Homecoming 2011 Engages the Spelman Community

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Homecoming 2011 was filled with an invigorating and engaging week of events. Dubbed “Sole Prophecy,” homecoming included the annual hip-hop concert and fashion show, neo-soul concert featuring R&B artist Miguel, the Miss Spelman and Miss Maroon and White coronations, a football game against Benedict College, and the first comedy show in six years. All of the activities were planned by student organizations PULSE at Spelman and CASA at Morehouse.

Spelman’s Sisters Chapel launched Homecoming 2011 with an opening worship service on Sunday Oct. 16, featuring Tiffany A. Thomas, C’2008, associate minister at Christ Church in New York City, as guest minister. The service was followed by the annual kickoff jam on the Spelman oval. Students packed the oval to win prizes, enjoy food, music, and camaraderie that was fueled by the stroll competition between Spelman and Morehouse freshman residence halls.

“Culmination,” the hip-hop concert and fashion show took place on Monday at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena. The stadium was filled with cheering students who were entertained with intermittent dance breaks and performances between runway segments. An intermingling of style and hip-hop culture, the concert featured hip-hop recording artists Kendrick Lamar, Ace Hood, YC and the Future.

Tuesday, students enjoyed the neo-soul concert with R&B artist Miguel, who performed hit singles “Sure Thing” and “All I Want Is You,” in front of a raving audience in a packed Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel.

On Wednesday, Phat Comedy presented the “Lunacy” comedy show in King Chapel. Standup comedians Ronnie Jordan, Gerard Guillory, Khiry Lee, Vanessa Fraction, and Sean Larkins held the audience captive with jokes and humorous skits. Amused students gave standing ovations while laughing hysterically.

On Thursday, the Miss Spelman Coronation featured the courts of various Spelman organizations, a number of colorful and exuberant African and modern dance performances, as well as talent from Miss Spelman, Raavin Evans, and her court. In addition, Morehouse College held the annual Miss Maroon and White coronation, highlighting courts of Morehouse organizations, and featuring the talents of Miss Maroon and White, Lauren Wicker, and her court. Immediately following the production was the 2011 coronation ball, an elegant event where students dressed in formal attire and enjoyed music and refreshments at the Americas Mart in downtown Atlanta.

Morehouse won their football game on Saturday, as the Maroon Tigers defeated Benedict College 34-27, The victory was followed by tailgate, known for being the most celebrated homecoming event. The night was rounded out with a highly lauded step show competition featuring members of the Clark Atlanta Delta Sigma Theta and Phi Beta Sigma organizations, Spelman Alpha Kappa Alpha and Sigma Gamma Rho organizations, Morehouse Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Kappa Alpha Psi organizations, and Norfolk State Iota Phi Theta Alpha Kappa Alpha and Iota Phi Theta were declared victors of the competition.

Article Referenced from InsideSpelman

ULM’s Tyler Cain tries to get away from Grambling defensive back

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ULM’s Tyler Cain tries to get away from Grambling defensive back Gabriel Fleming (45) during a game earlier this season. Cain suffered a season-ending injury last week against Western Kentucky. / News-Star file photo

Louisiana-Lafayette ruined ULM’s chances of a potential bowl invitation in the 2010 finale when the two-win Ragin’ Cajuns blocked an extra point and held on for a 23-22 win in Malone Stadium.

The teams are in somewhat opposite positions this season as the Warhawks (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt Conference) visit ULL (7-2, 5-1 SBC), who is in contention for its first outright Sun Belt title.

While the matchup could possibly provide extra motivation for a ULM team coming off an emotional overtime loss against Western Kentucky, sophomore quarterback Kolton Browning said it hasn’t been a point of emphasis this week.

“It’s always in the back of your mind, especially with what happened last year,” Browning said. “But this is a new season with a different team.

“We have a lot of the same players, but we have an increased maturity level. We are going out there to compete, make sure we do our part and pull out a victory.”

ULM coach Todd Berry said his team doesn’t view themselves as spoilers.

“We look at ourselves as a football team that wants to play one more game, have one more opportunity,” Berry said. “I want to win just like they do, but I could not be prouder of this football team.

“There are very few football teams in the situation that we are in in terms of all the adversity, that would raise up and respond like that group did. We would love to have the victory, but I will take what I saw because they gave us everything.

“We know what our issues are, but it’s not heart. As long as you have that, when we get healthy, we are pretty good.”

Berry said injuries have severely hampered the Warhawks this season, and the team lost another player in West Monroe graduate and true freshman Tyler Cain.

Read Full Article at THENewsStar.com

Johnson and Slaughter of FVSU earn weekly SIAC honors

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Despite last Saturday’s loss to Morehouse College, two Fort Valley State University football players were named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference “Players of the Week.” Senior defensive back Ricky Johnson is this week’s SIAC Defensive Player of the Week and junior wide receiver Christopher Slaughter is the SIAC Newcomer of the Week.

Johnson, a native of Atlanta, Ga., earned the defensive weekly recognition after his 19-tackle performance against the Maroon Tigers.  The tackles were a career, single-game high for Johnson. He also finished with one tackle for loss; one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one sack.

Slaughter, a native of Fort Valley, was named newcomer of the week after posting seven catches against the Morehouse defense.  His seven receptions covered 127 yards and he scored on touchdown passes of 41 and 20 yards.  The weekly recognition was the second of the season for Slaughter.

Read Full Article at Wildcats Athletics-

NOAA Awards FAMU $15 Million to Train a New Generation of Scientists

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President Ammons announces that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded FAMU an education and research grant totaling $15 million.  This is the largest single grant awarded in the history of the University. (From left to right) LaTrisha Allen, a second-year Ph.D. research student, and Kali Farris, a third-year master’s degree student majoring in environmental science marine toxicology, are examining several fish species to determine their exposure to the oil released in the BP Oil Spill.

Florida A&M University (FAMU) has been awarded an education and research grant totaling $15 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to meet the agency’s workforce needs in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) that support NOAA’s mission. This is the largest single grant awarded in the history of the University.

“One of the highest criteria used to determine the quality of a university is the level of extramural funding and quality of research taking place by faculty and the funding obtained for them to conduct research on a regular basis,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “This announcement proves that Florida A&M University meets that standard of excellence.”

With 30 percent of the grant designated for scholarships, FAMU has partnered with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Delaware State University, Jackson State University, University of Texas at Brownsville, and Creighton University as well as three National Estuarine Research Reserves; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary; the Gulf of Mexico Alliance; and, the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System. The grant will provide funds to support students as they pursue NOAA-relevant education, research, and training in environmental science. This grant supports enhancing environmental literacy from K-12 to the doctorate level.

“Our education efforts will focus on training and graduating under-represented minorities and utilize research as a vehicle to educate students, and develop skills relevant to the new economy,” said Michael Abazinge, professor and interim director of the School of the Environment who also serves as the principal investigator for this

Read Full Article at FAMU

Multimillion-dollar particle accelerator coming to Fayetteville State

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A multimillion-dollar instrument that propels subatomic particles to high speeds will have many high-tech applications for researchers at Fayetteville State University, an administrator says.

Other researchers working with similar particle accelerators have helped build better artificial hearts and enhanced the military’s abilities to detect roadside bombs. There even is research into converting human body heat into electricity, which would help soldiers in combat zones.

FSU is in the process of getting the $5 million particle accelerator and about $3 million in other instruments. Daryush Ila, associate vice chancellor for research, said he hopes to have the equipment up and running in 12 to 18 months.

The Naval Research Laboratory in Washington is donating the equipment to FSU because it is moving to a new facility that is not large enough for the accelerator. FSU competed with several other universities for the instruments.

Ila said the instruments will allow researchers at FSU to ionize atoms so they gain or lose electrons, and accelerate the ions to about a tenth the speed of light. The scientists can then use the ions to study materials, modify materials and make new devices. The accelerator, which looks like a large concrete tube with instruments on either end, does not emit any radiation, Ila said.

Next week, he is going to Washington to begin preparations for moving the accelerator and other components, which will require two or three tractor-trailers. FSU Chancellor James Anderson told the university’s board of trustees in September that it might cost $300,000 to move and store the accelerator.

“The cost of excellence is always high,” Anderson said.

FSU officials are planning a building for the accelerator next to a conference center on the site of the former Washington Drive school.

Ila came to FSU in May from Alabama A&M University, where he had served for more than 20 years in research and faculty positions. He was director and co-founder of a research program and helped establish partnerships that resulted in more than $125 million in grants and contracts, including about $40 million from the Department of Defense.

Read Full article at FayOberserver.com

ECSU celebrates American and International Education Month

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During the month of November, ECSU will observe the annual American and International Education Month. A series of free and public events follow:

November 2 – American Education Assembly

10 a.m. at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center.
The guest speaker is the National Teacher of the Year: Michelle M. Shearer, the 2011 Maryland Teacher of the Year. Shearer teaches chemistry to students in grades 10 through 12 at Urbana High School in Ijamsville, Maryland. She has taught for 14 years.

November 4 – The UNC Council of Education Deans and the University

Council on International Programs presents the Second Annual
Internationalizing Teacher Education Forum 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
UNC Charlotte, Charlotte N.C.

November 9 – Aquatic Kickboxing
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the R. L. Vaughan Center

November 10 – Student Leadership Forum
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Ridley Student Complex, #216 Multipurpose Room

November 11 – International Dinner

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the K. E. White Graduate and Continuing Education Center. Each attending family is strongly encouraged to bring an entrée. Entrées prepared by local, current, state licensed restaurants or grocery store delicatessens are welcome. A card that outlines the ingredients should arrive with meal. Food should be kept to proper temperatures and promptly delivered to the site by 5:45 p.m. For more information on dinner delivery or cards to list ingredients, call Ms. Ciano before noon on November 11, at 335-3591.

November 14 – Health Fair
1 p.m. in the Melvyn N. and Vonda Reed Riley Wellness Center

November 14 – International Tea
4 p.m. in the Ridley Student Complex (stage area)

November 15 – Step Aerobics
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the R. L. Vaughan Center

November 16 – Faculty Forum
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in room #104 of the Pharmacy Complex

November 16 – Sixth Bi-Annual Health and Physical Education Symposium
Theme “Obesity: Yesterday, Today, and…Tomorrow?”
12 p.m.: Reception
1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Plenary Sessions- Poster Session
4:30 p.m.: Awards

For more information, call the Dr. Bonita Ewers, 252-335-3630 or Dr. Saundra Copeland, 252-335-3337.

UMES Dean Nicholas R. Blanchard charged in Fruitland ‘egging’

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Police have identified a suspect that could crack a case of “eggings” on Wye Oak Drive — a dean at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Nicholas R. Blanchard, the 48-year-old dean of the UMES School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, was charged Tuesday with one count of malicious destruction of property in a case Fruitland police say involved egg thrown on a vehicle on Blanchard’s street of town homes in a community called Cedar Commons.

Police had posted additional patrols in the area of Wye Oak Drive after almost a dozen complaints from residents since October about eggs thrown on their vehicles, said Fruitland Police Department Sgt. Chris Shockley. Most of the incidents happened to vehicles parked in spaces near Blanchard’s residence.

Blanchard was informed of the criminal charge through a summons served by Fruitland police. The charge was filed after a witness told police they saw the accused throwing an egg at the witness’ property, Shockley said. Blanchard was not arrested, but rather, informed of the charge and a pending court date, police said.

Police hope egg-throwing incidents in the neighborhood are over. “We’ve had numerous complaints over the past month of egging,” Shockley said Tuesday. “We stepped up patrols in the area because of the complaints. It happened in the same location each time — hitting different cars.

“A neighbor saw the (alleged) act occur, and the criminal summons was issued,” the sergeant also said.

During a period of about six weeks, complaints to police came from different residents in a 10-unit building on Wye Oak Drive, located across the parking lot from the building in which Blanchard lives, Shockley said. “It sounds like a neighbor feud got out of control,” he said.

Read Full Article at Delmarvanow.com

Kentucky State Director of Athletics Selected for NCAA Management Council

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Kentucky State University’s (KSU) Director of Athletics, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks

FRANKFORT, Ky. (November 2, 2011) – The NCAA recently announced that Kentucky State University’s (KSU) Director of Athletics, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks, has been selected to the Division II Management Council. Hendricks, who will serve as the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) representative, begins her four-year term January 2012, replacing outgoing SIAC representative and Benedict College Director of Athletics, Willie Washington.

The Management Council is a governance group whose composition is based on conference representation and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Division II. These duties include, but are not limited to: implementing policies adopted by the Association’s Executive Committee and the Division II Presidents Council; making recommendations to the Division II Presidents Council on matters it deems appropriate; making interpretations of the bylaws of Division II; and organizing and participating in an annual summit with the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

“It is a great honor to be added to the Management Council,” said Hendricks. “The Council continually makes decisions that impact the landscape of intercollegiate athletics, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our membership in this capacity.”

Having served as KSU’s Director since July 2009, Hendricks is also a member of her alma mater’s (Auburn University) College of Education National Advisory Committee. She serves on the Council’s Development Committee, which is responsible for assisting with the creation and review of the development strategic work plan, identifying long-term funding opportunities and hosting donor events and receptions. Hendricks also serves on the Division II Academic Requirements Committee, a term that began September 2010 and ends September 2014.

Hendricks was also added to the Division II Athletic Directors Association Board of Directors as the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) representative. As a member of the D-II ADA Board of Directors, Hendricks assists with supporting and engaging in the initiatives of the D-II ADA, including finding authors for the D-II ADA Corner, obtaining input from conference membership regarding D-II and NCAA issues and attending national conventions.

Prior to joining the KSU Family, Hendricks held numerous positions in the field of college athletics. She served as Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at Johnson C. Smith University. She also managed women’s sports, served as interim chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance and Assistant Professor of Physical Education/Sport Management, advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, member of the University Athletics committee, member of Student Judicial Board, and Vice President for the Faculty Senate. She also held the positions of Senior Woman Administrator, Dean of the Academic Village and Assistant Professor at Livingstone College.

Hendricks received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Auburn in 2001 and 2004 respectfully and received her Bachelor’s from the University of South Carolina.

Danielle R. Wright
Director, Office of Sports Information
(502) 597-6399
danielle.wright@kysu.edu
Kentucky State University

U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn to Keynote FAMU Fall Commencement Ceremony

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House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. ClyburnTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn will serve as the 2011 Florida A&M University (FAMU) fall commencement speaker on Friday, December 16 at 6 p.m. in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

Clyburn is the leadership liaison to the Appropriations Committee and one of the Democratic Caucus’ primary liaisons to the White House. Working with the internal caucuses, he plays a prominent role in messaging and outreach.

When Clyburn came to Congress in 1993, he was elected co-president of his freshman class and quickly rose through leadership ranks. He was elected chairman of the congressional Black Caucus in 1999, and his reputation as a leader and consensus-builder helped him win a difficult three-way race for House Democratic Caucus vice chair in 2002.

Three years later, he was unanimously elected chair of the Democratic Caucus. When Democrats regained the House majority in 2006, Clyburn was elevated by his colleagues to House Majority Whip.

As a national leader he has worked to respond to the needs of America’s diverse communities. He championed rural communities supporting the development of regional water projects, community health centers, and broadband connections. He has supported higher education by leading the charge for increased Pell grants and invested millions in science and math programs and historic preservation at historically black colleges and universities.

He has encouraged economic development by securing funding for Empowerment Zones; invested in green technology development such as nuclear, wind, hydrogen and biofuels; and directed 10 percent of Recovery Act funding to communities 20 percent under the poverty level for the past 30 years. Clyburn was instrumental in advancing into law measures to resolve historic discrimination issues, significantly reducing the statutory disparity in cocaine sentencing and compensating African and Native American farmers who suffered racial discrimination under the USDA loan program.

Clyburn and his wife, Emily, have three daughters, Mignon, Jennifer Reed and Angela Hannibal; two sons-in-law, Walter Reed and Cecil Hannibal; and two grandchildren, Walter A Clyburn Reed and Sydney Alexis Reed.

Howard University Doctors Praised by the Medical Community

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WASHINGTON — More than 20 of doctors from Howard University Hospital and the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan have been named by their peers as one of outstanding practicing physicians in the Washington-Baltimore-Northern Virginia area. The number accounts for nearly 10 percent of the hospital and practice plan’s staff and reflects the care the hospital and university uses in recruiting and selecting the finest physicians.

The results were published Sunday in the Washington Post. Last spring, Super Doctors®, a listing of top doctors in the Washington, DC/Baltimore area, sent surveys to thousands of doctors in the area asking for nominees in 30 categories. Each nominee was then evaluated by the Super Doctors® research staff using a set of 10 established indicators, including peer recognition and professional achievement.

Read more at: http://www.huhealthcare.com/community/news-and-media/2011-10-27-HUH-Super-Doctors

Herman Cain’s Campaign is Falling Apart

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Is Herman Cain's run over? (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg)

One week can change everything in an election. For Herman Cain, it’s more like half a week.

Herman Cain has been accused of sexually harassing by 3 women this week, stemming from incidents that occurred in the 1990s when Cain and the women were working at the National Restaurant Association. The Cain campaign has not denied that there were accusations made, but they stand firm in their statements that Cain has never sexually harassed anyone.

His accusers say otherwise. The three women claim Cain made sexually explicit comments and suggestions towards them, even inviting one of them to visit his  apartment.

We’ve been down this road before. Politicians accused of immoral and improper sexual acts is nothing new. Bill Clinton, John Edwards, Anthony Weiner, and now Herman Cain’s name has been added to this infamous list. Like those accused of sexual misbehavior before him, Cain quickly went out of his way to defend himself and call out his haters. He called out Rick Perry, claiming it was his campaign that leaked the sexual harassment information. Rick Perry’s people said it was Mick Romney’s people.

Is there any truth in these accusations? Well, the New York Times reported today that one of the women accusing Cain settled on an agreement of $35,000 back in the 1990s- a full year’s pay to compensate her for her trouble. Surely, someone wouldn’t be paid that much if the story didn’t have some kind of truth in it.

And so begins the fall of the former Godfather’s Pizza CEO’s bid for presidency. In recent weeks, Cain has become a punchline for pundits and talk shows hosts everywhere. His debacle in trying to define and defend his flip flopping stance on abortion went horribly. He is clueless on foreign policy- he recently said that China has “indicated that they’re trying to develop nuclear capability”, even though China has had a nuclear arsenal since 1964.

When Herman Cain built a slight lead over Mitt Romney and Rick Perry as the GOP frontrunner, it was his race to lose. Now, it seems the walls are caving in on Cain. His image is tarnished, his political positions are shaky at best, and worst of all he has not connected with the African-American people. Many were turned off by his “brainwashed” comment.

It was just last month that Herman Cain had finally established himself as a serious contender in the Republican presidential candidate race. Now, it appears to have gone up in smoke. Wow, it was all good just a week ago.

Michael Livingston
HBCU Buzz Editor-in-Chief

HBCU Basketball Preview: Grambling State University

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College basketball season is approaching for Grambling State University and the Tigers are ranked eighth in the Preseason Southwestern Athletic Conference Basketball Poll.

The Tigers, whose basketball program has been remolded with 10 new players and alterations to the coaching staff, are looking to build off their success of last season.

Last year the Tigers did the unexpected. Not only did they double their win total from the previous year, but head coach Bobby Washington took the G-Men to the SWAC finals in his inaugural season.

“The players understand the expectations that we have from the Grambling community and university,” said head coach Bobby Washington. “Over the past two years our body of work has shown that the program is definitely on a rise in the SWAC.”

After one season there have been numerous changes on the team, with one big change coming in the presence of leadership roles. Coach Williams sees early signs of team leaders in sophomore center Steven Danridge, junior guard Bryant Purvis and junior guard Quincy Roberts, a transfer from St. John who will miss the first half of the season due to NCAA rules. He said they have been very vocal on and off the court.

Leadership is there for the Tigers and it will be needed as they face a tough non-conference schedule, which include match ups against Washington State University, Texas Tech and Louisiana State University.

“We use it (the non conference schedule) as a tool to help us get ready for our conference schedule,” said Williams. “If we could compete with those schools you would think we’d be able to compete with our conference schools. It mentally and physically gets us ready for the SWAC.”

Chemistry is a major issue that’s lacking from the team, being that it’s only four returnees and two of them are injured. The team has not had time to gel together on the court. Coach Washington broke the season down in five portions; the preseason, the season opener (the first six games), the Christmas break (next four games), conference play and post season. He said by the third portion of the season if everyone is healthy then they should be at full strength as far as chemistry is concerned.

Coach Williams brought in a new supporting to cast to help him continue with the revamping of the basketball program. Tae Norwood, former Florida Gulf Coast assistant; Andy Harre, former Clayton State player; and assistant coach and last years starting point guard Rupert Rose, who’s currently acting as student assistant coach is a better fit for the team and the direction it’s trying to go.

“They have really allowed me to not worry about day- to- day operations,” said Coach Washington. “All the small things that people take for granted matters and they do a good job in staying on top of those things. Bringing those guys in has been very good for our program.”

Some positives things Coach Washington notices about the team is that his guys get along well off the court. On the court they are gaining a better understanding of the offense and they are better than he expected defensively. The first game for the Tigers will be on Nov.12, in a match-up against at the University of Houston. Tipoff begins at 7 p.m.

2011-2012 Men’s Basketball Roster (Hometown in Parenthesis)

G #0 Derron Hobbs 6-0 Senior (St. Louis, MO) **

G/F #1 Tyrik Tucker 6-6 Junior (Brooklyn, NY)

G #2 Rondale Livas 5-10 Sophomore (Houma, LA)

G #3 Raschard Boatner 6-0 Senior (Monroe, LA) **

G #4 Xavier Rogers 6-2 Sophomore (Dallas, TX)

G#5 Brandon Dorsett 6-0 Sophomore (Greensboro, NC)

G#10 Quincy Roberts 6-5 Junior (Harrisburg, PA)

G/F#11 Bryant Purvis 6-7 Junior (Trout, LA)

G #20 Roman Higgins 6-3 Sophomore (Grambling, LA)

G #21 David Copeland 6-2 Freshman (Chesterfield, VA)

F #23 Demetri Wheeler 6-5 Sophomore (Hoover, LA)

C #40 Peter Roberson 7-0 Junior (Oklahoma City, OK)

C #42 Steven Danridge 6-8 Sophomore (Dolton, IL)

F #44 Thomas Williams 6-7 Sophomore (Jonesboro, LA)

** Injured players from last year

Coaching Staff

Bobby Washington—Head Coach

Tae Norwood—Assistant Coach

Andy Harre—Assistant Coach

Rupert Rose—Student Assistant Coach

Juilia Collins—Statistician/ Manager

Alyeshia Walton—Manager

Donnika Williams—Manager

Kev Keise
HBCU Buzz Staff Writer

Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough Named 7th Dillard University President

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Dr. Walter Kimbrough will become the new Dillard University president on July 1, 2012

Dillard University announced the appointment Tuesday of Walter M. Kimbrough, president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, as Dillard’s seventh president. The school’s trustees said he would succeed Marvalene Hughes on July 1, at the close of the current academic year.

Hughes, who oversaw Dillard’s recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, resigned in February. A trustee, James Lyons, has served as interim president since July 1.

The university said Kimbrough is a trained educator, having served for four years as the vice president for student affairs at Albany State University in Albany, Ga. before taking the leadership job at Philander Smith, which he has held for the past seven years.

 

Read more at:  http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2011/11/dillard_names_walter_kimbrough.html

KSU’s Berryman Tabbed SIAC Special Teams Player of the Week

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KSU’s placekicker, Cade Berryman

FRANKFORT, Ky. (October 31, 2011) – For the third time this season, KSU’s placekicker, Cade Berryman, has been named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Special Teams Player of the Week.

In Saturday’s victory over the lane College Dragons, Berryman scored five points, including a 26-yard field goal and two PATs. The freshman also had four kickoffs for 229 yards, marking a career-high 57.2 average.

Berryman’s teammates, Bernard Crawford (cornerback), Jessie Mitchell (left guard) and Jerrel Noland (quarterback) received honorable mentions this week for their performances against Lane.

The Thorobreds return to Frankfort this Saturday for their final game of the regular season in their annual Senior Day game. The Breds will play Morehouse College at Alumni Stadium and kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

For more information about KSU Athletics, visit www.ksuthorobreds.com.

Social Activist Jeff Johnson Returns to Grambling State University

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Jeff Johnson speaking at Grambling State University (Kimberly Monroe)

           On Tuesday October 24 at 11 A.M., award-winning journalist, social activist, and political commentator Jeff Johnson returned to Grambling State University as a keynote speaker at a program hosted by the Lyceum Program. The Lyceum Program is a leadership program that allows students to be more aware of various culture issues from an historical perspective.

            Miss Grambling State University Jamesia Leonard delivered a powerful prayer followed by greetings from sophomore class president, Jeremy Smith.

            SGA president Channing Gaulden was appointed to introduce Jeff Johnson. Gaulden gave the audience a brief description of Johnson, explaining his role in America and to the African-American community. Johnson is currently a national commentator on the Tom Joyner morning show, discussing topics like politics, social policy issues and entertainment.

            Johnson’s speech was centered on leadership and accountability, as he expressed his concern in how African-American youth rely on entertainers and athletes to lead and influence them. However, all they have proven to do is get us excited only to leave us disappointed. “You are stupid if you expect them to lead you” he yelled. One student yelled back “You stupid!” which brought the room to laughter.

            Keeping the attention of all with his powerful words, he explained that the only place Lil’ Wayne can lead the youth to is Best Buy or iTunes. He went into detail about the hypocrisy in Lil’ Wayne’s performance on the BET awards a few years ago singing the lyrics to “Every Girl”, while his daughter and her teenage friends danced on stage. Was she exempt from the song’s message?

            Johnson touched on many thought-provoking issues and topics, including Barack Obama’s presidency. He expressed that many African Americans only voted for Obama because he was black, with no intent to ask for anything in return.

            “Leadership is developed through institutional infrastructure”, Johnson said. He explained that many are quick to assume that they are producing a movement, when in actuality they really have no power at all or use their power in the wrong way. By pointing out the “Black church”, Megafest, and the “black elector”, he gave examples of how the three do not use their power for the right things.

            The black church has always been a place of salvation and escape for all blacks. Everyone in the community was a part of the church, relying on it for everything from organization meetings to daycares. In our present society, the black church has become much more concerned with money, membership and new buildings rather than reaching out and actually making a difference like it has done before.

            Johnson said that while Megafest gathers over 500, 000 blacks in one location, there is no conversation or planning to tackle issues on education or poverty. They have offerings but no altar calls.

            “Why pay for power you can’t get? To build stuff you don’t need?”, asked Johnson. All his questions brought up valid points of what leadership in the African-American community really is.

            Johnson ended his speech with a call to accountability and responsibility: “Will you change or will you chill?”

Kimberly Monroe
HBCU Buzz Staff Writer