Out of the Night That Covers Me: Making Sense of FAMU & Hazing

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There is still a lot unsaid about hazing and pledging in the wake of FAMU drum major Robert Champion's death (Joseph Brown III, Tampa Tribune, via AP)

Since the first story broke about the untimely death of Robert Champion, 26 year-old Florida A&M drum major, many are trying to piece together information to make sense of it all.

After performing at the 2011 Florida Classic, Champion was vomiting, complained about not being able to breathe and eventually collapsed on a band bus parked in front of the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

After being taken to a local hospital, the band member was reported dead. On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, President Dr. James H. Ammons of FAMU announced the suspension of all practices and performances for the Marching “100”.

This decision came after school officials indicated that hazing occurred before the 911-call was made. Band Director Julian White was dismissed this past week as an investigation of the case began.

Dr. Ammons obviously is not taking this tragedy lightly, as he shouldn’t.

Aside from the fact that a young man’s life was cut too short, in the state of Florida any death that takes place in connection with hazing is a third-degree felony. Whenever the word “hazing” is mentioned on any campus, many become wary. Why? The truth is, hazing is illegal and while it does take place on a lot of campuses (let’s not get it twisted, it happens at PWI’s as well), the act has become a part of many campus’ cultures.

Knowing that it is illegal and people can face serious repercussions for it, it is done in silence and no one is to know.  Or should I say, people act as if they don’t know about it. Florida Orange County Sheriff, Jerry Demings stated in an Atlanta Journal Constitution article, “…in the next few days or weeks, it will become clearer as to whether any criminal charges will be forthcoming.”

While no arrests have been made yet in connection to Champion’s death, the victim’s family is planning a lawsuit against FAMU and the former Band Director. The real question is: Did Robert Champion die due to hazing? And if he did indeed die because of the awful act, what does this mean for FAMU’s image and the Marching “100” band?

One must take into consideration that besides academia, the 375-member band is what the institution is known for. It will be anything but good for the institution if investigation proves Champion’s death was at the hand of hazing.

They may lose funding from sponsors and partners.  The school’s enrollment may decrease.  There may be a permanent stigma created about the entire school that will forever haunt their image.

With two previous cases of band members being hazed, filing lawsuits, but then later settling, this very well may be the last straw for the famous HBCU band.

Whatever emerges in the next few days, weeks and months to come, I hope that the university can learn from this and rise to the occasion to assure that a situation like this won’t happen again. I hope that other HBCUs can learn from this as well. Most importantly, I hope that Robert Champion’s family finds peace through this difficult time.

Talladega College Alumna Wins Nikky Finney Wins National Book Award

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Talladega College alumna Nikky Finney wins the National Book Award for poetry (Tina Fineberg /AP Photo)

Talladega, Alabama—Poet Nikky Finney won the National Book Award for poetry this week at the National Book Awards in New York.  Finney is a 1979 alumna of Talladega College.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the College, and she is currently a professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Kentucky.

Finney said about her award, “I thought this was incredibly powerful. I’ve been raised in communities when land and the house on it was the legacy that many black people left their children. Many times it was the only legacy.”

This week, Finney has added to the long legacy of successful graduates of “The Alpha Lyrae Vega of Them All,” Talladega College.  Her book entitled, Head Off & Split is a collection of poems and dialogue with figures like Rosa Parks, Condoleeza Rice, and common, everyday people. The poems in this work have strong themes and are thought provoking.  Alumna Finney is the daughter of a former chief justice of the state Supreme Court, Ernest A. Finney.  A South Carolina native, Finney even once witnessed her mother dance with U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond, who earned a reputation for his political stance with integration and racism.  In Head Off & Split, Finney writes of that moment in a poem she titled, “Dancing with Strom.”

This current work has earned Finney the attention and acclaim of critics nationwide.  Kwame Dawes, founding director of the South Carolina Poetry Initiative says, “Finney establishes herself as one of the most eloquent, urgent, fearless and necessary poets writing in America today.”  The Talladega College family is proud of Nikky Finney’s honor.  Her book Head Off & Split can be purchased at Amazon.com.

Things I’m Thankful For: My HBCU Family

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This past week, thousands of college students across the country headed home for one of the most anticipated holiday amidst on campus students; Thanksgiving. Fellowshipping with family and friends over various foods such as Turkey, Ham, Collard Greens, Candied Yams, Stuffing, Mama’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese, and Sweet Potato Pies and Banana Puddings (I know for a fact some of us have leftovers for DAYS that we brought back). Some families go around the table to say what they are most thankful for since the past year they have met for this reason.

This makes me ponder this one question: How many of us mentioned our beloved HBCUs and the families we have made there? Many times, some students are unable to go home for reasons ranging from financial troubles to student athlete commitments. Whichever the reason, we should realize and be thankful for the family we are among everyday away from home.

My freshman year, I was one of those students unable to make it home for the Thanksgiving holiday. I had planned to stay in my dormitory throughout the break – a big change from the full house I grew up experiencing. An entire building to have to myself for an entire four day weekend. Campus was deserted, and for the first time I found myself alone on one of the busiest days of the calendar year.

That is until an angel stepped in and said “NOT this year honey!” A friend of mine who lived a few doors down the hall who happened to live nearby had invited me into her home for the weekend. I was shocked yet extremely grateful that she and her family would do such a thing for me. One small gesture from one of my fellow Panthers and her family is something I am eternally grateful for. I had one of the greatest times of my life that weekend and remains one of my fondest Thanksgiving Weekend memories.

One thing that my beloved HBCU has taught me is the size of your family unexpectedly growing. Being in an environment where you are placed in the same space with a plethora of individuals from across the country -and even the world- opens your mind to things you have never known and the ability to see things from a perspective that you may have never imagined. Every individual that walks across campus has come for at least one reason that you may have.

Although everyone came for different reasons, to study different majors,  with hopes of different careers, one thing that is certain is you never know how much someone who was once a complete stranger may be the perfect addition to your family.

GSU’s Louis shows goods back home – Bayou Classic

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Grambling State wide receiver Mario Louis, left, grabs a touchdown pass while Southern cornerback Virgil Williams defends him Saturday during the Bayou Classic in New Orleans. / AP

NEW ORLEANS — Mario Louis, primarily a basketball player growing up in New Orleans, played some football at local parks and playgrounds, but none for L.W. Higgins High School.

Grambling’s senior receiver certainly made up for lost time Saturday, though, with MVP honors in the Tigers’ annual Bayou Classic in the Superdome.

“My plans were to come and try to put on a show for my family and friends who all came out to watch me — and not only them, but all the fans in New Orleans, my home crowd,” he said. “It was beautiful.”

Louis caught four passes for 76 yards and three scores in the Tigers’ 36-12 victory. The New Orleans native had caught two touchdowns in four different games this season and three against Mississippi Valley State, but coach Doug Williams said the venue and the circumstances are what set Saturday apart.

“This was one of the biggest game of the season, on national TV, that makes a difference whether we go to the championship or not,” Williams said. “What it says is no matter what’s at stake, Mario is ready to perform.”

The 6-foot receiver stopped quickly in tight coverage, turned and leaped over a defender for GSU’s first touchdown from 27 yards out in the first quarter, then added a 33-yard one-handed grab with his south paw in the opposite end zone in the second quarter. The local product completed the hat trick in the third quarter with a diving 12-yard snag on a quick slant to cap his game MVP honors.

“Mario doesn’t really surprise me anymore because I’ve seen him do it since I’ve been here,” said freshman quarterback D.J. Williams, who hit Louis on each score. “I know he’s going to do something spectacular every game.” D.J. Williams and senior linebacker Cliff Exama said Louis had talked during the week about his desire to show up big on the home stage.

Read Full article at thenewsstar

VIDEO – Teenager at Morehouse College – Stephen Stafford

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On last week, during my XBOX Gaming applab session (XNA) at Atlanta University (Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University) , I asked one of the really astute, very bright, & sharp students how old he was & what year in school. ….Turns out that he (Stephen) is 15 YEARS old (yes 15) and is a JUNIOR at Morehouse College. He started taking College classes in Morehouse at the age of 11 years old, and was officially taking full coursework at 13 years as a Sophomore.

He was AMAZING…HE was figuring out and writing the code along with me and sometimes before I could even get out the coding task he had already inferred the next step. He was answering all of the coding questions, helping others with their code and quite frankly blowing the 18 – 21 year olds in the class away. I soon came to find that I wasn’t the only one amazed by his genius, as he had previously been interviewed by multiple Media Outlets as a Child Prodigy. Stephen Stafford was Home Schooled by his parents into what seems to be the Right Stuff!

Check out interviews with Stephen and his Mother when he was between 11 – 13 and just starting college.

The Spelman Community Comes Together for AIDS Walk Atlanta

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Since 2009, Georgia has ranked in the top 10 states with the highest record of AIDS diagnoses in the nation. Making a choice to change the world in the area of health, the Spelman community showed up en masse Oct. 16 for the 2011 AIDS Walk Atlanta. Nearly 270 students, faculty, staff, senior administrators, alumnae, and trustees participated in the walk, exceeding the College’s goal of 250 participants. Ranked No. 3 in the metro Atlanta area, the Spelman team has collected more than $18,000 for treatment, medications, prevention education, meals, mental health services, child care, substance abuse counseling, pastoral care, and clinical research for those infected with AIDS. This fundraising process is ongoing, and the online account is still open for donations. It is never too late to provide support for families and individuals affected by the AIDS epidemic. For more information or to donate, please visit AIDS Walk Atlanta.

“This is my second year participating in AIDS Walk Atlanta. Back home in Colorado I participated in the AIDS Walk twice. When I came to Spelman my freshman year I didn’t get the opportunity to participate in it and it was something that was very important to me. I don’t know anyone with AIDS but I feel that it’s a serious problem that affects the African American community. So during my sophomore and junior year I decided that I really wanted to get out there and support it, by walking, and raising money for it as well. Personally I feel like it was a great turn out this year as far as Spelman was concerned. I think Spelman did a really good job of getting everyone on board and everyone to actively participate.”

Colm Mulcahy
Associate Professor, Mathematics

Fifteen years ago I started raising money for AWA in part to remember friends lost to HIV.  Now it’s impacting  young African American women at an alarming rate, so there is also an important educational component.  This year at the walk it was great to see so many Spelman people united for one cause.

Taylor Yarbrough
C’2013

“I participated because I know that there are a lot of people, not only in the Atlanta, but internationally, that have AIDS and are struggling with it every day. Some were born with AIDS, so they couldn’t help it and these are the type of people that need the most hope, and that need the most help; medicine, and financial assistance. So I wanted to go out there and support those people that needed that help. I think the best part about it was how many people they had out there. Spelman really represented, they had a lot of Spelmanites out there and even the President was out there. It was a great turnout by everybodyI’ll definitely do it again next year.”

DaNita McClain
Communications Assist, Office of Communications

“I participated in the AIDS Walk/Run and raised funds for AWA because AIDS is a horrific disease that does not discriminate and those afflicted need support—particularly financial support. Everyone knows at least one person who has been impacted by AIDS in one way or another and to sit by and do nothing is inexcusable. The need should compel everyone to do something—walking, running and giving are just a few options.”

Alaina Long
C’2015

I walked and fundraised in the AIDS Walk because I believe in the cause to raise awareness and help those who are living with AIDS. The instances of AIDS among African Americans is alarming and reaching disturbing numbers. AIDS does not have a face and does not affect just one class or sexual status. AIDS does not discriminate and I feel everyone should be made aware that it could happen to anyone and should take precaution in their actions. Also, it is important to support those living with AIDS and their families so they can have hope. I walked so we as a people can all have hope.

Ray Galloway
Clerk of the Board of Trustees / Assistant to Secretary of the College

“I had done it before last year with a couple friends of mine. We all got together to do the walk and we had our little team name and then this year it became a bigger thing to do as a community of Spelman. And since I enjoy working at Spelman I thought it would be something that I could participate in and be a part of to help make it be as big as it could be. I actually ran in the race…It just gives you a good feeling after you do it that you have done something worthy.”

Read more information at Spelman

Howard Social Work Student Seeks Campus Support in Bid for Miss Africa USA Crown

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WASHINGTON – Howard University graduate student and reigning Miss Tanzania USA, Monica Haule, has been hard at work with her pageant coach studying current and world events, and busily preparing for the next stage in the quest for a new crown: Miss Africa USA.

Haule was born in Illinois and has lived in Texas, but her family roots are in Tanzania. Haule said she took interest in the Miss Africa USA pageant not long after she won her current title, Miss Tanzania USA.

“My involvement in the pageant is a way to inspire other young girls and women, especially those who are African,” said Haule, who is pursuing a master’s degree in the School of Social Work at Howard. “It’s never too late to start living your best life now.”

The Miss Africa USA Pageant was the brain child of Lady Kate Njeuma, the pageant organization’s chief executive since its founding in 2005. The competition began as a Georgia-only competition. At the time, there were no national pageants to celebrate the beauty, diversity and accomplishments of the modern African woman. As it has grown, the pageant has provided its own platform to bring culture, knowledge and the pride of African people to the forefront.

Haule has had a lifelong passion for pageants. As a child, she won the Miss Mississippi National Pre-Teen title. She said she enjoyed the experiences so much that she decided to return to the stage as an adult.

The Miss Africa USA Pageant will be held at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Silver Spring, MD on Sunday, Nov. 13. As a finalist in the pageant, Haule is pressing hard to triumph. She said success depends in part on generating support in the competition’s online poll.

She is asking fellow students for support. Contestants are listed on the “Finalist” tab at the homepage of the Miss Africa USA website www.missafricaunitedstates.com. Visitors are allowed to vote for a contestant once they join the site. Voting ends on Nov. 13, the day the new queen is crowned.

MEAC announces 2011 Football Postseason Awards

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NORFOLK, Va., – Norfolk State quarterback Chris Walley and North Carolina A&T State running back Mike Mayhew were selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) Co-Offensive Players of the Year and Bethune-Cookman’s Ryan Davis earned the Defensive Player of the Year honor, as voted on by the MEAC head football coaches and sports information directors.
Greg McGhee of Howard earned the Rookie of the Year award and Norfolk State’s Blake Matthews was selected as the Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Seven-year head coach Pete Adrian of Norfolk State was named the Coach of the Year. Adrian led the Spartans to its first-ever MEAC football title following a 9-2 overall finish and 7-1 mark in conference play. The Spartans earned the conference title following a 47-14 victory over Morgan State on Saturday, Nov. 12. The No. 19th ranked Spartans rose to its highest-ever ranking in the Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 poll and earned the MEAC’s automatic berth with the title.

Senior Mike Mayhew capped off a tremendous four-year collegiate career with yet another conference top honor after receiving Rookie of the Year honors just three years ago. In 11 games Mayhew led the MEAC in rushing with 231 carries for 1,120 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 93 yards. Mayhew was named to the All-MEAC Preseason First Team and was MEAC Offensive Player of the Week once this season. He ranks 23rd in the nation in rushing and averaged 101.8 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry.

Chris Walley led the MEAC in most of the passing categories this season including total yards (2,309), average per game (209.9), efficiency (148.5) and completions (211). He also led the conference in total offense averaging 235 yards in 11 games. The 6-2, senior from Tallahassee, Florida ranks 18th in the nation in pass efficiency and 33rd in total offense. Walley completed 69.2-percent of his passes (211-305) with 17 passing touchdowns and ranked third on the team in rushing with 89 attempts and 276 total yards with five TDs on the ground. He was selected as the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week three times this season.

Ryan Davis led the MEAC in sacks (12.0) and tackles for loss (21.5) and ranked in the top 10 nationally in both categories. He ranked third on the team in tackles with 65 this season including 40 solo and 25 assisted. He also recorded 17 quarterback hurries, eight forced fumbles, three pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. He was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week once this season and was named the FCS Defensive Player of the Week once by the Sports Network.

Greg McGhee led the Bison and was third in the MEAC in total offense averaging 197.5 yards per game. The rookie connected on 56-percent of his passes (182-321-5) with 1,784 total yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts. He was second on the team in rushing with 388 yards on 116 carries with four rushing touchdowns. The Pittsburgh, Pa. native was selected as the MEAC Rookie of the Week five times this season.

Blake Matthews aided a powerful Spartan offense that accounted for 4,319 total yards including 1,843 yards on the ground. Behind Matthew’s blocking Norfolk State finished second in the MEAC in total offense and passing offense. He provided protection for four different players to rush for over 200+ yards. He also allowed senior quarterback Chris Walley to throw for 2,309 yards and 17 touchdowns. Matthews was named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week once this season and anchored a line that only gave up 13 sacks on the year.

2011 All-MEAC FOOTBALL HONORS
Player of the Year: Chris Walley, Norfolk State and Mike Mayhew, North Carolina A&T
Defensive Player of the Year: Ryan Davis, Bethune-Cookman Offensive Lineman of the Year: Blake Matthews, Norfolk State
Rookie of the Year: Greg McGhee, Howard Coach of the Year: Pete Adrian, Norfolk State

2011 All-MEAC FIRST TEAM
Offense
Pos Name CL School Hometown
QB Chris Walley r-Sr. Norfolk State Tallahassee, Fla.
RB Isidore Jackson r-So. Bethune-Cookman Mossy Head, Fla. .
RB Mike Mayhew Sr. North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
TE Lamont Bryant Sr. Morgan State Newport News, Va.
WR Willie Carter Sr. Howard Denmark, S.C.
WR Xavier Boyce r-Jr. Norfolk State Virginia Beach, Va.
OL Kendall Noble r-Sr. Norfolk State Rocky Mount, N.C.
OL Steven Robinson r-Sr. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
OL Corey Gwinner r-Sr. Howard Ypsilanti, Mich.
OL Blake Matthews r-Sr. Norfolk State Manassas, Va.
C Shelly Anthony r-So. Florida A&M Atlanta, Ga.

Defense
DL Ryan Davis Sr. Bethune-Cookman Tampa, Fla.
DL Sackie Kerkulah r-Sr. Howard Willingboro, NJ
DL Josh Turner r-Sr. Norfolk State Chesterfield, Va.
DL Pat Washington r-Sr. South Carolina State Hollywood, S.C.
LB Keith Pough r-Jr. Howard Orangeburg, S.C.
LB Corwin Hammond r-Sr. Norfolk State Louisville, Ky.
LB Donovan Richard r-Sr. South Carolina State Georgetown, S.C.
DB John Ojo Jr. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
DB Micah Pellerin Sr. Hampton New Orleans, La.
DB Justin Ferrell Sr. North Carolina A&T Danville, Va.
DB Dominique Ellis r-Sr. South Carolina State Union City, Ga.
P Branden Holdren Jr. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
P/K Ryan Estep r-Sr. Norfolk State Chesapeake, Va.
Ret Edmond Baker r-Jr. Florida A&M Miami, Fla.

2011 All-MEAC SECOND TEAM
Offense
Pos Name CL School Hometown
QB Greg McGhee Fr. Howard Pittsburgh, Pa.
RB Asheton Jordan Jr. South Carolina State Summerville, S.C.
RB Travis Davidson Jr. Morgan State Redford, Mich.
TE Joe Hawkins Jr. Norfolk State Chicago, Ill.
WR Wallace Miles r-Sr. North Carolina A&T Atlanta, Ga.
WR Kevin Elliott r-Sr. Florida A&M Orlando, Fla.
OL Alex Harper r-Sr. North Carolina A&T Baltimore, Md.
OL Terrance Hackney So. Bethune-Cookman Chapel Hill, N.C.
OL Lawrence Brewer Sr. Morgan State Fort Washington, Md.
OL Branden Curry r-Sr. Florida A&M Hollywood, Fla.
C Natiel Curry r-Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.

Defense
DL Joey Christine Sr. Norfolk State Stephens City, Va.
DL Corey Berry r-Sr. Howard Orangeburg, S.C.
DL Ian Davidson Sr. Hampton Washington, DC
DL Zackary Stewart Sr. Morgan State Upper Marlboro, Md.
LB Reginald Sandilands Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
LB Delbert Tyler So. Hampton Monroeville, Pa.
LB Ryan Lewis Sr. Bethune-Cookman Pompano Beach, Fla.
DB Jean Fanor r-Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
DB DeVonte Reynolds r-Sr. Norfolk State Warsaw, Va.
DB Christian Thompson Sr. South Carolina State N. Lauderdale, Fla.
DB Lanny Kelly Sr. Howard Richmond, Calif.
P Jordan Stovall Jr. Hampton Elgin, S.C.
P/K Trevor Scott r-Sr. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
Ret Geovonie Irvine r-Jr. North Carolina Central Durham, N.C.

Bennett College Gets Sneak Preview of “The Loving Story”

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The Loving Story tells the tale of Mildred and Richard Loving and their landmark Supreme Court case.

Richard and Mildred Loving were a normal couple living an ordinary life in Caroline County, Virginia. Like thousands of other couples, Mildred and Richard traveled to Washington D.C. in June 1958 to wed. But these other couples were not like the Lovings. Richard Loving was white and Mildred Loving was African American and Rappahannock Native American. That alone was enough to turn their worlds upside down. A month after exchanging vows in a D.C. courthouse, police officers invaded the Loving’s home in the middle of the night and arrested the couple for violating the Racial Integrity Act, a state law in Virginia which banned interracial marriages.

The Lovings were charged under Section 20-58 of the Virginia Code, which prohibited interracial couples from crossing state lines for the sole purpose of getting married and sentenced to one year in prison. The local court suspended their sentence for 25 years as long as the Lovings agreed to leave Virginia, with the understanding that both Richard or Mildred could return to visit relatives – as long as they never returned to the state together. What happened next was unprecedented. The landmark Loving vs. Virginia case ended all race-based legal restrictions on marriage in the U.S. After nine years of fighting, the Lovings were able to come home together.

On November 17, Bennett College students had the privilege of screening “The Loving Story,” a HBO documentary which uses archived footage and interviews with the Lovings and those close to them to tell the story of their fight for the right to love freely. Nancy Buirski, the producer of the film, and Susie Powell, who wrote the film’s timeline, came to Bennett to discuss the documentary and inspire students to tell similar stories that are often overlooked.

Buirski, a former New York Times photojournalist, decided to produce a documentary on the revolutionary Supreme Court case after reading Mildred Loving’s obituary in a newspaper. She was familiar with Powell’s work and enlisted her to write the outline or timeline for the film. Powell thought it was important to tell this story because she was raised in the south during the time when Jim Crow Laws were prominent.

“There was a local library that always asked for parents to bring their children on the weekend so they could be read to,” she says. “I always wanted to go. We would drive past it and my mother would tell me that I couldn’t go because I wasn’t allowed. That was hurtful to me.

Trustee Powell speaks with journalism students.

“The Loving Story” debuted at the Full Frame Film Festival – the largest international festival for documentaries in the world – to rave reviews. Buirski is the founder of the Full Frame Film Festival, which is held each April in Durham, North Carolina. Most of the documentaries accepted into the festival are nominated for Academy Awards. “The Loving Story” has also been screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and several others, but it was the screening at Bennett that has meant the most to Trustee Powell.

“I have watched this documentary five times,” she told the students in the Chapel. “This is the first time that I have been so emotional about it. It all started here at Bennett. I was given everything I need to be where I am because of this school. This is the greatest honor.

Powell, an alumna of Bennett who now serves on the Board of Trustees, also spent an hour advising students in the Journalism and Media Studies Department on finding their passion and perfecting their craft.

“You need to be in love and married to words to be a great writer,” Trustee Powell told the excited students. “You don’t need inspiration to write; let life be your inspiration. As long as you can dream, there is writing to be done.”

The Loving Story airs on HBO on February 14, 2012. To learn more about the film and its’ creators, visit their website. You can also follow the film’s Twitter for updates about future screenings.

HBCU Buzz Senators Program to Unite & Represent All HBCUs

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For Immediate Release 

Join Up and Be a Part of the Senators Program at HBCU Buzz today!

HBCU Buzz, the leading source for news and commentary for all HBCU students, has announced a new HBCU Buzz Senators initiative to help strengthen the level of representation for all HBCUs. The HBCU Buzz Senators program will begin accepting applicants November 13, 2011.

With 105 HBCUs spread out across the country, too many HBCU students feel that their institution does not get enough press on HBCU news outlets despite the numerous events and news stories involving their universities, students, alumni, etc. HBCU Buzz has writers at several HBCUs, but The HBCU Buzz Senators are charged with reporting these stories to the HBCU Buzz staff so the staff writers and journalists can cover the story.

As HBCU Buzz expands, the company needs HBCU students who want to be representatives of their institution. They will be enrolled into the Senator program and tasked with the responsibility of reporting the news and events taking place on their respective campuses. From SGA planning a school spirit week, to a honor society inducting new members, HBCU Senators are needed to help increase the level of publicity among our HBCUs.
We are looking for students with more than 45 Credits, but not graduating seniors. Send us a copy of your full resume to senate@hbcubuzz.com

Howard University Radio Expands to SiriusXM

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WHUR 96.3 FM, the Howard University-owned radio station celebrating its 40th anniversary, announced today that it will launch H.U.R. Voices on Thursday, Dec. 1 on SiriusXM channel 141.

H.U.R. Voices will offer exciting, educational and entertaining original programming that examines and explores issues that affect people of color, including a unique mixture of talk radio, local and national news, and great music. The channel will feature WHUR and WHUR-WORLD signature programs like the “Daily Drum,” a weekday public affairs program that will expand to one-hour; the “Dr. Audrey Chapman Show,” with the relationship guru; and the “Sighlent Storm,” the only radio show devoted to the issue of domestic violence.  New programs include “People Money Life,” “The Traveling Eye” and “He Said She Said.”  H.U.R. Voices will embody the mission of Howard University—to serve “America and the Global Community.”

WHUR celebrates four decades of excellence in broadcasting and community service on December 10 of this year.

“This is a milestone year for us,” said Jim Watkins, general manager of WHUR, WHUR-WORLD, and H.U.R. Voices.  “Not only are we celebrating 40 years of our flagship radio station, we have been given the awesome opportunity of rolling out H.U.R. Voices on SiriusXM, which gives us the opportunity to further expand our brand and nationalize our programming.”

Read More information at Howard University 

Bloomberg News reporter named dean of Hampton journalism school

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HAMPTON — A Bloomberg News reporter has been named dean of Hampton University‘s journalism school, HU announced Tuesday. Brett Pulley, a 1980 graduate of the university and a member of its board of trustees since 2004, begins Jan. 1.

He has worked at Forbes magazine, The New York Timesand the Wall Street Journal. He also served as CEO of NewYork.com, a website dedicated to tourism and entertainment.  Pulley will take the reins from interim dean Rosalynne Whitaker-Heck, who has served since former dean Tony Brown retired in 2009. According to HU, Pulley has appeared as a commentator on networks including CNN, CNBC, and MSNBC, and has discussed celebrity finances on shows including “Entertainment Tonight,” “Inside Edition” and NBC‘s “Dateline.”

Pulley’s digital experience makes him an ideal person to “prepare a new generation of communicators,” HU President William Harvey said in a news release. Pulley said that with journalism rapidly moving to digital platforms, there is “a terrific challenge and a unique opportunity to make Hampton University one of the premier schools for journalism, communications, and innovation in digital media.” HU’s 373-student journalism school opened in 2002 as the result of a $10 million partnership between the Scripps Howard Foundation and the university. Its students regularly land  internships at media outlets such as The New York Times, the university said in a release. Pulley lives in South Orange, N.J., with his wife, Stacey, and their two teenage daughters, Zoe and Blake.

Article Referenced from Daily Press

 

National Young Readers Week celebrated at FVSU

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Sales of bestselling books such as Dr. Seuss’ “Cat in the Hat,” J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” and R. L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series prove that children enjoy reading as long as the stories capture their attention and spark imagination. This week, two Fort Valley State University events were held to promote reading during the second annual National Young Readers Week.

Taylor County Head Start and the campus’ Child Development Center visited Hunt Memorial Library on Nov. 10, eager to hear FVSU’s first lady, Betty Rivers, read to them.

Library Director Annie Payton welcomed the three year olds to campus.

“We’re glad you came for this important occasion. Enjoy yourselves,” said Payton, as the three-feet high guests settled into their seats. The director introduced Rivers, who was dressed as a cowgirl in a sky blue blouse, matching handkerchief with golden polka dots and a western hat.

“Dr. Annie Payton asked me to make a second appearance at National Young Readers Week, and I’m delighted to be here,” she said, personally greeting guests with a handshake.

Story hour began with singing, dancing and giggling. Rivers and several members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. performed classic nursery rhymes such as the “Hokey Pokey,” “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

After singing, students gathered in a tight circle around the guest reader to hear Watty Piper’s “The Little Engine that Could,” a story about a small train filled with toys that successfully tugs cars up a huge mountainside to waiting children.

“Kids who learn to love books, and read voraciously do well in school,” said FVSU’s Curriculum Materials Center librarian, Emma Stanley, who helped organize the session. “Children learn by example. If they see someone they look up to reading a book, they’re more likely to pick one up too.”

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Fayetteville students charged with campus robberies

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Darrius Jamaal George & Clayvon Delonte Smith

FAYTTEVILLE (WTVD) — Nineteen-year-old Darrius Jamaal George of Thomasville, NC and Clayvon Delonte Smith, also 19 and of Washington D.C., were arrested on Monday, Nov. 21. Both are students at Fayetteville State University, and both are charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, attempted robbery, and robbery with a dangerous weapon. George was also charged with common law robbery.

Nineteen-year-old Darrius Jamaal George of Thomasville, NC and Clayvon Delonte Smith, also 19 and of Washington D.C., were arrested on Monday, Nov. 21. Both are students at Fayetteville State University, and both are charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, attempted robbery, and robbery with a dangerous weapon. George was also charged with common law robbery.

Three incidents took place, each within an hour, on the night of November 8. A Fayetteville State University student was robbed of money and personal property while walking on campus, and soon after, two people attempted to rob another student but fled when a witness began to shout at them. The last incident took place when a student was robbed of his personal property while entering his dorm room.

Referenced article from WTVD

Dillard Students Participate in Community Emergency Response Training

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In October 2011, Dillard University’s Class of 2015 became the largest group ever to complete Louisiana’s Community Emergency Response Training (CERT), a 20-hour, hands-on course that teaches individuals to prepare for disasters and form effective neighborhood teams to assist others. Citizen Corps, a national service program coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, administered the training.

Dillard students began their training on Wednesday evening, Oct. 19, and finished it the following day. The university hosted a sleepover with movies and games for commuter students participating in the course.

The CERT program educates citizens about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The course focuses on wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, floods and other emergencies. By becoming CERT members, over 300 of Dillard’s first-year students can now provide immediate services in their communities during a disaster until professionals can arrive on the scene.

Dillard’s Center for the First-Year Experience (CFYE) partnered with the Louisiana Campus Compact, a statewide coalition of higher education institutions committed to civic engagement, to facilitate the CERT course. The CFYE hopes this year’s project will serve as a model to other colleges and universities of how service learning can provide lifelong skills that make a tangible impact on the community.

Dillard students are required to complete 120 hours of community service before graduation. This spring the university was inducted into the 2010 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for engaging its students, faculty and staff in service that achieves measurable results.

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Claflin University Revitalizes Student Debate Team

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The Claflin University Debate Club is aiming to make its mark nationally in competitions and engage the student body locally, says its new advisor Professor of English Dr. Emmanuel Ngwang.

“The Debate Club will be an organic organization that will respond to current issues,” said Ngwang.
For instance, the Debate Club hosted their first campus debate on Nov. 1 with the topic of capital punishment. Dwayne Coleman, a politics and justice major from Atlanta, noted the topic was very timely in the wake of the controversial execution of Troy Davis in September.

“In the near future, we’re looking to address other topics such as the pros and cons of HBCUs and what student should receive from a college education,” said Coleman.

Previously, the Debate Club was part of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College. But after a surge in student interest following the Debate Club’s recent fourth place at the National Association of African American Honors Program competition, membership is now open to the entire student body. Ngwang is encouraging dedicated students to join the Debate Club. Currently, there are 15 members on the team.

“We will bring up issues for debate that are relevant, current and exciting to engage student interest,” he said.

Junior Candace Cooper was one of students who participated in the NAAAHP debate. She finds the topic of abortion to be highly engaging because it sparks emotions from both sides of the issue.

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