Close up of young couple arguing while sitting at home
Bad relationships. Every single girl reading this post right now has been in one– whether its with a partner, a friend, a family member or a co-worker. We put a large amount of time in our relationships and it often time drains us. In order to avoid our garden from running dry, we have to learn how to stop watering dead situations and start watering our own gardens. I remember talking to a female pastor once who told me that in order to carry the right ship, I first had to understand the six types of ships in which we will experience in life.
The six types of ships include: the rocket ship, the royal mail ship carrier, the fake ship, the denial ship, the companionship and the faith ship. The rocket ship is the relationship that can sometimes get a little confusing in our lives. We tend to enter this fun relationship with a person and then it eventually blows up just when we start to get too comfortable. To avoid this type of relationship, you must access where the relationship currently is and where it will go. Is the relationship short term or long term?
The Royal Mail Ship Carrier is the relationship that includes everybody in town including their pets! Who asked for Jean, Sally, and Sue to put their 2 cents in? In these types of ships, the perception of others hinders the relationship because it becomes based on perception. In order to avoid this type of ship, you must set expectations and boundaries and don’t let them down for anyone.
The fake ship is the ship that will leave you looking stupid in the end. This is the type of ship that you think is one thing but it’s really the opposite. Fake ships are based on lies and half-truths. This is the ship that all of us have experienced. In order to avoid this type of ships, you must peep the signs and take those scissors out. Snip, snip.
The denial ship is the relationship in which we are fully aware that the relationship is bound to end but we are just in denial of it. In these types of ships, we stay even when we know it’s unhealthy. We just don’t want to give up what we have. We’re afraid to form something new. It hurts that the ride on the ship isn’t the same as the past. Do not let denial be the reason your heart becomes broker than broke.
The final two ship go hand in hand. Companionships and faith ships. A companionship is the relationship in which both people involved are 50/50 and the love is genuine. The faith ship is the relationship we have with God. This relationship is filled with unconditional love and is bound to be eternal! We must get with the program and carry the RIGHT ship this 2020!
Sometimes, I feel as if I’m not doing enough to be successful. Sure, this is the story of nearly every college student as we fight our way to success. Sometimes we don’t see what’s in front of us. My problem is different though. I clearly see what’s in front of me. I see the 15,000+ followers on our Instagram page. I see us getting viral post every day. I see the awareness of the brand around the nation increase. Yet, I often don’t feel fulfilled. I even hit my lowest point on last Wednesday and admitted to myself that I was unhappy.
As I sulked in how low I felt, a level of understanding came over me. Growing HBCU Pulse has been one of the most redeeming factors of my 22 years of life. I’m literally living my dream. However, dreams don’t pay bills and student loans in six months. (I graduate December 14, 2019 at 9:30 AM). Your dreams and external success also don’t make you feel fulfilled when you’re lonely at night or when you feel the need to talk to someone but you realize that no one is there. Sure, my family is supportive of me but I often don’t want to tell them the issues I struggle with. I don’t want them to worry. Through my low point, I discovered that what will heal me and help me find a portion of my happiness is to stop isolating myself. I needed to fearlessly start to connect with people that I feel aligned with my beliefs and grind. After my low point, I promised myself that I would work to get myself back together.
Throughout the next few days, I spoke on how I felt and those that genuinely are interested in both my personal and professional success reached out to me. I started to no longer feel low. I started talking on the phone until 3 AM. My phone was no longer dry anymore! It was a euphoric feeling. Still, that was only one part of my happiness. True happiness doesn’t come from people you surround yourself with, no matter how positive and well meaning they are. True happiness is predicated on what you feel about yourself. Sure, I’m confident in myself and proud of the journey I’ve walked to sit where I am today. However, I often find myself unconfident that my journey will lead me to the success I long for.
Enter: Jamila Mustafa. I’d been a fan of her since I learned about her via the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. She was supposed to attend the lecture series that they brought down to Fort Valley State University last year but she was called on assignment to interview a celebrity (goals). Still, I followed her and looked into her work. I found out that she went to Delaware State University and served as Miss Delaware State University. Sure, that was impressive but what stuck out to me more was that she was only three years and a few months older than me. I was born in 1996. She was born in 1993. She’s attained such high levels of success at a young age. Plus, I loved her spirit. I aspire for my journey to be similar to hers. She inspired me.
So, when I found out that she’d be appearing at Fort Valley for this year’s edition of the Lecture Series I was determined. I told my Dad that I would meet her. I told my peers that I would meet her. I even was bold enough to go on the Instagram story and say that I would meet her and that, “She was my mentor and didn’t know it.” Who knew that she’d immediately see the mention on her story and repost it. Who knew that not only would we connect, but she’d affirm in my life everything I was unconfident about when it came to my purpose and prospective media career? Who knew that this was the moment that seeds I’d sewed in my peers would harvest at this very moment? This was destined to happen.
I must readily admit that I’ve been successful in my college career. I went to the White House representing all HBCUs, I brought actors from BET’s The Quad to FVSU’s campus by myself and with no money and I even interviewed my role model Michael Baisden and 2018 Gubernatorial Candidate Stacy Abrahms. However, this moment with Jamila hit differently. For the first time, it really occurred to me that I was on the right path. I spoke upon what I wanted and it came to me in a larger quantity than I’d even expected. I got more than a picture or video with Jamila. I feel as if I’ve made a connection with someone that will help me in getting where I want to be in my career after I graduate next month.
I don’t truly know what the future holds. However, I realized that I have to step out on faith and affirm what I believe in. Sure, the road won’t be easy and storms come but the only things storms do is block the sunshine. And, I felt that the NBCAHOF lecture and my opportunity to meet Jamila Mustafa will illuminate my light for years to come.
Howard University and Amazon Studios have teamed up to launch Howard Entertainment, an innovative new program designed to diversify the pipeline for talent across the entertainment industry. It is slated to begin in January 2020.
The announcement of the program came earlier this month. According to a press release, it will give black students a hands-on experience to network with Amazon’s industry partners and work in the entertainment industry.
“The vision of Howard Entertainment is to offer a one-of-a-kind experience for students interested in all aspects of entertainment, from project greenlighting to PR and marketing, to entertainment law and finance,” said President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA in a statement. “This relationship aligns with Howard’s strategic goals of enhancing academic excellence and inspiring new knowledge. Collaborating with Amazon Studios will enable us to marry academia and industry efforts to build a robust workforce of diverse entertainment industry leaders. With Howard’s proven track record of developing some of Hollywood’s most notable actors, comedians, and musicians, this next-level collaboration will enable us to have an even greater impact.”
Students will be taught by Howard faculty who will be supported by Amazon Studios employees and other industry professionals invited by Amazon. This model will provide the opportunity for students to be engaged in projects that offer “real world” applications and will help students develop “work ready” skills before graduating. Additionally, students will benefit from an innovative application of academic coursework and also hone entrepreneurial skills through the project-based approach.
The Howard Entertainment program is an immersive two-semester experience located in Los Angeles that offers HBCU students the opportunity to take academic courses during the spring semester and participate in a fellowship embedded in the entertainment industry during the summer semester.
The program is set to begin in January 2020 and includes an interdisciplinary curriculum that will allow Howard students to receive hands-on work experience. The program will specifically train these qualified students to network with Amazon’s industry partners.
The NCAA is embracing “change” and starting the process of allowing student-athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness, the organization announced Tuesday.
The group’s top governing board voted unanimously to allow college athletes to be compensated, though the NCAA’s three divisions must still craft their own rules and detail the specifics.
California became the first state to pass a law that would allow college athletes to get paid for endorsement deals and hire sports agents. Despite the NCAA’s latest decision, the organization said California’s law is still “likely unconstitutional” and is considering all potential next steps as states continue to address the subject of student-athlete pay. The law takes effect in 2023.
An NCAA working group will continue to solicit feedback through April and eventually refine recommendations on how to respond to the state and federal regulatory environment. Each of the three divisions must create new rules no later than Jan. 2021, the NCAA said.
Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., said scholarship money received by college athletes who take endorsement money should be treated — and taxed — like income.
“If college athletes are going to make money off of their likeness while in school, their scholarships should be treated like income,” Burr said over Twitter. He said plans to introduce legislation that taxes scholarships for college athletes who choose to “cash in.”
After an historic grand opening of Tyler Perry’s studio, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the site will also be the host of the 5th Democratic Presidential Debate on November 20. As reported by the AJC, the studio was hand-picked to be the venue on Nov. 20, when the Dem candidates will debate key policies and make their arguments for why they should be the pick to run against President Donald Trump in the 2020 election.
The news was confirmed by former gubernatorial candidate and Spelman College alumnae Stacey Abrams on Twitter.
Democratic Debate site is set: @TPStudios is a model for Georgia’s vibrant film industry, an engaged corporate citizen and an exceptional location for our #DemDebate. Looking forward to welcoming the candidates to Georgia on November 20. #gapol
Tyler Perry Studio is the largest of it’s kind. The compound, comprised of 12 sound stages, is larger than Paramount Studios, Warner Brothers and Brubank Studios combined. The debate, hosted by MSNBC and The Washington Post, will have an all-female set of moderators. Rachel Maddow, who moderated the debate in June, will be joined by Andrea Mitchell, host of “Andrea Mitchell Reports” on MSNBC; Kristen Welker, NBC News’ White House correspondent; and Ashley Parker, a White House reporter for The Washington Post.
The debate is scheduled to take place on Nov. 20 from 9 to 11 p.m. ET.
COLUMBIA, SC (WCIV) — President Donald Trump delivered the keynote address Friday at the 2019 Second Step Presidential Justice Forum event, which is being held in Columbia, South Carolina on the campus of Benedict College this weekend.
The event is hosted by the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center, a non-profit organization founded by 20 Black Republicans and 20 Black Democrats in 2015 to elevate the issue of criminal justice reform above partisan politics.
During his visit, President Trump received the Bipartisan Justice Award, the highest honor given annually to a public servant who has demonstrated the ability to work across the aisle to achieve meaningful progress in reforming our criminal justice system.
President Trump was given the award for his bipartisan leadership in the passage of the historic First Step Act, according to the non-profit.
(HBCU Pulse Exclusive) A video was sent to us by @dats_x_ of protest happening during his visit to campus. The Columbia Community is making their voice heard about his apperance
Former NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal has partnered with Miles College, a liberal arts institution in Alabama, to launch an initiative that aims to bring a Papa John’s to every HBCU campus in the nation.
The four-time NBA champion joined the Papa John’s board of directors earlier this year after the company founder, John Schnatter, resigned last year following reports that he used a racial slur during a company conference call and criticized NFL players kneeling in protest during an earnings call. O’Neal secured $8.5 million in cash and stock options in the deal. The NBA legend also invested in nine Papa John’s franchise restaurants in Atlanta.
“HBCUs have been pivotal in the development of young minds; influential in highlighting the history and culture of African Americans and effectively provided a means for academic success,” said the NBA Hall of Famer, business leader, educator, and philanthropistin a statement. “It is in these great halls of these wonderful institutions that students saw their potential magnified and exemplified.“
“Miles College is honored to partner with Shaquille and welcome him to our historic and beautiful campus. Shaquille is a skilled investor, savvy entrepreneur, and marketing and branding genius,” Miles College President Bobbie Knight said in the report. “This partnership tells the world that this is Miles College’s day, and this is Miles College’s time; to show America that (HBCUs) Historically Black Colleges & Universities can join icons like Shaquille and launch business ventures on our campuses like a Papa John’s.”
The Fairfield, Alabama school is one of 39 HBCUs to have the designation of a United Negro College Fund institution, the report said.
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The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) in partnership with Apple presents the Apple HBCU Scholars Program. Applications are open to outstanding students attending HBCUs with a minimum 3.0 GPA (grade-point average) and are currently working towards a degree in an undergraduate, Masters, or Ph.D. program.
Selected Scholars will participate in a 12-week internship during the summer, and will receive a need-based scholarship award that will be applied to the academic year immediately following their internship period.
Each scholar will have an Apple mentor throughout their experience, receive an opportunity to develop key skills, enhance their resumes, and help launch their careers through the hands-on experience gained at one of the top tech companies in the world.
This highly competitive program has opportunities for students in a variety of disciplines. The selection process aims to assess critical soft skills that enable success in their program, coupled with technical ability. They are looking for individuals that have analytical abilities, the ability to articulate ideas, the ability to learn new concepts, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and more.
Applicants must be highly motivated, persuasive and candid, focused on results, team players, and must possess sound judgment and critical thinking skills.
President Donald Trump will attend a criminal justice reform forum at the historically black Benedict College in Columbia on Friday, Oct. 25.
The event is the 2019 Second Step Presidential Justice Forum. Hosted by the 20/20 Bipartisan Criminal Justice Center, the event is set to host numerous presidential candidates in South Carolina’s capital.
A number of Democratic Presidential Candidates, including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, will also be in attendance at the event on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Every presidential candidate was invited to attend the forum, which is focused on the “second step” of justice reform after the passing of the 2018 First Step Act.
Often times at our institutions, we deal with recognition problems. As student leaders, we feel as if our contributions to the campus are looked over if we’re not Greek or in a position. As students of smaller and lesser known HBCUs, we feel as if our institutions don’t get the respect they deserve for the educational and social experiences they provide. Well, we now have a solution. Here at HBCU Pulse, we’ve created the 2019 HBCU Pulse Student Choice Awards! Our goal is to change the narrative and honor the students at HBCUs that doing the right thing and putting in work to better their campus and their lives!
I aspire to do this awards show every year as a way to give back to HBCU students. Mr. Thomas Dortch and his National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame organization have really inspired me. I aim to award students and grant them life-changing opportunities via HBCU Pulse as we continue in our growth in the coming years. However, we have to start somewhere. And, we’re starting today.
Nominate your HBCU and students who you think could compete and win in these categories. The nomination period starts on October 14th and ends on October 24th!
The Following Are The Categories For Awards! Kings & Queens, scroll past the nomination form for a special message!
Best Dressed King
The Kings have been coming with the Drip something serious this year! Now, it’s time to decide once and for all who is the best dressed king in the nation!
Best Dressed Queen
The Queens have been looking like Disney Princesses all Fall! Now, it’s time to pick one Queen that deserves to be on the runway with her fashion on the yard and the football field!
Best Dressed SGA President
The SGA Presidents are about business but, as you can see down your Instagram feed, they know how to step out just like the Royal Court! Who do you think drips the hardest?
Most Impressive SGA President
The role of the SGA President is to represent the students, advocate for change on their campus and make sure the campus maintains productive and lively energy! Which Head Honcho has done this the most effectively to start off the school year?
Favorite HBCU Student Social Media Influencer
There are some students that are incredibly adept at social media! They go viral every day and end up reposted on every HBCU social media page you can find! Who’s your favorite HBCU Student Social Media and why are they the best at what they do?
Most Social Media Savvy HBCU
This HBCU always keeps the timeline jumping! They make other HBCUs jealous with how lit they look on Instagram and Twitter. Plus, you don’t want to get into a beef with this HBCU because they’ll roast you with no hesitation. Which HBCU has social media on lock?
Most Slept On HBCU
There are 101 HBCUs in the nation but it seems like the same 5-10 are always talked about in the media. This award is meant to shine a light on the livest HBCU that never gets recognition for their greatness and student experience! Which HBCU do you think people should stop sleeping on?
Best Homecoming
Homecoming season is almost over and HBCUs took it to another level with the turn-up! Who had the best Homecoming this year? We’re looking at the lineup and the experience!
Homecoming MVP
It seems like DaBaby, Gunna and Megan Thee Stallion have been performing at everyone’s homecoming! The 85 South Show have been popping out as well! However, which artist/comedians defined Homecoming season this year?
Best HBCU Pulse Takeover
I know you’ve been watching the takeovers heavy since we started doing them on Pulse last year! We’ve had nearly every HBCU represented in the story! Now, which one do you think was the most lit? Let us know!
The HBCU Pulse Founder’s Choice Award (Given To Students Chosen By Me, not to be voted on)
This award will be picked by me, the founder of HBCU Pulse. It’ll be given to the students on campus that might or might not get the recognition they do for the work that they put in. Stay on your toes because you might just win!
This section after the nomination form is FOR CAMPUS KINGS & QUEENS ONLY (Only Misters & Misses of their university, ex. Mister Fort Valley State, Miss Coppin State, etc.)!
After meeting the current campus Kings and Queens at NASAP and seeing their amazing work at NBCAHOF Weekend, I was motivated to start an initiative for the Royal Courts around the nation. My goal is to promote the gallantry and work that HBCU Royal Courts do. Because of this, we’ve started two different competitions for the Kings and Queens around the nation.
The Raynetta Duram Campaign Season Competition (In Partnership With BeYOUniquellyWE)
In our book “A Queen’s Pain”, Raynetta Duram had to endure a turbulent road in her campaign for Miss Laketon State University. Campaign season is where HBCU Students are at their most inventive, as they come up with creative ways to convince their peers to vote them as their next campus representative. In itself, these are marketing campaigns that rival that of professionals in the entertainment industry and business world. We use this creativity for free with no gain outside of recognition for our HBCUs in various competitions. However, we want to change the narrative.
We charge the Queens to use that same creativity to promote the “A Queen’s Pain” book series. Participating Queens will be given a discount code to push out to their followers to get them to purchase the book from hbcupulse.com/store. The Queen who sells the most books will receive a cash prize and a free customized crown box from Lindley Mayer Productions. The second and third place queens will also get cash prizes a discount on a crown box ! Sign up below and, if you have any questions or concerns please email [email protected] or just text Randall Barnes!
More Than A Crown King Competition
In a video shoot with Mister Fort Valley State University Ryan Thurman, he impromptuly spoke to young men from Drew Charter High School about dressing for success at an HBCU. I recorded video of it and released it on HBCU Pulse and it got rave reviews, as people were commending Ryan for being a positive representation for young black men. This is the epitome of what being a King is about! So, I’ve partnered with Mr. Thurman for the “More Than A Crown” King Competition, an extension of his campaign platform “Make Your Mark”.
This competition will charge HBCU Kings around the nation to put together a video explaining how they’ve utilized their platform on campus and in the community to make their mark on campus. Winners will receive a cash prize among another prize for the quality of the video and the explanation of the positivity they are bringing to their campus.
Kings & Queens, if you’re interested in the competition please sign up below! Deadline is October 25th!
