Kyle O’Quinn helps Norfolk State beat Coppin State 74-66

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Kyle O’Quinn scored 24 points and grabbed 19 rebounds to lead Norfolk State over Coppin State 74-66 on Monday night.

Norfolk State, which shot 50.8 percent (31 of 62) is off to its best start in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play ever, and its seven-game win streak is the best since 1994-95.

The Spartans (14-5, 6-0) led by as many as 22, 61-39, on O’Quinn’s jumper with 9:25 left, in winning their seventh straight.

Norfolk State led 34-26 at halftime before going 17 of 29 from the floor (58.6 percent) in the second half. Helping Norfolk State’s hot shooting was 30 points in the paint and 25 points coming off 15 turnovers.

Pendarvis Williams added a career-high 25 points for Norfolk State.

The Eagles (8-10, 3-2) were led by Logan Wiens with 20 points and Antonio Williams with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Read more at the Washington Examiner

Virginia Union Panthers Defeat Virginia State Trojans 63-61 in the 17th Annual Freedom Classic

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Virginia Union Head Coach Luqman Jaaber is presented with the 2012 Freedom Classic trophy. (VUU Athletics)

Richmond, VA- Once again, two CIAA  schools battled on one of the biggest stages in HBCU Basketball. Once again, the result was the same, as it has been since 2002. The Virginia Union Panthers defeated the Virginia State Trojans, 63-61 at the 17th annual Freedom Classic.

The victory at the Freedom Classic was the 23rd consecutive win for the VUU Panthers over their state rival.  VUU’s men’s basketball team  has not lost to VSU since January 2002.

Junior Wesley Simmons was the top scorer for Virginia Union University with 18 points. Junior Calvin Brown had 16 points and 7 assists. The Panthers won the game because they took care of the ball, only turning the ball over 6 times. They also created scoring opportunities by scoring 9 points from causing 13 turnovers. Virginia Union’s bench players outscored Virginia State’s 16 to 4, led by 7 points from Cordero Holt. Holt delivered two monster dunks in the game, both which put Union up by double digits.

Although the Panthers secured the victory to improve to 8-10 on the season, it was no easy task. Despite their 2-14 record, Virginia State was able to keep it close late in the game, even locking the score dead even numerous times throughout the game.

Virginia State went into the half with a 35-34 lead but Virginia Union’s commitment to defense and hustling for the ball helped them pull away from the Trojans’ late game surge. VSU head coach Darryl Jacobs’ passion for his team bellowed throughout the arena, with his exuberant yells towards his players. His enthusiasm did erupt into irateness towards the officiating which resulted in a team technical foul in the second half.

Virginia State sophomore Khalil Tate was on fire early on, finishing with 19 points. “I knew this was a big rivalry so I brought my A game. The one thing I have to work on is bringing that energy every game,” said Tate. VSU’s Kenny Mitchell led all scorers with 21 points.

The 2012 Freedom Classic was not decided until the last seconds of the game, with the Trojans attempting to pull the upset. With 10.8 seconds to go, Virginia Union had a  63-61 lead. Virginia Union’s Juan Wilson blocked VSU’s Devonte Williams shot, but Khalil Tate grabbed the offensive rebound and called timeout. Kenny Mitchell shot and missed the three pointer at the end, and the victory was sealed for the Panthers.

Both coaches felt like their teams could have done better.  “Foul shooting is very important. We were not making our foul shots which was a big problem,” said Jacobs. Jacobs said his team cannot dwell on this loss but move forward.

Virginia Union head coach Luqman Jaaber  felt that different strategies weren’t executed on the court. “I keep telling my guys to do your homework. With success you get complacent. We have to remember what we’ve learned and get better at it,” said Jaaber. Jaaber also commented on his young team, stating that they have unity on and off the court.

The Virginia Union Panthers will be finishing their third game of a back to back to back on Monday, hosting another CIAA rival in Johnson C. Smith University. The VSU Trojans will travel to Glenville, WV to play Glenville State College.

The 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands Set to Celebrate 10th Anniversary with R&B star, Monica as Guest Performer

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Monica serves as The 2012 HBOB's Guest Performer! No doubt, that she will rock the top off of the dome on Saturday, January 28th, 2012. Photo Credit: http://soul11music.blogspot.com/2010/10/live-clip-love-all-over-me-here-i-am.html

            As we are mid-way into the month of January, it means that it’s almost that time of year again: The Honda Battle of the Bands!  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event which theme this year is “Homecoming”.

            Set to take place on January 28th, at the infamous Georgia Dome in Atlanta, it is expected that about 60,000 people will fill the stadium seats.  All from a variety of backgrounds, students from HBCUs, parents of students, family members, friends and supporters are sure to be among the crowd.

            This year may see an increase in people who attend for Atlanta native, Grammy Award winner, R&B singer-songwriter, Monica is scheduled to perform center field.  The singer’s latest upcoming album, entitled “New Life” will release in February.

            Those who know about The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) consider it the highly most anticipated and largest event of its kind.  Mainly, because there is not another program like it which supports and showcases the talent of marching bands within Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  For this reason it is recognized and nicknamed the “Superbowl for Black College Bands”.

            Not only does the event celebrate the heritage, history and showmanship of marching bands among HBCUs, but it’s also the National Music Scholarship Program which supports programs targeted for HBCU music education.

            Each year, only eight institutions are selected.  This year the bands that were, are slated to earn a $20,000 music education grant, an all-expense paid trip to Atlanta, Georgia and the opportunity to share the stage on field with the talented Monica Brown.

            The selected bands of the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands presented by Verizon are Albany State University, Bethune Cookman University, Jackson State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Tennessee State University, Virginia State University and Winston-Salem State University.

            For those who will be in Atlanta during the 28th, consider attending, it will be an awesome experience! Looking for tickets (at just $10/$12 and are going fast by the way), visit HBOB’s homepage website: www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com, the Georgia Dome Box Office or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Arianna Carr – Howard University student missing

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Howard University is reporting that student Arianna Carr is missing.

Carr left her home in Oakland, Calif. on a flight to Washington, D.C. on January 7. It was reported that she did arrive in D.C. and has been seen on campus. However, family members have not been able to contact her.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the the Howard University Department of Public Safety at (202) 806-1100.

Morgan State Basketball Coach Todd Bozeman Has Alleged Confrontation With Player

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Mortgan State basketball coach Todd Bozeman (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Morgan State University basketball coach Todd Bozeman is being accused of striking one of his players, resulting in his indefinite suspension without pay.

Although the facts of the incident are not clear, Bozeman allegedly punched senior guard Larry Bastfield while visiting South Carolina State last Saturday night. According to The Baltimore Sun, South Carolina State University President George Cooper confronted Bozeman about the incident after the game and told him he was going to contact the authorities. President Cooper however does not plan to make any public comments about the situation. Officials at both schools are reviewing the magnitude of the contact.

Coach Bozeman continues to plead his innocence, stating he would never hit one of his athletes and although an emotional coach, he shows his players nothing but love.

“It’s definitely overblown,” Bozeman told The Associated Press on Monday. “I didn’t hit him.” As the school conducts its investigation, Bozeman was asked by athletic director Floyd Kerr to have no contact with the team. Bozeman and Kerr are expected to meet next Wednesday.

As a result of Kerr being out of town, he was not available for comments. Bozeman goes onto say “I am confident when the facts come out, they will speak for themselves.” Bozeman has been the Morgan State University basketball coach since the beginning of the 2006-2007-basketball season.

The Final Four: The Finalists for the Langston University Presidency

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The Four Candidates for Langston University President: Philip Birdine, Myron Pope, Kent Smith & Charles Williams. (Brian Vadakin)

For Langston University, the search has been narrowed down to four viable men looking to become their next university president. Former Langston University president, JoAnn Haysbert resigned after six years of service and went to Hampton University to serve as executive vice president. Haysbert was the first female president of Langston, and now that leaves the next heir to the Langston with big shoes to fill.

The candidates for Langston University’s vacant university president position are as follows: Dr. Philip Birdine, Dr. Myron Pope, Dr. Kent Smith and Dr. Charles Williams. The ultimate decision will be made by the Board of Regent for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges on Jan. 20, but now is a good time to get to know the men who has a chance to become Langston University.

Dr. Kent Smith currently serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Ohio University. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Southern University before coming to Ohio University. Smith served as dean of students at Auburn University.

Smith’s skills as a businessman are well recognized. Smith currently oversees a $72 million budget as a member of the Budget Planning Council at Ohio University. Under Smith’s direction, Ohio University has raised $1 million of a $2 million in its goal to develop a stronger sense of philanthropy at the university.

Myron Pope is the current Vice President of Enrollment Management at the University of Central Oklahoma. Pope received a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in English, a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama, and a Doctor of Education degree all from the University of Alabama. In his cover letter sent to the university, Pope expressed how much he wanted to hear the Langston University students opinions on matters affecting the university.

A Langston graduate, Philip Birdine currently serves as the president of Western Oklahoma State College. He has more than 30 years of experience in education. Under his years as the president, he has helped increase enrollment and made tough decisions on financial obligations.

Charles Williams serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.Williams received a bachelor’s degree in history education and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He was awarded a doctoral degree in counselor education with a minor in higher education administration from Iowa State University. Dr. Williams is associated with the United Way, United Arts Council, Foundation Health Systems, Winston-Salem/Forsyth schools, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Boy Scouts of America.

The position became available after former president, JoAnn Haysbert resigned after six years of service. Haysbert will return to Hampton University to serve as executive vice president. She has worked in different positions at Hampton for 25 years. Haysbert was the first female president of Langston.

In Haysbert’s absence, Henry Ponder is the interim president until the final decision is announced.

Collegiate 100 Welcomes New Members at Prairie View A&M University

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The Collegiate 100 at Prairie View A&M University welcomed eleven new members into the fold on November 11.

The Collegiate 100 at Prairie View A&M University welcomed eleven new members into the fold on November 11 in a special induction ceremony held in the Johnson Phillips All Faith Chapel on the campus.

Mr. Darnell Joseph, Chairman of the Board Emeritus for the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston, Inc., speaker for the event, challenged the young men to get involved in the various programs sponsored by the Chapter. “You have a great opportunity to make a difference in your community, and the same time a chance to associate with a prominent group of men who can be your mentors,” Joseph said. “Welcome you to the 100 family and are counting on your support.” Joseph is the Network and Communications Manager, Texas Southern University.

The new members include: Richard Atiba, Charles Babaoye, Cedarious Barnes, Giovanni Burton, Breenen Jackson, Armand Kincade, Keith Lewis, Sterling Mark, Ameer McMillan, Ryan Richard and Ryan Turner. The young men come from varied backgrounds and cultures and have come into the chapter like a quiet storm.

The Collegiate 100 was founded in 1993 by Frederick V. Roberts Esquire, then Director of Student Activities at Prairie View A&M University. Upon acceptance by the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston, Inc. and approval by the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., and the Collegiate 100 became an international organization for college men.

Following a few year hiatus, the Collegiate 100 was rechartered on March 10 at Prairie View A&M. With the induction of 22 members on April 18, the organization began its formal work at the university.

Commenting on the need for the organization, Roberts stated that the image of the Black college men needs to be enhanced and this organization shows the positive and productive activities they are engaged while in college.

Some of the chapter’s activities include participation in the Mentoring the 100 Way project of the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston, Inc. twice a month, where members work with 30 kids (8-12th graders), providing information on college life and tutoring Math and Science. The chapter is participating in the In-School Mentoring Programs at CyFair Elementary, where they provide pep talks on college and life in general. The chapter also established the Boys2Men Mentoring program for freshmen on campus. Along with Residence Hall Manager, The Collegiate hosts seminars with the men and women residents. The chapter also supported Breast Cancer Awareness at the university by distributing literature and pink ribbons to raise awareness of the disease. The chapter also teamed up with Highland Heights Elementary in Acres Home for the HISD Real Men Read Program, where for the past month, the team read to the students.

One major project for the Collegiate leadership was the founding and establishment of the 100 Collegiate Women of America, Inc. at the university. On November 10, 41 women were inducted to that organization. Plans are underway to expand to other campuses in 2012.

Finally, the chapter adopted several housing complexes inNavasota,Texasto make Christmas a happy one for the children. The chapter collected and spent some $500 for toys and clothing for approximately 150 kids. The project was led by Dymonique Burton, Vice President, Patrick Gray, Treasurer and Travis Reed. Several members of the 100 Collegiate Women of America also assisted with the project. [Burtonand Reed along with the Advisors, Dr. Clement Glenn and Frederick Roberts distributed the gifts to the complexes on December 20, 2011.]

The members are currently preparing for the 2012 Male Youth Summit to be held inBeaumonton February 25, where some 800 young men will get to hear about life and how to become responsible men in the community. The chapter will also serve as host for the 2012 Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship pageant and National Male Leadership Summit on April 11-14.

Travis Reed, a senior architecture and construction science student is the president for the Collegiate 100. The chapter advisers are Dr. Clement Glenn and Frederick V. Robert Esquire.

For information on the Collegiate 100, contact collegiate100pvamu@gmail.com

Grambling State University 2012 Budget Cuts

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Grambling State University, along with other public higher education institutions, was notified that Governor Bobby Jindal had imposed a Mid-Year budget cut.

Governor Jindal had delivered the commencement speech for GSU graduates in spring 2009 on May 16. Jindal did not receive a support of praise from the parents, students, graduates or administration during or after his speech. In 2009 Jindal hag been criticized for turning down federal stimulus money in the face of looming budget cuts for the state. The governor had proposed a $141 million budget cut from K-12 schools, and $219 million budget cut from higher education.  These actions forced the University of Louisiana System to impose cuts on all of its universities, including almost $5 million from Grambling State.

Now in 2012, it is difficult to do, especially given the recent drastic cuts, the university’s planning process and the prior work of the university’s Budget and Priorities Committee made it possible to respond to the mandate.

“These frequent budget reductions will continue to make it extremely difficult for the university to plan for its future,” said Dr. Frank Pogue, University President. “It seems that cuts to higher education will continue, and although very harmful decisions are being made, we will continue to restructure the university to ensure that our mission is protected and that our students continue to have access to excellent educational experiences.” As we have discussed far too many times, the State of Louisiana’s budget continues 
to decline. As you have read, the mid-year budget reduction for higher education is $50 million, of which $17,175,883 represents the University of Louisiana System’s share of the reductions. Grambling State University’s mid-year cut is $943,729. Utilizing the university’s established planning process and budget reduction strategies previously developed by the university’s Budget and Priorities Committee enabled the university to submit its Mid-Year Reduction Plan.

The reduction of funds will affect the following categories:

 

 

 

 

Salaries & Related Benefits: Eight unfilled vacancies will remain unfilled.


Professional Services: Settlement payment for the Spears’ lawsuit will be impacted.


Reduction in Scholarships/Waivers: Student out-of-state fee waivers will be reduced.

These current mid-year cuts, after previous drastic cuts, will continue to make it 
harder to plan. As done in previous years and will continue to do so in the future, they will work together to get back to the university in order to protect the mission and ensure that students will receive an excellent education in a wholesome and supportive academic environment.

As we welcome the New Year, Grambling State University will continue to focus on those special institutional qualities and practices that have made it uniquely great.

 

The Budget Baller (How to Dress Cool in College…Efficiently)

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There are only three things guaranteed in life: death, taxes, and being broke in college. It’s almost a rite of passage; “How to Survive on Campus with $17.42 in Your Pocket.” Looking back at my experience I should’ve listened to my elders, because I went through some serious financial struggles. I was so broke in school, a homeless man gave me $4.00 and said, “Keep working hard.”

While that last story is absolutely false, it was definitely plausible. Despite these struggles, my friends and I always found a way. We still ate well, had a great time, and looked cool doing it. Don’t let your television and radio stations fool you; you can be quite debonair on a budget. Oh yes, I said “debonair”. Here are a few notes I jotted down to help look good on the yard amidst fiscal adversity.

Looking good on campus? As Pharrell says, "You can do it too."

Find Your Style.

It is important for us to diffuse (in my “Conspiracy Brother voice) the myth being PERPETUATED in the URBAN COMMUNITY. Looking fly starts in the mind, not in the pocket. Start with identifying what you look good in. That doesn’t mean watch TV and say, “Hey, Lil Wayne has on teal jeans. That’s my new style!” That’s not creating, that’s co-signing. Take a moment to check out some style magazines, guys ask some pretty ladies, and experiment with some clothes. I like to call my style “Motown Brown” or “Sammy Davis, Junior Jr.”: smooth, charming, and sophisticated. Blazers, ties, cardigans, and the like make me feel at my best.

Find Your Stores.

After you have gotten your look perfected, it’s time to go the appropriate stores to find what you need. Prior to heading out, create an “inventory” so that you don’t buy what you already have (That’s just dumb.) Following that, you want to gather an idea of some stores that you can find your style at a price that caters to your cash flow. Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, and H&M are a few places that I like to dabble. A place that provides a lot of different and inexpensive threads is a Salvation Army store. Don’t sleep…don’t sleep. The Salvation Army store allows you to keep money in your pocket for more important things. Think of it like this: if you spend all your money to look good, what will you have to spend if your clothes get you a date? You got to save, baby! Remember, don’t shop for brands, shop for style. While you shouldn’t go buy a Dewey Vuitton bag, if Macy’s has a nice purse that is $70 instead of $270, cop it! Now remember, when you get to the stores, play it cool. You want to browse and see what the store has. Treat your shopping like you (should) treat your dating life; you don’t just scoop ANYTHING, you have to get to know your clothes. While the clothes may look good, you must see if the “Price is Right”…Bob Barker. OHHHHH! Drake Flow!

Find Your Sale Rack. 

Even B herself looks for the deals. Be sure to keep your eye out for nice threads on discount.

A lot of stores try to keep their sale racks on the hush…forget that; find your sale rack. The racks provide great opportunity to add important accessories to your closet. More importantly, it allows you to find clothes that rely more on your look than the specific season. That vest for 6.99? Not bad, buddy. Nice pair of jeans for 19.50? Miss, they look like a million bucks on you. You better work them jeans, girl (That’s what I say to a PYT.) Way too often, we put value in overspending. Why spend $200.00 on one pair of sneakers when I can get two outfits and some sneakers for that price? Ladies and gentleman, that question right there, that’s what people in business call “Cost Benefit Analysis”. Use it, know it, become it.

These tips are a great beginning to look your best even when your wallet doesn’t agree. Always keep in mind: It’s all about the presentation. As they say, “The clothes don’t make the man, the man makes the clothes.”

Long live the Boogie,
Ceddy P

Paine College Taps Dr. George C Bradley to Host Spring Convocation

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Dr. George C. Bradley

Augusta, GA- Paine College will officially open the Spring semester with its Spring Convocation on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel.  Dr. George C. Bradley, president will deliver the keynote address. Students, faculty, staff and community leaders will also participate in Convocation ceremony. The public is invited to attend.

About Dr. George C. Bradley
In October 2007, Dr. Bradley was named the 14th President of Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. Within the first two years of his presidency, Dr. Bradley has reduced the institutions financial deficit and has partnered with local, state, and federal agencies on over $8 million of capital projects that will benefit the broader Augusta community. He has laid the foundation for the growth of the institution through a twenty-five year master plan that has already had an economic impact on the Augusta community. Prior to being named president by the Paine College Board of Trustees, Dr. Bradley held faculty and administrative posts at numerous institutions of higher education.
He is a graduate of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. He earned a doctorate in Higher Education with a cognate in Statistical Research and Evaluation from Iowa State University. Dr. Bradley has received alumni achievement awards from both of his alma maters. He also studied at Harvard University through the Institute for Educational Management. A scholar of the people, Dr. Bradley co-founded the South Carolina Institute for Research in Education (SCIRE). This institute sponsored research on educational issues that impact African American communities in South Carolina. He is a regular contributor to the periodic publication entitled the State of Black South Carolina published by the Columbia Urban League. He has published and presented extensively in the areas of statistical analysis, program development and interdisciplinary transfer of knowledge.
Dr. Bradley is active in a variety of civic and social organizations to include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Boulé and Rotary International. He contributes to the greater community as a member of several boards to include the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Board of the Augusta Symphony. The South Carolina Legislature recognized Dr. Bradley for his commitment as a teacher, administrator, author, and researcher in the field of education for more than two decades with a Lifetime of Service concurrent resolution.
Family is extremely important to Dr. Bradley. He is married to Dr. Tina Marshall-Bradley and they are the parents of three children. Curtis is a 2006 graduate of Morgan State University with a degree in Architectural Design and Urban Planning and is employed with M.B. Khan Construction Company, Inc. Curtis is married to the former Tyachenna Starr. Nia is a 2008 graduate of Howard University with a degree in Computer Engineering and is currently a doctoral student in Computer Engineering at Auburn University. He also has one grand child, Isaiah Nicholas Bradley.

Hampton University’s Office of Student Activities & NPHC to March for Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Hampton University will hold a march and a gospel concert in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (ThePoliticalCat)

More HBCUs are releasing information as to how they aim to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Now we have news that the Office of Student Activities and the National Pan Hellenic Council of Hampton University are organizing a march to honor the legacy of Rev Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The program is set to take place on January 16th at 11:00 A.M., beginning at the Emancipation Oak on Emancipation Drive and ending at Ogden Hall. The celebratory program’s keynote speaker will be Brandon Jones, the youth development supervisor for Newport News Public Schools, and will also include spoken word performances from two Hunter B. Andrews PreK-8 School honor roll students, singing selections and reflections by class officers about the importance of celebrating King’s life.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday will be concluded with the annual MLK Day concert presented by the Hampton University Music Department and featuring the HU Concert Choir.

In Case You Missed It :: BET’s The Game [Recap]

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So, unless you live under a rock, have no social networking devices, or was still baffled by Beyonce having and naming her child “Blue Ivy”, BET premiered season 5 of “The Game” and I’m here to give you a play by play, in case you missed it.

The show opened, with foreshadowing of different scenarios that would play out in the story line later. Melanie was talking about her “abortion” from last season, Jason was somehow lost in Mexico, and the bulk of the cast hovered over the “dead” body of the model Malik started dating in Season 4.

Melanie & Derwin

The storyline was confusing in the beginning, quiet frankly, mainly because the show has gone from sitcom to a “Black Soap Opera”. Melanie’s past came back to haunt her last night. There was really no purpose in her running into all of her ex’s because for some reason she still feels as if she has to lie to keep Derwin; all though most of Melanie’s actions are simply reactions to Derwin’s actions. I know it’s morally responsible, but Melanie telling the truth in every episode is getting annoying. She had an out, yet she still told Derwin the truth about the abortion. This is why I call her, “Dumb Girl Melanie”.

Malik, Tasha Mac, & TT

Malik and the super model have apparently been dating heavily, but she relapsed into the drug abuse, and was strung out on last night’s episode. Her “pusher”/drug dealer, actress Jennifer Coolidge, best known from her role as “Stifler’s Mom” in the box office hit “American Pie”, is a new character, who ultimately revives the super model from her overdose. Meanwhile, Tasha Mac, who’s character was lacking in comedy, was torn about dropping her son as a client. She ultimately decides to keep him after a heart-to-heart with TT about “Family First”.

Jason Pitts, and Chardonnay

Jason, who’s storyline has changed every time the wind blows, is now in a “Identity Crisis” about his skin color. New comer to the show, singer turned actress Brandy, played the Bartender, Chardonnay, at a bar Jason frequents. After a minor altercation, Jason proceeded to get her fired, but to make up for her loss he invited her to dinner. Somehow dinner turned into a trip to Mexico because of Jason’s cheap antics. The two enjoyed a drunken night together, and got married. After Jason, comes to his senses, Chardonnay teases him about marrying a black woman, then Jason goes off on a tangent about how he was teased by black women all his life, and how white women were his only comfort.

My Words

The show has never been the same since BET bought it. It’s becoming a little bit to “Black Man’s Struggle”. Just because you’re on a predominantly black network doesn’t mean that the quality of the work you produce has to be lower, or subpar. I just want better writers for “The Game”, and for them to let the soundtrack be instrumental, the lyrics distract from the action in the show!

Peep the Cast of the “The Game” Cast Introductions:

“The Game” Cast Introductions

Howard University Students Help Bring Life to Sudan

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Four sharp-witted engineering students are utilizing their skills acquired at one of the nation’s largest HBCUs to aid impecunious residents in North Africa.

These socially conscious young women are in Khartoum, Sudan to present at the Knowledge Management Capacity Conference on their unprecedented work to bring clean water to a village in Kenya through their handiwork with Engineers Without Borders.

“We are excited about this opportunity to showcase our work and to seek sustainable solutions that utilize appropriate technology,” said Shorma Bianca Bailey.

Bailey wears many hats as she leads the Howard delegation. She is a senior Chemical Engineering major and the 2011 White House Champion of Change for Women and Girls in STEM recipient.

Bailey is joined by the following phenomenal emerging leaders: Kristina Banks, Aleah Holt and Tena Hunter. John Tharakan, Ph. D., is their faculty advisor.

Howard University has a growing international footprint and the work being done by the students in EWB-HU and the Freshman Leadership Academy ensure that Howard University produces a plethora of global leaders.

“These young ladies are trailblazers and ambassadors,” said Barbara Griffin, Ph. D., Vice President of Student Affairs.

The Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs sponsored the travel to Sudan.

The team will present their paper titled Investigating the Water Quality and Quantity Issues in Choimim, Kenya. The EWB-HU members have worked on this sustainable water solution for the last three years.

“We are engineers and our core mission is to solve problems,” said Bailey.

Choimim is a rural community occupied with tea and cattle farmers and a lengthy six-hour drive from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. The people there do not have adequate water and the shortage is dire in the dry season.

The opportunity came after the 2011 Appropriate Technology Conference held on Howard’s Campus. At the conference, EWB presented their project about water sustainability in Kenya.

The group also shared their research on the process and logistics behind implementing engineering solutions abroad.

Howard was not the only institution of higher learning in attendance. Other participants included Morehouse College and the University of Maryland. Also in attendance were visiting professors from the University of Khartoum (Sudan).

The keynote speaker, Gada Kadoda, Ph.D., spoke of her involvement and leadership with the Barefoot College, which specializes in the development of women. The program trains women to become engineers for their communities, and empowers them financially, socially, and politically.

Barefoot College aims to equip women with the skills to create sustainable villages through efforts such as building solar panel grids.

Because Dr. Kadoda saw sustainability as a common thread between both Engineers Without Borders and the Barefoot College, she invited the members of the Howard University chapter to be student presenters at the Workshop on Knowledge Management Capacity in Africa: Harnessing tools for development and innovation in Sudan.

This workshop is co-organized by the Garden City College for Science and Technology and the University of Khartoum in collaboration with the International Network on Appropriate Technology (INAT).

The young engineers hope to provide a foundation on how to implement international projects on sustainability, and create a partnership between the engineering program at the University of Khartoum and Howard University.

“EWB-HU is committed to finding solutions across social, cultural and geographic boundaries,” said Bailey.

The Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland High Education Still Searching for Equality

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The Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education aims to help improve the Maryland HBCUs (Lawyers' Committee)

David Wilson, the president of Morgan State University is currently involved in what some may call the modern day Brown vs. Board of Education, the higher learning edition. The president was one of the first witnesses to testify in the case of the Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education vs. the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

According to an article from Afro.com, the lawsuit, which was filed in 2006, is seeking $2.1 billion to ensure that the HBCU’s of Maryland (Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University and University of Maryland- Eastern Shore) can on the same level academically and financially compared to Maryland’s TWI’s (Traditionally White Institutions). Maryland’s TWI’s include Salisbury University, Towson University, University of Maryland College Park and University of Maryland University College.

The state of Maryland has been accused of running a “de jure segregation system” – a racially segregated system enforced by law. Maryland admits to having a de jure segregation system, but assures that it was put to rest with the 1954 case of Brown vs. Board of Education and no such policies are in practice today. The coalition however insists that the segregation is being practiced as far as funds are concerned.

This was the central point of President Wilson’s testimony. The president described the battle Morgan’s students face due to its lack of funding, the building maintenance and the strain it puts on the overworked faculty members. Students have been denied internships due to lack of proper equipment to undergird the students. One student, Muriel Thompson, called the condition of some of Morgan’s buildings “deplorable” and says if it wasn’t for her love for Morgan and her determination to receive a degree from the University, she would have “…turned around, the moment I stepped in Jenkins (an academic building on campus).” The prosecution team provided reports dating back to 1937, showing evidence of Maryland’s continuous acts of segregation in the education system.

The trial, which began on January 3, is said to last about six weeks. Stay updated with HBCU Buzz as we give you continuous details and the verdict.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters to Keynote FAMU’s Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Congresswoman Maxine Waters will serve as the keynote speaker at FAMU's 2012 Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation on January 13 at 10:10 a.m. in the Gaither Gymnasium.

The news coming out of Tallahassee is quickly reminding people why Florida A&M University is an annual, if not automatic, entry in any top HBCU debate. The school has secured Congresswoman Maxine Waters as the keynote speaker at Florida A&M University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation on January 13, 2012.

Here’s more on Maxine Waters:

 Currently, Waters is a senior member of the House Committee on Financial Services, serving as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises. She also serves on the subcommittee on Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity, and the subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

In addition, Waters serves on the House Committee on the Judiciary, where she sits on the Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet Subcommittee, and the Immigration Policy and Enforcement Subcommittee. An integral member of Congressional Democratic Leadership, Waters serves as a chief deputy whip and as a member of the Steering and Policy Committee.

Waters is considered by many to be one of the most powerful women in American politics today. She has gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color and the poor. Elected in November 2010 to her 11th term in the House of Representatives with almost 80 percent of the vote in the 35th District of California, Waters represents a large part of South Central Los Angeles, the communities of Westchester and Playa Del Rey, and the diverse cities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood and Lawndale — all in California.

Waters’ background also includes co-founder of the nonprofit organization Black Women’s Forum, a key member of Bill Clinton’s presidential campaigns, and spearheaded the development of the Minority AIDS Initiative in 1998 to address the alarming spread of HIV/AIDS among African Americans, Hispanics and other minorities. Waters is a strong, educated black woman who has chosen to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. with the Rattlers of FAMU.  Her impressive track record of accomplishments and advocacy makes her the perfect fit to speak at Florida A&M University.

Paine College Prepares For Its Conference on the Black Experience

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall

The ‘history’ of our HBCUs has always been emphasized, for you won’t find a proud student or alum who do not know their history. Paine College is one HBCU that has done a magnificent job of preserving their history, and making it relevant to today.

During the week of February 6-9, Paine College will be hosting its 31st Annual Conference on the Black Experience. The conference will “explore and celebrate contributions to the amalgam of history in the Americas, in particular North America, made by women of African Ancestry. Conference participants will examine the critical roles played by Africana women and how these roles have shaped [and continue to shape] the characteristic spirit of American culture.” (Natasha Carter, Director of Communications & Marketing) Former professors Dr. Leslie J. Pollard, and E. Fuller Callaway have taken on the task of coordinating this historic conference.

What makes the Conference on the Black Experience so unique is that it was conceptualized in February of 1891! To still continue the legacy of their predecessors is truly a testament to the college’s love and dedication to the community. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, and here is more on the Spelman alum:

Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall will be the keynote speaker for the Conference on the Black Experience. Guy-Sheftall was recently named the president of the National Women’s Studies Association, a professional organization that is “dedicated to leading the field of women’s studies, as well as its teaching, learning, research, and service wherever they be found.” Guy-Sheftall is the founding director of the Spelman College Women’s Research and Resource Center and the Anna Julia Cooper Professor of Women’s Studies. She has published a number of texts within African-American and Women’s Studies which have been noted as seminal works by other scholars, including the first anthology on Black women’s literature, Sturdy Black Bridges: Visions of Black Women in Literature (Doubleday, 1980), which she coedited with Roseann P. Bell and Bettye Parker Smith; her dissertation, Daughters of Sorrow: Attitudes Toward Black Women, 1880-1920 (Carlson, 1991); Words of Fire: An Anthology of African-American Feminist Thought (New Press, 1995); and an anthology she co-edited with Rudolph Byrd entitled Traps: African-American Men on Gender and Sexuality (Indiana University Press, 2001). Her most recent publication is a book coauthored with Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Gender Talk: The Struggle for Women’s Equality in African-American Communities (Random House, 2003). In 1983 she became founding co-editor of Sage: A Scholarly Journal of Black Women, devoted exclusively to the experiences of women of African descent.

For additional information and schedules, contact the School of Arts and Sciences at 706-821- 8326 or visit the website and click on Conference on the Black Experience at http://www.paine.edu/cobe.