U.S. – Brazil Education Initiative is Focus of State Visit to Morgan – Collaboration between Brazil and U.S. HBCUs

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Morgan State University was the backdrop for a visit by officials from Brazil on Thursday, September 22, 2011 to further an alliance between U.S. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Brazil. The HBCU – Brazil Alliance was established by the White House Initiative on HBCUs and is a follow up to a visit to Brazil in late August by a U.S. delegation led by Meldon Hollis, associate director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs.“We are hoping to establish a partnership on education and research that enhances linkages between U.S. HBCUs, Brazilian educational institutions and the private sector to foster collaborations on education for students and faculty at the undergraduate, graduate and post- graduate level,” says Morgan Provost T. Joan Robinson, who was part of the delegation that recently visited Brazil. Also on that visit was Dr. M’Bare N’Gom, Chairperson of the Department of World Languages and International Studies at Morgan, along with administrators from Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T, Hampton and Xavier Universities.

The HBCU – Brazil Alliance is intended to establish ongoing education collaborative ventures such as student exchanges in science, health, technology, engineering, computer science, mathematics, teacher education, architecture and planning, transportation and other programs. The goal of the alliance and the collaborative projects is to share best practices in civil rights, access to education, health and prevention, environmental justice, education and economic empowerment.

The alliance between HBCUs and Brazil is part of a commitment to cooperation under the U.S.-Brazil Joint Action Plan signed in March 2008 and affirmed by President Obama and Brazilian President Rousseff in March of this year. The initiative targets racial and ethnic discrimination, establishing a Historically Black College and University network, a short- term exchange program, and programs to target racism and human rights through education.

For more information about Morgan State University contact Provost T. Joan Robinson at 443-885-3350, or visit www.morgan.edu.

For more information about the U.S.-Brazil Joint Action Plan contact

JointActionPlan@state.gov.

Saint Augustine’s College celebrates 145th academic year

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Saint Augustine’s College celebrated the official opening of the academic year during its 145th Fall Convocation at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, on the campus quadrangle.

“Over the course of 145 years, we have continued to grow from an institution established to educate newly freed slaves to a college ready to meet the demands of a 21st century globalized society,” President Dianne Boardley Suber said. “St. Aug continues to charge forward.”

The convocation ceremony came on the heels of the Raleigh City Council’s unanimous approval of the college’s Special Use Permit for the George Williams Athletic Complex. Suber commended the college community for how they united in support of the stadium project.

“We had to deal with resistance that, in all honesty, we did not anticipate,” Suber said. “The St. Aug family came together to stand for what is good for the college and the entire community. We are indeed a family, and we will continue to be good stewards in this community.”

Read Full article from Saint Augustine College

Kordero D. Hunter – Central State football player shot, Killed in downtown Night Club

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Photo by Floyd Thomas

DAYTON — A Central State University student-athlete was shot and killed early Friday morning inside a downtown club.
Kordero D. Hunter, who turned 21 on Sept. 9, was a defensive back on the CSU football team. Hunter was from South Holland, Ill., according to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.
Police were called to the club at 1:42 a.m., according to Dayton Police Sgt. Moises Perez of the homicide division.
Detectives believe they have identified the shooter, and officers still were searching for him as of 8:30 a.m.
A preliminary investigation suggests the shooting was a result of an argument that occurred inside the club, 212 S. Ludlow St.. The owner escorted some of the people involved in the argument outside of the club. That’s when someone witnessed a woman handing a handgun over to a man who had been escorted out of the club.
Detectives believe that man then shot at least three rounds into the glass window of the club. Two men were struck with gunfire. One was hit in the chest and the other was hit in the neck. Both victims were taken to Miami Valley Hospital, where Hunter, who was struck in the chest, died in the emergency room, Perez said.
Two women also were taken to Miami Valley Hospital, one being treated for glass cuts on her hand and arm, the other being treated for being trampled on. At least one other woman went to a hospital in Greene County after she was having some breathing problems.
The suspect fled in an unknown direction.
Minutes after police were called to A-List, they received another shooting call for an incident on Jefferson Street.
Police believe that shooting was the result of an argument inside Hammerjax-Dayton, 111 E. Fourth St., Perez said.
One person was shot in the leg and had some broken bones. However, the victim’s injuries were considered non-life threatening.
Read Full Article at Dayton Daily News

Kicked to the Curb – Fort Valley State University

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Fort Valley State University Kicker, Justin Rosenbaum has set a new record for Wildcat football. On Saturday September 17, the Wildcats faced the Clark-Atlanta University Panthers.

Although the Wildcats took a hard loss to the Panthers, the Wildcats still had a winner in Rosenbaum. Right before halftime, the Panthers stopped the Wildcats at CAU’s 47 yard line. Everyone in the crowd thought the ball would just be punted by the Wildcats but were shocked when they brought out their field goal team.

Since the Wildcats decided to kick a field goal since they were down 13-6 this would help them out tremendously. Head Coach Donald Pittman said “choosing to kick the field goal was our only option and I have a lot of faith in Rosenbaum.”

During his sophomore year, Rosenbaum set the record at FVSU for the longest field goal of 48-yards against Kentucky State University. At Panther Stadium Rosenbaum kicked the ball so hard that is cleared upright with almost another 10-yards to spare.

The kick of 57-yards had both CAU and FVSU spectators in aww. “As soon as I kicked it I knew I had a real chance,” said Rosenbaum. The junior, a native of Owosso, Michigan is kicking his chance into the NFL. “I’m happy about setting a new record, I just wish it had come as a part of a win” said Rosenbaum. CAU defeated FVSU 16-11.

Tena Grant
HBCU Buzz Staff

Affordable Season Transitioning by Shy-Asia Andrews

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As the fall semester is beginning for all of us the transition from summer must haves to fall essentials is easing up on us. Though some enjoy this transition, there are also many dreading the switch. But hey, it can be easier than you think, especially on your pockets.

As college students, many of us do not operate on disposable incomes. Therefore, we have to look for the best bargain when we’re shopping. However, don’t confuse bargaining with settling. As an employee in a second-hand shop I know firsthand that fashionable doesn’t mean expensive.
I can visualize some people’s faces looking a little puzzled at the mention of second-hand clothing, but once you get into “addicted” will be an understatement. To be honest, I haven’t had to visit a mall since I realized how much I could save!
The average person can go to the mall and find SOME great fall articles to add to their closet and spend $300+, which isn’t so bad, but just imagine the amount of goods you can get at the second-hand store with the same amount of money ! The thrift store doesn’t limit your selection but increases your sense of creativity. You can find a great pair of boots, a stylish jacket or two, authentic jewelry , and still have over $100 left in your wallet. If you ask me , visiting a second-hand store is more than worth the visit. You don’t have to worry about coming across any items that are too old for your taste, because the second hand stores geared towards college students only accept current styles, nothing older than two years to be exact.
Oh and did I mention that their discounted prices are not the only way that second hand shops help your wallet? Take your gently used clothing to these shops and some of them will pay you on the spot for your clothing while others will pay you after your clothes have been sold. Now if that isn’t a reason to take a peek I don’t know what else is!

The New American Society : Breaking the Chain

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By Dior Ginyard

The Troy Davis story has taken over the social media platforms and news air waves over the past couple of days. Everyone, from college students to politicians have weighed in their opinion on what many have called a catastrophic failure of the justice system. My opinion is far beyond the justice system and the Troy Davis execution. My problem is with society as a whole.

Many people took to twitter to express how messed up the government is, how ignorant others have reacted, and how horrible the world has become. What hit me the most about the reaction of some is how these opinions have been pointed at others. I believe that this type of matter is the perfect time to re-evaluate self. The world may be messed up, but we have to understand that we make up this world. So if we change ourselves then the world as a whole will change. This change will not occur today or tomorrow, this process will take years but it starts with us. Martin Luther King Jr. changed the world, and broke the chain that society had on black people at that time. He re-evaluated himself and noticed that he had the strength and courage to take on this daunting task. But now, it seems as though once again as a black community we have become prisoners of society, and we have to change this.

Being a prisoner of society means giving into what society wants us to think, and how it wants us to be. Many people in the black community have become self-centered because society said this acceptable. Society has taught us over time to be all about me, myself, and I. This type of thinking has made the world what it is today. If Martin Luther King Jr. was all about self then segregation would still exist. If we want to change this world we have to stop this type of thinking, and we can start by re-evaluating ourselves. Re-evaluating yourself means looking in the mirror and critiquing yourself, just like how some of us critique others. The minute you start to re-evaluate yourself you start a process of progression. You start to figure out that you’re not satisfied with who you are and where you are in life. You start making goals for yourself, you become more positive, and you start having peace of mind. Most importantly during this re-evaluation period you find out talent you have that you never noticed you had. This talent that you find within may lead to you becoming a politician or holding a position on the Supreme Court. This how you break the chain that society has on you, and in turn you instill this type of thinking in your kids, and then your kids will do the same. That is how you change the world. You can’t change the world yelling at your TV or screaming into your phone. So many African Americans have yet to tap into their talents because they refuse to re-evaluate self and challenge where they are in life.

In times like this, we must not react to the Troy Davis situation. We as black people must choose to respond. I will not become a prisoner of society and give into its selfish self-centered way of thinking. If you want the world to change you won’t either. We must get out of the chokehold society has on us, and once we start changing ourselves we change the world.

Dior Ginyard
HBCU Buzz Staff

Universities Band Together to Prevent the Execution of Troy Davis

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Figure 1 Howard Students Protest - Photographed by Sekaya Harris

In August of 1989, Savannah, Georgia resident Troy Davis was charged with the murder of a police officer. In 1991, Davis was sent to death row; he has been there ever since. All but two of the witnesses have retracted their testimonies. Despite his apparent innocence, Davis is sentenced to execution this Wednesday. Many colleges and universities have partnered with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to launch social media initiatives, petitions, marches and rallies to raise awareness of the injustice Troy Davis is facing.

Colleges in the Atlanta University Center have been very active in working to save the life of Troy Davis. The Morehouse, Clark Atlanta and Spelman chapters of the NAACP provided buses to students who attended the “Rally to Save Peace” sponsored by Amnesty International last Friday. The Morehouse chapter urged students to, “Be Fired Up, and Ready to Go for justice”. Morehouse also encouraged students to participate in the “Fight Against Injustice” text campaign. Students who text “Troy Davis” to 62227 can add their names to the petition and receive updates regarding the case.

The universities have catered to their targeted audience by taking advantage of the power and influence of the Internet. Howard University’s NAACP chapter has had a very active social media presence in preventing the execution of Troy Davis. They have been urging students to contribute to the #TooMuchDoubt twitter campaign. All students who tweet with the #TooMuchDoubt trending topic attached, can join to global discussion and voice their support for Troy Davis. “We can’t be in Atlanta but we can do our part to help in Washington, DC”, the chapter tweeted last Friday.

“We at Howard University are glad to see Morehouse, Clark Atlanta and Spelman making moves around Troy Davis.” Hampton University has also shown a great deal of support to join forces with the Atlanta area colleges to promote awareness virally. The Hampton NAACP chapter is encouraging its students to support Troy Davis by changing their Facebook profile pictures to the “Stop the Execution” photo shown above.

Similarly the Clark Atlanta NAACP chapter tweeted, “Troy Davis’ case is faulty! Seven of the nine testimonies were changed or withdrawn! This could be any of us.” All university NAACP chapters agreed to unite and participate in a “Blackout” on Monday by wearing all black to represent solidarity. “Most may think the fight is over but it’s not. You can still get involved.”

Danielle Lomax
Howard University
B.A. Candidate 2014
Public Relations/Sports Management

Cheyney Grad helps audiences relive their school days with hip web sitcom “We’re Just Talking”

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Show provides a modern spin on college life; “brings back the funny”.

 

Cheyney, Pennsylvania, September 13, 2011 — Eighteen years after last witnessed the unique experience of the black college campus, writer Cedric Perry looks to prove HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) are still “A Different World”.

 

The 25 year-old author and Cheyney University alum steps into a new arena with his new web sitcom, “We’re Just Talking”. The show gives an entertaining yet insightful look at modern day black culture, shown through the eyes of two college roommates from separate walks of life.

 

“The objective of the show is to highlight the strengths and opportunity areas of the African-American community,” says Perry. ‘We’re Just Talking’ is designed to introduce a deeper outlook of my generation to those not familiar, and reinforce our objectives to those who are.”

 

“We’re Just Talking” (WJT) also highlights the varying personalities and relationships amongst African-Americans. Whether through outlandish quips from trendy nerd Derrick Combs (played by Kyle Morris), or the cat-mouse relationship of suburban product Andre Hawkins and campus “fashionista” Melyssa King (Stefan Matthews and Courtney Nicole Dean, respectively), the show truly captivates its audience. More importantly, the show has a cause. WJT is a call to action for African-Americans to support their own products, sustain negativity, and succeed despite difficult odds.

 

Perry states that the show has taught him such, and filming it is one of his most enjoyable experiences. “I love doing the show,” he expresses. “The cast is great, and when people see the characters, they will indulge.”

 

Debuting last month to a positive response, Perry looks to film the remainder of the season. He feels fully confident that as the show grows, people will start talking about “We’re Just Talking.”

For more on “We’re Just Talking”, go to http://www.pick6time.com/wjt. Also follow the show on Facebook (www.facebook.com/werejusttalking) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/werejusttalking).

 

 

 

New Hampton University executive VP to address students at Convocation Sunday, Sept. 25

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Hampton, Va. – Hampton University welcomes Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, executive vice president at Hampton University, as the speaker for the 69th Annual Opening Convocation on Sunday, Sept. 25. The recipients of the Hampton University Edward L. Hamm, Sr. teaching award; Wayne Dawkins, assistant professor in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications and Dr. Godson Nwokogu, professor in the Department of Chemistry, will also be recognized at the ceremony.

Opening Convocation will be held in Ogden Hall and will begin at 10:45 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Haysbert returned to Hampton University this semester after spending 6 years as president of Langston University. As Langston University’s fifteenth and first female president, Haysbert set into motion an aggressive agenda that expanded and strengthened the academic programs, galvanized the faculty, invigorated active participation among alumni, broadened the external donor base, increased financial support, improved the physical plant, embraced a broader commitment to shared governance, created a safer, access-controlled campus, and placed the university in the best fiscal standing in more than two decades by eliminating a multi-million-dollar operating deficit. Further, the University took the first steps in an unprecedented move to transform Langston City into a “true college town.” Under Haysbert’s guidance, a 10-year strategic plan – the first in the University’s history— was created and now serves as the road map that will take Langston University “from excellence to greatness,” Haysbert’s inaugural mantra. The plan was developed to augment efforts to change the ethos of Langston University. Under her leadership, the campus environment morphed into a coherent, shared organizational culture in which all members of the community of scholars understood the missions, goals and values of the institution.

Before her presidency at Langston, Haysbert had a 25-year tenure at Hampton University, where she served in several key positions, including acting president, provost, assistant provost, professor and coordinator of graduate programs in education, dean of freshman studies, assistant vice president for academic affairs, director of summer sessions, and director of the assessment and learning support center. She has also held positions at Virginia State University, Auburn University and Alexander City State Junior College.

Haysbert is the mother of five children: Andre, a Hampton University graduate and public school teacher in Maryland; Nineveh, a Hampton University and Langston University graduate; Nazareth, a Georgetown University graduate and current law school student at the University of Oklahoma; Jordan, a graduate of Hampton University; and Samaria, who is currently enrolled at Hampton University.

VIDEO – Howard University Students March to Capital to take a Stand Against Injustice for Troy Davis

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Justin Dean HU Reaction

– Written by Tyleah Hawkins – 

Howard University since its birth has been known for its’ involvement standing against injustice. In 2011, this still remains to be true.

The slogan “Too Much Doubt,” has been ringing across the campus for Troy Davis, the face of our modern day movement.

A number of students from Howard, in programs such as HUSA and the NAACP, are taking a stand by holding a march to the White House today until 7pm, the time set for Davis’s execution.

Around 12pm, HUSA President, Brandon Harris, started the protest by chanting “Save Troy Davis” as students were coming together as a group at the flagpole. Hundreds of students were marching down Georgia Ave in the busy traffic as other drivers honked their horns to show support for the protest.

Once students made it to the White House, everyone continued to chant, sing and holding their signs up high as others watched.

“They say death row. We say hell no!”

While many students are angered by this injustice some are saddened by this case.

“This is unfair based in the evidence, and it saddens me” said Kianna Taylor, a Sophomore Human Development major.

Others like Charlton Miles, a Junior Psychology major, is upset about the case as well.

Read Full Article at HUReaction

Troy Davis’ legacy lives on after executuon

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Troy Davis
Troy Davis (AP Photo/Georgia Department of Corrections, File)

Troy Davis was to be executed tonight at 7 P.M. in a Georgia prison after being accused of killing Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail in August 1989. While spending 22 years on death row, Davis has been steadfast in stating that he was innocent.

Since his 1991 trial, witnesses who testified against Davis have since then contradicted their testimony, or recanted their testimony. Some have cited police coercion during their testimonies. Last year, a jailhouse informer admitted that his testimony against Davis was fabricated.

The prosecutors knew that people were lying in their testimonies, but they continued with their case against Davis. Davis’s innocence didn’t mean anything to the prosecutors. The police wanted revenge, and if that means taking Davis down—then so be it.

The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles had denied clemency for Davis, even though there is no hard evidence linking Davis to the crime. State prison officials even denied Davis an opportunity to tell the truth, rejecting his request to take a polygraph test.

Not even Former President Jimmy Carter and Pope Benedict XVI could do anything to help Davis.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Black men and women are still the victims of an unjust legal system that sees more of us reaching through prison bars instead of reaching for diplomas and degrees. Troy Davis’ life will be taken away from him for being the wrong color at the wrong place and time.

There is a reason why Black communities don’t trust police officers. “To protect and serve” is a paradoxical statement to us who have seen or experienced police brutality and racial profiling. Maybe if the property value of our neighborhoods was higher, than we’d be treated like people instead of prisoners. Maybe if he were the same complexion as the prosecutors, the judge, the jury and the police then it wouldn’t have been so hard to overturn this decision.

In the same year where a lack of evidence will see an innocent black man put to death, a lack of evidence and a very farfetched and blatant cover-up saw Casey Anthony, a young white woman, walk away a free woman after being held in prison for the death of her infant child.

It is beyond a reasonable doubt that racial prejudice still exists in this country. We’ve seen Rodney King beaten, we’ve seen Sean Bell murdered, and we’ve seen Troy Davis executed. Something has to be done. We cannot let the Troy Davis story be forgotten.

If we don’t do something, Jim Crow will always be the one holding the gavel.

“But they try and project the image to the public that this is being done by thieves and thieves alone, and they ignore the fact that no, it is not thievery alone. It’s a corrupt, vicious, hypocritical system that has castrated the Black man and the only way the Black man can get back at it is to strike it in the only way he knows how.” – Malcolm X

UPDATE: Troy Davis’ execution delayed as Georgia waits on the Supreme Court’s decision.

UPDATE: The Supreme Court has denied Troy Davis’ request for a stay of execution. He was executed by lethal injection at 11:08 P.M. Thursday night. Rest in Peace Troy Davis.

Howard Student Organizations and BlackBerry Team Up To Fight Famine

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Imagine a world in which your family and friends go hungry for days, even weeks at a time, and it seems like your only chance for survival is to leave your home. For many Somalis, this world is a reality. 45% of Somalia’s population lives on less than one dollar per day. The United Nations (UN) estimates that tens of thousands have died so far due to what many are calling “East Africa’s worst drought for 60 years”. They issued a statement on September 5 that warned that “as many as 750,000 people could die as Somalia’s drought worsens” over the next few months. Upon hearing this, in the true activist spirit that “the Mecca” is famous for, Howard University students knew they needed to do something to help.

The Support Somalia Campaign aims to inform Howard University students about the importance of global issue awareness and to give students an outlet through which to provide aid to their Somali sisters and brothers abroad. To help, BlackBerry has teamed up with popular Howard student clothing label, Our Good Karma (OGK), the Gentlemen of Drew Social Club (GODSC), the Howard University Student Association (HUSA), and other Howard student organizations to get involved in the Support Somalia Campaign.

In an effort to increase donations and supplement the good work the Howard students started, BlackBerry sponsored the Coin Drive on September 11, 2011. The coin drive was done in Howard University residence halls and was a great success. The event even boasted an appearance from TV Personality AJ Calloway (formerly of BET’s 106 & Park). The money raised from the Coin Drive is going to The Somali Relief Fund. Those involved in the planning of this event want to make it clear that the event would not have been possible without the help of Howard University’s philanthropic students. “We appreciate all the support we have been getting for the [Somali Relief Fund] efforts,” commented Patrick Oseni, co-founder of Our Good Karma and BlackBerry Brand Ambassador. Students can get involved in the fight against Somali famine by donating to the United Nations’ Refugee Agency, UNHCR, and looking out for future Support Somalia events on campus.

By Lindsay Buchanan

Malice of the Clipse Book Signing @ Clark Atlanta Bookstore

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CAU Bookstore 223 James P Brawley Drive Southwest Atlanta, GA

Oct. 7th 2011 3-5PM Hip-Hop artists, Gene Thornton Jr. aka ‘Malice’ of’ The Clipse’ will host an author signing at the CAU Bookstore on October 7, 2011 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

Malice recently published “Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind, and Naked’ which discusses his life before, during and after musical pursuits.

Come get your autographed copy of the new book & meet Gene Elliott Thornton Jr.: Christian, Father, Husband, Brother, Hustler, Rapper, and Author. No matter how you were first introduced to him one thing is for certain, after reading his new book : Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked, your perception of him will never be the same.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Sweeps SWAC Weekly Soccer Honors

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The Offensive Player of the Week is Silvia Fuentes (Moreno valley , Ca.) of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The 5-5 senior had a goal and three assists against the University of the Ozarks and an assist against southern Mississippi, totaling six points for the week. She earned a spot on the Mississippi State Bulldog All-Tournament team.

Kaitlin Morin is the Defender of the Week. The 5-11 sophomore from Sue Saint Marie, Canada. She was a key player on defense, taking Mississippi State to overtime in 1-0 loss and Southern Mississippi 2-1. Morin also had played key role on win over Ozarks 5-1.

The Keeper of the Week is Olivia Wood sophomore 5-7 from Cambridge, Canada had six key saves against Mississippi State. She got her first win of the season against Ozarks.

Referenced article from HBCUSportsOnline

Florida A&M & Southern Renew Their Rivalry

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By Alvin Hollins, Jr.

One of the most enduring Black College Football rivalries of all time, Florida A&M-Southern will enjoy its’ 60threnewal September 24th, when the two schools meet in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic in the Georgia Dome.

Considered a literal “Clash of the Titans,” the FAMU-Southern series features programs that have won a combined 20 Black College National Championships (FAMU 11, Southern 9), while producing three College Football Hall of Fame coaches (Arnett “Ace” Mumford, Southern; Jake Gaither, Billy Joe, FAMU), two College Hall of Fame players  (Tyrone McGriff, 1996, Willie Galimore, 1999, FAMU) and two NFL Hall of Famers (Mel Blount, Southern; Bob Hayes, FAMU).

At one point, the two schools played 56 straight games between 1946 and 2001, but have played just twice since (2007, 2008) splitting the two games.

FAMU won the last meeting in 2008, a 52-49 thriller in Baton Rouge, for their fifth win in the last seven games. Southern edged the Rattlers, 33-27 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Birmingham, Alabama in 2007.

Read full article by Alvin at HBCUSportsOnline