FSU senior participates in Black News Channel program

By Sheyla Fairley

Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, senior communications student DorMiya Vance has been selected as one of eight finalists in BNC’s inaugural HBCU Journalism Project.

In an article, Vance had previously participated in BNC’s Virtual Media Day where afterwards “students had to write and publish an original story in their student newspaper within 10 days about topics that were discussed” on the panel.

Having been one of the eight students chosen from the event, Vance will have her work displayed on the Black News Channel’s website where fans will vote for their favorite stories, then, around December 20, 2021, four finalists will be chosen and offered paid internships at BNC in summer 2022.

For more details, read the full article here.

Two HBCU marching bands featured in ‘Halftime Game’ commercial

By Sheyla Fairley

Florida A&M University’s, Tallahassee, FL, Marching 100 and Jackson State University’s, Jackson, MS, Sonic Boom of the South were both featured in a 60-second Pepsi ad titled “The Halftime Game.” Pepsi’s $3 million commercial was directed by Alan Ferguson, an HBCU alumnus.

“We wanted to spotlight these two incredible bands because we know that in HBCU culture, the game is not just about football, but also the energy, hype and history these bands bring to halftime and beyond,” said Chauncey Hamlett, vice president of Pepsi Beverages North America (South Division).

FAMU’s director of bands, Shelby Chipman, said that the students are “committed to excellence in the classroom and performing on the field” and that the ad “celebrates their dedication and talent.”

“Of course this is an outstanding opportunity for our students, band and university, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge what this affiliation means for all HBCU band programs regarding exposure that could garner the support of future donors and corporate sponsors,” said Roderick Little, JSU director of bands. “The future is bright for HBCU band programs because of great opportunities such as these!”

For more information, read the full article here.

JCSU to launch women’s cycling program

By Sheyla Fairley

Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC, is launching a women’s cycling program in spring 2022, after receiving funding from EF Pro Cycling, Cannondale and USA Cycling.

In a release, JCSU compliance director Shawn Meachem thinks that having a cycling program will be a “great asset” and will give students “an opportunity to compete as well as keep them on a healthy track physically.”

“Additionally, it will allow students to pursue higher education benefits while being involved in the program and presents educational growth and leadership qualities for our scholar athletes on and off the course. The program is easily accessible to any woman who is a student and desires or is interested in being part of the cycling club. Cycling will give students an opportunity to consider or explore a career in cycling as a professional, while simultaneously becoming more involved in the community and the world of cycling,” remarked Meachem.

McDonald’s USA and media entrepreneur offers scholarships to seven HBCU students

By Sheyla Fairley

McDonald’s USA and lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Roland S. Martin, will be awarding seven students from historically Black colleges and universities $15,000 scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year.

According to an article, scholarship applications “open on Jan. 17, 2022 and award winners will be announced prior to the start of the Fall 2022 semester.”

“HBCUs and their students are vital to the fabric of our nation and I will always champion for their success,” said Martin. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the financial struggle that impacts Black college students, especially those in their final semesters. So, I’m pleased to partner with McDonald’s and [Thurgood Marshall College Fund] to celebrate my beloved fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and provide a resource that will help Black students graduate.”

Partnership between UMES and a university in Romania

By Sheyla Fairley

University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD, and the Danubius University in Romania partnered up to explore exchange program options for UMES students.

In a release, there are “plans to include faculty from both universities in the program” and that “UMES is also looking into the logistics behind hybrid exchange classes, sending faculty to Romania, and hosting professors from Danubius University.”

“Romania came to us from the Association of Public Land Grant Universities. They were looking for a partner here in the U.S. – and hopefully, an HBCU partner. We’re a member of the APLU organization, a very strong member, because we’re a land grant institution,” said UMES president Dr. Heidi Anderson.