Washington DC Celebrates Black History Month

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Washington, DC celebrates Black History Month and remembers the contributions of African Americans in the United States with numerous events and cultural programs. Here are some special events and relevant places to visit in Washington, DC to remember and recognize the history of Black Americans.

Smithsonian Black History Month Family Day Celebration
February 4, 2012, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum. The Smithsonian kicks off its celebration of Black History Month with a day of music and drama performances, arts and craft activities and other themed activities.

National Archives
Celebrate Black History Month in February with special films, public programs, and lectures. These programs are open to the public and will be held at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC and at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

DC Public Library
Throughout the month of February, the DC Public Library offers special programs celebrating Black History Month. Programs include art exhibits, jazz concerts, book discussions, theatrical workshops and more.

Navy Memorial & US Navy Band Concerts
Two African American Diversity Concerts – free, live performances by the U.S. Navy Band will be held at the United States Navy Memorial in honor of Black History Month. African Americans have had a major presence in the U.S. Navy since the 19th Century. Their role grew tremendously during the Civil War when many newly freed slaves joined forces with U.S. sailors in working towards a common goal. The concerts are part of a series that celebrates different ethnicities in the Navy.

  • February 17, 2012 at noon – Brass Quartet with guest soloist Musician 1st Class Cory Parker in a concert that tells the story of the integration of African-Americans in the U.S. Navy.
  • February 27, 2012 at noon – U.S. Navy Band’s premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores and a narrative lecture component by MUCS Michael Bayes.

Anacostia Community Museum
Throughout the year, the Smithsonian Institution’s museum of African American history and culture offers exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, lectures, film screenings and other special events that interpret black history from the 1800s to the present.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate
Throughout the month of February Mount Vernon will honor the slaves who lived and worked at George Washington’s estate with a daily 12 p.m. wreathlaying at the Slave Memorial. On Saturdays and Sundays in February, visitors learn about life as a slave with Silla and Slammin’ Joe, two of Washington’s slaves, at the recently-opened slave cabin. Tom Davis, an enslaved brickmaker, presents his perspective on Saturdays and Sundays in the greenhouse at 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. The Marquis de Lafayette talks about his efforts to end slavery in the Greenhouse on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. All Black History Month events are included in the regular admission price to the estate.

Arlington House
1:30 p.m., Sundays and Saturdays throughout February. Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, will present special guided tours in recognition of African American History month. Visitors can explore the newly restored historic North slaves’ quarters and learn about the enslaved population living at the Arlington estate on the eve of the Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln Birthday Observance
February 12, 2012 at noon. Lincoln Memorial, 23rd & Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC. Honor Abraham Lincoln at a Presidential wreath laying ceremony and a dramatic reading of the “Gettysburg Address.” For more information, call (202) 619-7222.

African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
This Washington, DC site honors and examines the African American’s heroic struggle for freedom and civil rights. The memorial is the only one in the United States to honor Colored Troops (USCT) who served in the Civil War. The museum uses photographs, documents and state of the art audio visual equipment to educate visitors about this important part of American history.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
1411 W St. SE, Washington, DC. Tours of the historic home are available daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On February 11, 2012, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Frederick Douglass’ birthday will be celebrated with music, presentations, programs on the history of Anacostia, children’s activities, and lots of talk about the books he wrote, the books he read, and how reading and writing can change the world.

Black History Month Cruise Aboard the Spirit of Washington
February 18, 2012. Take an educational and entertaining lunch cruise to remember those who have influenced African-American culture. This cruise will feature DJ and live entertainment in tribute to Duke Ellington, Marvin Gaye, Roberta Flack, Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Diana Ross, Prince and much more. The cruise boards at 11:00 a.m. and cruises from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $44.90 per person.

Old Town Alexandria
The National Register of Historic Places lists several historic sites in Alexandria, Virginia as locations where African Americans lived, worked and worshiped during the period 1790 through 1951. Take a tour of these sites and learn about this important part of our regional history. Read more about Black History in Alexandria.

Courtesy of About.com

HBCU Buzz Artist Spotlight: James Shields of Howard University

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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James ‘Creative’ Shields, a 2008 Howard University graduate has made headlines recently with his unique take on hip hop and artistry. He has a gift for drawing, and has combined that with his love for hip hop to give the children of today another way to express their creativity.

James 'Creative Shields with his first edition of the Hip Hop Coloring Book. (New York Daily News)

Shields has taken his love for the hip hop culture and transformed it into a coloring book, “The Hip Hop Coloring Book Vol. 1.” The book is a 28 page coloring book and a history lesson for young children to learn about art and hip hop while exercising their creativity.

Shields understands the important role Hip Hop and the youth play in our community. He is utilizing his talent to not only help give hip hop a more balanced image, but wants to uplift the youth through creativity.  Learn more about Howard University graduate James Shields.

HBCUBuzz: What led you to create this hip hop coloring book? Was it a project you felt you were born to create?

JS: While in the process of creating a graffiti inspired art curriculum for a local school, I decided that I would much rather enjoy creating a Hip Hop Coloring Book and using that as the foundation of the lesson plan.

I wouldn’t say that I was necessarily born to create this book, but I’m grateful for that I live in a world where I have the opportunity to pursue this type of passion.

HBCUBuzz: What inspired your love for hip hop? Do you have a favorite artist or album?

JS: My mom played a huge role in my love for hip hop. My parents didn’t allow us to listen to music with cursing but she knew we loved rap so she would buy us tons of gospel hip hop. I think that set me on the path to listening to alternative types of hip hop (conscious, underground, global) instead of what was happening in the mainstream.

Some of my favorite emcees are Ghost Face Killah, Mf Doom, Mos Def, & Cee-Lo Green.

HBCUBuzz: I read that an app was supposed to be coming out for the Hip Hop Coloring Book. Is it out yet? Where can we find it?

JS: The demo was released and we got some great feedback. However, the app is still under development while I work out some new ideas with my design team. I’m hoping to release the full digital version this summer.

HBCUBuzz: The Hip Hop Coloring Book serves as a bit of a history lesson in hip hop. Was that your intention in the creation of this book?

JS: Definitely. Hip Hop is a huge part of recent African-American history so it was my goal to tell our story in a way that was culturally relevant. The book also bridges the gap between young and old generations, because  you have some people that enjoy the nostalgic feeling they get from the content and others who love that it’s a coloring book that they can relate to.

HBCUBuzz: What lasting impression do you want to leave on the youth through your art?

JS: I want the youth to be empowered through their own creativity. I want them to take pride in their individuality and know that its okay to be themselves. Once they embrace their uniqueness they’ll realize they can accomplish whatever they desire.

HBCUBuzz: It was said in an NYDN article that your parents did not fully support your decision to leave your corporate job and pursue art full time. How did you stay motivated to achieve your goal during that time?

JS: I put my heart into pursuing my creativity and I made the decision that I wouldn’t let anything stop me from giving my all. Antoher thing that helped keep me going was the support I received from my Howard University family. I feel an artist is only as successful as the community that supports him/her and my Howard family supported me 100 percent. They really showed me the power that we could have if we all worked together toward a common goal, which in this case was lending expertise, time or resources to helping each other pursue our respective entrepreneurial endeavors.

HBCUBuzz: Did you ever imagine that hip hop would play such an integral role in your life?

JS: Yes and no. I love hip hop because it’s not just an art form or entertainment for me, but a lifestyle. I’m just glad that I have an opportunity to not only be a part of, but also shape this culture through my art.

HBCUBuzz: How did you find your way to Howard University? Was attending an HBCU always a desire of yours?

JS: In high school I knew very little about HBCUs and even less about Howard. During the Spring Break of my first year of community college my parents sent my younger brother and I to DC to hang with my older cousin for  a week. My cousin (who studied math at Cal Berkeley and Maryland) took us to visit Morgan State, Hampton, and Howard. He really opened our eyes to a black educated lifestyle on the east coast.

Howard was the last school we visited. We walked on the yard at noon on a Friday. It was the first warm day of Spring. Needless to say my decision was made right then and there.

HBCUBuzz: How did Howard help you prepare for the world after graduation?

JS: Attending Howard and seeing the diversity and richness of Black people across the world gave me immense pride in who I am. I’m very greatful for that experience and all the people who helped mold me.

I was a marketing major in HU’s School of Business. And aside from learning and developing a solid business theory foundation, HU also groomed me and taught me how to be a professional. I also got my first taste of entrepreneurship when a friend and I launched a t-shirt business called Daydreamer during my junior year (Daydreamer would evolve into an art collective).

HBCUBuzz: What does it mean to you to be an HBCU alum?

JS: It means accepting the responsibility to expose others to the possibility of life through higher education, especially young black males.

HBCUBuzz:  Is teaching something you see yourself doing in the future?

JS: Yes. I would love to be a professor one day. Really for the sake of sharing my life experiences and helping others accomplish their dreams.

HBCUBuzz: Is there a message that you want to convey to the youth of today through your art?

JS: Just be yourself. Express yourself. Stay true to who you are.

National Science Foundation Deputy Director Cora Marrett to Keynote HBCU Entrepreneurship Conference at ASU

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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National Science Foundation Deputy Director Cora B. Marrett will be the keynote speaker at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Entrepreneurship Conference hosted by Alabama State University on March 5 in Montgomery, Ala. The conference is titled Entrepreneurship: Transforming Education, Government and Industry.

National Science Foundation Deputy Director Cora Marrett (Hope College of Mathematics)

The goals of the conference are to enable attendees the opportunity to learn about business development, entrepreneurship, grants, contracting and fellowships, with a special focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from an entrepreneur’s perspective. The conference is held on March 5-7, 2012.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 “to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…” With an annual budget of about $6.9 billion (FY 2010), NSF is the funding source for approximately 20 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by America’s colleges and universities. In many fields such as mathematics, computer science and the social sciences, NSF is the major source of federal backing.

As described in its strategic plan, NSF is the only federal agency whose mission includes support for all fields of fundamental science and engineering, except for medical sciences. NSF is tasked with keeping the United States at the leading edge of discovery in areas from astronomy to geology to zoology. So, in addition to funding research in the traditional academic areas, the agency also supports “high-risk, high pay-off” ideas, novel collaborations and numerous projects that may seem like science fiction today, but which the public will take for granted tomorrow.

Since January 2009, Dr. Marrett has served as NSF’s acting Director, acting Deputy Director, and Senior Advisor, until her confirmation as Deputy Director in May 2011. Before her appointment as acting Director, Dr. Marrett was the Assistant Director for Education and Human Resources (EHR). In EHR, she led NSF’s mission to achieve excellence in U.S. science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels, in both formal and informal settings.

From 1992 to 1996, she served as the first Assistant Director for the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) directorate. Dr. Marrett earned NSF’s Distinguished Service Award for her groundbreaking leadership of the new directorate. From 2001 to 2007, Dr. Marrett was the University of Wisconsin System’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. She also served concurrently as Professor of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before joining the University of Wisconsin, she was the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Dr. Marrett holds a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Union University, a Master of Arts and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, all in Sociology. She received an honorary doctorate from Wake Forest University in 1996, and was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1998 and the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1996. In May 2011, Virginia Union University awarded Dr. Marrett an honorary degree as a distinguished alumna.

For additional information about the conference, visit www.asu-hbcu.org.

Obama holds edge over Romney in general election matchup, poll finds

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Boosted by improved public confidence in his economic stewardship, President Obama for the first time holds a clear edge over Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in a hypothetical general-election matchup, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

Romney, who notched his second consecutive victory Saturday by easily winning the Nevada caucuses, continues to solidify his position as the front-runner in the race for the GOP nomination. But as the contest has grown more negative, public impressions of the top Republican contenders have soured, as has the former Massachusetts governor’s standing as a general-election candidate.

President Barack Obama is shown in the Roosevelt Room

Obama remains a polarizing figure, with Americans closely divided on whether he deserves reelection as well as on many aspects of his performance in office.Although better than they were a few months ago, his ratings on handling the economy and job creation remain negative, with intensity continuing to run against him.The poll results underscore how important framing the contest could be to the outcome.

If the fall campaign becomes largely a referendum on Obama’s tenure in office, as Republicans hope it will, he could struggle to win a second term — barring an economic recovery that vastly outperforms expectations. If, however, it becomes a choice between the incumbent and the challenger, as Obama advisers predict it will, the president’s prospects would be brighter.

The survey was conducted Wednesday through Saturday. During that time, the president and the Republican candidates were in the spotlight: Obama had just completed his State of the Union address and held campaign-style rallies in battleground states, and the Republicans were in the middle of a series of primaries and caucuses.

Overall, 55 percent of those who are closely following the campaign say they disapprove of what the GOP candidates have been saying.

By better than 2 to 1, Americans say the more they learn about Romney, the less they like him. Even among Republicans, as many offer negative as positive assessments of him on this question. Judgments about former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who denounced Romney on Saturday night in Nevada, are about 3 to 1 negative.

Meanwhile, the president’s recent remarks are better reviewed. Among the roughly 6 in 10 Americans who heard or read about the president’s State of the Union address, 57 percent say they approve of most of what he laid out.

Obama’s overall approval rating stands at 50 percent, the highest in a Post-ABC News poll since a brief run above 50 percent immediately after Osama bin Laden was killed in early May. Still, nearly as many — 46 percent — disapprove. Among registered voters, 49 percent say Obama’s performance warrants a second term; exactly as many say it doesn’t.

Among political independents, who are likely to determine the outcome of the election, 47 percent approve and 50 percent disapprove of the way he is handling his job. The president’s approval rating among independents had dipped as low as 34 percent in the fall, and just a month ago, he faced a 10-point deficit here.

Read more at The Washington Post

Amazing Grace: Southern defeats Grambling 57-53 Behind Jameel Grace’s 24 Points

Posted by Kev Keise
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In the inaugural Bayou Classic on the Hardwood, Southern’s Jameel Grace scored 19 of his 24 points in the second half for Southern to rally back and defeat Grambling State 57-53.

“I really think we got him (Roberts) tired,” said Jaguars head Coach Roman Banks, who led Southern to its first win at Grambling (3-17, 3-7 SWAC) since 2000. “He can jump over you and shoot it, but you could see he didn’t have that lift and we made him work defensively.”

In the game played Saturday night in the Hobdy Assembly Center, Coach Banks ran several plays for Mike Celestin. Although he scored  only 3 points on 1 of 5 shots, his role was vital in slowing the down the onslaught of Roberts.

In front of a crowd of about 4,000 people, Grambling led 16-0 and Roberts scored 21 of the Tigers’ 31 first half points and they led by 10. Roberts finished with 27 points and 5 rebounds.

Southern (12-11, 8-2 SWAC) couldn’t get anything going early in the first half as they went scoreless for the first four minutes. It wasn’t until Grace connected on 3-pointer that gave the Jaguars their first points and propelled a15-6 run for Southern. That tightened the score to 21-15.

Then Roberts scored eight of the Tigers last 10 points to close the half with him matching Southern’s total score of 21.

“Quincy Roberts was a one man show in the first half for us, which is great that’s exactly why I got him here,” said Coach Washington in a halftime interview with Grambling’s sports radio network. Roberts’ highlights show was cancelled due to the different looks and defenders Coach Banks threw at him.

After making his first few shots in the first half, five minutes would pass before he registered his next points.

“In the first half they played me man to man, so I was able to get to my own shot and create,” said Roberts. “In the second half they played more of a face guard zone so it was really hard to get my shot off.”

The Tigers offense became stagnant once Southern’s scheme to take Roberts out the game became successful. While Grambling’s offense stood still, the Jaguars whittled their way back in to the game and held a 34-33 lead after a 12-2 run early in the second half. Southern stretched their lead out to eight points with 9:01 remaining, but the Tigers battled back and went on their own 9-0 run regain lead with the score at 52-51.

Quietly, Grace made big plays for the Jaguars and it started with a go ahead layup with 3:21 left to play, which made the score 53-52. Since then Southern never trailed. Peter Roberson tied the game at 53 with a layup, but Grace answered with a bucket of his own.

With 13 seconds left Roberts missed a 3-pointer that would have forced the game in to overtime. Successful free throws by Southern secured them with a 57-53 victory and two games back of Mississippi Valley for first place of the South Western Athletic Conference.

Posted by Kev Keise Posted on 31 articles

North Carolina Central Eagles Cruise to Victory Over FAMU Rattlers, 78-61

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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FAMU Senior Yannick Crowder shooting a free throw. (FAMU Sports Information)

The North Carolina Central Eagles dominated the Florida A&M Rattlers in all aspects of the game to take a 78-61 win at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

Yannick Crowder led the Rattlers in scoring with 17 points. Amin Stevens added 15, while Reggie Lewis chipped in 10 points. Stevens completed the double-double with 11 rebounds. Crowder continued his impressive pace with four blocked shots.
The Rattlers were done in by poor shooting, and what head coach Clemon Johnson described as poor effort. “We just didn’t put forth the effort tonight. It’s a team still trying to grow up and it caught us. We kind of went through the motions for 35 minutes tonight and played for five minutes. I told them in the locker room we were playing like we were hoping to win…not playing to win,” A disappointed Johnson said.
The Rattlers shot a dismal 14-of-25 (56 percent) from the field in the first half and 6-for-24 (25 percent) in the second half for a game total of 40.8 percent. The stats from long range offered a dreary performance as well with FAMU shooting 3-for-17 from 3-point range, to finish with 17.6 percent for the game.

Read the complete story at NCCU Athletics

Lady Panthers Surge Into First Place in CIAA North

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Virginia Union Senior Dashai Chandler listens to Coach Barvenia Wooten-Cherry. (VUU Athletics)

Virginia Union University’s Danielle Ferguson scored 20 points to lead the Lady Panthers to a 60-44 win over Elizabeth City State University in a showdown of the two teams who were tied for first place in the CIAA Northern Division, played on Saturday, February 4, in Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.

The win gives VUU sole possession of first place in the CIAA Northern Division.

VUU’s Valentine Wheeler scored 14 points while teammate Vicki Collier added 12 points in the win. Wheeler and Collier had nine rebounds apiece to lead the Lady Panthers on the boards. Elizabeth City state was led by Stephanie Harper’s 16 points and 13 rebounds.

The win raised VUU’s record to 9-11 overall and 6-5 in the CIAA.  The nine wins are the most for a Lady Panthers since the 2005-06 team won 13 games.

The loss dropped Elizabeth City State to 12-9 overall and 6-5 in the CIAA.

VUU now travels to Petersburg, Va., to face Virginia State University at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 11.

Courtesy of VUU Athletics

Ellis’ Free Throws Lift Coppin State Past Morgan State

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Akeem Ellis leads Coppin State to victory over Morgan State. (Coppinstatesports.com)

BALTIMORE, Md. – Akeem Ellis hit two free throws with 0.5 seconds remaining in regulation lifting Coppin State to an 88-86 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over Morgan State on Saturday in Hill Field House.

Morgan State’s DeWayne Jackson tied the game at 86-86 when he drilled a three-pointer from the top of the key with 11.2 seconds to play.

After a Coppin State timeout, the Eagles worked the ball to Ellis who drove the lane and was fouled by Kevin Thompson with 0.5 seconds to play. After Ellis made the two free throws, Justin Black misfired on a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded.

Coppin State (12-11, 7-3 MEAC) shot 47.5 percent from the floor and 41.9 percent from the three-point line in posting its third straight victory, and sixth in the last eight games.

Read more at CoppinStateSports.com.

2012 Grambling State University Football Signees

Posted by Kev Keise
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The 2012 Grambling State Football signess have been announced! The GSU Tigers are aiming to defend their 2011 SWAC Championship by adding 21 high school football players. Listed below is the list of players, positions and high schools of the newest additions to the Grambling State family. 

 

Name Pos. HT. WT. Hometown High School
Joshua Alexander DB 5’10 175 Houston, Texas Sharpstown H.S.
Dwight Bazilee, II OL 6’2 285 Channelview,   Texas Northshore H.S.
Marlon Brown OL 6’2 230 Dallas, Texas Skyline H.S.
Brandon Byrdsong TE 6’2 225 Fayetteville,   Ga. Sandy Creek   H.S.
William Cowan OL 6’2 300 Alexandria, La. Peabody H.S.
Ka’Jandre Domino ATH 5’10 170 Baton Rouge,   La. Scotlandville   H.S.
Shawheem Dowdy ATH 6’2 220 Owings, Md. New Town H.S.
Ernest Echols DT 6’3 330 Stone Mountain, Ga. Martin Luther   King H.S.
Centerio Ford DT 6’3 320 Marion, La. Farmerville   H.S.
Justin Fortson ATH 5’8 165 Shreveport, La. Fair Park H.S.
Vickey Gilbert, II LB 6’2 220 Rogersville,   Al. Laurderale   County H.S.
Trevion Goins OL 6’1 280 Monroe, La. Richwood H.S.
Akil Hawkins OL 6’4 285 Fayetteville,   Ga. Fayette County   H.S.
Dominique Leake WR 5’10 165 Memphis, Tn. Southwind H.S.
Justin Miller OL 6’3 301 Simsboro, La. Ruston H.S.
Tyler Olivier DB 5’10 180 New Iberia, La. Catholic-New Iberia H.S.
Nicholas Peoples DB 5’10 185 Shreveport, La. Bryd H.S.
Travondre Rabon WR 6’2 190 Dallas, Texas Skyline H.S.
Samuel Reese DE 6’2 236 Center Point,   Al. Center Point   H.S.
Curtis Stapleton DT 6’1 250 Ozark, Al. Carroll High
Henry Taylor LB 6’1 205 Baton Rouge,   La. Scotlandville   H.S.

 

The Washington Post Brings Panel on Black Women Perspectives to Howard University

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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HBCUBuzz will be in attendance at the panel discussion ‘Peeling Back the Labels: Black Women in America” held at Howard University. Continue reading “The Washington Post Brings Panel on Black Women Perspectives to Howard University”

Hampton U’s Jenkins survives cancer, thrives for Pirates

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Forget Cam Newton. David Six has come up with an even more unusual way to dupe the NCAA and keep point guard and team leader Jericka Jenkins at Hampton University past her senior season.

“You didn’t hear? Jericka’s not leaving,” Six said. “We found a loophole in the NCAA that allowed her to stay for one more year — the ‘Please, baby baby please,’ loophole.”

Newton escaped fallout from a pay-for-play scandal after his father, not considered an agent at the time under a since-adjusted NCAA rule, shopped his skills to schools.

Six’s suggested circumvention, no matter how heartfelt, is unlikely to bring Jenkins back next season. So he’ll just have to settle for appreciating her while he has her.

Jenkins ranks second in the nation with 7.8 assists per game and is second all-time in that category at Hampton with 554 career assists. She also leads the Lady Pirates (16-4, 8-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) with 14.9 points per game.

Her impact, though, goes beyond numbers. To wit: In Monday’s 74-60 win against Morgan State, the Lady Pirates, who lost their first conference game in 20 tries in Saturday’s overtime defeat at the hands of Coppin State, found themselves in another close game late. The Lady Bears were within six with 4:30 to play and threatening, for the second straight game, the invincibility HU has built in winning back-to-back MEAC tournament titles and a regular-season championship last season.

Jenkins was having none of it. She drove the lane, got fouled and made both free throws. Then, after a block from Hampton center Sherena Abercrumbia led to a shot clock violation, Jenkins head-faked a defender out of bounds and drained a baseline jumper. Abercrumbia put the game away by going 4-for-4 from the free-throw line after twice being fouled on turnaround jumpers in the post — courtesy of entry passes from Jenkins.

Her teammates rain praise on her, game after game. Six calls her the maestro and, when she’s on, one of the best point guards in the country.

It’s a lot of adulation for anyone, especially a 5-foot-4 point guard who arrived at Hampton in 2008 fresh off the battle of her life.

A hard-won perspective

In 2005, Jenkins was a 14-year-old three-sport athlete in Lancaster, Texas, when a lump on her collarbone led to a devastating diagnosis: Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that causes abnormal growth of the cells of the lymph system.

Jenkins reacted with disbelief — “I thought (the doctor) was lying,” she told The Daily Press in 2009 and allowed herself to cry. Once. Then, the summer after her freshman year of high school, she got down to business, undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by radiation.

Her hair fell out and friends who couldn’t handle her illness stopped calling, but Jenkins was determined to play college basketball. She drove herself to her final chemotherapy treatment, then to the gym to work out.

In November 2007, when she was 17, doctors declared Jenkins in remission. She graduated from Lancaster High with honors and brought her hoop dreams to Hampton.

These days, Jenkins has once-a-year checkups. Hodgkin’s disease can recur, sometimes years after treatment.

“Honestly, I do worry every time I go, because you never know what it might be, just because of the all the long-term side effects that they talk to me about,” said Jenkins, who went in for her checkup earlier this month. “Every time I go, I just pray that everything comes back OK. Usually it does, but I still worry, just a tad bit.”

When Jenkins does get tired or sore, it’s nothing ibuprofren can’t fix.

“I just take some vitamins and over-the-counter things, and I’ll be all right,” she said.

Jenkins’ battle with Hodgkin’s disease has left its mark in other, more positive ways.

Read more at The Morning Call

Historical Landmark: The CN&I Power Plant on the Campus of Central State University

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HBCUBuzz visits Wilberforce, Ohio to unearth the history surrounding the CN&I Power Plant at Central State University. Continue reading “Historical Landmark: The CN&I Power Plant on the Campus of Central State University”

Occupying Federal Grounds: Advocating Change in Charlotte

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He wakes up, lines up his watches, cleans his toothbrush, restocks his shaving cream, and polishes his shoes. Then as he proceeds to lock up his tent, he takes the zipper from the right side and brings it around to the left side and clamps his lock to secure his place of residence. These are things James Walker must do every morning before heading out to find work in the city of Charlotte. But once his day is over, he must head back to his new address of 600 E. Trade St. hoping no one has broken into his tent.

James Walker is one of thousands of protestors participating in the Occupy Wall Street movement which argues that the 1 percent of the wealthiest people have too much power. “The 1 percent are scared to change because they are afraid to lose their power,” explained James Walker, who is a singer and actor looking for work whose temporary address is now 600 E. Trade St.

Protestors say that major corporations and banks have too much ability to take away jobs.  “These big corporations and banks have this power to take our jobs and take our money,” said Walker, who talked a lot about the issues of power.

The citizens of Occupy Wall Street feel the need for change is not being met and right now the citizens of Occupy Charlotte are reorganizing their daily activities and routines to make this change happen. Occupy Charlotte has been recently publicized in the media and the point of this stand is to show Congressman Mel Watt (D) that change can help the city- let alone this nation.

“Mel Watt needs to see that what we are standing for is something that helps the city of Charlotte and even the nation in regards to economy equality,” said Alex, a fired up protestor whose last name was told to be unneeded for the issues of America.

This change the occupants are talking about will come from that 1 percent. They say they hope to bring down costs of services, advocate more jobs by decreasing the tax rate, and allow more occupations to stay occupied and not being taken away due harboring money and being gluttonous.

Occupy Wall Street protestors say these major banks and corporations of Charlotte are being gluttonous by overconsuming money and wealth. This substantially leads to many job losses and foreclosures. “There is making a profit, then there is gluttony. The problem that most of the Occupy movements have had with the banks and these huge multi-corporations is that they have become gluttons and that’s the way it works for them,” explained Walker who became more passionate as the conversation went on.

With all that being said, one would say why doesn’t these big corporations, banks, even Congress speak up. “Speaking up can lead to someone’s job [being] lost, much like a political party there is a majority and a minority, in a group that is aiming to drive away from change, if one stands for the change that can be a catastrophic mess,” Walker explained.

The majority always has the overall power, and power always wants more power. “Right now it seems to be a cry of power, these major companies, are continuing to raise everything, charge everything, and have to control of what is happening with the city of Charlotte,” said Alex. These Occupy campers say they are here to fight these standards that are putting people in the streets. They say they are fed up, and they want to see change. They want to be able to go to work Monday and not worry that their job will being gone by Thursday.

Occupy Charlotte protestors have camped out for 90 days straight and they say they are ready to continue for 90 more days until they see change. Occupy Charlotte first rallied in 2011 when Bank of America decided to charge five dollars for each transaction used with a debit card. Many thought the fight was over when Bank of America decided to no longer charge the five dollar fee, but according to Walker, “the banks and corporations will get their money one way or another and it will affect the city of Charlotte tremendously”.

The protestors of Occupy Wall Street want Congress and these big banks and corporations to lessen the value of services, allow more jobs to come about, raise the tax rate for the rich, and open the door to those in need. Change is something Occupy Charlotte is fighting for and will continue on until change seeps through. “I will continue to sleep on these grounds and walk around and letting people know of this injustice until our economy changes for us,” said Walker, who stands with a smile as he expresses his passionate thoughts regarding Occupy Wall Street.

Southern University’s Aeneas Williams Named NFL Hall of Fame Finalist

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Southern University’s Aeneas Williams has been named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012. Continue reading “Southern University’s Aeneas Williams Named NFL Hall of Fame Finalist”

Interviews: 20th Annual Woman to Woman Conference at Howard University

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HBCUBuzz was there to witness the 20th Annual Woman to Woman Conference at Howard University. Here are what people had to say about the event. Continue reading “Interviews: 20th Annual Woman to Woman Conference at Howard University”

Grambling State University’s Doug Williams Relives Super Bowl XXII

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HBCUBuzz’s Kev Keise sits down with Grambling State University football coach Doug Williams, the first African-American to start and win a Super Bowl. Continue reading “Grambling State University’s Doug Williams Relives Super Bowl XXII”