#hbcu legacy game

[codedsoul]

Part 1

I was all over the place with the recording, but it is what it is.

JSU Performs for the HBCU Legacy Game

[theprophet359]

He’s hoping to create more diversity and inclusion in the shoe business! Dr. D’Wayne Edwards is a veteran shoe designer, getting his start in an entry-level position with LA Gear when he was just 19-years-old, BlackBusiness.com reports. Accumulating more than 50 patents over the course of his 30 years in the business, Edwards has designed more than 500 shoe styles for a host of celebrities including Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Biggie, Michael Jordan and Carmelo Anthony. His designs have been worn in six Olympic games and he is a 3x Mercedes Benz Fashion award winner. He has also received the President’s Volunteer of Service Award from President Barack Obama.  In 2010, Edwards began his career as an educator, eventually converting the only HBCU in Michigan, Lewis College of Business, into the first academy dedicated to footwear design in the nation. He is now the President of Pensole Lewis College (PLC) of Business & Design in Detroit where he works to create diversity and inclusion in the shoe business. In his latest effort, Edwards has now made history, founding the Jan Ernst Matzeliger Studio (JEMS), the first ever Black-owned footwear and shoe factory.  JEMS is named for a Black inventor who revolutionized shoe manufacturing with his 1883 patent for the lasting machine. The factory is located in Somersworth, New Hampshire and will be used as a hub for other budding designers of color to produce their own shoes. The factory w...

[90363462]

BET+ Reveal The Season Two Cast Of 'College Hill: Celebrity Edition'

The cat is out of the bag! A new season of College Hill is set to air on BET+ very soon, and this time, some of your favorite celebrities are heading back to campus for a second chance at higher education.

On Tuesday, news broke that Ray J, Amber Rose, Joseline Hernandez, Iman Shumpert, O’Ryan, Kway, Parker McKenna, and Tiffany “New York” Pollard would be joining the season two cast of “College Hill: Celebrity Edition.”

The star-studded class of celebs will live together on campus and co-mingle with existing students at the renowned HBCU Alabama State University. Ray J is returning from the first season, but it will be interesting to see how the R&B singer interacts with his new peers. The gang will experience the joys, highs, and lows of being a full-time college student on campus as they study hard to complete “a rigorous, tailor-made academic certificate program to cross the graduation stage,” a press release noted.

Tracey Edmonds will produce the forthcoming series

Powerhouse TV exec Tracey Edmonds and This Way Out Media will produce for the forthcoming BET+ series, which is set to debut in 2023.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Edmonds Entertainment and This Way Out Media for the second season return of the hit reality series ‘COLLEGE HILL: CELEBRITY EDITION,'” said Tiffany Lea Williams, Executive Vice President of BET Unscripted Programming. “We couldn’t be prouder to film on the campus of HBCU Alabama State University (ASU), which is steeped in a rich legacy of producing academic excellence within the Black community. We have a new class of celebrities ready to hit the books and embrace campus life. This season we are in Montgomery, Alabama, which provides us the unique opportunity to highlight our history and call attention to the importance and power of the community’s role in civic engagement across the country.”

Edmonds, who made waves with her spicy BET drama Games People Play earlier this year, echoed a similar sentiment.

“As the creator of the original franchise, I was so moved by the way both legacy fans and new fans embraced the first season of our ‘COLLEGE HILL: CELEBRITY EDITION’ reboot,” the Edmonds Entertainment CEO said in a statement. “We are honored to be collaborating with ASU and are excited to share more entertaining stories about the richness of the HBCU culture and experience with audiences again this upcoming season.”

This is exciting! Last season, fans got a chance to see NeNe Leakes, Lamar Odom, DreamDoll, and Big Freedia head back to campus for a drama-filled semester, but we certainly weren’t expecting this unique selection of celebs for the second season. We wonder if Jocelyn and New York will bump heads with their strong personalities. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

Will you be watching the second season of “College Hill: Celebrity Edition” when it airs next year?

DON’T MISS…

4 TV Shows That Are Love Letters To Black Sisterhood And Style

The Ultimate Winter TV Guide

[donnadsltwmart]

Something I made of Terrance Howard, better known as "T4" in the world of football.

Howard was a beloved player known for his powerful playing style and commitment to the game.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

May his legacy on the field and his love for the game continue to inspire future generations of players for years to come.

#terrancehoward #terrance #football #34 #alabama #rolltide #alabamafootball #defensiveback #northcarolina #hbcu #cornerback #ridgepoint #cb #universityofalabama

[ear-worthy]

Recapping The Black Effect Podcast Network’s "Thrill of Possibility" Summit

One of the many attributes I admire about podcasting is that the medium offers a louder and more vibrant voice for communities that are not white men. I'm talking African-American, Hispanic, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, women, and neurodivergent, as well as other groups too numerous to record here. 

Television has made some inroads but in fits and starts, such as Reservation Dogs, Black-ish, and even Apple TV's Foundation with its diverse cast. For those White Lives Matters folks, I don't think that having BET (Black Entertainment Television) suffices for representation on TV shows.

Podcasting had a rough start with representation, but it has shown the ability to serve audiences that may be smaller in number but stronger in cultural homogeneity.

For example, The Black Effect Podcast Network is "the first podcast network specifically built for Black listeners, bringing together the most talented and trusted voices in Black culture for critical conversations on social justice, pop culture, and more." Its mission includes: "We’ve curated influential Black voices and tastemakers and will continue to do so as we expand to include not only voices you know but voices you should."

The network is a partnership between Charlamagne and iHeartRadio, created from a vision to amplify, elevate, and empower emerging and established talent. Their stated goal is to "shift the narrative from Black creators signing transactional deals, to instead forming legacy partnerships that build generational wealth while allowing each creative to have an equitable stake in their future."

  Here's a quick recap of The Black Effect Podcast Network’s Thrill of Possibility Summit presented by Nissan(BE) that took place last weekend at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, TN. At the event, The Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio and Nissan welcomed 50 HBCU students from across the country to participate in a STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Math) industry mentorship event featuring professional development and personal success panels, 1:1 career mentorship sessions, informative iHeartMedia and Nissan internship discussions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and notable HBCU alumni.

VIP attendees included:

Conal Byrne, CEO, iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group Charlamagne Tha God, Founder, The Black Effect Podcast Network Dollie S. Bishop, President, The Black Effect Podcast Network Daymond John, American Entrepreneur and Star of ABC Network’s “Shark Tank” John Hope Bryant, CEO, Operation HOPE and Board Member, The Black Effect Podcast Network, Thea Mitchem, Executive Vice President, Programming, iHeartMedia Chandra Vasser, Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Nissan Marisstella Marinkovic, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Nissan Jennifer McMillan, Senior Manager, Quality Strategy Management, Nissan Lanae Williamson, Senior Manager, Multicultural Marketing Strategy, Nissan Danielle Austen, Managing Partner, fluent360 Devi Brown, Host, “Dropping Gems,” The Black Effect Podcast Network, Ellen Wagner, Creative Designer, fluent360 Tiara Simms, HBCU Student and Returning Scholar 

Highlights included:

The “Changing the Game & Elevating” panel discussed strategies for breaking through barriers to progress in the workplace and all areas of life. The panel included Dollie S. Bishop, John Hope Bryant, Daymond John, Danielle Austen and Jennifer McMillan.  

“The Importance of Career Preparation” panel discussed the importance of groundwork, inner self work and career readiness. Moderated by Lanae Williamson, the panel featured Charlamagne Tha God, Devi Brown, Tiara Simms and Ellen Wagner.

Daymond John hosted a surprise live podcast taping of "That Moment with Daymond John" featuring Lanae Williamson, with participation from the HBCU scholars.

National recording artist OWENN gave a special musical performance at the closing party.  You can check the Black Podcast Directory for a more complete list of all Black podcasts. Also, check out TheGrio Black Podcast Network.

[dolph17-blog]

The 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl has laid the foundation and is on the path to becoming more than just an all-star football game showcasing the talents of HBCU seniors and red shirt juniors from around the country. The HBCU Legacy Bowl,In year two of existence,is the brainchild of Black College HOF co-founder and inductee Doug Williams. Williams is the first African American quarterback to start and win both the Super Bowl MVP and championship. His co-founder, James “Shack” Harris,also played collegiate football at Grambling State University under legendary head coach Eddie Robinson. He would become the first black player to start at quarterback in NFL history with the Los Angeles Rams. The young men who attended this years HBCU Legacy Bowl not only had the privilege of meeting Mr. Williams and Mr. Harris but were blessed to be in the presence of Black College Football Hall Of Fame trustees and NFL Hall Of Famers ( Mel Blount, Willie Lanier, Art Shell). They had the opportunity to sit down and gain wisdom and understanding about the rich tradition of HBCU Football and life lessons. The HBCU Legacy Bowl would not be a reality without some very talented,dedicated,intelligent, and hard-working individuals who were not former football coaches or players. Many of this years activities and production can be traced back to HBCU Legacy Bowl Advisory Committee Chair, Ms. Shaneika Dabney-Henderson, the Vice President of Production for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. The HBCU Legacy Board committee bused in over 1500 male and female students for a career fair, with over 100 employers interviewing candidates onsite. It was a great week and event that will only get better.

[hbcus]

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

        HBCU stands for Historically Black College and Universities. These are institutions that were founded to educate and advance black American students. Before the Civil war, there was no institution of higher education for black people. Blacks were not accepted into white universities due to segregation and overall racism. Blacks knew they would never be accepted into the American education system, so they created their own institutions that would cater to the African American needs and allow blacks to accelerate themselves further than the boundaries of racism would allow them to.         The first HBCU named “The Institute for Colored Youth'' wasn't established until 1837 by a man named Richard Humphreys. An HBCU is meant to be a place where black students can further their education without the worry of systemic racism that runs through the majority of the American education system.          HBCUs are located all across the nation and even internationally. Each HBCU brings a different sense of African and African American culture to the daily life of its students. Some of the more well-known HBCUs are Howard University, Spelman College, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and Clark Atlanta University. From soul food Thursdays, to homecoming weekend black culture is prevalent in every HBCUs daily activities.          One of the major differences between a PWI (predominantly white institution) and an HBCU is the representation of black history in education. Most of the American school system and higher learning institutions barely scratch the surface of African American history. We all learn about the general idea of slavery, Martin Luther King Jr, and Rosa Parks, but have you ever heard of Ida B, Wells? Did you know that a woman named Claudette Colvin did the same thing as Rosa Parks, but it was not nationally covered like Rosa because of her dark skin? Did you know that there were black empires and powerful black woman warriors and that all black people were not uncivilized and enslaved in Africa? The American education system does not like to portray the power and legacy of black people in a prestigious way. HBCUs allow black people to learn the true history of their people.        Along with education, HBCUs bring a sense of comfort and culture to their students. As minorities, black students will never be surrounded by as many educated people who look like and share as many common experiences with them as they do at an HBCU. You can walk through an HBCU dorm and see someone getting their hair braided in one room, you keep walking and their girls and boys comfortably sporting durags and bonnets. You can go to the café and eat collard greens and cornbread. You can walk out on the yard and see all the flags from our ancestors' home countries in Africa hanging from the prideful trees. You can go to a football game and hear your favorite song by your favorite black artist. As a black person in America, you will never be more represented anywhere as you will be on a Historically Black College or University's campus.

Works Cited

        Gallardo, Stephanie, and Craig Cotton. “The First HBCU: Remembering The Oldest Black Colleges in the Nation.” HBCU Lifestyle – Black College Living, 27 May 2019, hbculifestyle.com/first-hbcu-in-the-united-states/.

        “Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Higher Education Desegregation.” Home, US Department of Education (ED), 10 Jan. 2020, www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/hq9511.html.

[kicksaddictny]

Florida A&M Athletics and NIKE, Team Up for Six-Year Partnership

According to NIKE

Florida A&M University Athletics announces a six-year partnership with NIKE, Inc. to make Nike its official athletic footwear, apparel and equipment provider. Beginning July 1, 2021, Nike will supply Florida A&M Athletics with footwear, uniforms and apparel, extending a relationship that began more than 20 years ago.

The FAMU men and women’s basketball teams will be outfitted in LeBron James signature-branded uniforms, apparel and footwear, including colorways designed specifically for the university.

"Nike has long supported Florida A&M Athletics, and I’m committed to lifting up HBCU’s, so I was happy I rocked a pair of the PEs in-game and showcased a piece of what’s to come for the men’s and women’s basketball programs,” says James about the shoes he wore during his March 2 home game.

The partnership expands Nike’s focus in deepening its relationships with HBCUs, working together with schools who share a long legacy in developing the next generation of global changemakers. NIKE, Inc. will also support Florida A&M Athletics’ student-athlete development programs, offer internships and coordinate networking opportunities for Florida A&M students.

“Florida A&M has a rich tradition of excellence on the court and field, which not only includes athletic success, but equally important in academics, preparation for future careers and community engagement,” says Sonja Henning, Nike’s VP of League Partnerships for North America. “Through our continued relationship with Florida A&M Athletics, we’ll have the opportunity to partner with some of the country’s preeminent student-athletes and the next generation of leaders.”

As part of Nike’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, Nike increased its HBCU hires from 8 percent in 2019 to 18 percent in 2020 through new partnerships with organizations that include the National Black MBA Association and Reaching Out MBA.

[codedsoul]

Part 3

JSU Performs at HBCU Legacy Bowl

[leftofblack]

Left of Black S11*E2: Derrick E. White and the Legacy of Black College Football

During the time of Jim Crow segregation, HBCU's have nurtured some of the brightest talent to be seen on the football field. From producing intensely competitive student athletes to employing some of the greatest coaches in the game, like the legendary Jake Gaither of Florida A&M University (FAMU), Black colleges have a tradition of putting forth the best of the best. But did integration bring an unfair advantage to PWI's (pre-dominantly white institutions) who then started recruiting Black talent away from the HBCU teams? Prof. Neal sat down with University of Kentucky Professor of History Derrick E. White on his latest book, Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Jake Gaither, Florida A&M, and the History of Black College Football, to discuss. Purchase Prof. White's book here: https://uncpress.org/book/97814696524...

Left of Black is a web series featuring interviews with Black Studies scholars created and hosted by James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of African and African American Studies Mark Anthony Neal and produced by the John Hope  Franklin Humanities Institute at Duke University

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ENTERTAINMENT

STYLE

CULTURE

LIFE

VIDEOS

MIDTERMS 2022

HBCU HOMECOMING

EBONY X BLOOMBERG EQUALITY

LEGACY LEADERS

COOLEST BLACK FAMILY

POWER 100

FASHION , GALLERY , STYLE

THE BLOCK IS HOT: HOWARD HOMECOMING 2022

Image: Nyki Elle.

By Victor Qunnuell Vaughns,Jr.  | October 27, 2022

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To close out HBCU homecoming style season, it required us to save the best for last. No matter the yard, when you plan to return to campus, you have to bring your A-game. Attendees at Howard University's 2022 Homecoming weekend must've aced their personal style courses because each and every person did not miss. When it comes to pulling together dope fits, Howard has it down. 

As some of your favorite style icons and creatives are HU Bisons themselves, we decided to showcase their unique individuality this past weekend. Bordering the lines of preppy chic and sleek streetwear, participants were fully prepared to stunt, whether for the 'gram, an old bae or on their haters. Some found new ways to wear Howard sweaters and merch either by styling over-the-shoulder looks or adding a little touch of DIY realness. From varsity jackets to tri-color cargos to denim on denim, Howard University homecoming style too cool for school.

Photographer Nyki Elle stepped foot on HU's campus to check out who flexed the hardest during the university's homecoming weekend. See yourself in the exclusive visual gallery below. Get into the looks and let us know your favorite! 

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HBCU HOMECOMING

HOWARD HOMECOMING

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

EBONY

STYLE

[simplelittlebrowngirljae]

What being a black student at a PWI taught me

I grew up in working class family. My father was in the military and my mother was a civil servant. Neither had went to college, but they did have job training. My sister was a first generation college student of our immediate household, although I had an aunt who had her PhD and her daughter had gone to college and had her Master’s and was officer in the Air Force, we didn’t speak much about college in my family until it was time for my sister to graduate. I went along on college tours, financial aid nights and many other things associated with getting ready for the college experience. It was very exciting to see what this was all about because this was not anything we had ever experienced. My mother became ultra-educated and an advocate for my sister and wanted to get the most for our dollar and the best experience possible for my sister’s college years. My sister ultimately landed on attending Norfolk State University, and urban Historically Black College and University or HBCU for short. She also received a prestigious scholarship. When the time came, we dropped her off the short 30 minute drive and wished her well. She came home virtually every weekend or we went over there to attend events and football games and I got to see what it was like to be in college too. And I learned what things I wanted in a school and started to think about if I even wanted to attend college.

College was a foreign concept because many of my peers came from these legacies of college graduates from specific schools and that is all the spoke about, even when I was in middle school. They pretty much already knew where they were going because their parents graduated from a specific school, and their grandparents graduated from there and their great grandparents graduated as well. I was not so lucky and had to do so much research about degree programs and campuses and what I actually wanted in a school because well, college just didn’t run in my family like that. While yes my sister went to college, and I had an aunt and a cousin who attended school, we just didn’t openly discuss life after high school except that you had 3 options: get a job, go to school or join the military. I knew I couldn’t join the military because I was flat footed and had asthma so it was get a job or go to school. If I wanted any type of future, I was told going to school was the path I should take. So I started exploring colleges and then I took the SAT’s and ACT’s and school brochures started flooding my mailbox. I started making a list of schools I wanted to see because of what they offered. I attended local alumni events of schools to chat with past students and get a feel if that school could be for me.

The summer before my senior year I took a road trip to visit several schools in South Carolina and North Carolina. I loved them but then my mom broke my heart and told me if I go too far away from home I wouldn’t be able to come home like I want. So I started to factor distance into my choices. As my senior year began, I started looking at schools close to home and there was one school in particular that was just AMAZING and I fell in love with. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) was just different. It was in an urban setting and just yelled ‘’Hello Opportunities”. I went to the campus many times, worked hard and applied. I received acceptance letters from so many schools and waited anxiously for my decision from VCU. The day it came I was beyond elated I almost hit the roof! I was ready to start this next chapter of my life.

Now, I applied to a variety of schools, to include HBCUs and PWIs or Predominantly White Institutions. I didn’t even think about if a school was an HBCU or a PWI. I just applied based on how their programs ranked. I wanted a good education. And honestly when counselors were working with us, that did not even come up and my counselor was black and graduated from an HBCU. So why does it matter? I will tell you why. In this day in age, it is almost as if you are judged about your blackness by where you went to college or the things you did while in college. HBCUs do provide a very unique experience and are the pillar of the black community, I will say that. There is a magic and wonder that is unparalleled, especially at their sporting events and homecomings. I will say I did not have that where I attended college. And HBCUs were there when White schools would not allow us to attend. I respect them. However, it was not for me. I visited several and did not feel at home. When I walked on VCU’s campus I felt at home. And that is why I chose to attend. But because I chose to attend a PWI does not mean I do not support HBCUs. I 100% do. And because I did not attend an HBCU does not mean I am any less of a black person. I am still very black, please remember that. I have been made fun of and criticized for my choices, or told I am not really black because I went to a PWI and didn’t pledge as well ( meaning join a black sorority during my time there. That is not true either. Newsflash: you can attend a PWI and be black and not join a sorority or fraternity and maintain your blackness. My choice to attend was to grow myself and learn things and well, all of that happened. Let me share what I learned during my 4 years there:

 1. I can hold a diverse conversation- While at VCU, I came across some unique individuals. And for that reason I have had to adapt and adjust my conversations and ways of talking to many situations. I am grateful to have been in an environment that allowed to experience such because it has made me more aware of the population I am engaging with and tune into sensitive to topics of conversation, in addition forcing me listen to understand and not just respond.

 2. I am very cultured – VCU is one the most diverse schools in the world. We actually have a campus in Qatar! We have so many countries represented it is just overwhelming! I remember checking into my dorm and seeing people from India, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Laos, Israel, Nigeria, Puerto Rico among other countries and it just blew my mind. Where I am from, we had some diversity, but nothing as rich as this! With so many diverse cultures I learned about different traditions, their food and other great things. Around campus we had food from these different cultures as well. I remember tasting Indian food for the first time, and then Thai and then Venezuelan. It was like “whooooaaa… what have I been missing my whole life?!?!”

 3. I know how to network- now, not saying I would not learn this at an HBCU but I had many an opportunity to attend so many events at the State Capital and with other officials which has made me learn to network and engage with others. These opportunities have been unparalleled and I am beyond grateful to have attended this institution and to have had mentors who worked hard to present these opportunities to us students.

 4. I have refined my public speaking skills- this is self-explanatory. I had to give umpteenth presentations and take God knows how many classes on public speaking, but I am thankful for the rigorous curriculum that was provided to me that made me refine these skills. With my public speaking skills also came great research skills so I am grateful for that as well.

 5. I learned about topics I would have never imagined to include veganism, Islam, Celiac’s disease, and various holidays- this is pretty self-explanatory. Being around so much diversity and around many unique persons allowed me to learn about many different things. So many things I had not been exposed to and I was beyond thankful to have been in an environment to learn, experience and understand.

 6. I met my best friend who is from a totally different county and culture than myself- my best friend is form Sudan and is Muslim. She has taught me so much it’s unreal. Like I learned about different foods, about Africa, about Islam, the Quran, and not just learned about these things but have developed a strong respect from African culture and Islamic culture. She is one of the best things to happen to me and I swear I learn so many things from her every day…yes you read that correctly, I learn something new daily from her.

 7. I was presented with many opportunities to travel and participate in conferences and events- many of my professors belonged to many organizations and would speak at many conferences, they would have spaces available to take us to conferences with them and we would get credit for it! So I was able to travel to several conferences and meet amazing people and learn about various career paths and how to integrate what we were learning into the real world. All of that was invaluable.

 8. I learned it is okay to ask for help – this was a big one. I found myself in many a situation where things were not going as planned and I was epically failing. And my pride would not let me ask for help. But then things got so bad to where I had no choice. The crazy thing is, I should have asked for help sooner because I would have been better off. Like, those who were providing the help were more than kind and more than gracious and wanted to help. So the moral of the situation, don’t let your pride stand in the way of you getting what you need.

 9. I learned that therapy is great and not a bad thing- in Black culture, therapy is shunned. And we often suffer in silence. I was very stressed out one semester and it came out as anger. So I went to the Student Counseling Center and go help. It was the best thing I ever did. At VCU, they publicize and encourage students to use counseling services. It is a beautiful thing. Never feel ashamed of needing therapy. It is there to help you, not harm you.

 10. I learned a lot about poverty and its effect on communities and America- VCU is an urban campus. The downfall of that is that there is a large homeless population that roams around the campus. Many of these persons have mental illness, and in a few of my courses we learned about whey people are homeless and how the resources for those with mental illness are almost nonexistent once they are discharged from inpatient care. We also learned how community mental health is a joke as well and many families often disown their family members who have mental illness because it becomes too much. We also learned that there are some homeless people who are actually not homeless and who have a lot of money and who just sit on the corner asking for money for fun. It was quite interesting to learn about such. On the flip side of all that we learned about the ‘working poor’ which are folks who may be working and barely providing for themselves but they live in substandard housing but cannot afford much else. We learned about the implications of such on public health and it taught me so much and guided my whole career essentially. Because of where VCU is located we actually got hands on service learning in such topics and it made our education worthwhile.

 11. I learned about drugs, alcohol, their distribution and economic impact in society – so many men would hang out on campus during the day trying to pick up women. And the sad part is, many were drug dealers and these young innocent girls did not know. After a while one would pick up on such, however we wouldn’t engage them to the point of a relationship. I would say I would engage theme enough to learn about drugs, and how they system worked and that was enough. Ladies, just know everything that glitters isn’t gold and you should respect yourself enough to walk away from situations. Know better, do better.

 12. I learned that self-care is imperative – we all take on so many things and it can get overwhelming. I learned in my 4 years it is essential to take breaks and set boundaries in order to protect your peace. People may get mad but you cannot pour from an empty bucket.

 13. I learned it is okay to not have it all figured out- college is supposed to be the best time of your life. However, as you get closer to graduation things get a bit scary. And there are some people who expect you to have it figured out. Well guess what, it is okay to not have it figured out. VCU had a great internship program and Career Services department. And it was mandatory for me to have a 700 hours of an internship to graduate and go to the Career Center 3 times before I graduated. I learned that it was okay not to have a concrete plan during these times. I learned that sometimes the plan you had will change direction because of circumstances. And that made me feel great.

14. I learned to hold my own- because there were so many races and cultures, I had to hold my own. I had to ensure my voice was heard among the other while still portraying a positive image. I broke stereotypes and learned to outshine others. I learned to be loud without saying a word. Sometimes I was the only black female in a class but I learned to be comfortable with that and how to contribute in my own way. I learned from my professors who looked like me and who didnt look like me and it made me a stronger woman...it molded me to be the woman I am today.

 15. I became comfortable in my own skin- this is the biggest lesson I learned. I have always been judged for how I look and how I talk. I have been called white girl, told I talk white criticized for how I dress among many other things. But being in this unique setting at VCU taught me it was okay to be me. There was nothing wrong with how I dressed or spoke or the music I listened to or any of that. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and all of these things make me who I am. I am no blacker because of my likes and dislikes or how I talk or because of my hobbies. And that alone is worth gold.

 Now, am I saying that I could have only learned these lessons at a PWI? No. But I know that my experiences at my school made me who I am and even made me more comfortable in being a black female in today’s world. I feel more prepared to handle certain situations because of my situations which caused me to learn certain things. My experience was amazing. Now, if giving advice to a young black student trying to choose I would tell them this: explore your options, do your research, pick the school that feels most comfortable to you. It can be an HBCU or a PWI. But don’t ever think that going to a PWI makes you less black. You are black regardless of your choice.

[blackkudos]

Frederick Douglass Patterson

Frederick Douglass Patterson (October 10, 1901 – April 26, 1988) was an American former president of what is now Tuskegee University (1935–1953) and founder of the United Negro College Fund (1944, UNCF). In 1987, President Ronald Reagan awarded Dr. Patterson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. In 1988, he was awarded the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP.

Early life and family

Frederick Douglass Patterson was born on October 10, 1901 in Washington, D.C. to Mamie Lucille and William Ross Patterson. He was named after the great abolitionist and D.C. resident Frederick Douglass. Patterson was orphaned by the age of 2 when both of his parents died from tuberculosis. He then moved in with his sister Bessie, his primary caregiver, who sacrificed to ensure him a good education. She dedicated nearly half her $20 monthly salary to enroll him in the private elementary school of Samuel Huston College (currently Huston-Tillotson College) where his affinity for education quickly shined through. Thelma Dale Perkins, born in 1915, was a niece of his.

Education and his path to academic excellence

By the age of 31, Patterson had attained three educational degrees: a Doctorate degree of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Science degree from Iowa State University (ISU), and a Doctorate of Philosophy from Cornell University.

He studied in the Agriculture Department at the Prairie View Normal and Industrial Institute (now Prairie View A&M University) in Texas. Later, he enrolled at Iowa State College (now Iowa State University or ISU) in the College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1923 and a Master of Science in 1927.

His journey to academic accomplishment was not without its roadblocks. He was the only African American working at the Iowa State College veterinary clinic, where he learned important personal lessons about race and society. In his autobiography, reflecting on the experiences, he writes, "I learned a lesson with regard to race that I never forgot: how people feel about you reflects the way you permit yourself to be treated. If you permit yourself to be treated differently, you are condemned to an unequal relationship." The same year Patterson received his Doctorate from Iowa State College in 1923, the College's first African American student athlete, Jack Trice, died from injuries sustained in a football game.

He earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in 1932 in Veterinary Pathology from Cornell University.

Professional career

Patterson taught veterinary medicine for four years at Virginia State College while serving as the Director of Agriculture. From there, he became head of the veterinary division, then the director of the School of Agriculture at the Tuskegee Institute.

In 1935, at the young age of 33, he had distinguished himself enough to be named the third President of Tuskegee Institute.

At Tuskegee Institute (between 1935-1953), President Patterson was responsible for transforming the Institute into a full-fledged university with graduate programs that exist to this day. Over the course of his Presidency he founded the School of Veterinary Medicine, the Commercial Dietetics program, and spearheaded the University's engineering and commercial aviation programs. All of these programs uniquely situated African Americans and Tuskegee University in a position where they could provide highly skilled interns for prestigious internships in emerging fields.

Legacy

In 1944 founded two institutions which would largely shape his overall legacy: the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University which has graduated approximately 75 percent of the United States' black veterinarians, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) which administers 37 private historically black colleges and universities throughout the United States and administers 10,000 scholarships every year. Today, UNCF has raised over $3.6 billion since its inception in 1944.

Dr. Patterson's leadership won him national recognition and earned him an invitation to serve on President Harry S. Truman's President's Commission on Higher Education from 1946-47. This commission called for an important shift in American college education away from European concepts, and towards equality of opportunity. Important developments flowing historically from this Commission's report were the development of the community college network and the Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Dr. Patterson eventually became a director of the Phelps-Stokes Fund from 1958-1969 where he worked to improve education for youth of all disadvantaged backgrounds. He also founded the nonprofit Robert R. Moton Memorial Institute to improve the recruitment and management processes of HBCUs.

Eventually, Dr. Patterson would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Reagan on June 23, 1987 in recognition of his lifetime of leadership and success in the educational field. He received a Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in 1986.

In honor of the profound impact Dr. Patterson had on college education, especially in the African American community, UNCF established the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI) in 1996. FDPRI is the nation's foremost research institution regarding educational issues facing African Americans from preschool to adulthood. Headquartered in Washington, DC within UNCF headquarters close to Howard University in the Shaw neighborhood of DC, the legacy of Dr. Frederick D. Patterson continues to live on.

Patterson is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

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Geremy Hickbottom, Personnel Gaither Beat Personnel Robinson in 2022 HBCU Legacy Bowl

Geremy Hickbottom, Personnel Gaither Beat Personnel Robinson in 2022 HBCU Legacy Bowl

Personnel Gaither is the inaugural HBCU Legacy Bowl champion. Personnel Gaither defeated Personnel Robinson 22-6 in Saturday’s game at Yulman Stadium in Sleek Orleans. The game…Be taught More

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Photo Essay: Howard University's 2022 Homecoming Reminds Us Why It Is Nicknamed 'The Mecca'

Homecoming season continues to go off with a bang as many prestigious HBCUs show off their school pride. Howard University recently hosted its current students and alumni for a sensational weekend. Known for being the birthplace of several stellar Divine Nine organizations and the standard of excellence through its dynamic roster of talented alumni, Howard University is nothing to play with. 

A "home of excellence in truth and service," Howard University has established an admirable legacy of ingenuity and connection to Black culture. Keeping this same exact energy, the institution brought nothing but impeccable vibes to their homecoming celebration. From panels, day parties, concerts and tailgates, the fun at "The Meccaverse"-themed weekend never stopped for the dedicated alumni. Friends reconnected after time away due the pandemic and caught up with their fellow Bison without skipping a beat. Tentpole events that kicked off during Howard's homecoming included its Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and Yard Fest Concert. 

Although it's debatable about which HBCU truly reps and owns the title of "The Real HU," what's not up for question is that Howard University is one of the greatest HBCUs around. Photographer Nyki Elle took exclusive footage of Howard University's 2022 homecoming festivities on behalf of EBONY. Get a glimpse of just how dope Howard is through the curated visual gallery below. 

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