Howard Nursing Dean Joins Five Others to Plan for Better Nursing in Rwanda

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Howard University Division of Nursing in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences will be joining five nursing schools from across the nation to provide training and help to schools of nursing in Rwanda.

Students in Rwanda Nursing Program (Courtesy Photo/Howard Media Relations)

Beginning in the fall Howard and nursing schools at University of Maryland, University of Texas, New York University, Duke University and the University of Illinois at Chicago will be sending health professional to the African nation for 11-month to seven-year stints to train nursing students in the nation.

Mary Hill, dean of Howard’s College of Nursing along with other nursing professionals from the University of Maryland, just returned from Africa this week from early planning meetings for the Rwanda Human Resources for Health Program in conjunction with the Clinton Health Initiative.

Part of their work is to recruit faculty members for the Rwanda Human Resources for Health Program. A number of positions are open including infection control nurse educator, clinical mentor, and curriculum development advisor. Coordinator of the Office of Global Health, Anne Brenner, says the program is projected to begin in the fall and is still in the early planning stages.

(The Afro)

Howard, North Carolina A&T Among HBCU Bands Participating in 3rd Annual Showdown in St. Louis

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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The Howard University “Showtime” Marching Band. (Howard University News Room)

The 3rd annual SHOWDOWN will bring seven nationally renowned HBCU marching percussion ensembles to St. Louis to battle it out for $10,000 for their school’s percussion programs. The 2012 ensembles include Central State(Ohio), Harris-Stowe State, Howard, Kentucky State, Langston, Lincoln and North Carolina A & T Universities. The competition will be hosted at Chaifetz Arena on Saturday, April 21.

The day will begin with a SHOWDOWN Parade on Market Street, which will feature guest HBCU drum lines as well as ensembles from across the region. At 11 a.m., the arena concourse doors will open for a free college recruitment/career/health/safety/crime prevention fair. At 1 p.m. the main stage doors will open for a 2 p.m. drum line battle.

The SHOWDOWN is presented by the Show-Me Sound Organization.

(St. Louis American)

2012 SIAC Basketball Tournament Day 2 Recap

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Game #1 – Stillman College vs. Claflin University (Men) (SIACM03)

#5 Stillman defeats Claflin (93-69)

ATLANTA, GA- In the first game of the day Stillman College the #5 seed matched up against the #12 seed Claflin University, who defeated Lane College in the opening round yesterday.

It was Stillman College from the opening tap as Lee Riley fired in a three point shot to start the game. Claflin’s David Glover answered with a three pointer to tie the contest at 3-3.  Another three point basket by Riley and the Stillman Tigers, and they never looked back, going on to a 53-24 halftime advantage.  In the second half, it was just a matter of holding serve as Stillman cruised to the 93-69 victory.  The loss eliminated Claflin from the tournament. Claflin ended their season with a record of 8-18.

The Panthers seemed to run into a buzz saw as Stillman made 15-40 three point shots.  If that weren’t enough the Tigers shot 50% from the field 34-68, and 71 % from the free throw line 10-14.  While Claflin shot just 25% from behind the arc, (6-24), 35% from the field (23-66), and only 63% from the free throw line (17-27).

Mounda Williams led Claflin’s Panthers with 16 points, David Glover tallied 12 points, and Edward Green added 11 points.

The Tigers were led in scoring by Jeffery Wherry with 21 points, with 7 three pointers,  Torrean Walker and Damian Ford scored 15 points each,  and Lee Riley with 12 points.

The win advances Stillman in the tournament playing the #4 seed Benedict College Tigers, tomorrow at 12 noon.

Game #2 – Kentucky State University vs. Albany State University (Men) (SIACM04)

 #10 Albany State defeats #7 Kentucky State (63-60)

ATLANTA, GA- The 10th ranked Rams of Albany State University (ASU) upset the seventh ranked Thorobreds of Kentucky State University (KSU) 63-60 in the second round of the SIAC Basketball Tournament.  After three critical Thorobred turnovers with approximately two minutes left in the game, the Rams took the lead and never relinquished it.  For the game, the Rams forced 18 KSU turnovers.

Offensively, the Rams shot 41.7% from the floor (25 of 60).  They were led in scoring by Rachard Lofton who finished with 16 points and four rebounds.  Marcus Benitez also scored in double figures with 11 points for the game.  Troy Adams led KSU with 17 points.  William Marsh finished with 14 points and Rich Austin added another 11 for KSU.

While the loss eliminates the Thorobreds from the tournament, the Rams, now 13-14 overall, advance to quarterfinal play on Thursday, March 1st when they meet the number two seed LeMoyne-Owen College at 4 p.m. in the Forbes Arena.

Game #3 – Benedict College vs. Clark Atlanta University (Women) (SIACW05)

#4 Benedict defeats #5 Clark Atlanta (60-38)

ATLANTA, GA – The Benedict College Lady Tigers put on a defensive show, holding Clark Atlanta to just four second-half field goals and 22 percent shooting for the game to take a 65-39 quarterfinal victory in the 2012 SIAC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena.

Benedict improves to 19-8 overall, while Clark Atlanta wraps up its season at 14-13.

Santera Grooms scored 14 points and had nine rebounds for the Lady Tigers. Charvez Holmes, playing in her first game of the season for Benedict, provided a strong effort with 12 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Monique Weathers added 10 points.

Conisha Hicks led Clark Atlanta with 14 points. La’Quisha Lewis had 10 rebounds for the Lady Panthers.

Benedict’s ball-hawking defense forced Clark Atlanta into 29 turnovers and recorded 22 steals. Alexus Jones had a team-high six steals.

Clark Atlanta hit 22.4 percent of its field goals for the game (13-of-58) and only 13 percent in the second half (4-of-31).

Benedict pulled away from a close first half with a 10-0 run to close out the first half to take a 32-22 lead into the locker room.

After Clark Atlanta’s Shantress Thrash opened the second half with a layup to cut the lead to eight points, the Lady Tigers scored the next seven points and never saw their lead drop below double digits the rest of the way.

After Clark’s Denise Law hit a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 51-38 with 4:40 to play, the Lady Tigers turned up the pressure and closed out the game with a 14-1 run to seal the victory.

With the win, Benedict advances to Friday’s semifinal match, where they will face the winner of #1 seed Fort Valley State and #8 seed LeMoyne-Owen.

Game #4 – Paine College vs. Morehouse College (Men) (SIACM05)

#6 Paine defeats #11 Morehouse (63-60)

ATLANTA – Paine College’s Tony Baker sank two free throws with 1.7 seconds left to help lift the sixth-seed Lions to a 63-60 victory over11th seed Morehouse College in a first-round game in the 2012 SIAC Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena.

Baker led the Lions with 12 points, while Mario Jordan and Geno Green each added 10 points. Paine, now 15-12 on the season, advances to face third-seed Clark Atlanta at 8 .m. on Thursday.

Cortez Nesbitt and Shawn Allen each had 18 points to lead the Morehouse Maroon Tigers.

Paine had a 59-51 lead after a driving layup by Kedric Taylor with 4:05 left in the game, but Morehouse cut the lead to 59-58, getting six points from Nelson, including a three-point play. Darius Smith cut through the defense for a layup to give the Lions a 61-58 lead with 1:05 left to play.

Nelson scored on a turn-around jumper in the paint to make it 61-60 with

44 seconds left.

Paine missed a shot, and Morehouse had the ball with a chance to pull ahead, but turned the ball back over to Paine with 4.6 seconds left on the clock. Baker raced down the court unguarded and caught a long pass and waited for the defense to foul him and then sealed the win at the line.
Game #5 – Fort Valley State University vs. LeMoyne-Owen College (Women) (SIACW06)

#1 Fort Valley State defeats #8 LeMoyne-Owen (99-64)

ATLANTA- #1 seed Fort Valley State used a stifling defensive performance to put away #8 seed LeMoyne-Owen, 99-64, in the quarterfinal round of the 2012 SIAC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena.

The Lady Wildcats forced 40 turnovers using a tough full court press for the entire game, nearly cracking the century mark on the Lady Magicians.

Jasmine Birdsong and Carmenonique Dawson led Fort Valley State with 14 points each. Tamara Andrews and Dominique Collier both contributed 10 points. Andrews also had a team-high seven rebounds.

LeMoyne-Owen guard Jasmine Massey led all scorers with 31 points, including going 9-of-15 from behind the arc. Sharita Jones and Blair Scott each contributed 10 points.

Fort Valley State, who held a 49-27 rebounding edge, advances to play Benedict College in the semi-final round on Friday at 6 p.m.

Game #6 – Tuskegee University vs. Fort Valley State (Men) (SIACM06)

#8 Fort Valley State defeats #1 Tuskegee (80-77)

ATLANTA- A three-pointer by Fort Valley State’s Kevin May at the buzzer knocked out the top-seeded Tigers of Tuskegee University in the quarterfinals of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Forbes Arena on the campus of Morehouse College.

Despite going scoreless in first six minutes of the game, the eighth-seeded Wildcats took a 38-37 halftime lead over Tuskegee. Brandon Davey carried the Wildcats with 12 first half points.

Tuskegee’s Derrick White knotted the game at 49 with 15:25 remaining, but the Wildcats answered with their largest lead of the game at seven points. At the five minute mark, the Tigers reclaimed their first lead, 68-67, since early in the first half.

Both teams traded a pair of free throws down the stretch that kept the game even. But it was May’s buzzer beater three-pointer that sent the Wildcats into the semi-final game Friday, March 2, against the winner of the Benedict/Stillman game.

Musical Inspired by Tupac Shakur’s Life Headed to Broadway

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According to an audition listing, a new musical inspired by the work of Tupac Shakur, titled HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME, is aiming to open on Broadway in the near future. Kenny Leon will direct a developmental lab, which is set to take place April 23 – May 11, 2012 in New York City.

Set in the present day on the inner-city streets of a Midwestern industrial city, the musical tells the story of two childhood friends (John and Vertus) and their extended families as they struggle to reconcile the challenges and realities of their daily lives with their hopes, dreams and ambitions.

Tupac Amaru Shakur was an American rapper and actor. Shakur has sold over 75 million albums worldwide as of 2007, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Rolling Stone Magazine named him the 86th Greatest Artist of All Time. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot four times in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was taken to the University Medical Center, where he died six days later of respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

Roland Martin To Host Super Tuesday From Howard University

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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On Tuesday, March 6, TV One Cable Network’s chief political editor Roland S. Martin will host a special Super Tuesday edition of his news show,Washington Watch with Roland Martin, from Howard University’ School of Business Theatre, 2600 Sixth Street, broadcasting live on the web from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited.

This three-hour live web broadcast will be held in conjunction with Super Tuesday, when votes in states nationwide go to the polls to cast their ballots for the GOP contenders for president.

The production is a partnership between TV One; Martin’s company, Nu Vision Media, Inc.; UStream.tv; and NewsOne.com, a sister website of TV One, both owned by parent company, Radio One.

Martin says the web broadcast is to offer the Black perspective on an important night, and allow African Americans to be able to weigh in on the election results.

“There is considerable interest among African Americans in this election year, just as it was in 2008,” said Martin, who is also host and managing editor of Washington Watch.

Art Exhibition at Bowie State Features ‘Quest for Black Citizenship’

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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A new exhibition featuring the works of 20 artists opened recently in the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Bowie State University. Credit courtesy Bowie State University

A new exhibition featuring the works of 20 artists opened recently in the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Bowie State University (BSU). It is open to the public through March 16.

“The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas” is presented by the National Alliance of Artists from historically black colleges and universities.

The theme of the exhibition examines the events and retells the story of the struggle for civil rights and issues facing African-Americans from the ’50s through the ’70s, as well as contemporary references, according to a release from BSU. Media represented includes painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media, textiles and digital arts.

The gallery, located in the Fine and Performing Arts Center on the BSU campus at 14000 Jericho Park Rd., is open to the public and open weekdays:

Monday, 10-11:50 a.m. and 2-7 p.m.
Tuesday, noon-7 p.m.
Wednesday, 10-11:50 a.m. and 2-5 p.m.
Thursday, noon-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4:30 p.m.

(Bowie Patch)

Bethune-Cookman Head Men’s Basketball Coach Reprimanded

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Bethune-Cookman head men’s basketball Coach Gravelle Craig has been reprimanded by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) for displaying unsportsmanlike conduct to the games’ officials following the Wildcats’ contest versus Norfolk State University on Saturday, February 25.

MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas said in a statement on Monday that “the conference expects all coaches and athletic staff to demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during and after all athletic events.”

 

MEAC Suspends Two North Carolina A&T Women’s Basketball Players

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Freshman Jaylan Bodiford (21) Courtesy of NC A&T Sports Information

MEAC officials announced Tuesday that three women’s basketball players, including two from N.C. A&T, were suspended from Monday’s conference games because of an altercation during the Aggies’ game Saturday at S.C. State.

The A&T players were Jaylan Bodiford and Tiffanie Adair.

With the 2012 MEAC Basketball Tournament looming, one can only wonder how this will affect  North Carolina A&T’s chances in the tournament.

Alcorn State to announce athletic personnel appointments

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Alcorn President M. Christopher Brown II plans to announce new athletic personnel changes on Friday, February 24th immediately following the Heritage Luncheon of the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association Mid-Winter Conference at the Vicksburg Convention Center featuring luncheon speaker Congressman Bennie Thompson.

“Alcorn is devoted to comprehensive reform of the university’s athletic department,” says President Brown as he reviews the athletic director search committee’s reports and preferred candidate recommendations.

Co-chairs Dr. Norris Allen Edney Sr. and Percy Norwood Jr. led the search committee comprised of alumni, faculty, staff, and students. Members included Willie “Rat” McGowan Sr., Zelmarine Murphy, Henry Tucker, Nate Hughes, Dr. John Igwebuike, Emanuel Barnes, LLJuna Weir, Jerry Sims, Dr. Donzell Lee, E. Cheryl Ponder, Ian Francis (student-athlete), Jadtrl Heard (student-athlete) and Dr. Malvin A. Williams Sr. (ex-officio).

The committee identified top applicants with extensive experience, proven leadership abilities that demonstrate a strong commitment to the University’s core values of educating student athletes. All interviews were conducted on the Lorman campus and background checks were conducted for the final candidates.

“Alcorn is committed to excellence in athletics especially the academic success of our student athletes. Our new athletic director will insure that our programs, employees, and our student athletes achieve at the highest level and reach their greatest potential,” says President Brown.

FAMU Wins Victoria’s Secret PINK’s “Tweet for the Truck” Competition

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Victoria’s Secret PINK, the leading loungewear retailer for young women, announced Florida A&M University (FAMU) as the Florida winner of its “Tweet for the Truck” competition. FAMU competed against Florida State University and the University of Florida to win a visit from the brand’s PINK truck. Twitter was utilized to count how many times students tweeted the hashtag #PINKTruck along with their university’s name. The PINK truck—which will have free giveaways for the students—is scheduled to arrive at FAMU on March 1.

“Right now we’re focused on giving away what we call spring break essentials,” said Monica Morgan, PINK Campus Representative. Some of the spring break essentials that will be given away include beach towels, sunglasses, PINK tote bags and shorts. “Since our spring break is next week, this is the perfect time for lady Rattlers to get their hands on the PINK essentials they can use during the break,” said Morgan.

For more information about this, or other, exclusive PINK events and promotions at Florida A&M University, contact Tara Mosby, Monica Morgan or visit www.twitter.com/famuvspink.

Norovirus Watch 2012: 40 Howard University Cases Confirmed, Illness Spreads to Fairfax County

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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The illness keeps spreading! In a statement released this afternoon, Howard University has confirmed last week’s 40+ cases of gastrointestinal dysfunction were, indeed, norovirus. According to the university, 42 Howard students, one UDC student, three Howard University Hospital employees and one D.C. resident  with the virus were seen at Howard University Hospital between Feb. 22 and Feb. 26. Two of the patients were admitted to the hospital. The statement says no cases have been seen since Sunday, but only time will tell who will be hit next.

Today, the Post reported that over 100 students and faculty members were absent on Friday from a Fairfax County school due to the virus.

(Washington City Paper)

Saint Paul’s College is in a Financial Crisis

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20120229-171107.jpg

Saint Paul’s College is in trouble, and it is up to us to get the word out and help. SPC needs $3.5 million by June 19 or this HBCU’s doors will be closed forever. It should of the utmost concern for the HBCU community to do everything possible to help keep Saint Paul’s College open.

For more information on how you can help, please contact Kathy Jones at katjon9@aol.com or Eric Williams at Ewillnupe@aol.com

Stay tuned to HBCUBuzz for more updates and information.

NCCU Selected to Participate in Prestigious ‘Circle City Classic’ Football Game

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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North Carolina Central University and South Carolina State University will meet on the gridiron on Oct. 6 in Indianapolis, Ind., inside Lucas Oil Stadium, home of Super Bowl XLVI, for the 29th annual “Circle City Classic” football game, the event hosts Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) and Indiana Sports Corporation announced Wednesday (Feb. 22).

A series of weekend events will surround the football game (scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff), featuring performances by the marching bands from both NCCU and SCSU.

The trip to Indianapolis will be especially meaningful for NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms, who earned master’s and doctorate degrees from Indiana University and spent several years working in the Indiana University system, including seven years as chancellor at Indiana University East.

(NCCU Eagle Pride)

2012 SIAC Basketball Tournament: Day One Recap

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Game #1 – Miles College vs. Paine College (Women) SIACW01                                                                                                                                                        

#6 Miles defeats #11 Paine (60-53)

ATLANTA, GA– In the first game of the 2012 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Basketball Tournament, the number six seed Lady Bears of Miles College (MC) defeated the 11th seed Lady Lions of Paine College (PC) 60-53 in the Frank Forbes Arena on the Morehouse College campus.

Courtney English led the Lady Bears in scoring with 17 points and had a game-high 12 rebounds.  She also finished with three steals.  Teammate Charlesia Norman added 16 points in the win.  Ariel Brown led the Lady Lions with 17 points and Quandra Rodgers and Kiara Farley added 14 and 10 points, respectively.

With the win, the Lady Bears improve to 16-11 and advance to the second round of the tournament and will meet the #3 ranked Tigerettes of Tuskegee University at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 1st in the Forbes Arena.  The Lady Lions finish the season with a 6-21 mark and are eliminated from tournament play.

Game #2- Clark Atlanta University vs. Lane College (Women) SIACW02

#5 Clark Atlanta defeats #12 Lane (62-47)

 ATLANTA, GA- The fifth ranked Lady Panthers of Clark Atlanta University (CAU) defeated the 12th seed Lady Dragons of Lane College (LC) 62-47 in the first round of the SIAC Basketball Tournament.  In a game that featured just two lead changes, CAU advanced to second round play after a double-double performance by center La’Quisha Lewis.  She finished with a game-high 17 point and a game-high 18 rebounds.  The junior also added four blocked shots, three steals, and one assist.  Point guard Conisha Hicks finished with 15 points. Brittney Peters and Cellonda Crawford had eight points each for the Lady Dragons.

The Lady Panthers (14-12) will meet the Lady Tigers of Benedict College in the third round.  Tip-off is scheduled for Wednesday, February 29th at 2 p.m. in the Forbes Arena at Morehouse College.

Game #3- Claflin University vs. Lane College (Men) SIACM01

#12 Claflin defeats #13 Lane (73-57)

ATLANTA, GA- In the third game of the day in the opening round of the 2012 SIAC Basketball Tournament the Panthers of Claflin University defeated the Lane College Dragons 73-57. With the loss Lane was eliminated from the tournament.

There was a total of 48 fouls whistled in the game. Lane shot just 31% for the game from the field (21-67), 25% (4-16) from beyond the arc, and just 39% from the free throw line, (11-28). While Claflin shot (22-49) 45% from the field, (8-18) 44% from behind the arc, and (21-26) 80% from the free throw line.

Anthony Collier led the Dragons in the scoring department with 18 points, while Ashton Patton added 10 points in a losing cause.

The Panthers were led by Edward Green with a game high 20 points, as Terrence Bowman tallied 18 points, with 12 points coming in the first half.

Claflin University advances to the quarter final round Tuesday morning at 10 am, against the Tigers of Stillman College.

Game #4- Lemoyne-Owen College vs. Kentucky State University (Women) SIACW03

#8 Lemoyne-Owen defeats #9 Kentucky State (76-53)

ATLANTA, GA – In the fourth game of the 2012 SIAC Basketball Tournament, the Kentucky State University Thorobrettes fell to the LeMoyne-Owen Lady Magicians, 76-53.

The first half started off with turnovers and steals from both teams. With 19:00 left in the first half, Tiffany Merritt evened the score (2-2) with a jumper. The Lady Magicians snuck four more points in before KSU’s Sharnita Lloyd sunk a deep three from behind the arc. These would be the only points for the Brettes for four minutes. A layup from Shayla Moore ended the Lady Magicians 10-0 run.

Kristi Malohi‘s jumper quickly followed Moore’s layup. Senior Raven Ward upped the score with four quick points. Both teams continued to get steals but were unable to get points off of turnovers. Points from Shonice Sprouse, Monique Reed and Cheneka Anderson gave the Lady Magician’s their final points for the half. With 27 seconds left in the half, KSU’s leading scorer Jasmine Davis sunk a three. KSU trailed the Lady Magicians 23-37 at halftime.

The second half began with a jumper from Ward. After a two free throws from Tiffany Merritt, the next five points from the Brettes came from Sharnita Lloyd. The Lady Magicians continued to score points in the paint. Davis’ and one play seemed to give the Brettes the comeback but they were unable to match up against the Lady Magicians. With 1:59 left in the game, Ashley Thompson-Baker hit good jumper, which were the last points from the Brettes for the game.

Raven Ward, Shayla Moore, and Jasmine Davis each scored 11 points for KSU. Sharnita Lloyd had 10 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists.

Lemoyne-Owen guard Shonice Sprouse led all scorers with 24 points while Blair Scott contributed 13 points.

Lemoyne-Owen advances to the quarterfinals to take one #1 seed Fort Valley State Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Game #5- Albany State University vs. Claflin University (Women) SIACW04

#7 Albany State defeats #10 Claflin (57-51)

ATLANTA, GA – Symone Wilkerson scored 23 points, including Albany State’s final five points, to lift the Lady Golden Rams to a 57-51 victory over the Claflin Lady Panthers in an opening round game of the 2012 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament on Tuesday in Forbes Arena on the campus of Morehouse College.

The Lady Rams, the seventh seed, advance to play No. 2 seed Stillman College on Thursday at 6 p.m. Albany State moves to 10-16 on the season. Claflin, the 10th seed, ends its season with a 6-17 record.

A free throw by Claflin’s Brittani Goodwin brought the Lady Panthers to within two at 52-50 with 1:42 left to play, but Wilkerson hit a free throw on the other end for a 53-50 lead. Goodwin hit one of two free throws with 1:12 remaining to make it 53-51, but Wilkerson sank two free throws for the Lady Rams to make it 55-51 with 39 seconds. Wilkerson then stole the ball and drove for a layup with 15 seconds left to seal the game for Albany State.

Goodwin scored 11 points to lead Claflin while Hickmon had eight points and a team-high nine rebounds.

Both teams had shooting difficulties. Albany State shot 35.3 percent for the game (18-of-51), while Claflin shot 29.6 percent (16-of-54). Albany State made just three of 16 3-point attempts, while Claflin was 2-of-14 on 3-pointers. The two teams combined for 53 turnovers. Both teams shot 53 percent from the free-throw line.

Albany State led 29-20 at the half, but Claflin opened the second half with a 12-2 to take a 34-31 lead. Brittani Jones had a steal and a layup, while Alnessa Hickmon and Goodwin each scored off offensive rebounds in that spurt.

The game stayed tight the rest of the way, with Albany State using an 8-0 run to pull ahead to a 50-43 lead with 5:05 left to play. A 3-pointer by April Thomas with 5:05 left was Albany State’s final field goal until Wilkerson’s layup. Albany State hit five of 16 free-throws in the final four minutes, allowing Claflin to cut into the seven-point lead.

Albany State’s Precious Peak had a game-high 12 rebounds to go along with nine points. Kourtney Alexander also chipped in nine points.

The Lady Rams advance to take on #2 Stillman in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

Game #6- Fort Valley State University vs. Miles (Men) SIACM02

#8 Fort Valley State defeats #9 Miles (86-80)

ATLANTA, GA- In the sixth and final game of the day in the opening round of the 2012 SIAC Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Wildcats of Fort Valley State University used a late 2nd half rally to come away with an 86-80 victory.

The closely contested first half saw four ties and three lead changes the last coming with 2:10 left in the first half, before Fort Valley went on a 5-3 run to close out the half for a 40-37 halftime advantage.

The second half was just as exciting as Miles finally tied the contest again at 53-53 with 10:12 left in the game.  Both teams played on even terms until late in the game when Fort Valley opened up a seven point lead with an 11-4 run, with 3:44 left for a 64-57 score.  But the Golden Bears could get no closer than four points the rest of the way, as Fort Valley advanced to the second round of the Tournament. With the loss Miles College ended their season with an 11-16 record.

Richard Harper led all scorers with a game high 27 points for the Golden Bears, Morris Perry added 11 points, while Eric Lipkin and Michael Cofield tallied 10 points each.

Cory Hunter led the Wildcats with 18 points, Kyle Cooper who scored 10 of his 14 points in the first half.  Cecil Bent tallied 13 points, Stanford Stephens was credited with 12 points, and Brandon Davey added 10 points.

Fort Valley (13-14) continues tournament play tomorrow at 8:00 pm against the #1 seed Tuskegee University.

Follow Aubrey Grier ( @AuthenticG ) for all of the latest happenings at the 2012 SIAC Basketball Tournament.

Justice Slow for FAMU Drum Major Robert Champion’s Parents

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In the three months since a Florida A&M University drum major was beaten to death, his parents have waited as authorities arrested seven people in a pair of other hazing cases tied to the school’s renowned Marching 100.

Robert Champion Sr., left, and his wife, Pam, lead a procession into the funeral service for their son, Florida A&M University band member Robert Champion, in Decatur, Ga., on Nov. 30. (Associated Press)

Four FAMU band members were arrested last month for punching and paddling band pledges. Three other band members were charged in December with hazing after a female band member’s beating left her with a broken thigh and blood clots.

Both of those episodes happened within weeks of Robert Champion’s fatal beating on a FAMU bus outside an Orlando hotel after a performance, but no one has been charged in that case.

His parents, Robert Sr. and Pamela, trust the process but find the investigation’s pace troubling, said their attorney, Chris Chestnut.

“It’s very disheartening, discouraging and disappointing to see arrests made for hazing with minor injuries, but none for a murder,” Chestnut said.

(Tampa Bay Times)

Celebrating HOG Week at Texas Southern University

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Texas Southern University (TSU) students unite to send a well-deserving family on an all-expense paid trip on a Disney cruise.

The University Program Council (UPC) sponsored HOG Week to benefit two autistic children and their parents. HOG simply stands for “hearts of giving.”

Danielle Johnson is the Social Recreation Chair for University Program Council. She brought the avant-garde idea to her fellow UPC members.

“After I presented the idea, everyone was on board,” Johnson said. “Ultimately, TSU cares.”

The main goal of UPC is to provide social as well as spiritual enlightening events on the campus of TSU.

“The cost for the Disney cruise is $500 per person and we agreed to send the two children and their parents,” Johnson said.

Thanks to the efforts of the administration, faculty, staff and students, Trevor Lemons, 10, and Kendall Lemons, 7, will be able to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Their mother, Ashley Lemons, is a TSU employee.

Now, how did they raise the money?

For the week of February 20, there were 10 events held throughout the campus, and all proceeds went to the Lemons’ family.

Students were able to purchase a $20 package deal which included access to all the events, a fashionable HOG Week wristband, a HOG Week t-shirt and a hog snout with an elastic band for students to wear.

“We had a great turnout,” Johnson said. “The students of TSU showed up and showed out.”

Some of the events included a thought-provoking poetry night, a Hog Fest carnival, a Cinderfella pageant, an entertaining powderpuff football game and “Hump Day.”

Even Houston’s leading R&B/Hip-Hop radio station 97.9 The Box joined in on the action. They came out to support the efforts on “Hump Day.”

Next year, UPC wants to help another family and partner with larger companies.

“We would like to help another family who cannot afford to go on a vacation due to expensive medical bills,” Johnson said.

Ryan White is the Performing Arts Chair. He suggests all HBCU’s become more involved.

“We just hope other HBCU’s follow our lead and continue to give back to their respected community,” White said.

All photos courtesy of Dominique Monday.