Lawrence Johnson-Danner led the Texas Southern Tigers to Victory over Alcorn State.
Texas Southern sent a strong message to the SWAC with an impressive 87-52 blowout victory over the Alcorn State Braves Tuesday night.
Junior guard Dexter Ellington led the way in the conference opener with 10 of his 17 points coming in the second half in addition to his five steals. Lawrence Johnson-Danner scored 13 points and Omar Strong pitched in 12, including going four of five from the 3-point line.
Twann Oakley scored 14 points for Alcorn (3-10) and Ken McDonald added 13.
TSU’s length and athleticism made it difficult for Alcorn to operate offensively. In the first half, the Tigers’ trapping defense resulted in nine steals. The Braves turned the ball over 29 times and the Tigers capitalized by scoring 38 points.
“I thought we did a good job getting to the areas, limiting guys and not giving them open looks,” said Texas Southern head coach Tony Harvey.
Texas Southern (2-11) started the game running their offense on the block through their big man Aaron Clayborn, who scored the Tigers first four points. The Braves ‘defense then made the adjustments needed by double teaming him in the paint but the Tigers simply started draining outside shots.
The Tigers shot 53 percent from behind the arc, making 10 of 19 3-pointers, eight of which came in the first half alone.
At the 6:56 mark of the first half mark with the score 21-12, sophomore guard Lawrence Johnson-Danner caught fire and went on his own 11 point run, including making three straight shots from behind the arch.
“I’ve been off lately,” said Johnson-Danner. “I’m just trying to get back my confidence and get back to playing the way I play and doing the things I know can do.”
TSU displayed a well-balanced offense, while the starters scored 51 points they got good production of the bench as the supporting cast scored 36.
Collectively, the Tigers played a well-rounded game in the conference opener and their message to the rest of the teams in the leagues is that they want it all.
“Championship that’s it,” said Coach Harvey. “We have one goal we are going to be a little hungrier and continue to work at it.”
I have noticed that the wrist watch has become the forgotten accessory for many. While a lot of people opt to use their mobile devices for checking the time, I still enjoy the simplicity of the time piece. Though the watch has gone through spurts of time when everybody wanted one (the G-shock), they often fade back to non-existence again.
You can find that our favorite celebrities enjoy wearing wrist watches, but not because they want to tell time. The wrist watch has become somewhat of a status symbol, thanks to brands like Hublot, Rolex, and Brietling. The flashy time pieces worn by these icons often can make the average person feel that a simple watch is not enough anymore, so they just won’t wear one. However, I have learned that your watch can say a lot about you without being “blinged out”.
Personally I prefer an analog clock for my watches but most people like to go digital. Analog watches are more appropriate for business meetings and formal occasions, but digital watches are more for your casual days where you’re headed to class or hanging with friends. Choosing the best watch for your style means you have one that goes with everything and watches for a specific occasion.
I like having many to choose from because there are many variations of color, finishes, and bands. A watch can finish off my perfect look when bangles aren’t an option. Whatever you choose you should make sure your happy with it. Who knows, maybe one day you will upgrade to one of those high-end watches that allow you to symbolize your rising status.
But always remember: you must govern the clock, don’t let it govern you!
Sophomore point guard Jeremy Underwood drives to the basket against a Carver defender. (Kevin Dorsey)
GREENSBORO – For anyone wondering why North Carolina A&T men’s basketball coach Jerry Eaves schedules a team like Carver Bible College in January, the answer became clear Tuesday night. It took an extra five minutes before the Aggies were finally able to beat the Cougars 85-76 in overtime. The win snapped an eight-game losing streak for N.C. A&T. All eight losses came during an eight-game road trip.
“It takes a long time to get those losses out of your system,” said Eaves. “When you come off the road after losing seven or eight in a row, the mindset is not winning. I don’t care who you are. It’s very important to schedule these games so you can get the winning edge back on your shoulders before you go into the conference. This is nothing new for us. We normally start the New Year slow before we get it going.”
The game hopefully served to rid the Aggies of some bad habits before defending MEAC regular-season champion Bethune-Cookman heads into Corbett Sports Center Saturday afternoon at 4. The Aggies were just 4-for-19 from 3-point range, surrendered 19 offensive rebounds to the Cougars and were hit with two technical fouls.
The game turned in the Aggies favor when Austin Witter took a pass from Marc Hill and knocked down a 3-pointer with 3:31 remaining in overtime to give the Aggies a 76-71 lead. But even that was tarnished when Witter was hit with his second technical foul for taunting.
An anti-hazing plan has been put into effect by FAMU's board of trustess after constant hazing allegations from the university's famous Marching 100 band. (Michael Sugrue)
Amid ongoing investigations into the death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion, the school’s board of trustees has come to an agreement on how the institution will move forward with its efforts to stem the culture of hazing that has become synonymous with band membership.
In a 9-1 vote Monday, the board approved a plan which includes the formation of an independent committee tasked with studying hazing, as well as the construction of a campus memorial in memory of Champion and the creation of a scholarship in Champion’s name.
The board specified that the independent committee would consist of five experts from the fields of law, academia, public policy, psychology and band organizations. The panel will examine hazing at other universities and how students resist hazing in an effort to determine how the university’s award-winning Marching 100 band should be managed.
Although the trustees came to the decision with just one dissenter, who called the measures “shortsighted,” Champion’s family seemed to agree with the lone, rogue trustee.
“Memorials, scholarships and committees will not bring Robert Champion back, nor will they prevent another student from dying as a result of the culture of hazing in the FAMU marching band,” the family’s attorney, Christopher Chestnut, said in an email, according to The Associated Press. “We hope that the FAMU administration focuses its time and resources on developing substantive strategies that protect its band members from hazing; that is the legacy Robert would have wanted.”
Whether you’re a suit wearer, or more of a casual dresser, every man should have a suit in his closet. Most guys don’t care for wearing suits because of the negative connotations of being a “Nerd” or “Loser” which they’ve received from their peers in the black community. Although, I think most guys are actually afraid of wearing suits because they don’t know how to wear them properly.
Wearing a suit is no longer for the 50-year-old man going to church; nowadays young men donning suits is the more hip and upscale thing to do. It’s time to get out of those oversized country suits that your “Great Uncle” used to wear, and slip into chic, up-to-date suits that will make any man stand out in the proper way, in any crowd.
I’m going to give you a couple of quick tips to make sure you stay young and fresh, yet remain professional.
Color Coordinate:
Make sure you pair shirt and tie combo’s with the exterior color of the suit. This does not mean, “Matching”, this simply means, you need to pick colors from the same color palette and pair them with your suit. Mix-and-Match.
Insist on Quality
For those of us who don’t dress for the business world daily, a quality suit is an investment. When purchasing your initial suits make sure you keep them to a minimum with color choices. Black, Navy, Brown, and Grey are the essentials. Anything after that is solely for fashion purposes.
Tailor
Usually when you purchase a quality suit, the retailer offers tailoring services — please accept them. There is no such thing as a suit that fits properly right off-hand. Tailor the suit to your comfort, but make sure the jacket fits properly with no wrinkles across the shoulders/back and the pants have the minimum amount of slack and bundle in them. A good tailor keeps the suit size appropriate, and makes your investment last longer.
Complete Your Look
To finish your newly refined look, pair with simple and classic accessories. Ties, Bow Ties, Cufflinks, and Shoes should compliment the suit, not take away from it. Save the flashy colored shoes, and loud print ties for your uncle.
You need to keep your look simple, and versatile. You should be able to go from class, do a presentation, go on a lunch date with colleagues, have meetings, stop through a forum and meet with your significant other, all in one day with one suit. Time to step it up men.
Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is a federally funded program designed to support the infrastructure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and other institutions serving a high percentage of needy students. HBCUs like Tennessee State University receive millions of dollars annually to strengthen various academic programs, administrative operations, and student services. (Tennessee State)
HBCUs have become an essential part of the American education system. From its
Believe it or not there could be a major dent of funding for all HBCUs with only one vote. Congress has been locked in debates as to how they can reduce the national deficit. With this issue still lingering, it ultimately puts a threat to all students attending HBCUs as well as the existence of the illustrious institutions as we know it. We must protect the program Title III, Part B “Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” of the Higher Education Act; which aids all HBCUs. The Congressional Super Committee could suggest and actually eradicate programs important to all HBCUs. This is not the only Act to be threatened but also Pell Grants, which many students receive. Is President Obama, who had a conference at the White House during HBCU Week in September going to let that happen?
The bigger question is: will you sit back, and let this happen? If you want to see things change you have the opportunity to speak out and take ACTION. We must be the change we want to see, right? The United Negro College Fund is urging everyone to jump on board in this fight to protect and preserve HBCUs. UNCF and those affected wants your voice can be heard. This is not just a task for current students, but all those connected to HBCUS in any way shape or form. You can go on www.UNCG.org/advocacy, and click on the Take action button. There is also a chart which in tells each HBCU and who to contact.
I charge everyone to share this information. Be sure your perspective HBCU is aware and taking action on campus to make sure the decision to cut funding for HBCUs does not happen, this is YOUR reality, and you have control.
For a definition of Federal funding, read the quote below:
Federal funds are all monies received directly from the United States Government, the expenditure of which is administered through or under the direction of any State agency and reported as Federal Trust Fund monies in the “Reconciliation with Appropriations” in the Governor’s Budget. As discussed in SAM Sections 6131 and 6141.4, no distinction is made between Federal reimbursements and Federal grants; and, therefore, all money received directly from the United States Government, with the exception of revenues as defined below, is to be treated as a source of funds and reported as Federal Trust Fund monies in each department’s budget. Revenue, as defined by SAM Section 6136, is an addition to cash or other current assets which does not increase any liability or reserve, nor represent the recovery of an expenditure, e.g., reimbursements and abatements, and should be accounted according to procedures contained in SAM Section 8200. Some examples of revenue are: sale of documents, sale of water, rentals of State property, sale of forest products, and sale of State public lands.
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali
NBA superstars like Chris Paul have established scholarship foundations and mentor programs to give back to the community.
As I get older it has begun to dawn on me how many blessings that I have in my life. I think about all the young adults and children who are less privileged than I have and I am overwhelmed with the desire to give back.
As privileged, young, black college students I believe it is one of our duties to in some way, shape or form reach out and give back to those in communities that are less fortunate than us. Think back to 60 years ago,when we had to learn in the shadows, out of sight of racists who would beat slaves for reading.
We had to literally fight for our lives every day just to get an education and now we have over 100 Historically Black Colleges/Universities across America.
In order to be examples of success, we must try our hardest to not only give back to our communities but work as mentors for the generation of young black leaders to come after us.
There are so many tainted messages being broadcasted in the media that is important we set positive images for our younger generation to look up to and that we show them by example that they can excel in all areas of life. It is vital that we provide them with role models not solely in the entertainment or sports industry. We must help improve our cities, high schools, elementary schools, orphanages and nursing homes in any little way we can, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, intelligence and servitude.
It is important to remember that we are blessed to be a blessing and that as this generation moves forward we also reach back to pull somebody else; by doing so we will pay homage to those who fought so that we may have the rights that we have today. What better way to honor their sacrifice than continuing to carry the torch through service ?
Alabama A&M & Jackson State will be battling Tuesday night to begin their SWAC conference play. (The Huntsville Times/Bob Gathany)
Two SWAC competitors are looking to face off in their first conference game of the year, as the Jackson State Tigers square off against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.
With the lack of defense exhibited by both squads, this matchup could become a shootout, as Alabama A&M averages 62.7 points per game while allowing 77.3 points per game. The JSU Tigers are no better on the defensive end, giving up 72.3 points per contest while scoring 55.3.
The Bulldogs (2-7) looked impressive in back to back victories over Oakwood and Talladega, but have failed to gain any momentum heading into this SWAC matchup, having lost six consecutive games. Alabama A&M will be led by senior Casey Cantey, who is averaging 14 points a game.
Jackson State (2-10) has seen a season full of promise start as a season to forget. The team’s only wins have come against Concordia and Southern Methodist, with a five game losing streak in the middle of each win.
The Tigers lead the league in three pointer percentage at 35%, and freshman Kelsey Howard of JSU leads the league at 44 percent. This will serve as a major problem to the Bulldogs as a big defensive weakness is defending the three-point line- they’re eighth in the SWAC in that category.
Tipoff starts Tuesday night at 7:30 in Jackson, Mississippi at the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center.
In last year's SWAC Championship game, Shareif Adamu helped Alabama State defeat Justin Patton and Grambling State, 65-48. (Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press)
The Alabama State Hornets will begin their 2011-2012 SWAC conference play the same way they ended it, playing their SWAC rival Grambling State.
Conference play begins on Jan. 3 in the SWAC and the winless Tigers of Grambling State will have an opportunity to capture their first win Tuesday night at home against the Alabama State Hornets.
The game that will be played in the Fred C. Hobdy Arena is a rematch of last year’s SWAC finals, where the Hornets defeated Grambling 65-48 and ended their memorable run to the big dance.
The Tigers finished last season winning their last five of six games. This year has not started off well, as the Tigers have lost their first 10 games. During the 10 game slip the Tigers have lost by an average of 34.4 points and are only shooting 28 percent from the field, both of which are the lowest in the league. Grambling’s defense is allowing the opposition to shoot 45 percent and score 77.4 points.
ASU is averaging 54.6 points per game, but in their recent victory over Reinhardt on Thursday, ASU snapped a three game losing streak scoring 78 points. Kenderek Washington totaled 21 points off the bench.
Alabama State’s roster has seen many changes since last year’s SWAC Finals. While ASU returns two starters and nine players including Washington, the SWAC’s second leading scorer with 15 points per game, the Tigers only returned four players with 10 new additions, a few which are injured.
One key addition to the Tigers roster is former Big East rising star Quincy Roberts. Roberts impressed in his debut for the Grambling State Tigers, as he finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds against the TSU Horned Frogs and 19 points in his second game against LSU.
With Roberts and a roster at full strength, Tiger head Coach Bobby Washington feels optimistic about his team during conference play.
“Quincy means a lot to our team,” said Washington. “He could put on an LSU jersey and do a great job. For us to be able to get a caliber of player like that and him being a team player is great. We have several seniors out with injuries it has been tough for us to score the basketball. We have been looking for other players to score for us. Once we get a couple of those guys back and starting conference play we should be built well to contend in our conference.”
The Grambling State Tigers will host the Alabama State Hornets Tuesday night. Tip-off begins at 7:30 P.M.
Denisea Law was selected as the SIAC Women’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week. (Clark Atlanta Sports)
ATLANTA—Paine College senior Mario Jordan and Lane College junior Brittany Peters have been named SIAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Players of the Week, respectively, while Paine College freshman Kedric Taylor has been named SIAC Men’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week and Clark Atlanta University freshman Denisea Law has been named SIAC Women’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week.
Jordan, a native of Sandersville, GA, averaged 21.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in two games, earning his second player of the week honor this season. Defensively, the 5-11, 165-pound guard also averaged 3.5 steals, including a game-high five in a win over Clark Atlanta, while also averaging 2.5 assists per game to help lead the Lions to a 2-0 record for the week which also includes a win over conference-foe Miles. Jordan and the Lions currently sit atop the SIAC with a 5-0 record in conference play.
Peters, a native of Columbus, OH, had 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in her first game as a Lady Dragon. Defensively, the 5-7 guard also totaled two steals and one block in their only game of the week, a 75-73 loss to Kentucky State.
Taylor, a native of Orlando, FL, had a big week for the Lions, averaging 15 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and a block in two games. The 6-0, 175-pound freshman, who attended Evans High School, recorded his first career triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in an 82-67 win over Miles.
Law, a native of Miami, FL, had 13 points and four rebounds for the Lady Panthers in their 72-63 win over Paine to move to 2-1 in the SIAC. The 5-7 freshman guard, who attended Northwestern High School, also had one assist and one steal.
Ben Baxter
Assistant Commissioner for Communications & New Media
Joining a Black Greek Letter Organization is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
It’s that time of year again; you can feel it in the air. Guys are dusting off their line jackets, girlfriends are ordering paddles from Unique Impressions- yes my friends, it’s Greek season. The Black Greek Letter Organizations, known affectionately as “The Divine Nine”, prepare for another semester of growth and expansion. Nowhere is this time more exciting than at historically black colleges. Co-eds discuss their knowledge about the organizations, their processes, and which (if any) interest them. Freshman students unfamiliar with the phenomenon gaze with curiosity as the varying groups go back and forth like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck:
With the Spring semester as the most popular time for probates, Greeks are looking to add members who will improve their status and reputation as one of the best organizations. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, I remember this time vividly, both as an Alpha and as an aspirant expressing interest. While the post-probate memories are some of my most fond, learning the nuances of how and when to express my desire to join a fraternity was truly a fascinating experience.
It’s a delicate process. While you don’t need a Groucho Marx mask with the glasses and funny mustache, discretion is very important. As an “OG Triple OG” in the Greek game, it pains me to see aspirants blow their chances by making errors unknowingly.
Many of them do not personally know a member of a fraternity or sorority who can provide some insight about the protocol. So let me get my Brett Favre on and mentor the future Aaron Rodgers of the Greek world. With the help of a few good friends, I’ve compiled a list of the do’s and don’ts of how to express interest in a Greek organization. These tidbits of information will help increase your chances of being selected by your org of choice.
Do: Build your reputation as a leader and upstanding citizen.
Fraternities and sororities seek out students who carry themselves as future leaders of the community. Furthermore, they seek unique individuals. Despite common belief, Greek orgs are not a gang or a group of “co-signers”. They are a collection of the best and brightest that use their differing approaches to life to impact their environment. Establish yourself as one of these individuals by becoming involved in student life, SGA, and more. This builds your resume and shows your ability to work in the group setting.
Don’t: Take to Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter) to discuss your interest in joining a Greek Organization.
“Yo the Alphas go hard! I can’t wait to pledge! #APhi” @notanAlpha32
Yeah…not so much. While the compliment is appreciated, shrewdness is valued more. What organization you’re interested in is not information that should be shared with your followers. Yes, people do tell their close friends or their “boo-ski”, but keep your desires close to you. In the wrong hands, knowledge of your aspirations could harm your chances.
Do: Remain humble.
It may be a hot mixtape from Maybach Music, but no one is “Self-Made”. We all need help to accomplish tasks and reach dreams, so keep that in perspective when you talk to people, both Greek and Non-Greek. When you are recognizable on campus, it is easy to believe you are a lock to be selected by an organization.
Going into my junior year, I was SURE I would be picked. Owner of my own company, a member of the student government, starting point guard for the Miami Heat (sike!); the Alphas would be crazy not to select me, right? Well they didn’t, and I waited an entire year for the opportunity. When talking to people, be respectful, don’t call yourself an aspirant, and refrain from sarcasm; be polite and have scruples. I’ve said it before; think of Uncle Willie from Friday: “YOU AIN’T…NO…PLAYUH.”
Don’t: Jump in, around, behind, or through the party walks.
Yes, our strolls are wild, obnoxious, and detrimental to you “going IN” on the dance floor. We’re aware. Despite this, strolling (or “party walking”) is a tradition near and dear to the Divine Nine not to mention a marketing tool. Infringing on it is EXTREMELY frowned upon. Don’t mock the fraternities…not in public at least, and please don’t step in front of a party walk intentionally. Just because you saw it work in “Stomp the Yard” doesn’t mean it will help you. This applies to the ladies, too. Ever seen a Sigma Gamma Rho get upset? Spare yourself.
Do: Approach your organization of interest with confidence.
We’re all people. Expressing interest is definitely a bit intimidating, but don’t be afraid. Think of it as trying to talk to a girl/guy you like. Guys, don’t come with that weak stuff; keep your head held high, and put some bass in your voice. Girls, be personable, and talk with class. Remember: “You’re a lay-dee.” As I said, this is a private matter, so discuss in private or discreetly ask to speak at a later time. When the opportunity comes, handle that.
Don’t: Act like a groupie.
If you act like a groupie, you’ll be treated as such. Search through the annals of history: when have you EVER seen a groupie treated with dignity and respect? I watched rap videos, and the answer is…wait, there was one time when…nope; never. Avoid this category at all costs. It doesn’t help you in the selection process, and if you are considered, it leaves you open to be taken advantage of.
Hopefully these suggestions are helpful to those aiming to join a Black Greek Letter Organization. It is a lifelong bond that provides many opportunities, both personally and career-wise. Keep striving, and with letters or without, success is destined to “holla” at you.
Cedric Perry is the producer of the sitcom “We’re Just Talking” and author of two young adult novels, Homecoming and In Line for Love. For more on Perry, go to www.pick6time.com.
Kendall Gray received Defensive Player of the Week honors for the MEAC (DSU Hornets)
Amere May of Delaware State was named Rookie of the Week and Kendall Gray, also of Delaware State, earned Defensive Player of the Week accolades in the MEAC’s Weekly Basketball honors. Akeem Ellis of Coppin State University was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Week.
Ellis (F, 6-6, 210, Sr., Brooklyn, N.Y.) averaged 20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in two non-conference games. He scored 24 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal against San Jose State. He also scored 16 points, hauled down nine rebounds and dished out eight assists in a win over Nebraska Omaha. Ellis’ performance earned him all-tournament team honors at the Elgin Baylor Classic.
May (G, 6-2, 185, Fr., Covert, Mich.) produced back-to-back double digit performances with 10 points against Georgia and 22 points against George Washington last week. In the two games May shot 52-percent from the field, 56-percent from long range (5-of-9) and was perfect from the charity stripe (3-of-3).
Gray (C, 6-10, 245, Fr., Dover, Del.) totaled 15 rebounds and seven blocks in two non-conference games last week. Against George Washington he recorded his first career double-double with 10 rebounds to go along with 12 points. He also blocked four shots in the meeting.
Other Top Performances
Ebuka Anyaorah (NCCU) connected on 10-of-18 shots, including 5-of-7 from long range, to lead the Eagles with 25 points, seven rebounds and one steal against Eastern Carolina.
Tyshawn Bell (DSU) recorded his first career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds against Georgia.
Blake Bozeman (MSU) scored 10 points, shooting 50-percent from the field, in 29 minutes of play against Saint Joseph’s.
Jeremy Dean (FAMU) hit 7-of-12 baskets for 16 points and grabbed six rebounds with three blocks and one steal against Princeton.
Marc Hill (NCAT) finished with 18 points, shooting 4-of-5 from 3-point range, with seven assists, two rebounds and two steals in a four-point loss to Houston.
Reggie Lewis (FAMU) recorded 19 points with four rebounds in a loss to Princeton.
Kevin Thompson (MSU) posted double-digits in rebounds (11) and scored eight points with two assists, two blocks and one steal against Saint Joseph’s.
DaMetrius Upchurch (NCAT) fell two points shy of a double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds including two blocks and two steals against Houston.
Antonio Williams (CSU) averaged 11.0 points and 10.5 rebounds to help the Eagles finish 1-1 last week.
Pendarvis Williams (NSU) scored 18 of 20 points, shooting perfectly from 3-point range (4-of-4), in the second half to help NSU to a 71-65 win over Navy.
Percy Woods (Howard) scored 11 points, shooting 50-percent from behind the arc, with four rebounds and one steal against Virginia.
Ron "Fang" Mitchell has recorded 400 wins in his coaching career.
Michael Harper led five players in double figures with a season-high 19 points and Coppin State defeated Nebraska Omaha 93-83 earning head coach Ron “Fang” Mitchell his 400th career victory at CSU on Friday in the Elgin Baylor Classic at Key Arena.
Harper, who had scored just 10 points in the previous four games, was 7-of-12 from the floor including making 5-of-10 from the three-point line.
Mitchell, who is in his 26th season as the head coach of the Eagles, earned his 400th career win at Coppin State on his fourth try. He has 627 victories in his career including his time at Gloucester County College. Coppin State, which improved to 5-8 with the win, scored a season-high 93 points and tied its season-high with 14 three-point baskets.
Tiffany Kellum leads the Jackson State Lady Tigers to victory (JSU Tigers)
NATCHITOCHES, LA – Tiffany Kellum scored a game-high 24 points and pulled down seven rebounds Friday night as the Jackson State Lady Tigers defeated the Northwestern State Lady Demons 79-73 at the Prather Coliseum. With the win JSU improved to a 3-6 overall record and NSU falls to a 3-9 mark.
Kellum made key free throws down the stretch to help the Jackson State pick up the non-conference victory. She scored 17 second half points en route to the win. For the game she connected on 10-19 field attempts in 32 minutes of play.
Two other Lady Tigers also scored in double-digits. Rachel Jones added 12 points on 5-10 shooting. She also grabbed four rebounds and dished out a game-high seven assists. Dominique Brothern followed with 10 points.
Do black students perform better academically with black teachers? (Madame Noire)
As HBCU students, alumni, supporters and enthusiasts, most are obviously aware that the majority of the campuses are predominately African-American. There is diversity typically within the institution’s faculty and staff.
Seeing as though college is a place of higher learning and education, it is important to recognize academic achievement among students.
According to a recent St. Petersburg Times article, many states are recruiting more Black teachers. This comes in response to several studies which show that Black students learn better from Black teachers. From elementary school students to college students, research such as the one conducted by Northwestern University professor, David Figlio in 2006, shows there is an achievement gap among these students who are taught by teachers of a different race.
Many questions, comments and criticisms can be raised about this issue. Not all students are alike, some need extra attention, some need a little and some don’t need any at all. No matter what the race of the teacher is.
However, it can also be said that due to familiarity, students are able to learn better from teachers/professors who look like them.
The ability to relate to one another on some level probably makes it easier to connect to, inevitably making it easier to learn and excel. Similar to one of the many reasons students choose to attend a HBCU: in order to have African-American professionals teach a fellow African-American how to make it in the “real-world”, increasing the amount of Black teachers for Black students in order to improve their academic achievement may not be a bad idea.
For the research conducted by David Figlio, follow this link to the PDF containing his research. This link will guide you to “A Community College instructor like me: Race and ethnicity interactions in the classroom” by Robert Fairlie and Florian Hoffman.
Rust College was donated this estate that survived the Civil War (www.wreg.com)
Rust College is now expanding thanks to a property donation given to the Mississippi institution. Known as “Airliewood”, the property, a Gothic Mansion estate is valued at $3 million.
This is the single largest gift to ever be given to a Historically Black College or University.
Proud to own a part of history and the ability to share it with the community, Rust College raised $750,000 in matching funds to get the property.
Built in 1858 as a cotton plantation, Airliewood also served as the temporary headquarters and home of General Grant during the Civil War.
“Even though it […probably] was built with slave labor and money… in the cotton fields on the backs of black folk. Now, it is owned by a black institution— which I think is redemption,” praised Rust College President, David Beckley.
Located blocks away from the school, the nine and half acre estate is slated to be a library annex to house the school’s artifacts and collections. President Beckley also revealed hopes for the estate to be the official college museum hospitality center and guest facility to host public events.
There are many high hopes for “Rust at Airliewood”.
