Alumnus of FAMU – Colonel Michael Calhoun Selected as Brigadier General in the Florida National Guard

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus Colonel Michael Calhoun was recently promoted to the position of brigadier general in the Florida National Guard.

“Colonel Calhoun is a superb leader who is commanding his second brigade-level organization,” said Major General Emmett R. Titshaw Jr. “He is highly deserving of this promotion.”

Calhoun enlisted into the Florida National Guard in August of 1977, following college graduation, and subsequently received a direct appointment into the Medical Service Corps in July 1989. He holds a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from FAMU and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Calhoun’s assignments include command of the 856th Quartermaster Battalion (Water); the 53rd Infantry Brigade’s Special Troops Battalion; the 211th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI-FL); the Commander, 50th Area Support Group; and he is currently commanding the 83rd Troop Command.

Calhoun’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Florida Distinguished Service Medal, the Alabama Commendation Medal, and the Mississippi State Emergency Medal. In 2008, Colonel Calhoun was the Army National Guard’s recipient of the Department of Defense African American History Month Recognition Award for his contributions to the Global War on Terrorism.

Article Referenced from FAMU

UDC’s Office of International Programs & Exchange Hosts Chinese Delegation

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The University of the District of Columbia’s Office of International Programs and Exchange (OIPE) on Wednesday (August 17th) hosted a delegation from China in an effort to foster an exchange program. Ambassador Denis Antoine, Director of UDC’s OPIE told the President of China University of Mining and Technology, Qiao Jianyong, that UDC would be his university’s perfect partner in the United States. As the only urban land-grant university in the nation, UDC’s commitment to research and environmental sustainability could enhance and compliment research efforts underway in Beijing. Ambassador Antoine said he looked forward to continuing the dialogue with President Qiao and with other higher education officials in China in the coming months.

Howard University School of Business: The 21st Century Advantage Program.

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Howard University prepares their freshmen classes like no other school in the nation. The School of Business has established a program that shapes their freshmen into well-rounded businessmen and businesswomen. The program is called The 21st Century Cap Advantage Program, or better known as 21 CAP.

21 CAP was created to increase the retention rate for first year business students, and it has done just that. Throughout the year CAP 21 addresses all major factors that impede the success for a first-time-in-college student. Major factors include lack of support, lack of motivation, lack of academic preparation, and financial aid problems.

All freshmen business students take part in a required business orientation course their first semester at Howard. During their business orientation course is where 21 CAP takes full affect. The freshmen class is divided into twenty different groups. A Fortune 500 company that serves as their “parent” company adopts each group. Goldman & Sachs, Google, and PNC bank are just three of the twenty sponsors of 21 CAP. The students practice interview skills, resume building, presentation skills, case studies, and are required to wear suits every Tuesday and Thursday.

The freshmen business students at Howard University are exposed to things in the corporate world that students at other universities are not exposed to until their Junior and Senior year. First-year students are immediately connected to the business world, an experience that enables them to focus on their career development and be comfortable and confident in a business environment. Companies in 21 CAP become actively involved in educating and developing students, some of whom have become valuable employees. For example, each academic year, scholarships and numerous internships are offered to members of the freshmen teams.

Kris Kirkpatrick
HBCU Buzz Business Editor

Love the Skin You’re In by Kristen Joy

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One of the things I love about my people, is that we come in a plethora of shapes, sizes, hair textures and skin tones. We are a people of undefinitive beauty; breathe taking and alluring in every complexion or shade. However, what I hate, is our outstanding african american men and women feeling ashamed, embarrassed or of lesser value because they are told they are ‘too dark’ or ‘too light’. We must learn to be comfortablein our own skin. Little black boys and girls are being chastised in our schools –made to feel inferior because of their rich, dark skin tones– and then coming home, facing themselves in the mirror and questioning their value. Way too often we hear the phrase, ‘Yea she’s cute, for a dark skinned girl’, but since when does dark skin and beauty in the same sentence not equate? They are islands where people are categorized by the fairness of their skin. It even goes as far as people in Nigeria are using harmful skin bleaching techniques  in order to acheive lighter skin tones and in America we have stories of African American women, bathing themselves in bleach so they could obtain lighter skin. Society has found a way to subliminally fill our minds and subconscious’ with the false reality that fair skin and fine hair is the only parralle to attractiveness, but they are not the only ones to blame. We as a people must also take the heat for accepting it. Kings and Queens, I am here to tell you that your beauty can never be limited to the texture of your hair or the amount of melanin in your skin. Our beauty lies way beyond color, so celebrate and embrace your beauty; within and without. As editor-in-cheif of Essence magazine, Constance C.R. White stated,  “Its time to move beyond our own divisive attitudes and embrace the glorious range and beauty of our skin tones.” Love the skin your in because your black is beautiful.

Kentucky State to Host Cross Country Meet

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Kentucky State University’s Department of Athletics announced recently it will host a cross country meet on October 7, 2011. The Thorobred Stampede will take place at the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.

The women will compete in a 5k run at 3:00 p.m. followed by the men’s 8k run. Entry fees are $100 for each men’s and women’s team and $10 for every athlete after your top 7 or any unattached athletes. Those who wish to participate must complete the entry form with the names and years of eligibility of the student-athletes they wish to complete by October 5 at 2:00 p.m

The course consists of large downhill, some uphill, military monument, small wooded trail, mostly grass and a short stretch of paved road.

“We are very excited to have all of the conference (SIAC) schools in Frankfort for this meet and hope our fans will come cheer our men and women on to victory,” said KSU Head Coach, Von Smith. “Coach Markus Broussard did a phenomenal job putting this meet together and we want everyone in the area to see what a great event this is for KSU and Frankfort.”

Results will be posted 30 minutes after the race and the top five individuals will be awarded, with The Stampede Award going to the First Place team. For more information on the Thorobred Stampede contact, Meet Director Markus Broussard, (502) 597-6020 (office), (707) 330-2107 (cell), markus.broussard@kysu.edu, or Head Coach Von Smith (502) 597-6020 (office) or email: Von.Smith@kysu.edu. The entry form and meet information form are attached.

 

 

– KSU –

DSU Welcomes Music Chair and Director of Choral Activities

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Delaware State University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences has announced two new important appointments within its Department of Music.
Dr. Horace B. Lamar, Jr., has been appointed as the new Chair of the Department of Music. In that post, Dr. Lamar will oversee all academic aspects of the department and provide leadership for faculty development, fundraising, as well as student recruitment and retention.
Prior to his arrival at DSU, Dr. Lamar served at Alabama State University from 1991-2006, where he taught woodwinds and for nine of those years served as the dean of the University’s School of Music (1996-2005). Under his dean leadership, the ASU School of Music earned accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Music. After retiring from ASU, he did consulting work, workshops and recitals over the last five years.
Dr. Lamar earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education (magna cum laude) from Mississippi Valley State University, a Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of Minnesota and a Doctor of Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.
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HBCU’s Going After More Non-Black Students – According to WSJ

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Black colleges compete for best students regardless of race

  • Is this post-racial enough for you?

In an effort to compete with larger schools for the brightest brains (and make some money) Historically Black Colleges and Universities are aggressively going after more non-Black students. The Wall Street Journal reports that schools like Delaware State University is bringing in 100 Chinese students this fall for cultural and language training while others like Florida Memorial University plan on using its chorale to attract more non-Blacks. They also note that the increase in Hispanic and Asian students attending HBCU’s have offset the recent decline in white enrollment since the government cut many scholarship programs that encouraged white students to attend.
Anybody that’s attended or graduated from an HBCU knows that non-whites have been sprinkled throughout campus for years. But most of the time they were either the quarterback or the kicker on the football team. But this is obviously news to the WSJ. And get this, they also say that more non-Blacks attend HBCU’s because well, they aren’t as expensive. Shocking.
Is the WSJ predicting that HBCUs will get “blind sided” by non-Blacks? In the accompanying video the writer of the story talks as if she’s discovered some lost treasure in a distant land.

Howard University School of Business: The 21st Century Advantage Program.

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Howard University prepares their freshmen classes like no other school in the nation. The School of Business has established a program that shapes their freshmen into well-rounded businessmen and businesswomen. The program is called The 21st Century Cap Advantage Program, or better known as 21 CAP.

21 CAP was created to increase the retention rate for first year business students, and it has done just that. Throughout the year CAP 21 addresses all major factors that impede the success for a first-time-in-college student. Major factors include lack of support, lack of motivation, lack of academic preparation, and financial aid problems.

All freshmen business students take part in a required business orientation course their first semester at Howard. During their business orientation course is where 21 CAP takes full affect. The freshmen class is divided into twenty different groups. A Fortune 500 company that serves as their “parent” company adopts each group. Goldman & Sachs, Google, and PNC bank are just three of the twenty sponsors of 21 CAP. The students practice interview skills, resume building, presentation skills, case studies, and are required to wear suits every Tuesday and Thursday.

The freshmen business students at Howard University are exposed to things in the corporate world that students at other universities are not exposed to until their Junior and Senior year. First-year students are immediately connected to the business world, an experience that enables them to focus on their career development and be comfortable and confident in a business environment. Companies in 21 CAP become actively involved in educating and developing students, some of whom have become valuable employees. For example, each academic year, scholarships and numerous internships are offered to members of the freshmen teams.

Kris Kirkpatrick

The Rise of an Empire – Models Inc 5 Years Anniversary Fashion Show – By HBCU Buzz

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The endless line finally spilled its way into TheArc theater. The theater was full of enthusiasm and I could feel the anticipation surrounding me.

Model, Big Jess said, “I’m gonna bring it full force thick addition.” The crowd quickly silenced when a voice sanggg “The Star Spangled Banner” in a loud sequin navy blue capri romper.

Utterly patriotic, over a dozen American flag bodysuits ran haphazardly across the stage and into the crowd. The crowd roared as the opening scene of Models Inc Presents: Secret & Rumors: The Rise of an Empire began! Little did we know, it was a show for us but try-outs for new prospective members. The first collection was designed by New Yorker, Daryl Cortez. His collection was Fall and Winter inspired with scarves, scullies, and turtlenecks. He captured us into the season with his usages of burnt shades of orange and brown. The scenes followed with floral geometric patterns, prints and casual classic grey suits that interpreted the 7 deadly sins which overflowed into the next scene with a concoction of sexy and elegance which was perfectly portrayed with a classic dress silhouette with tribal print. As if the show didn’t already kidnapped my attention designer, Dramatic grasp another part of me. His creativity ran rapid as dramatic shoulders, printed body suits, and sequences of elegance graced the stage.

When asked to describe this collection in one word he responds, “futuristic”.

The show proceeds and just when I thought I’d had enough gasping the Model’s Inc. youngsters ripped the runway all the up. The finale included all participating models and prospective models along with Aaron Handy. Impatiently waiting to get their names called, the guys huddled on the right side of the stage as the girls we on the left. Names were being called, anxious faces awaited, and the old members welcomed in the newbies with hugs, cheers and smiles. Awards were selectively given to individual models who took ownership of the stage and the new king and queen took their thrown. The crowd showed so much love clearly ending with a standing ovation. New York stylist/designer Kehinde “Shako Ju” said “I really did enjoy the show, everyone’s style different. Bella from Virginia said” I would say the show was very empowering. It was my first time ever attending a models inc show.

Pictures and Video By District Photography, http://districtphotos.biz

Photo’s – Models Inc Five Year Anniversary Fashion Show by HBCU Buzz

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I present to you The 5th Annual Entertainment Fashion Show on August 14, 2011 at Thearc Theater. This show will be best of both worlds featuring Mainstream Runway and Entertainment Model Choreography. It will feature Dc’s own star choreographer Iran Paylor who travels throughout the east coast and DMV top models.

Pictures and Video By District Photography, http://districtphotos.biz

HBCU Buzz Artist Spotlight – Billy Bang of Howard University

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Name: Billy Bang
School: Howard University
Genre: Hip Hop
Management: CamTrimble
Website: http://www.billybangonline.com/

Bio: Billy Bang is an acclaimed indie rapper, engineer, producer, and award winning actor who has the entire DMV music scene buzzing. Born and raised in the rough hood of LeFrak City, Queens, Billy Bang has been steadily making a name for himself on the independent music scene since relocating to Washington D.C. over the 5 years ago. May 2010 marked the release of his first Major Club Single- GO SO HAM. This record paved the way for his biggest project to date. On July 22nd, Billy BANG released his highly anticipated second mixtape of 2010 entitled ‘REINCARNATED’. The 17 track album of all original music had its title & release date inspired by Billy BANG’s father, the original Billy BANG. His father was legendary hustler in Queens who was also quite the ladies man. He was tragically gunned down when his son was only 17 years old. Billy BANG honors his father name and legacy through his stage name and by releasing his mixtape on his father’s birthday July, 22nd. With the mixtape’s release Billy BANG has been garnering rave reviews from critics, DJs, and blogs alike. His ‘Reincarnated’ mixtape has been featured on popular sites such as ONSMASH.com, Two Dope Boyz, & Queens Hip-Hop among others. His last music video, a tribute song to J Dilla, received over 50,000 views on ONSMASH.com in one day!


[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEWqSxY6Vv8&version=3&hl=en_US]

VUU to Host Special Olympics Walk-a-thon

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Special Olympics Virginia’s 11th Annual City of Richmond Walk-A-Thon will be held at Virginia Union University Campus, (Henderson building) from 9:00 a.m. until 12: 30 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2011.  The 1, 2, and 3 mile walk/run will raise money for the Special Olympics Virginia Urban Programs, which benefits over 5000 City of Richmond adults and children with intellectual disabilities.

The event is being presented by Virginia Union University.  Over 500 volunteers, athletes, fraternities, sororities, and sponsors are expected to come out and support this event!  American Family Fitness Centers will be awarding a free membership to the participant who raises the most money.  Other agencies and organizations who will be participating are Richmond Parks & Recreation, Richmond Residential Services, Richmond Behavioral Health Authority, Richmond Goodwill, Richmond Police Department, Midlothian Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc., Senior Connections-The Capital Area on Aging, The Huff Center, Career Support Systems, The Young Men’s Love and Union Club,  Diamondz Are Forever SC, Thompson Hospitality, Virginia Girls Scout Troops,  Bank of America, Scott & Stringfellow Inc., NHS Human Services, The Virginia Home, Fidura & Associates, and Tiffanies Manor for Young Adults.  Special Olympics Virginia hopes to raise over $5,000.00 for its City of Richmond athletes.  There will be a live performance by The Band Belief!  Music, fun, and prizes for all participants.

Read Full Articles at VUU

Steering minority students toward transportation at Lincoln University

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While many young people embraced sports or arts and crafts this summer, one group spent its days in math and science classes or on field trips to such places as a helicopter museum and a highway research center.

For four weeks, 20 youths ages 12 to 14 participated in the Summer Transportation Institute at Lincoln University, a program designed to interest minority students in careers in transportation.

“The goal is to make sure to expose them to all modes of transportation – land, water, or air,” said Robert Allen, a Lincoln professor who has run the courses there for six years.

Read Full Article at Lincoln University

Elizabeth City State University hosts third aviation camp for girls

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It’s the third summer that ECSU has hosted the ACE Academy (Camp). On Monday, the participants toured the campus by foot. Their perspective changed Thursday, when they boarded Air Viking One for a flight an an overview of the campus and Elizabeth City.

Dr. J. Anthony Sharp, director of the Aviation Science program at ECSU, flies the university’s single engine, Cessna Skyhawk, over campus and the city for the students’ first aerial view of common ground.

“It’s wonderful to see it all from about 1,500 feet. They can see the residence halls, the cafeteria, Dixon-Patterson Hall where they have taken classes over the last week.  They can appreciate seeing all the buildings they walked past while walking on the ground,” Sharp said. “Relatively few of the students in our ACE Camp have been passengers on commercial flights but even fewer have been passengers on a small plane.  That great view is such a surprise for them.”

What doesn’t surprise the students is the cockpit, the communication system or instrument panel. During ACE Camp classes, students learned about the operations of planes, the design features of various planes, flight patterns and the rules and regulations that the Federal Aviation Administration stipulates for pilots. The ACE Camp students are introduced to the university’s air traffic control simulator and its flight simulator. The Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy Program was designed by the FAA to provide students with an introduction into aviation and aerospace.

Read Full Article at ECSU

MVSU Awarded Over $100,000 in Microsoft Software

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Mississippi Valley State University has been awarded $107,926 in Microsoft software as a Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Member School.

A grant was awarded through Microsoft to the TMCF in the amount of $8 million to provide software to member institutions to upgrade institutional computers and technology.  The software is being made available to TMCF member institutions through a review process, managed by the TMCF, designed to identify the schools best prepared technologically to effectively use and implement software and solutions for the benefit of students, faculty, and administration.

TMCF member schools selected to receive software from this grant implemented technology solutions to help the schools become more competitive, address key long-term technology needs and opportunities, and benefit students, faculty and administrative staff.

Read Full Article at MVSU

JSU welcomes more than 1,000 new students during annual move-in day

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More than 1,000 students and their families from across the country arrived on the Jackson State University campus for JSU’s annual move-in day Aug. 13.

“Some looked kind of overwhelmed, but I think it’s a nervous excitement,” said JSU senior Amber Thomas, who was one of 200 staff, student and alumni volunteers who helped the new students unload their belongings and carry them into the dormitories.

Students from states including Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, Indiana, Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi arrived at dormitory drop-off locations, where they where greeted by dozens of enthusiastic Jacksonians, including JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers and other university leaders

Read Full Article at JSU