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

Posted by HBCU Editors
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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

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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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

Posted by Kenneth Ware Jr
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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.

The Game: Matchmaker, Matchmaker…Mind Your Business

Posted by Arielle Neblett
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Irv really knows how to make people feel comfortable.

Tasha and Melanie are seated in the same skybox to watch the San Diego Sabers play, which makes for an awkward situation since the two are not on speaking terms. Tasha stoops to childish tactics and throws a piece of shrimp at Melanie. These two have a childish, petty feud but it seems to be fueling the show’s ratings.

And finally, “The Game” has something to do with…you know…a game. At one point, one could easily forget that this all centers around football.

As Janae, the mother of Derwin’s son, arrives in the sky-box, Melanie tries to make peace with her by making conversation and sitting with her. When Janae’s new romantic interest Noah joins them, Melanie invites the couple over for cocktails and dinner.

During dinner, Derwin’s obnoxious manager, Irv stops by and makes a very crude comment about African-American stereotypes, referring to the fact that Derwin has a child with Janae but is married to Melanie. As Janae and Melanie slip away from the dinner table, Janae announces that she and her beau Noah are engaged but begs Melanie not to tell Derwin.

However, once the couple leaves Derwin discloses the fact that he can’t stand Noah. Melanie decides to have a “truth moment” and asks Derwin if the reason he doesn’t like Noah is because he wants Janae for himself, of course Derwin denies Melanie’s allegations but once Melanie drops Janae’s secret, its obvious the news isn’t sitting well with Derwin.

T.T. is urging Tasha to get her groove back, even if it means having to hire someone to make that happen. Tasha can’t imagine paying for sex and picks up a guy the old fashion way- at the bar.

Tasha ends up having a one-night stand with her pick up but as it turns out he is a “sex therapist” and charges very heavily for what he does. Once Tasha refuses to pay, he lets her know that with one phone call she could be chopped to pieces lying in a trash bag. Tasha ends up paying him for his services and he proceeds about his merry way.

Bennett College President Dr. Julianne Malveaux Resigns

Posted by Robert Hoggard
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Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Bennett College's 15th President resigns

Political pundit, economist, and columnist Julianne Malveaux, Ph.D. has resigned from her position as President of Bennett College. Amid troubling allegations and speculation, the 15th President announced to the Bennett College community on February 28 that she would be leaving her role to “pursue other challenges.” Her resignation will be effective on May 6 and Esther Terry, Ph.D. the current Chief Academic Officer and a Bennett College alumna, will assume the interim position on May 7.

For most, this is a bittersweet end to a tumultuous but productive and effective run as President.

Outside of Bennett, Dr. Malveaux is recognized nationally as an author and popular public speaker, but when she walked the historic campus, she was simply Dr. J.

And Dr. J is one powerful woman. Since assuming the position of President in 2007, Dr. Malveaux was determined to leave Bennett better than when she found her. Her signature phrase “on fire for Bennett” can’t begin to describe her lasting impact. In five years, she turned Bennett College from an unknown women’s institution in Greensboro, North Carolina to a headline on CNN’s Black in America.

In an effort to encourage students to excel, Dr. Malveaux instituted the “Lift Every Voices” series, which brings prominent speakers to the campus; since 2007, students have welcomed Anita Hill, Maya Angelou, Terry McMillan, the Reverend Marcia Dyson, and even Bill Cosby, who was summoned to speak at Dr. Malveaux’s request.

Her leadership also extended into our academics and retention rate. Dr. Malveaux increased enrollment to more than 735 students in 2009 and enhanced the learning curriculum with a focus on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, excellence in communications, and global awareness.

In order to increase revenue to the college, Dr. Malveaux seemed to realize that we must enhance our campus. After two decades of inactivity, Dr. Malveaux completed a $21 million program which allowed the campus to erect new buildings while also renovating other facilities. She also created a 2020 Master Plan, which included construction of a high-tech library and newer dormitories.

But all triumphs are accompanied with challenges.

Students protested on the lawn of her campus home and released the “Concerned Belles” letter, detailing their troubles with her as President and her nonchalance about our biggest issues. In 2011, Bennett was placed on accreditation probate with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for fiscal instability; this was a direct blow to all that Dr. Malveaux was attempting to correct. However, under her leadership, Bennett’s accreditation was reaffirmed through 2014 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Dr. Malveaux’s favorite quote is “History belongs to she who holds the pen.” She has certainly left her mark on Bennett and because of her foundation, the college will continue to flourish and become the institution it is meant to be.

In recognition of all that Dr. Malveaux has accomplished, she will be named President Emerita of Bennett College at the May 6 commencement. Between now and then, Dr. Malveaux will use the remaining months focusing on fundraising for the institution. Dr. Terry will handle the responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the college with Dr. James Dixon, Chief Administrative Officer.

Alcorn State Alum & Green Bay Packer Donald Driver to Participate in Dancing with the Stars

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Donald Driver. (Getty Images)

Donald Driver, a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, is looking forward to bringing his “smile” and his “character” to the dance floor of “Dancing With The Stars” and says a Mirror Ball Trophy would pair up well with the one his team earned for winning the Super Bowl last year.

The 37-year-old football player was announced as a new cast member of the 14th season of the ABC ballroom dancing show on Tuesday, February 28, on “Good Morning America.” Driver is paired up with pro dancer Peta Murgatroyd. They have already begun rehearsing.

Driver was drafted by the Packers after finishing his football career at Alcorn State University in 1999. The team won the Super Bowl in 2011, marking its first victory since 1997.

(OTRC)

 

North Carolina Central Approves Restructuring Academic Programs

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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After a report on academic degree duplication last year failed to find concrete proposals for restructuring academic programs, several UNC-system schools are taking on the task themselves.

N.C. Central University became the first UNC-system school to approve significant changes to its academic programs Friday.

NCCU’s Board of Trustees approved the elimination of four majors and the consolidation of 10 majors into five, said NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms. The changes were passed after receiving input from students, faculty and staff, and will go into effect pending final approval from the system’s Board of Governors.

To read more, visit The Daily Tar Heel 

Basketball Wives: Miami Season 4 Episode 2

Posted by Arielle Neblett
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Every Monday at 8pm on VH1

Evelyn is planning her big day! However, there are a few technical difficulties that make the wedding planning a little harder. One problem is she doesn’t know who will walk her down the aisle.

Traditionally, the father gives their daughter away but as we learned last season, Evelyn and her father have an estranged relationship. Although he is reaching out to her to make things better, she isn’t sure they are quite at the point where she can include him in something so special. Evelyn’s brother-in-law Anthony may be the perfect one for such a big responsibility.

Currently battling cancer, Anthony is like a brother to Evelyn. However, with his ailing health, the family does not know if he will be able to attend the wedding.

But the wedding may not even go on if her fiancé  Chad OchoCinco doesn’t get his act together. Recently, rumors have been swirling about possible infidelity. To compromise the situation Evelyn asks Ocho to keep it real with her and let him know what he is doing on the road, even if he isn’t faithful, so she wont be in the dark.

Evelyn isn’t the only one whose love life is in a crisis. Royce is in now in a relationship with a football player who makes her happier than she’s ever been. But her father does not approve and wants her to focus on her career and mold her acting skills. The disagreement has caused the two not to be on speaking terms. Royce’s career has started to take off as she landed a role in a play in New York City.

The new girl Kenya has a series of music videos on Youtube that has the rest of the cast talking. The videos, which seem a little strange, do not sit well with the ladies and Suzie described Kenya as looking “possessed by a demon” in one. Kenya wants to shoot a music video at a popular New York spot but the price of the venue is not her in budget, she asks Keisha for her help but Keisha does not want to be a part of anything “mediocre.” The verdict is still out on whether she has the talents to be considered an “artist.”

We’ll let you be the judge.

The CIAA is Looking to Expand, Gain Even More Success

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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The CIAA tournament has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade and interim Commissioner Peggy Davis has no plans to let that momentum slip.

Her goal is to build a stronger CIAA.

This week the conference comprised mostly of historically black colleges and universities celebrates its 100th year anniversary when its signature events – the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments – descend on Charlotte.

Games, as well as the parties that come with it, begin Tuesday and will last throughout the week.

Davis says the conference’s goals moving forward include possible expansion, increasing the scholarship money given back to the existing schools and continuing to build on the remarkable growth the CIAA Tournament has enjoyed since coming to Charlotte by continuing to draw in more business support in the community.

Last year the CIAA Tournament generated a $44.3 million economic impact for Charlotte, a 19 percent increase over 2010. That’s more than last year’s ACC and Big Ten basketball tournaments combined.

In 2008, the CIAA made a big step forward in terms of diversity, adding Chowan University, a mostly white school to the conference after losing schools who tested the waters at the Division I level. Last year Winston-Salem State and Lincoln University rejoined the conference, bringing the total back to 12 schools.

“We would like to expand if the situation is right,” Davis said. “That is the direction the NCAA is heading. Our main goal is try to provide opportunities for students and athletics and if expanding can enhance that, we will do it.”

Read more at Sports Illustrated

Judge Hatchett Encourages Grambling State Audience

Posted by Qiyas Smith
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In honor of Black History Month, Judge Glenda Hatchett visited Grambling State University’s campus. Showing off her bedazzled cast, Judge Hatchett put to rest the rumors of “jumping off the bench and kicking someone’s butt.”

Judge Hatchett visits Grambling State University for Black History Month (Katrina Harris/The Gramblinite)

“I wasn’t going to let a broken foot stop me from being here,” she said.

Before showing her knowledge of Grambling’s history, she wanted the audience to be sure that they are aware of the trials and tribulations of their ancestors. “We need to be clear about where we come from so we can be extremely clear on where we’re going,” she preached. “Millions of people watch me on TV day in and day out but I’m clear on how I got here. I got here through God’s mercy.”

“One-third of every black male will spend time in jail,” said Judge Hatchett, speaking on a study previously conducted. “That may be the study’s prediction but that does not have to be our reality. There’s work to do. We have to start uplifting each other.”

Judge Hatchett wanted the audience to be clear on their goals and aspirations. She told the audience to stand, close their eyes and proudly state their dream career. After asking a few students what their dream career is, she motivated them. “Haters are going to rob you of your dreams,” she said. “Dream bold, significant dreams. The world needs you to be magnificent, not timid.”

To continue motivating the audience, Judge Hatchett reminisced on her childhood. She spoke on a teacher who told her that Blacks couldn’t get new books. Furious at the fact that she has to be stuck with a book with missing pages, an angry 6-year-old Hatchett ran to her father. He then gave her a crayon and told her to write her story. Although she didn’t understand at the time, it is a message she lives by today. “When it gets hard, they’re going to be pages torn,” she said. “When you get to those books, write your own story.”

“My grandmother never seen the inside of a college,” said Judge Hatchett. “My mother cleaned floors to pay for college. I don’t get it twisted. My parents and grandparents sacrificed for me to be at this place.”

Judge Hatchett was clear that our society needs to be more appreciative of what our ancestors have sacrificed for us. “My mama and daddy prayed for me when I didn’t have enough sense to pray for myself,” she said.

Fashion is an Art!

Posted by Kimberly Monroe
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As college women from all over the world, we as Grambling State tigers came together with an assortment of unique styles. From tailored blazers and tights, to UGG boots and scarves, we all have a passion for fashion. Its awesome how fashion is influenced by people from all over, all giving their own technique in the fashion world at GSU.

Fashion has been used to express one’s innermost feelings day by day. Some days, we as women feel like being in sweats. The next day, a high waist pencil skirt and silk shirt. That is only a mere example of how our feelings play in to how we dress at times.

What effects do materials actually have on our outlook on life? Or how do we feel others view us? It’s cool to want to be fly, but don’t allow your vanity to cause you to steer away from your main focus here in college.

Fashion changes along with the people, but don’t allow it to control you by being late for class because you spent a little extra time in the mirror.

You should want to feel fabulous about yourself, although if you don’t feel that way without substance you may want to reevaluate your life.

Be yourself, express yourself but try to remember we are only going to class everyday and there are other opportunities to get fancy. It’s not cute being a showstopper if you can’t even walk in the five inch heels you wore to class.

If clothes are a costume, who are you dressing up to be? Are you aspiring to be a First Lady like Michelle Obama or an ex stripper like Amber Rose? Both who share a great amount of television time but only one gains respect.

Fashion is an art and should be treated as such. Artists don’t copy, they are only inspired. Inspiration is gained from the environment. We are all artists, in what we wear, speak, and our gifts. Remember imitation is suicide

The word swag has become the biggest epidemic in the last year but who determines swag? Is it even important if no one credits you to have it? My guess is no. The people with swag printed on tee shirts, cars, or in their social media bios are only reassuring themselves.

No one needed to tell Kanye West he was fly for him to dress like he does. Trends aren’t necessary because as I stated before, trends change just like the weather. Don’t waste your money trying to be like the Basketball Wives because money can’t buy style!

 

Successful Senior Night for the Grambling Lady Tigers As They Defeat UAPB 85-56

Posted by Kev Keise
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For the first time all season Lady Tiger head coach Donnita Rogers started Markisha Patterson, Brittney Allen, Jasher Blocker, and Tonishea Mack all in the same game, for it would be their last time stepping foot in the Fred Hobdy Assembly Center as a player. The final home game for the Lady Tigers (13-13, 9-7 SWAC) 2011-2012 season concluded with Senior Night as they successfully blew out the Lady Golden Lions of the University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff (1-27, 1-16 SWAC) by the score of 85-56.

In her first start as a Lady Tiger, Patterson led the way scoring a career high 22 points, including five of nine 3-pointers.

Markita Quarles of UAPB fakes out Grambling State’s Jaysha Blocker on Saturday. (Special to The Commercial/Mike Adam)

“My family was here so I wanted to make them proud and I think I did by dropping 22,” Patterson said. “My shots felt good tonight, I ran the wing a lot tonight and that had a lot to do with me being able to catch and shoot.”

After the first 20 minutes the game was tightly contested, the Lady Tigers were up one with a score of 39-38. During the halftime break coach Rogers told her team to work on not letting UAPB hang around and in the second half, the Lady Tigers ran away with the game.

In the second half, UAPB Junior forward Jenise Gentry scored a lay-up for the Lady Golden Lions to cut the lead to 49-46 with about 14 minutes remaining, and the Lady Tigers responded with a 46-10 run to close out one of its best halves all season. Seven different players scored for the Lady Tigers during a six-minute, 22-0 run.

“It’s probably in my top three,” coach Donnita Rogers said about the second half. “I would go back to the Oral Roberts second half when we were down 15, came back, tied it within regulation and then only allowed them to score two points in overtime, and I liked the second half of the LSU game. It was 26-26, and we played our behinds off. I absolutely loved this second half as well.”

Freshman guard Cierra Ceazer opened the run with a 3-pointer, freshman forward Bria Venson scored again for the Lady Tigers and drew a foul, and senior guard Patterson hit another 3-pointer that put the Lady Tigers up 11 with a score of 57-46.

Junior guard Alexis Watson, freshman guard Savannah Carter, freshman guard Dayla Threatt and junior forward Wymeka Randle aided to the run before the Lady Golden Lions could register a single point.

UAPB’s scoring drought ended at the 7:57 mark with a basket from freshman guard Corredur Vaden, followed by Grambling’s senior guards Allen and Mack scoring the teams’ next 10 points making it a 32-2 run with a score of 81-48.

“That’s absolutely awesome, whenever you can share the ball like that and get good play from several different girls, especially freshmen,” Rogers said.

Mack scored 14 points, nine in the second half and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds. Allen scored all of her 7 points in the second half.

The 85 points scored by the Lady Tigers was the highest point total scored in conference play, its second-most in regulation and, second-most against a Division-I opponent.