Ben Wallace of Detroit Pistons, says Handle Your Business on the Court.
Virginia Union University, where Wallace became a Division II All-American and played in a Division II semifinal championship game. Little known among pro scouts and still considered too small for the NBA, Wallace was not drafted after graduating from Virginia Union with a criminal justice major in 1996.
They all agreed that it is imperative that women pay their dues in the male-dominated industry
Photo by HUReaction
Panelist include actress and motivational speaker Kim Coles; Host of BET’s 106&Park Rocsi Diaz; Chair of Women Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) Valeisha Butterfield; Senior Vice President of Marketing at Atlantic Records Joi Brown-Pitts; and the President of Class & Sass Promotions a promotional company for Young Money records, Richelle Cross.
“We all know there are problems women have to face within the entertainment industry,” said Ke’Andrea Ayers, event coordinator. “We wanted to create an event that allows young women to not only be apart of the discussion but the solution as well.”
The panel discussed a wide variety of topics such as what made them choose this industry, how they got started and some of the downfalls of the business. Each woman got started in a different field, rather it be radio, stand up or as an intern.
They all agreed that it is imperative that women pay their dues in the male-dominated industry. Cross said it best stating, “Passion should be something that you would do for free.” Sometimes you have to complete unpaid internships before expecting to receive a position in the entertainment industry.
And in paying your dues, engaging in sexual activities with those who are in a higher position of you does not count. The panel made it clear that their are ways to advance without performing acts that go against your morals. Pitts concurred, “Sacrifices have to be made but you have to stand up for something.”
While the panel all agreed on some topics, others, such as the everlasting conversation about the negative images of black women in music videos, rallied a heated debate. Some women, such as Butterfield, Cross, and Diaz, didn’t necessarily defend rap artists but they suggested that people blame the disrespect on the women who allow themselves to be degraded instead of the rappers. They stressed that accountability starts at home and that the women in the videos are grown and chose to appear in such a disrespectful manner. Coles disagreed, mentioning, “It’s important that women stand up for their morals… Those images still get out.”
The panel was uplifiting, inspirational and informative due to the valuable advice given and heartfelt stories told. “It’s not always men exploiting women,” Cross said when reminiscing on her time onset of Nelly‘s “Tip Drill” video. “Sometimes it’s women exploiting themselves.” She continued, “Many people don’t know that this music video was supposed to only be featured on BET’s Uncut, a 3 a.m. television show.” Panelists also gave students advice on how to maintain their femininity and command respect. “Whatever you do, be able to look in the mirror and be proud of it. Own your femininity but you have to learn where to draw the line,” advised Rocsi Diaz. “Sex sells. The porn industry makes more money than the money spent at war.” Valeisha Butterfield added, “Be aware of the shortcuts and the fake-outs. It’s competitive even for free jobs. Pay your dues. Put in the hard work.”
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Women in Ent from HBCU Buzz on Vimeo.
M.K. Asante Jr. is an accomplished author, filmmaker and educator. Born in Zimbabwe to American
Morgan State University’s M.K. Asante Jr. is an accomplished author, filmmaker and educator. Born in Zimbabwe to American parents and raised in the United States, Asante is a professor of creative writing and film at Morgan. At age 29, he is a noted authority on hip-hop culture with several books and documentaries to his credit, including Beautiful and Ugly Too; It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop; and Like Water Running off My Back.” Professor Asante has been featured on the CBS Early Show, NBC News, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, NPR and, most recently, CNN. He has an interesting story to tell of his work, his life’s ups and downs as well as a little of his personal journey. The Morgan State University family congratulates Professor Asante on his remarkable achievements and his passion for leading the world to a better place.
Deasirae Woodard a scholarship check for $5,000 to go towards her education.
Grambling, LA – UNCF and Union National Life Insurance presented Deasirae Woodard a scholarship check for $5,000 to go towards her education. Ms. Woodard submitted an essay entitled “Still Standing” her story about being homeless throughout high school and beating all odds and graduating in the top 10% of her class at Alief-Taylor in Houston, Texas. Deasirae a junior at Grambling is a Mass Communications major and 2010 Deans List honoree. She plans to become a director and producer when she graduates.
Men’s basketball program, Head Coach Clarence Moore, Jr. announced his resignation
FRANKFORT, Ky. – After two years at the helm of Kentucky State University’s (KSU) men’s basketball program, Head Coach Clarence Moore, Jr. announced today his resignation from the program. KSU Director of Athletics, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks also announced that Assistant Coach Antwain Banks will serve as Interim Head Coach for the 2011-12 season. The announcement comes after Moore led the Thorobreds to their first winning season (15-13, 13-11 SIAC) since their 16-13 record under Winston Bennett during the 2000-01 campaign.
“I’m saddened to leave KSU. It was my first opportunity to coach at the collegiate level after coming in as an assistant and then made interim head coach halfway through the season and for the following year, then promoted to head coach this past season,” said Moore. “I’m sad because I’ve grown here as a coach and have bonded with my team and others on campus. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had here. It’s an experience I will never forget or take for granted. I want to thank Dr. Sias, Dr. Hendricks and the entire KSU family for welcoming me and my family here and for giving me such a great opportunity at a young age.”
In two-and-a-half years, Moore amassed a record of 34-42. He also coached six Dean’s List student-athletes (Julian Brown, Carlos Carter, John Gaston, Jarrod Gay, William Marsh and Austin Rich) and one student-athlete who scored over 1,000 career points (Tony Johnson). Under Moore’s leadership, Johnson was also named to the 2010 SIAC All-Conference Second Team, 2010-11 Preseason All-Conference Second Team, 2010-11 All-Conference First Team and the 2011 SIAC All-Tournament Team.
“We are very sad that Coach Moore is leaving us,” stated KSU Director of Athletics, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks. “He has done a great job here at KSU. He will be greatly missed, but we are really excited about the opportunity for Coach Moore and his family.”
Moore leaves KSU to assume a senior executive position at Edison Chouest Offshore in New Orleans, La. but is confident in the leadership skills of his assistant coach, Antwain Banks. “He’s a great fit for the program,” affirmed Moore. “Coach Banks and I had the same vision and passion for the program. When I first spoke with him about the state of the program when I was named interim head coach, he was willing to assist me with getting things turned around. He was willing to come to KSU and start over. He is a major piece of the foundation laid here a couple years ago, and I did not feel comfortable leaving the program to anyone else.”
Over the last two years, Banks assisted with recruiting, scouting and practice planning, and community engagement planning for the Thorobreds. Prior to coming to KSU, he was a member of the Indiana University Southeast basketball program (two years as a player and five years as a coach). Banks helped IU Southeast reach 166 victories (71.2 win percentage) and five appearances at the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship in Point Lookout, Missouri. He also helped lead the Grenadiers to the KIAC Tournament Championship in six out of seven years.
Ricky Stanfield has worked on some of America’s critical defense and science projects over the past 20 years, including Army tactical hardware, Navy missile-flight tests and payload development for NASA’s sounding rockets.
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (April 18, 2011) – Ricky Stanfield has worked on some of America’s critical defense and science projects over the past 20 years, including Army tactical hardware, Navy missile-flight tests and payload development for NASA’s sounding rockets.
Now, the Northrop Grumman Corp. engineer is applying that real-world experience in the classroom, where he teaches a course on fluid mechanics at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
“I was a relentless builder of things growing up,” Stanfield said. “It all started with Lego sets and model kits.”
Fluid mechanics is the study of liquids and gases under stationary and moving conditions. Students who major in mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering will likely encounter fluid motion issues when designing cars, medical equipment and duct systems, to name a few.
“Fluid mechanics is very difficult,” said Derek Cooper, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering major at UMES. “But Dr. Stanfield definitely makes it easier to comprehend.”
Northrop Grumman relocated its engineering and fabrication operation from Virginia to Somerset County in 2010 to support a U.S. Navy contract. Stanfield is engineering director and deputy program manager at the facility in the Princess Anne Industrial Park.
“Part of the attraction to moving to Princess Anne for me was the chance to teach at UMES,” said Stanfield, who once considered teaching high school physics. This spring, he teaches a class with two mechanical and two aerospace engineering majors.
Stanfield graduated from Longwood College in Farmville, Va., with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and a minor in mathematics and secondary education.
“Longwood is about the same size as UMES,” he said. “I enjoyed attending a smaller college since it gave me the chance to be more involved with the college itself. Those were leadership experiences that I have been able to apply in my career.”
Stanfield’s first job was with the Department of the Army, where he worked as a physicist for 10 years.
“I worked on landmine countermeasures and tactical deception systems,” he said. “Despite my title, they were using me more as a mechanical engineer than as a physicist, so I steered my graduate studies in that direction.”
The New Jersey native, who grew up in an Air Force family, earned a Master of Science in engineering and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Three international students will make history Saturday, May 7 as the first graduates of ASU’s microbiology Ph.D. program.
Three international students will make history Saturday, May 7 as the first graduates of ASU’s microbiology Ph.D. program.
Alabama State University will award its first doctorate degrees in microbiology during its 283rd Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 7.
International students Praseetha Subbarayan (Chennai Tamilnadu, India), Seyhan Boyoglu-Barnum (Istanbul, Turkey) and Murtada Taha (Elgeniena, Sudan) completed requirements to receive a Ph.D. in microbiology. They conducted original scientific research under the supervision of the program’s faculty, developed strong experimental design and scientific writing skills, and built a “contemporary microbiological studies knowledge base” that has prepared them to compete across the microbiology fields.
“These three talented new scientists have been rigorously prepared and highly trained through the execution of their original research studies at ASU,” said Dr. Karyn Scissum Gunn, chair, Department of Biological Sciences and graduate program officer/coordinator of the College of Science, Mathematics and Technology graduate programs. “They have tested new vaccine systems, examined ways to use new nanomaterials to deliver drug molecules within the body, and applied cutting-edge technology toward reducing childhood respiratory viruses.”
After receiving their degree, the graduates will continue their research and education, as well as work in the community. Barnum, who has been featured in several prominent ASU advertisements, has accepted an appointment at Emory University as a postdoctoral research fellow. Subbarayan will continue her research on vaccine development against respiratory viruses in collaboration with Dr. Shree Singh and his ASU research team. Murtada is pursuing his interest to serve as a state public health scientist.
“We have been most richly fortunate to have had the opportunity to help prepare them for their futures,” Gunn said.
In the fall of 2008, ASU began offering the Ph.D. program in microbiology. It serves as the University’s first science-based research doctoral program. The ultimate vision of the program is to make essential scientific and societal advancements for the benefit of the state of Alabama, southeast region, nation and global science arena through the operation of a unique new doctoral research and training program. Through the courageous efforts of the plaintiffs in the now landmark Knight v. Alabama decision, ASU was awarded the rightful opportunity to develop high-level academic programs like the Ph.D. in microbiology, the Ed.D. in educational leadership, policy and law, and the clinical doctorate in physical therapy.
Gunn said the doctoral program in microbiology will serve as an important step in the evolution of the University as it thrusts forward as a globally competitive graduate education and research institution of higher learning.
“Every commencement, ASU advances its mission by producing graduates prepared to make meaningful professional contributions within their fields of study,” Gunn said. “On Saturday, May 7, 2011, we will witness a powerful example of the transformation of Alabama State University – this is indeed a great time to be a Hornet.”
An enthusiastic crowd gathered on the Campus Plaza at Alcorn State University on April 28, 2011, at 12
An enthusiastic crowd gathered on the Campus Plaza at Alcorn State University on April 28, 2011, at 12 noon to launch the Always Alcorn Annual Fund Campaign. This year’s campaign marks the start of new expectations for students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University.
Alcorn State University 18th President M. Christopher Brown II reiterated the importance of financially supporting the University. “We {Alcorn State University} are engaging possibilities and pursuing excellence. Philanthropy must be an institutional priority. At the start of this academic semester, 78 students could not pay their final tuition balance– every Alcorn student deserves to graduate. Giving to the annual fund helps us seize educational opportunities and achieve excellence.”
President Brown has set the overall campaign goal at $1.1 million. Last fiscal year, which ended June 30, the annual fund closed with $1,090,836, a record-breaking increase of 18.3 percent over the previous year. SGA President Corey Cooper understands that the campaign provides the chance for all to contribute to Alcorn at any giving level. “I only have $5 in my pocket and today, I proudly give it to my University. Every dollar makes a real difference in the life of a student.”
Dr. Alpha L. Morris, honorary chairperson says, “I came to Alcorn with my late husband, Dr. Jesse Morris and graduated in 1952. I have worked as an assistant and associate professor and now serve as the chair of the Department of Social Sciences. This is not about me – it is about Alcorn. Every graduate must give back to the University that has given us so much. Let us stand behind our young and energetic, new president – give today.”
Public gifts and pledges were made during the kickoff with several attendees giving $1000, including the Always Alcorn Annual Fund General Chairperson Ms. Exie T. Griggs Williamson ’55, Rev. Edgar Lewis ’09, Judge Cedric Bush ’03, and Dr. Cassandra Vaughn ’84 who encouraged fellow employees to use her method of giving to the University through payroll deductions, “Have your gift deducted from your check monthly!”
Barred from graduation after statements he made on the school’s Facebook page.
Roman Caple said he went to get his information packet for graduation on Wednesday and was told by school officials that he would not be allowed to attend Sunday’s ceremony due to something he wrote on Facebook in the days following the April 16 tornadoes.
The university reopened three days after the storms amid the hum of chainsaws and the roar of heavy machinery.
Some students balked at the quick turnaround, saying trees, power lines and broken glass still littered the campus, and some dormitories were without power. School leaders said power had been restored to all campus buildings.
College spokeswoman LaToya Sutton said in a press release Friday that Caple made comments on the school’s Facebook page in an effort to disrupt a meeting on campus where Progress Energy representatives planned to speak with students. The college also planned to discuss storm recovery details at the meeting.
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Fire breaks out on Bowie States Campus at 3pm on the 1st floor of resident building CMRC
Fire breaks out on Bowie States Campus at 3pm on the 1st floor of resident building Christa McAuliffe Residential Community. Students were asked to evacuate the resident building by alarm. Thanks to the Residents staff at (CMRC) informing students of the fire, no students were hurt, although there were privious fire drills in the past which raised questions of it being an actual fire or a fire drill.
No news on how the fire started but Its be explained that the fire started on the first floor of one of the resident halls close to the lobby.
By HBCUBuzz Staff
Former BCU Golf Head Coach Dr. Gary Freeman passed away Tuesday morning. He was 78.
Former Bethune-Cookman University Golf Head Coach Dr. Gary Freeman led the Wildcats to 12 national titles, passed away Tuesday morning. He was 78.
The PGA Professional who had a Ph. D. in education administration guided the Wildcat women to eight National Minority College Golf Championships and the men’s team to four. He established a program that gained world-wide prominence, drawing numerous international golfers to attend B-CU.
“He was the architect of our golf program and a Godsend to Bethune-Cookman University,” said B-CU Athletic Director Lynn W. Thompson. “His 12 years were great ones that left the strongest of foundations for our efforts to continue a winning golf program. The B-CU athletics family offers its prayers and support to his family.”
Loritz Clark succeeded Dr. Freeman last season, but already had a long-standing relation with his predecessor.
“I knew Gary for 25 years and he was a mentor to me and more,” Clark said, “When he started at B-CU, he was someone I looked up to because he was one of only a few African-American PGA professionals at the time. He was an inspiration for me to get my PGA membership. I used him as a sounding board and a tremendous resource during my first season.”
Dr. Freeman’s influence remains strong with his players.
“Coach Freeman means the world to me,” said freshman Emanuel Petrich, “I just remember when I came down here for my visit, we had dinner and he told me he was saving a scholarship for me. My thought was `Why would you save it for me? There are plenty of good golfers out there.'”
“He told me that he knew I was dedicated and that I would work hard and I would make him and the team proud,” Petrich continued. “That’s what I’m trying to do now every time I play. I will always remember that dinner. I’m sad that I won’t be able to see him one more time.”
“He gave me an opportunity to play collegiate golf,” said Maria Garrido, currently a graduate assistant coach at B-CU. “I’m the person I am today because of him.”
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The day began with a “Green Eggs and Ham” breakfast followed by a program, both in the Martin Luther King Student Center.
Three alumni of DSU were inductee class of the Delaware Afro-America Sports Hall of Fame
Three alumni of Delaware State University were among the 2011 inductee class of the Delaware Afro-America Sports Hall of Fame (DAASHF) during a ceremony on April 16 at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover.
Among the DSU inductees were:
Former Hornet football star Jimmy Strong, class of ’66 – The DAASHF recognized him for his stellar years as an All-Conference (CIAA) honoree at two positions: punter (1962-64) and defensive back (1961,1964). He finished his Delaware State College career with 28 interceptions and a 43-yard punting average. After playing football for the Wilmington Clippers (1966-1967), Mr. Strong returned to DSC in
James H. Solomon, Jr.
1968 where he served over the next 11 years as a Hornet assistant football coach. The resident of Ellenwood, Ga., was inducted in the DSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1988.
James Solomon, class of 1990 and 2007, was inducted for the athletics mark he has made as a boys and girls track coach for 24 years at Dover High School. During that time, he has coached his teams to five state championships and six times as runner-up. At the conference level, his teams have won eight dual meets and 10 conference meets. During Coach Solomon’s tenure, he coached high school athletes who were ranked nationally and some of whom would go on to intercollegiate career where they were nationally ranked as well. The Dover resident was named as state Coach of the Year five times, conference Coach of the Year three times and in 2000 he as named as the National Girls Coach representing Delaware.
Norman Oliver
Norman “Stormin” Oliver, class of 1985, was inducted for his work as an athletics administrator through his founding of the Stormin’ Classic Basketball Summer League, which ran from 1980 (the year in which he founded it at age 18) to 2000. Beginning with 54 youth participants in its inaugural year, by the summer league’s 20th year there were 3,000 participants. It is the only summer basketball league in Delaware operating statewide. Many of the students who have participated in the Oliver’s summer league – of which education was the most important component – went on to successful careers and thriving lives. Mr. Oliver resides in Wilmington.
DSU’s Ricki Ellison served as the event’s mistress of ceremonies.
Ricki Ellison, DSU women’s bowling coach, served as the mistress of ceremonies for the 13th annual DAASHF ceremony.
Ed Joyner’s 2011 recruiting class at Hampton University is proof it pays to be persistent — and that it helps to be a little lucky.
In addition to Phoebus product Dashawn Stitt, who verbally committed to Hampton in January, Joyner also has signed two players from Quality Education Academy in Winston-Salem, N.C., which went 26-4 and finished the 2010-11 season ranked No. 1 in North Carolina and No. 25 in the country by MaxPreps.
The Pirates were originally focused on recruiting 6-foot-5 shooting guard Keron Brown, who averaged 14 points and six rebounds last season, Joyner said. Dwight Meikle, his 6-8 power forward/guard combo teammate who averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, verbally committed to St. John’s in November.
But when Meikle was released from that commitment last Wednesday, Joyner was waiting.
“You still recruit the kid,” Joyner said. “(Meikle) is proof that you never know what can happen. At the end of the day, when he and St. John’s parted, we were there.”
Meikle and Brown are part of a burgeoning basketball powerhouse at Quality, a small, state-funded charter school that has housed several top-rated talents. Quincy Miller, a highly rated 6-10 prospect who committed to Baylor, averaged 25.5 points and 12 rebounds at Quality last season before transferring, while Josiah Turner, a 6-3 guard and Arizona signee, played there this past season after transferring from Sacramento, Calif.
Fighting Pharaohs point guard Anthony Fields committed to Wake Forest in January.
3,500 Students Participated in Denim Day is a project of Peace Over Violence
The Wright Group and EVAW are sponsors of Denim Day in USA 2011. Denim Day is a project of Peace Over Violence—a non-profit, feminist, multicultural, volunteer organization dedicated to building healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence. Denim Day was launched in 1999, in protest of an Italian High Court ruling that overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing “tight” jeans.
“Today there is a movement of African American students who visibly stand united as one HBCU campus for Denim Day, recognizing their role as champions for survivors in eliminating shame, stigma and blame– one fellow student at a time,” said Amelia Cobb, Director of Ending Violence Against Women.
In April 2010, over 2,000 students on six HBCU campuses participated in Denim Day at HBCUs and signed the No Violence Against Women (NO VAW) Pledge which included celebrity e-card messaging from Howard University alumnae, Wendy Raquel Robinson and Malaak Compton-Rock; and radio personality, Olivia Fox.
This week 3,500 students have signed-up to join the movement this year by wearing jeans and a Denim Day at HBCUs T-Shirt as a visible sign to support ending sexual violence on college campuses.
Henry Wise Wellness Center will coordinate with the organization, Every Girl Can, in holding the 4th Annual “Smart Image” Conference: Healthy Body, Healthy Image Saturday, May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
(Bowie, Md.)-Bowie State University’s Henry Wise Wellness Center will coordinate with the organization, Every Girl Can, in holding the 4th Annual “Smart Image” Conference: Healthy Body, Healthy Image Saturday, May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Center for Learning and Technology on campus. The conference, a pre-Mother’s Day event, will include inspirational and motivational presentations from experienced professionals in the fields of psychology, education, personal image, etiquette, civility, social work, nutrition, wellness and fitness. The keynote address will be delivered by Prince George’s County District Court Judge, DaNeeka V. Cotton.
Workshop topics include cooking easy healthy meals, fitness and health, skin and hair care, civility (table etiquette, etc.), holistic weight management, and mother daughter walk and talk. In addition, one workshop will involve making dresses for girls in Haiti and Jamaica by using pillow cases and trimmings. Panel discussions will address areas such as raising girls to have a healthy body image and helping daughters build strong character, civility, kindness and respect.
Following the workshops offered before lunch, the girls and women accompanying them will be treated to an afternoon of high-spirited fun with health and fitness coach, Adrienne Corder from Corder, Pounders Youth and Family Wellness. A special highlight of the conference will be the surprise appearance of a Sony Music, Columbia Records, teen girl recording artist who is scheduled to bring a special message to the girls about the importance of a healthy body image.
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