Building Blocks Mentoring Program has assembled 4 high caliber college basketball teams for the first annual Memphis HBCU Basketball Classic. The classic will provide a platform for these students to showcase their athletic talents in front of a Memphis audience and bring awareness about the history and legacy of HBCUs.
The event will run from December 2 through December 3, 2011 in Memphis, Tennessee at Hamilton High School. The classic will begin Friday, December 2 at 6 p.m. with a HBCU and Greek Mixer at the Westin Hotel in Downtown Memphis. On Dec. 3 at 9 a.m., Hamilton High School will host a College Prep Workshop, a College Fair at 11:00 a.m., and at 1: 30 p.m, the featured schools will play some exciting HBCU basketball. The day will end with a high stepping Greek Step Show in the Hamilton High School auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
Taking the court in the classic are the following schools: Wiley College, Rust College, Fisk University and Knoxville College.
1:30 p.m. Wiley College vs. Fisk University (women’s)
3:30 p.m. Fisk University vs. Knoxville College (men’s)
5:30 p.m. Wiley College vs. Rust College (men’s)
This event is sponsored by: 7 UP, Sun Drop, Hydrive, All-Sport, Big Red, Comcast and Lenny’s.
Howard Homecoming Fashion Show entitled Empressions: Dreaming A New Dawn unraveled with sexy, seductive intimates. Sheer, edgy panties and bras graced the stage as the beauties were being escorted by abs in black silk pajama pants. Designer Psych of Urban Intimates really seduced the crowd with this tempting scene. Then we fell into trench with hair buns of sophistication, Clarks, brim hats and penny loafers. This scene screamed (Tom) boys and blazers, as it was none the less refined and chic.
Man vs machine honored their word when saying they “cater to the creative intellectual.” The rust leather sleeves of the fire red jacket spoke complexity and style. The tailored fit of each individual piece was simply peculiar.
As the show when on, the garments evolved with even more confidence and the models followed suit as they dominated the runway. Nichole Alabi’s twist of leather and African prints really caught my eye. It’s always great seeing Howard’s up and coming designers such as herself, as well as Aussie & Davis, Lavita Clothing, Ancetaz Clothing and Good Karma. We know this is just the beginning for you all!
The final scene entitled “The New Era”, was crowned that name accordingly as Dominique Auxilly pieces exhilarated femininity, sex appeal and class. Her collection showcased the exquisiteness in a women’s canvas; leaving the crowd with their jaws dropped, literally.
It just wouldn’t have been right to end the show any other way. Kudos to Howard University’s steering committee, Prestige, their hard work bled throughout the show. The show represented just that: prestige!
Sha’nece Austin
“The PRoFASHIONal”
GM of HBCUbuzz Fashion
NAFEO- The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher education
The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) is the umbrella organization of the nations historically black colleges, universities (HBCUs) and predominantly black institutions (PBIs).
NAFEO provides an international voice for the nations’ HBCUs to place and maintain issues of equal opportunity in higher education on the national agenda. They recognize that Blacks in America deserve the same attention as any other race.
In 1969 the association was founded and there has been none like it since. I spoke with Representative Chris Lee, who is also the social media strategist of the organization. “We focus to champion the interest of historically black colleges and universities and predominately black institutions,” he said after being questioned about the goal of NAFEO. Lee went on to say, “We aim to build the capacity of HBCUs and PBIs, and help in campaigning for federal funding.”
The most recent movement was a letter writing campaign proposed to congress called Title III and V. The efforts were to keep the funding they provide to HBCU and PBI students of black institutions. Writings were sent to Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. Lee said, “A large amount of letters that we received was from Grambling State University.”
At the beginning of this fall semester our instructors at Grambling asked us to fill out a letter explaining why Title IIIfunding was essential for our university. Budget cuts are common in America; therefore, black institutions need and appreciate organizations like NAFEO more than ever.
NAFEO is a non-profit organization. Their focal point is aiding in increasing the membership to black colleges along with helping to keeping them accredited.
Plans for NAFEO future include an annual conference in March that is open to public as well as a conference for presidents of black institutions in July. Internships are also provided to undergraduate and graduate students.
For more information about NAFEO go to http://www.nafeo.org or follow on Twitter @_NAFEO.
Former Mr. Morgan State University 2009 – 2010 passed this Thursday Night, October 20, 2011 said to had been involved in an fatal car accident. Two people were killed and two others were injured in a two-car crash in the Fells Point area of Baltimore. Police were called to the intersection of South Broadway and Bank Street shortly before 10:30 p.m. after authorities said an SUV collided with a car.Emergency officials said people were trapped and had to be pulled out of the vehicles by rescue crews.Police said a 23-year-old man driving the SUV and an 18-year-old woman who was a passenger in the car were taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where they later died. Two other people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.None of the victims’ identities have been released yet, pending the notification of next of kin.Investigators said speed may have been a factor in the crash.
This was his latest Blog Post:
This week was a special week since it was Morgan State Homecoming. Unfortunately, inclement weather occurred it was drizzly cold day and this affected my promo items that should have been completely distributed in its entirety. This event was all about catching the students and alumni arriving and leaving the game. I had posters of Atlantic Records money making line ups Pretty Ricky, T.I. Jasmine Sullivan, Jennifer Hudson, Young Steff and many more. Then for my priority selected play list played Atlantic Record artist. The speakers and the D.J. were right on point. The songs definitely caused flashbacks for students because these songs are in heavy rotation during Morgan club take over. Various artists had latest tracks to give the Homecoming crowd. I did the best I could do with the tragic weather. So I took a business decision and hand out the reminding promo items and distributed it to the excited students. Campus is populated with students and it worked perfectly. Everything was done and I feel that I advocated Atlantic Records to all that would listen.
Earlier this week, a 14-year-old African-American girl by the name of Amber Cole was recorded performing oral sex for her boyfriend outside of their school grounds. Amber was supposedly recorded by friends of the boyfriend and almost immediately afterward, the video was uploaded onto the Internet for the world to see.
Since the incident, Amber has been ridiculed for her actions on numerous social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and other blog sites. However, there are also some who have made videos and Facebook pages in her dedication and defense. The most recognized of these would be the “Leave Amber Cole Alone” video posted on Youtube that made its way onto many media outlets.
The video has since been taken down and the boys responsible for the recording and displaying of the video have been caught and apprehended, but that does not dismiss the act or controversial issues circulating in response.
Although Ms. Cole claims she was not aware she was being recorded, she has played a role in what could be and has been considered child pornography. There is no excuse for her actions, especially in regards to her age and willingness. Some of you who may read this may believe, like others I have discussed the issue with, that this situation isn’t a big deal at all. You may argue that there are numerous instances where other girls perform sexual acts such as this but don’t get caught or publicized.
This should not discard or diminish the underlying issues, which is underage sexual activity and cyber bullying. Due to her choice in actions and the unconsensual recording and release of the video, she has also now become a victim of cyber bullying. People have made videos, sent tweets and Facebook messages ridiculing and scoffing her. As a result there were rumors of tweets from Amber proclaiming an attempt to commit suicide.
As a young African-American woman, this is a sign for the need of positive influence and reinforcement from elders to younger black women growing up. It is our job to lead as examples and show these young women to carry themselves with dignity and respect. We must work hard to become abolitionists of cyber bullying and underage sexual activity.
Like it or not Amber Cole is our responsibility: our responsibility to fight for the perseverance of pride and self-respect amongst our young women.
KSU Basketball Players Kevin Smith & Cortney Matthewis (KSU Athletics)
FRANKFORT, KY (October 20, 2011) — The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference recently announced the 2011-2012 SIAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference Teams as voted on by the SIAC Basketball Coaches Association.
On the men’s side, Kentucky State’s Kevin Smith was named to the Preseason All-Conference Second Team. Smith, a junior from Detroit, Michigan, was the Breds’ leading rebounder and ninth in the SIAC during the 2010-11 campaign, averaging 6.6 rebounds per game (186 total). He was also the second-leading scorer on the team with 12.0 points per game and shot .496 from the field.
The Thorobreds, who finished last season 15-13 overall and 13-11 in the SIAC (5th), were predicted to finish No. 7 in the conference for the 2011-12 season.
Returning 2010 SIAC All-Conference Second Team member, 2011 SIAC All-Tournament Team member and two-time SIAC Player of the Week, Cortney Matthewis, was voted to the Preseason All-Conference Second Team on the women’s side. Matthewis, 10th in the SIAC for scoring last year, led the Brettes with 12.0 points per game. She was also third on the team for rebounds (131 total, 5.5 per game). Matthewis’ ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls resulted in her knocking down 82.6 percent of her free throws, which led the team and was good for third in the SIAC.
Picked to finish No. 4 in the conference for the 2011-12 campaign, the Thorobrettes ended the 2010-11 season at No. 5 with a record of 17-11 overall and 13-9 in the SIAC.
Kentucky State’s men and women open the 2011-12 season at home on November 22 against Claflin University. The women tip-off at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men at 7:30 p.m.
Danielle Wright
Director, Office of Sports Information
Kentucky State University
Participants at the roundtable discussion “Race: A Millennial Generation’s Perspective" (Ciley Carrington)
On October 11, 2011, Grambling State University served as the host school for a groundbreaking roundtable discussion titled “Race: A Millennial Generation’s Perspective.” The conversation was held in the Black and Gold Room Tuesday and included student leaders from GSU, Louisiana Tech (La Tech), University Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) and Louisiana State University at Shreveport (LSUS).
“This is a monumental event, it is the very first time we have ever had all four schools together on one campus to discuss race. The fact that it happened on our campus is even more significant,” stated Dr. Stacey Duhon Vice President of Student Affairs.
The purpose of the discussion was to gain insight on race relations in America today from the millennial generation and to promote a better understanding of issues around race.
“This discussion is extremely important, the voice of our youth is very crucial for moving into the future,” stated Dottie Reese of DMM & Associates, an organizer in charge of the dialogue.
The students were split up from sitting with people from their own institutions to ensure that different views were being shared in each group. The facilitators made it clear to the participants that they were to remain open minded and listen to understand, not to argue or rebuttal.
“What do you think contributes to the continuing existence of disparities, such as financial, health, and education in communities of color?” This question kicked off interesting conversations within each group. Groups collectively gave feedback on exactly what they thought the problems were.
Politics were cited as playing a major role in the existence of the disparities in these communities. Often time’s money is not properly appropriated by politicians when it comes to certain neighborhoods. As one student pointed out “the majority of politicians are upper class white males who do not always have everybody’s best interest at heart.”
Other students pointed out that the way the question was worded made it seem as though all communities of color had these problems, and this is not at all the case.
The participants in the discussion also watched Jane Elliot’s landmark study A Class Divided: Brown Eyes and Blue Eyes. After Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, a school teacher Jane Elliott wanted to teach her third-grade class about racism, so she divided her class by eye color — blue eyes and brown eyes. She informed the students that brown-eyed students were better than blue-eyed students.
And within 15 minutes, Elliott stated that she observed her brown-eyed students morph into youthful supremacists and blue-eyed children become uncertain and intimidated.
At the end of the experiment, Elliott discussed with her students what it felt like to be one of those labeled “inferior.” The kids described their anger and how they now realize that physical attributes don’t define a person.
When asked who do you feel is responsible for the existence and elimination of racism in our society, the students all agreed that we are all individually responsible for eliminating racism.
The term white privilege was also a hot topic of discussion and if it is still prevalent in our society.
“White privilege is still very evident at Louisiana Tech. It may not be intentional but it still goes on, but it is never discussed,” stated Dustin Vessel, president of the Black Student Union at La Tech.
The goal of the roundtable discussion was to develop strategies on what people can do to promote positive race relations. It all starts on an individual level and it is all about the education of the masses. We cannot have a strong country without strong communities.
“I really enjoyed the dialogues, it was interesting to hear other perspectives because we don’t usually talk about race with other races,” Vessel said.
Grambling is the second school to host the roundtable discussion. It is an initiative sponsored by the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum and the office of the Lt. Governor of Louisiana.
“The student participation was excellent. We would really like to thank the schools for making a great effort of bringing together a diverse group of students to participate,” stated Margret Montgomery of DMM & Associates.
Jeremy Smith is a Sophomore Mass Communications Major from Tampa, Florida. He is the Co-editor of the voices section of The Gramblinite, Grambling State University’s Award Winning Newspaper, and the Sophomore Class President for the 2011-2012 Academic School Year.
In an effort to become environmentally friendly, the Howard University Environmental Society and the Office of Sustainability have partnered together to decrease Howard’s carbon footprint and increase the university’s recycling initiatives.
For years, Howard University has had a problem with executing environmentally friendly programs. Michael Harris, Vice President of Administrative Services and a member of the University Sustainability Council believes, “implementation is key”. “Things have been in talks for too long, it is now time to act.” The Howard University Environmental Society led by junior Falon Shackelford, has been actively trying to implement environmentally friendly programs and initiatives into the university master plan for the past two years.
One of their major accomplishments includes the university-wide recycling initiative. The recycling initiative encourages students to recycle their waste and dispose plastic and paper into designated bins located throughout campus. The initiative has proven to be most successful in the residence halls. There has even been a recycling competition included in the annual dorm competition “ResFest”. “Recycle Mania” is a competition in which all of the university dormitories compete to collect the most recycled products.
Components such as Recycle Mania offer an alternative form of encouraging environmental protection. Another initiative that has grown in popularity on campus is bicycling. The Society of Civil Engineers has collaborated with the environmental society to evaluate bicycling on campus. They offer a free bike repair service at their bike shop located on the 4th floor of the Louis K. Downing Building. The bike shop is open every Saturday at noon.
For the 2011-12 academic year, the society has set a list of goals and initiatives to accomplish. They include:
1. Retrofit buildings – install smart sensors in university buildings to automatically turn on cooling systems and light switches.
2. Rooftop Solar Panels and Solar Water Heating – install solar panels in campus buildings and solar water panels on dormitory roofs to produce electricity and warm water.
3. Parking Lot Solar Trees – install solar panels in parking lots to supply electricity.
4. Campus Bio-diesel Fuel and Compost – use waste cooking to produce bio-diesel fuel on campus to power university vehicles.
5. Green Major & Career Fair -introduce students to job opportunities in the green field.
If successfully implemented, the programs will help the university save money, improve the sustainability component of campus life, and create a positive image for the university. Student involvement in these programs will provide training and work experience for students aspiring to attain a green career. Lastly, green energy will provide blue-collar jobs to district residents, which will decrease the local unemployment rate and improve the campus’ reputation and community relations. The Howard University Environmental Society plans to meet with university staff on a regular basis to force implementation.
For information about the Howard University Environmental Society, visit their Facebook page: “Howard University Environmental Society”.
Danielle Lomax
Howard University
B.A. Candidate 2014
Public Relations/Sports Management
Maggie Tales: Mommy, Where's Heaven? by Spelman alumna Chiquita Lockley
Helping a child understand the death of a parent, close relative or friend is an extremely daunting task. However, author Chiquita Lockley attempts to make this task a little less difficult with the release of her second book, Maggie Tales: Mommy, Where’s Heaven?is the story of Maggie, a precocious five-year-old, who is striving to comprehend what happens when people die and go to heaven. Her mom answers her BIG question through festive and colorful imagery that paints a picture of heaven for little Maggie.
Lockley penned Maggie Tales, her first children’s book, after losing a young child close to her. While struggling to understand the unexpected death of her loved one, she noticed that the child’s cousin was struggling to understand the entire concept of death. Designed to be a comforting conversation starter for children ages four through ten, Maggie Tales: Mommy, Where’s Heaven? will give parents, teachers, counselors, and adults a platform by which to engage in this difficult conversation.
Released on October 3rd, Maggie Talesis currently available at Amazon.com. More information is available at TheMaggieTales.com. For interviews, book reviews, media inquires and appearances, please contact Kia Smith at KiaSmithPR@gmail.com or 678-764-5803.
About the Author
After witnessing firsthand the difficulty children have understanding and accepting death, Chiquita Lockley has written Maggie Tales: Mommy, Where’s Heaven?. While Maggie Talesis Lockley’s first children’s book, it is her second release. Her first, V is for Virginwas published in 2005.
Lockley’s books are an extension of the life of service she has always lived. Upon earning her Bachelor of Arts in English from Spelman College and her Master of Arts in Film Studies from Emory University, Lockley went on to serve as the director of a celebrity charity geared towards enhancing the lives of youth. In this capacity, she implemented programs and events benefiting the Atlanta Union Mission, Boys and Girls Club, United Way and Hosea Feed the Hungry. Her time and expertise have also been shared with other charitable organizations including Hands on Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity, Project Destiny and her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Lockley’s level of service and commitment to others prompted former Georgia Secretary of State, Cathy Cox, to recognize her as a Georgia Goodwill Ambassador
Lockley resides in Atlanta, Ga., where she freelances as a Film & TV Producer, in addition to serving as Creative Director of Impact Church.
The external design of the Health Education Activities Learning (HEAL) Complex that will be located on Druid Park Avenue and recent construction at HEAL Complex
(Augusta, GA)- This week, construction on the new multi-million Paine College Health Education Activities Learning Complex (HEAL) Complex commenced.
The facility will become the new home for the Paine College Athletic Program. This contemporary structure will house classrooms, laboratories, meeting and conference rooms, and a health and wellness facility. Accessible to the community, the HEAL Complex will host the College’s intercollegiate competitions in the new 2,400 seat arena. The facility is expected to be complete within a 12-month time frame.
“The HEAL Complex has the capacity to transform campus life, improve student and faculty retention, increase enrollment and serve as the hub for collaboration that will address many of the contemporary health and wellness related issues that are facing the community,” said Brandon Brown, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
Everyone is invited to make an investment in the future of the HEAL Complex. Naming gift opportunities are available. For more information, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (706) 821-8223. Visit the Paine College website www.paine.edu for more information
about the HEAL Complex.
For additional information or media inquires, contact the Office of Communications & Marketing at (706) 396-7591, (678)
215-8576 or Ncarter@paine.edu.
HBCU Buzz was on site to witness the unveiling of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. It is an amazing tribute to a man who gave his life for equality and freedom in the United States of America.
Determined, a tremendous work ethic, and a smile that lights up the room. That’s how one will describe Howard University senior Ke’Andrea Ayers, better known as Kiki, when they meet her. The CEO of The Urban Feed is one of the hardest working students on Howard University’s campus. The list of organizations she has interned with is impressive and extensive: NBC, Atlantic Records, MTVU, VH1, WPGC 95.5, BET, and Def Jam. She has production credits on award shows and presentations such as the BET Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, Black Girls Rock! and will soon be working on the Grammys. Catch her when you can, because if she’s not at an internship, she’s working the red carpet or making business trips to New York.
Her interest in broadcast journalism was sparked after getting an internship at a major newspaper in Seattle. The drudgery of that job led her to try her hand in broadcast journalism. Kiki founded the Urban Feed in the fall of 2008. The Urban Feed has made its presence as a legitimate source for news, music and entertainment, having interviewed artists such as Melanie Fiona, Lupe Fiasco, Tank, Juelz Santana and many more.
Romans 5:3-4 says that it is through suffering that we build perseverance; and through perseverance, character; and character, hope. Hope never left Kiki despite the struggles that she faced. Her family was evicted from their residence in Seattle, Washington twice, with the second eviction forcing her family to live in a 1996 Ford Taurus when she was 16 years old. With her parents divorced and her father now living in Indiana, Kiki’s mom had to provide for her three children while facing homelessness.
Even still, Kiki showed a level of maturity not expected from a 16-year-old. Her main concern was the well-being of her mother, sister and brother. “I saw my mom crying, and she felt really bad about it. We tried to make her feel better, tried to make jokes about the situation,” Ayers says. “It’s one of those situations where you have to laugh to keep from crying.”
“I lived at Kitsap Regional Library, which was across the street from where my mom worked. We were there so much, there and McDonald’s for that dollar menu. By the time it was over, I hated both places because we were there so much. It was difficult getting up in the morning and changing clothes in a car, and not letting anybody know what was going on.”
Kiki did her best to keep her situation private. “I never told anybody. No one ever knew. I still didn’t look like I was homeless. I got dressed in the car, did my make up in the car. It was just difficult sharing that little small space with three other people, not knowing how long it would last.”
Kiki still held her head high, enrolling in the Running Start program at the Seattle Central Community College which allowed her to get her high school diploma and Associate’s degree at the same time. Kiki says she received her best grades when she was living out of that car.
Despite having been evicted twice, Kiki was grateful for what she did have throughout the entire ordeal. Speaking on the second eviction, Kiki said, “At least we have a car to sleep in, most people have nowhere to sleep or have to go to shelters. I consider that a blessing, because there is always someone who has it worse.”
While studying for her Associate’s degree, she was originally going to attend Washington State University with her best friend Ashley, but Ashley’s life was suddenly taken in a fatal car accident days before her birthday. That tragic incident and Kiki’s love for journalism led her to the media capital of the world, Washington, D.C., to attend Howard University while her sister went to George Washington University. Kiki’s mother and brother are still in Seattle, and her sister is studying law in England, but she keeps in contact with everyone. Whether it be through Skype or phone calls, Kiki talks to someone in her family at least three times a week.
When asked about why she chose Howard University, Kiki said she fell in love with Howard and its broadcast journalism programs. Kiki’s favorite aspect about attending Howard is the diversity she finds herself around. “People don’t realize how much diversity there is within the black community. Howard is one of the only places where there is a student organization for every state. There is also a Caribbean student association, and an African student association as well. People think that because it is an all black school, you’re not getting any diversity. There is so much diversity at Howard and that’s what I love about it.”
Kiki is always looking to sharpen her skills and make herself more marketable. You would think that with such an impressive résumé that Kiki would be satisfied. Kiki is always on the move; the same day this interview was held, she received news that she was chosen to be a spokes model for DTLR. Kiki’s advice to up and coming journalists is to go and get what you want. “If you want to do something, it’s possible to just do it. I never went to anyone and said, ‘Hey can you give me an internship? If you want it, you have to get it.”
Cold weather is approaching and if you’re like me, you’re bracing yourself for the most unpredictable season of the year!
One of the biggest trends you’ll see this season on both guys and girls is the trench coat. Trench coats first appeared on the scene in the early 1900’s and has never gone out of style. You can choose a classic khaki trench or go for some of the newer styles and chic colors. A classic trench with amazing detailing is ideal for running to class while staying comfortable and fashionable.
Don’t be afraid to dress your trench up with that great pair of jeans and even an enticing pair of pumps or boots on date night. The greatest thing about trench coats is that they come in multi-seasonal fabrics and colors ,therefore they are appropriate for all occasions. So don’t be afraid to experiment with the different styles of trench coats that are out there, you’ll surely find one that fits your lifestyle.
