sexual Assault Charges

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Vic speaks out after chief placed on leave

The victim of a sexual assault spoke exclusively to WAVY.com the same day her university’s police chief was placed under investigation.

WAVY.com has confirmed Elizabeth City State University Police Chief Sam Beamon was placed on administrative leave on April 25, stemming from the campus’ handling of a complaint of assault and sexual battery.

10 On Your Side spoke exclusively with ESCU senior Katherine Lowe, who said she fell victim not once, but twice, to sexual assault by her dorm leader Anthony Butler.

“It came as no shock to me,” Lowe said. “It is time for the truth to be told. It’s about time they investigated him. It’s about time they investigated this school, because this has been going on for years.”

ECSU spokeswoman Kesha Williams says the UNC General Administration was contacted about the complaint. The UNC GA then notified state and local law enforcement agencies.

The State Bureau of Investigation is now conducting an independent investigation into the allegations of obstruction of justice and witness intimidation at ECSU. The SBI investigation was requested by the local District Attorney, NCDOJ spokesperson Noelle Talley confirmed.

“There’s not another case I know of,” Lowe said. “I’m sure it’s this one. It was just a scary experience that this man didn’t understand the word, ‘No.'”

Lowe said campus police were of little help after the first time Butler assaulted her.

“I told my mother, this is unfair,” Lowe said. “I told them what’s going on and they still allowed him to be on campus. I can’t enjoy my full campus experience, because he’s walking around.”

It was only when a city police officer stepped in Butler was arrested and charged. Williams could not confirm if the sexual battery case Beamon was investigating is the one dealing with Butler.

Until an interim police chief is named, Kelly White, Major of Operations for the NC A&T State University, will serve as acting police chief. READ FULL

Virginia State student deaths renew debate over hazing abuse

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The apparent hazing death of two Virginia State University (VSU) students has renewed the debate over universities’ responsibility to combat hazing abuse.

In Virginia’s Chesterfield County, police have charged four men, including two VSU students, with hazing after two students drowned in the Appomattox River on April 20 as part of an initiation rite for the social club Men of Honor, which is not a school-sanctioned group. One suspect is still at large.

Seven VSU students reportedly tried to use a “human chain” to cross the rushing rapids of the rain-swollen Appomattox River around midnight Sunday. A witness told local NBC affiliate WAVY that the water level rose to their chests, and the current swept away freshmen Marvell Edmondson and Jauwan Holmes. The evening was reportedly the culmination of a week-long pledging and hazing process for the group. Police recovered Mr. Edmondson’s body on Monday and are still looking for Mr. Holmes.

Historically black colleges and universities like VSU have struggled with a long tradition of hazing centered on physical abuse. But recent tragedies, including the November 2011 death of Robert Champion, a drum major in Florida A&M University’s celebrated marching band, have brought national attention to the issue, ratcheting up pressure for schools to take stronger action to discourage the practice.

“We’re going to see an increasing number of administrators losing jobs” over hazing issues, says Ricky Jones, professor of pan-African studies at the University of Louisville in Kentucky and author of the book “Black Haze: Violence, Sacrifice, and Manhood in Black Greek-Letter Fraternities.” “When these people start to lose their jobs, there’s going to be greater professional and institutional attention paid to” the problem.

At FAMU, Mr. Champion was beaten as part of a hazing ritual and died soon after. His death was ruled a homicide. In the wake of his death, the band’s director retired, university President James Ammons resigned, and the marching band was suspended indefinitely.

In a statement released Monday, VSU officials say they “are confident that no sanctioned VSU student organizations were involved in this tragic incident.” But university spokesman Thomas Reed says the school was aware of Men of Honor. It seems likely that this group was “mimicking black Greek-letter fraternities” in its hazing practices, Professor Jones says.

Universities, police, and prosecutors are making a greater effort to enforce anti-hazing laws, some observers say. Forty-four states, including Virginia, have such laws in place. In recent years, many colleges and universities have suspended fraternities caught up in hazing and alcohol abuse. Read Full

Mississippi Valley State player dies in car accident

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350x247xKevin_Monzon_MVSU.jpg.pagespeed.ic.oc7CVwpcR0A member of the Mississippi Valley State football team died in a one-car accident which injured three of his teammates Thursday night.

The driver, Kevin Monzon, a 19-year-old sophomore place-kicker from Crystal Springs, Miss., died at the scene in Leflore County, the Southwestern Athletic Conference university said in a release.

Marcus Thompson, a junior from Houston, Texas was air-lifted to University Medical Center in Jackson, Miss. In addition, Rogers (Kevin) James, a junior from Evans, Ga., and Joseph Hardnett, a sophomore from Chicago, were transported to the Greenwood-Leflore Hospital with minor injuries.

The cause of the accident was not released.

The university announced counselors will be available on campus on Friday.

Why Don’t HBCU Alumni Give Back?

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Several studies suggest that the percentage of alumni giving at HBCUs is in the single digits.
Several studies suggest that the percentage of alumni giving at HBCUs is in the single digits.

For my first Easter Sunday in New York, I drove to Queens with my significant other to spend the holiday with a fellow alum from Tennessee State University. She and I met through our alma mater’s local chapter. After eating, laughing and chatting, the women headed to the kitchen to help clean up while the men sat in the other room discussing sports and politics. Ms. Betty graduated from TSU in the ‘60s, and I four decades later. Somehow while washing dishes and scooping out ice cream for dessert the conversation led to HBCUs and alumni giving.

Hearing Ms. Betty and I passionately discuss our beloved HBCU apparently struck a nerve in one of the women. She was a mid-twenty something native New Yorker who attended Stony Brook University. Although she’d never gone to an HBCU, hadn’t done any extensive reading on HBCUs, she had quite a few criticisms not only about HBCUs, but also the students it produced. In an attempt to validate her inaccurate point about HBCU education not being up to par with that of traditionally white institutions, she offered up as evidence that she had seen HBCUs recruit and accept high school students on the spot without them having to take any SATs or ACTs. She babbled on and on about how HBCUs ethnic makeup is not representative of the real world. After she finished I assured her that state schools are state schools regardless if they are HBCUs or TWIs. SAT or ACT scores are a requirement for admission into an accredited college. Further, I reassured her as a graduate of both an HBCU and TWI that I received a top-notch, quality education at my HBCU. Not something I would say about my experience at the TWI I attended.

Ms. Betty interrupted. “Well all I know is I can’t give my money to a school that continuously admits white students and gives them free rides just for being the minority,” she said bluntly. “If they want me to give back they need to find a way to earmark my money only for Black students.”

The woman who I had been debating with earlier took this as her opportunity to keep throwing shade at HBCUs. “Tell me this. Since HBCU graduates are always so passionate about HBCUs being such wonderful institutions, why don’t graduates give back?” she queried. “The bottom line is HBCUs are sinking due to financial strains and the alumni are nowhere to be found.”

Read more here

Big Day for HBCU student-athletes at NFL Draft

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Howard linebacker Keith Pough will enjoy wearing similar colors and matching helmet as a member of the NFL Buffalo Bills.
Howard linebacker Keith Pough will enjoy wearing similar colors and a matching helmet as a member of the NFL Buffalo Bills.

It was a big day for HBCU student-athletes at the 2013 NFL Draft yesterday.

Here’s a quick recap:

  • High school wide receiver turned feared linebacker Keith Pough was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. Pough was the all-time FCS leader in tackles for loss.
  • The 6-foot-2, 240-pounds Brandon Hepburn out of FAMU who had 86 tackles (9.5 for a loss), 5.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and a forced fumble as a senior was the 245th pick by the Detroit Lions.
  • Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Terron Armstead, who set the offensive lineman record in 40-yard dash with a time of 4.71 seconds, was a third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints.
  • Kansas City Chiefs signed Jackson State’s wide receiver Rico Richardson during post draft.
  • Bethune-Cookman receiver KJ Stroud was officially picked up as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets.

Follow HBCUGameday on Twitter for the latest news on HBCU athletes and the NFL Draft.

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