Congratulations to this years HBCU Ebony Queens!
HBCUPride!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2010-2011 HBCU EBONY QUEENS!
PAUL QUINN COLLEGE TO HOST HBCU TOWN HALL MEETING
DFW Gathers to Discuss the Vital Role of Historically Black Colleges & Universities
Paul Quinn College will host a town hall meeting with Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., Executive Director, White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 in the Grand Lounge of the Cottrell Student Union Building beginning at 7 p.m. The special event will explore some of the most pressing and provocative issues connected to the preservation and revitalization of the nation’s HBCUs.
Dr. Wilson was appointed Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by President Barack Obama in July 2009. He serves as an advisor to the Secretary of Education and works closely with the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs and more than 30 federal agencies that award grants and contracts to HBCUs in support of their operations.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
HBCUPrideNation Rising Stars (Boogatti & Millio)
HBCUPrideNation Rising Star (Boogatti)
The artist “Boogatti” formerly known as Daniel Wayne Bethea Jr., is a 22 year old rap artist who attends NC A&T State University. Boogatti is from Winston-Salem N.C. by way of Greensboro, N.C. Boogatti started creating music in middle school with a friend that influenced him with the motivation and inspiration to put words together with and without a beat. Boogatti has used rapping and his artistry as a hobby, a coping mechanism, and an outlet to express his creativity. Boogatti’s favorite artist is Lil Wayne because of his creativity, dedication, drive to make hits, and because he is one of the hardest working artists in the industry. Some of Boogatti’s other influences in the music industry are T.I., Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Drake, and Eminem because all of these artists have stories from their past and they express it through the music. Boogatti looks forward to doing some collaborations with other local artist in NC and he believes that NC music is evolving to be recognized for its talents and he wants to be a part of getting it to where it needs to be. Boogatti will performing on Aug. 27th, 2010 at SC State University. He this week's HBCUPrideNation rising star! HBCUPride! Contact Info
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Boogatti
Facebook: Boogatti Wayne B.
E-mail: BoogattiMusic@Gmail.com
You can listen to Boogatti's music at http://twiturm.com/3jzju
HBCUPrideNation Rising Star (Millio)
Rea’gon Demillio Hill aka Millio is an American R&B singer and entertainer who attended Winston Salem State University in 2009-2010. Millio started singing at the young age of four and has not stopped singing since. He looked up to artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie wonder, and Brian McKnight. His close friends always heard him say, “I can’t see myself doing anything else, I love to sing”. His passion for music lead him to write his first single “Famous” featuring Beatty. While working on his new mix tape “Bet A Million” that will be released in early July, and a performance on 106&Park in August. Millio has become much in demand to work on outside projects. As a musician, he wants to attain everything that he set out to. Millio wants to inspire people with his music and style and become something that his family and the people that love his music can be proud of. He has recorded with Penthouse, Digizone, Platinum pros, Step Productionz and more. He has a special gift that has a tendency to hook his supporters with his unique vocals and his love for music. What pushes Millio to continue to sing is his passion for songwriting that not only you can dance to but also that people can relate to. His family, friends and the support of Charlotte motivate him. Most believe that Millio will be among the most promising artist we have to date and is the next HBCUPrideNation Rising Star for this week. Millio will be opening at SC State University along with Boogatti on Aug 27th, 2010.Contact
Facebook: MillioMusiic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MillloMusiic
Email: moveinsilence@gmail.com
You can listen to Millio's music at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkUOJbCiEKI
Queens’ Royal Blog (Jordan Riles, Miss Savannah State University 2010-2011)
Dear Subscribers/Readers,On behalf of the entire Queens Coalition comprised of all Queens reigning throughout the Historically Black Colleges & Universities, I would like to express the importance of pride that each individual must instill in the existence of their College and University. When asked, “What is the relevance of the HBCU today?” We must have others realize that the education of African Americans and opportunities for higher education were first provided in these very institutions. They were superbly relevant then, and should never lose their relevancy because they set a foundation for many leaders today. Many freedoms available to us now would not be so without the HBCU. We must still recognize the purpose they first served and continue to honor the administration’s steadfastness.
As for the establishment of the Queen as the chief ambassador of each University, this is a part of tradition that holds such beautiful memory and implements programs to allow students and staff as well as alumni to embrace the greater existence of the University. It’s best when this queen is able to get down and dirty to work for the common good of her peers and those who came before and will come after her time, as a mega mark on the university’s credibility. In addition to that, she can gracefully represent all who are under her governance.
HBCU Pride Nation is an outlet through which students of Historically Black institutions will unify and reaffirm the purpose and importance of their colleges and universities. Together, we will discover, if not share why we first chose to be where we are now and for some of us, our places of attendance came about as a happenstance, but we have worked to make the best of our experiences, especially those of us who are student leaders. Stay tuned for more enlightening information on what this publication has to offer, as well as what you can offer to it.
Sincerely & With Institutional Pride,
Jordan Riles, Miss Savannah State University 2010-2011
Friday, August 6, 2010
Jennifer Langston, Miss North Carolina Central University 2010-2011 (EbonyQueens)
Jennifer Langston, Miss North Carolina Central University 2010-2011 is a senior Psychology major from "The Town of Perfect Water" Richland, NC. Jennifer has a charm about her that will attract any student, administrator, alum, etc. Being granted the opportunity to become Miss NCCU 2010-2011 has been a blessing for Ms. Langston and she is using it to her advantage. Last year, Jennifer won the awards of "Best SGA Personality" and "Outstanding Leadership". Ms. Langston appreciates being given the opportunity to serve as one of the 10 Ebony Queens this year as Miss North Carolina Central University 2010-2011 and she knows that she would not have been here without to grace of God or the support of her family, North Carolina Central University, and others. I hope you enjoy the interview! HBCUPride!A: Being chosen as part of the top 10 to represent North Carolina Central University for Ebony Magazine is truly a blessing. This is an opportunity that I do not take lightly. It felt wonderful I felt like the whole community and campus was involved in this process. The best feeling to me was others reaction after we got the news. My heart was full when they said that they were proud of me.
Q: How do you think your presence in Ebony Magazine will influence African American women nationwide and those that look up to you?
A: I believe that my presence in Ebony Magazine will influence African American women nationwide who look up to me by seeing that being a contribution to your community and advocate for others will take you far.
Q: How does being an Ebony Queen representative influence you to improve your campus and surrounding community?
A: I am influenced to improve my campus and surrounding community as an Ebony Queen because Ebony has granted me the opportunity to get my schools name around the world. To someone who has never heard of North Carolina Central University I will be the first face they see once they open that magazine. I no longer just represent myself but a whole university. A queen is only as strong as her campus and surrounding community. It is my duty to strive for improvement daily and if I don’t then I have strayed away from the true definition of a Campus Queen.
Q: What initiatives do you have planned for the upcoming school year that you believe will be enhanced by your presence in Ebony magazine?
A: My platform is called ACTS (Advancing the community through service). One initiative in particular is called Eagle pride worldwide which will showcase our campus more. Now that I am featured in Ebony it grants me the opportunity to allow people to read about North Carolina Central University and be showcased in a magazine.
Q: What is your ultimate dream? Professionally? Personally?
A: My ultimate dream is to become a counselor psychologist at a university and be a blessing to others. I have hopes of one day becoming a minister. I want to eventually get married and have 3 children.
Q: What would you like to say to your supporters, students, alumni, family, etc?
A: I would like to thank all my supporters!! To all faculty and staff thank you for your support whether you sent an email, offered kind words, or were involved in the video process. Special thank you to Mrs. Love and Mrs. Pervis who came up with the video shoot. I love you ladies so much and you are both phenomenal women. Also thank you to Mayor Bell and Chancellor Nelms for appearing in the video and your support through this whole process. Thank you to all the students who voted and appeared in the video. Thank for also posting face book statuses, tweets, and even making special pictures. You guys are truly amazing and I love how we all came together for our university to make this a reality. To my family, my foundation, thank you guys for your love, support, and prayers. I have family in every state and I love each and every one of them.
The Scott Sister Case (Double Life Sentences for $11 Dollars)
Here are some links that you can read to know more about the case
Scott Sisters blog http://www.freethescottsisters.blogspot.com/
Scott Sister Press release http://www.scribd.com/doc/30178263/Scott-Sisters-Press-Release
Scott Sister flyer
http://www.scribd.com/doc/28847395/Scott-Sisters-Flyer-Black-23-Mar-2010-20 (Front)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/34548313/Flyer-Back (Back of flyer).
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Torrie Burgess (NC A&T SU, Miss SUAB 2010-2011) Pack-A-Backpack Drive!!!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Davril Massey, Mister Historically Black Colleges & Universities 2010-2011
Q: How did it feel to know that you were chosen to be Mister Historically Black Colleges and Universities for the 2010-2011 academic school year? What were your thoughts and emotions when you found out?
A: The competition was held at Lincoln University in Jefferson City Missouri. The other contestants and I were lined across the stage waiting to hear who would win. I was nervous and trying not to sweat so I kept moving a little. I can remember Ms. Williams telling me to relax from her seat at the far right of the auditorium. When they called my name as the winner I believe I felt what pure joy was like. I had worked very hard during the months approaching the competition and felt like winning was truly possible. One funny thing was that the fact that I won didn’t really hit me until a couple days later when I was in the cafeteria and people started cheering. It was a great experience!
Q: What does it mean to be the official male representative of HBCUs around the nation?
A: To be Mr HBCU means that I now have to work even harder to improve myself as a person. I have to not only show persons outsides of the HBCU community that males from our institutions can be productive, but I now have to show males of institutions that we can dream big and do big things.
Q: So how does being the official male representative of HBCU’s influence you to improve your campus and surrounding community?
A: Being the official male representative of HBCU's influences me to reach back and make a difference in the lives of those on my campus and in my community. It influences me to help improve the mindset of certain persons to have pride about them first. After that pride is instilled in them they can then show others how to do the same thing. This will eventually lead us back to culture of people who are proud to be black for the right reasons.
Q: What initiatives do you have planned for the upcoming school year as Mister HBCU and how do you plan on using your position to influence the mindset of our black males in today’s society?
A: My most major commitment is to mentor young black males in my community. I am working on having an active hand with the kings of royal courts of various HBCU’s in developing a program where we/they will take the time to go to different high schools to speak to the students and inspire them to reach their goals and promote higher education. I am planning on attending different events throughout the year that are focused on men to speak and shares ideas of how we can improve ourselves.
Q: How did being Mister Ram prepare you for the task of being Mister Historically Black Colleges and Universities 2010-2011?
A: The name officially changed from Mr. Ram to Mr. Winston-Salem State University in the 2009-2010 academic year. During my reign as Mr. WSSU I remained humble and never forgot that I was there to help my fellow peers even if it were something as small as putting a smile on their face if they were having a bad day. Being Mr. WSSU allowed me the chance to show that I could represent my institution in a positive manner and stay true to myself. These qualities demonstrated that I was ready to move to the next level and represent all HBCU’s.
Q: What is your ultimate dream? Professionally? Personally?
A: My ultimate professional dream is to enter a profession where I can make a positive difference in the lives of others. For example law and/or motivational speaking would give me the platform to help persons who may not know how to handle certain situations, as well as, inspire others to dream and be fearless when doing so. My ultimate dream personally is too travel internationally to explore diverse cultures. I also want to travel to Africa to get a close up view of where my ancestry began.
Q: Do you have a motto that you live by each day? If so what is it and why?
A: At the end 1 Samuel 17:29 David asked the question, “Is there not a cause?” This keeps me going from day to day because I know that there is someone out there who needs to be reached by someone in a positive way. It pushes me to increase knowledge so I can assist others. It reminds me that I as a person and we as a people have not “made it.” So we can never settle and we have to keep reaching new levels as a people.
Q: In regards to African American males what are the 3 top things that you will focus on this year?
A: The first topic I will focus on is that we must receive education whether it be formal or informal because “Ignorance causes Dependence”. So if we do not know a certain thing we should seek the answer diligently. The second topic I will focus on is the ability to change and the power of it. In life we move to certain levels depending on our knowledge, thinking patterns, and hope. If our actions and attitudes do not change according to the levels we reach we will be left behind. The third topic I will focus on is giving back to the community. Once we as men gain knowledge and understand that we must change in life we can then move into our positions as natural leaders. We will be able to lead with integrity, give what we have learned throughout life, and help our communities to reach levels above where we may have gone.
Q: What would you like to say to your supporters, students, alumni, family, etc?
A: I first want to thank God for lining up everything in my life and allowing me to be where I am today. I want to thank all previous Mr. Rams for creating the position and allowing it to grow to where it is today. I have to thank my parents Merv and Pamela Massey along with my two sisters (Tamara McKinney (married) and Letitia Massey) and my brother (Jaron Massey) for love and continued support. I want to thank all of my friends and family from Waxhaw, NC, Winston-Salem State University, and Greater Cleveland Avenue Christian Church for showing love and speaking positive words into my life.
I would like to give a speacial thanks to the beautiful Ms. Dale Williams for everything she has done for me. She always made sure I was ok and had everything I needed to look my best, as well as, be the best king. Thank you for working with me and coaching me to be a winner. May God continue to prosper in all you do!
Kimberley Smith, Miss Bethune Cookman University 2010-2011 (Ebony Queen)
Kimberley Smith, Miss Bethune Cookman University 2010-2011 is a senior majoring in International Studies originally from St. Cathrine, Jamaica and currently residing in Miami, Florida. Kimberley is a queen of humor, grace, elegance, and most of all she is humbled to serve her alma mater as the leading woman. Kim has a passion for people and she lives her life to influence others to know their full potential. Kimberley has a bright future ahead of her and she will let nothing stand in her way of improving the present state of the black community as well as the nation. This was a great interview. Hope you enjoy! HBCUPride!
Q: How did it feel to know that you were chosen as a part of the top 10 to represent your school in this year’s September issue of the Ebony magazine? What were your thoughts and emotions when you found out?
A: I feel truly blessed! It is an honor and privilege to represent my university, to continue the legacy of our founder and publicize the accomplishments of Bethune-Cookman University. When I first found out that I was chosen to be in Ebony I was elated. I was touched to know that I had so many supporters who granted me this wonderful opportunity.
A: I feel truly blessed! It is an honor and privilege to represent my university, to continue the legacy of our founder and publicize the accomplishments of Bethune-Cookman University. When I first found out that I was chosen to be in Ebony I was elated. I was touched to know that I had so many supporters who granted me this wonderful opportunity.
Q: How do you think your presence in Ebony Magazine will influence African American women nationwide and those that look up to you?
A: I want my presence in Ebony Magazine to be impactful. Especially, to young women today because I want them to know you can really do anything you set your mind to! It doesn’t matter where you’re from, YOU determine your future. Too many African American women question themselves and their beauty; beauty comes from within.
Q: How does being an Ebony Queen representative influence you to improve your campus and surrounding community?
A: This influences me to get people to donate back to the institution. Bethune-Cookman University is a private institution; therefore, fundraising is essential. With the exposure of the institution in Ebony Magazine will improve B-CU. Being surrounded by a black community this will help the institution growth also expose me in the community. I love to mentor children and young adults and this might seem little to us but for them it’s like winning the lottery knowing someone who they are looking up to was in a magazine.
Q: What initiatives do you have planned for the upcoming school year that you believe will be enhanced by your presence in Ebony magazine?
A: I believe that recruitment, student empowerment, and internationalizing Bethune-Cookman University are the initiatives that with be enhanced by my presence in Ebony Magazine.
Q: What is your ultimate dream? Professionally? Personally?
A: Professionally, I aspire to become an International lawyer. After doing that for some time; I eventually will build my own law firm beginning in the United States then branding in other countries. As far as my personal life I want to be a mother and a wife. Also, start a non-profit organization for children in underdeveloped countries.
Q:What would you like to say to your supporters, students, alumni, family, etc?
A: I would like to thank you all for your support prayers and commitment towards helping me be featured in Ebony magazine. Your prayers and sincere dedication has allowed me to represent the greatest institution Bethune- Cookman University across the nation. This is an opportunity that I am appreciative of. I love you all and I will continue the legacy of great women around the world. Hail Wildcats!!
View her video submission to Ebony at http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid96391287001?bclid=95768414001&bctid=96230085001
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Adrian Pruett, Miss Howard University 2010-2011 (EbonyQueen)
Adrian Pruett, Miss Howard University 2010-2011 is a senior Music Education major from Atlanta, Georgia who lives her life to uplift others while being a humanitarian for her community.With the support of her university, students, family, and other supporters Adrian was granted the opportunity to represent Howard University in the “HBCU Queens” edition of Jet/Ebony magazine. This is an esteemed honor for Adrian and she understands the significance of her achievement. I was able to have a talk with Adrian about becoming an Ebony Queen of Ebony magazine. The interview is available below. Congrats to Howard University and continue to support Ms. Pruett as your Miss Howard University 2010-2011. HBCUPride!
Q: How did it feel to know that you were chosen as a part of the top 10 to represent your school in this year’s September issue of the Ebony magazine? What were your thoughts and emotions when you found out?
A: My emotions (on the last day of voting in particular) were like a rollercoaster ride. Though the polls had been open for several days, I was unaware until I received an e-mail stating simply, “The polls are closing today.” I freaked out. I was so concerned that I was already too late and that my hard work had been in vain, until I realized that all things are already worked out. My faith has always taught me that what shall be shall be and that God has placed instrumental people in my life for a reason. With a new sense of determination, I set out to email and call everyone I know. Using social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, I got the word out to my student body. I was amazed at how quickly they responded. I felt more support than I could ever imagine having gained in less than 15 minutes. It was as if people dropped what they were doing to support my university and I. As they day closed, I couldn’t help but to feel nervous, but behind it all there was a security in knowing that I was tremendously blessed.
Q: How do you think your presence in Ebony Magazine will influence African American women nationwide and those that look up to you?
A: My battle as a campus queen will be won when young African American girls feel that they are entitled to greatness without having to work “twice as hard for half the respect.” By having my face in the magazine, I hope that a little girl will read and see that there is nothing extraordinary about me. I am a Georgia peach who took my education seriously and managed to make the best of the amazing opportunities that have been given to me in life. I want her to be able to relate to me and the other queens, so that she understands that she is capable of unbelievable accomplishments.
Q: How does being an Ebony Queen representative influence you to improve your campus and surrounding community?
A: Publication allows one to certify himself/herself in the eyes of stranger. Having a credible source such as EBONY Magazine to highlight the Campus Queens and I allows me to more clearly explain what I do and how it works to those that are unfamiliar with pageantry. Therefore I know now that I can establish myself as a role model, and use the connections made to influence those following in my footsteps.
Q: What initiatives do you have planned for the upcoming school year that you believe will be enhanced by your presence in Ebony magazine?
A: As most HBCU Queens have a platform for change, I have a mission for my reign to decrease the potential numbers of black divorces within our generation. I aimed mainly to complete my work on Howard University’s Campus and in the surrounding community; however having a feature in EBONY Magazine widens my horizon. I am hoping that through the magazine an opportunity will arise for my plans to become more nationwide.
Q: What is your ultimate dream? Professionally? Personally?
A: I would like to say that I have live “many lives” as I see myself having a number of careers. I would like to teach English abroad, teach Music here in the US, speak motivationally, and many other things. I don’t think that my life will consist of only one title. I prefer to be a woman of many hats.
Q: What would you like to say to your supporters, students, alumni, family, etc?
A: THANK YOU. Nothing that a campus queen does is done alone, even when it is only she that earns the crown. I consider each victory one that belong to my family, friends, neighbors, and especially my university. Each win is yours just as it is mine.
Watch the video that she submitted to Ebony Magazine at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Onw9zC_JpVk
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