Big Apple Classic 2011 Brings HBCUs to the Bright Lights of New York City

Out of the shadows of the Civil War, historically black colleges and universities were created to make educational advancements and bring order to the imbalance in equality in America for freed slaves in the aftermath of Reconstruction. In the face of racism and segregation, African Americans dealt with America’s rejection and detest of them into institutions of higher education created to give them a haven from the hatred.

Out of the shadows of Gotham City, four HBCUs—Hampton University, Howard University, Virginia State University & Virginia Union University—arrived to play on the biggest stage in sports entertainment: Madison Square Garden. The Mecca of Basketball played host to these 4 universities making a name not just for themselves, but for the entire HBCU family.

This game is a reflection of the HBCU brand, as only so few black schools are allowed the opportunity to grace the temple that is Madison Square Garden. Beginning in 2006, the Big Apple Classic serves as an open invitation to let the world see what the HBCU culture is about. The bands, the stepping, the live crowd audience, the passion of the alumni, the enthusiasm of the students—there is nothing like the HBCU brand.

At the Big Apple Classic, all the world’s a stage, and these four HBCUs are merely players—but instead of exits, HBCUs are making their entrance and maintaining their presence in the national spotlight.

Out of all places to do so, here at the Garden, where Willis Reed walked out of the locker room despite a severe thigh injury to give his Knicks the emotional charge that they needed to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals.

Like Willis Reed in that transcendent moment for New York Knicks basketball, HBCUs are amazingly resilient and indomitable, able to overcome any and all obstacles—accreditation issues, tragic student deaths, controversial administration and faculty decisions—on their way to a greater destiny.

Out of the shadows of predominantly white institutions HBCUs came, for as much as PWIs can lay claim that dozens of their schools play at the Garden annually, the ambiance, the intensity and the excitement of the Big Apple Classic is unparalleled and unrivaled.

The Big Apple Classic is about celebration much more than it is about the competition. Negro spirituals and Psalms were the alma mater for every HBCU in the heyday. If freedom was the master plan, than the HBCUs were the blueprint to that plan for those brave predecessors.

If Virginia Union and Hampton do or don’t win the championships in their respective conferences, on December 4th 2011, the Garden became Eden for those two proud HBCU teams as they hoisted the trophies and toasted to the fruit of their labor. Howard and Virginia State are far from ruled out of the championship race, but this cold December loss may serve as the most bitter of any loss that they face during the season. Everything is bigger in New York.


 

Hampton Cruises to Victory Over Howard in 2011 Big Apple Classic

NEW YORK— Has the battle of the Real “HU” come to its conclusion? Never, but Hampton did add another notch under its belt with a 71-53 win over its rival, Howard University.

The crowd was electric as two of the “Black Ivy League” teams squared off at the historic Madison Square Garden in New York City. Hampton controlled the tempo for the majority of the game, going on a 24-2 run to seal the victory.  This doesn’t settle the debate over “The Real HU” but it adds another chapter to this HBCU rivalry.

Chris Tolson has 8 of his game high 15 points in that 24-2 run. Both Danny Agbelese and Darrion Pellum recorded their first double double of the season, with 11 points and 10 rebounds for Agbelese and 13 points and 10 rebounds for Pellum. Agbelese also had 3 blocks on the night.

They couldn’t stop Howard from getting near, opening the second half with a 17-5 run to close the gap to 41-40 with 14 minutes left in the game. The Howard University Bison were led in scoring by 12 points from both Simuel Frazier and Mike Phillips.

Howard loses its first MEAC game of the year, and drops to 2-5 on the year. They play Delaware State next in Burr Gynasium. Hampton reaches .500 at 4-4 with the win, and 1-1 in the conference. Hampton will suit up to play Fordham University so they will stay in New York.

View Gallery at https://hbcubuzz.com/gallery

 

 

Danehsia Ferguson: Stylish Buzz of the Week

Danehsia Ferguson

HBCU: Savannah State University
Classification: Senior
Major: Mass Communication, Public Relations & Advertisement
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

“I believe style is all about self-expression and how you want to present yourself to the world,” says Danehsia Ferguson. Our Stylish Buzz of the Week states that it’s safe to say that her style is “Effortlessly Glamorous.” She adores classic feminine pieces that accentuate her silhouette.

“For me this fall, it’s all about playing up muted shades,” said Ferguson.

Currently, the sophisticated fashionista inspiration is Kourtney Kardashian and Angela Simmons.  Ferguson feels that these two ladies have a way of inexpensive pieces and making it look like a million bucks!

This season, Ferguson’s closet consists of blazers and coats from consignment shops such as the Goodwill & Plato’s Closet.

“It’s a great place to find a classic look while saving a pretty penny,” said Ferguson.

What sets Ferguson apart from any other “fashionistas” is that she is not a fan of quick & current trends. For her it’s all about playing up the basics (the pencil skirt, the dark wash jeans, and the little black dress).

Style is not the only thing Ferguson has to show for; she has the beauty along with the brains. She is a Student, blogger, event planner and journalist with dreams that stack higher than the New York skyline. Ferguson is constantly searching for balance between college and making her dreams into reality.

Her mission is to become a premiere urban journalist by age of 25. As of right now, she is a Public Relations major at the prestigious Savannah State University and an intern for Emmis Communications (HOT 97FM). 

Ferguson lives by the motto; “Things may come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle.” -Derek Blasberg.

 

Virginia Union Hangs On To Defeat CIAA Rival Virginia State 67-54

NEW YORK— The battle of the Virginia HBCUs has been decided. Damion Harris scored 17 points, Wesley Simmons scored 13 points and pulled down a team high 9 rebounds as the Virginia Union University Panthers defeated the Virginia State University Trojans 67-54 at the Big Apple Classic in the historic Madison Square Garden.

The two CIAA rivals have been battling for HBCU supremacy since the conference was formed in 1912, and both teams put on an amazing performance in front of the live crowd in New York City.

Another battle that always sparks the audience attention is the one on the sidelines. The Virginia State Woo-Woos and the Virginia Union Rah Rahs are keeping the crowd hype and supporting their respective HBCUs with their high energy, loud chants and high stepping.

Virginia State University was led by Khalil Tate with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Kenny Mitchell followed up with a double double, notching 13 points and a game high 10 rebounds. Ibn-Shaeed Rassoul scored 12 points.

The Big Apple Classic served as the CIAA opener for both squads. Virginia Union improves to 5-3 on the season and now will play West Virginia Wesleyan College on Tuesday, December 6 in Buckhannon, West Virginia. Virginia State falls to 1-7 on the season and will go on to play Concord University on Athens, West Virginia.

Virginia Union Hangs On To Defeat CIAA Rival Virginia State 67-54

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SIAC Basketball: Week #3 Player of the Week Honors Announced

ATLANTA—Morehouse College junior Shawn Allen has been named SIAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week while Miles College senior Sammeika Thomas has been named SIAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week after their strong performances this past week. Kentucky State University freshman Brandon Darrett has been named SIAC Men’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week while Kentucky State University junior Jasmine Davis has been named SIAC Women’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week.

Allen, a native of New Orleans, LA, averaged a double-double with 21.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per contest in three games this past week, including a career-high 27 points in a win against Stillman College. The 6-3, 185-pound guard also averaged over three steals and two assists for the Maroon Tigers. Allen leads Morehouse in scoring, rebounding, and steals while currently ranking in the top six of each category in the SIAC.

Thomas, who was named SIAC Player of the Year last season, averaged 15.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in three games for Miles College this past week. Defensively, the 6-1 forward from Birmingham, AL averaged two blocks and a steal while leading the Lady Bears to a pair of wins over the University of West Alabama.

Darrett, a native of Evansville, IN, averaged 10.5 points and seven rebounds for Kentucky State in two games. The 6-7, 190-pound forward was a force on defense, averaging one steal and 3.5 blocks for the week, including a career-high five blocks in a double overtime win against Claflin University.

Davis, a guard from Cincinnati, OH, averaged 19.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and two assists in two games. The 5-7 transfer from Southeast Missouri State University scored a career-high 25 points in the Thorobrettes’ 68-58 win over Claflin University.

For more information regarding Southern Intercollegiate Athletics Conference basketball, visit the men’s and women’s basketball pages at www.thesiac.com.

 

Ben Baxter
Assistant Commissioner for Communications & New Media
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
Peachtree Center- South Tower
225 Peachtree Street, NE Suite 1975
Atlanta, GA 30303
Office: 404-221-1041
Fax: 404-221-1042
Cell: 404-423-1214
Email: bbaxter@thesiac.com
Website: www.thesiac.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/thesiac
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheSIAC
YouTube: www.youtube.com/siacsports

Alphas & Deltas Share Unique History at Virginia Union University

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.

Pictures courtesy of Victor Harper

 

Talladega College Receives MLK Memorial Dedication Gift

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.”

Why Virginia State University is the Best HBCU at the Big Apple Classic

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!”

Women’s Winter Fashion Trends!!

Women:

– Androgyny:

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.

“25 to Life” Shows Howard University Graduate Living With AIDS

William Brawner (newsone)

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.

For more information about the documentary and William Brawner, read more at Loop21.com.

The Reemergence of the “Grandpa Sweater”

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.

HBCU Red Alert: World AIDS Day Awareness

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 States That School Knew About Hazing Incidents

 

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.

CIAA’s 100 Greatest Athletes & Coaches: #100—#96

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!

Dillard University Choir Will Sing at The White House

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.”

Courtesy of the Associated Press