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  • Usher Dominates Super Bowl Halftime Show with Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South and Kappa Alpha Psi

    Usher Dominates Super Bowl Halftime Show with Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South and Kappa Alpha Psi

    It was a performance to remember!

    Usher took the stage for the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show, making waves not only with his iconic hits but also by sharing the spotlight with Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South marching band and two members of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He kicked off his first-ever Super Bowl show, drawing in a massive audience of 30.1 million households–five percent more than Rihanna’s 2023 show, according to TV intelligence company Samba TV.

    Throughout the show, the Sonic Boom of the South marched onto the field, providing a dynamic and visually stunning backdrop to Usher’s vocals and choreography. The band’s precision and high-energy routines showcased why they are one of the most dynamic and entertaining marching bands in the country. Social media erupted with praise for the Sonic Boom of the South and their impressive multitasking abilities. One commenter on the band’s Instagram page, Meeksparks, highlighted their achievements, saying, “Performing with Drake and J Cole, at Legacy Classic, and a home game in the SAME DAY, while preparing for the Super Bowl with Usher and other artists… all during Black History Month. What can The Boom NOT do? 😭”

    Adding an extra layer of excitement, two members of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity joined Usher on stage, bringing their signature shimmy and cane twirling to the halftime performance. The duo’s charismatic moves added a unique touch to the show, pairing perfectly with Usher’s iconic style. Kappa Alpha Psi took to Instagram to express their pride in the performance, stating, “The Nupes brought electrifying energy and timeless presence to the biggest event of the year! Shoutout to the Nupes for performing at the Super Bowl halftime show.” They also acknowledged the specific members who represented the fraternity on stage – Havier Hill Roller and Darryl Hill, Jr.

    Usher’s performance was a star-studded affair, featuring collaborations with Alicia Keys for a rendition of “My Boo,” a soul-stirring guitar solo by H.E.R., and appearances by will.i.am, Ludacris, Lil Jon, and Jermaine Dupri. The diverse lineup celebrated musical excellence and facets of Black culture, contributing to a night of unforgettable entertainment and cultural significance.

    Cover Photo: Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South & Kappa Alpha Psi Joins Usher for Super Bowl Performance / Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images/Roc Nation

  • Remembering Willie Thrower, The NFL’s First Black Quarterback

    Remembering Willie Thrower, The NFL’s First Black Quarterback

    We’re familiar with names like Jalen Hurts, Russell Willson, and Patrick Mahomes, who hopes to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to their second championship in a row this Super Bowl LVIII weekend. But long before Mahomes even picked up the pigskin there was Willie Thrower, the first Black quarterback to ever play in the NFL and the man who paved the way for the great Black QBs who would follow him.

    “My dad always felt like he was the Jackie Robinson for football,” Melvin Thrower, Willie Thrower’s son, told Good Morning America. “[But] he felt like he was… unknown.”

    This is likely because Thrower would only play in two professional football games in his whole career, of which there are no highlight reels and not a lot of footage. But that doesn’t mean his talent went unnoticed or that his impact cannot still be felt in the league. 

    In 1946, Thrower was named quarterback on the New Kensington High School football team. Despite reservations about the Black sophomore’s ability to play the position, Thrower led his school to 24 wins in a row and two state championships, which in turn led him to several football scholarship proposals. But once those Southern universities discovered Wille was Black, they rescinded their offers.

    “The QB is not only the leader of the team, he is the smartest person out there,” Dr. Louis Moore, author of “The Great Black Hope: Doug Williams, Vince Evans and the Making of the Black Quarterback,” told GMA. “You got a Black person to play the most important position in all of professional sports, you can see why in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s when we still lived in Jim Crow America, why professional football wasn’t ready for a Black man to lead.”

    Due to racism and segregation in the Southern United States, whites and Blacks could not share play against each other. So, Thrower traveled up North and became the first Black quarterback in the Big 10 after joining the team at Michigan State. While he would spend most games on the bench, in 1952, Thrower was able to help Michigan secure their first national championship.

    “He was regarded as the strongest and most accurate passer ever developed in the Midwest,” one local paper reported at the time.

    However at the time of the draft, all 12 NFL teams at the time passed over the Black QB. The Chicago Bears would ultimately sign Thrower to a one-year contract in 1953. Thrower’s talent didn’t go unnoticed, even though he didn’t get to see much time on the field. Starting QB for the Bears, George Blanda, once told Thrower that if he could throw a football like [Willie], he would be in football for the next 25 years.

    When Blanda struggled during one game, Thrower was called in and led the team up the field to the end zone, but when it was time to score the touchdown and tie the game, the coach took him out. He was cut after his season with the Bears and never played in the NFL again. 

    Thrower only threw eight passes throughout his career, but in doing so, he became the first Black quarterback to ever play in an NFL game. 

    Another Black quarterback wouldn’t get a chance on the field for another 15 years. 

    “You can break records, you can break passing yards, you can break passing touchdowns but you cannot break history. History was made October 18, 1853,” Melvin Thrower said of his father’s legacy. 

    Thrower died of a heart attack in his hometown of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, in 2002 at the age of 71. Despite his short-lived career, Thrower’s legacy helped pave the way for future Black quarterbacks who would make it all the way to the Super Bowl. 

    “If Willie Thrower was given the time that most white quarterbacks would get, then Willie Thrower could be a household name. He just didn’t have time. He is a pioneer. It just so happens the terrain that he had to go through, was racism in professional sports.” Moore explained. “There are a lot of Black men and women who didn’t get a lot of opportunities not [just] on the football field, but also in life. And that’s what the Black quarterback represented to so many people: the opportunities that they didn’t get.”

    These days, it’s not so rare to see Black players leading and dominating in the NFL. We have Willie Thrower to thank for that. 

    Cover photo: Remembering Willie Thrower, The NFL’s First Black Quarterback Photo credit: Good Morning America

  • NCAT Alumna Opens First Black-Owned Ultrasound Studio in Greensboro

    NCAT Alumna Opens First Black-Owned Ultrasound Studio in Greensboro

    Courtney Hall is passionate about families.

    After graduating from North Carolina A&T University, Hall dedicated her career to mental health and clinical social work, balancing her roles as a wife and mother of three boys. Now she’s making the health of Black women and mothers her number one priority by opening Bump Baby Bliss, the first ever Black-owned ultrasound studio in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

    “My goal is to advocate and get women to understand their rights and feel comfortable and confident in asking the right questions about their bodies, even when the small things don’t feel right,” Hall said to WFMY News in Greensboro.

    Bump Baby Bliss is a one-stop shop for doula, counseling, and ultrasound services for expectant mothers. The studio offers a comprehensive range of services, including 2D, 3D, 4D ultrasounds, early DNA gender testing, birth doula support, placenta encapsulation, perinatal therapy, childbirth classes, breastfeeding, assistance, mentorship and more.

    Being a mom herself–with experience as a therapist and doula–Hall was inspired to open this business to provide a community-oriented and peaceful environment for moms-to-be.

    “We all know that doctor’s offices, they care about us, but it’s definitely very business oriented,” Hall said. “They see over hundreds of people a day. I want it to be a place where you can come and have an experience. It’s a whole vibe. You feel good. You feel time has been taken to be spent with you,” Hall said.

    Not everyone has a good experience at the traditional doctor’s office, especially Black women. According to the Center for Disease Control, Black mothers are three times more likely to die from complications during pregnancy and birth than white mothers. Hall hopes that with Bump Baby Bliss, she’ll be able to educate new doulas and encourage new mothers to advocate for their bodies and their needs. “Having a birth doula and mental health support for you and your family should not be considered a luxury, it is a NECESSITY,” she says on the Bump Baby Bliss site.

    Hall’s studio is the first of its kind in Greensboro, a Southern city that boasts another historic first. On Feb. 1, 1960, four Black NCAT freshmen, Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain, and Joseph McNeil staged the first major sit-in at the segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter in Downtown Greensboro. This courageous act from the Greensboro Four as they would come to be known helped spark other protests against segregation nationwide and led to the founding for the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), an organization that would become a leading force in the Civil Rights Movement.

    The Greensboro Four. Image source: National Museum of American History

    With the opening of her studio, Hall hopes to honor their legacy.

    “[The Greensboro Four] made a major mark in Downtown Greensboro,” Hall said. “I plan to make a major impact as well. I feel like when you’re working in your purpose, and working in something that you know God has placed you to do, it impacts the world.”

    As of Feb. 1, Bump Baby Bliss is open for business.

    Alt text: NCAT Alumna Opens First Black-Owned Ultrasound Studio in Greensboro / Photo credit: Bump Baby Bliss

  • Spike Lee’s Production Company Teams Up With Morgan State for Film Interns

    Spike Lee’s Production Company Teams Up With Morgan State for Film Interns

    Spike Lee has joined forces with Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD to provide an opportunity for students aspiring to enter the film industry, the historically Black university announced. In a collaboration, Lee’s production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, and talent firm The Gersh Agency have partnered with Morgan’s School of Global Journalism and Communication (SGJC) to establish an eight-week internship program. The collaboration with Morgan State University is an extension of Lee’s Spike Fellows Program, which initially supported aspiring filmmakers from the Atlanta University Center Consortium. This initiative aims to offer students hands-on experience in film production, equipping them with the skills needed for a successful career in the field.

    The primary goal of this internship initiative is to prepare students for a successful transition into the film industry upon graduation. Through working closely with industry professionals in Los Angeles or New York City and gaining firsthand experience, interns will gain insights into the nuances of film production. This preparation aligns with Spike Lee’s commitment to fostering emerging talent and creating pathways for underrepresented voices in the film landscape. Jackie Jones, the Dean of the School of Global Journalism and Communication at Morgan State University, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. In a statement, she remarked, “This is an incredible opportunity for SGJC and our students. We look forward to a successful and lasting partnership.”

    While specific details for applying to the internship program are not yet available, they are expected to be announced by the university and/or the Spike Fellows program in the coming months.

    Cover Photo: Spike Lee on the set of “Chiraq” / Credit: Parrish Lewis



  • Robert Smith Partners with Steinbridge Group to Commit $100M to HBCUs

    Robert Smith Partners with Steinbridge Group to Commit $100M to HBCUs

    He’s back at it again!

    In an initiative to address the challenges faced by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) has joined forces with the Steinbridge Group. The partnership, recently announced by Steinbridge Group, includes a substantial $100 million capital commitment to develop attainable housing in the vicinity of these educational institutions. Aimed at easing the burden on faculty, first responders, and local professionals struggling with soaring real estate prices, the collaboration seeks to transform underutilized spaces and foster community development.

    Robert F. Smith, founder and chairman of Student Freedom Initiative, emphasized, “In order to educate and train the next generation of diverse leaders and innovators, institutions must have access to an affordable education, and they must be surrounded by a thriving community,“

    Eligible institutions will be chosen based on criteria such as land ownership within the community, capacity for expansive development projects, and leadership alignment with the initiative. Steinbridge and SFI aim to review interested HBCUs and MSIs and provide investments for development efforts.

    While the focus of this investment is on housing in surrounding communities, it brings attention to the broader challenges, including inadequate and outdated student housing on some HBCU campuses, as highlighted on social media in recent years. This partnership strives to make a significant difference in creating affordable housing solutions for the communities surrounding HBCUs and MSIs.

    Cover Photo: Robert F. Smith, Student Freedom Initiative Chairman. / Credit: Student Freedom Initiative

  • Brittney Griner Jersey To Be Retired By Baylor During Black History Month

    Brittney Griner Jersey To Be Retired By Baylor During Black History Month

    She’ll be the seventh woman to have her name hang in the rafters!

    Baylor University is set to retire Brittney Griner’s No. 42 jersey when the Bears face Texas Tech on February 18 at the newly inaugurated Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas. The announcement comes as a celebration of Griner’s outstanding contribution to women’s basketball, both at the collegiate level and in the professional arena with the Women’s National Basketball Association‘s (WNBA) Phoenix Mercury. ESPN reports that Griner, born in Houston, played a pivotal role in leading Baylor to two Final Four appearances during her college career and achieving a flawless 40-0 national championship season as a junior.

    Griner, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 WNBA draft, boasts a stellar career, securing two Olympic gold medals and winning the 2014 WNBA title with the Mercury, where she has played for an impressive 10 seasons. Her impact extends beyond accolades, as she remains the NCAA career leader in blocked shots with an impressive 748 rejections during her time at Baylor from 2009 to 2013.

    Griner’s jersey retirement will be the seventh in Baylor women’s basketball history, solidifying her status as one of the program’s all-time greats. She joins former teammates Odyssey Sims and Melissa Jones in this prestigious honor. “I’m honored to return home to Baylor and celebrate where so much of my journey started,” Griner said in an Instagram post. “I’m grateful to Coach Nicki [Collen] and the entire Baylor community and am looking forward to the opportunity to be back on campus, spend time with the team and have my family beside me to share in this incredible moment. Sic ’em Bears.”

    Cover Photo: Baylor will retire the jersey of former player, Brittney Griner / Credit: AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

  • Apply to the Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarship

    Apply to the Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarship

    They’re giving away a $5,000 scholarship!

    Are you a dedicated student passionate about making a positive impact in your community? The Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarship is an opportunity for rising sophomore, junior, and senior students pursuing degrees in community organizing, nonprofit management, public policy, or social justice-related programs. Sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, this scholarship aims to support the educational journey of students committed to social activism and positive change.

    Overview:

    • Deadline: April 30, 2024
    • Award Amount: $5,000

    Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for the Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
    • Identify as Black or African American
    • Minimum GPA of 2.5
    • Enrolled in one of the following Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs):
      • Bowie State University
      • Clark Atlanta
      • Hampton University
      • Morehouse College
      • Morgan State University
      • Spelman College

    Application Materials: Applicants are required to submit the following materials by the deadline (April 30, 2024):

    • Complete a 2-part online application
    • Respond to the essay prompt: “How has the life and legacy of Bob Marley influenced your life and social activism aspirations?”
    • Submit a legible copy of your current transcript (unofficial accepted)
    • Provide two letters of recommendation
    • Submit a resume highlighting work experience, extracurricular activities, honors, community service, and special skills
    • Upload a recent professional headshot suitable for publication (high resolution, no less than 72 dpi)

    Apply here: https://cbcfinc.academicworks.com/opportunities

    Cover Photo: Bob Marley performs in 1970/ Michael Ochs Archives



  • Thurgood Marshall College Fund and FedEx to Empower Students with Scholarship Opportunity

    Thurgood Marshall College Fund and FedEx to Empower Students with Scholarship Opportunity

    Business majors are encouraged to seize this opportunity!

    In a commitment to fostering education and supporting the aspirations of students, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) has joined with FedEx to provide financial assistance to exceptional individuals pursuing Business majors at TMCF member-schools. Seven outstanding scholars will be selected to receive financial support of up to $8,000, specifically earmarked for tuition and fees.

    Eligibility Requirements

    To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

    1. Be enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior at a TMCF member-school during the 2023-2024 academic school year.
    2. Pursue a major in Business.
    3. Maintain a current cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
    4. Demonstrate a genuine financial need.
    5. Have submitted the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the selected university/college.
    6. Be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551.

    How to Apply

    Prospective applicants can apply here. Each applicant is required to showcase their passion and dedication to their chosen field of study by answering the following question through a video submission:

    How do you plan to use your studies to achieve your future career goals?

    Application Dates

    The application period for this prestigious scholarship opportunity opens on February 6, 2023, and closes on March 27, 2023, at 12:00 noon PM EST.

    Cover Photo: HBCU students attend the TMCF/Medtronic Immersion Bootcamp / Credit: TMCF

  • Spelman College Receives Historic $100 Million Donation, the Largest Ever for an HBCU

    Spelman College Receives Historic $100 Million Donation, the Largest Ever for an HBCU

    This generous contribution coincides with Spelman College celebrating its 100th naming anniversary!

    ABC News reports that Spelman College, a historically Black women’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, has received a groundbreaking $100 million donation, marking the largest single contribution ever made to any Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

    The historic donation comes from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, chairman of Greenleaf Trust. Stryker, a Spelman College Trustee since 1997, has a strong commitment to empowering women through higher education and providing opportunities for marginalized communities.

    Of the $100 million, $75 million is allocated for endowed scholarships to support future students, while the remaining $25 million will be utilized to develop an academic focus on public policy and democracy, enhance student housing, and offer flexible funding to address critical strategic needs, according to a press release from Spelman College.

    The college, founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, holds the top ranking among HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report. It is also a proud member of the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), the world’s largest consortium of African American private institutions of higher education, which includes Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Morehouse School of Medicine.

    Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College, expressed gratitude for the “incredible act of generosity,” emphasizing that the gift is a crucial step in the school’s mission to remove financial obstacles for students pursuing a Spelman education. “This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education. We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”

    Cover Photo: Spelman College Board Chair, Lovette Russell, announces the university’s historic gift. / Credit: Spelman College

  • Celebrating the Finer Sisterhood of Zeta Phi Beta

    Celebrating the Finer Sisterhood of Zeta Phi Beta

    Today marks another year for the illustrious sorority!

    As Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, commemorates its Founders’ Day, we take a moment to celebrate the enduring legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and finer womanhood that this illustrious organization has championed since its inception. Founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta has consistently empowered and uplifted women, fostering a commitment to excellence and community service.

    In honor of this special occasion, let’s shine a spotlight on five remarkable members who have made significant contributions to their fields and embody the spirit of Zeta Phi Beta:

    Elizabeth Koontz

    Credit: Wikimedia Commons

    Elizabeth Koontz, born in 1919, was a distinguished educator, civil servant, and the first African American president of the National Education Association (NEA). Throughout her career, Koontz advocated for equal opportunities in education and tirelessly worked towards creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all.

    Lillian E. Fishburne

    Credit: US Navy

    Lillian E. Fishburne made history as the first African American woman to hold the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. Her exemplary service and leadership paved the way for future generations of women in the military, embodying the principles of Zeta Phi Beta through her commitment to excellence and breaking barriers.

    Zora Neale Hurston

    Credit: Library of Congress

    Renowned author, anthropologist, and influential figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston, is celebrated for her literary contributions, including the classic novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” Hurston’s work has left an indelible mark on American literature, and her commitment to expressing the richness of African American culture aligns with the values of Zeta Phi Beta.

    Sarah Vaughan

    Credit: William P. Gottlieb

    Known as the “Divine One,” Sarah Vaughan was a legendary jazz vocalist whose unparalleled talent and vocal range captivated audiences worldwide. With a career spanning several decades, Vaughan’s impact on the world of music and her ability to transcend genres reflect the commitment to excellence that Zeta Phi Beta holds dear.

    Amber Campbell–Moore

    Credit: Martin Kellner

    Amber Campbell-Moore, an accomplished track and field athlete and four-time Olympian, proudly represents Zeta Phi Beta. As a hammer thrower, Campbell has not only excelled in the athletic arena but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, embodying the principles of strength, perseverance, and sisterhood.

    Here’s to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and the incredible women who have played a role in shaping its history and legacy. Happy Founders’ Day!

    Cover Photo: Members of the Xi Gamma Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated / Xi Gamma Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

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