Are HBCUs still relevant?

I was talking to a good friend of mine and we were conversing about some of society issues and we sort of stumbled on this topic-  what is the relevance of HBCUs. He mentioned conversations he had with non-blacks and was baffled at how they did not understand the purpose of HBCUs then or now. This made me think because I understood the reasoning for having HBCUs 30 or 40 years ago, it made perfectly good sense, but today I'm scratching my head pondering- Are HBCUs still today relevant?  History teaches us the intial reason for establishing HBCUs was to give opportunities to those blacks who were barred from predomintantely white instutions due to their race an equal chance to an education. Successfully, HBCUs have done exactly that. According to the U.S. Department of Education Civil Rights office, HBCUs accounted for more than  80% of blacks with degrees in medicine and denistry, 75% of blacks with  PhDs., 80 % of blacks holding federal judgeships positions, and 50 % of black faculty members teaching at traditionally white insitutions. But what about today? Now we live in this Post Civil Rights era where education is more accessible now than ever. Today obtaining an education is very possible at any higher learning instution-even at America's top illustrious ivy league universities. So what's the primitive reason today for keeping HBCUs around if the intial reason does not exist any longer? I am a product of an HBCU-Hampton University to be exact and I even ask myself that question because hypothetically speaking I could have easily chosen a predominately white instution over an HBCU and recieved the exact same type of education if not a better one at that predominately white instution. However, I chose an HBCU because I knew very little about HBCUs and I thought it would be a unique experience. My education at Hampton will always be this intangible experience that I couldn't get anywhere else beside an HBCU, but that's my reasoning for attending an HBCU.  Now if you think about it today more than ever, HBCU are now competiting to recruit their own majority- blacks and minorities because predominately white institutions are in need to diversify their schools. As a matter fact white instutions are now almost depserately reaching out to minorities offering competitive financial aid packages-even full ride scholarships, along with state of the art facilities, and technology and resources for its students compared to none. According to a recent economic news report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the perecentage rate of blacks attending college increased to 68.7 % from the 68.6 % attending college last year. The marginal growth is good news, but the number of blacks attending HBCUs declined. According to the South Regional Education Board, the number of blacks attending HBCUs dropped 7%. Doesn't that seem like the choice of attending a predomintately school for minorities like HBCUs is becoming more of a thing in the past for blacks and minorities and doesn't have the impact on the African American/minority community it once had?  How do you feel that more blacks/minorities are choosing to go to school, but bypassing an HBCU as an option?  On Feburary 26, 2010 President Obama signed an exceutive order renewing the White House Initiative on HBCUs.  As African Americans and or minorities are we suppose to see and cherish HBCUs as a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American Community as well as the entire nation? Please share your thoughts...Are HBCUs still relevant?

Tax Credit for College Students

With the sky rocketing tution at American colleges, any help to offset the costly price to attend college is great for any parent or student. Did you know that if you're attending college right now or plan to attend to college that you may be eligible for a $2,500 tax credit.The American Opportunity Tax Credit gives parents and students $2,500 each year to students attending college. To check if you and/or your parents qualify check out: American Opportunity Tax Credit. Now this tax credit in place is soon to expire unless Congress pass legislation to keep the tax credit. If you want this tax credit to be around while you're attending school, make sure you vote for your congress person who supports the American Opportunity Tax Credit. If you don't know if they support the American Opportunity Tax Credit, then check out your congress person website, or call their office. Remember its education funding for us-the students to attend school. Speak Up and Speak Out.

FREE SAT PREP

Hey Everyone!!!

 For any high schooler who's trying to prep for the SAT to get into college-It's little more simpler and more affordable than you think. Jason Shah, a Havard University student, created this free online SAT prep site for students-perferrably those who can't afford the SAT prep books and courses. I strongly urge everyone who has a brother, sister, and/ or cousin in high school to tell them to sign up at www.INeedAPencil.com/. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who didn't think they would have a chance at college. People it doesn't get better than this!

Reaching Out

Attention! Attention! Everyone listen up! We (as in everyone on this earth) have an obligation to do something extrardinary generous and selfless. I'm talking about something that is almost taboo in our society. Something that is rarely demonstrated on a consistent basis. So I charge everyone from the elite professionals to the high school graduates of this year. Perform, demonstrate, an act that exudes generousity and selflessness and consider no tangible merit or reward. It has been OVERDUE to be helping hands towards individuals who desperately need it. It is overwhelming to see how little we value each other and how we over look one another potential because of flaws or our different backgrounds. I don't know about you. But do yall see what is wrong with that? A random act of helping someone multiplied by everyone doing so equals a better society-a better people. Whatever happen to the "community mentality" in America? Are we so morally bankrupt? Don't know about you, but I want to see more people succeed rather than fail thus I'm ready to be a helping hand.(Think really carefully) Did you succeed by yourself? or Did you have help? What are you doing to help someone else?

Women: Who's defining your beauty?

In today’s society a large amount of society’s influences or role models are those we see on television, movies, soaps, etc. Follow me now. However, at times society fails to realize that Hollywood has the power to provide this flawless, perfect persona. Hollywood is able to makeover the ugliest ducklings and transform them into beautiful swans to fit in their flawless world. Nevertheless, we hardly know at what cost it takes for that transformation to happen, so then in the real world, people oddly surmise that the Hollywood look is the ideal appearance everyone should strive for and at whatever cost. Primarily these are thoughts that roam a typical shallow guy's mind and a insecure or obese woman's mind especially insecure and obese women.


Women should carefully examine their reasons for wanting to lose weight or enhance their beauty. Many women loose weight primarily for the wrong the reasons. These are the following top reasons: 1) So they could feel comfortable in public places, 2) Get attention from the opposite sex, and 3) So they can brag about themselves (i.e. all that and a bag of chips) I think losing weight, if necessary should be done to be fit and healthy. It seems there is a correlation to women’s self esteem level and whether women succumb to the demands of what a beautiful woman of society is.

Come on ladies, you should have high self esteem not LACK of self esteem. Women should love themselves for how they are created and built inside and out. I say that to say this, if you are women and you are obese, loose weight to be healthy and fit for yourself. Do not loose weight to make anyone like you. If you are a women and you are insecure about yourself, embrace your beauty and worth. If you don’t, who will? What do you think?

Take It Back

HERE'S ANOTHER ORIGINAL SHORT STORY

“Hey I can’t do this anymore!” Blake said.

“I’m on kind of sort of on the same page with you bro., but what do you think is the best thing to do?” Jeff said.

It has been two years since Blake and Jeff’s parents mysteriously disappeared from their penthouse. The investigation was closed, after the public prosecutor's office and the police went the extra mile and had exhausted all their powers and techniques in order to solve the mystery of the disappearance of their parents. After while, Blake and Jeff lost all hope for their parents to return and just assumed their parents were murdered. Blake and Jeff became the heir of their parent’s multi billionaire estate in the pornography industry, but Blake and Jeff felt they were put in awkward positions- both being ministers and trying to manage their parent’s successful production company in the porn industry.

“I say lets sale this company. Mom and Dad are gone and are not coming back. This was their money maker.” Blake said.

“I agree, but that is exactly what whomever murdered our parents wants us to do and let’s not get all high and mighty because it was our parents money that paid off both of our church buildings and besides this is a really nice office!...This here is bigger than my office at my own church.” Jeff said.

“Jeff, all jokes aside, do you hear yourself? Would you want to run and operate this company that makes filth and is against the very things we preach against? I loved Mom and Dad but this company was the cause of their death. ”

Blake and Jeff’s parents started their multi billionaire business two years into their marriage when Blake and Jeff’s father was laid off from an accounting firm. Blake and Jeff’s mother a housewife and a religious person insisted their father to start his own company. Blake and Jeff father took his addiction to pornography and turned into his own successful production company. Blake and Jeff father took his business savvy skills and knowledge from working at accounting firm and monopolized the pornography industry. He was envied by many within the industry, yet loved by the ones trying to break in the industry. Blake and Jeff were born into their parent’s empire and faced a lot of ridiculed growing up. Blake and Jeff’s parents were always threatened that their sons would be held for ransom; so they decided to send their sons off to live with Blake and Jeff’s mother parents at times. Needless to say Blake and Jeff’s upbringing with their grandparents molded them into the men we know. Blake and Jeff’s mother parents raised Blake and Jeff in the church and the influences of the church led them to become ministers.

The office phone rings.

“Big booty Judy productions.” Jeff answered.

While Jeff was on the phone Blake sanked into deep thought about the few times he spent with his parents and the last time he saw his parents.

“Hey mom and dad! What are you doing here?!” Blake said.
“Well, we were in the area searching for the next playboy and we decided to pay our son a visit.” Blake father said.
“Dad, I think you guys are getting to old to be scouting the next porn stars, shouldn’t you have some other people doing that for you.”
“Well I like to scout myself, I won’t nothing but the best for my films, and I would like to keep the business in the family, but both of sons are too ashamed to work with me.” Blake’s dad said.
“C’mon Dad we been through this a million times. I’m not ashamed of working with you I just don’t agree with the work you do. It’s nasty, perverted, and sinful and I’m a minister, and I just can’t do that.” Blake said.
“So as a minister you don’t sin, you’re just perfect?” said Blake’s dad.
“No Dad, you’re putting words in my mouth, I never said I was perfect.” said Blake.
“But you’re implying that…” said Blake’s dad.
“Okay enough the both of you.” Blake mom said.
“Sorry Mom, but I think Dad needs to hear this maybe I am ashamed of you and what you do, and sometimes maybe I wish I wasn’t your son…you are a filthy pervert!… and I hope you rot in Hell!”

“Blake! BLAKE!” Jeff said as he shakes Blake shoulder.

“I’m sorry! Yea”. Blake said.

“Are you ok…you zoned out…were you praying or something.” Jeff said.
“Yea, no I was just thinking about our parents and my last conversation with them, so who was on the phone?” Blake said.
“Sit down Blake.” Jeff said.
“Man I’m sitting down.” Blake said.
“Okay I’ll sit down.” Jeff said.
“Are you ok Jeff, what’s wrong? Blake said.
“Nothing, but that was the FBI they found Mom and Dad…Alive!”

The End.

"What a Day"

HERE'S AN A  ORIGINAL SHORT STORY:

“What a Day” by: PHardge




I was walking on my way to the café. She was walking directly towards me, but with her face looking down.

“Hold your head up.” I thought.

She looked so fine with her model like physique and her Serena Williams assets. We were walking closer and closer in each other’s direction. I knew in my mind I was going to say something to her, but I didn’t know exactly what. I slowed down to a stop and pretended to check my phone. She walked closer and closer and then I said in my deepest voice,

“Hey Sam.”

“Oh hi Kenny, I saw you last night at the party getting down, are you okay from that fall on your face?” she said..

As I was about to utter my first words I felt something. Something so slimy that dropped on my head. I hunched my shoulders and ducked, but it was too late.

“Yuck! Oh My God! A bird just pooped on your head, I have to go that is so disgusting.” Sam said.

I was so embarrassed. This is was almost like a typical day for me, but it was different. I’ve always had bad luck in my life. My name is Kenny, a sophomore Chemistry major from Mobile, Alabama. I attend the greatest HBCU in the land-Hampton University. I’m kind of an outgoing individual and a party person.

“Go, Go, Go, Go” People at the party said.

Kenny did a break dance and tripped over his own feet and fell on his face.

I’ve had only one girlfriend ever and that was when I was a freshman in high school. That girl dumped me after I accidentally mistaken her mom for her and tried to have phone sex.

“Baby I’m going in. O it feels so good, you feel me?” Kenny said.

“Kenny”?! Ex girlfriend mom said.

“Yea baby call my name”. Kenny said.

“This isn’t Charlene, this is her MOTHER! CHARLENE”! Ex girlfriend said.

“Mrs. Dional…”? Kenny said.



So as you could see in the past my luck wasn’t always great, but today for some reason the laws of nature turned my luck around.

“Wait Sam, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me later, I have to go because I feel like I am about to hurl!” Sam said.

The slimy poop started to run down towards my face stinging my mouth. I nearly felt like vomiting at that point. The quite atrocious smell began piercing my nose until it felt like I was bleeding. I started walking towards the administration building to go and use its restroom. While walking, I was tempted to wipe my face, but then the thought of spreading the sticky, slimy, hot poop on my face made me resist that dreadful decision. I started feeling some of the poop on the edge of hitting my eye, so I closed my poppie eye and left my good eye open. I started speed walking to the administration building only to discover while pulling on the doors, the doors weren’t opening.

“Great, on the day I really need to get inside of the administration building, the doors are locked.” I yelled.

I pulled and I yanked on the door while kicking the door simultaneously.

“This is unbelievable.” I thought.

Then all of sudden, I heard sirens and seen blue lights flashing. I turned around and it was HUPD staring in my face pointing a taser gun.

“Put your hands up, Sir!” The cop said.

“I have an emergency officer, could you please help me?!”

“Sir, please I’m not going to ask you again… Put your hands up now!”

“Don’t you see that I have something on my face and my mouth…I’m dying here from inhaling and digesting too much bird poop!”

I felt like vomiting and I did.

“Sir, I said put your hands up!” The cop ran up to me.

“Awww!!! Don’t tase me bro. I’m surrendering!”

A crowd began to gather. The cop came to snap handcuffs on my arms.

“10, 4 I got student who looks to have the swine flu!” The cop said on his walkie talkie.

“Wait, you can’t arrest me! And I don’t have swine flu man!” I said.

“What are the fluids running down your face?” The cop asked.

“ A bird pooped on my head.” I whispered.

“Sir I didn’t hear that could you please repeat that?” The cop asked.

“A BIRD OUT OF NO WHERE SHITTED ON MY HEAD!” I said.

“Okay Sir, I don’t have time for your jokes, I’m taking you down to the quarantine center. You need immediate attention for this” The cop said.

“Wait, DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE ME IN HANDCUFFS?!” I asked.

I was resisting arrest while trying to talk with bird poop falling in mouth and all I was hearing during this entire time is laughter by everyone including the cop that arrested me.

“What’s that in your eye man?” One random student said.

The fat cop sat me in the back of his beetle bug car like I was some criminal.

“Sir I’ve got you in handcuffs because you were vandalizing the administration building! I saw you kicking the door multiple times!”

“What the hell, but YOU TASE ME FOR NO DAMN REASON…boy, wait until I get out of these handcuffs.” I said.

“Sir, under your medical condition I’m going to assume you not thinking clearly. The swine flu has you talking real stupid. I’m going to disregard that last comment which sounded like you were threatening me” The fat cop police said.



For the last time, I don’t have the swine flu.” All I wanted to do at this point was beat the crap out of the police officer.

“Ok that’s fine Sir, I’m taking you down to the precinct if you don’t have the swine flu.” The cop said.

“ This fake ass rent a cop is hilarious. He’s referring to HU small police office as a dang precinct.” I thought.

Then we were turning off of campus.

“Wait, where are you taking me?”

“To Hampton’s precinct, Sir I already told you, if you don’t have the swine flu; I am taking you down to the precinct. Perhaps next time you should keep your mouth close and let me assume. You know I was showing a little compassion to you because I felt sorry for you, but no you want be a badass so now I’m going to take you where the badass people go!” The cop said.

“Wait, hold up, hold on now this over the top! This isn’t necessary! Why do I need to go to the police precinct? Can we talk about this?! Ok, see what had happened...” I said.

“Sir, please save it for when you talk to the big boys.”

Next thing you know I’m explaining to a hook headed officer my situation with semi dry poop resting in my head and on the side of my mouth, but at least this officer was a lot more sincere but really country southern, nevertheless he was someone I could relate to. He even washed off the dry poop that was on my head and face. They really wanted to keep me handcuffed for safety precautions. I still owed the fat bastard that arrested me an ass kicking.

“Almond Joy let me understand this correctly, you were trying to talk to a girl with tennis player Serena William’s assets because ya liked her and ya wanted to get down and do the boogie oggie oggie with her, and then a little NASTY bird pooped all on ya cute head, so then ya proceeded to a building that you presumed to be open, and ya STRONG FIRM arms pulled, and yanked the door while your STRONG FIRM PERFECT legs kicked the door several times hoping that it would just open, so you could wash that filthy poo poo off ya.” The police officer said.

“Uh Yea, but don’t you forget the most important part, I was TASERED, my brother, Officer this was a situation blown way out of proportion. I have rights you know. That fat bastard out there needs a taste of his own medicine.” I said.

“Oh I hear ya… but has anyone ever told you, you look like Will Smith, you are so freaking sexy boy.”

“Now, I don’t think you heard me officer. I was tasered man! T-A-S-ERD! I was screaming like a sissy man in front of everybody. He tasered me, for what? Kicking and scratching at a door that should have been opened in the first place. HE NEEDS TO BE OUT OF A JOB.”

“I’m gonna cut ya a break. I’m going to remove the handcuffs off ya.” The officer said.

I felt so free at that point.

“How about ya get on my back and ride me like a cowboy. I mean really ride me and I won’t fine ya for resisting arrest and vandalism.”

“Wait, fine me?” I thought.

“Man, this was ridiculous.” I kept thinking.

I was not about to ride a grown mans back like I was some seven year old, but I kept thinking I couldn’t afford the fine nor had time to sit behind bars, so I did the unthinkable. He got down on his hands and knees and I began to shake my head as I raised one leg up and over after the other and sat on his back.

“Now hold on cowboy, I’m about to take ya for the ride of your life!”

“What the hell!” I thought.

He took me in circles around the interrogation room yelling “Yeehah!!!” over and over again. For some reason the awkward moment wasn’t as bad as thought it would be. After that the cop dropped the fines and arrest.

“Well now ya can consider your problem taken care of.” The police officer said.

“Hmm Thanks a lot” I said.

“Oh any time. Any time.” The police officer (Deeper voice) said.

“Okay I’ll keep that in mind.” I said.

“Do ya need a ride back to school?”

Now I normally would hitch a ride back to school, but he made me feel so unmanly.

“Thanks, but I really need to walk off that piggy back ride you gave”.

I used my walking time to actually write a letter to Sam to let her know how I felt about her. (Kenny writes on his hands.) Then I began to hear thunder.

“No. No. Please.” I thought.

All I kept thinking about was Sam. How could I talk to Sam? The rain started pouring hard, so I started running. I ran to the nearest shed, which was conveniently located by a pay phone. I needed to talk to Sam, so I had to call. I only had 35 cents to make the call, so I had to be quick.

“C’mon pick up.”

“Hello?”

“ Hey Sam, its Kenny…hey I have to be quick because I don’t have much time.”

“Wait, Kenny I already know what you’re going to say.”

“Really, you do?”

“No” Sam laughing.

“You play too much. But no seriously, I’ve had this crazy crush on you since the first day I saw you at that party. I have been thinking about you all day wondering how I could impress the most beautiful girl at Hampton, so now I’m asking would go out on a date with me…”

“Wait, Kenny I’m so sorry I didn’t hear anything you said, you were breaking up?” Sam said.

“ Are you freaking for real?” I thought.

“No I heard you boy, I was just kidding, and I would love to go on a date with you.”

“Okay cool! I…” I said.

Then the operator came on and told me that I had no more minutes and the phone call was being disconnected, but little did I know this phone call would be the icing to my day, what a great day.