I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Steve Brown, an alumnus of Stillman college, perform at my HBCU Fort Valley State University two of the three years I’ve been here. Steve Brown is like an honorary Wildcat at this point. He’s been hosting and doing stand-up sets in the Valley for years. The earliest I’ve seen him was back in 2007 hosting the Homecoming step show!
So, to hear that he was assaulted at his show at a Comedy Show he had in South Carolina was disparaging.
When I saw the video come up on my timeline at first, I immediately downplayed the situation. Like I said, I’ve seen Steve Brown’s comedy sets and he will roast the life out of you for no reason. Everyone isn’t cool enough to let the comedic geniuses that we pay to see cook up a few jokes at our expense. To be brief, they’re sensitive and have no true sense of humor. This guy that tried to attack Steve Brown not only sensitive but a complete lunatic that had no business at a comedy show. He was clearly unstable and a danger to not only Steve Brown but the rest of the crowd and employees that were in attendance at that comedy club.
I don’t even have to describe what occurred. You can see it for yourself in the video below. I agree with what Steve Brown said in his response. Where was security to immediately bum-rush this deranged man when he even got up on stage. It shouldn’t have even escalated to the point where he was throwing objects that could’ve seriously hurt Steve. Steve Brown should sue the club and press charges against that man that assaulted him and cake up for sure!
I also have to take to task everyone that was standing there watching that man attack him. I heard someone say, “He’s gonna kill that n*gga!” as they’re comfortably watching from their seats like it’s a UFC match. That’s so high school man! We’re all grown and Steve Brown is performing for your entertainment. Instead of filming the incident trying to get clout or a huge pay day from TMZ or MediaTakeOut, help that man before he really was critically injured or killed. People make me sick!
I’m glad that Steve Brown is ok. This needs to be a wake up call to everyone that books any type of performers from here on out. Make sure your security is tight and your guests are protected!
Often times college leaves students worried and discouraged. This feeling hits it’s peak around the time of final exams, when students question why they’re even in college and if they have the fortitude to keep pushing until graduation. Admittedly, college is more challenging in high school. A student used to straight A’s in high school might find themselves with C’s or D’s on their midterms and it’s not because of lack of trying.
In college, there’s often an inverse effect with grades and social life. Rarely do you see students that are socially relevant and at the top of their class. Not to say that it isn’t possible but the position of a valedictorian requires immense hours of study. You wouldn’t normally see your valedictorian at every campus event imaginable. You wouldn’t normally see your valedictorian displaying so much school spirit her presence is felt even when she isn’t around.That perfectly describes Fort Valley State University 2016-2017 Valedictorian Abrahana James.
Abrahana’s presence at Fort Valley State University made campus life better. There was never a dull moment with her. If you ever saw her walking the campus she’d find some way to make you smile. Often times I’d be walking to breakfast in the cafeteria and see her recording her daily morning inspirational videos for her brand Inspirational Soul Food. Abrahana, a Business Management major, found the time to tutor students in their business classes and was even able to tutor some students in their challenging Physical Science class (mainly me). It’s hard to see Abrahana move on with her life but it’s empowering to know that she was able to stay on top of her studies while still making the best of her college experience. I had the privilege of talking with the new alumni on her college experience and future plans.
RB: Tell us about your four years of college. How have you grown? What have you learned?
Abrahana: I have grown so much over these four years. Walking into college, I didn’t know my purpose, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, but I did know I wanted to play ball and get my degree. Walking out of college, I wholeheartedly know my purpose which is to motivate and encourage people, I know exactly what I want to do in life to fulfill my purpose, I gave ball up to put all my time and energy into new dreams I wanted to pursue and accomplish. I started college with a fro, but I’m leaving with locs. My mindset has grown and expanded. I have learned that everyone who starts the journey with you may not finish it with you and that’s okay. I have also learned that hard work can never go unnoticed or unrewarded for too long.
RB: Did you overcome any adversity on your road to becoming the valedictorian of your graduating class?
Abrahana: Yes, I have had some adversity on my road to be valedictorian. Freshman year 2nd semester, I received a B in 1102 English and I was heartbroken. Before I came to college, I had the goal that I wanted to be the valedictorian of my class, and with that B, my goal could possibly be unachievable. I vowed to myself to not worry about it and strive to get high A’s in the rest of my classes. Anything is possible because today I am the valedictorian of my class. I was in the running with another person to be the Valedictorian and what separated us was a 0.02 difference. So, I am extremely humbled to say I am the Valedictorian.
RB: How does it feel to be Valedictorian?
Abrahana: It feels amazing to be the valedictorian. People walk up to me all the time to congratulate me and it makes my day. Most of the time people really don’t know their valedictorian because they were always in their books, but this isn’t the case for me. I was heavily involved on campus all 4 years. To know, I will be remembered as the valedictorian who was way more than just the valedictorian is a wonderful feeling.
RB: What have you learned in your four years of college?
Abrahana: I learned to make do with what I had. To be content with where I am at in that current moment of my journey. Trust the process. The greatest investment I can make is in myself.
RB: After graduating, you’re moving to Orlando to work with Kellogg. How’d you cultivate that relationship and what will you be doing for the company?
Abrahana: I will be Kellogg’s Walmart sales team for our morning foods division traveling to different Walmarts in Metro Orlando selling in products and promotions.
RB: Do you have any inspiration for upcoming freshman and those that are in collge pushing to get where you are? (I know you do!)
Abrahana: You know I do! My inspiration for upcoming freshmen and people trying to get to where I am is this: Speak things into existence, but understand without work and action they will not manifest. Stay true and be you. People will respect you so much more for just being yourself. Plus it’s extremely hard not being the only person you know how to be and that is yourself.
Make sure to download her app Inspirational Soul Food on Itunes & in the Google Play Store!
PUBLIC NOTE: The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of the Urban Intellectuals, affiliates or partners.
Black women are queens. We already know this. If we look at our history it’s clear to see that we descended from greatness. However, it seems as if we’ve lost our way. Sure, the “woke” movement that’s taken over black culture in recent years has us celebrating our identity. But, I find that our women deal with so many internal and external battles that provide them with obstacles that threaten to break them. Yet they push on. That’s why I love black women.
The fact that black women succeed in a society that views them as less than and inferior amazes me. Black women have taken the task of loving and affirming themselves because no one else will. Alas, the Miss Black USA pageant was created! The pageant was created by Karen Arrington in 1986 to promote the success of young black women around America. The first Miss Black USA was Tamiko Gibson, who represented Maryland. Since then, the competition has maintained its relevance in black society. Personally, I knew nothing of the pageant. Sure, I’d heard about it before but I never really paid attention to it. Then, I saw young women on my social media start to dawn to title of Miss Black -insert city in Georgia here- and it drew my intention. Then, I met Johnna Foster.
Johnna drew my interest. Her demeanor exuded poise and confidence. I first ran across her in person at the FVSU freshman week cookout. You could tell that she knew that stood out among the crowd. She rocked a white sash around her shoulder that had “Miss Black Fort Valley” embroidered on it in burgundy letters. The white sash sash accentuated her mahogany brown skin. Her natural hair was her crown!
I knew that I had to find the time to talk to her about her new position and I finally got the chance. Here from Miss Black Fort Valley below!
Randall: Please tell me a little bit about yourself!
Johnna Foster: I am Johnna Foster, 2016 Graduate of THE Fort Valley State University. I am a second generation of FVSU graduates. I am the daughter of Johnny and Verdell Foster, Classes of ’85 and ’86. I’m a Substitute Teacher with a dream to become a Middle School Counselor. I love to dance, I love to read, and I’m all about family.
Randall: Congratulations on becoming Miss Black Fort Valley! Explain what the position of Miss Black Fort Valley is and what it entails.
Johnna Foster: Thank you so much! The Miss Black USA Organization is different than many other pageant systems. Every single one of our queens are African American! The Miss Black USA Organization empowers women to own their power and celebrates their unique talents, traits and beauty.As Miss Black Fort Valley, I will represent the city and compete in the Miss Black Georgia USA Scholarship pageant in November. My goal is to win a scholarship so I can continue my studies and go to graduate school at FVSU. Miss Black Georgia USA Pageant’s main objective is to motivate and empower African American women through service, sisterhood and cultural awareness. As Miss Black Fort Valley, I will be promoting my platform, serving the community, as well as being a positive role model to young girls and young women.
Randall: Tell us about your experience at Fort Valley State University?
Clubs & Organizations
During my matriculation, I was a part of both Football and Basketball Cheerleading Squads for four years, P.H.A.S.E.S Basketball Dance Team for two years, as well as S.T.R.E.A.M, and Foreign Languages Association.
Social Experience
My social experience throughout my years at FVSU was phenomenal. The yard was always full of students, and there was always an event on campus to go to. Since my friends and I were all in different organizations, I was constantly introduced to students, alumni, and business owners in the area. Maintaining these relationships really made my matriculation so memorable.
Freshman Year (2011)
My freshman year was a roller coaster but it was the best.I came to FVSU in fall 2011. At the time, it was the biggest freshman class FVSU had ever had. It started off slow because I was very shy. My parents gifted me with my very first cellphone on freshman move in day. This was the time before Snapchat, Instagram, and even iPhones became popular. I graduated from Northside High School in Warner Robins. Even though I went to a local high school, only three of my classmates ended up going to FVSU. I had a hard time with making new acquaintances and introducing myself to my peers. I used to drive home during the week and on weekends so I wouldn’t have to sit in my dorm room alone. I hadn’t joined any clubs or organizations until I ended up trying out for FVSU Basketball Cheerleading Squad during their video tryouts and I made the squad. That really turned my freshman year around.
Do you miss being at FVSU?
I can honestly say I do miss being at FVSU but I’m glad my time as an undergraduate came to an end! lol I have grown so much since graduation and I’ll never forget what FVSU has instilled in me. I do plan on attending FVSU to get my master’s degree in School Counselor Education. As you know, the FVSU experience is like no other. No matter what is happening, we always have each other’s backs. I have so many great memories with many great people that I will never forget.
Young Alumni Experience
My experience has been great so far. My parents are FVSU Alumni so they have pointed me in the right direction as far as joining an Alumni Chapter to make sure I give back to the University and community that gave so much to me. I thought joining the Warner Robins Area Alumni Chapter as a recent college graduate would be intimidating, but everyone has been so great and so helpful.
Johnna Foster & Kea’ya Reeves, Miss Fort Valley State University 2011-2012
Randall: What made you want to become Miss Black Fort Valley?
Johnna Foster: Growing up, my family made sure I was always a part of Fort Valley’s culture. I performed at events such as the homecoming parade, dance recitals in the community, Little Miss FVSU pageants, entertainment for luncheons, and many other events as well. I was blessed to have met and been mentored by successful African American men and women. As I got older, I realized everyone didn’t get the same opportunities that I was blessed to have. I knew there had to be a way to give back and represent the City of Fort Valley along with my University.
I’m a Substitute Teacher and I noticed that many of my students didn’t have any local role models. Many of my middle school students have role models that are rappers, reality tv stars, athletes, but they weren’t looking up to anyone in our own community. Olivia McMillan won Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, and Betty Cantrell had just won Miss America.
I was so happy for our local queens but they did not look like me. That’s when I realized that I could be a role model for young girls. I always had a dream to compete in statewide and national pageants but it wasn’t until 2016 that I decided I would do what it takes to become a part of the Miss Black USA Organization as Miss Black Fort Valley USA. As destiny has it, the once in a lifetime chance came in 2017. I am so thankful that I was chosen as Miss Black Fort Valley and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.
Randall: Have you ever been on FVSU’s Royal Court?
Johnna Foster: I have never been a part of FVSU’S Royal Court. I ran for Miss Freshman but I was not successful. However, I was a part of the coronation of the 77th Miss Fort Valley State University, Jessica Hatcher, as Miss Cheerleader.
Randall: What is your platform?
Johnna Foster: My platform is Domestic Violence Awareness. I chose this platform because I am a survivor of Domestic Violence. According to Justice Bureau statistics, African-American women are victimized by domestic violence at rates about 35 percent higher than white women. In the African American community, domestic violence is not a subject that many people discuss until it is too late. If I had known the warning signs of an abusive relationship, there is a possibility that some of the things I went through could have been prevented, and I could have walked away.
I want to make sure young people know the warning signs and when to ask for help in a potentially dangerous situation. I want to define domestic violence for young people. I want to make sure everyone knows how to protect themselves. I want others to know that it isn’t always just physical abuse. It could be emotional abuse, damage to property, calling someone 57 times in a row, and that is not okay. I want anyone in a bad situation, male or female, to know that abuse is not love and it is not their fault. If I could help at least one person, I will have done my job.
Ayauna Ellis (2017-2018 Miss FVSU), Karizmah Wall (2017-2018 Miss Phi Beta Sigma) & Johnna at the Miss Phi Beta Sigma Pageant At FVSU., October 4, 2017
Randall: What can we do to help you become Miss Black USA? We’re ready and willing!
Johnna Foster: Well to become Miss Black USA, I will have to become Miss Black Georgia! There will be a Miss Social Media award and it will be awarded to the queen with the most likes on the official Miss Black Georgia Pageant’s Social Media pages. I will let you know when so we will be able to get the word out!
Randall: When is the Miss Black USA Pageant?
Johnna Foster: Miss Black Georgia USA Scholarship Pageant is November 19th at Albany State University. Tickets will be $35, and $15 for children 10 and under.
Randall: Do you have any upcoming events or appearances?
Johnna Foster: I am planning a self-defense class for men and women with FVSU Campus Police. It will be the week before homecoming and also free and open to the public. I will be making appearances during different events during homecoming as well!
Randall: Where can we find you on social media?
Johnna Foster: I have an official Miss Black Fort Valley Facebook and Instagram. Both handles are @MissBlackFortValleyUSA. My email address is [email protected].
I always knew our relationship experience wasn’t where it needed to be but I didn’t know it was this bad. Here I am, at this relationship talk that my HBCU was hosting. Relationship discussion forums are always fun because you can always expect to hear some wildly hilarious things that are great for your social media. However, this time what I heard was concerning. The discussion I heard at this relationship forum affirmed why I’m single and why most the people there were too. To be honest, a lot of them were single and they didn’t even know it.
I could write a whole book on the dysfunctional relationship philosophies that I heard at that event from my peers yesterday. Our concept of trust is misconstrued. Trust isn’t checking my DM’s to see if anybody is trying to slide in. Trust isn’t having my password to see if I’m confirming your warped perception about “niggas”, also known as guys these young women shouldn’t deal with anyway because they don’t have their best interests at heart. What type of trust is that? Real trust lies in the understanding that an agreement has been made been both parties that you’ll be exclusively seeing each other. If that understanding is reached, what’s the point of these pop up tests to see if they guy is being faithful?
Everything that we were discussing last night was wrong. This generation cherishes sex as our only expression of affection. We try to find the fault in each other before we truly try to enjoy the company of each other. All these points leads up to our main problem in this generation. We get into relationships for the image and not the nurturing off a healthy kinship that can grow us mentally, spiritually, emotionally, financially and physically. To make things simple, we don’t know how to be friends anymore.
Don’t think I’m insinuating young women are the problem in the equation. Guys play a huge role, if not the biggest role in this failed math test. I was taught that men were supposed to lead. We were set the tone that our counterparts would match. However, young men have yet to do that. The act of courtship has just been blown out the window because these dudes are too busy trying to “blow someone’s back out” instead of explore other aspects of intimacy with a woman.
However, that aforementioned statement is a dual problem because these young women choose to deal with these guys that only have reckless attention. To the girls today these guys are the “niggas” of the world. These young women know how “niggas” act. They even have a nice little checklist.
Only wants to be physical with me (check)’
Has a disposition like he wouldn’t be a good boyfriend or even companion (check)
Texts me “wyd” and/or “wanna chill” at 12:00 at night on a Tuesday like I don’t have a Biology final in the morning at 9:00 (check)
Oh, these young women aren’t stupid! Far from it! Millennial women are intelligent and know what they want without compromise. They don’t take BS. That’s a great thing that I admire about my female peers. However, these young women often put themselves in a position where they have to assert their standards instead of respect, attention and maturity being a prerequisite to their relationships. Basically, they know “niggas ain’t sh*t” like they say but they entertain these “niggas”. I think a lot of these young women out here like the drama. “Love & Hip Hop” might be too familiar to them.
This brings me back to my original point. We hop in these quick relationships without becoming friends first. How can I be your boyfriend if we can’t talk about anything besides how great you or I look? How can you be my girlfriend if I can’t value you for your mind and respect you as a mature adult. How can we be in a relationship if we truly don’t know each other? We have to figure that out within ourselves or we’re in for a lot of fractured partnerships or “situationships” in the future.
“My grades don’t define me! An exam doesn’t decide my fate!” -Randall Barnes
The end of the semester in college is one of the saddest sights you’ll ever see. Fear of failure lingers in the atmosphere. The yard, usually packed with students starting at dinner hours, is devoid of life. You see endless posts on social media reaffirming hope and asking for prayer, as the infamous finals week approaches. You’ll even catch Honors students on the brink of tears, sequentially counting down to the day that the semester officially ends.
The five month journey isn’t over at move out day. The semester officially comes to a close when final grades are posted. The wait for finals grades can range from a couple of days to two weeks. You’ll be ready to open Christmas presents or declare your New Year’s Resolutions when your instructor finally decides to post the grade you thought was going to be an A but really ended up being significantly lower.
I speak from experience. I am one of the students that stresses out to no end about my final grades when the end of the semester approaches. While caring about the progress of our collegiate education is great, anxiety shouldn’t be created from it. We are not our grades. I simply don’t subscribe to the notion that an F makes me inept and an A makes me a genius. Grade me on the type of man I am. Judge me on my actions. This is not a defense of all F’s, as all failures are not equal. You can fail by not trying. You can fail by half trying. You can fail by not even showing up to class at all.
However, my gripes go deeper. Why do we always leave out the students that tried their hardest to master a specific subject but still end up behind the curve? Why is it that we have to rely on our “friendships” with certain professors for confirmation that we’ll pass our classes, making the saying “it’s not what you know but who you know” the law of the land? You see this occur most frequently in math courses, where we’re seemingly punished for not being analytically minded. Don’t get it twisted though. The narrative of the student who tried but didn’t succeed can be seen in all subject areas.
I vividly remember my 10th grade year of high school. It was a transformative point in my life, as I quit trying to conform to what I saw around me and became unabashedly proud of who I was. It was also a point of turmoil, as I ran into a math class that I was close to failing. The teacher was no help, as she had it in her head that I was arrogant and wanted a grade handed to me on a silver platter. She even had the nerve to tell me that I “pissed her off”. The anger I felt turned into fear as I realized that she had the final say on what my final grade would be. The thought of my graduation date being held up scared me. I felt as if my whole professional life was in her hands.
I was wrong. It took me coming across British spoken word artist Suli Break’s at-the-time viral video I Will Not Let An Exam Result Decide My Fate. As I listened, I found myself nodding in agreement with his words. Quotables from his spoken word piece echoed in my head through the rest of that semester.
Exams are society’s methods of telling you what you’re worth but you can’t let society tell you what you are.
Test us with tests, but the finals are never final because they never prepare us for the biggest test which is survival!
Students! How many equations, subjects and dates did you memorize just before an exam never to use again? How many “A” grades did you get, which were never asked for when applying for a job?
The piece put me at ease helping me in reaffirming that, no matter what occurred, I will be successful no matter what. In this realization, I took the supposed “power” out of my math teacher’s hands. I ended up passing the class. Just barely, but I passed. The same outcome didn’t occur for me three years later but my confidence hasn’t shaken. I refuse to let my grades define me. As Suli Breaks perfectly expressed, I will not let an exam result decide my fate.
Maybe realizing that our world won’t come crashing down if we fail will help us better control ourselves come the end of the semester. Maybe understanding that the power to create personal success lies inside of us and not our instructors will empower us. Many times, we focus so much on our grades that we forget that the numbers that really matter in life come attached with a dollar sign. We see that the “it’s not what you know but who you know” train works well with our professors yet forget to make professional networking connections when opportunities are presented. We work so hard for our degrees, neglecting the fact that a degree is only the key to unlock the door to untold wealth. If you don’t use the key, it’s virtually useless.
I will never diminish the value of any level of education. I will, however, fight to wrestle away the value that we place in the opinion and actions of instructors. I will always affirm that the power for change is, and has always been, within all of us. We just need to realize it.
Mo’Nique is back in the news again! Mo’Nique is one of the “Queens of Comedy” and is an Oscar award-winning actress but I don’t know if she’s ever been as relevant as she is now! Seriously, she has a viral social media rant once every three months. First, it was a crusade against Lee Daniels who allegedly offered her the role of Cookie in Empire before Taraji P. Henson was brought on board. Then, she went at Tyler Perry and Oprah. Now, she’s going after Netflix.
According to Monique, Netflix is racist and sexist because she was lowballed on an offer to do a Netflix exclusive comedy special. She was offered $500,000 while Amy Schumer was offered $13 million and Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle were offered $20 million. In the video below, Mo’Nique explains her frustration. When asked why her offer was so low in relations to her resume, Netflix allegedly told her that they believed that’s what Mo’Nique would bring in as far as revenue in 2018 and that they don’t look at resume when making these decisions. Monique then says that they cited the resume of Schumer (sold out Madison Square Garden Twice, hit move over the summer) as the reason why they’ve offered her so much.
A post shared by Mo’nique (@therealmoworldwide) on
Monique, a graduate of Morgan State University, is uncompromising and calls things the way she sees them. However, it seems as if she’s overeaching. While Mo’Nique is a legend, she isn’t as hot as she was a year ago. Personally, I don’t think Mo’Nique at her peak (circa The Parkers, BET Awards hosting, Precious and The Mo’nique Show) would’ve been able to draw upwards of $13 million dollars. Amy Schumer is a hot brand right now and Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock are legends that have been largely silent in this post-Trump world. People will pay for what they have to say. People aren’t paying for Monique to go on a rant.
I understand how important valuing yourself is so I’ll say that maybe Netflix should add another $500,000 to their number and give her $1 million for a special and then work from there. But, Mo’Nique ain’t worth $13 million in 2018,. Everything simply isn’t a race or gender issue and we have way more important issues to confront than Mo’Nique getting mad because she’s being offered two in a half times more than most the people that work at my HBCU make in year in about an hour. First world problems for sure!
When I’m in class, I often daydream about what the future holds.I think about the opportunities that await me when I leave my HBCU. In my success I sometimes get discouraged. I find myself discouraged because the journey to self-sufficiency, especially at such a young age, is hard. It’s hard to truly find people that understand your vision. College life can be overwhelming as you attempt to find a way to juggle school work, social life and your undying ambition to become a nationally recognized HBCU personality by or before you graduate. Then, I look at the successful alumni like Will Packer and see that there’s no reason to be discouraged.
Seeing Will Packer, a 1996 FAMU Alumnus, prospering in the world is motivating. Listening to him talk about his experience on the highest of the seven hills is empowering. He went through the same things that I’m currently going through in my journey. Now look at him! Just yesterday at the NAACP awards, broadcasted on TV One, as he won Outstanding Motion Picture for his box-office history making hit Girls Trip.
“We stand up here before you as brothers for our sisters. This is for you!”
Girls Trip, released July 21,2017, was a critically acclaimed hit that grossed $140 million in the box office. The project was the first comedy of 2017 to cross $100 million in gross revenue, Mind you, the cast were all black and the four main characters were proud FAMU Graduates. The aforementioned fact is another milestone that Packer’s movie achieved, as Girls Trip was the first all-black movie (written, directed, produced) to hit $100 million in the box office. Look at the black excellence!
We here at HBCU Pulse would like to send a huge congratulations to Will Packer and everyone that was involved in the creation of Girls Trip! There are plenty more awards that are coming on the horizon!
Happy Founders Day to the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated! The sorority was founded on January 16, 1920, by 5 women at the Mecca Howard University in Washington, D.C. The sorority was created to raise the consciousness of people, encourage the high scholastic achievement, and foster a greater sense of unity among its members of the sorority. The sorority was the idea of Arizona Clever after talking to Charles Robert Samuel Taylor, a Phi Beta Sigma man, about forming a sister organization for the Sigmas. When the sorority was created, the five founders decided to name it “Zeta Phi Beta” with “Phi Beta” acting as a tribute to the Sigmas to “seal and signify the relationship between the two organizations”.
Here are 5 celebrities you might or might not know are women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated!
1) Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, Award-Winning Actress, legendary Psychiatrist & Author of The Isis Papers, Chapter Affiliation Unknown
Another surprise! I absolutely didn’t know that the iconic Dr. Welsing is a Zeta! Looking at the history of the organization, Dr. Welsing Greek affiliation make a lot of sense! Although we don’t know what chapter that she pledged we know that she went to Anoich College for her bachelors and got her masters from Howard University. R.I.P to the Ancestor!
2) Zora Neal Hurston, Legendary Author of Their Eyes Were Watching God, Alpha Chapter/Howard University
Another shocker! If you look at authors that defined an era of black literature, you can look no further than Zora Neal Hurston. She pledged the Alpha chapter of the sorority at Howard University!
3) Sheryl Underwood, Comedienne and Radio Host, Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter
Now, you night know that Sheryl Underwood was a Zeta. She reps Zeta and Benedict College all the time! However, did you know that she was the 23rd International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated? Go Sheryl!
MY FELLOW AMERICANS, Esther Rolle, 1996, (c)Warner Bros.
Now, I knew this one! “Florida Evans” was a Zeta! I found this out a few years ago as I was watching Good Times with my parents and my mom mentioned that she was a Zeta. After research, we can’t find what chapter she pledged. However, we do see that the iconic actress attended Spelman College.
5) Vanessa A. Williams, Actress in Soul Food: The Series, Chapter Affiliation Unknown
Lord have mercy! The woman that I had a crush on my whole time I was watching Soul Food: The Series is a Zeta woman? Even the character of Maxine Chadway identifies with the Zeta principles, as she was socially conscious and politically aware. I’ll never forget when she ran for Chicago Alderman in the show!
Happy Founders Day to the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated! The sorority was founded on January 15, 1908, by 16 women at the Mecca Howard University in Washington, D.C. The sorority was the idea of Ethel Hedgeman in 1907 after advisement from Howard University faculty member Ethal Robinson, citing her own observations of sorority life at PWI Brown University.
Here are 5 celebrities you might or might not know are women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated!
1) Loretta Devine, Award-Winning Actress, Epsilon Lambda/University of Houston
This one caught me by surprise. The amazing Loretta Devine has been repping her sorority! She graduated from the University of Houston in 1971. Let that marinate as you watch Madea’s Big Happy Family for the 500th time on BET in the past month!
2) Wanda Sykes, Legendary Comedian, Gamma Theta/Hampton University
This was another shocker for me! She went to Hampton University and became a member of the Gamma Theta chapter! She’s currently a guest star on black-ish and Comedy Central ranked her as one of top 100 comedians of all time!
3) Phylicia Rashad, Legendary Tony Award-Winning Actress, Alpha Chapter/Howard University
The backbone of The Cosby Show and the first black woman to win a Tony Award is a Alpha woman and pledged at the institution where the sorority was founded!
4) Vanessa Bell Calloway, Superstar Actress, Delta Phi/Ohio University
Once again, another shocker to me! I’m getting straight educated on this Founders Day! I love Vanessa Bell Calloway, especially in her role in Biker Boyz! She is an Alpha Woman!
5) Dr. Rhonda Green-Barnes, Professor/Teacher & Mother of Me, Iota Eta/Mercer University (Macon, Georgia)
Yes, I am shouting out my mom, the most notable Alpha woman that I know! Without her, I wouldn’t be writing this Founders Day article right now! My mother is nothing short of amazing and embodies everything that the AKA’s stand for. She served as an adjunct professor at Wesleyan College and Virginia College in Macon, Georgia and currently teaches at her alma mater Northeast High School. Happy Founders Day to my mother and the other astonishing women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated around the world!
Happy Founders Day to the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated! The sorority was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 women at the Mecca Howard University in Washington, D.C. Delta Sigma Theta was created to address the more political issues of that time. A perfect example of the aforementioned fact is the implementation of the Five-Point Thrust in 1956 by Dorothy Height, 10th National President. The Five Point Thrust addresses the areas in which Delta Sigma Theta programming falls. The five Thrusts are: Educational Development, Economic Development, Physical and Mental Health, Political Awareness and Involvement and International Awareness and Involvement.
Here are 5 celebrities you might or might not know are women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated!
1) K. Michelle, R&B Singer, Beta Alpha Chapter/Florida A&M University
K. Michelle who is also an alumni of Florida A&M University enrolling in at the highest of the seven hills in the early 2000’s! She earned a music scholarship to FAMU, yodeling at her audition. She served as Freshman Attendant and even went on to become Miss FAMU! She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority having pledged FAMU’s Beta Alpha chapter in the Fall of 2001. We even found a video of her strolling!
2) Roberta Flack, Legendary R&B Singer, Alpha Chapter/Howard University
Legendary singer Roberta Flack that brought us timeless hits like “Killing Me Softly” is a Delta woman! She even pledged at Howard University, where the sorority was founded!
3) Mara Brock Akil, Writer & Television Producer (Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane), Theta Alpha Chapter/Northwestern University
Now, this one caught me off guard! One of my biggest inspirations as a writer and media content creator is a Delta woman! Shout out to the Akils!
4) Betty Shabazz, Wife of Malcolm X & Civil Rights Activist, New York Alumnae Chapter
The woman that was the backbone to the iconic Malcolm X also is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated! The Deltas even opened up the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy that services young women ages 11-14 in her honor. The Academy was started by the Wilmington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta!
5) Mary McLeod Bethune, Civil Rights Activist & Founder of Bethune-Cookman University and National Council of Negro Women, Honorary
I couldn’t end this article without shouting out the iconic civil rights trailblazer Mary McLeod Bethune! Mrs. Bethune was Eighth President of the National Association of Colored Women and the founder of the National Council of Negro Women which still is a prominent organization at institutions of higher learning today! She also started Bethune-Cookman in Daytona, Florida!
