Students Rally for More Funding of Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities

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Students held a rally at Maryland’s State House Monday hoping to get more funding for the state’s four historically black colleges and universities.

Sequoya Patterson went from Connecticut to Prince George’s County to attend Bowie State University because she knew it was the school for her.

“It was just a family home feel that I got from the campus and the different students I met while I was here,” she said.

It’s that same feeling that propelled her and thousands of other students who attend Maryland’s historically black colleges and universities to rally in Annapolis Monday.

“Even though this is a recession and all schools are struggling and making cuts, it doesn’t make sense that we are so underfunded,” Bowie State student Richard Lucas III said.

Read more at NBC Washington.

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

Medgar Evers College President Stepping Down

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Medgar Evers CollegeThe president of Medgar Evers College, the largely African-American college in Brooklyn, is resigning following a tumultuous tenure that included votes of no confidence from faculty.

William L. Pollard, who came to the college in 2009, will remain at Medgar Evers until a successor is named.

Medgar Evers College, named after the famed civil rights leader, is a part of the City University of New York and its chancellor, Matthew Goldstein, released a statement lauding Pollard.

“The president has worked diligently to focus this important institution in Central Brooklyn on student-centered goals and objectives, enhancing faculty instruction in the classroom, and on utilizing the new and modern campus facilities in creative and effective ways,” Goldstein said.

Between 2002 and 2007, Pollard served as president of the University of the District of Columbia, a historically Black college. Immediately before joining Medgar Evers College, he was vice president of the National Association for State Universities and Land Grant Colleges.

Read the full story here

Black History Month at ‘the real’ HU

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Martin Luther King Jr. At Hampton University circa 1957
Martin Luther King Jr. At Hampton University circa 1957

Check out some schedule events throughout the month of February for Black History Month at HU (Hampton University).

The month’s theme is “R.E.P.:” Remembering the Past, Embracing the Present and Preparing for the Future.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information about events contact the HU Office of Student Activities at 757.727.5691.

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Feb. 6

State of the Black Church Panel Discussion

7 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom

Free

Feb. 7

Black AIDS Day

10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom

Free

Black AIDS Day Panel Discussion

7:30 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom

Free

Feb. 8

Black Film “School Daze”

7 p.m.

Student Center Theater

Free

Read more.

Howard Lady Bison Continues Home Stand

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CCP_for_Savannah_StateThe Howard University women’s basketball team continues its home stand with a Monday night match up with South Carolina State University at 5:30 p.m. in Burr Gymnasium.

HU opened the four-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference event with a 53-41 win over Savannah State on Saturday, Feb. 2.

While senior Saadia Doyle led in points with 16, nationally ranked assist leader Cheyenne Curley-Payne distributed a season-high 12 assists, scored 11 points, pulled down a team-high eight rebounds and finished with three steals. read more…

Super Bowl — Beyoncé Runs Twitterverse

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slide_278487_2056601_freeWhen Beyoncé recorded ‘Run the World (Girls),’ she almost certainly spoke for herself.  

Grammy Award winner Beyoncé Knowles electrified fans the world over during her performance at NFL Super Bowl XLVII. The living legend simultaneously found time to rock social media, too.

Some of the funniest interpretations of the ‘Beyoncé Bowl’ came from Twitter.

Sports analyst Stephon A. Smith tweeted, “BEYONCE is a baaaaaaddddddd MAMA JAMA!!! If y’all don’t know, y’all better ask somebody.”

48 Laws of Power wrote, “Make your accomplishments seem effortless,” while another user quoted and said, “Beyoncé’s mantra.”

The most comical tweets came after the 34 minute power outrage.

One of my followers noted an “inside source” told her “Michelle found out her mic was muted so she shut down the lights.”

Another said, ‘the lights went off’ as soon as ‘Jay Z left the building.’

Super Bowl XLVII was yet another spectacle, and Beyoncé seem to have lived up to her celebrity after many critics denounced her solely as a ‘sub-par’ talent.

And in other news, the Baltimore Ravens won the halftime show, 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers.

And the winner is…. Cutest HBCU Couple Contest Announced!

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Are you the “Cutest HBCU Couple?”

 

We want to congratulate our 2013 Cutest HBCU Couple Winners John Wright and Ellen McKnight from Xavier University of Louisiana. Read their story:

Ellen & John

During my freshmen year at Xavier University of Louisiana I met a young woman at our campus ministry weekend retreat. I thought she was cute but said nothing at the time because I did not want to seem like the type of person who was trying to serenade girls by using Jesus as a means of persuasion. It turns out she thought I was cute too though. Neither one of us said much to each other the remainder of that semester but once she started following me on twitter I knew something was there. One day I tweeted “I’ll provide protection if you open up the door for me.” And then she sub-tweeted me by saying “The key is available whenever you want to pick it up.” I wasn’t really positive that she was talking about me at first so like a dummy I let that opportunity fly over my head again. Finally after the semester was over as well as freshmen year she messaged me on Facebook and we spoke briefly about how we would both enroll in summer school and the conversation ended with me giving her my cell phone number. On June 10, 2011 we started our relationship and on June 23, 2011 she agreed to be my girlfriend. Since we have been dating we make note to celebrate the 10th of every month and never let ourselves forget why we fell in love with one another. February will mark 20 months of our relationship and I could not be happier. She has helped encourage me to be a better student and a better person. My biggest concern is me wondering if I can do everything I can to make her happier.

John Wright
Classification: Junior
Major: Physics
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
School: Xavier University of Louisiana
After College Goals: Employment with Nasa’s Astrophysics program

Ellen McKnight
Classification: Junior
Major: Chemistry Pre-Pharm
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
School: Xavier University of Louisiana

After College Goals: Working in an impoverished community as a pharmacist.

Phoenix Suns Select Former Jackson State Standout as Interim Head Coach

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Player and Development Director for the Phoenix Suns, Lindsey Hunter, was recently named Interim Head Coach after the Sun’s parted ways with Head Coach Alvin Gentry.

A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Hunter attended Jackson State University from 1990 to 1993. He played at Alcorn State University from 1988 to 1989 where he earned the achievement of Southwestern Athletic Conference Freshman of the year before transferring to JSU.

While playing a Jackson State, Hunter scored 2,226 points and is second only to former NBA player Purvis Short in the JSU record books.

In the summer heading into his senior season, Hunter would spend numerous hours in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center shooting jump shots, performing passing drills and working on his ball handling skills by weaving between chairs he placed on the gym floor.

During his senior year, he averaged 26 points per game, making him the fifth best scorer in the nation and the Tigers won the SWAC regular season championship. Hunter was also named an All-SWAC performer as well as being invited to the All-SWAC Tournament team in 1992 and 1993.ZPBZYXQKSONYLRB.20130120234308

His most remembered moment was leading the Tigers past the Huskies of U Conn in the 1993 National Invitational Tournament. According to various reports, head coach of the Huskies informed his players that no lead would be safe against Hunter and Jackson State. Scoring only five points in the game’s first half, Hunter quickly found his rhythm and finished with 39 points in the 90-88 victory over U Conn. He scored 9 of JSU’s 10 points in overtime.

After Hunter’s collegiate career, he was selected as the 10th overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons. He would go on to play 14 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls. He also won two championships; first with the Lakers in 2002 and the second with the Pistons in 2004.

Hunter is following in the footsteps of other HBCU basketball standouts, turned coaches: Willis Reed of Grambling State University (1960-1964), Avery Johnson of Southern University (1986-1988) and Darrell Armstrong of Fayetteville State University (1988-1991).

Source.

Filmaker Ernest Dickerson at Week-Long Seminar at Alma Mater

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Ernest DickersonThis week, Dickerson will return to his alma mater, Howard University, where he will conduct a week-long film seminar for students there. He’ll dissect his films, meet with students one-on-one, and participate in a workshop titled “The Relationship of the Director and Cinematographer” moderated by his former teacher Haile Gerima.

“When I was coming up we didn’t have that. We didn’t have anybody to talk to and get guidance from. We were shooting in the dark trying to figure out how to become working professionals,” said Dickerson, an Emmy- and- Peabody-award winner who was just nominated for a 2013 NAACP Image Award for Best Director for his work on HBO’s “Treme.”

These days, Dickerson is working frequently. In addition to his work on “Dexter” and “Treme,” Dickerson filmed the pilot for the AMC pilot Low Winter Sun, a drama about corruption and murder in Detroit.  He also just finished the Season 3 finale for the AMC hit show “The Walking Dead.”

Dickerson co-wrote and directed “Juice” and was the cinematographer on Spike Lee films such as “She’s Gotta Have It,” “School Daze,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Mo’ Better Blues,” and“Malcolm X.” According to Dickerson, he has always tried to bring a film sensibility to his television work.

“I’m proud that one of the first television shows I ever did was “The Wire.” They wanted filmmaking and they wanted filmmaking sensibility,” said Dickerson. “I had a chance to direct a scene between a Black mayor and Black police commissioner who were running Shakespearean power moves on one another in a wood-paneled office. How often does that happen? That’s what I live for.”

The representation of African Americans on television is not where it needs to be, said Dickerson.

Read full article here

Linebacker from Howard Receives Pat Tillman Award

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Keith PoughKeith Pough, linebacker for Howard University, was awarded the Pat Tillman Award at the East-West Shrine Game® banquet Friday evening. The award is presented annually to the player who demonstrates courage, perseverance and talent throughout the week leading up to the game and recognizes his overall achievements and conduct.

“Keith exemplifies the qualities we look for in the award winner,” said East-West Shrine Game executive director, Harold Richardson. “From the hospital visit through practice, he has conducted himself in a way we believe Pat Tillman would be proud.”

“He first caught our attention at the visit to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Tampa last Sunday. You could see that he had a great time coloring, dancing and playing with the kids,” said West team manager, Andy Strickland.

“From day one at practice, he’s been a very vocal leader, encouraging and supporting his teammates on both defense and offense,” said West team head coach, Leeman Bennett. “He gives tremendous effort on every play and has shown great toughness. He’s the kind of player coaches like to have on the field.”

Pough, a 6’3”, 235-pound linebacker, finished his career at Howard as the all-time career leader in tackles for losses for in the FCS. For his efforts, he earned MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Pough is the first player in Howard history to be selected to participate in the East-West Shrine Game, the oldest college football all-star game.

Read Full Article Here

Breaking: Rick Ross Targeted in Drive-By Shooting

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(BET) — Hip hop star Rick Ross, who is celebrating his 37 birthday today, was reportedly shot at early this morning during a drive-by shooting in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

According to Local 10, police were called to an intersection in the South Florida neighbor around 5 a.m. in response to reports of a car accident and gun shots being fired. Upon their arrival, law enforcement discovered a Rolls-Royce that slammed into a residential building after being fired upon by an unknown vehicle.

Witnesses on the scene say Ross and an unidentified woman were in the Rolls-Royce when it crashed to evade the gun fire. The rapper and his female companion were not injured during the crash and the police have yet to reveal their names for safety reasons.

UPDATE:

Police have confirmed that Rick Ross was driving the vehicle that crashed into an apartment building during the shooting. The “Diced Pineapples” MC was traveling with fashion designer Shateria L. Moragne-el, who is reportedly dating Ross.

For updates, visit BET.com.

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

HBCU Marching Bands Rock the Georgia Dome at the 2013 Honda Battle of the Bands “House Party”

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The Marching Band > The Football Team. Well, at least this idea remains true at HBCUs. Check out Daily Finance’s account on the 2013 “House Party.”

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Historically Black College and University marching bands rocked the Georgia Dome with dynamic performances on Saturday at the 11th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase. (Photo: Business Wire)

An electrifying performance by Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Brandy and American dance music singer and songwriter, Crystal Waters, added additional spark to the Honda Battle of the Bands presented by Verizon Wireless and official banking sponsor SunTrust Bank, which celebrated its 11th annual Invitational Showcase.

The unparalleled pageantry, musicianship and camaraderie of the HBCU marching band experience was on full display with spirited performances by Albany State University, Alcorn State University,Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Jackson State University, North Carolina A&T University, Tennessee State University and Winston-Salem State University.

The Showcase alsohosted a dance-off between participating HBCU dance teams which used songs selected by fan vote via social media. Additionally, fans helped amp up the “house party” theme in two dance contests presented by official presenting sponsor, Verizon Wireless: one for individual fans to show off their best moves on the Georgia Dome field; the other for couples who wanted to dance in an iconic “Soul Train” line-style contest.

Two lucky fans also left the Georgia Dome as proud owners of brand new Honda vehicles. One of the three finalists in the Honda Battle of the Bands Sweepstakes became the owner of the award-winning 2013 Honda Accord. Adding to the excitement, the crowd was surprised when a second lucky fan in attendance received a new 2013 Honda Civic.

“The Honda Battle of the Bands not only provides a national stage to showcase the talent of these outstanding student musicians, but also the success of the music education programs at each school,” said Marc Burt, assistant vice president, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Honda is honored to support these programs with grants that each school receives for participating in the program.”

The Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase is the largest and most popular music event of its kind. Widely known to fans as “The Honda,” the Showcase not only serves as a platform to highlight and celebrate the heritage and showmanship of HBCU marching bands, but also stands as the only national music scholarship program dedicated to supporting HBCU music education programs. The eight qualifying marching bands each earned a $20,000 grant for their school’s music education programs, along with an all-expense paid trip to perform at the Invitational Showcase in Atlanta.

Read the entire piece at Daily Finance.

New Morehouse College president talks HBCU money woes and LGBT issues

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Morehouse Graduation

Those who know a thing or two about historically black institutions are more than likely fluent with the trials and tribulations of its financial aid: The struggle. Check out Creative Loafing Atlanta‘s Rodney Carmichael report on Morehouse College President, John Silvanus Wilson Jr., take on HBCU money woes and LGBT issues.

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Incoming Morehouse College President John Silvanus Wilson Jr. had a “frank” discussion with NPR’s Michel Martin on “Tell Me More” about the need to re-evaluate the mission and effectiveness of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The segment, “Do We Still Need HBCUs?”, focused largely on the financial challenges facing HBCUs in recent years, particularly as they pertain to turning graduates into donors. According to Dr. Wilson, who is the former executive director of President Obama’s White House Initiative on HBCUs, the problem isn’t that HBCUs lack the wealthy alumni pool that keeps other colleges and universities afloat, it’s that proud graduates of black schools tend to donate to their alma mater at a much lower rate than other alumni because they don’t trust their institutions’ money-management skills.

WILSON JR.: You’re pretty much spot on. I mean the office that has come up more than any other office is the financial aid office. Most graduates say, oh boy, they angered my parents. They lost my money, or in some cases I couldn’t get my transcript back and that kind of thing. So it’s a lack of operational excellence, so I’m going to go down to Morehouse and I’m going to – and I’ve already announced, we are going to be known for our operational excellence.

That lack of “operational excellence” has led to the downfall of several HBCUs, including Atlanta’s Morris Brown College, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year, after a decade of decline resulting from lost accreditation and the conviction of former Morris Brown President Delores Cross (1998-2002) for embezzling government funds intended to cover student tuition.

While Morehouse hasn’t faced anything nearly as daunting, the college was forced to cut spending and furlough staff members last fall based on a decline in enrollment, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. That announcement came on the heels of the Obama administration authorizing a $228 million grant to benefit struggling HBCUs.

Wilson, a Morehouse alum who begins his presidential tenure this month, has focused much of his academic career on collegiate finance research and fundraising at schools ranging from George Washington University to MIT. As Michel Martin suggests, Wilson is “part of a new trend of emphasis on administrative capability” among HBCU presidential hirings.

Another issue discussed during Wilson’s NPR interview was the Morehouse ban on cross-dressing a couple of years ago that resulted in a 2010 Vibe magazine story titled “Mean Girls of Morehouse.”

Read the entire piece at Creative Loafing.

“Support HBCU funding:” U.S. senator lobbies president for help

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The Charlotte Post

U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) is lobbying President Barack Obama to provide more support for historically black colleges.

Hagan sent a letter to Obama on Wednesday requesting his 2014 budget build upon previous administration support for HBCUs, including 10 in North Carolina. Noting that black colleges make up less than 3 percent of U.S. schools of higher education, Hagan wrote that HBCUs “graduate a disproportionate percentage of African-American students,” including half of the country’s black public school teachers and more than half of African American professionals.

“I ask that you continue to build upon the principles highlighted in your Executive Order by providing the funding necessary for the success of these institutions,” she wrote.

Obama signed an Executive Order in 2010 that promoted innovation and sustainability at the country’s 105 black colleges, which historically are underfunded compared to other schools.

“I believe that the prosperity of these institutions is intricately connected to your call to lead the world in the proportion of college graduates by 2020,” Hagan wrote.

Hagan has been a consistent champion of HBCUs in the Senate. Over the last three years, she led pushed a bipartisan resolution recognizing HBCUs as well as maintaining their funding and program investments.

“A strategic investment in our HBCUs is an investment in our nation’s future,” Hagan wrote.

Wilberforce University student and cousin make their vision a reality

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Property-Warriors-close-upBy Beth Anspach

DAYTON — With the growing number of vacant and depressed properties in Dayton, cousins Yemoni Huguely and Armond Darby are becoming alarmed about the condition of their hometown.

Huguely, a recent graduate of Miami University who is preparing for his first tour of duty as an Air Force officer and Darby, a college student who most recently attended Wilberforce University and had his sights set on a career in professional basketball, felt compelled to get involved with improving Dayton neighborhoods after deciding to become licensed Realtors.

What the business does: Huguely and Darby created Property Warriors, LLC in September of last year and joined forces to help solve the growing problem of the blight of many Dayton neighborhoods.

“Basically we drive around the area and look for boarded up and vacant properties that have become neighborhood eyesores,” Huguely said. “And we offer creative and innovative solutions to the property owner.”

The pair works with other Realtors, potential buyers and brokers and developers to determine what properties need as far as repairs and refurbishment, arrange a purchase price and then they market properties to potential buyers.

“Many properties are ‘diamonds in the dirt,’” Darby said.

Property Warriors currently only deals with commercial properties

Read the entire piece at the Dayton Daily News.

Wilberforce University Choir to open fourth-annual Freedom Landing Festival

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Wilberforce-University-D891EC99The Windsor Star

The Wilberforce University Choir will open the North American Black Historical Museum’s fourth-annual Freedom Landing Festival weekend with a concert Friday, Feb. 1, at St. John the Baptist Church, 225 Brock St.

Tickets for the 8 p.m. concert are $20 and are available online at blackhistoricalmuseum.org or at the museum, 277 King St.

On Saturday, Feb. 2, the Freedom Landing Festival Black History Forum will kick off with a presentation by historian Bryan Prince at 10: 15 a.m., at the museum.

The all-day event also includes talks by Roy Finkenbine, University of Detroit Mercy; Harvey A. Whitfield, University of Vermont; and poet Amina Abdulle. Topics include the history of freedom seekers heading to southwestern Ontario in the 1820s, an examination of the push to end slavery in the Maritimes and finding the African within the Canadian.

The day wraps up with a performance of the music of Shelton Brooks by musician Christopher Nease, with Heidi Toffin as Sophie Tucker.

Tickets for the forum are $40, lunch included. To register, call 519-726-5433.

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

Spelman Grad Keisha Knight Pulliam Celebrates National Give Back Day

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While many paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy by visiting his memorial, Keshia Knight Pulliam spent time to recognize individuals nationwide who like King, played an active role in local communities. In partnering with Allstate Insurance, Pulliam announced and awarded four distinguished volunteers as a way to celebrate the annual celebration, National Give Back Day.

“His (Martin Luther King Jr.) whole life and death was about giving to others and it was about creating a better space and a better place for all humankind. With that alone, he gave his life for me and many others to have the opportunities that we all have today,” Pulliam explained.

As a Spelman College graduate, class of 2001, Keshia Knight Pulliam attributed her devotion and appreciation to community service as a result of her affiliation with the Bonner scholarship, a community-service based award.

Pulliam explained, “For me, community service is really important. It’s something that has been in my life for so very long. I went to an HBCU, Spelman College and while there I was a Bonner scholar, which is a community service based scholarship. I just recognized that I didn’t get to where I am by myself and that it’s important for me to give back and to pay it forward.”

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