FAMU SBI Alumna Releases New Book, ‘The Sister Accord: 51 Ways To Love Your Sister’

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumna Sonia Jackson Myles said she hopes readers of her new e-book, The Sister Accord:  51 Ways To Love Your Sister, will understand that love and respect can rule the day in relationships among girls and women.

“So much of what we see in the media tends to be negative, and this book sets the standard for how we should treat each other,” said Jackson Myles. “ It’s simple, yet profound.  I always say ‘Imagine a world where girls and women everywhere are living the principles of The Sister Accord and 51 Ways.  When we come together and fully understand the power of Sisterhood, amazing things can be accomplished!”

Sonia Jackson Myles

The Sister Accord, The Promise That Will Transform Your Life! is a resolution for girls and women that inspires them to have positive, supportive and loving relationships with each other.  The principles of The Sister Accord have been woven into the fabric of the 51 Ways To Love Your Sister to give girls and women tangible tools and methods for establishing strong relationships with each other.  Additionally, Jackson Myles has used the power of imagery to bring the ways to life in a manner that will connect with girls and women from every part of the world.

Celebrity sisters, such as Mikki Taylor, Tasha Smith, Tatyana Ali, Shaun Robinson, Hoda Kotb and many other highly successful women share their insights on the importance of sisterhood in the book.

“When God gives the vision, he will certainly give the provision,” she said. “Through faith and perseverance, I was able to stay focused on the goal and bring my dream to life.”

Jackson Myles, a native of Saginaw, Mich., earned her bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1989 from the School of Business and Industry.  She received an MBA with a concentration in marketing from FAMU in 1990.

“Anyone who knows me knows how much I love FAMU,” she said. “FAMU is where I found my voice!  FAMU is where I first began to walk in my purpose of compassionate service to others.  FAMUans are the reason why I was able to take something I literally saw in a dream, and bring it to life.  From my photographer, to the stylist and creative directors, to the models and volunteers, FAMUans asked, ‘What do you need?’ And when I answered, they immediately went into action.  That’s why I’m so glad I’m from FAMU!  We love each other and we support each other.  You can’t teach these principles; the kind of love that FAMUans have for each other is embedded into the fabric of the culture of the University.  We have to commit to ensuring we keep this legacy of love alive. ”

Jackson Myles’ Sister Accord has become a global, grassroots movement.  She served as a speaker at the 2010 Essence Music Festival in which thousands, in the audience, joined her in reciting “The Sister Accord.”
Jackson Myles was named one of ESSENCE magazine’s 25 Women of Power in 2008, was selected as a History Maker by Bloomberg News in 2009, and was awarded the 2010 Trumpet Award Foundation’s Women in High Heels Award.  In 2011, she was named one of Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top Executives in Marketing and Advertising and was inducted into the FAMU School of Business and Industry’s Hall of Fame.

As a successful corporate purchasing executive with more than 20 years of experience, she is a renowned thought leader on diversity issues and mentors many, including corporate executives and minority and women-owned businesses.

Jackson Myles is also an advocate for youth and women and has worked diligently for decades to encourage and inspire both groups through the creation of mentoring and professional development programs.

In 2010, she served as the keynote speaker during the FAMU Homecoming Convocation and was presented with the President’s Award.

A portion of the proceeds from her e-book will be donated to The Sister Accord Foundation, which has three global areas of focus:  educating girls and women, enlightening girls and women of the power of sisterhood, and eradicating bullying and violence against girls and women.

“The Sister Accord:  51 Ways To Love Your Sister” is now available on iTunes, in their iBookstore, for digital download and the printed version will be available this spring.

T.I. and Tiny: Family Hustle – 60/40

Posted by Arielle Neblett
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It’s ladies night on T.I. and Tiny: Family Hustle! While T.I. is hard at work on his next album, Tiny and Shekinah Jo have come up with an business plan that will take the hairdressing world by storm… Maybe…Possibly…once they work out who gets what.

Meet Shekinah, the next Madame CJ Walker!

The new invention, which hasn’t even been named yet, is designed to shorten the length of time under the dryer. Tiny thinks this a wonderful idea and after seeing a successful trial of the product, wants a hand in the operation.

However, during this initial trial run,  Shekinah cuts her hand and the paramedics are called. She is rushed to the hospital but as it turns out,  Shekinah was being her usually over dramatic self. The cut was nearly microscopic, but to Shekinah it was a mortal wound.

After Shekinah’s life is saved, everybody goes back to business. The ladies find themselves divided on how to split the profits. Shekinah says 50/50; Tiny says 60/40.

After discussing her business proposition with T.I.,  he lets her know right away he doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Zonnique and little Major also chime in and inform Mommy that it may not be the best decision. Tiny and Shenikah still can’t come to an agreement, so they seek the help of a mediator.

With the opinionated ladies at odds, the mediator was not able to do much mediating. Profanity and insults were thrown all across the room but within due time, the agreement of a 44/56 deal was made, with Tiny getting the 56 %.

T.I.  isn’t having his wife’s problems when it comes to working with a friend. T.I. and R&B star Usher have collaborated on a new track that both think is going to be a major hit. We’re definitely looking forward to hearing their work.

HBCUs from Alabama and Georgia Unite for Festival of Spirituals

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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More than five hundred students from Southern historically black colleges and universities gathered Sunday in Huntsville. They paid tribute to former slaves and plantation workers through songs.

Several choirs gathered in Huntsville to pay tribute to their ancestors. (WAFF)

Those groups included Oakwood University, Alabama A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, Alabama State University, Miles College, Talladega College and Stillman College.

Oakwood’s Roy Malcolm coordinated the Festival of Spirituals. He said they’re not celebrating the pain and suffering, but symbolizing the freedom and liberty.

“When the slaves were depressed they had nothing to fall back on except their spirit to keep going, so they invented these songs that we call spirituals,” said Malcolm.

Dr. Richard Harrington, former mayor of Birmingham, organized the Festival of Spirituals in the 70’s, but when he became mayor, the musical faded away.

That’s when Oakwood University stepped in and kept the African American musical tradition and heritage alive.

“We’re trying to preserve them, that’s one of the purpose of this program to preserve the spirituals because we consider this a very special art form,” said Malcolm.

By the way, WAFF 48 News anchor Liz Hurly was the mistress of ceremonies for the event.

(WAFF)

FAMU SGA President/VP Posts Remain Undecided

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Florida A&M’s Supreme Court, will begin court proceedings, Monday at 4 p.m. in the Student Senate Chambers, in regards to the disqualification of both McCorvey/Williams and Sider SGA Presidential tickets.

Both tickets have appealed the Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify them from the 2012-2013 Student Election race. They allege that the point system used in the 2012 -2013 Student Election was unapproved by Student Senate.

According to FAMU’s Student Body Constitution Election Code Section 603 C., “The point system, including the maximum point limit, must be approved by the Student Senate with 2/3 of all those present and voting in order to go into effect.”

Both parties allege that there were not enough Senators in attendance to approve the Electoral Commission’s point system.

Active Chief Justice Louis Jean-Baptiste, a third-year political science student from Palm Beach, who will preside over these proceedings, has issued a “Writ of Mandamus” to each ticket.

“Both candidates must prove that they did not intentionally withhold this information,” said Baptiste.

If the Supreme Court overturns the Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify these tickets and invalidate the race, then, according to Chapter 605, section 605.2 of the Student Body Constitution Election Code, a New Election will take place.

As of now, winners for the 2012-2013 SGA Student Body President and Vice President positions have not been declared according to memorandum submitted by Dean Kirby of Student Affairs.

(The Famuan)

2012 SIAC Basketball All-Conference & All-Academic Teams Announced

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announces the 2012 SIAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball All-Conference Teams as voted on by the SIAC Basketball Coaches Association.

The men’s team is led by 2012 SIAC Player of the Year Marcus Goode of Benedict College. Goode, a native of Chapin, SC, led the SIAC in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots during the regular season, averaging 18.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, which currently ranks sixth in Division II, and 2.3 blocks per game. The 6-foot-10, 260-pound junior center was also sixth with a .530 field goal percentage on his way to being named the conference’s top player for the second time in as many seasons.

Leading the way for the women’s team is 2012 SIAC Player of the Year Jasmine Birdsong of Fort Valley State University. Birdsong, a native of Sparta, GA, averaged 10.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, which includes a conference-leading 4.4 offensive rebounds per game. The 5-foot-11 senior forward helped lead the Lady Wildcats to the SIAC regular season title and number one seed in the conference tournament.

Men’s newcomer of the year is Miles College guard Eric Lipkin. Lipkin led all newcomers in scoring with 14.7 points per game which ranked sixth in the SIAC and was the league’s second-leading assist man at 4.3 per game. The 6-foot-1 senior from Birmingham, AL was the third-leading free throw shooter in the SIAC at 83.3 %, ranked fifth with 1.9 steals per game, and was second with 61 three-pointers made (2.4 per game).

Kentucky State University guard Jasmine Davis is the newcomer of the year for the women. Davis was the conference’s sixth-leading scorer, averaging 14.7 points per game. The 5-foot-7 junior from Cincinnati, OH shot 84.5 % from the free throw line and 45.7 % from behind the arc, both of which led the SIAC, while averaging three assists per game which ranked eighth in the conference.

Paine College guard Kedric Taylor was named freshman of the year for the men. Taylor, a 6-foot native of Orlando, FL, led all SIAC freshmen with 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 53.2 % from the field, which also led all freshmen. He was also one of seven players in all of Division II to record a triple-double this season.

For the women, Albany State University guard April Thomas was named freshman of the year after leading the SIAC in scoring at 18.5 points per game, becoming the second consecutive freshman to lead the conference in this category. The 5-foot-1 guard from Bainbridge, GA shot 35.5 % from behind the arc which ranked fourth in the SIAC while hitting three three-pointers per game which ranked second.

Men’s Coach of the Year is Leon Douglas of Tuskegee University. Douglas led the Golden Tigers to a share of the regular season title with a 16-8 record in the SIAC, 16-10 overall.

Cassandra Moorer of Stillman College was named Women’s Coach of the Year after leading Stillman to a 17-5 record in the SIAC, 19-7 overall. The Lady Tigers finished the regular season in second place after being picked seventh in the preseason.

2012 SIAC Men’s Basketball All-Conference Team & Superlatives
Name                      Height  Class                Pos.     School

Marcus Goode              6-10      Junior               C          Benedict College

Royce Hamilton             6-6        Senior             G/F       Clark Atlanta University

Terrance Bowman          6-4        Junior            G          Claflin University

Teshawn Byron              6-6        Senior             G          LeMoyne-Owen College

Calvin Stoudemire         6-7        Senior             F          LeMoyne-Owen College

Eric Lipkin                     6-1        Senior              G          Miles College

Andrae Nelson              6-6        Junior             C          Morehouse College

Ladarius Rhone             6-5        Junior            F          Stillman College

Joshua Eichelberger      6-5        Senior           F          Tuskegee University

Calvin Thomas              6-0        Junior            G          Tuskegee University

Player of the Year: Marcus Goode, Benedict College

Newcomer of the Year: Eric Lipkin, Miles College
Freshman of the Year: Kedric Taylor, Paine College

Coach of the Year: Leon Douglas, Tuskegee University

2012 SIAC Women’s Basketball All-Conference Team & Superlatives
Name                           Height  Class                Pos.     School

April Thomas                 5-1        Freshman          G          Albany State University

Santera Grooms            5-10      Junior               G/F       Benedict College

Conisha Hicks               5-3        Sophomore       G          Clark Atlanta University

La’Quisha Lewis            6-0        Junior               C          Clark Atlanta University

Jasmine Birdsong         5-11      Senior               F          Fort Valley State University

Jasmine Davis              5-7        Junior               G          Kentucky State University

Shonice Sprouse           5-9        Senior               G          LeMoyne-Owen College

Sammeika Thomas        6-2        Senior             F/C       Miles College

Jamila McKinnis            5-11      Senior              F          Stillman College

Phyllice Eubanks           5-9        Senior               F          Stillman College

Player of the Year: Jasmine Birdsong, Fort Valley State University

Newcomer of the Year: Jasmine Davis, Kentucky State University

Freshman of the Year: April Thomas, Albany State University

Coach of the Year: Cassandra Moorer, Stillman College

2012 SIAC Men’s Basketball All-Academic Team

Name                           Class                Major                           GPA     School

Dequan Nesbit              Senior               Business Management   3.93      LeMoyne-Owen College

Julius Taylor                  Sophomore       Chemical Engineering    3.77      Tuskegee University

Anthony Collier              Senior               Mathematics                 3.47      Lane College

Nick Jones                    Senior               Mathematics                 3.43      Lane College

Lucius Winston              Junior               Business Administration            3.42      Tuskegee University

2012 SIAC Women’s Basketball All-Academic Team

Name                           Class                Major                           GPA     School

Chanel Chase                Senior               Business Administration            4.00      Miles College

Jamila McKinnis            Senior               Biology                         4.00      Stillman College

Brandi Haynes               Junior               Middle Grades Ed.        3.82      Fort Valley State University

Angel Hornsburger        Senior               Physical Education        3.75      Lane College

Dawnieka Green            Senior               Physical Education        3.71      Lane College

NCCU To Host 16th Annual Helen S. Miller Lectureship and Luncheon

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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The North Carolina Central University Department of Nursing will host the 16th Annual Helen S. Miller Lectureship and Luncheon on Thursday, March 1, at the Nursing Building, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Dr. Debra J. Barksdale, associate professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is the guest speaker. Barksdale will speak from the topic, “Health Disparities.”

Debra J. Barksdale

A certified family nurse practitioner, adult nurse practitioner and nurse educator, Dr. Barksdale has more than 20 years of experience in such areas as urgent care, primary care home care and care of the under-served. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and president-elect of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.

In 2010 she was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. She is the only nurse serving on the board.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Barksdale chairs the master’s executive committee, co-chairs the graduate faculty committee and is a member faculty development and faculty executive committee at the UNC-CH School of Nursing.

A graduate of University of Virginia, where she completed her bachelor’s degree, she holds a master’s degree from Howard University and a doctorate from the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on stress and cardiovascular disease in African-Americans.

(NCCU News)

Oakwood University a ‘pioneer’ with ISO 9001 certification

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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It won’t be long before there’s a new flag joining the others at the entrance to Oakwood University. Only this flag will be unlike any that will fly at any other university in the state.

Or any other Historically Black College or University anywhere.

To those in the local business community, though, it will be familiar. You see, the Seventh-day Adventist school has received ISO 9001 certification.

“This kind of makes us a pioneer,” said Tim Allston, Oakwood’s director of public relations.

Indeed it does.

In spite of all the government contracts won by the likes of UAH, Alabama A&M, Auburn and Alabama, Oakwood University is the first college or university in the state ISO registered.

So, what exactly is ISO 9001?

It is an internationally recognized standard for the quality management of businesses. “It makes us eligible to become a prime contractor for grants, not a sub,” said Marcia Burnette, Oakwood’s assistant vice president for development . “We can actually go and bid ourselves.”

She said it also provides an enhanced corporate imaging and marketing, assures better documentation and is a proven program for corrective and preventive actions.

(Alabama Live)

Man Gets 10 Years for Killing West Virginia State University Student

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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One man has pleaded guilty in the murder of an East End teenager five years ago, and a second will go on trial in June.

Prosecutors said Michael Mandrell Johnson, 20, of Marmet pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with the use of a firearm in the death of Leland Chace Miller, 17, near his Lewis Street home in 2007.

Miller was shot and killed just before he was to begin classes at West Virginia State University. Police were thwarted in their investigation because no one would talk about the incident.

Johnson and Marcus Dewayne Wesley, 25, of Renaissance Circle were indicted by a grand jury late last year. Both men were scheduled to go on trial this week for that murder.

Ed Rebrook, defense attorney for Wesley, requested a postponement of that trial in Kanawha Circuit Court Monday. Circuit Judge Charles King agreed and set the date for June 25.

(Charleston Daily Mail)

The Thirst is Real: Describing the Desperation in Detail

Posted by Kimberly Monroe
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“Can I offer you a drink?” A co-worker asked this question and I laughed during another experience of what is adequately described as  “the thirst.”

When it comes to dating, please don't listen to this guy.

“Thirsty” or “thirst” can be defined as a male or female that portrays a certain level of desperation to get what they want. Also, most commonly, it is their way to “do the most” in hopes of gaining attention.

Although nothing is wrong with wanting attention from someone you have interest in, the tactics used are what characterizes one as “thirsty.”

Liking someone no longer involves being up front, either. Everyone uses discreet ways of grabbing someone’s attention. For instance,  guys use the excuse of borrowing a female’s book for class as a way of pursuing more than just notes.

Social networks are the most common methods  used when wanting that glass of water. Examples are things such as: playing the numbers game on Facebook or Twitter, mentioning someone in a Tweet (Ex:  “S/O @SOULful_M– — USE, #NF #followback'”) or the new trend where people over-exaggerate with the greater-than sign (“@SOULful_Muse avi >>>>>>>>”). If they’re really bold, they send a direct message via Twitter or a Facebook message (“Check your DM, beautiful.”) Don’t you hate it when you forget that you’re logged into Facebook Chat and someone you don’t want to talk to hits you with a “Hi stranger.”  I’ve been a stranger for a reason! All these strategies exemplify a person suffering from dehydration.

What about the  member of your group project who you exchange numbers with and then out of the blue, you get a text message from him/her asking “WYD?” (What you doing?).  Is that not the most disturbing and questionable approach, especially after midnight? The group project is over, it’s late at night, why are you texting me? They are not asking for notes or what they missed in class, but  getting very personal and annoying.

I spoke with a male who wishes to remain anonymous, and asked him if he has ever been thirsty. His reply was  “yes, I’ve been thirsty; I did a lot of tricking.” Tricking is a term used to describe one’s method of spending money on another person because they have the money to do it.

I then asked him after all that tricking, do you feel like she was worth it all? He replied, “No, we did not work out.”  Some would call that being thirsty or a “sucka, others would call it just being nice and showing how much you are into someone.

In a number of situations, attempting to quench one’s’ thirst is not the case. Some are genuinely sincere in their approach and not looking for more than only borrowing your book. We all want to pass with an “A” right? Sometimes we can be looking too much into requests or compliments.

Many can attest and agree that the word “thirsty” has become very popular yet overused. Although we all have had our moments where we just need a sip to cool us down, some want a glass or two.  Therefore, stop looking for others to obey your thirst.

Former Plantation site to be turned into an Outlet Mall

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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The site of a former Maryland plantation field is on route to become an 85-store outlet mall, and local black residents of the area are speaking out against it.

Residents of the Prince George County community in Maryland are displeased with the thought of a renowned historic cite of black resistance to slavery being stripped of its connection to Black history and to the Civil War for “economic development opportunity”.

Salubria, the name of an ex-plantation cite in Maryland, is where a 14-year-old slave girl name Judith poisoned her master’s children, and was later sentenced to death. The event took place in 1834, and she is believed to be influenced by Nat Turner’s slave rebellion in South Hampton, Va. in 1831. The young insurgent is listed in the Maryland Archive as the first Maryland woman who was reported to have resisted slavery, and may be the youngest woman ever to be executed in the United States.

It is yet another “tragic event in the story of Salubria,” according to some of the local residents. Bonnie Bick, organizer of the Reinvest in the Heart of Oxon Hill, Maryland, says that the former plantation cite is eligible to be registered as an historical marker but instead, the cite where many Black residents gain pride from is being promoted as a place for the community to shop.

“We [the community] were reviewing archeological information that said Salubria was eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.The vote was taken by the Historic Preservation Commission to take away, not to nominate it for the national register, but to take away its entire historic designation,” said Bick.

“What really gets me is that Milt Peterson—the developer—purchased [the] National Harbor property for $10.3 million, and he’s already gotten $500 million subsidy for his entrances and exits from the taxpayer. So, it just seems so wrong for them to take away the Black history, and subsidize it with taxpayer money. It would have a tremendously negative impact on a Black neighborhood,” Bick said.

The historic landmark is now designated to become commercial development property after an early January vote by the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission. County Park and Planning Staff concluded that the best way for the site to be preserved is through archaeological removal since the site has “few remaining physical structures that can be restored or preserved.”

“I’m an African-American woman, and I’m sick of my history being obliterated. Nothing that matters to African Americans has been preserved,” said Joyce Hawkins, a 69-year-old Tantallon, Maryland resident.

Commissioner Robert H. Schnabel said it was “unfortunate” that the structures on the land had not been maintained properly, but what seems to be more unfortunate is the fact that an historic landmark that is deeply rooted in Black Americans’ perseverance through slavery will be ripped to shreds for the purpose of what the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission sees as an opportunity for lucrative expansion.

Alcorn State Fired Head Football Coach

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Alcorn State University’s mistake, Percy Norwood said, has now been rectified.

Melvin Spears, former Alcorn State University football coach.

Melvin Spears, the school’s controversial, boastful and recently suspended football coach, was fired this week.

“Sometimes in life you make mistakes,” said Norwood, president of Alcorn State’s national alumni association. “You have to accept that. We made a mistake. We’re rectifying it.”

Also on Friday, Alcorn announced the hiring of Patric Simon from Langston University in Oklahoma City as the school’s athletic director. Simon takes a job that was vacant for nearly a year.

Spears’ firing wasn’t all that surprising – it came more than a month after The Clarion-Ledger reported in January that Spears’ faced a pre-termination hearing.

Still, it was met by a roaring applause when Alcorn President Christopher Brown made the announcement in front of several hundred purple-and-gold clad Alcornites who attended Friday’s alumni conference at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

“You show your knowledge and character, or you go from the Alcorn campus,” Brown bellowed to an applauding audience.

Just a year ago, Alcorn fans cheered in the downtown Jackson Marriott when Spears’ hiring was announced.

That seems so long ago.

In between, Spears, who did not return a call seeking comment, had one tumultuous ride in Lorman.

The Braves won just two games and lost eight in a season rife with bumps. There was a preseason, on-campus argument with a player’s father, sagging attendance (Alcorn got a combined 3,000 at its final two home games), the dismissal of once-star quarterback Brandon Bridge and a season-ending 51-7 loss to rival Jackson State University.

The result: the school’s fifth different coach in the last six years.

Todd McDaniel, the team’s defensive line coach and a former Wingfield High School coach, is taking over in the interim, but a national search to replace Spears will be conducted.

This is the second time in six years Spears has been fired by a school.

Two years ago, Spears was awarded about $600,000 in a wrongful termination suit against Grambling State University, which fired the coach in 2006 after three seasons.

Spears has two years left on a contract at Alcorn paying him about $130,000 yearly. But Brown said Spears was terminated “with cause” and that he isn’t owed any of the money.

Asked what Spears did, Brown said Spears violated the school’s “code of conduct” but did not get more specific.

(Clarion-Ledger)

Hazing: A Practice Gone Wrong

Posted by Qiyas Smith
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NORFOLK, Va. — “No parent expects to send their child to a campus and get them back in a coffin,” said Wayne Dawkins, a professor a Hampton University. This quote took the audience’s attention at the anti-hazing forum hosted by Norfolk State University.

Spike Lee plays HalfPint in "School Daze", the first movie to depict Black Greek Life.

The forum, “National Task Force on Anti-Hazing,” took place at the 14th annual National HBCU Student News Media Conference. During the forum, representatives from Florida A&M University’s The Famuan and Southern University’s The Southern Digest joined The Gramblinite’s Jessieca Gafford.

“Our students wanted nothing to do with us [after reporting on the hazing incident],” said Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez, editor-in-chief for The Famuan. Robert Champion, a 26-year-old drum major of FAMU’s “Marching 100,” Champion, was reportedly beaten by an organization associated with the band as an initiation process. He died within the hour.

When The Famuan published the story, the staff received a massive amount of backlash. “People aren’t going to like what you’re saying even if it’s the truth,” Rodriguez-Jimenez continued. “People are failing to realize that we have a job,” said Kristin Broner, a writer for The Famuan.

“The role of the media is to tell the truth. We’re not here to make people look good.” Broner continued, saying that people are more concerned with the negative things their newspaper prints, rather than the positive. “If we turn a blind eye to something just because it portrays our school in a negative light, we’re no longer credible,” Broner said.

Although Champion’s death was publicized, FAMU isn’t the only school associated with the hazing process.

“[Students] weren’t surprised,” said Evan Taylor, editor-in-chief of The Southern Digest, when speaking on their previous hazing incident. The incident left three students hospitalized with two landing in intensive care. Seven students were arrested and kicked out of school because of the incident. Because of this, the Southern Jukebox has implemented an anti-hazing contract.

“The band culture can be more powerful than the Greek culture,” said Erica Taylor. “Some schools are centered around the band. If LSU’s band is dismantled, they’ll be fine. If Southern’s band is dismantled, they’re closing their doors.”

Gafford talked about another problem associated with hazing. “At Grambling State, we take ‘no snitching’ to a new level,” she said. Gafford noted that students are more concerned with staying on the good side of the Greek-letter organizations than being willing to speak out against something they know is wrong.

Some students think if they speak on others, or themselves getting hazed, they won’t have a chance to join any Greek-letter organization. Despite the fact that people have died as a result of hazing, she doesn’t believe that it would stop it from occurring. “We know something else is going to happen,” said Gafford.

The panelists delivered this message (and most in the audience agreed): If you are hazed, or know of someone getting hazed, speak out. It won’t stop if nothing is done.

Toyota pledges $75,000 for Medgar Evers statue at Alcorn State University

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Toyota says it will contribute $75,000 toward the effort to build a bronze statue of Medgar Wiley Evers at Alcorn State University.

Wil James, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, made the announcement Friday.

The 50th anniversary of the June 12, 1963, assassination of Evers is next year. Alcorn State has begun a campaign to raise funds to build a statue honoring Evers, who graduated there in 1952.

John H. Jones, national chairman for the Medgar Evers Statue Campaign, has said the group hopes to raise $200,000 to $250,000 by August so the statue can be finished in time for a Black History Month event in February 2013.

The statue is expected to be placed on campus outside the university’s new dormitories, the Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village.

(The Commercial Appeal)

Hampton’s Jericka Jenkins Named to Academic All-America ® Team

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Hampton University senior guard Jericka Jenkins was named to the 2012 Capital One Academic All-America ® Division I Women’s Basketball Third Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Jenkins (Lancaster, Texas), a Criminology/Criminal Justice major with a 3.71 GPA, has started in 24 games for the Lady Pirates this season. This is the first time that Jenkins has been named to the Capital One Academic All-America® Women’s basketball Division I Third Team.

Jericka Jenkins of Hampton University's Lady Pirates Basketball team (Hampton Pirates/Capitol One)

She is averaging 13.7 points a game and 7.9 assists per game, which ranks first in the NCAA in assists per game. She is also 14th in the NCAA in assist-turnover ratio (2.33). Jenkins is just the second player in program history to have 500 career assists.   Jenkins currently has 589 career assists, which is second in school history and a Div. I program record.

(Hampton Pirates)

Alpha Phi Alpha Brother Clears The Air about Suspension at Johnson C. Smith University

Posted by Langston Vincent
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The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. chapter was recently suspended from the campus of Johnson C. Smith University. The suspension came about after the chapter had been accused of underground pledging, which has been abolished by the fraternity. Many opinions on the matter were expressed and feelings were thrown out in the open, but how did members of the fraternity react?

A brother of Alpha Phi Alpha at Johnson C. Smith has stated that JCSU President Carter exposed too much of the fraternity's business to the public.

Graduating senior Kamil Gailiard, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, sat down and expressed his feelings regarding what has been the latest breaking story on campus. Kamil has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for three years now and is very dedicated in committing his time to the community.

Kamil explained his concerns regarding the suspension stating “I feel like Dr. Carter [president of Johnson C. Smith University] exposed too much private information to the campus, let alone the community.”

The fraternity known for its outstanding leadership and community work is now left with unanswered questions of what is going to happen now and why. Kamil explained how the judicial board was both unethical and unlawful. “The judicial board was very unethical, they did not grant us due process and the judgment changed based on Dr. Carter’s emotions,” Kamil stated passionately as you can begin to hear the sincerity in his voice.

So where does this leave the fraternity? “And with the amount of evidence found, [we should not have been suspended for] all acts,” said Kamil. This fraternity is still in good standing regarding its past history with JCSU, as several past SGA presidents were members of the organization.

“Right now we are building back our community’s faith [in us], for those who lost it in Alpha Phi Alpha and [we’re] working towards getting its strength and passion to help with the work of the Democratic National Convention.” As stated by Kamil, only the future knows what is next for this outstanding fraternity.