Gallery – GHOE North Carolina A&T Homecoming Step Show
Photos Taken by Nick Beauregard
Strength & Conditioning Coach Alcorn State Thomas Hall Killed early this morning October 16, 2011 involved in a fatal car accident. The former strength and conditioning head coach at Southern University was killed shortly after midnight Sunday when he drove into a train that was crossing U.S. 61 just north of Thomas Road. The State Police said Thomas Hall, 40, of Baton Rouge, was driving on U.S. 61 when he crashed into a Kansas City Southern engine. Hall was pronounced dead at the scene, State Police said. The train crossing had working bells and lights to signal the train, the police said.
Trina Dunn said;
He was an AWESOME coach and one of the best human beings walking this earth. He is responsible for my weight loss and healthy lifestyle.
Thomas Hall entered his first season the Alcorn State University Braves Strength and Conditioning Coach. Hall is responsible for the physical development of Alcorn student-athletes, training all Athletic Programs.
Thomas “Zeus” Hall served as Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach under the Great noted Head Coach Billy C. Long, whose physical fitness Philosophy helped aid the St. Louis Rams become the 2000 Super Bowl Champions. Hall served under Coach Danny Morris as “The Enforcer” for the Strength and Conditioning program that helped bring Southern University back to the top of SWAC in 2003 with a Championship, and a return trip to Birmingham in 2004.
More information to come…
Young, Black Entrepreneurs make their mark in Florida’s Capital City
By: Tauheedah Shukriyyah Asad
In today’s unstable economy, young African Americans like Kianta Key and Johnathan Sellers are creating their own job opportunities. The two trailblazers made waves in Florida’s capital city by putting a unique twist on a familiar concept. In August 2010, the Florida A&M University alums launched “The Cravings Truck”, a mobile food unit known for its signature chicken and red velvet waffles.
Capitalizing on the growing influence of social media and technology, co-owners Key and Sellers have quickly made a name for themselves in Tallahassee’s food industry. “In a city that wasn’t familiar with food trucks we knew it would be important to be engaging,” said Sellers. “We use social networking tools like Twitter and Facebook to tweet our location, promote new menu items, communicate with our followers. Some people will even tweet in their orders.”
Radio personality and Program Director, Sean-D said the Cravings Truck is a big hit with Tallahassee radio listeners. “People are always talking about the Cravings Truck. I know I try to get out there as much as I can,” said Sean-D. “I think the response has been so huge because you can tell Kianta and Johnathan aren’t just about the money. It’s a business of course, but they give back and they have a real connection with the people in the community. And that’s why we support them”.
Today, business is booming for The Cravings Truck. The company has a constant stream of catering requests, and support from the community. However, Key said it was a long journey to get to them to get to this point. “Our first day we made a grand total of $75. We were so sad,” she said. “Emotionally it was tough because Johnathan and I are in a relationship, and working with your partner can be challenging at times but thankfully I think we’ve gotten through the worst of it.”
During the first month of operation the couple faced unexpected obstacles including issues with city ordinances, accidents in the kitchen, and broken equipment “There was a curve ball thrown at us every single day for the first three months. Things you would never think of,” Sellers said. “I’ve suppressed a lot of it because it was so depressing.” Keys recalls naming the food truck Lazarus because it kept “dying and coming back to life.”
According to the dynamic duo, being in a position to have success as socially responsible entrepreneurs and serve the community has been worth the trials and tribulations. Since opening its doors the small business owners have donated more than $2,000 to help charities and student groups on FAMU’s campus.
In the future, the power couple has plans to expand their fleet of food trucks and relaunch Freedom Theory Clothing, a successful t-shirt line started as undergrads. In the meantime they continue to pursue graduate degree while encouraging young African Americans to redefine the “American Dream”.
“If you have a good idea, run with it. But at the same time plan it out. Our business plan is a living document. It wakes us up every morning and is constantly being revised. Its one thing to have a business plan, but its another thing to actually run a business. There will be bad moments, but you can’t sulk in them.”
Tauheedah Shukriyyah Asad is a writer, activist and social commentator from Miami, Florida. Contact her at tauheedahasad@gmail.com, or follow her on Twitter, @respectmyname.
Homecoming is a grand celebration at universities across the nation. The name alone gives everyone a rush as they return to their roots to show their love for their alma mater. This is an extremely spectacular event if you attend a HBCU. Family, friends, and proud alumni travel far and wide to attend the highly anticipated homecoming activities that prestigious institutions of higher learning focused primarily on African American students host. With events such as coronations of the University King and Queen, stepshows, on campus parties for students, and alumni gatherings at hotels, there is quite a bit of excitement on the yard during homecoming week. Alumni showed up and showed out, making it known that they are indeed “STEEL IN LOVE WITH VUU.”
This year on the hallowed grounds of Virginia Union University proved to be no different. On Monday, October 3rd, there was a kickoff that consisted of a cookout on the yard (which was moved inside the student center due to inclement weather) and a pep rally. There was a DJ spinning tunes, having everyone in the groove to a mixture of current and classic hits. Our SGA was selling “Panther Packages” for the homecoming events.
Mr. and Miss Virginia Union University gave a message to the student body to get us pepped up for what the week was going to bring. The Rah-Rah’s (our cheerleaders) performed a few cheers, and head coach Michael Bailey and the football team were in attendance as well. Coach Bailey and starting quarterback and team captain Cheston Hickman gave some encouraging words that surely boosted everyone’s school spirit and Panther Pride.
Tuesday night was the fashion show, “Til Death Do Us Part” which featured our own modeling troupe, AckroVinci. The fashion featured in the show was made by members of the troupe and local designer of upcoming clothing brand Hollywood cemetery based in Richmond, Britt Sebastian. The fashion show was definitely a crowd pleaser, of course this is no surprise because this is what AckroVinci dedicates themselves to practices that last several hours to perfect their moves. As a team, the troupe choreographed the show themselves and I am extremely proud of my peers.
Wednesday was the VUU Music Video Awards Impersonation Show, and what an awards show it was! We had guests perform such as TLC, Missy Elliott, Beyonce, MMG recording artists Rick Ross, Meek Millz and Wale, and the late Ray Charles and Notorious BIG.
Thursday was an eventful day for me. As a member of the Virginia Union University Royal Court serving as Miss Senior 2011-2012, I had to prepare for the night’s coronation activity -after class of course! After class, I headed to the mall to meet my fellow class queens and our University queen to get my makeup done. I was extremely excited for the night’s festivities. Later that evening, we met early so we could get dressed and primped for the evening. The coronation was beautiful, as King Trent T. Miller and Queen Rachetta (Shay) Moss waltzed in to a jazz beat played by a live band as one of the music professors serenaded us with her opera style vocals.
After President Claude G. Perkins and First Lady Sheryl Perkins crowned the King and Queen and the closing remarks were said, the Royal Court and the immediate past King and Queen lead the processional to the Royal Reception. It was a classy event in which the Court got the chance to fellowship with family, friends, faculty, and staff. A live band was also there providing a wonderful ambiance as enjoyed dinner and played upbeat tunes to shake a tailfeather and simultaneously enjoy a slight workout.
Friday morning was convocation –the first event the graduating seniors got a chance to wear our caps and gowns and were recognized by in front of the University, family, friends, and guests. The keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, VUU Class of 1979 and currently the chairman on the board of trustees. He delivered a powerful message on staying strong in faith as well as using the power of your will to get up and serve your purpose. That evening was the long awaited and highly anticipated Greek Stepshow. This is an event that I find hard to sum up the greatness of because it completely took my breath away.
I would have to say my favorite part of the night was watching my King and Queen step for their respective organizations, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Gamma Chapter) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Beta Epsilon Chapter). I had lost my voice cheering them on as well as my other friends who performed that night. I beamed with pride knowing the hard work and dedication they put into their shows, especially with both of their organizations winning first place that night. Special props to Queen Shay for going through coronation and the stepshow with a minor ankle sprain! After the stepshow, there was a “gymjam” featuring music by Richmond’ own DJ Rayvon. I must say, I enjoyed myself to the fullest despite the bittersweet reality of this being the final homecoming gym jam I would be attending.
Saturday morning, I rose bright and early after only a few short hours of sleep, hearing my best friend’s voice saying “you don’t sleep during homecoming!” That motivated me to get out of my bed and go over my checklist because as the old adage says, the show must go on! I got dressed and ready for the parade. I had no jitters until the moment my King helped me into our corvette so I could sit on the “t”. He held my hand silently in support as we waited for our cue that the parade was about to begin. It was a great experience to see family and friends as the parade processed on. My heart was also warmed by countless strangers cheering me on as well! We were local celebrities! A baby even blew me a kiss! That was one of the most memorable moments of the parade for me.
This year, nationally renowned gospel recording artists Trin-I-Tee 5:7 served as the parade grand marshal. They also sung the National Anthem live before our football game began. After halftime, we were allowed to venture off with our families. After countless photo opportunities, I led my family across the street to experience tailgating -VUU style! There were tents everywhere, many had DJs -one even shouted me out because I was still donned in my dress birdcage and sash. There were merchants selling food, jewelry, clothing, Greek paraphernalia, and many other trinkets. Greeks were at their tents doing their thing and fellowshipping with brothers and sisters both young and old, yet with the same undying love for their organizations.
Sadly, my team was defeated by Elizabeth City State University 43-41 in TRIPLE overtime –yes, you read correctly TRIPLE! I still admire my peers for staying strong and playing until there were triple zeros on the scoreboard. PANTHER PRIDE (RAWR)!!!
Ending the week was the Gospel Experience titled “Still in Love with JESUS!” This was an exceptional way to end the week’s festivities—with praise! This is another event I find difficult to put into words. You truly had to be there to understand that as a Baptist university, Virginia Union always has an activity that ties into our Christian roots. The Holy Spirit was moving in the Allix Bledsoe James Chapel, also known as Coburn Hall, and all of the acts were wonderful.
We had several guests to bless our presence with their talents including Sisterly Grace Praise Dancers, Ty Francis, Pamela Johnson -a Virginia Union Alum, and the Black Awakening Choir from our neighboring university, Virginia Commonwealth. Of course the Virginia Union University Gospel Choir tore the house down with a grand finale.
Although this is the closing of one chapter of my journey, I am positive that I will enjoy my first homecoming as alumni next year. Hopefully by then I will meet my goal and have the coveted title of Young Alumnus of the Year. My HBCU has definitely helped me grow and mold me into the woman I know I was destined to be. The great tradition of homecoming that occurs on the campuses at these exceptional institutions that we call HBCU’s shall live on forever.
Nadejah Whitted
HBCU Buzz Staff
Jeffery Mark, Aaron Coad and Shannon Jean-Louis didn’t wait on their degree to launch their own business. Aussie & Davis specializes in high-end casual/semi-formal unisex accessories, hailing out of Washington, DC. Affordable to every college student, these innovative accessories emphasize color, design and comfort.
When asked how did they get the name Aussie & Davis, Shannon Jean-Louis replied, “It came from God. It’s stands for A Unique Sophisticated Style Influencing Everyone and Dedicated to Advocating Various Individual Standouts.” 
The three Howard University students began brainstorming this idea back in 2008 and introduced it to the world in 2010. They originally wanted to start with a t-shirt line but due to budget issues they decided to start Aussie & Davis’s buzz with unisex beaded bracelets. Their ultimate goal is longevity, being the “next big thing in fashion” by expanding their brand to apparel.
The biggest misconception people have about Aussie & Davis is that they’re just a jewelry line, but you can be sure to look out for their apparel line! Aussie & Davis advice given from the trio is “Don’t jump into the water, if you don’t know how to swim. Stay hungry, patient, keep your faith and grind hard.”
Frankfort, KY (October 8, 2011) – The Thorobreds battled their way past the Fort Valley Wildcats with a 25-24 victory Saturday afternoon. The victorious game was an addition to KSU celebrating 125 years of excellence.
Kentucky State elected to receive the ball for the first half. The Thorobreds were unsuccessful on their opening drive of the game. The Wildcat’s offense moved quickly in their first possession of the game. Travis Richmond had a 6 yard touchdown run with 12:14 left in the first quarter of the game. Kicker, Justin Rosenbaum capped off the possession with a successful kick.
The Thorobred offense speed slightly kicked up when freshman, Jacquise Lockett rushed for a 44 yard touchdown. Cade Berryman kick was successful to tie the score with 5:12 left in the first quarter. Christopher Slaughter of the Wildcats finished off the first quarter with a reception from Rashad Johnson which resulted in a touchdown. Rosenbaum completed the drive with another successful kick. With 3:29 left in the first half, Fort Valley’s Rashad Johnson rushed for a yard that resulted in a touchdown with a successful kick followed up by Rosenbaum making the score 21-7 at the half.
The second half began slowly for both teams. Quarterback, Martez James rushed for a one yard touchdown with 6:47 left. Berryman’s kick was blocked which left the score 21-13 at the end of the third quarter with the Breds trailing Fort Valley.
The Thorobred defense held steady in the fourth quarter and limited the Wildcats to a field goal for the remaining of the game. Lockett showed more of his running game when he rushed for a 49 yard touchdown with 7:50 remaining on the clock. The offense’s two-point conversion failed leaving the score 24-19 with the Breds still trailing the Wildcats.
With a quick three and out from Fort Valley, KSU’s offense went back on the field setting up for a victory. James faked a handoff to a running back and instead rushed for 17 yards himself only leaving 2:07 on the clock for retaliation from the Wildcats.
Fort Valley attempted to set them up for field goal range but the Breds stopped them. Senior Keith Massey intercepted a pass at KSU’s 14 yard line which claimed Kentucky State University’s homecoming victory.
With the win, the Kentucky State University Thorobreds 4-2 on the season and 1-2 in the SIAC. For the Breds’ next game they travel to Fairfield, AL, on Saturday, October 15, 2011 to play Miles College AT 7:00 P.M.
By Danielle Wright
All Photos couresty of Hannah Reel (hreel@state-journal.com)
Virginia Union University celebrated its Homecoming on the weekend of October 6-8 on its historic campus. The theme of VUU’s homecoming was “Steel in Love with You”, and it was definitely a love affair for VUU students, alumni and the Richmond community. Although the Panthers enjoyed a festive Homecoming this year, the VUU football team lost to Elizabeth City State University on Saturday by the score of 43-41 in triple overtime. Nevertheless, VUU had an amazing Homecoming!
All Photos Courtesy of Victor Harper
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvb8mEupp48&version=3&hl=en_US]
Many would have you believe that the hurdles and obstacles that black athletes have had to overcome ended with the integration in baseball with Jackie Robinson. At that time, black baseball players were supposed to be enjoying the spoils of their civil rights accomplishment. The reality is that Jackie Robinson became baseball’s first African American player in 1947; the last baseball team to integrate was the Boston Red Sox in 1959. To play the sport they love, whether baseball, basketball or football, black athletes in the past had to battle prejudiced owners and fans just to prove themselves before they even stepped on the field. Today, black quarterbacks have to deal with unyielding stereotypes that they are not adequate enough and not smart enough to play in their exalted positions.
Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Vince Young—all have been disrespected and undermined for playing the quarterback position in the NFL. They are playing a position that is the most heralded, most exalted and most celebrated in football. The leader of the football team is the quarterback, and the quarterback has always been white.
It wasn’t until Doug Williams became the first black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl with the Washington Redskins that the black quarterback gained a little more credibility. Still, despite the efforts of Williams and Randall Cunningham, only one black QB is in the Hall of Fame: Warren Moon, the most underrated QB ever.
Being a black quarterback is a paradoxical occupation. If a black QB remains a pocket passer and doesn’t scramble, he is ignored or forgotten. The black, pocket passer is respected but never celebrated or admired. He just falls in line behind everyone else. Warren Moon held the records for most passing yards, most completions, and most touchdowns for a professional football player until Brett Favre broke those. Not Dan Marino, not John Elway, and not Joe Montana. Moon’s name is rarely mentioned among the ranks of other Hall of Fame quarterbacks, despite all of his accolades.
The other type of black quarterback is the exciting, scrambling, position revolutionizing quarterback the likes of which the NFL had never seen before. However, this new black QB prototype isn’t met with as much respect as the pocket passer because of the questions about his accuracy, intelligence and leadership. Those questions dogged Vince Young until he was ousted from Tennessee and Donovan McNabb before him in Philadelphia and Washington.
Michael Vick recently complained about not getting the same calls as other franchise quarterbacks get when they get roughed up. If Michael Vick gets hit after hit, well after the ball is out of his hands, no whistle is blown. Whereas if a white quarterback was hit like Vick was, a 15 yard penalty would be charged to the defense, described as “roughing the quarterback.” With so many new rules set in place to protect quarterbacks, why are QBs like Vick still getting slammed into the turf without penalty?
What does a black quarterback have to do to gain respect in the NFL? Cam Newton may be the best cross between pocket passer and black scrambling quarterback we have seen (thanks to his mentor Warren Moon). It may just very well be Newton who bridges the gap between black and white QBs. Still, Newton, Vick and others like him will have to face a new battle their predecessors never did: the plight of the modern era black quarterback in the NFL.
2011 CAU homecoming fashion show produced by Terry Jones a student from Brooklynn Ny
THE UNTOUCHABLE MAYBACH EMPIRE PRESENTS WALE LIVE AT MORGAN STATE HOMECOMING. WATCH AS WALE PERFORMS “FITTED CAP” FOR THE FIRST TIME LIVE W/ MEEK MILL!!! THE NEW ALBUM “AMBITION” IN STORES NOV. 1ST 2011. PRE ORDER AT WWW.RALPHFOLARIN.COM/PREORDER . RICK ROSS NEW ALBUM “GOD FORGIVES, I DON’T” IN STORES DEC. 13TH!!
The SC State University Class of 1955 has committed to supporting current SC State University education majors. This commitment was made during the life of the BRIDGE Project. The BRIDGE Project was a three-year program funded by the South Carolina Legislature to recruit minority high school students who live along the I-95 corridor into the teaching profession by offering them, while still in high school, access to counseling, mentoring, on-campus summer enrichment programs, and opportunities for dual enrollment at SC State University. The purpose of the program was to prepare these students to: pass PRAXIS I, the required exam to be admitted to the SC State Teacher Education Program, major in education and become future teachers in South Carolina.
The Class of 1955 presented a $2,000 per year scholarship to a BRIDGE Project graduate for 2009 and 2010. Although the BRIDGE Project ended June 2010, the Class of 1955 has continued to give the scholarship to an education major who meets the set criteria.
Read Full Article at SCSU
The Prairie View A&M cross country teams returned to action on Friday as they both participated in the annual Houston Baptist/Puma Invitational In Houston. The men’s team placed fifth overall while the women finished sixth.
Lucio Rosas was PV’s top runner on the men’s side as he finished the four-mile run with a time of 21:32. Abel Simie placed 27th overall with a mark of 21:35 followed by Phillip Thomas (22:01), Errol Hampton (22:09), Pat Range (22:43), John Watkins (22:47), Edgar Bazen (23:03), Michael White (24:36) and Adrain Davis (27:25).
On the women’s side, Leticia Bustamante led the Lady Panthers as she placed 28th overall with a run of 19:23 in the three-mile run. Martha Bustamante placed second on the team and 32nd overall with a time of 19:29 followed by Claribel Quiroz (19:41), Guadalupe Bustamante (20:06), Corinna Brown (20:39), Chelsea Williams (20:52), Angel Brooks (21:00), Asha Dansby (22:31), Donna Gilbert (22:37), Terracia Moody (22:56), Drew Pitcairn (23:48) and Kia Allen.
Referenced Article from Prairie View A&M
