The Gamma Alphas & BE Deltas share a common bond on December 4th. (Victor Harper)
The Ties That Bind: Alpha Phi Alpha & Delta Sigma Theta
There are many connections and similarities found in the ice-cold brothers of A Phi A and the devastating divas of DST. But on a particular HBCU, the ties that bind these two organizations is stronger than most.
December 4: A special day to the brothers of the Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Beta Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as they share a special bond between them that is truly unique to these distinctive organizations seated at Virginia Union University.
December 4, 1906 is the founding date of the first intercollegiate fraternity for African-American men—Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. December 4, 1937 is the date that 26 charter members made the distinguished Beta Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on the campus of Virginia Union University.
For the week of November 28th to December 2nd, the two chapters partnered for a weeklong series of programs titled “Fire & Ice Week.” It has been a longstanding tradition for the two chapters to collaborate on the week leading up to the fraternity’s founding date and the chapter’s charter day.
“Fire & Ice Week” began with a thought-provoking discussion on the “B” word and the power that words have on a person’s psyche and in the media. The conversation drew several responses from the audience as the women and both the men described their different viewpoints on the word.
On Tuesday, the two organizations’ program on leadership “Students Today; Leaders Tomorrow” was dually influential and a symbol of the relationship for both chapters. The program was facilitated by Trent Miller and Rachetta “Shay” Moss, who serve as Mr. and Miss Virginia Union University 2011-2012. Miller and Moss are both Spring 2011 initiates of their respective chapters.
Before becoming Miss Virginia Union University, Shay Moss served as Miss Black & Gold 2009-2010 for the Gamma Chapter. She went on to compete in three more Miss Black & Gold pageants and became Miss VACAPAF (Virginia Association of Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity) and Miss Eastern Region of the fraternity.
Chapel, a Virginia Union tradition to hold an hour-long church service, was also hosted by the Alphas and Deltas. The week was concluded with an invitation for VUU students to display their talents on stage at the “Phrozen Fire” open mic talent show.
In their rich 74 year history, the Beta Epsilon chapter has created a legacy of sisterhood, scholarship and service that has left an enormous impact on the campus of Virginia Union University and in the Richmond community. In 2011, the chapter won awards for Most Community Service and Highest Overall GPA for VUU Greek organizations.
At the 2011 Virginia Union University homecoming, B.E. won 1st place for the best sorority for the second consecutive year. Gamma won 1st place in the step show for the fraternities.
The Gamma chapter has run continuously for the entire 103 years of its existence. Virginia Union graduate Eugene Kinckle Jones came back to his alma mater and founded the chapter on December 30, 1907. The chapter was the recipient of the fraternity award for best collegiate/alumni chapter relationship 2010 Charles H. Wesley Award with its graduate chapter, Xi Delta Lambda.
James Nixon presents the MLK Memorial hat to Talladega College president Bill Hawkins
In a community as close knit as Talladega, Alabama, it is important for everyone to look out for one another. So when James Nixon and his wife, Elaine, visited Washington, D.C. for the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial on October 16, he thought of Talladega College when he picked up his souvenirs after the dedication was over.
The people in the South are friendly and hospitable, and James Nixon decided it would be a great gesture to donate a MLK Memorial Dedication hat to Talladega College, the oldest HBCU in Alabama.
“I thought that it would reach more people to be able to see it if we put it on display somewhere than me just totting it around showing it,” said Nixon, a retired construction worker.
James Nixon, like a lot of other townspeople, loves and supports Talladega College because it represents their home. Nixon also lent a hand in helping Talladega College, as he helped build Crawford Hall and other apartment buildings for the college.
It was not the first time the Nixons had left their sweet home Alabama to visit the nation’s capital. Elaine Nixon and other Talladega County public schools employees were invited to the White House and honored by First Lady Michelle Obama for their work to fight childhood obesity.
Speaking about his visit to the MLK Memorial, Nixon said he marveled at the ambiance of the event. “Everybody was smiling, but really it was a moment to access the true meaning of what was happening and what was taking place.” He added that he enjoyed the performances of Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.
Talladega College holds a special moment in time in the life of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. It was at Talladega College where Martin Luther King, Jr. met fellow Alpha brother and reverend Andrew Young. The two would go on to do great work for the Civil Rights Movement with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. An iconic picture of the two on the campus –the only one of its kind—exists in the office of the college’s president, Dr. Billy C. Hawkins. It has and probably never will be allowed to be copyrighted, as it holds a special place in the college’s history and heart.
President Hawkins invited Nixon into his office and was pleased to entertain his guest. Growing up, Nixon did not adhere to the teachings and beliefs of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. H grew up prejudiced against blacks, but grew to respect Dr. King for his work in ministry.
“He is a great man, a great Christian,” Nixon said of Dr. King. “He led more people to salvation than we could ever account for.”
“I wanted the Memorial memorabilia to be appreciated by more than just me. I felt that by donating it to [an HBCU], that could let more people enjoy it.”
Sunday December 4th, 2011 is the day the Trojans take their talents to the Big Apple! Virginia State University’s Men’s Basketball team will face off with their arch rival Virginia Union University at New York City’s Madison Square Garden for the 2011 Big Apple Classic. At 3 PM sharp, VSU will show you why they are the BEST HBCU at the Big Apple Classic! Under the direction of recently appointed Coach Darrel Jacobs, the Trojans have had a promising season so far and that reign will continue.
The Virginia State Trojans have been making headlines lately off the courts with their recent campus and academic accomplishments. Beating the pants off of their classic archrival would just be another notch in their belt! Not to mention Virginia State annihilated Virginia Union in this year’s football homecoming game with a score of 39-14. So why wouldn’t they do the same on the basketball court.
Virginia State Trojans are the epitome of resilience and determination! Always working, pushing and striving in whatever they do! Putting their best foot forward to get the job done and this game is no different! Even if they were to lose (thought I doubt that will happen) rest assured they tried every play in the book and the loss wasn’t an easy one!
Although I can’t be in New York for the game itself I will be fully dressed in my VSU gear wherever I am, from head to toe in that beautiful orange and blue! In the words of our Alma Mater “Hail State, Hail, Hail, Hail!”
In an ever changing world, where women have become a more dominant force, of course such things will change in fashion as well. An extremely hot look straight off of the runway and onto the street is the Androgynous Look. This look incorporates women wearing more masculine tone clothing. As a result we see mannish shirts, suits, boots, and hats in majority of Fall/ Winter 2011/ 2012 designer collections.
DIY – To successfully mock this look simply find staple pieces from any fashionable man’s closet. Looser fitting button up shirts, along with a tailored pant works well for the classroom, to the office, as well as out to lounge. See model Chanel Iman trying out the look, along with two fashion forward LookBook girls!!
– Color:
As with the case with “Winter Fashion”, most people expect to wear neutrals, in seas of browns, khaki’s, navy blue’s, white’s etc. All of this has changed for the Fall/Winter 2011/2012 season, and designers have the boring tones behind and traded them for brighter hues such as yellow, neon orange, electric blue, purple and others. The color-blocking trend is still hot for winter, so make sure you still have fun mixing and matching fun tones.
DIY – Start by finding fun colors, and instead of throwing together a lot of colorful pieces into one outfit, try to match pieces from the same color palette. This way no matter what color combination you place together, you still look on trend and fashion able. See haute celebrity stylist June Ambrose, rocking a half-cut orange trench, with purple pants, and a gorgeous teal turban. Also check out the other ladies from LookBook as they show their winter color fashion mixes.
– Texture:
Everything is mixed in Fall/ Winter 2011/ 2012 collections. Silk comes along with fur and knitwear; sequins and leather make a perfect combination and even plastic goes well with chiffon and wool. That’s only the beginning though. This season its all about mixing textures together, even in the same color scheme. Black leather, paired with a black faux fur, and black velvet make for a chic yet edgy look while at the same time mixing textures to stay on trend.
DIY – To successfully execute this look, make sure you have a open mind to lace, fur, wrinkled materials, silk etc. This is a finite way to make sure you are comfortable, cute and confident in whatever you wear. For this trend remember not to throw your fashion sense out the window. Keep normal color trends, but add texture.
In total, remember that Fashion is what you make it, and Fashion is FUN!! Have fun, and make sure you send us PICTURES of your Fall/Winter Fashion outfits.
In 2006, William “Reds” Brawner admitted in an Essence Magazine that he has been living with AIDS for his entire life. It sent shock waves throughout the campus, and shocked his roommate and close friend Mike Brown.
“I didn’t know that Reds had a female guest in his room when another girl showed up unannounced,” says Brown, who was left to answer the door. “Will liked the girls and the girls liked Will.”
Brawner did not tell many about his illness because for the majority of his life, it was a secret to himself. When she was still pregnant with him, doctors gave Linda Brawner a blood transfusion. The person who donated blood died from AIDS, and William Brawner had AIDS since the day he was born.
Williams Brawner’s life has been chronicled in a documentary called “25 to Life”, and Brawner has become an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness. Ironically, Brawner was advocating AIDS awareness while not knowing his own status.
Brawner’s story is amazing, and serves as a testament as to why it is so important that African American men know their status and learn more about the deadly disease that is plaguing our community.
The Grandpa Sweater, it was dubbed with this name because it’s big and comfy design. Personally they remind me of those really old grandfathers who get dressed up to sit home and watch TV, or even Bill Cosby. I’ve seen many girls and guys wear this new fall trend. They are great for a fall day when you just want to relax and work on a term paper.
The best thing about this “grandpa sweater” is that you probably won’t even have to pay for it, and if you do it won’t be a lot. The best ones are probably sitting in your grandfather’s closet or in a thrift shop waiting for you to pick it up.
Pairing your grandpa sweater with the perfect outfit is super easy especially when you’re just going to class. My favorite is the sweater with denim skinnys and a tall pair of classic Uggs. That combination is always a warm and cozy choice. Of course it’s not the only way to pair your sweater but feel free to experiment with a bunch of styles and trends, it’s pretty hard to go wrong.
Every year on December 1st, people all across the country stop and observe a day that symbolizes hope, awareness, and urgency in our community: World AIDS Day. We as a people have to use our collective voice to spread knowledge about World AIDS Day, how the HIV/AIDS epidemic is destroying the African American community, and what more we can do to help.
Knowledge is power, and being informed about the rate at which this monstrous disease is raging among our community is vital. The African American community is the racial/ethnic group that is most affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black men accounted for 70% of the estimated new HIV infections among all blacks in 2009. In 2009, it was estimated that 30% of black women made up new HIV infections among all blacks. Close to 85% of black women with HIV acquired HIV through heterosexual sex.
Black men and women have always been and continue to be the ones who suffer the most in HIV/AIDS case studies. African Americans make up 44% of new HIV infections, but only make up 14% of the U.S. population.
What’s most telling about these statistics is how ignorant so many of our people are about HIV,AIDS, and sexually transmitted diseases. What we need is for our young people, the ones hit hardest by this disease, to be well informed and educated about exactly what HIV and AIDS is. As much as we advocate for our HBCUs, we need to advocate just as hard and often for HIV awareness.
Our HBCUs have already begun to promote World AIDS Day in several ways. Paine College has planned a series of programs to commemorate World AIDS Day. Virginia Union University has year round programs dedicated to HIV/AIDS Awareness thanks to the work of university counselor Melody Pannell and her team of HIV/AIDS Peer Educators. The HIV/AIDS Per Educators have prepared a “Red Alert Comedy Show” on December 2nd in partnership with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
It is imperative that more HBCUs educate our students more about this disease. There is still a huge stigma amongst African Americans in getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases, in fear of learning an awful truth. In actuality, knowing is half the battle. The other half consists of staying healthy through using condoms consistently and effectively, knowing your partner’s status, getting tested every three to six months, and remaining monogamous.
With as many resources at our disposal, the most important time to act is now. African Americans must react to the HIV/AIDS epidemic with as much urgency as the Civil Right Movement and the 2008 presidential election.Back then, as it is today, the most important time in history is now.
Former FAMU band director Julian White (Steve Cannon/AP)
Former FAMU band director Julian White has broken his silence.
Days after a letter from Florida A&M University president James Ammons terminating Julian White’s tenure with the university, White has come out and stated that the school knew about the hazing allegations that were happening, but refused to act on these revelations or take them seriously.
Julian White said to reporters: “I explained to them that I have suspended these students from the band and I have some apprehensions. I need your support in handling this hazing. Sometimes I feel as though I’m out there by myself and by that I mean, if I’ve given you the names, do something about it. If you’ve had these names two weeks, do something about it. I wish they had suspended the students from school. If some strong actions had been taken then Robert Champion may well be alive now.”
Robert Champion died on November 19, 2011 as the band was leaving to go back to the university after the Florida Classic. Champion’s death was allegedly due to hazing.
Hazing allegations is nothing new to the FAMU band. In 2001, Marcus Parker suffered severe kidney damage due to being beaten with a paddle. Before the Parker incident, Ivery Luckey reported to have been hit with a paddle multiple times and had to be admitted to the hospital.
As reported by HBCUBuzz earlier and Julian White says himself, there has been a culture of hazing that has gone largely unnoticed by the school’s administration. “It’s a culture,” Julian White said. “Not just a Florida A&M culture, a college phenomenon.”
White insists that he did everything in his power to stop the hazing, and that Champion’s death greatly affected him. White dismissed 26 band members hoping to punish them for hazing related incidents, but received no support from FAMU. White had this to say about Champion:
I asked the medics if they would allow me a few minutes so I could go in and touch Robert and see Robert just as a reminder to me how tragic life can be sometimes and then to express myself in feelings and voice to Robert. Afterward, the most difficult time I had was calling his mother and father and stating to them ‘there has been some difficulty and I regret to inform you that your son has passed away.
As White petitions for his job back, he stated his 5 decade relationship with Florida A&M University led him to act quickly and severely in punishing the hazing culprits but to no avail. ” I feel very comfortable that I did everything I could to eradicate hazing. I coined the phrase ‘zero tolerance for hazing’ in the Florida A&M band.”
Will Julian White get his job back? Does he deserve it back? HBCUBuzz will continue to update you as more information arrives.
In anticipation of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) celebrating 100 years of existence, the CIAA compiled a list of its 100 greatest athletes in its history. As the names of the players are announced, HBCUBuzz will work to keep you abreast on the rankings. Check out more information about the 2012 CIAA Tournament 100th Anniversary, visit them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and visit their website at http://www.ciaatournament.org/
#100. Allyson Hardy-Bowie State University
From 2001-2005, Allyson was a Four-Year letterwinner, four-year starter, two-time All-CIAA, Two-time CIAA Player of the Year (2003 and 2005), and Team Captain who is Bowie State’s All-Time Leading Scorer with 2,107 pts.
#99. Ralph Talley- Norfolk State University
Talley is NSU’s leader with 2,575 career points, 904 made field goals, 621 made free throws. He holds the NSU single season lead with 842 points and 98 3-pointers in 1986-87 and 103 steals in 84-85. In 1987 he was named NABC Division II Player of the Year and 1st Team All-American. In 1986 and 1987 he was an Extra Point Club All-American and McLendon Trophy Winner (HBCU Player of the Year). 3-time CIAA Player of the Year from 1985-87 and 3-time CIAA Tournament MVP 1984-86. Talley Led NSU to 2 CIAA titles in 1984 and 1986 and helped NSU win 2 Division II Regional titles in 1986 and 1987 and advance to the national quarterfinals both years.
#98. William “Bill” Hayes- Winston-Salem State University
During his 12 seasons at WSSU, the Rams, under Coach Hayes, captured three CIAA championships (1977, 1978 and 1987) and seven division championships, turned in back-to-back undefeated regular season marks in 1977 and 1978 and posted an overall record of 89-40-2. In all, Hayes spent 27 seasons as a collegiate head football coach, compiling a 195-104-2 overall record en route to establishing himself as the winningest coach at both Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T as he finished his career with more victories (195) than any other college football head coach in the history of the State of North Carolina.
#97. Tracy Saunders- Norfolk State University
Tracy is a 3-time All-CIAA player. She’s the 1991 CIAA Player of the Year, and that year led NSU to CIAA title. Also in 1991, Tracy was named Kodak/NCAA Division II National Player of the Year. She’s a 2,000-point scorer, 3rd all-time at NSU in scoring (2,084) and 2nd in rebounds (978). She led NSU to 95-25 record, including 1991 D-II Final Four and is a NSU Sports Hall of Fame Inductee.
#96. Rochelle Stevens- Morgan State University
Stevens accomplishment include 1991 U.S. Indoor 200m champion and 1992 Olympic Trials champion as well as Olympic silver medalist (4x400m) in 1992. In 1995 she was the World Champs gold medalist (4x400m) and in 1996 Olympic gold medalist (4x400m). Stevens also is a NCAA Outdoor 400m champion and placed 2nd in 400m at 1998 U.S. Outdoor nationals!
The Dillard University Choir will travel to Washington D.C. to sing on Dec. 7th at the White House. The choir will sing in the East Wing for guests touring the White House and its holiday decorations.
Directed by S. Carver Davenport, the choir will perform traditional selections such as “Hallelujah Chorus” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” as well as contemporary songs such as “You Raise Me Up,” by Josh Groban and Kurt Carr’s “For Every Mountain.”
What do these “Ingenious Artistic Minds”: Stevie Wonder, Cal Ripken, Jr., Shirley Chisholm, Bonnie Raitt, Arthur Ashe, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, Chuck Mangione, Neil Diamond, Lonnie Liston Smith, David Plouffe, Elton John, Dr. Ben Carson, Earth Wind & Fire, Dionne Warwick, Stephanie Mills, Stokeley Carmichael, Natalie Cole, Smokey Robinson, Melissa Harris Perry, Johnny Mathis, Gil Scott Heron, and Nikki Giovanni have in common? They and many others have met and have been painted by the artist, Jerome W. Jones, Jr.After meeting and seeing Jerome’s art portfolio, The King of Pop, Michael Jackson said, ” This is incredible. People need to see this.”
For over 30 years Jerome has been using his original paintings to teach ” THE ART OF LIFE THROUGH THE LOVE OF ART ” and to inspire the young and old to use their gifts to uplift others. His son, Jeromyah Jones is following in his father’s creative footsteps as a full time artist by ” Living Our Visions Everyday.”
Jerome received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1980. Jeromyah is a 2011 Bachelor of Arts degree graduate in Comprehensive Art from Hampton University. They both received their art degrees in three years at the age of 21. This dynamic duo of father and son have made art a way of life as well as a creative way to make a living. They have exhibited across the nation their unique portraits and landscape paintings with a personal yet universal message that speaks to people from all walks of life.
When Dave Chappelle met Jeromyah and autographed the young artist’s portait painting of the comedian, He encouraged him and signed it ” Keep painting kid. ” Capital One featured Jerome and Jeromyah Jones’ artwork in 2009 with The Art of Father and Son as One.” Ingenous Artistic Minds, IAM ” is a collection of portrait paintings by Jerome W. Jones, Jr. and autographed by many of the inspirational pioneers of our lifetime. ”JARIETY ” is a collection of figurative landscape paintings by Jeromyah Jones. He combines the Harlem renaissance with the Italian renaissance to usher in a 21st century renaissance through a new age of art to make the Classical Fashionable in these contemporary times.
Through the art from the heart of this father and son, they share the importance of art, history, education, faith, family, community, and philanthropy in a creative way to say ” we are all artists called by The Master Artist to produce art in our chosen fields with the skill, the will, and the zeal to create new worlds of opportunity for others.
Stevie Wonder introduced and invited Jerome to come on stage with him to share his painting of the 8th Wonder of the World with his audience during his concert at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. on December 4, 1979. The sold out audience gave them a standing ovation. This is a great opportunity for you to share one of the best kept secrets with the world.
“There is an art to loving life and that love of life produces art from the heart that creates new worlds!” – Jerome W. Jones, Jr.
Jamila McKinnis was named SIAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week (www.thesiac.com)
ATLANTA—Benedict College junior Marcus Goode has been named SIAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week while Stillman College senior Jamila McKinnis has been named SIAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. Paine College junior James Devlin and Tuskegee University sophomore Alondra Rivers have been named SIAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Newcomers of the Week, respectively.
Goode, a native of Chapin, SC, averaged an impressive 32 points and 16.5 rebounds in two games this past week. The 6-10, 265-pound center had a career night against Kentucky State with 34 points and 21 rebounds, both of which are career-highs. Goode, a preseason All-American by Sporting News, also averaged 2.5 blocks and 1.5 assists while helping the Tigers to a 2-0 record with wins over Augusta State University and conference-foe Kentucky State University.
McKinnis, a native of Mobile, AL, put up a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in Stillman’s only contest this past week. The 5-10 forward also contributed five assists along with four blocks and two steals on defensive in the Lady Tigers’ 57-45 win over Selma University.
Devlin, a guard from Tampa, FL, scored 11 points while dishing out five assists and grabbing two rebounds in Paine’s 78-56 win over conference-foe Lane College. Defensively, the 6-1 transfer from Hillsborough Community College also had three steals to help push the Lions record to 2-0 in the SIAC, giving them an early lead in the conference standings.
Rivers, a guard from Decatur, GA, averaged 12.7 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in three games this past week. The 5-6 transfer from Jones Community College also averaged 2.7 steals while helping the Tigerettes to a 3-0 record, including victories over Clark Atlanta University as well as the University of Mobile and Texas College at the Xavier Classic in New Orleans, LA.
(Augusta, GA)- Paine College will host several events for World AIDS Day. On November 30, the College will host a forum “The People vs. HIV” in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel at 6:30 p.m. The College will also host an opening ceremony for World AIDS Day on December 1 in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel at 6:30 p.m. The keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Rev. Dr. Charles E. Goodman, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church.
The Annual World AIDS Day Walk will take place on December 3 at 10:00AM. The Paine College and CSRA Community will engage in events throughout the week to bring awareness about the AIDS epidemic.
WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS – AUGUSTA, GA
EVENT: “The People Vs. HIV” Forum
DATE: November 30, 2011
TIME: 6:30 PM
VENUE: Paine College Chapel
EVENT: World AIDS Day Opening Ceremony
DATE: December 1, 2011
TIME: 6:30PM
VENUE: Paine College Chapel
EVENT: World AIDS Day Opening Ceremony
DATE: December 1, 2011
TIME: 7:00PM
VENUE: Metropolitan Community Church of the Redeemer
EVENT: Red Ribbon Ball
DATE: December 2, 2011
TIME: 7:00 PM
VENUE: Marion Hatcher Center
EVENT: Talent Show/ Red Carpet Affair
DATE: December 2, 2011
TIME: 6:30 PM
VENUE: Georgia Health Sciences University
Lee Auditorium
For more information, contact the Office of Communications and Marketing at (706) 396-7591 or (706) 821-8322.
Coach Doug Williams and President Dr.Pouge hold the Bayou Classic championship trophy after the Tigers victory. (John Preston)
Normally after Thanksgiving people feast on left over turkey, greens and macaroni and cheese, or maybe some honey smoked ham with a side of your mother’s famous yams. However, on Nov.26 the G-Men as well as the Gram Fam traveled to New Orleans and devoured the Southern Jaguars 36-12 for their post Thanksgiving meal in the 38th annual State Farm Bayou Classic.
“What they (the team) have responded to and what they have done over the last six weeks to me they have written their own legacy,” said head coach Doug Williams. “They written their own history to get off the floor to do what they have done to put themselves in this position shows a lot of character and a lot of heart from a lot of young guys.”
“Super” Mario was beyond spectacular in his homecoming as he completed the game with four catches, three were touchdowns, for 76 yards. His performance earned him the MVP honors.
The game played in the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome is considered the most momentous and historic in-state rivals among HBCUs. The animosity between the two teams isn’t anything new. These teams have been battling each other since 1936, even though it wasn’t officially called the Bayou Classic until 1974, where Grambling defeated Southern 21-0. Grambling State leads the series 20-18.
The history of the Bayou Classic is more than just a clash between Grambling State University and Southern University. The Bayou Classic brings rich historical tradition, family and friends together for entertainment and excitement. The game just caps many festivities on the eventful Thanksgiving weekend in the Cajun Country.
The activities began on Friday with the Greek show and the Battle of the Bands, the show was hosted by Uptown Angela and Wild Wayne. The Louisiana leadership steeper’s, grades 3-12, got the ball rolling. Their performance paid tribute to the fraternities and sororities and the youngsters amused the crowd as they stepped with much energy.
After the youth graced the audience the State Farm sponsors award over $300 thousand to the two schools. A $150 thousand check was presented to Grambling State and Southern was awarded $155 thousand check.
The results from the Greek show competition ended with the Grambling State Sigmas wining third place and $1000 for the men. Their theme was ESPN sports center and they showed video footage of some of their highlights from previous step shows. They stepped over tunes from Kanye West, “All of the lights” and after a PSA they changed comfortably in basketball short and tee shirts as they ended their strut tot Kane and Able “Shake it like a dog”.
Second place and awarded $2000 for were the Grambling State Alphas. They created a chill date setting where a staged couple sat on the couch watching the Wood, where they acted out the characters and scenes, and the Alpha step, where they ended their strutted over Rick Ross “I’m Not A Star”.
First place winners were awarded $3000 were the Alphas from Southern University. Their Five Heartbeat theme captured the attention of the entire crowd as they stepped over tunes of old school classic jams.
Third place and $1000 for the women were awarded to the Deltas of Grambling State. They took the stage in their leotard dresses with a wild comical “BriDezella” theme.
Second place and awarded $2000 was the Southern AKA’s. Their “Takas” theme inspired from the film “Takers” captivated the crowd. They stepped over tunes from Meek Mills and ended with “Tony Montana”.
First place for and awarded $3000 was the Southern Deltas. They told the story of 10 lost divas by the grandmother of the chapter. They got the crowd moving with their zombie act. They amazed the crowd with their death drop.
The tension between the two schools goes beyond the gridiron, in the battle of the bands the two schools to prove who has the sound of the south. The World Famed Tiger Marching Band went head on against the Human Jukebox as they battled back and forth sound for sound. The Southern band opened up with a cameo of someone singing Musiq Soulchilds hit single “Love”. Grambling Band responded with a class act by paying tribute to the Champion family, Robert Champion of the FAMU band died of alleged hazing acts. All night the two bands were devoted to please a crowd of many by bringing wonderful sounds to the ears of the audience and they didn’t disappoint.
“The show was good,” said Rachell Cartwright. “The Grambling Band to me did better because the sound was clear and they played some good songs. Although the Southern band was compelling with the glow shirts and singers, it is battle of the bands it’s not a fashion show or concert!” Rachell is a junior nursing major form Grambling State University.
On Saturday prior to the classic among classics the Fan Fest 2011 was the main attraction. It was sponsored by local New Orleans radio station Q 93.3 and held on Championship Square. The event was free to the public. There was food and fun and entertainment with an amusement park ambiance and concert admission worth performance from artist such as Currency, Mindless Behavior and the headliner Diggy Simmons.
“Other than the fact that it was free they still performed as people paid for it,” said Ahvery Thomas. “It was still a quality show because I went to the concert in Shreveport that cost me about $30 for a seat and the same performance that gave for these people at the Bayou Classic is the same show they gave the people in Shreveport.” Ahvery is a Grambling Graduate student studying sports administration.
After the Fan Fest the G-Men took the field led by freshman quarterback D.J Williams as they demolished the Jaguars to seal a great time in New Orleans.
A 19-year-old freshman at Winston-Salem State University was killed over the weekend in a crash involving a drunken driver, police in Onslow County told NBC affiliate WITN.
Police said Jacinta Fischer was struck by a vehicle traveling at least 85 mph being driven by Jacob Beitz.
Police said Beitz attempted to get back into his car and drive away, but an officer deployed a Taser nine times to subdue him. Inside his car, officers found an open container of alcohol, police said.
Beitz’s charges include driving while impaired, felony death by motor vehicle, voluntary manslaughter, careless and reckless driving, seven counts of aggravated assault, communicating threats, resisting arrest, driving with an open container of alcohol, speeding, aggressive driving and driving with a revoked license.
Police said Fisher, a biology major, died at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Nick Cooper leads WSSU to victory (Origin:www.theciaa.com)
WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The #3 ranked Winston-Salem State University rode the back of running back Nicholas Cooper’s 118 yards and three touchdowns, and Kameron Smith passed for 267 yards and two scores, as the Rams defeated #17 California University (Pa.), 35-28 in the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
Winston-Salem State moves to 12-0 on the year, while the Vulcans end their season at 10-3 overall. The Rams are the #1 seed in Super Region One. Cal (Pa.) came in as the #5 seed in the region.
WSSU would take the opening kickoff and marched down the field behind a 19 yard pass from Kameron Smith to Jameze Massey, and a 33 yard run by Nicholas Cooper, however, the Rams possession would stall and force a WSSU field goal attempt. Landen Thayer’s 30 yard field goal sailed wide ride, giving the ball to California.
On the Vulcans second play from scrimmage, WSSU’s Jonathan Setzer would step in front of a Peter Lalich pass for an interception deep in Vulcan territory.
A Nichols Cooper six yard run and an eight yard pass from Smith to Darryl Freeney, gave the Rams a first and goal early. Two plays later Cooper would cross the goal line for a score, and the subsequent good PAT, gave WSSU a 7-0 lead.
Cal (Pa.) would settle into their offense with their next possession and would go 75 yards in 11 plays, taking off 4:46 seconds, before Jeff Knox crossed to goal line to tie the score at 7-7.
Winston-Salem State would get the ball back and start another drive, highlighted at a 32 yard pass to Juhuann Butler. But four plays later, a scrambling Kam Smith would be sacked and a fumble would give ball back to the Vulcans.
Once again the Vulcans would go on a methodical drive, marching down the field picking up chunks of passing yards underneath, helped out by WSSU penalties. Cal’s Jeff Knox would score his second touchdown of the quarter, pushing their lead to 14-7.
Facing a deficit for one of the few times this season, WSSU would waste no time in getting back into the game. A solid mix of rushing and passing moved the Rams down the field, highlighted by a Smith to Dominique Fitzgerald, 15 yard pass on fourth and 12, and a 20 yard pass from Smith to Tehvyn Brantley to the Vulcan one yard line. Nicholas Cooper would hammer it in on the next play, but Alejandro Suarez’s PAT would hit the upright, making the score 14-13.
After a short kickoff and nice return from Cal’s Jeff Knox, two plays later the Ram defense would rise up once again, this time it was CJ Washington who stepped in front of a Lalich pass for an interception and returned it 16 yards, giving the Rams back the momentum.
Another determined drive for the Rams would see WSSU drive 73 yards in eight plays, covering 3:32 seconds, was capped off with a Kameron Smith to Cedric Hickman and Jamie DeGeare would find Jerry Chandler for a 2-point conversion pass for the PAT, to put the Rams up 21-14.
Winston-Salem State would hold the Vulcans on their next series and force a punt, that WSSU’s nation leading punt returner, Dominique Fitzgerald, would return 12 yards.
WSSU would look to make a serious statement, as they took control of the next series and drove 63 yards, capped off by a Smith to Jamal Williams 26 yard touchdown pass and PAT, pushing the Rams lead to 28-14 heading into the half.
California would take the second half kick and start their drive from the 30 yard line. Two plays later, Peter Lalich would be picked off for the third time, this time by WSSU linebacker, Antonio Gates. Gates would weave through traffic on his was to freedom, but a horse collar tackle would cause a severe ankle injury to Gates, who after a stoppage in play, was carted off the field by the mobile ambulance.
Inspired by their fallen teammate, six plays later Nicholas Cooper would find paydirt in the endzone for the third time on the afternoon for the Rams, pushing their lead to 38-14 less than three minutes into the second half.
Cal U answered with a seven-play, 70-yard scoring drive when Lalich found junior running back Lamont Smith for a seven-yard touchdown, 35-21, with 8:46 remaining in the quarter.
On WSSU’s next possession, Cal’s Greg Cochrane forced a fumble on a sack of Kameron Smith, and a recovery for the Vulcan.
Cal’s Lalich again connected with Smith for a 17-yard touchdown on a swing pass to cut Rams’ lead to 35-28 with 6:10 left in the third, after taking advantage of the short field.
Winston-Salem State would not be able to find its footing, as the momentum had changed sides of the stadium. Another short series and punt would turn the ball back over to Cal U with time running out in the third quarter.
The Vulcans would march down the field on a long 13 play, 69 yard drive, but a 26 yard field goal was blocked by CIAA Defensive Player of the Year,Alton Keaton, giving the Rams the ball back and thwarting Cal’s attempt to tie the game.
Two play later, Kameron Smith would be picked off deep in their own territory, but eh Rams defense would stand strong and on fourth down, forced Lalich to over his targeted receiver, giving WSSU the ball.
After exchanging possessions, and with the clock moving towards game end, the Vulcans looked primed to tie the score. They would go nine plays, and 37 yards, but on fourth down with 48 seconds remaining and a fourth and one, the WSSU defense would come up with the biggest stop of the season, and maybe in its football history, stopping the Vulcan runner short of the first down, giving the Rams back the ball to run out the clock.
Offensively for Winston-Salem State, Nicholas Cooper rushed 20 times for 118 and three scores,, while Kameron Smith finished going 20 of 33 with one interception for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Jameze Massey the led the WSSU wide receivers with five catches for 65 yards, while Dominique Fitzgerald had four catches for 50 yards. Jamal Williams finished with three cacthes for 39 yards and a score, and Tehvyn Brantley also had three catches for 38 yards. Juhuann Butler had two catches for 55 yards and Cedric Hickman had two catches for 12 yards and a score.
Defensively, Alton Keaton finished with eight tackles, one tackle for a loss and one blocked kick, while Carlos Fields had eight tackles as well, with one tackle for a loss and one pass break up. Khendra Reid had seven tackles; Donnie Owens had five tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and a pass deflection. Malcolm Rowe and Jonathan Setzer each had five tackles with Setzer also picking off one pass. Akeem Ward also picked up a sack for WSSU.
Winston-Salem State will host second-seeded New Haven next Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Super Region One Championship at 12:00 pm (subject to change) in Bowman Gray Stadium. New Haven advanced to the Elite 8 to face WSSU by defeating Kutztown, 44-37.
