Alabama A&M fundraising on track to reach goal of $2 million

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Fundraising is on the rise at Alabama A&M University, and the school has already exceeded its financial goal for a gala set for April.

In a presentation to the research, development and technology committee of the school’s board of trustees last week, Vice President Wendy Kobler said the school has raised more than $804,000 since Oct. 1.

That puts Alabama A&M on track to reach the goal set by President Andrew Hugine to raise $2 million by the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30.

“Those individuals who support Alabama A&M University have translated their love into dollars,” Hugine said.

For the school’s annual Black Tie Gala, set for April 12 at the Von Braun Center’s South Hall ballroom, Kobler – who oversees marketing, communications and advancement – said $164,100 has already been raised. That tops the goal of $160,000.

Maj. Gen. James Rogers, commander of the Army Aviation and Missile Command and Redstone Arsenal, will be guest speaker at the gala.

Hugine said about $1 million is “about what we’ve (raised) in the past (each year).” But on raising $2 million in donor gifts, Hugine said, “I have no doubt in my mind that goal will be reached.”

Kobler said the school has just completed a new call center to reach out to potential donors, which will enhance fundraising.

The school is promoting the Alabama A&M license plates that directed $240,000 to the school in 2011. Alabama A&M was fourth in the state in plates sold, trailing the University of Alabama, Auburn University and Alabama State University.

Courtesy of Alabama Live.

Bowie State Offers Peek at Arts Center, Free Performance

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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The new Fine and Performing Arts Center at Bowie State University (BSU) will host free performances, open to the public, on Thursday and Friday (February 16th and 17th).

 

The Bowie State University Fine and Performing Arts Center (Courtesy of Bowie State University)

Paige in Full, presented by Baltimore native Paige Hernandez, tells the story of a multicultural girl growing up in Baltimore whose identity is shaped by her ethnicity and popular culture, according to a release from BSU. The performance will feature a combination of poetry, dance, visual arts and live music.

The shows will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday (followed by a “talk back” with performers) and 8 p.m. on Friday. Both shows are free and tickets will be handed out at the door. For more information, call 301-860-3769 or 301-860-3755.

This is the first “major performance” in the new Fine and Performing Arts Center, according to BSU. The two-year construction project, that reportedly cost $71 million, is nearly complete. A grand opening will be held in the fall, said BSU spokeswoman Amanda Warfield.

According to the BSU website, the center includes:

  • Specialized art studios for areas like dance, recording and ceramics.
  • Photography processing lab.
  • Art gallery.
  • Outdoor sculpture workspace.
  • 400-seat main theater.
  • 200-seat black box theater.
  • 200-seat recital hall.

Spacious classrooms, laboratories and office suites.

Courtesy of Bowie Patch

National Urban League will host Town Hall Forum at Howard University

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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It’s no coincidence that a nationwide rollback in voting rights for American’s most vulnerable citizens is happening just as elected officials mount an unprecedented campaign to slash investments in education and economic development.

That’s the message of the National Urban League’s 2012 State of Black America report, “Occupy The Vote To Educate, Employ and Empower,” which will be released during a Town Hall forum at Howard University’s Cramton Hall, 7 p.m. Eastern Time, on March 7. The Town Hall is free and open to the public.

For decades, The State of Black America has been the nation’s touchstone for the social and economic status of citizens of color. For the second year, the release of the report coincides with a high-energy Town Hall forum engaging distinguished leaders in the arenas of politics and government, academia, media and social justice. The event is fast becoming a much-anticipated tradition for the Howard University community, providing an opportunity for students, faculty, administrators and community members to engage with national movers and shakers.

Contributors to this year’s State of Black America include recording artist John Legend, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, activist and author Kevin Powell, educator Dr. Steve Perry and music industry entrepreneur Steve Soute.

WHO: National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial
Howard University President Dr. Sidney Ribeau
Thought leaders, celebrities and elected officials

WHAT: The State of Black America Town Hall

WHERE: Howard University’s Cramton Hall
2455 Sixth Street, NW Washington, DC

WHEN: 7 p.m., March 7

Follow @NatUrbanLeague on Twitter and like National Urban League on Facebook for updates and important announcements.

Fallen FAMU Drum Major’s Parents File Lawsuit against Bus Company

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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The parents of Robert Champion announced Monday they have filed a lawsuit against the owner of the bus where he was killed in a hazing incident in November.

Ray Land, owner of Fabulous Coach Lines, in a Jan. 10 interview said that his staff followed their standard procedures of transporting passengers from place to place. “Our job is not to manage individual passengers; reactions and responses among themselves. Our job is to transport them and that’s what we did,” Land said.

Champion, a Florida A&M drum major in the Marching “100,” was killed in hazing ritual called “Crossing Bus C” after the Florida Classic.

His death has been a catalyst for the transformation of the culture of FAMU’s student organizations, in regards to hazing, which has spread to a nationwide topic of discussion.

Land, in that same interview, said Champion’s death came as a surprise to him since he had personally traveled with the “100” on several occasions. “I never noticed this [hazing] to be a culture, or something that’s going on,” Land said. “If it has been going on, the students have been doing a very good job keeping this among themselves.”

Another defendant in the lawsuit is the bus driver, Wendy Millette. Land said he felt it was unfair for the Champions to sue his company, citing that the individuals responsible for their son’s death are the ones liable.

“We’re just a transportation company. We are very disappointed, that they would look to us and to our larger insurance standards and look at this as a way to be able to process this lawsuit.”

Although the Champions have filed a suit against the bus company responsible for transporting the Marching “100,” they cannot file suit against FAMU yet because of laws limiting the procedure for suing a public entity.

Land and the Champion’s attorney were not available for comment Tuesday.

Courtesy of The Famuan

Alabama State Honors Slain Georgia Youth

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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A 15 year-old valedictorian honor student and football star – Nicholas Jackson II – told his family that he dreamed of one day being on the college football team at Alabama State University – a dream that came true last Saturday at his funeral.

Several senior ASU officials went to Jackson’s funeral at their own expense at the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Norcross, Ga, which is directly across the street from his home.  The youth was slain there in a home invasion.

Jackson, who was shot in the heart on Feb. 2 at his parent’s home in Norcross, Ga., and shortly died afterward in a local hospital, was honored by the university that he wished to attend and play football for – posthumously, said Danielle Kennedy, vice president of ASU’s University Relations.

“We were profoundly struck with grief when we heard what happened to Nicholas Jackson at his parent’s home,” Kennedy said, “In an attempt to help comfort his family and honor the young man’s wishes of one day playing for the Hornets, President William H. Harris decided to make his dream a reality,” she added.

The Hornets head football coach said that even though Jackson was in the ninth grade, ASU already had a number of alumni in the Atlanta Metro Area inform his coaching staff that Jackson was not only a rising football star – who played both fullback and linebacker – but was an honor student who was the valedictorian of his middle school’s graduating class at the Hopewell Christian Academy in Norcross, Ga.

“From what we already knew about Nicholas, he was a hot-shot player in middle school and was already playing varsity level football at Norcross High School, which is rare for any ninth grade player to be able to do, especially in the Atlanta high school football arena,” Barlow said. “On top of being a natural athlete, he was a straight-A student, which is something that we feel very strongly about at ASU.”

Officials at ASU learned on Feb. 3 of Jackson’s death from reports in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, where the lead in the story told of the young mans wish to one day play football at ASU.  (You can read the AJC story here.)

“When we learned from news reports in Atlanta that Nicholas Jackson’s family said that his dream was to one day play for ASU, we knew we had to reach out to his family and make this last wish of his a reality, which is what President Harris did for him,” said Kenneth Mullinax, ASU’s spokesman.

“Our goal is to honor Nicholas’ memory and to comfort his family and let them know that they have an extended family here at ASU, which is praying for them and holding them tight during this time of great loss and sorrow,” he added.

ASU officials spoke to Jackson’s middle school and high school principals and football coaches, and all four said he was a young man of great integrity, who served as a mentor to many of the students in his schools and who was always willing to help out when needed. Norcross police said the homicide was not gang related. Six men were arrested just moments after the shooting due to a vehicle description given by Jackson’s 17 year-old sister, who was home alone with him when the men broke down the family’s door and shot Jackson during the scuffle that ensued.

Both Jackson’s mother and father have spoken several times to ASU officials during the last few days, telling them that they are “touched” by the university’s gesture of honoring their only son and driving to Atlanta on Saturday to speak at his funeral.

“I want to thank Alabama State for honoring the best son a father could have and for helping bring us the one moment of happiness we have had since my boy left us,” said Nicholas Jackson Sr.

School officials said that four senior ASU officials attended Saturday’s funeral – Kennedy, Barlow, Mullinax and football coach Craig Payne. Both Kennedy and Barlow spoke at the funeral, presenting the family with an ASU football jersey and reading a resolution from the university’s president, Dr. William H. Harris, which made Nicholas Jackson both an honorary football player and an honorary student at Alabama State University.

Courtesy of WSFA 12

Six Students from Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, & Spelman Honored with Scholarships

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Six students from Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College have been awarded the Arnall Golden Gregory Excellence in Leadership Book Award.

Arnall Golden Gregory LLP is a law firm with offices in Atlanta, Miami and Washington, D.C., that serves the business needs of growing public and private companies.  Its areas of focus include corporate, litigation, healthcare, international, employment, real estate, life sciences, global logistics, privacy and intellectual property law.

 

The annual award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship, recognizes outstanding rising seniors who are interested in the law.  Recipients are active community volunteers, stellar students and participants in student leadership programs.

Expanding the number of award winners this year from two students to six, and including for the first time Clark Atlanta University, demonstrates Arnall Golden Gregory’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal field.

“Arnall Golden Gregory believes that pipeline initiatives like the Excellence in Leadership Book Award are critical to promoting diversity in the legal profession,” said Partner Althea J.K. Broughton, a member of AGG’s Diversity Committee who is involved in hiring at the firm. “We are pleased to support the legal aspirations of these very worthy students, and we are excited that we were able to expand this initiative to reach even more students this school year.”

This year’s recipients are:

Dionne Ashley Hopkins, Clark Atlanta University: Ms. Hopkins is a political science major who wants to attend law school and pursue a career as a political scientist. She participated in the John Marshall Mock Trial Competition and received a second place award for Best Witness and third place award for Mock Trial Team. Ms. Hopkins participates in community service through the Light of Truth Center, which helps women battling with addiction, and Jumpstart in Atlanta, an early education program. She serves as the women’s editor for Society Magazine and is a member of Clark Atlanta’s Political Science Association and Pre-alumni Council.

Estelle D. Williams, Clark Atlanta University: A political science major, Ms. Williams is involved in numerous school and community activities and organizations, demonstrating her leadership skills and commitment to excellence. She serves as secretary of Reading In Random Places, an organization dedicated to promoting reading comprehension and literacy, building better study habits and serving the community. Ms. Williams also is treasurer for Being a Leader Activating Cultivating Knowledge, and belongs to the Pre-alumni Council, Pre-law Society, Political Science Association, and National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. Ms. Williams volunteers for community service projects on and off campus.

William Lee, Morehouse College: Mr. Lee, a political science major, is a Morehouse College Honors Program Scholar and has been an Honor Roll Student for four semesters. His interest in law led him to an internship with the New Jersey Fifth Legislative District Office in Camden, N.J., where he helped district constituents find solutions to community problems and served as a liaison between constituents and elected state officials in organizing government-affiliated events. Mr. Lee also was an intern with the Camden County Office of the Clerk, where he gained experience providing administrative assistance with mortgages, liens, tax sales, municipal and county maps, and performing general secretarial duties to assist the county clerk and office staff. Mr. Lee is co-president of the Morehouse-Spelman Pre-law Society and a member of the Political Action Committee of the Morehouse College NAACP. He volunteers with the H.O.P.E. Institute, a student organization that encourages youth to become involved in social change.

Laurence Hull, Morehouse College: Mr. Hull, an international studies major, has been on the Honor Roll and Dean’s List every semester. He is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society and the Morehouse-Spelman Pre-law Society. Mr. Hull has completed leadership programs at Princeton University through the Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs in Princeton, New Jersey; at American University in Washington D.C., where he participated in an international law seminar and in an internship and research project; and at the University of Iowa College of Law through the Philip G. Hubbard Law School Preparation Program. Mr. Hull’s interest in international law led him to a foreign policy internship with the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, an internship with the British Consulate General in the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Atlanta, and to form his own tutoring company during a stay in London. He serves as a presidential ambassador for Morehouse’s Office of the President, as well as president, team coach and head delegate of the Morehouse College Model United Nations Team.  Mr. Hull is a tutor and coordinator at the Frederick Douglas Tutoring Institute.

Danielle E. Dirickson, Spelman College: Ms. Dirickson, who is majoring in international studies with a concentration in international development, is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She took part in the IES Abroad Program in Milan, where she studied social innovation and learned about social and environmental sustainability strategies. Ms. Dirickson’s interest in law and politics led her to serve as the assistant special events coordinator to the Atlanta mayor’s office. She is a member of the Spelman College / Emory Law School Black Student Association Mentoring Program and the Spelman Women Empowered Through Professional Training Program, and she served as a Spelman College Student Orientation Leader.

Michelae Hobbs, Spelman College: Ms. Hobbs is a philosophy major who is co-president of the Morehouse-Spelman Pre-law Society, a reporter for HO– — USEsports News, and a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-law Fraternity and the Sister 2 Sister Mentoring Program. Her interest in law led her to serve as an intern with the Athens-Clark County Magistrate Court where she assisted with clerical work.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity suspended from Johnson C. Smith University

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Recently, the Alpha Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. seated of Johnson C. Smith University were suspended for acts that disobeyed the campus judicial laws for Greeks on campus.

An estimated 14 students were suspended from campus, losing scholarships, grants, and federal aid. Two of these students were actual members of the Greek fraternity and were caught in the act as well. But how did an organization like Alpha Phi Alpha who ran the yard for years, garnishing the most SGA presidents of the University, and have many members leading many community and student organizations.

Some say, when those members left, so did the fraternity. Though they are not here on campus, their reign as the top fraternity on campus still holds, as their history has marked grounds that no other fraternity has.

HBCUBuzz has contacted an Alpha from JCSU who is in the process of telling the story from the fraternity’s point of view, so stay tuned!

Dr. Cornel West Scheduled to Lecture at Morgan State University for Black History Month Program

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Princeton University professor, activist and author Dr. Cornel West will be the 2012 Morgan State University Black History Month Lecturer. This event is sponsored by the Student Government Association and will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 7p.m. in the Morgan State University Student Center-Calvin and Tina Tyler Ballroom. From the paradigm shift of society starting with the election of America’s first Black president, Mr. Barack Obama, to the 1% proclaiming their position in the economy by Occupying Wall Street and Main Streets all over the country; Dr. Cornel West has been at the cornerstone of it all.

West is known for his highly acclaimed books, documentaries, and controversial political commentary that always turn heads. He has written 19 books, recorded three spoken word albums is currently co-hosting a syndicated radio broadcast with Mr. Tavis Smiley called, “Smiley &West” on NPR. “It can be painful when you’re misunderstood. But that’s all right. Sometimes it goes with the territory,” says Dr. West, as he expresses his political and academic ideology to the nation. His words captivate and educate all who are exposed to his teachings.

The Morgan State University Student Government Association is honored to have Dr. Cornel West as the 2012 Black History Month lecturer. They are certain that he will leave a powerful mark on the Morgan State University community. This event is free and open to the public; however, a ticket will be required for entry. Please visit the University Student Center Box Office to obtain a ticket. Only one ticket per person will be issued. For more information on the Cornel West lecture, please contact the SGA Office at 443-885-3454

Courtesy of RUN MSU

Bill Cosby Headlining Concerts at Miles College to Benefit HBCU Students

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Comedian Bill Cosby is the nation’s elder statesman, kind of a comic emeritus. And yes, the man is still funny. He’s heading down to Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama this weekend to headline two “An Evening With Bill Cosby” concerts on Friday, Feb. 17 that will raise tuition funds for approximately 100 college students at the school.

Bill Cosby dons a Miles College shirt in support of the HBCU. (The Birmingham News/Joe Songer)

Cosby has long been a proponent of education, using his groundbreaking TV show to extol its virtues. “A Different World,” a spin-off of “The Cosby Show,” was one of the only TV shows in history set at a black college and introduced many young people to the idea of attending one.

Miles College is a Christian-based school founded in 1898 in Birmingham offering church-based education and degrees in six academic divisions, including humanities, Science and education. Cosby, who himself holds and Ed.D in Education, is happy to lend his talents to the school to release students from the financial stress of attending college. To that end, proceeds from his show will go to the Miles College Institutional Scholarship Fund.

“I strongly support the Miles College Institutional Scholarship Fund because everyone should be able to have access to the best schools possible,” Cosby said in a statement. “We have a moral and societal obligation to give our young people the opportunity to succeed with their education.”

Not only will Cosby peform two shows on Friday, his host for both evenings will be actress Robin Givens, seen most recently in “The Game.” After the shows, a concert featuring the musical talents of Ramsey Lewis and “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard takes place as well. (If you purchase the two top tier tickets for the comedy show, you’ll gain admittance to the concert.)

“Because of the generosity of Dr. Cosby, Miles College has been able to secure a new stream of financial resources that are valuable to help strengthen the institution’s scholarship fund,” said Miles College President George T. French, Jr. “This is a huge gift from Dr. Cosby, and as the president of Miles College, I promise that every dollar raised will be used towards the needs of our students.”

Last October, the college announced that Givens would become an artist-in-residence teaching theater classes at Miles College two days a week. Her year-long residency began last month.
She says she is elated to participate in the Cosby event.

“Not only does Mr. Cosby hold a special place in my heart, but he holds a special place in the world of entertainment and as a humanitarian,” says Givens, who got her first acting job on “The Cosby Show.”  “I am in awe of being asked to host this evening honoring my longtime mentor and friend.”

You can purchase tickets for the 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. shows of “An Evening With Bill Cosby” at www.billcosby.com and www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (205) 929-1444.

Art and Entertainment a Big Focus at UAPB’s Chancellor’s Benefit for the Arts

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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One of the many highlights of the Chancellor’s Benefit for the Arts gala is the cocktail hour and silent auction. With proceeds from the gala being used to support the performing and visual art programs on campus as well as the University Museum and Cultural Center, the silent auction is an exciting way to feature visual art, ceramics, and pottery created by a wide range of both emerging and established artists. High-quality wall mirrors are among the items up for auction this year. These unique and authentic decorative items are ideal for both home and office. All bidding is done the night of the gala with winners announced at the end of the evening. The auction begins at 6:30 pm on February 26th.

Celebrants of the gala will be in for a treat at the Pine Bluff Convention Center this Saturday when Attorney Carla Martin takes the stage as Mistress of Ceremony. Martin, a native of Pine Bluff, graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as the University’s top graduate in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She then attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law and received a Juris Doctorate degree in 2004.

Upon graduation from law school, Attorney Martin returned to Pine Bluff and accepted employment with The Brown Law Firm (now McKissic & Associates). While there, Attorney Martin practiced in the areas of criminal defense, domestic relations (adoptions, child custody, child support, divorce), personal injury, wrongful death, probate (wills), real estate, and civil litigation. During her time in Pine Bluff, Attorney Martin was an adjunct professor in the School of Business and Management at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff teaching Economics I, Economics II, and Risk Management. Today, she serves as the Dean of the School of Business and Management at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff spending her time strengthening the core of the business program by teaching students, coordinating the school’s academic and administrative operations, developing budgets and managing the school’s fiscal affairs, recruiting faculty, fundraising, and engaging with community and business leaders.

The UAPB Jazz Ensemble has become synonymous with the great entertainment featured at the Chancellor’s Benefit for the Arts! This year will be no exception. Under the direction of Mr. Daryl Evans, the 25-member ensemble will perform jazz selections of varying eras. The Jazz Ensemble has performed at local, state, and national events. Notable accomplishments include: Jazz Series produced by the late Art Porter of KETS TV, Inaugural Ball for Governor Bill Clinton (1985) as well as numerous performances at the Arkansas All-State Music Conference, and the Hot Springs Annual Jazz Festival.

Alicia Pete Inducted into PV Sports Hall of Fame

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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The SWAC congratulates Prairie View A&M senior woman administrator and head volleyball coach, Alicia Pete, on her induction into the Prairie View Sports Hall of Fame – Class of 2012.

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Pete was recruited to play basketball at Prairie View A&M before joining the Lady Panther volleyball team from 1987-1991. She earned All-SWAC volleyball honors and was selected to the SWAC All-Tournament team in 1989 and 1990.

After her playing career, Pete worked in retail management for six years. She became Head Bowling Coach at Prairie View A&M in 1997 and became Head Volleyball Coach in 1999. In her first season as Head Volleyball Coach, Pete received SWAC Coach of the Year honors after guiding the team to its second SWAC title and first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

As a result of her team’s accomplishments, Pete was recognized by Don Powell of the Texas A&M Board of Regents. In 2006, Pete made history once again as she led the Lady Panthers to their third SWAC Championship after winning the SWAC Tournament on the campus of Prairie View A&M University in addition to being named the SWAC’s Coach of the Year. The team also made its second appearance in the NCAA Tournament as they faced the University of Texas.

Pete continued her string of excellence as the Lady Panther Volleyball team won the 2010 SWAC West Title with an unblemished record. Once again, Pete worked her magic in the fall of 2011 as the Lady Panthers captured the divisional crown for the second straight season despite a revamped roster full of newcomers. She was named Assistant Athletic Director for Women’s sports in February of 2003.

Her primary role is to assist the Athletic Director in the administration of 10 NCAA Division I women’s sports programs at the university along with assisting in the development and implementation of gender equity plans, coordinates annual updates of the department’s procedural manual and monitors the programs compliance with Title IX .

Active in the community, Pete has volunteered her time with the annual Toys for Tots Program and Prairie View A&M’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in addition to serving as a member of Order of Eastern Star and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has also represented Prairie View A&M University on a national level by serving several years as a member on the NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet along with being the Chairperson of the SWAC’s Senior Woman Administrators. Pete is also a member of the school’s Athletic Council and also had a short stint as an assistant coach for the Lady Panther softball team in 2001.

She received both a bachelor’s degree in Business administration in 1991 and a master’s degree in Health in 1998 from Prairie View A&M University. Pete is married to John O. Pete, Sr. They have two children – John, Jr. and Ricky.

Courtesy of SWAC

“For God, For Central, For State”: Searching For A Successor to President John Garland of Central State University

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John W. Garland announced he will retire as President of Central State University at the end of the 2011-2012 academic year. The search for someone to succeed Garland has officially begun.

The Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC) of Central State University is now in the process of selecting its eighth President, and invited the campus to participate in one of the three listening sessions that was held Friday, February 10, 2012. The process, according to the PSAC, includes gathering perspectives from staff, faculty, and students about essential leadership qualities for the next president as well as opportunities and challenges facing Central State University.

Garland was selected as the seventh President of the Alma mater of which he graduated from in 1971, and undertaken great change to a university that faced even greater opposition at the time.

Since Garland accepted the leadership of an institution that embodies 125 years of Academic Excellence in 1997, he has led a successful effort to restore financial and operational stability as enrollment grown significantly under his tenure. The University has also established strong cooperative relationships with its sister institutions in Ohio and it have won pledges of support from Ohio’s political and educational leadership thanks to President Garland.

“Every leader has an obligation to leave an organization in better condition than how they found it, and perhaps more importantly, to pass the baton to new leadership at a time when the organization is in good health and poised to prosper,” President Garland said about his contentment to depart from his Alma mater when both he and the university are in good health and have a bright future.

In the course of his term, Garland has achieved great feats for Central State University, such as increasing enrollment by 160 percent, constructing eight new buildings (including four residence halls), and witnessing Central State University being recognized as a Center of Excellence in Emerging Technologies by the State of Ohio. Faculty, staff, and students alike hope that his successor could further exemplify the university’s motto “Change is Central” into even greater heights.

T.I. and Tiny Family Hustle: Green Faces

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Ten year old Damoni is slacking off in school and T.I., or “Pop” as the boys affectionately call him is not having it! Damoni who wants to become an artist just like his father has put the book work to the side and started focusing more on music.

T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle

As T.I. appears in a video shoot with famed rapper Young Jeezy, Damoni expresses interest in shooting his own video for his single, “Green Faces.”

However, The King isn’t going to grant Damoni’s wish without a few stipulations. T.I. lets his son know that the only way this video shoot can happen is if he pulls himself together in the classroom.

Weeks later when Damoni brings home an honor roll report card and it seems T.I’s plan has worked. Now, he must hold up his end of the bargain. With T.I.’s implemented budget of $2,000, Damoni can only afford his brothers, The OMG girls and director Uncle Snake. Although Damoni feels like this makes him look cheap, it isn’t the production that is the problem.

Damoni isn’t taking the shoot as seriously as T.I expected and has to give him a little advice on professionalism. Despite the bumps in the road, the video and its finished product had a good outcome. This may just be the beginning of Damoni’s rap career.

Howard University Debate Teams Wins Acclaim

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Ask most high school students to name their hobbies, and public speaking is not likely to be among them. In fact, it ranks among many people’s biggest fears.  But some very outgoing students at Howard School of Academics and Technology actually enjoy the art of debate, and it’s winning them national acclaim.

Teacher Mason West is preparing his Howard debate students for an upcoming presentation at the Volkswagen plant, but brushing up on German is just one of their tasks.  They’re also scheduled to visit Nashville, Washington (the Howard University School of Law) and Jamaica. It didn’t take him long to find great debaters.

West said, “Most of the students who excel in debate get in trouble for running their mouths, challenging other students and teachers.  They love to talk, they love to argue.  So it’s my job to take their natural abilities and hone them.”

Students say the debate team is a way of showcasing their personalities, and representing their school in a positive light.

Sophomore Tavisha McColley said, “I was so excited when I was recommended for this class. There’s a lot of talking, researching, and you have to learn how to network.  I may get into law, and I will need to know how to debate.”

Clayton Mason, a senior, said, “Once you get on the debate team, people hold you to a higher standard.  You’re required to do more for your school.  And Mr. West is a great motivator.”

As part of the practice for upcoming competitions, students speak before Mr. West, as well as occasional visits from a tough “judge.” Principal Dr. Paul Smith critiques them with Simon Cowell-like precision.

“You need to fully pronounce your words, use good diction, learn to pause at the right times.  Don’t talk so fast, everyone needs to hear every word you say,” Dr. Smith counsels one student, as the class erupts into applause.

Some of the students are hoping for careers in government or politics, and the Howard debate team just may be their ticket.

“These are opportunities that a lot of kids don’t get,” Mr. West said.  “They’re doing a great job representing themselves, their opinions and Howard School.  I wish the whole community could visit this class and see what they’re doing.  They would have a different opinion of Howard.”

Courtesy of WRCB

Assistant Secretary Esther Brimmer to Visit Spelman College

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Esther Brimmer will travel to Atlanta February 15-16, 2012. While there, she will meet with civil society groups to discuss the role of U.S. multilateral engagement in advancing U.S. interests and addressing global challenges.

Assistant Secretary Esther Brimmer

The Assistant Secretary’s schedule includes meetings at Emory University on global health issues, with leaders of Atlanta’s LGBT community, and speeches at Spelman College and the Atlanta World Affairs Council. She will also meet with NGOs and American Jewish organizations at the Greater Jewish Federation of Atlanta.

For updates, follow Assistant Secretary Brimmer on Twitter: @State_IO.

Morehouse College Glee Club Makes Harris Debut, Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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The Harris Theater for Music and Dance will co-present the Morehouse College Glee Club, as it celebrates its monumental 100th Anniversary season. The Morehouse College Glee Club and the renowned Morehouse College Glee Club Quartet will make its Harris Theater debut on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 7:30 pm with “the stirring and soulful performances that have earned the ensembles a reputation for excellence.”

Morehouse College Glee Club

Under the direction of Dr. David Morrow, the nation’s only African-American, all-male glee club is recognized throughout the world for their impassioned performances at such momentous occasions as Martin Luther King, Jr.’s funeral; President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration; Super Bowl XXVIII; the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta with Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan and Trisha Yearwood; as part of the soundtrack for the movie School Daze, directed by Morehouse alumni Spike Lee; and most recently at the dedication of the Dr. King Monument on the National Mall.

Performance tickets are priced at $35 and $50; VIP tickets (which include a special pre-concert reception and the performance) are $150. Tickets are available at the Harris Theater box office located in Millennium Park at 205 E. Randolph Dr., by calling 312-334-7777 or by visiting www.harristheaterchicago.org.

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