Do Social Networks Construct Fake Personalities?

Posted by Kimberly Monroe
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Facebook and Twitter have become the biggest social network sites around (Rachel Wright)

Are you one of those people who make it a point to tweet more than 100 times a day? Do you know anyone who does? Society is being formulated by new technology which leads to making applications to put it in use. Social Networking is one application to keep youth, even adults, constantly wanting more. But are these networks making it harder for people to be real?

Facebook began at Harvard University by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004. The network was initially designed for Harvard students, and then later expanded to all colleges and universities, and now anyone in the world may join. Twitter, founded by Jack Dorsey in 2006, has also become one of the most popular social networks.  Twitter allows users to give a brief bio, and constant statuses with the question “What’s happening?” This is where the bogus characteristics occur. People use these networks to reinvent themselves, or even imitate someone they idolize. However, the profile changes are not the only phony details. Friend requests, statues, usernames and all the interactions including “likes” of statues and pictures, can also be characterized as fake.

Both Twitter and Facebook raise inquiry about the people who use them. Do people really send friend requests to their friends? Or are they foe requests? How many of you have over 100 pending friend requests on Facebook of people you know or see every day? Facebook has redefined the term “friend” and replaces it with fraud. I know I am one of those people who have over 1,000 so called friends on Facebook but only know less than half personally.

One of the most interesting characteristics of fakeness is the use of social networks to find a “boo”. Your approach has to become more creative than a message saying “Hey Beautiful” or an instant message asking “Why you up this late”. It is not okay to use these networks as a crutch when in actuality you have no confidence.

There are also the Facebook “diss” pages made by people who wish they were in the shoes of all the people they mortify.  Please refrain from bringing others down because you cannot get over your own insecurities. At the end of the day you’re still you, and the opinions of others should not matter.

What about the lurking on twitter? Do you follow someone you do not like? There has been so much “twitter beef” which proposes the question is it really “just twitter?” Subliminal messaging has to be the most controversial topic on twitter. When subtweeting occurs, it only proves how scary or cowardly a person is. That is so petty and unnecessary, just be real. I believe some of our peers really believe they are the people they depict on Twitter, Facebook or whatever new social network is out.

All these questions propose the primary inquiry; do social networks construct fake personalities? I would say yes. By observing the facades and small-mindedness that out peers display, you would agree that social networks alter personalities.

Social networks are not all bad; you can get important information quickly and unite as black people, (a popular Twitter hash tag) let’s one tweet and status at a time. I believe that superfluous issues will be avoided if we simply accept who we are.  In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “We have to be the change we want to see in the world”.

Two SIAC Volleyball Standouts Make Daktronics All-South Region Team

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ATLANTA—The 2011 Daktronics All-South Region Volleyball Team was announced today and two players from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference were selected to the team in Stillman College senior Jamila McKinnis and Kentucky State University freshman Audrey Sherles.

McKinnis, a native of Mobile, AL, made the All-South region first team as an outside hitter after totaling 545 kills and a .375 hitting percentage, both of which led the SIAC. McKinnis, a four-time All-SIAC selection, also totaled 417 assists, 328 digs, 63 blocks, and 62 service aces on her way to being named 2011 SIAC Player of the Year.

Sherles, a native of Oak Ridge, TN, made the All-South region second team as a middle hitter after totaling 253 kills, 41 service aces, and .281 hitting percentage thus far in her freshman campaign. She also finished with 139 digs and 80 blocks while earning All-SIAC second team honors as well as being named 2011 SIAC Defensive Player of the Year.

First team all-region selections will now be eligible for the 2011 Daktronics All-America Team.

2011 Daktronics All-South Region Volleyball Team

First Team
S – Kahley Patrick, Tampa

OH – Megan Hodges, Rollins

OH – Eva Dupay, Tampa

OH – Jamila McKinnis, Stillman

MH – Danielle Selkridge, Tampa

MB – Alex Laton, Eckerd

MB – Danielle Bletso, Saint Leo

L – Corinne Doder, Christian Brothers

South Region Player of the Year: Danielle Selkridge, Tampa

Second Team

S – Kelsey Miles, Christian Brothers

OH – Natalie Marsh, North Alabama

OH – Lindsey Biggs, Eckerd

OH – Ariana Chinn, Eckerd

MH – Lindsey Homme, West Florida

MB – Brittany Brown, Lynn

MH – Audrey Sherles, Kentucky State

L – Hallie Ward, Eckerd

 

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

HOW TO GET OVER MY EX FAST

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Maverick rapper/artist T-Ran releases his second EP titled “Outsid

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e the Box: Still Dreaming,” reaching over 2,000 downloads within two days.

“Outside the

Box: Still Dreaming” offers a soulful ride of substance, love, trials, tribulations, fashion, and feel good music,” T-Ran describes his second LP, the follow up to his debut “The Opening Act: The Dreamer.””

Hailing from East Oakland, Calif., home of legendary artist Too Short and influenced heavily by the likes of Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco, hip hop has served as the gateway to T-Ran’s dreams. Using music as his outlet, T-Ran “lives out his dreams” recently opening for acts such as Big Sean and Rick Ross.

The lead single “Feeling Good” released on April 15 received over 1,000 downloads within hours of release. Currently in Washington, D.C., T-Ran plans to embark on the “Still Dreamin’” promotional tour to perform in various markets in Washington, D.C., New York, N.Y., and Philadelphia, Pa. now through December 2011.

Twitter: @T_RanHipHop
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/T-Ran/112463768803397
Bandcamp: http://t-ran.bandcamp.com
Tumblr: http://adreamersdreamland.tumblr.com

Outside The Box: Still Dreaming is now available: http://www.limelinx.com/files/181cb9888fd04b67d00372d1eea5643d
Listen to “Words”: http://www.limelinx.com/files/a01e5bc54e57d677ac2877f954a4ca9e

For booking and press inquiries please contact: thedrewblack@gmail.com

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO4J4UD3_zM&w=610&h=340]

FAMU Journalism Professor Releases Book Discussing AIDS Epidemic in the South

Posted by HBCU Editors
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) Professor Andrew Skerritt will host a reception and book signing in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) Gallery on Tuesday, November 1 at 5:30 p.m. for his book, Ashamed to Die: Silence, Denial, and the AIDS Epidemic in the South.

The book deals with the ongoing complexities of battling the virus in America, despite the spread of AIDS awareness and medical breakthroughs of the past 30 years.

Skerritt, a professor in SJGC, is a longtime journalist who has contributed to publications all over the country including the St. Petersburg Times, Asbury Park Press, Journal (N.Y.) News, Charlotte Observer, Rock Hill Herald, Rochester Democrat, Tallahassee Democrat and theRoot.com.

Focusing on the African-American Pegram family in Clover, S.C., the book documents how one woman—Tricia Ann, a sister, aunt, wife, mother and pastor—cares for Carolyn, her drug-addicted and AIDS-infected sister, and Carolyn’s young son. Relying on her faith, Tricia Ann enters into a fight to save others dying of AIDS in her rural Southern neighborhood, but often ends up presiding over funerals instead—funerals where the cause of death is rarely admitted.

Skerritt traces the impoverished family’s history and depicts how taboos about love, race and sexuality—combined with Southern conservatism, white privilege and black oppression—continue to create an unacceptable death toll into the 21st century.

A native of London, England, Skerritt grew up on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Howard University and a master of liberal arts degree from Winthrop University. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Caribbean-American Journalists.

For more information, contact:

Public Relations
Florida A&M University
1601 S. MLK Jr. Blvd., Lee Hall Ste. 103
Tallahassee, FL 32307
O: (850) 599-3413
F: (850) 561-2626
E: public.relations@famu.edu

Howard Hosts Sixth Annual Ford Black College Quiz Game Show

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Howard University will host the sixth annual Ford Black College Quiz Game Show at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec 1, in Cramton Auditorium. This televised event will feature students from 12 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Howard, competing for thousands of dollars in scholarship funds and cash prizes for their schools.

The Black College Quiz Game Show is a “Jeopardy” style formatted game show, where students display their knowledge and skills of African-American history. The show highlights the importance of continuing the pursuit of higher learning for both American-African students and the HBCU schools they attend. This year’s host will be actor Greg Alan Williams, known for roles in Necessary Roughness and BET’s The Game.

The prizes are: $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place and $1,500 for third place. One student contestant will also receive an iPad. The participants include:

  • Alcorn State University
  • Benedict College
  • Cheyney University
  • Fisk University
  • Florida Memorial University
  • Fort Valley State University
  • Howard University
  • Kentucky State University
  • Southern University-Baton Rouge
  • Tuskegee University
  • Virginia State University
  • Wilberforce University

Audience members will also have a chance to win three Apple iPads, which will be given away during the audience participation portion of the contest.

Admission to the game show is free.

For additional information, please contact Angela McGee, communications director for the Black College Quiz at amcgee@ccptv.com.

Jo-Ann English
Communications Associate
Office of University Communications
jo-ann.english@howard.edu
202.238.2330
http://www.howard.edu/newsroom/

Kentucky State to face Tampa in opening round of NCAA Volleyball Regional

Posted by HBCU Editors
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ATLANTA— The NCAA Division II Volleyball Championship selections were recently announced with one Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference team, Kentucky State University, represented in the field of 64.

The Thorobrettes, who received an automatic bid after winning the SIAC Volleyball Championship, come in as the No. 8 seed and will play No. 1 seed Tampa in opening round of the South Regional. The match will take place Thursday, November 17th at 7:30 p.m. at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center in Tampa, FL.

Kentucky State comes into the tournament with a 23-17 overall record, 15-1 in the SIAC. This will be the Thorobrettes second consecutive appearance in the regionals after winning their second SIAC Championship in as many seasons.

For more information regarding the NCAA South Regional, visit the tournament page at http://tampaspartans.com/page.asp?articleID=3247.

 

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

Seedings Set for MEAC Volleyball Tournament

Posted by HBCU Editors
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2011 MEAC Volleyball Tournament (MEAC Public Relations)

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Lady Hawks and Florida A&M University Lady Rattlers earned the top seeds in the northern and southern divisions of the 2011 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Volleyball Championship tournament.The Lady Hawks finished the season with an unblemished 12-0 mark in conference play en route to their fifth consecutive MEAC northern divisional title. UMES recorded over 20 victories for the fifth straight year and concluded the regular season on a 15 match win streak.

Morgan State secured the second seed in the north with an 8-4 conference record followed by Hampton (7-5). Howard won the tiebreaker over Norfolk State (5-7) to earn the fourth and final spot in the northern division.

Florida A&M also captured its fifth straight southern divisional crown with a 9-1 mark in conference play. The Lady Rattlers have won nine of the last 10 MEAC volleyball titles and 13 overall.

The defending MEAC champion South Carolina State Bulldogs (8-2) captured the second seed in the southern division. Bethune-Cookman (6-4) earned the third seed and North Carolina Central (5-5) rounded out the fourth and final seed.

Only the top four teams in each division are eligible to compete in the single match elimination tournament and vie for the championship title. Seedings are determined by overall conference records. Norfolk State (5-7), Delaware State (4-8), Coppin State (1-11), North Carolina A&T (2-7) and Savannah State (0-9) have been eliminated from tournament play based on their MEAC record.

The 2011 MEAC Volleyball Championship tournament begins on Friday, November 18 at 10 a.m. at the Physical Education Complex on the campus of Coppin State University in Baltimore, Md. For up-to-date schedule information, visit www.MEACsports.com.

The volleyball championship tournament will conclude on Sunday, November 20 beginning at noon. The championship finale will air live online for free via www.MEACSports.com.

Admission for the championship tournament is $7 and $15 for a three-day pass. Admission is free for students with a valid ID and children under the age of 12.

For more information on MEAC Volleyball or other sponsored sports, visit www.MEACSports.com.

Courtesy of MEAC Public Relations

2012 CIAA Tournament & 100th Anniversary Celebration

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HAMPTON, Va. – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) anticipates the largest Tournament in the history of the iconic Conference. The planning committee prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary milestone during the week-long 2012 Tournament on February 27 – March 3 in Charlotte, NC.

“The CIAA’s Board of Directors, staff, member institutions, alumni and fans are proud to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration as the CIAA turns 100 years old,” says Leon Kerry, CIAA Commissioner. “The rich legacy and heritage established by the CIAA has provided over 100 years of education and athletic opportunities to African-Americans who did not have the options. The lives touched by the CIAA are countless, and to experience its evolution into the third largest basketball tournament in the NCAA and its impact on millions of people is priceless. It is a remarkable feat to reach a 100 year milestone within any organization, and for the CIAA, the world will witness the celebration of this achievement in February.”

Conceived on February 4, 1912, the CIAA has grown into a cultural phenomenon and arguably one of the most influential mechanisms in all of Black America and giving birth to one of the country’s greatest, most financially successful event in all of black college sports. The first CIAA Tournament was created in 1946 on a $500 budget. Over the past 13 years alone, the CIAA Tournament has generated over $269 million in economic impact for the state of North Carolina and over $17.1 million in overall scholarship dollars for CIAA member institutions.

The CIAA is a trailblazer and often referred to as “The Conference of Firsts”. A few of those firsts include the first football game between two African-American-colleges in 1892 (Livingstone College and Johnson C. Smith University – known then as Biddle University); the first NCAA Division II conference to have its tournament televised as part of Championship Week on Entertainment Sports Programming Network (ESPN); was featured in the ESPN film, Black Magic, directed by Dan Klores, which was the first documentary to set a network record on its first night averaging a 1.2 million household and 1.55 million viewers; and in 2009 became the first African-American athletic conference to vote a non-HBCU institution, Chowan University, as a full-member, which supported the CIAA’s commitment to building a diverse and competitive conference.

“Congratulations to the CIAA on 100 years of supporting educational excellence and student athletics,” said Sherman McCoy, Nationwide Insurance director of operations, North Carolina region. “We’re proud of our partnership with the CIAA and honor the great tradition that makes the CIAA one of the finest leagues in the country.”

The CIAA’s focus on education, a by-product of its annual Tournament, is an important initiative that has been a part of the fabric of the Conference from its formation. The CIAA’s partnerships with its corporate sponsors have led to hundreds of jobs and internship opportunities and millions of scholarship dollars for its students. Sponsors donate annually to the CIAA General Scholarship Fund (GSF) and actively participate in the annual CIAA Career Expo. The CIAA’s Education Day introduces Middle and High School students to the CIAA educational experience through its member institutions by providing information and on-site admissions for high school seniors. Over the past six years, the CIAA has drawn over 10,000 students to Education Day, many of which were accepted to CIAA member institutions. In an effort to continue to support the CIAA’s mission to provide educational opportunities for students to attend any CIAA school, we are asking our alumni and fans to make a donation to the CIAA GSF by visiting www.ciaatournament.org/donate.

“Food Lion is a proud sponsor of the CIAA and excited about celebrating 100 years of commitment to higher education though sports,” said Eric Watson, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for Delhaize America. “We are honored to serve as the official corporate sponsor of the CIAA Women’s Tournament, and provide our associates, customers, and the communities we serve the opportunity to engage in this centennial celebration. Through volunteering and contributing toward scholarships for deserving students at the CIAA schools, we feel giving back is consistent with our corporate values and our commitment to the communities we serve.”

The CIAA is home to legendary coaches and extraordinary athletes who have helped the Conference receive proper recognition and respect in the world of college sports. CIAA legends and NBA Hall of Famers include John McLendon – the Father of Black Basketball, Clarence ‘Big House’ Gaines – the first African-American coach to win a NCAA Championship, Earl ‘The Pearl’ Monroe, Earl Lloyd – the first African-American to play in the NBA and Sam Jones. Other CIAA greats include Pee Wee Kirkland, Rick Mahorn, Fred ‘Curly’ Neal of the Harlem Globetrotters, Alvin ‘Al’ Attles, Jr., Boddy Dandrige, Charles Oakley, Ben Wallace, Ronald Murray, Darrell Armstrong and Celeste Trahan.

Fans can enjoy a multitude of prizes and free trips in honor of the centennial celebration. The CIAA 100th Anniversary Sweepstakes has a grand prize trip for up to six people to any Wyndham Resort in the word; airfare not included. Fans can enter the sweepstakes through the CIAA Tournament’s Facebook page. Smaller prizes will be given away weekly by randomly selecting fans from our sweepstakes database. Prizes include official event and game tickets, gift cards and tickets to the NASCAR Hall of Fame courtesy of Food Lion, a Toyota prize pack and official CIAA 100th anniversary premium items.

The CIAA is slated to launch its first-ever mobile application in November, which is available on iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, and Android phones and tablets. Fans can simply visit Apple’s App Store, the Android Market or Blackberry App World and search for ‘CIAA’ to download the mobile application to their mobile device or tablet. Fans that download the application are eligible to enter for a free trip for two people to Saint Lucia, which includes airfare and a free breakfast at the Garden Bay Hotel/Beach Resort. The CIAA mobile application was created to conveniently provide fans with instant access to key CIAA event information, updates and news directly to their mobile device or tablet.

“The CIAA is excited with the momentum we have generated leading into the CIAA’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2012. We have the support of our loyal fans, member institutions and sponsors. As a team, we’re constantly enhancing the Tournament and affiliated activities to ensure the ‘CIAA Experience’ is as strong as ever,” stated Leon Kerry, CIAA Commissioner.

Tournament attendees can anticipate an exciting week of events, activities and star-studded appearances during the 100th anniversary celebration. Returning event favorites include the Toyota Fan Experience at the Charlotte Convention Center and McDonald’s Super Saturday at the Time Warner Cable Arena; both FREE of charge.

At the Toyota Fan Experience, fans will have an opportunity to check out the special CIAA 100th anniversary display that will showcase historical memorabilia and offer interactive activities for fans to participate. The CIAA is also developing two customized signature banners for Tournament attendees to sign throughout the week. One signature banner will be located at the Time Warner Cable Arena and the other will be located at the Toyota Fan Experience. Following the Tournament, the CIAA will donate one of the banners to the Harvey B. Gantt Center as a reminder of the great partnership between the city of Charlotte and the CIAA, as well as, to signal the historical mark this partnership has played in the growth and recognition of the CIAA. The second banner will be permanently displayed at the CIAA office in Hampton, Va.

Other returning official CIAA events that require purchasing a ticket includes the McDonald’s Step Show Throwdown at the Grady Cole Center, the CIAA Coaches’ Social featuring The Manhattans and the 100th Anniversary Celebration After Party featuring The O’Jays, which will both take place in the new Crown Ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center.

New additions to the CIAA official event line-up includes the CIAA & V101.9 Greek Day Party at Coyote Joe’s, the CIAA Adult Skate Party at Starlight Skating Rink, the CIAA High School Step Show Step-Off at the Grady Cole Center, the CIAA Champions Day on Sunday, March 4 at the Toyota Fan Experience in the Charlotte Convention Center and much more to come.

For more information about how to purchase tickets and a complete list of official events, fans can visit www.ciaatournament.org.

Chowan’s Men Basketball Team Visits 9/11 Memorial

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Chowan's Men basketball team at the 9/11 Memorial Site (www.gocuhawks.com)

MURFREESBORO, NC – Play with a purpose.

Those words are echoed by coaches across the country on a daily basis, in attempts to get the most out of a student-athlete’s performance.

On a recent road trip, the Chowan University Men’s Basketball team received a powerful message on what those four words really mean.

The team competed in the University of Pitt-Johnstown Tournament this past weekend in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. On Friday, November 11th, Veteran’s Day, the University unveiled a memorial in the heart of its campus. The “Heroes Memorial” pays tribute to those who died on September 11th, 2001, as well as the members of the United States Armed Forces who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Before their game against Wheeling Jesuit University on Saturday the 12th, Chowan Head Coach Dan DeRose took the team to the memorial to share exactly what playing with a purpose means. “I wanted them to get a sense of history and the impact of what’s going on in the world. I think at times we forget what happened on 9/11 and what is still going on in the world today,” he said.

“What they (team members) don’t realize is a lot of the time is that all these people died to continue your opportunity to live and play basketball,” added DeRose. “You need to always keep them in the back of your mind. When you play, play for something.”

Play with a purpose. That message goes beyond basketball, beyond all sports. Said DeRose, “You should have a purpose every day in life, because you just don’t know what is going to happen. We have what we have today because brave men and women are over there fighting for us.”

Dedication for the monument was held on Veteran’s Day, and was attended by more than 200 community members, the school’s president, and several members of the military.

Currently, the Heroes Memorial contains 9,208 names. 1,729 names represent the men and women killed in Afghanistan in the years following the 9/11 attacks, and 4,456 names are those who have been killed in Iraq, through August 22nd, 2011. Over 3,000 names represent those killed on 9/11, at the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon, and on United Airlines Flight 93.

The centerpiece of the entire memorial is a 3,500 pound steel beam recovered from of one of the World Trade Center towers. “One of the things I told the guys to try to give them a sense of the devastation on that day was to look at this steel beam and how strong it is,” said DeRose. “But on that day, it crumbled and was bent just like that. That’s the type of destruction that thousands of people had to deal with.”

“It was very emotional for me,” said sophomore Antonio Reddic. “These men and women are why we are able to have the future we hope to have. I respect them and all of their families that they left behind. If it wasn’t for them, who knows where we would be today. I am really happy we went.”

Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the small town where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed, is only about 25 miles away from the Pitt-Johnstown campus. “Being nearby the place where the plane crashed brought back memories of how those heroes sacrificed their own lives for their country, and that made me feel very blessed,” added Reddic.

For senior Lee Branscome, the trip helped put playing basketball into perspective. “Coach D just wanted us to see that there are people fighting to give us the opportunity to do what we love to do, play college basketball. We play because they are out there protecting our freedom. That’s the lesson Coach D shared with us.”

That was the lesson. To put basketball into perspective. To play with a purpose.

Courtesy of CIAA

Wilberforce University Alumna Dr. Tyffani Dent Pens First Book

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Girls Got Issues: A Woman’s Guide to Self-discovery and Healing is available now. Girls Got Issues: A Woman’s Guide to Self-Discovery and Healing addresses the various problems that women carry with them from childhood in to adulthood. Serving as a “self-awareness” book, Girls Got Issues assists women in defining the issues they face, why the issues exist, and how to move beyond them. Such goals are accomplished through self-assessment quizzes and other assignments that allow women to begin to take a true inventory of where they are in their lives and how they can become more fulfilled.

  • Why do you know about women having issues

“I have conducted workshops geared towards women in both mental health settings as well as community-based programs. In these trainings, I began to notice that we, as women, were often “stuck” dealing with life experiences from girlhood. I became keenly aware of the need to shed light on these problems and begin to assist women in moving beyond our “issues” towards emotional health.”

  • Why/When/How did you start writing?

“I started writing when I found that women would come up to me after lectures or casual conversations and tell me that they wish their sister/friend/female cousin/co-worker was a part of the discussion so they could pass on my thoughts. I decided that, the best way to reach women was to provide them with an actual tool to aid in examining our problems.”

“Regarding my start in writing, I have always been a writer. I started out writing poems and plays that dealt with women’s issues. I continue to enjoy both of those but have also expanded in to the self-help genre.”

  • What is your typical day like?

“I am rearing two future “women” with my husband, so my day usually begins with them. I work full-time as a psychologist and mental health consultant. At the end of the day and with the assistance of Starbucks coffee, I write.”

  • How many books have you written and where do you get your ideas?

“This is my first solo project and I am grateful for the chance to complete it. I have co-authored an autobiography entitled My Journey to Damascus by Rev. Bruce Monford as well as co-authoring a book chapter on mental health and immigrant families. I have also contributed articles to newspapers and magazines geared towards the African-American community and the Black Church.”

  • How do you research your books?

“Between my experience in working in the mental health field, being on the board of NAMI-Greater Cleveland, and my advocacy work, I have found that I am privy to an abundance of information.”

  • How long did it take you to write this book?

“The idea brewed for over two years. When I finally sat down and decided to write, it took approximately 8 months.”

Dr. Tyffani Monford Dent is a licensed psychologist who, in her work with girls and young women, came to recognize the multitude of “issues” experienced by them. In Girls Got Issues, she delves into topics such as sexual abuse, toxic relationships, and stress, with the goal of helping women begin to heal. Dr. Dent is a graduate of Wilberforce University and Wright State University. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Girls Got Issues: A Woman’s Guide to Self-discovery and Healing is her first book.

Girls Got Issues is available on amazon.com, other internet retailers, and at www.monforddentconsulting.com

For more information, contact: Sunta D. Harris,Bantu Consulting at bantuconsult@gmail.com or 571-723-8656.

Rapper, Author and Actor Common Scheduled to Speak at FAMU

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus and Grammy award-winning rapper Common will be a guest lecturer on Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium as part of the 2011-2012 Lyceum Series.

Tickets will be available through the FAMU Ticket Office location in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium and ticketmaster.com for $20, $10 and $5, depending on the location of the seats.  Tickets that were purchased previously for Common’s lecture will be valid for this event.  The lecture was originally planned for September 28.

Known as the King of Conscious Hip Hop, Common will discuss his book titled One Day It’ll All Make Sense, which explores his upbringing and family relationships.

Common is considered one of music’s most poetic and respected lyricists. His introspective lyrics have pushed boundaries with their biting social commentary.

In 2007, he launched the Common Ground Foundation, which is dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United States. Common also offers a younger generation a better understanding of self-respect and love, utilizing the cultural relevance of hip hop in the children’s books he has written.  The first children’s book, titled The MIRROR and ME, teaches lessons of life, the human spirit and human nature. His follow-up book, I Like You But I Love Me, was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award, and his third book, M.E. (Mixed Emotions), was released in 2008.

In January 2007, the rapper crossed over into movies and made his acting debut in the movie Smokin’ Aces. Subsequently, he starred opposite Queen Latifah in Just Wright, and co-starred in movies, American Gangster, Street Kings, Wanted and others.

Whether inspiring audiences through his music, his books, or his foundation, Common continues to break new ground, and remains one of hip hop’s most innovative and positive voices.

The next Lyceum performances include the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble scheduled for January 27, 2012 and the Moscow Festival Ballet on March 1, 2012.

“The Lyceum Series is an essential part of Florida A&M University,” said FAMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Hughes Harris, who chairs the Lyceum Committee.  “It is the university’s way to teach the students beyond the classroom and expose them to the arts and culture.  The Lyceum committee is looking forward to sharing these experiences with our faculty, staff, students, alumni and the Tallahassee community.”

The FAMU Lyceum Series has been a part of the FAMU tradition since the university’s early beginnings.  Throughout the history of the series, FAMU has enriched campus life and shared with the community the artists, performers and lecturers of the day.

For more information about this year’s Lyceum Series, contact the FAMU Office of Communications at (850) 599-3413.

Bennett Belles March to the Polls

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Bennett College students march to the polls on election day.

This past Tuesday’s local elections weren’t considered major on the national media circuit, but for Bennett College students, the opportunity to vote is never taken lightly.  Each election cycle, the Student Government Association sponsors the March to the Polls ACES event.  This past Tuesday was no exception.  The SGA rallied up the voting troops at 11 a.m. and proceeded to march from the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel to the nearest polling place, singing the alma mater and other favorite Bennett cheers throughout.

SGA called this event “The Final Round” because it was the third time that students marched to vote this election season.  Senior Lydia Blanco, a Journalism and Media Studies major serves as the SGA’s Miss Royal Blue and White.  She is responsible for organizing all ACES events, so she was instrumental in organizing “The Final Round.”

“This was the most interactive ACES we had this semester in an effort to get our sisters to get out and vote and be active in the Greensboro community,” she explains.  “We marched to the polls to show that Bennett Belles are voting Belles. We didn’t sleep this election season.  We were wide awake and ready to vote.”

Students were as excited as SGA about casting their votes for the next public officials in Greensboro.  Sabrina Noel-Edgar, a sophomore Journalism and Media Studies major, voted.  She thought it was important for other Bennett students to vote as well.  “If you don’t vote, your voice will not get heard.  Voting is the best thing to do because that is how you can get your voices heard by the people who will be representing you.”

Bennett has prided itself on having a large voter turnout in previous elections.  Rachel Pridgen, the Director of Student Activities has been working with the SGA to keep these numbers high.  The SGA advisor says, “SGA always does March to the Polls because it’s important for every student to be involved in her community.  From new student orientation, I’ve been registering freshwomen voters so they will know the importance of voting each election season.”

Activism is important to the Bennett College community. According to the 2010 – 2011 Bennett College Fact Book, 95 percent of the college’s population is registered to vote.  This high percentage is the reason that Alma Adams, Ph.D., a North Carolina representative and Art History professor at Bennett started the phrase “Bennett Belles are Voting Belles.”

Though students have been marching to the polls for decades, Pridgen doesn’t think students should take the right to vote for granted.  “A lot of people have worked hard so students can have this right to vote,” she says.  “We can’t take this right for granted.  Students have to get out and vote or what they think won’t matter in the long run.

Johnson C. Smith University and Miles College to Play in Pioneer Bowl XIII

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Columbus, GA – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) have announced that Johnson C. Smith University and Miles College have been selected to participate in the 13th Pioneer Bowl. The game will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at A.J. McClung Stadium in Columbus, GA at 1:00pm (EST).

The Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls, led by Head Coach Steve Aycock, finished third in the CIAA Southern Division with a 5-5 overall record, 4-3 in conference play.

The Miles College Golden Bears, led by Head Coach Reginald Ruffin, finished first in the SIAC West Division with a 5-2 record in conference play and won their first SIAC Championship by defeating Albany State University to finish with a 7-4 overall record.

Miles will be making their first appearance in the Pioneer Bowl while Johnson C. Smith will be making their second appearance with their last coming in 2006.

Started in 1997, the Pioneer Bowl is an NCAA sanctioned bowl game involving the SIAC and the CIAA. It is the only sanctioned bowl game involving HBCU athletic conferences.

2010 Pioneer Bowl Results – Saint Augustine’s 20 Fort Valley State 9 (12/4/10)

About the SIAC

Founded in 1913, the SIAC is composed of thirteen historically black colleges and universities (Albany State, Benedict, Claflin, Clark Atlanta, Fort Valley State, Kentucky State, Lane, LeMoyne-Owen, Miles, Morehouse, Paine, Stillman, and Tuskegee) located within a five state footprint Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee). For conference information visit, www.TheSIAC.com.

About the CIAA

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), founded in 1912, is the nation’s first historically black college and university athletic conference.  It is currently comprised of twelve colleges and universities located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. For conference information please visit, www.TheCIAA.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

Guiltless Sandusky: The Monster Behind the Penn State Scandal

Posted by Kev Keise
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Jerry Sandusky

Disgraced former Penn State defensive coordinator and alleged child molester Jerry Sandusky, who was arrested on Nov.5 for charges of sexually harassing eight boys over a 15-year period, was freed from prison by District Judge Leslie Dutchcoton on a $100,000 unsecured bail on Nov.14.

Dutchcoton, who reportedly volunteered and donated between $500-1000 to Sandusky’s Second Mile charity, granted his bail after being charged with 40 counts of perjury and other related offenses. She released him under the circumstances that if he fails to report to court then he would have to pay $100,000.

She also ordered that he restrain himself from children. Ironically Sandusky, the 67-year-old who preformed sexually acts in the shower with young boys, lived next door to an elementary school.

According to CNN, some neighbors are furious that he is out on bail given where he lives. From Sandusky’s back porch he has a clear view of the playground of Lemont Elementary School.

The administrators at the elementary school say local police reached out to them subsequently to the arrest of Sandusky. Superintendent Robert O’Donnell quoted the school that runs through the second grade “has taken additional administrative action to ensure our children safety.”

Sandusky, the man responsible for the firing of the most winningest coach off all time, Joe Patreno and all of the Penn State chaos got a chance to speak on his behalf. He said that it was wrong for him to shower with those kids, but still maintain his innocence against all charges and denies being a pedophile.

Sandusky spoke with Bob Costas for an interview for NBC News’ Rock Center. He was asked, “Are you a pedophile?”

He responded, “No.”

“I’m innocent of these charges,” he added.

“I have horsed around with kids. I have showered after workouts. I have hugged them and I have touched their legs without intent of sexual contact.

“I enjoy young people. I love to be around them. But no, I’m not sexually attracted to young boys.”

When confronted about his wrong doings, he answered, “I shouldn’t have showered with those kids.”

On Nov.15 Penn State alumnus and former linebacker, LaVar Arrington, who played under Sandusky spoke on the sex scandal that tarnished the reputation of his alma mater.

He was utterly upset because he felt that Sandusky should’ve apologize to the victims, although he feels he’s innocent.

“You’re pissed off because he has something to say, you’re pissed off because he sounds like he’s on something,” Arrington told CBSWashingtonDC.com. “You know what I’m pissed off about? He didn’t say he was sorry to those kids. He didn’t say he was sorry to the kids at Penn State. He didn’t say he was sorry to the players, he didn’t say he was sorry to me, [to] us.”

Sandusky’s hearing that had been scheduled for Nov.16 has been postponed to Dec 7. While Sandusky proclaims his innocence then is when we will know the final verdict.

 

 

Wale’s “Ambition” Helps Push Hip Hop to New Heights

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Olubowale Vitor Akintimehin better known as Wale has dropped his newest critically acclaimed album, “Ambition.” Often talked about and ridiculed, he proved his ability to successfully create a name for himself with successful mixtapes and a strong following out of the DMV area.

Two years have passed since 2009’s “Attention Deficit” and after signing with Rick Ross and his Maybach Music Group, it seems as though Wale is now a house hold name. Wale is a diverse artist, but many complained he has changed his style only to conform to his new family at MMG. Wale once stated, “I make my own music I can be signed to anywhere….my topics are different from others on the label.” Many perceive Wale’s “new” sound as selling out, but whatever the opinion of the public they are buying into it. “Ambition” came in at #2 on the Billboard 200 music charts, selling over 100,000 units in the first week. “Ambition” is comprised of 15 tracks of pure talent, hard hitting beats, and substance.

Wale makes his ambition known early in the album’s opening, with the presumptuous statement on the opening track “Don’t Hold Your Applause”: “Tired of making money….on to making history.” Many can agree that in this day and age, many rappers tend to focus on the same subjects of money, women, drugs, sex and on many occasions, violence. These topics have been deemed the only things “important” in this generation, which is sad to say, depressingly true. Wale conveys the many different problems that are affecting black communities without having to stand on a soapbox. The track ‘DC or Nothin’ is a prime example:

“Making love to the streets/They be lustin’ for bread/They ain’t sleeping until they know every customer fed/When the city was chocolate there was death in their ears/all I’m hearing is AIDS, I ain’t deaf in my ears.”

Many argue Wale took the safe way out with this album by not digging deeper as he is sometimes known for, but there are few rappers who even skim the surface, probably scared it will negatively affect their record sells. There are many rappers who say absolutely nothing, but you can catch plenty of people repeating each line verbatim. Wale doesn’t talk about just sex; he talks about relationships. “Sabotage” is such a vulnerable track, about a past relationship and how he regrets its ending, is a record that you won’t see a lot of rappers do.

You can’t deny the fact that Wale is enjoying his “stardom”, and why shouldn’t he? Even on the more mainstream tracks like “Lotus Flower Bomb” and “White Linen”, you can’t deny his versatility. Wale is striving not to be famous or make money; he wants to be a legend.

“Ambition over everything…and I never plan on settling.”

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of how they may feel about Wale, but one thing you can not deny is the truth in his music…just listen.

Brittini Palmer is a reporter for the Richmond Voice and an analyst for Capital One. She graduated Magna Cum Lade from Virginia Union University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications and Journalism. She was initiated into the Beta Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated,  and served as Miss Virginia Union University 2010-2011.

Norfolk State Defeats Hampton in the 1st Battle of the Bay Poetry Slam

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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On Thursday, November 10, 2011, history was made in Norfolk.

A sea of green and gold cheered on their Spartans as they watched their beloved Norfolk State University defeat Hampton University in the 1st ever Battle of the Bay poetry slam between the two HBCUs in the New Student Center at Norfolk State University. This event marked the first time any HBCUs came together and put on a showcase of talent and skills in lyrics and verses before a packed crowd mixed with NSU green and gold and Hampton blue and white. Thursday night was an incredible example of HBCU Unity.

Of course, as much as we love our HBCU family, there will always be friendly competition between us. The poetry slam was highlighted by a Prop Rivalry, the segment where each team dissed the opponent’s university.

The Hampton University poetry slam team went first, and they went hard, but the Norfolk State team defended their turf and pulled out a win. The team was led by Jare’l Barnes, and included Kalvin Adekarim, Ebone, Jared Frazier, Joie Mone’t and Static Mike. The Hampton University team member are The Architect, MISKEENAH, Native Son, Clarissa Smith and Storm.

Daniel Pearlman, Professor in the Department of English and Foreign Languages, announced Norfolk State University as the winner and the crowd erupted. With the big turnout that the 1st annual Battle of the Bay poetry slam had, the next one promises to be an even bigger event.

The atmosphere of the event was electric, as the band THEM (The Highly Educated Musicians) provided the music. Held on the campus of Norfolk State University, the Battle of the Bay poetry slam was hosted by Godchild the Omen, a recording artist and a Norfolk native. Norfolk State University president Tony Atwater was in attendance as he was the special guest poet, and received a warm reception after his piece. Guest poets included Breeze from Norfolk State and Khemist from Hampton University.

Norfolk State University and Hampton University are to be applauded for their hard work into making this event a success. The Battle of the Bay poetry slam was competitive, exciting, intense, and entertaining. Most importantly, it united two HBCUs in displaying the talented students that attend HBCUs everywhere.

Photos courtesy of Victor Harper