Mozilla, most widely known for developing the Firefox browser, has made making the internet a force for good its mission. Through its Responsible Computing Challenge, Mozilla and its partners are educating a new wave of graduating technologists who will bring holistic thinking to the design of new technologies, fueling an industry-wide culture shift.
Dr. Marco Robinson, associate professor of history and assistant director of PVAMU’s Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice, along with Dr. Sherri Frizell, professor of computer science, and Dr. Farrah Cambrice, associate professor of sociology, are bringing together computer science and social science/humanities students for interdisciplinary training in methodologies centered in computing to address social issues affecting rural communities, such as food insecurity and access to immediate healthcare.
Robinson explained, “Students are expected to consider ethics in computing, developing innovative ways to use computing in solving social problems, and ways to center community welfare in their approach.
“At the heart of this work, students will collect survey data, hold small focus groups with community members, and facilitate county-wide townhall meetings.”
The course is partnering with rural communities and organizations in Waller County, where residents have limited access to resources, including fresh food, medical care, and WiFi.
“We aren’t deciding what the communities’ needs are,” said Robinson. “We’re asking what they need. We had an idea to develop an app to help connect people with food and healthcare, but if they don’t have internet access, how will that help? We’re in data collection right now.
“It’s exciting to see computer science students out in the field, meeting the people their work will support, and to see social sciences students explore technology in their work.”
Prairie View A&M University is a public historically black land-grant university in Prairie View, Texas.
PVAMU joins a cohort of 15 institutions across the U.S. that has received a total of more than $2.2 million. The courses and projects they’re undertaking blend traditional computing education with the Humanities, Library, Information Science, and Social Sciences to reimagine how computer science is taught. Awardees will explore topics like biased data sets, AI ethics, accessible computing, and more.
Dr. Ziyaad Bhorat, an RCC Fellow who will work alongside this cohort, said, “AI and other computing technologies have an outsized impact on our lives, powering everything from banking to public services to law enforcement.
“As a result, we desperately need trustworthy AI systems—and responsible technologists who build them. These new awardees will help make this a reality.”
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded seven competitive financial assistance grant awards to the minority-serving institutions (MSI) shown below, as a result of its Office of Environmental Management (EM) Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP) Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0002820.
The awards will focus on enhancing MSI programs to help foster a sustainable and diverse EM science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce pipeline. The awards will also aid in promoting the development of a nationally engaged scientific and engineering workforce that will lead to future career pathways in the EM complex for underrepresented groups.
Historically Black Florida A&MUniversity has received a $4.7 million grant from the United States Department of Education to develop a geospatial-artificial intelligence-enhanced curriculum for minority-serving institutions. The project will be conducted in partnership with two other historically Black universities, Kentucky State University and Clark Atlanta University.
Texas State University in partnership with Prairie View A&M University received a grant award for multidisciplinary research and workforce development on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The total estimated for this grant is $3,521,137.
The total estimated value of all the grant awards is $24,761,831 and a period of performance of three years from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2027, for all grants.
For more than 30 years, EM has remained focused on addressing the environmental legacy of nuclear weapons development and nuclear energy research that helped end World War II, win the Cold War, and position the United States as a leader in clean nuclear energy.
Collectively, EM is delivering results that are protecting the environment, supporting communities, and enabling a concerted focus on safely completing the mission sooner and more efficiently.
Pennsylvania State Police Turay was killed in a wrong-way, DUI crash on Interstate 95 North in Philadelphia over the weekend. Family members told Action News the young woman was a Cheyney University nursing student with hopes of becoming a doctor.
“She was just my all in all,” said Thaduba’s grieving father, Samuel Turay. “We had plans, she had a plan, she had a vision and now she’s gone with all of that,” he said.
The deadly crash happened on Sunday, April 14th, just before 3 a.m. Family members told FOX 29‘s Kelly Rule that Thaduba was headed to work from Cheyney University when she was killed in the crash. Troopers say a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes between exits 19 and 20 struck Thaduba’s car head-on.
Police say the 44-year-old driver who caused the crash was found to be under the influence of alcohol. David Bonilla was allegedly driving against traffic on the northbound side of I-95 early Sunday morning when he crashed head-on into another vehicle.
‘It’s devastating. It’s terrible to hear that, especially when they say he was drunk. It’s hard to understand,” Samuel added.
Bonilla faces several charges, including homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, and recklessly endangering another person. His bail was set at $750,000.
“The university family mourns the loss of this bright young mind taken from us in a tragic car accident. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and all who knew Magdalena. This loss reminds us of the fragility of life and the bonds that connect us all.”
Now, as Thaduba’s father grieves a tremendous loss, he hopes to encourage anyone considering driving under the influence to reconsider. “You are going to take away something very precious from people, from families,” Turay said.
Turay added that the loss of his daughter leaves a huge void in their community and back home in their native Sierra Leone in West Africa. Family members said the “Thaduba Passion Project” supported more than 30 young girls pursuing an education, assisting them with school fees and supplies.
“It’s a big loss to me. It’s a big loss to the family. It’s a big loss to the church. It’s a big loss to the community and even back home where we came from,” Turay said.
Thaduba’s community in Philadelphia is now left to support each other in the wake of her death. Her family has since launched a fundraiser in her name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Turay family and Cheyney University community during this time.
“I’m delighted to welcome Coach Crarey and his family as the newest members of the FAMUly!” said Sykes.
🚨 𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 🚨
Patrick Crarey II has been named the 15th head men's basketball coach at Florida A&M. @CoachCrarey will be officially introduced tomorrow at 2 p.m. on Rattlers+.
— Florida A&M Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@FAMU_MBB) April 17, 2024
“I must thank the dedicated members of the search committee for their diligent efforts in identifying Patrick amidst a pool of interested and talented candidates. During this process, I received countless emails and messages from people who shared that they wanted a winner, and Patrick’s reputation as a winner precedes him. Hook forward to his fresh perspective and the leadership he’ll bring as we usher in a new era for FAMU Men’s Basketball.”
“Rattler Nation, I am humbled and elated to join the FAMUly as the new head coach of the men’s basketball team at the #1 public HBCU, Florida A&M University,” said Crarey. “I am extremely thankful to President Robinson and AD Sykes for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead this program. We look forward to building strong relationships with the student body, faculty, staff, alumni, and the Tallahassee community. Our program is poised to become a perennial contender in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Crarey II comes to Florida A&M after leading St. Thomas University to a 61-27 record, two consecutive NAIA Tournaments, and three straight winning seasons in the three seasons leading the Bobcats.
Crarey led the Bobcats to a 22-9, 10-4 record in 2023-24 and were the Sun Conference Regular Season Champions.
The Bobcats made it to the NAIA Tournament 2nd Round and finished the season ranked 21st in the nation. The Bobcats’ regular season success led to Crarey being named the Sun Conference Coach of the Year. Crarey and the Bobcats saw a league-high five members selected to the All-Conference teams led by Milton Matthews, Josh Taylor, and Cearius Warren on the first team, and Anthony Harris and Jordan Hernandez on the second team.
Matthews was also named to the NAIA All-American 2nd Team.
In 2022-23, Crarey led the Bobcats to a historic season, winning a program-high 26 wins, setting the best home record in program history (15-1), and having the highest finish in program history finishing in the NAIA Round of 16 appearances (as NAIA Division I member).
The veteran coach also set a new single-season program record with his first recruiting class as Fred Mulbah became the first Bobcat with 200 assists and set the record at 241. Dalon Dean and Milton Matthews became the new no-1 and no-2 in 3-point baskets made in a single season in 111 and 100, respectively. The duo are the only two to hit 100 in a single season. The Bobcats had three All-Conference members.
Mulbah and Matthews also notched NAIA All-American Honorable Mention honors.
In Carey’s first season at St. Thomas, the Bobcats led the Sun Conference with four All-Conference selections. Three players from the 2021-22 team, Augustus Stone (Taiwain), Dwayne Russel (Argentina), and Jahsim Floyd (Kosovo), all netted professional contracts.
Crarey comes to St. Thomas after a decade as the men’s basketball coach at Washington Adventist University (MD) and as the Athletic Director at WAU.
During his tenure at Washington Adventist, Carey led the Shock to a National Championship in 2014, was recognized as the conference coach of the year twice (ICAA/2014, All/2017), and set the program record for wins in a single season (23/2020).
Carey also led the Shock to A..I Conference Championship in 2017 Several of Carey’s former players have gone on to play professional basketball in various leagues, including the National Basketball Association – G-League, France, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Kosovo, and Bahrain.
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) voted Tuesday to approve tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year at USG’s 26 public colleges and universities. Systemwide, in-state undergraduate tuition will increase by 2.5%, and out-of-state tuition will increase by 5%.
A new, third level of tuition for out-of-country students will also be established at 2% more than the rate for out-of-state students.
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted today to approve tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year at USG’s 26 public colleges and universities.
This comes as the Board kept tuition flat at all but one USG institution for six of the past eight years. Escalating costs for people, goods and services, increased competition from the private sector for talent, and overall inflation have all contributed to growing pressure on institutional budgets, resulting in Tuesday’s decision.
“USG’s strong commitment to keeping college affordable for students in Georgia has meant average tuition increases for an undergraduate, in-state Georgia student over the past eight years have been less than 1%, well below the rate of inflation.”
The three public HBCUs impacted have a complicated history with USG. The tuition rate increase comes after three Georgia HBCU alumni sued the board and state in October 2023, –alleging USG underfunded the same HBCUs impacted by the increase: Fort Valley State University (FVSU), Savannah State University (SSU), and Albany State University (ASU) for years.
HBCUs are 1890 land-grant Institutions entitled to the same funding as their PWI state counterparts yet, reports show, they have been historically underfunded since inception.
Alumni Martrice Herrington, Marchea Herrington, and Reginald Hunter filed the lawsuit Oct. 24, alleging intentional discrimination against the HBCUs and violation of the 14th Amendment due to the underfunding. FVSU alone was underfunded by $603,156,480 in the past 30 years, according to the lawsuit.
“Separate but equal is not constitutional in the field of education. We’re also suing under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin,” one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, John Moore, told 11alive.com last year.
The lawsuit was filed a month after the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent letters to 16 state governors saying their states owe a collective $12 billion to their HBCUs. State Reps. Sandra Scott, Viola Davis, and Kim Schofield publicly announced their support for the Georgia HBCU alumni’s lawsuit.
“Between fiscal years 2011 and 2022, Black land-grant universities alone lost nearly $200 million in resources because states declined to provide matching funds,” said Scott in a press release.
Meanwhile, she said, other land-grant universities were fully funded.
Federal grants that were supposed to go to HBCUs did not go to the designated HBCUs as intended. In 2010, there was a lawsuit just like this one involving the same three HBCUs.
In that lawsuit, the state won, which meant that the courts deemed the state was funding the HBCUs properly. This time around, the case could have a different outcome. Many public HBCUs have gone through the fight in need of more funding.
The 2023 lawsuit stated that ‘publicly available data shows FVSU missed out on over $603 million in funding from Georgia’ from 1987 to 2020. In fiscal year 2007, the University of Georgia (UGA) received almost $350 million from the state. FVSU received almost $20 million; SSU received about $17 million, and ASU received about $20 million.
Among the 16 Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states, Georgia is the third lowest in average undergraduate tuition and required fees compared to its public peers, according to national data from the College Board. College Board data also ranks USG as the sixth lowest in average tuition and fees compared to its peers across the nation, making USG institutions an excellent value for Georgia students and families.
“Maintaining affordability is one of the highest priorities of the university system and the Board of Regents,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue.
“We are a good deal for Georgians, and we have worked to protect that value, particularly for our Georgia undergraduates as we balance affordability with institutional sustainability and academic quality,’ Perdue continued. “Our institutions face increasing costs to operate, and we must sustain their momentum as some of the best in the nation at helping students succeed on campus and in the workforce.”
The board additionally approved changes to the mandatory fee structure at 20 of USG’s 26 institutions to address the significant growth in the number of students taking classes via fully online course delivery.
The University System of Georgia says the approved structure means fully online students ‘will be charged an online learning fee equivalent to their institution’s technology fee,’ as well as 50% of their institution’s mandatory fees. “This change provides more consistency to the institutional fees for all students. Mandatory fees support and enhance campus programming and student-focused activities, technology, and athletic programs – all critical components of the college experience.”
“Student affordability remains a priority of the Board and USG,” the statement read.
“Similar to many Georgia families, institutions are experiencing rising costs of goods and services including escalating costs for technology, software, food, utilities, and insurance. Labor costs are also escalating. Additionally, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in FY21, the university system sustained a budget reduction of $230 million.”
Tuition rates for each institution may be found here.
“I’m proud to deliver investments to Arkansas that support growth and development as well as improve the quality of life for Natural State residents,” Boozman said.
“Enhancing UAPB’s ability to provide medical training opportunities will benefit students and help address the shortage of healthcare providers in communities across our state. I look forward to seeing how a new, technologically advanced facility will serve nursing students and faculty who will, in turn, serve the needs of Arkansas for years to come.”
UAPB Nursing students work in small groups in the UAPB Nursing Department’s simulation lab.
According to UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander, the funding represents a major investment that will improve our educational facilities and equipment for preparing future generations of nurses and addressing the healthcare workforce needs.
“This facility will be a game changer for UAPB,” Alexander said. “The funds will enable us to build a technologically advanced nursing school facility that will strengthen the university’s role in addressing the nursing shortage and developing and growing the health care workforce across our state. On behalf of UAPB, I would like to express our gratitude to Senator Boozman for his commitment to our institution and to this region of the state.”
UAPB offers two program tracks: a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (R.N. to BSN) program for nurses who are already licensed. UAPB Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Andrea Stewart, added that “this investment to construct a new technologically advanced facility will enhance the foundation of the nursing pre-licensure baccalaureate program. Additionally, plans are underway to develop and establish new quality health care programs.”
Dr. Brenda Jacobs, Chair of the UAPB Nursing Department, applauded the funding as a key milestone in her plans to strengthen the program. According to Jacobs, the new funding allows UAPB to build upon prior successes, “There is no doubt that this will allow us to significantly enhance our program and recruit a new generation of talented nursing students.”
The legislation was signed into law on March 23, 2024, as part of funding for health care resources and education, national security, government oversight, and community investments secured for projects across Arkansas.
Alexander said an investment of this magnitude will significantly aid UAPB’s goal of elevating nursing to one of its distinctive signature programs.
“The great impact of this investment will be felt by the state for many years to come. Such a facility will attract quality students, faculty, and staff and enhance the overall quality of the student experience in the new learning environment,” Alexander said.
The Congressional funds follow a major gift of $1.1 million that the nursing program received in late 2022 from CHI St. Vincent, a leading regional health network serving Central and Southwest Arkansas, for faculty development, student support, and a variety of other program enhancements.
UAPB Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement George Cotton pointed to the future as he assessed the award’s impact.
“This level of funding allows UAPB to build a strong case for increased funding in Nursing and STEM. In many ways, this award serves as a catalyst that will attract even greater resources to this great institution.” Cotton stated.
There is something truly special about coffee that is made with passion. It’s the feeling I get as I sit at my desk sipping on a cup of Kaldi’s ‘1867 roast’ blend. For Marcia, coffee is her way of expressing her gratitude to others.
Meet Marcia Cox, a third-generation graduate of an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) and co-owner of Kaldi’s Coffee House and Roastery located in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she personally prepares pastries, tea, and coffee for her customers.
Marcia credits her experience at North Carolina A&T University as being a significant influence in her path to becoming a business owner.
“Attending an HBCU impacted my journey to become a business owner because going to A&T, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and people who had their own side hustles,” Marcia tells us.
“It inspired me to pursue what was once a hobby, –into an actual reality.”
When Marcia heard about the financial and accreditation challenges facing Saint Augustine’s University, — an HBCU based in Raleigh, N.C., she wanted to use her cafe and creativity to help.
“I read a story about St. Aug possibly losing its’ accreditation. As a history major, I wanted to learn more. I did some research and learned more about the issues St. Aug was facing and realized that they were given a provisional period to raise funds to keep them from losing their accreditation permanently. That’s when I decided I would create a special label to raise awareness and give a portion of the proceeds back.”
Marcia recognized that such challenges could be the case for any of our HBCUs.
“Most are only one problem or issue away from the same thing happening to them. I felt it was important to do what I could and create a platform for others to do the same through coffee sales.”
Marcia has created a new coffee blend called “1867”, which is a medium roast with hints of fruit and chocolate. She was inspired to create this blend by St. Augustine’s University, which was established in the same year. Marcia is donating 30% of the sales from this blend to the Falcon Pride Initiative, a fundraising campaign launched last year by the university to help preserve its accreditation and financially support the school.
Kaldi’s website is filled with roasted coffee, teas, baked goods, and merchandise including mugs, shirts, and aprons! The most popular product at the current moment is our St. Augustine’s inspired “1867 Blend”.
Marcia Cox, co-founder of Kaldi’s Coffee House and Roastery
The blend is offered in a 12-ounce medium roast, with your choice of ground or whole-bean coffee. The blend is made using our Ethiopia Yirgacheffe green beans, which are sourced from Genuine Origin.
Kaldi’s also offers two additional HBCU roasts in their coffee collection: the 1891 and 1892 blends inspired by North Carolina A&T University and Winston-Salem State University.
HBCUs nationwide are underfunded by at least $12 million, according to an analysis from the U.S. Department of Education, and many of these historic institutions are in danger of permanently shutting their doors.
“What would be a common cold for a PWI – specifically, loss of enrollment through COVID and still an ongoing issue – is a full-blown pandemic event for most HBCUs.” — Veronica Cox
Marcia’s mom, Veronica Cox, says as a concerned parent, she understands the challenges and how more initiatives like Marcia’s could help address the ongoing financial issues at our HBCUs.”As a parent, an HBCU graduate, and the parent of an HBCU graduate, I sympathize with the SAU students,” Veronica says.
“Our HBCUs are not funded by either the state or through endowments to weather many storms. Many HBCUs struggle to survive in the best of circumstances, with full state budgets and high enrollments. Any hiccups can result in what we’re seeing at St. Aug, in Mississippi and Alabama. I am happy that Marcia is bringing attention to the situation and through her passion, hopefully, inspiring others to do what they can to help as well.”
We spoke with SAU about Marcia’s 1867 initiative and President Marcus Burgess tells us the university couldn’t be more thankful.
“Saint Augustine’s University is deeply grateful for the generous support of Marcia Cox and Kaldi’s Coffee House in donating 30% of ‘1867 blend’ sales to our Falcon Pride Initiative,” President Burgess says. “The outpouring of community support, as we navigate financial challenges and accreditation preservation, is truly heartening. Marcia Cox’s initiative exemplifies the unity and solidarity that continue to uplift and strengthen our institution.”
Marcia says she hopes the initiative will not only bring awareness to the challenges facing St. Augustine’s but will also address financial issues impacting HBCUs nationwide.
“I hope that this initiative will raise more awareness and knowledge about St. Augustine’s University, and in turn more and more people will donate funds or even share my story for more reach.”
“The more people know the more people can help. With other HBCUs that are facing similar financial challenges, I hope that my story inspires the next young entrepreneur to do what they can to help out those universities that may be in need. It is really rewarding work to feel like you play a part in helping a larger cause.”
To keep up with Marcia and help support the 1867 Falcon Coffee initiative, please visit Kaldi’s website and follow her on all the socials below.
Morehouse College, a private, historically black men’s liberal arts (HBCU) college in Atlanta, GA
Historically Black Morehouse Collegein Atlanta has received a $1.6 million grant from federal Community Project Funds to expand the Higher Education Prisons Program, housed in the college’s Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership. The funds will support more classes for incarcerated students and provide greater opportunities for engagement with Morehouse College students and faculty.
Alcorn State University — $6 Million
Alcorn State University, a public historically black land-grant university adjacent to Lorman, Mississippi.
A team of researchers including Dr. Emran Ali from historically Black Alcorn State Universityin Mississippi has received a $6 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Speciality Crop Initiative. The four-year project will focus on lessening the risks posed by common vegetable pests. Other participating institutions are New Mexico State University, the University of Illinois, the University of Florida, the University of Arizona, Texas A&M University, and Rutgers University.
Elizabeth City State University — $500,000
Elizabeth City State University, a public historically Black university in Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Historically Black Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina has received a $500,000 grant to support the university’s Aviation Workforce Development Program, which aims to prepare high school students for careers in aviation. The new funds will support an expanded curriculum and professional development opportunities for teachers.
Southern University and A&M College — $1.5 Million
Southern University and A&M College, a public historically black land-grant university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Historically Black Southern University and A&M Collegein Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have received a $1.5 million grant from the state to fund energy efficiency improvements on campus. The funds will support updates to the John B. Cade Library and the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
Wiley University — $30,000
Wiley University, a private historically black college in Marshall, Texas.
Historically Black Wiley University has received a $30,000 Advancing Religious Pluralism Grant from Interfaith America to further interfaith cooperation and learning on the historic campus. Wiley is the only HBCU (Historically Black College and University) to receive the award.
Congratulations to all the HBCUs for these outstanding contributions!
HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University sailing team, — the only HBCU in the nation with a varsity co-ed sailing program, won its third straight regatta winning the Grant Trophy. With the Pirates finished in the top six they have qualified for next week’s MAISA Conference Championship.
The field consisted of 10 teams racing in the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. Races were canceled on Saturday due to strong gusty winds over 30 knots. Multiple starts were attempted but the winds proved to be too much. However, Sunday’s conditions say average winds of eight knots out of the south.
Hampton’s A division consisted of skipper Tyler Brown and crew Asia Warren. Brown and Warren competed in two races winning the first race but then the skipper went overboard due to the high winds. The team opted to change to a heavier paring with Brown moving to crew and Valerio Palamara becoming the skipper. The Pirates A division won two out of the three reaming races.
The Pirates B division consisting of Stefano Palamara (skipper) and Tommaso Ciaglia (crew) won all five races. Palamara and Ciaglia’s late first-place finishes helped Hampton pull away late from Christopher Newport University.
The Grant Trophy was the Pirate’s first home regatta in five years due to Covid and scheduling issues. Hampton Sailing would like to thank the volunteer race committee for all of their hard work this weekend for a great regatta.
Thank you so much for the work of the race committee boat Jonathan Romero, PRO Dave Jennette, Dawn Weber, Jacob Raymond, Sarah Raymond John Bowers. Hampton Sailing would also like to thank mark boat crews Malcolm Brady, Gordon Brown, and Dave Hannah along with the on-shore support crew Jennifer Wise and Mary Brown.
The sailing program at Hampton University started in 1995 and remains the first and only HBCU with a varsity co-ed sailing program.
The Pirates will be back in action next weekend at the America Trophy.
Jackson State University has had a player selected in the WNBA Draft for the second time in three years. Angel Jackson was chosen 36th overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the third round of the 2024 WNBA Draft on Monday night.
This marks Jackson State’s second WNBA Draft selection, as former Jackson State star Ameshya Williams-Holliday was drafted in the third round (25th overall) two years ago. Williams-Holliday’s selection made her the first HBCU player in two decades to be picked in the WNBA Draft.
Her scoring saw a slight increase as she averaged 10 points per game to go with 6.8 rebounds and blocked nearly three shots per game as JSU went undefeated in SWAC play, winning the SWAC regular season title for the fifth year in a row.
You have NO IDEA how proud I am!!!! Our 2nd player to get drafted!!! Angel I’m so very proud of you BABY!!! @hooper_angel15 GREAT JOB!!!!!! Go do your thing!! #MYHBCUhttps://t.co/lAn3cDaCpB
Angel Jackson continued to rise to the top of the SWAC after another electric season in her second year with the Jackson State Tigers. Jackson was nationally ranked (NCAA) at No. 10 in blocked shots and 13th in the nation in blocks at the end of the regular season. She made 33 game appearances this season and started in every single one of those matchups.
Jackson led the Tigers and the conference in blocked shots (No. 1) with 74 on the season. Jackson averaged 10.0 points a game.
She has scored a total of 247 points, 172 rebounds, and 71 blocks just this season. She also notched her 1,000th career point finishing her collegiate career with 1,047 points. The former McDonald’s All-American registered 12 double-figure scoring games, five double-figure rebounding games this season, and four double-doubles.
Jackson was named SWAC Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in her career and helped the Tigers to a conference championship title.
The college basketball season has recently ended and a former NBA player, Byron Scott, is interested in becoming a college coach after watching March Madness. Scott, who was a star player for the Los Angeles Lakers during the ‘Showtime’ era in the 1980s, expressed his desire to coach again and mentioned that he would be interested in coaching at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Scott said that watching the NCAA Tournament in recent years has reignited his passion to return to the sidelines.
I got that bug watching the last couple years of March Madness. The passion and love that I have for this game I know I can definitely help a university or an HBCU in the right direction. It’s just something that I love to do. I love teaching, I love mentorship, I love the game of basketball and I know that I still have a lot to give. College is something that I’ve been thinking about the last couple of years and I’d love to have that opportunity,” Scott said.
Scott has had a long career in the NBA, coaching for a total of 17 years – two as an assistant coach and 15 as a head coach. During this time, he served as the head coach for several teams including the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. His last coaching job was with the Lakers during the 2015-16 season. In 2007-2008, Scott was named the NBA coach of the year for his impressive coaching of Chris Paul in New Orleans.
BYRON SCOTT HAS COACHED SEVERAL NBA SUPERSTARS
Other notable players he’s coached include Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, Chris Webber, and Kyrie Irving. But Scott says at 63 years old, he’s ready to give back to the college game. And he seems to have a game plan in place.
“I think the first thing you got to do at the collegiate level, is get a strong assistant crew. You got to have great recruiters as well. Your job as a head coach is to go in there and close the deal. It’s something I can get used to. I’m a people’s person. It’s not a problem for me to go in and talk to parents about their sons and what I think they could possibly achieve at the collegiate level. It’s something that I’m looking forward to and I hope I get the chance to do that,” Scott said.
He left a strong message to any athletic directors who might be listening or reading.
“You’ll be getting a coach that is very passionate about what he does. He’s passionate about the young people and he’s a teacher. He’s driven. So whatever your goals are as an university you might as well up them a little bit because I plan on coming in there and turning the program around.”
Byron Scott began his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1983, playing in LA until the 1992-93 season. He then played two years for the Indiana Pacers and one with the Vancouver Grizzlies, before returning to the Lakers for his final season in 1996-97. Scott played with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal that year and would later coach Bryant.
The Talladega College Gymnastics team has made history once again with their remarkable victory at the USA Gymnastics Nationals!
Krystin Johnson’s awe-inspiring performance in the vault has earned her the prestigious title and the honor of being the first-ever gymnast from an HBCU in Alabama to do so.
“Competition breeds excellence, and Kyrstin’s victory on the vault at the national level is a testament to her dedication, skill, and unwavering determination,” said Aja Sims-Fletcher, Talladega gymnastics coach, after Johnson’s victory.
Woo Hooooooo!!! I am the 2024 National Vault Champion!! I also tied for 2nd on Floor! I could not have asked or even dreamed of this type of season. I'M ONLY A FRESHIE!!! 😂 Thank you coach @asims_fletcher, coach @Wendy Carey and coach @Zan Jones. TC!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/YNFuwZbx0T
“Her accomplishment is not just a win for her but a celebration of the countless hours of hard work and sacrifice she put into her craft.” –Aja Sims-Fletcher
She scored 9.875 in the finals, which allowed her to jump from second place to first, beating Kaitlyn Holland from Texas Women’s College and Sydney Beers from Cornell.
Johnson’s achievement is particularly significant because she is the first-ever commitment to Talladega’s Gymnastics program.
She also placed second in the floor exercise (9.8625) on Sunday and third in Friday’s All-Around event (39.05), earning First Team All-America in all four events. Her performance was remarkable and inspiring, especially for other HBCU athletes.
She is the second HBCU collegiate national champion, following in the footsteps of Fisk’s Morgan Price, who won the All-Around event.
The successful showing at the USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships caps a successful inaugural season for Talladega College gymnastics, which saw eight-team competitions throughout the season, including competing in Southeastern Conference arenas at the University of Alabama, Auburn University and the University of Florida.
Morgan Price has made history by becoming the first athlete from a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) team to win a national collegiate championship in gymnastics.
Price represented Fisk University at the USA Gymnastics’ 2024 Women’s Collegiate National Championships in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on Friday. With an impressive all-around score of 39.225, Price secured the title and was announced as “the first USAG Collegiate National Champion from an HBCU” by USA Gymnastics.
Morgan Price of @FiskUGymnastics is the 2024 USAG Women’s Collegiate All-Around National Champion!
With a score of 39.225, she becomes the first USAG Collegiate National Champion from an HBCU!
The journey of the gymnast to achieve this historic victory started when she became a part of the first HBCU intercollegiate gymnastics team at Fisk University in 2023, immediately after graduating from high school. Originally planning to attend Arkansas, Price switched to Fisk to become one of the first gymnasts to represent an HBCU in competitions.
Price’s victory in the USA Gymnastics women’s collegiate all-around competition is an important moment for both the sport and Fisk University. Fisk was the first HBCU to introduce an NCAA gymnastics team, and since then, the team has gained widespread attention, competing on platforms such as ESPN and selling out meets. This marks a significant milestone for HBCU athletics.
“Ever since I was younger, I have always wanted to be an HBCU gymnast,” Price told Sports Illustrated in 2022. “I just never had the opportunity because there wasn’t an HBCU with the gymnastics team. So when I saw this opportunity come up, I was super excited.”
“I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of this team.”
Following Price’s historic win, her team celebrated with a social media post saying, “THE PRICE IS RIGHT. Etch her name in the HISTORY BOOKS.”
GREENSBORO, N.C. — A North Carolina family is mourning the loss of their youngest daughter after she was killed in a deadly hit-and-run over the weekend.
Xiomara Moore, 21, a North Carolina A&T student died from a hit-and-run crash on N. Elm Street and E. Friendly Avenue on April 13, according to the Greensboro Police Department.
Around 5 a.m. on Saturday, police were called to the intersection in regards to a crash. Police said despite “advanced life-saving efforts,” NC A&T junior, Xiomara Moore, 21, died on the scene from her injuries.
The driver was not on the scene of the crash, police said. There is an active search to locate the driver. The crash is in the early stages of the investigation, according to police.
NC A&T released the following statement regarding the death:
“We regret to inform you that North Carolina A&T student Xiomara M. Moore, 21, from Gastonia, North Carolina, died today, April 13. Xiomara was a junior majoring in health science management in the Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences.Xiomara’s death is a great loss to the university community and to all who knew her. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences are with her family and friends.“
Xiomara grew up in Gastonia and was a junior at North Carolina A&T. Moore’s cousin, Layson Brown says that Xiomara was more than just a student, but “a loving, caring, and godly person.”
Her mother, Carona Moore, said she is relying on faith as she grieves the loss of her only daughter. “She would have been graduating next year 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in health management and a minor in psychology, so I was very proud of her,” she said.
Brown tells us that Moore’s funeral will be this Saturday, April 20th, at 2 pm.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Moore’s family and the NCAT community during this time.
Howard University freshman Mohamed Samura smiles for a photo during his high school graduation. (Family photo)
(The Hilltop) — Mohamed Samura, a Howard University freshman computer information systems major from Fredericksburg, Virginia, died early Monday morningafter being struck by a car last week in front of Cook Hall, according to the university and a family member.
Samura, 18, was hit by a faculty member driving a car at a high rate of speed on the 2700 block of 6th Street NW on April 11, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The student was admitted to the Howard University Hospital (HUH) shortly thereafter with serious injuries, MPD said.
According to an MPD press release, the faculty member’s car struck a parked vehicle and “failed to negotiate the left turn onto Fairmont Street,” which resulted in the car mounting a curb and hitting Samura. The faculty member was also transported to HUH for minor injuries.
MPD detectives are still investigating the traffic crash that resulted in Samura’s death. Hawa Senesie, Samura’s cousin, said she was first notified of the incidentThursday evening by Samura’s parents. Senesie said Samura was rushed to the Howard University Hospital emergency room with a broken leg and underwent multiple surgeries.
“The media literally portrayed it as, it was just a hit, that both of the victims were in the hospital recovering because it said minor injuries,” she said. “There were no minor injuries.”
Senesie said that the information disclosed about the accident by the university did not accurately represent the circumstances of Samura’s injuries.
The Howard University Office of Communications declined to comment on the details of Samura’s hospitalization or the status of his injuries after he arrived at the hospital.
Statement by Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., shared earlier today with the Howard University community on the passing of student Mohamed Samura. pic.twitter.com/WPdiL8unAB
When describing her cousin, Senesie said he was “an angel.” “Mohamed was literally a gentleman. He was a straight-A student,” Senesie said. “He literally lights up a room.”
In a statement to the Howard University community, President Ben Vinson III said, “I extend our profound condolences and prayers to his family, friends, classmates, and instructors, during this difficult time. May they find solace in the cherished moments shared with Mohamed.”
In a combined HUSA and Undergraduate Student Assembly statement to The Hilltop, the organizations said that they would “defer distribution of Springfest tickets until further notice” for the Friday afternoon concert out of respect for the student’s death.
“This decision reflects our commitment to honoring the memory of our fellow Bison during this period of reflection and remembrance,” the statement continued.
Samura was a member of Howard’s Esports team and a School of Business Dean’s list recipient. At 6 p.m. Monday on the Yard, students, faculty, and administrators came together to pay homage to Samura.
A member of Samura’s family created a GoFundMe with a fundraising goal of $15,000 in his name to support the “homegoing cost.”
“Mo’s smile will never be forgotten and we will keep his name alive forever. He was loved by us all and our hearts are filled with the sweet memories he left behind,” the page says. “Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we remember our baby boy, Mo.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Samura’s family and the Howard community during this time.
With their unique style and show-stopping performances, HBCU cheerleading is indeed in a class of its own!
At the 2024 NCA College Nationals this past weekend, HBCU cheer squads stole the show on the biggest stage in collegiate cheerleading, –taking home multiple national championships and achieving top finishes. The energy and excitement that these talented athletes brought to the competition was truly unmatched.
It’s no wonder that HBCU cheerleading has become so renowned and respected throughout the world of cheerleading.
Check out these three HBCUs who took home NCA National Titles!
North Carolina A&T State University – 2024 NCA College National Champions!
North Carolina A&T was the 2024 NCA College National Champions in the Intermediate Small Coed Division l group. Edging out Stephen F. Austin with a final score of 88.3, 0.25, 97.6412.
Jackson State finished fifth in this same group with a final tally of 85.4667, 0.25, 94.3681. Tennessee State was the other HBCU squad in the Intermediate Small Coed Division l group, finishing in 11th place.
Morgan State Cheer Bears – Second Place All-Girl Intermediate Division Finals!
The Morgan State Cheer Bears finished second in the All-Girl Intermediate Division finals with a score of 86.10 finishing just behind California Baptist University who finished with a score of 86.80.
“Since the Cheer Bears finished second after Day 1, ultimately we knew we were within reach of that first place position,” said Morgan State Cheer head coach Theresa Coleman-Gibson in an article from Morgan State Athletics. “Coach Quis (Marquis Johnson) made adjustments to the routine and had the ladies make some necessary corrections which brought us closer to that dream. Despite our team leaving everything they had on the mat, California Baptist was able to narrowly edge us out.”
“Coach Quis and I are both so pleased with how the ladies performed while they were here,” said Gibson. “The majority of the team are rookie Cheer Bears, and coupled with our returners, they gave us the best that could be given at this year’s NCA College Nationals.”
“We are extremely proud of them and are anxiously anticipating a first-place finish next year.”
Xavier University of Louisiana – Advanced Large Coed NAIA Winners!
The Gold won the 2022 NAIA championship and became the first XULA team in any sport to win an NAIA-sponsored national title. XULA’s head coach Glenn Caston, who has been coaching the team since the program attained varsity status picks up his ninth national title. He coached New Orleans high school teams that won a combined seven national championships in the NCA.
“What a wonderful way to end our season,” Caston said. “The resilience and determination that this team has shown is unmatched. This team will never be assembled again, yet it will motivate all future XULA cheerleaders to keep striving for excellence.”
