GREENSBORO, NC — The spring 2016 HBCUgrow LEAD Conference, on the campus of Bennett College, featured North Carolina Senator Gladys Robinson, who spoke about the many faces of Jim Crow and how HBCUs can thrive in the 2016 political landscape. “Jim Crow has many faces, not only police brutality but injustice at the levels that denies food stamps for the hungry, housing for the homeless and access to higher education for our young people,” said Robinson.  The senator also highlighted several ways that HBCUs can sustain their momentum.  She encouraged HBCU leaders to focus on fundraising, sustainable endowments and achieving strong alumni giving.  She ended her address by issuing a challenge to the audience. “I encourage you to remember how you felt when you got that baccalaureate degree from an HBCU, and then I want you to go out and lift your hands and voices so that students that attend HBCUs can feel the same way,” she said.

The conference was designed to provide HBCUs with best practices in attracting prospective students, talented faculty, and donors.  Also, the conference recognized excellence at HBCUs. The HBCUgrow  2016 Gold Award winners were:  Shaw University for LEAD website,” Florida A&M University for LEAD marketing and the President of Shaw University, Tashni-Ann Dubroy for the “Best Leadership.”

Bennett College President Rosalind Fuse-Hall delivered the keynote address for the luncheon dispelling the notion that higher education is no longer the key to opportunity. “Americans are being constantly told that we are weighing students down with excessive debt, they can’t graduate timely, and we don’t really need that many people that are well educated -- we just need a few people with a few certifications to do certain things.  We know that this is not the case,” said Fuse-Hall.”  She also discussed the importance of student enrollment, fiscal stability, fundraising, budgeting, leveraging facilities, and having a better understanding of the dynamics of governing boards.

HBCUgrow is a consortium dedicated to helping HBCUs grow enrollment and alumni giving, and tackle the changing landscape of marketing challenges. HBCUgrow helps by offering a community of like-minded professionals sharing knowledge and inspiring HBCUs to grow. The group organizes conferences and events on topics such as enrollment management, alumni engagement, and marketing. To learn more, visit www.hbcugrow.com or join the HBCUgrow group on LinkedIn.

College leaders attending the HBCUgrow LEAD Conference were (left to right): and President of Shaw University Tashni-Ann Dubroy; Bennett College President Rosalind Fuse-Hall; Dr. Debra Saunders-White, chancellor at North Carolina Central University; and Dr. Larry Czarda, president at Greensboro College.

From left to right are: Jeanne Frazer, president of Vitalink, one of the Founding Partners of HBCUgrow; Anthony Brooks, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Shaw University; N.C. Senator Gladys Robinson; Bennett College Senior Cymone Baker; David Hoard, president of DHT & Associates and an HBCUgrow Advisory Board member; Audrey Franklin, executive director of Alumnae Relations at Bennett College; and Dr. Kim Long, associate provost for Administration at Wiley College.

 New Program Aims to Widen the Pipeline to Engineering Careers from HBCUs

Chairman Neville receives the 2 million dollar check on stage from Northrop Grumman Corporate Vice President, Darryl M Fraser. (Image: Grant Martin)

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Northrop Grumman Foundation and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) have launched a three-year, $2-million program designed to expand the nation’s engineering workforce through a partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Northrop Grumman Corporation/NSBE Integrated Pipeline Program, funded by the Northrop Grumman Foundation, will provide 72 engineering students with $8,000 scholarship grants, internships with Northrop Grumman and year-round academic and professional development support. The program’s three HBCU partners — Florida A&M University, Howard University and North Carolina A&T State University — will receive grants, technical assistance and a package of programs researched and managed by NSBE, to increase their already high capacity to recruit, retain and graduate engineers. NSBE is one of the largest student-governed professional societies based in the United States.

Executives of the Northrop Grumman Foundation and Northrop Grumman Corporation presented the $2-million grant to NSBE’s National Executive Board on March 26, during NSBE’s 42nd Annual Convention in Boston, Mass. The presidents of the NSBE chapters at Florida A&M, Howard and North Carolina A&T also joined the presentation. The convention drew more than 11,000 attendees to address the theme “Engineering a Cultural Change.” NSBE’s more than 31,000 members are dedicated to the Society’s mission: “to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”

“Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation are committed to helping improve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to ensure a future workforce that can protect our nation and maintain our global leadership,” said Sandra Evers-Manly, Northrop Grumman vice president, global corporate responsibility and president of the Northrop Grumman Foundation.  “Our partnership with NSBE will help us achieve that goal and develop the pipeline of diverse talent that is so important to our company and our society’s future.”

“Our sincere thanks to the Northrop Grumman Foundation for this generous investment in our mission,” said NSBE National Chair Neville Green. “The student leadership of NSBE is excited about this program’s potential to move us toward the goals of our strategic plan and support HBCUs in the process. Initiatives such as this, with strong strategic partners, will be critical, as we seek to increase the number of African-American bachelor’s degree recipients in engineering from 3,500 to 10,000 annually over the next nine years.”

“We are delighted to receive this endorsement of our work from one of America’s most innovative companies,” said NSBE Executive Director Karl W. Reid, Ed.D. “For years, we have spoken about the vital role that engineering diversity plays in our national economy and national security. Northrop Grumman’s investment in this program illustrates that they understand the need exists and are willing to do something about it. This fact is reflected not only in their longtime support of NSBE but also in the high ratings the company receives from our membership.”

The first cohort of 24 Northrop Grumman Corporation/NSBE scholars will be selected in December, and their participation in the Pipeline Program will be kicked off with a summit meeting in March 2017, during NSBE’s 43rd Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo. Summer internships for the first cohort will begin in May 2017.

It's that time of year again and if it's HBCU football time then it's time for trash-talking and bragging rights. While the winner of the game is determined by the final score, the half-time competition between marching bands is a serious matter. Check out this video of one of Ricky Smiley's most hilarious comedy routines.

To help you get your travel plans in order, check out HBCU Buzz for the list of this year's Homecoming games. I'll save some of you the trouble, FAMU's Homecoming game is October 17 and BCU is October 24. Who are their opponents? It doesn't matter, it's Homecoming! 

Check out page 59 of the September 2015 issue of Ebony magazine for tips on attending your college's Homecoming. The print and digital versions of the magazine feature a picture of a Florida A&M University Marching 100 drummer. Get the HBCU Homecoming spirit!

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The Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association celebrates local 2015 incoming freshmen and chapter scholarship recipients.

New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church 777 NW 85th Street Miami, FL 33150

For more information call (740) 7GO-FAMU. RSVP: gofamu@miamidaderattlers.org

Florida A&M University

Alumni, students, faculty and supporters of Florida A&M University are encouraged to attend, view or listen to the upcoming called meeting of the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees (FAMUBOT). This meeting is crucial as the composition of the FAMUBOT has changed recently, and there will be an election of its Board Chair and Vice Chair. Many FAMUans and FAMU supporters think this election may give Gov. Scott total control of the FAMUBOT.

The meeting, scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2015 in the Grand Ballroom of Florida A&M University, will be webcast at http://www.famu.edu/famcast and also available via Internet radio at WANM 90.5. Listen online or via TuneIn on your smartphone.

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Legacy Magazine Honors Florida A&M University Drum Majors at the Miami Herald Black Heritage Celebration on February 27, 2015. From left, BeMo (Kevin Moyd); TC(Kenneth Harris) and Turk (Willie Hayward) show they still got it!

The marching band holds unparallelled significance in the culture of Historically-Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. Unlike athletics, the marching bands at HBCUs were not crippled by the siphoning of talent to Predominantly-White Institutions (PWIs) after integration became the law of the land. The Marching Band is frequently the subject of many lively discussions and longstanding rivalries between HBCUs.

Back in the day, Drum Majors, the leaders of the marching band, were superstars among their schoolmates and idolized by high school bandsmen who dreamed of being in their position one day. The drum majors at FAMU and any other HBCU were well-respected student leaders. Members of the marching band are frequently the most visible ambassadors of their school and the Drum Majors are the leaders of that very important group.

Thank you to Legacy Magazine and The Miami Herald for honoring these gentlemen and acknowledging their contribution to African-American culture.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Kwanzaa!!! On December 27th, the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association and friends will celebrate their 25th year of Kwanzaa via the Mary Williams Woodard Legacy Kwanzaa Celebration. This year’s theme is “Practicing the Culture of Kwanzaa: Living the Seven Principles”

President Clinton campaigns for Gov. Charlie Crist in Miami-Dade County. FILE photo: Florida Politics

This is the weekend after Labor Day, school has started and one would think our schedules allowed us more breathing room but that is not the case. This is a super busy weekend and that can be measured by the number of places Gov. Charlie Crist visits as he continues to unleash his historic re-election campaign. Crist, a Republican turned Independent and now Democrat could become the first person to hold the top elected position in the State of Florida as a Republican and a Democrat. The Crist Campaign has brought out the really big guns in the person of President William Jefferson Clinton so let’s hope that motivates eligible voters to register and registered voters to get out and vote.  

One of the largest high school football games will be played tonight at Traz Powell Stadium as the Booker T. Washington Tornadoes take on the Miami Central Rockets. Traz Powell is far too small a venue for a game with such a large fan base; SunLife Stadium is too large and FIU Stadium is too far in distance. Too bad that wasn’t considered prior to the demolition of the Orange Bowl or perhaps it was and the powers that be didn’t give a hoot about how inner-city black communities would be impacted.

By the way, the football game tickets with Miami misspelled, really should not have been sold. Mistakes can happen but that’s why there should be quality control procedures in place to catch items are made available for the public. I could go on and on about how this mistake results in derogatory comments about black schools but I think you get my point. One little misspelled might not seem like a big deal but it is.   

The Florida A&M University Rattlers play the University of Miami Hurricanes Saturday night at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens. Since FAMU no longer presents the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami, when the team is here to play, the game results in a big celebration by local FAMU alumni and supporters. Several FAMU students from the Miami area will travel back home for the experience.  

There are several activities included on the list of official list of Florida A&M University-sanctioned events for this weekend: 

Friday, September 5

8PM - Set Fridays II - An evening of networking and music with DJ and FAMU alum “Ed the World Famous,” Fate Lounge - Gulfstream Park, 601 Silks Run, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. Admission - $20. Presented by the Miami-Dade Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association. 

Scholarship Gala featuring FAMU President Dr. Elmira Mangum, Hyatt Regency Hotel, 400 Southeast Second Avenue, Miami, FL 33131, Admission - $85. Presented by the Gold Coast Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association.

Saturday, September 6

9AM - Scholarship & Recruitment Workshop, Featuring Florida A&M University President Dr. Elmira Mangum, the famous performing troup, FAMU Connection, and FAMU student leaders. Scholarships will be awarded on the spot! The Historic Lyric Theater, 819 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, Admission - FREE. Presented by Florida A&M University in partnership with the Miami-Dade Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association. 

Noon - Rattlers Strike in the Gardens - Join the Rattlers before the FAMU/UM football game for an afternoon of music, food and fun featuring health and wellness presentations and local vendors. Betty T. Ferguson Recreational complex, 3000 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33056, Admission - FREE or VIP $30. Presented by the City of Miami Gardens and the Miami-Dade Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association.  

7PM - Football Game - Florida A&M Rattlers vs. University of Miami Hurricanes, featuring the halftime performance of the Marching 100. Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL and ESP3. 

Except for the football game, profits from these events will fund scholarships for deserving students at Florida A&M so please support events that support FAMU.  

Journalist, commentator, motivational speaker and author Jeff Johnson and several hundred youth will invade Florida Memorial University on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6, for a South Florida #HacktotheFuture Youth Summit YouthTown Hall Meeting and tech workshops. This is an excellent event for your teen.

Have an awesome and safe weekend!