After a 50-year absence, Wiley College is reintroducing its marching band to the HBCU community.
The Texas based institution is establishing the band which hasn’t been active since 1973. The band is under the leadership of the college’s Music Department Chair, Emmanuel Scales. Scales is accepting band members and his goal is to have 125 student musicians.
In a quote obtained by local Texas affiliate KLTV, Scales spoke of the importance of the marching band being reestablished. “Wiley has a big name, it has a historic name and a lot of people know the school. I think it will bring a lot of prestige to the school. I think it would work wonders.”
Wiley College students, such as sophomore Mass Communications Major Gabriel King, have expressed excitement about the reestablishment of the marching band. “ We are excited about the new band! It has been years since Wiley has had one so we are ready.
The historic return of the band has brought more life and excitement to the campus.“Bringing a band to Wiley will bring the musical culture back to campus.” said Gabriel King to HBCU Pulse, “There’s nothing like a great HBCU band and everyone loves music.”
U.S News & World Report released the 2022-2023 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) rankings. The rankings occur annually to qualified institutions that are undergraduate baccalaureate-granting institutions that enrolls first time students. The methodology of how the list is made up goes as follows:
77 HBCUs that were eligible to be included on the list were ranked
U.S. News used the same data in the HBCU rankings that was used in the 2022-2023 edition of the Best Colleges rankings, except for the peer survey results that were based on a separate HBCU peer assessment survey.
The ranking system is based on two pillars: quantitative and qualitative measures that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of academic quality, and U.S. News’ view of what matters in education.
The indicators used to capture academic quality fall into seven categories: outcome, measures, graduate indebtedness, assessment by administrators at peer HBCUs, faculty resources, financial resources, student excellence and alumni giving.
To read more about the methodology, visit the US News & World Report’s website linked here. Spelman College claimed the title as the top HBCU in the nation based on the list for the 15th consecutive year. Tuskegee and Delaware State made significant leaps in the rankings from last year and Claflin University and North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University tied for the #9 spot in the rankings.
Below are the top 10 HBCUs ranked by U.S News & World Report
#1 Spelman College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Last Year Ranking: 1
Acceptance rate: 52.6% (2020)
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,417 (Fall 2021)
#2 Howard University
Location: Washington, DC
Last Year Ranking: 2
Acceptance rate: 38.6% (2020)
Undergraduate enrollment: 8,964 (Fall 2021)
#3 Tuskegee University
Location: Tuskegee, Alabama
Last Year Ranking Tied For 4th with Morehouse & Hampton
Acceptance rate: 61.1% (2020)
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,184 (Fall 2021)
#4 Morehouse College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Last Year Ranking: Tied for 4th with Tuskegee & Hampton
Acceptance rate: 77.1% (2020)
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,554 (Fall 2021)
#5 Xavier University of Louisiana
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Last year Ranking: 3
Acceptance rate: 80.6% (2020)
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,755 (Fall 2021)
#6 Hampton University
Location: Hampton, Virginia
Last Year Ranking: Tied For 4th with Morehouse & Tuskegee
Acceptance rate: 36% (2020)
Undergraduate enrollment:2,863 (Fall 2021)
#7 Florida A&M University
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Last Year Ranking: 7
Ranking Means That Florida A&M Is The #1 Public HBCU In The Nation
Acceptance rate: 33% (2020)
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,301 (Fall 2021)
#8 Delaware State University
DSU2-MCleryA Delaware State University student walks by the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center at DSU. Delaware State News/Marc Clery
Location: Dover, Delaware
Last Year Ranking: 11 (Most significant gain in the top 10)
NEW ORLEANS – The Urban Edge Network, home to some of the most high-profile Historically Black College and University teams and conferences has inked the largest media rights deal in NAIA history with the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) to be the official streaming arm of the league and its member institutions through HBCU League Pass+ in an announcement made by the two organizations Wednesday at Maroon Workspace in New Orleans.
The deal signed between the two organizations is in the seven figures and is for five years. In addition, Roland Martin, CEO of Black Star Network, will provide social media amplification of the GCAC, as well as broadcast support to UEN and conference schools.
Delivering sporting events from HBCUs 24 hours a day and seven days a week, the GCAC will now have select games and conference championships televised live on the platform beginning in the 2022-23 athletic season.
“This is a historic moment for the GCAC,” GCAC Commissioner Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes said. “This is a new era for the league and our institutions, partnering with this incredible team who is providing a platform for HBCU’s everywhere to thrive.”
As the gold standard for HBCU sports, HBCU League Pass+ showcases live men’s and women’s sporting events (football, basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming, golf, and track and field), TV shows, marching band competitions, eSports tournaments, podcasts, and more.
“Urban Edge Network is excited about this landmark partnership with the GCAC. The significance of this relationship will be measured by our impact on the communities that these important institutions reside in. We are creating direct monetization impact on students, athletes, and cities by amplifying the capabilities of each institution within the conference.” said Todd F. Brown, CEO of Urban Edge Network. “It is our goal to create cultural value by extending our innovative NILs program which will have an immediate impact on these scholar-athletes.”
As the exclusive home of GCAC sports, HBCU League Pass+ will have a dedicated landing page for the conference where games will be aired, along with areas for the broadcast of league championships, which will be announced at a later date.
“Gil Scott Heron once said the revolution will not be televised. But it will be streamed. Today’s media landscape allows Black-owned media companies to be able to leverage technology and provide unparalleled coverage and access nationally and internationally to HBCUs,” said Roland S. Martin, CEO of Black Star Network.
“Our desire isn’t just to leverage the GCAC sporting events, but to introduce to many the amazing work of the faculties at these schools and their student bodies.”
HBCUs are prime destinations for celebrity pop-ups and this Saturday was no different. CDK On The Mic, voted #1 HBCU Host in America in 2020 in HBCU Buzz’s first top host contest, is synonymous with celebrity and influencer culture. CDK utilized his extensive contacts and substantial connections to bring down rapper King Combs to appear at the 2022 Aggie-Eagle Classic.
Aggie-Eagle is one of the most well-known classics in the nation. The rivalry between North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central is deep, which causes the on the field matchups to always be must see. But, the culture of an HBCU Classic is what always takes the win. The King Combs appearance aided in this. King Combs hosted a meet-and-greet before the game with several of his biggest supporters from both North Carolina based HBCUs. CDK then introduced him during one of the timeouts in which King Combs did a quick performance.
Moments like this are forever synonymous with HBCU culture. Influencers such as CDK On The Mic aid in continuing the tradition of excellence and excitement in our culture. Hosts and entertainers and our HBCUs have always been important and many go on to achieve their dreams and succeed as stars in the industry. HBCUs are their training ground, preparing them for the future to come. This was an amazing moment facilitated by CDK and we can’t wait to see more of what’s to come.
Disclaimer: CDK On The Mic serves as an official host for HBCU Pulse as well as a content partner for HBCU Pulse LLC.
The United Negro College Fund and Sony Interactive Entertainment announced a two million scholarship program to support HBCU students seeking STEM degrees.
UNCF will recruit more than 50 students majoring in computer science or computer engineering for the HBCU Computer Science Scholarship program. Sony Interactive Entertainment financial contribution will support the event to prepare students with professional development after graduating college and transitioning into the technology and gaming industry.
“Through the HBCU Computer Science Academy program, SIE will invest in the preparation of a robust HBCU computer science student pipeline and produce highly qualified and motivated student cohorts, eligible for selection into this program,” said Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive Vice President, and Chief Development Officer at UNCF.
Dr. Chad Womack, Sr. Director of Stem Initiatives and Programs team is working with Sony interactive Entertainment to implement a tailored development program that will include resume review, interview preparation and helping students to learn how to navigate through corporate culture.
The first group of students to receive the scholarship will be this fall. For more information visit www.businesswire.com
Listen to this story below via HBCU Pulse Youtube.
An early morning mass shooting occurred in Norfolk, Virginia injuring seven people including Norfolk State students.
The shooting happened at Midnight on the 5000 Block of Killam Avenue. According to reports from local law enforcement, seven people were rushed to a nearby hospital with two suffering from life-threatening injuries and five others from non-life-threatening wounds.
#NorfolkPD is currently investigating a shooting in the 5000 block of Killam Avenue. 7 people have been taken to the hospital (5 have non-life threatening injuries, 2 have life threatening injuries) Call came in around 12:00 a.m. More details to follow. pic.twitter.com/rTnL4e4YEF
Local authorities are investigating the incident but did not release information about a suspect or motive. We will continue to update this story as more information is released.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Tigers of Benedict College have joined the broadcast line up of the Black College Sports Network & HBCU League Pass Plus for the 2022-23 athletic year, beginning with Saturday’s Carolinas Classic against Elizabeth City State University.
This three-year deal will broadcast selected events from all sports that Benedict offers as well as campus life events. This deal opens new doors for exposure and revenue generation.
“Benedict College is very excited to partner with Black College Sports Network and HBCU League Pass Plus to be the official production partner of Tiger athletics. This is a tremendous opportunity for increased exposure for our talented student-athletes and will provide our alumni and fans the ability to watch Benedict games with a top-notch production,” said Benedict College Director of Athletics Willie Washington.
“Urban Edge Network is pleased to welcome Benedict College to our platform. The history of Benedict College and its impact on South Carolina is well over a century old and represents Black excellence born and bred in the soil of this state. From Chino Smith’s example and his legacy from the Negro League Baseball era to the incredible leadership of the U.S. Olympic Committee by Dr. LeRoy T. Walker, these are some of the examples of Benedict’s sports prowess. We fully expect that Benedict College will continue to break new ground whilst highlighting the 14 scholarship sports at the college. This historic partnership will generate revenue for both the student athlete and the university.” Says, Todd F. Brown, CEO, Urban Edge Network, LLC.
Roy M. Eavins II, CEO of the Black College Network, had this to say: “As we go into our 24th year of streaming HBCU athletic content we are really excited about adding Benedict to our team. We are grateful and honored that Benedict College trust us with helping to tell the stories that will spring from this partnership. We have no doubt that this collaboration will be fruitful for all parties involved. Stay tuned, GREAT things are coming!”
Fans will be able to watch Benedict athletic content, free of charge, via the MyJBN-MyBCSN and HBCU League Pass Plus apps as well as across most social media platforms, as well as the Benedict College athletic website. Benedict will also continue to stream other athletic events not on the BCSN and HBCU League Pass Plus platforms.
Saturday’s football game kicks off at 6 p.m.
The Black College Sports Network (BCSN) is the first online media outlet dedicated to LIVE coverage and broadcasting of HBCU sporting events on a weekly basis. The BCSN is the flagship product of the JERICHO Broadcast Networks (JBN).
BREAKING: The @FAMU_FB team has written a letter to FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson, addressing the issues within the University structure that have not been adequately resolved. pic.twitter.com/AECyWaZ4S3
In the letter, the FAMU Football Team presented issues that they collectively have dealt with from the university. The letter addressed issues with financial aid, academic support/compliance, scholarship allocation to cover summer school and underrepresentation and lack of appreciation for their efforts. The letter also notes that no student-athletes on the football team are currently a part of the search committee for FAMU’s new Athletic Director. The university’s former athletic director Kortne Gosha resigned in late April.
According to the letter, the FAMU Football team kneeled in protest of the playing of the University Alma Mater. “We will not sing a song that begins ‘College of Love and Charity’ when we feel neither from the university,” the letter states.
FAMU has issued a response to the letter, also covered by Allison Posey. The response touted 13 of the 14 athletic programs meeting the Academic Progress Rate (APR) requirements set forth by the NCAA. The response didn’t directly address what the players presented in their letter. Several members of the football team have acquired legal representation to appeal their eligibility issues. Tom Mars, a lawyer that specializes in collegiate sports advocacy that was retained by two FAMU players, tweeted that FAMU has been reluctant to send needed paperwork to the NCAA on the player’s behalf.
Two FAMU players retained me yesterday to help FAMU seek reconsideration from the NCAA regarding their eligibility. FAMU has ignored multiple requests from us to see the paperwork that FAMU sent to the NCAA on their behalf. In contrast, Coach Simmons has been very supportive. 🤷🏻♂️
In less than one month, Howard University has received one bomb scare and two bomb threats.
On Tuesday night the Metropolitan Police Department and Howard University Department of Public Safety responded to a bomb threat called directly Cook Hall, an all male freshmen dormitory. Two nights later, another threat was received, targeting dormitories West and East Towers.
The dorms were evacuated late at night for authorities to sweep for explosives using electronic devices and dogs. Cook Hall was evacuated after 11 p.m. on Tuesday night. West and East Towers were evacuated just before three a.m on Friday morning. No explosive devices were found.
MPD has not announced any persons of interest regarding the latest threats at Howard University but authorities have shared they do have “leads” on where the calls may have come from according to NBC Washington.
The university’s president, Wayne A.I. Frederick released messages following both incidents thanking authorities and the Howard community for their quick response.
“As we debrief from our now eighth bomb threat of 2022, we must continue the effort to make our great response to the failed intimidation of these threats even better,” said President Frederick in an email early Friday morning.
Among Howard, at least 58 other HBCUs have received bomb threats in 2022, according to Inside Higher Ed. On Jan. 4, eight HBCUs such as Howard, Spelman and Xavier University of Louisiana received threats in 24 hours.
To combat the rise of threats, the Biden-Harris administration announced the Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) in March. HBCUs who received threats were offered up to $150,000 grants per school to provide more security and other resources for faculty and students.
The U.S. The Department of Education also offered to work with the institutions to offer any other assistance for their communities.
“Our HBCUs are pillars of strength and resiliency, and we will continue working to promote policies and practices that fortify that strength and advance educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity through these institutions,” said Dietra Trent, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
As of now–almost seven months after the first string of threats–no arrest has been made. However, the FBI revealed in February there were six “tech savvy” persons of interest.
President Joe Biden is fulfilling a campaign promise that’s been on many voters minds as mid-terms approach. On Wednesday, Biden announced an extension to the COVID-era student loan pause to December 31st. The initial payment pause was supposed to end on August 31st. Biden also announced loan forgiveness of $10,000 for Federal Student Loans for individuals that make under $125,000 and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. The legislative action was authorized by the HEROES Act of 2003 which allows the Secretary of Education to waive/modify loans in the case of a national emergency. Congress holds the power to do a unilateral cancellation of federal student loans.
In keeping with my campaign promise, my Administration is announcing a plan to give working and middle class families breathing room as they prepare to resume federal student loan payments in January 2023.
Here’s the Office of Legal Counsel opinion explaining that Biden’s student loan forgiveness program is authorized by the HEROES Act of 2003, which allows the Secretary of Education to waive or modify loans because of a national emergency (here, COVID). https://t.co/dzCoIIkMUypic.twitter.com/rLr0hWNRE8
Biden announced his intention to cancel up to $10,000 in Student Loan Debt during his campaign for President in 2020. Forbes reported on the declaration, which he made at an October 2020 NBC Town Hall with Lester Holt.
In response to a question from a young person concerned about student loan debt and a lack of economic opportunity, Biden responded, “You get all these degrees and you get all this debt, and you get in a position where you can’t get a job because no one is hiring, or they’re hiring at very low wages… I’m going to eliminate your student debt if you come from a family [making less] than $125,000 and went to a public university.” Biden also said, “I’m going to make sure everyone gets $10,000 knocked off of their student debt” in response to economic hardships caused by the pandemic.
Biden also rejected calls to increase the federal student loan forgiveness to $50,000 per borrower at a February 2021 town hall with CNN, one of his first as President of the United States.
