TAHIR A. LEE (Christian Allen) - Photojournalist/Reporter
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Black Student Summit
FEATURE PACKAGE
Christian Allen, News 20 at Five
Are you guys ready to get started? YEAH! Alright, that’s more like it.
The Florida A&M Student Government Association held a “State of the Black Student" summit that highlighted the importance of Black Excellence. The summit was hosted by supermodel Melyssa Ford and included an all-star line up of panelists.
My overall experience was good. This was the first time I’ve been around so many intellectual black people. They gave us a lot of information and I was actually excited to here a lot of the information about career paths and even relationships because I think it matters. Especially with society as well,” said FAMU student, Sarah Lee.
Summit panelists ranged from journalists, authors, musicians, actors, doctors and businessmen that could offer insight about the real world. John Legend was one of the most notable speakers and he expressed his viewpoints of the American education system.
“We have what I would call an “education crisis” in America. Particularly, in the poorest communities in America,” Legend said.
Vice President of the Miami HEAT, Eve Wright, gave students important information that would be valuable for those looking to start their own business. While Carmen Ulrich stressed why recent college grads should invest in themselves.
“Paying attention to your money, paying attention to those loans, paying attention to living inside your means; all of those things are investments in you,” said Ulrich.
Many students felt motivated by the topics discussed and acknowledged that diversity is key to any situation.
“I think the summit was good. It was a combination of a lot of different thoughts and people’s ideas, which is always good to have diversity and thought. Like monologue and thought, it kind of creates stagnant activity. So to have people that are sort of going against each other not in an argumentative type of way but more like a iron sharpening iron type of way. It was a really good event and I think that they gave the message that they were trying to get out to the public,” said FAMU graduate student, Dallas Gibson.
“Tonight’s forum discussion was very motivating, I’m very excited and very excited and very grateful that I was able to see something like this because you don’t get to see this many black people have so many encouraging things to say and being the examples that they want us to see,” said FAMU sophomore, Christina Wallace.
Once the summit had come to a conclusion, students had the opportunity to meet with certain panelists for photos and book signings. For News to at Five, Christian Allen reporting.
Justice for Trayvon Martin
Christian Allen, News 20 at Five
FAMU students boarded buses today at Brag Stadium heading to Sanford, Fl. It’s an effort to march in the remembrance of Trayvon Martin.
“We’re going down there as rattlers to go support the family. We’re going to the rally in Sanford, Fl and an injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere. So we as FAMU students want to go there and support the family,” said Breyon Love, FAMU’s SGA President.
Rattlers that believer a support system will be beneficial were among those traveling.
“Well, as far as my role going down there today, it is to be a support system for my school and my university,” said Antonio Hairston, “And to also let my voice be heard as far as justice being served for Trayvon Martin.”
There are a number of efforts being organized to give students a role in bringing justice to Martin’s family. The bus trip funded by FAMU SGA is just one of those initiatives.
“My current role as the senate president is to manage the budget. And they felt like this would be a great way towards allowing students to go and represent in Sanford,” said Marissa West.
George Zimmerman, the man accused of shooting and killing Trayvon Martin has still not been arrested or charged with any crime. This has sparked a movement across the nation that questions the American judicial system.
“It’s to hopefully put some fire underneath the bus of the Florida judicial system because this isn’t the first time they’ve been labored in handing out justice for anybody. It’s bigger than race which I think people are missing,” said Keith Oliver, “This is about a failed judicial system that has failed us time and time again.
For those who were unable to attend the march in Sanford due to classes, students rallied from Gaines Street to the Capitol so that their voice could be heard.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Panelists promote African-American business at summit - News - All News from Florida A & M and around Tallahassee - The Famuan - The Student Voice of Florida A&M University
Christian Allen, Staff Writer
During last night’s State of the Black Student Summit hosted by FAMU’s Student Government Association, celebrity panelists focused on black excellence and the importance of supporting black owned businesses.
Talk show host and journalist Carmen Wong Ulrich expressed the meaning behind having a dream and believing in its vision.
“We must all learn how to invest in ourselves,” said Ulrich, “with the support of others in the black community and having just a little bit of faith, anything is possible”.
Summit panelist, Arthur Wylie stressed the significance of proper finance management during the early stages of starting a business. Wylie’s ventures started out of his dorm room and he quickly grew to millionaire status, at the young age of 26.
“I manage clients in major industries throughout the country and the misuse of hard owned money can definitely lead to troubles in the future,” said Wylie.
According to an online study black-owned businesses, which are defined by the government as firms with African-American owners holding a 51% or larger stake in the business, raked in $137 billion in sales and receipts and made up 7.1% of businesses nationwide in 2007, compared to 5.2% in 2002.
Even with numbers that show high revenue intake, black businesses for some reason still remain small.
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, intellectual and activist, provided insight on the advantages of being alert about the steps of African-Americans in the community and how everyone can benefit. Hill said, “With support of our people, the presence of our businesses won’t go ignored.”
Students had an opportunity to ask some panelists one on one questions after the summit pertaining to their endeavors of starting their own business. Senior political science and pre-law student, Sarah Lee said she was highly impressed by the panel discussion and felt like each participant provided a wealth of information that could be useful after graduation.
“With dreams of one day becoming the CEO of my own law firm, I gained a lot of motivation that will lead me in the right direction to succeed, no matter what type of business I decide to work towards,” Lee said.
Summit Chair, Eric Majors put together an all-star panel that consisted of people like recording artist and nine-time Grammy award winner, John Legend. Legend spoke about how damaged the education system is and the weight that a college degree has in the business realm. Author Omar Tyree is deemed by many as a literary icon. He says that for him, writing became his business and he’s been successful ever since.
Economic student Dallas Gibson claims that for him black businesses are the only way to go. He says the sad reality is that if blacks don’t support themselves, nobody will.
“For years, African-Americans have been fighting for change and rights,” Gibson said, “I will forever stand behind businesses that were created in the eyes of adversity.”
During last night’s State of the Black Student Summit hosted by FAMU’s Student Government Association, celebrity panelists focused on black excellence and the importance of supporting black owned businesses.
Talk show host and journalist Carmen Wong Ulrich expressed the meaning behind having a dream and believing in its vision.
“We must all learn how to invest in ourselves,” said Ulrich, “with the support of others in the black community and having just a little bit of faith, anything is possible”.
Summit panelist, Arthur Wylie stressed the significance of proper finance management during the early stages of starting a business. Wylie’s ventures started out of his dorm room and he quickly grew to millionaire status, at the young age of 26.
“I manage clients in major industries throughout the country and the misuse of hard owned money can definitely lead to troubles in the future,” said Wylie.
According to an online study black-owned businesses, which are defined by the government as firms with African-American owners holding a 51% or larger stake in the business, raked in $137 billion in sales and receipts and made up 7.1% of businesses nationwide in 2007, compared to 5.2% in 2002.
Even with numbers that show high revenue intake, black businesses for some reason still remain small.
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, intellectual and activist, provided insight on the advantages of being alert about the steps of African-Americans in the community and how everyone can benefit. Hill said, “With support of our people, the presence of our businesses won’t go ignored.”
Students had an opportunity to ask some panelists one on one questions after the summit pertaining to their endeavors of starting their own business. Senior political science and pre-law student, Sarah Lee said she was highly impressed by the panel discussion and felt like each participant provided a wealth of information that could be useful after graduation.
“With dreams of one day becoming the CEO of my own law firm, I gained a lot of motivation that will lead me in the right direction to succeed, no matter what type of business I decide to work towards,” Lee said.
Summit Chair, Eric Majors put together an all-star panel that consisted of people like recording artist and nine-time Grammy award winner, John Legend. Legend spoke about how damaged the education system is and the weight that a college degree has in the business realm. Author Omar Tyree is deemed by many as a literary icon. He says that for him, writing became his business and he’s been successful ever since.
Economic student Dallas Gibson claims that for him black businesses are the only way to go. He says the sad reality is that if blacks don’t support themselves, nobody will.
“For years, African-Americans have been fighting for change and rights,” Gibson said, “I will forever stand behind businesses that were created in the eyes of adversity.”
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Women's Track Gears Up For UNF Invite - Sports - The World of Florida A & M University Sports - The Famuan - The Student Voice of Florida A&M University
Christian Allen
Correspondent
The Florida A&M women's track and field team, which is fresh off an impressive fourth-place finish at the Mid-Eastern Conference Indoor Championship on Feb. 18, is looking to build on its success Friday during the North Florida Invitational in Jacksonville.
The invitationalwill be held in the Hodges Stadium Track & Field facility.
The Athletes, who remain top-tier championship contenders, said they have been practicing hard to prepare for the outdoor season.
For runners such as Chandelic Jackson and Ariel Allen, the UNF Invite serves as an event for maximizing their teams' full potential. Jackson said the team would do a great this weekend because of its preparation.
"It's going to be a perfect indicator of what we will be expecting this outdoor season and give us great competition to compare ourselves to so we can be prepared for MEAC," Jackson said.
FAMU will look to keep their momentum going and improve on weaknesses. The team, which qualified 17 athletes for the MEAC Indoor Championship, has already had an impressive season thus far. Johnson said her personal goals are to improve after every race and to earn as many points as possible.
Head coach Darlene Moore said the key to successful performances is to take advantage of the race at the beginning. She said this improves the odds of winning.
Allen said the team would give its all Friday because it is focused on becoming better team overall.
"Everyone has just been working hard physically and mentally at practice in order to get stronger," Allen said. "We have been working on getting out hard so we can run the race from the front and pull through at the end."
Cookie Garrett, FAMU's housing resident director and longtime team supporter, said the Lady Rattlers would have no problem garnering success this weekend.
"I have seen how much talent FAMU women's track team has, and I can only see them continuing to grow and getting better with every competition," Garrett said. "I know they'll perform just fine."
The 62nd Annual FAMU Relays will begin March 10 at the Pete Griffin Track. Competition will begin at 8 a.m. For more information, please visit: http://www.coachoregistration.com/meet/info/fl_famu/2012/03-10_Webster_Surgical_Center_62nd_Annual_FAMU_Relays/info.pdf
Correspondent
The Florida A&M women's track and field team, which is fresh off an impressive fourth-place finish at the Mid-Eastern Conference Indoor Championship on Feb. 18, is looking to build on its success Friday during the North Florida Invitational in Jacksonville.
The invitationalwill be held in the Hodges Stadium Track & Field facility.
The Athletes, who remain top-tier championship contenders, said they have been practicing hard to prepare for the outdoor season.
For runners such as Chandelic Jackson and Ariel Allen, the UNF Invite serves as an event for maximizing their teams' full potential. Jackson said the team would do a great this weekend because of its preparation.
"It's going to be a perfect indicator of what we will be expecting this outdoor season and give us great competition to compare ourselves to so we can be prepared for MEAC," Jackson said.
FAMU will look to keep their momentum going and improve on weaknesses. The team, which qualified 17 athletes for the MEAC Indoor Championship, has already had an impressive season thus far. Johnson said her personal goals are to improve after every race and to earn as many points as possible.
Head coach Darlene Moore said the key to successful performances is to take advantage of the race at the beginning. She said this improves the odds of winning.
Allen said the team would give its all Friday because it is focused on becoming better team overall.
"Everyone has just been working hard physically and mentally at practice in order to get stronger," Allen said. "We have been working on getting out hard so we can run the race from the front and pull through at the end."
Cookie Garrett, FAMU's housing resident director and longtime team supporter, said the Lady Rattlers would have no problem garnering success this weekend.
"I have seen how much talent FAMU women's track team has, and I can only see them continuing to grow and getting better with every competition," Garrett said. "I know they'll perform just fine."
The 62nd Annual FAMU Relays will begin March 10 at the Pete Griffin Track. Competition will begin at 8 a.m. For more information, please visit: http://www.coachoregistration.com/meet/info/fl_famu/2012/03-10_Webster_Surgical_Center_62nd_Annual_FAMU_Relays/info.pdf
Florida Senate Passes Bill to Grant Credit to Veterans - News - All News from Florida A & M and around Tallahassee - The Famuan - The Student Voice of Florida A&M University
Christian Allen, Staff Writer
The Florida Senate has passed legislation that provides uniform rules for granting college credit to returning veterans for training and education earned on active duty.
Senate Bill 532, sponsored by Thad Altman, R-Rockledge, will be sent to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature. In early 2012, the senate tried to make what it called a “realistic” budget with higher education appropriations. With the weak job market still hurting Florida, this bill offers veterans more work opportunities.
“The job market is tough, but it is even more unwelcoming for many young veterans upon their return from service," said Altman. "Their relevant skills and experiences are not always treated with the educational value they should be given, and that can be a setback when preparing to enter a competitive workforce."
Kendall Broughton, a member of the ROTC program at FAMU, said SB 532 would deliver well-deserved aid for those returning from service.
“Being given the opportunity to capitalize on your skills and education gained while in the military is a blessing in disguise," Broughton said. "This bill also allows a smoother transitional period for young veterans that may have dreams of attending college to further their education."
Supporters assure that the bill provides a crutch to veterans to better their chances at working.
Evaluating military training and experience for college credit is a common practice among Florida’s public higher education institutions, but there is no uniformity in the process and credits widely vary. Neither the Florida Board of Governors nor the State Board of Education currently have standards set in place to maximize on certain areas outlined in SB 532.
Critics of the bill argue that it gives veterans too much of an advantage over students who had gone through the college process.
“I guess it’s a good thing they get the chance to earn college credit, but what about the students who have been in college for years?" said Tyja Robinson, a fifth-year biology student. “It wouldn’t be fair if veterans had the opportunity to surpass college students that have put in the time and effort towards their academics since high school.”
The Florida Senate has passed legislation that provides uniform rules for granting college credit to returning veterans for training and education earned on active duty.
Senate Bill 532, sponsored by Thad Altman, R-Rockledge, will be sent to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature. In early 2012, the senate tried to make what it called a “realistic” budget with higher education appropriations. With the weak job market still hurting Florida, this bill offers veterans more work opportunities.
“The job market is tough, but it is even more unwelcoming for many young veterans upon their return from service," said Altman. "Their relevant skills and experiences are not always treated with the educational value they should be given, and that can be a setback when preparing to enter a competitive workforce."
Kendall Broughton, a member of the ROTC program at FAMU, said SB 532 would deliver well-deserved aid for those returning from service.
“Being given the opportunity to capitalize on your skills and education gained while in the military is a blessing in disguise," Broughton said. "This bill also allows a smoother transitional period for young veterans that may have dreams of attending college to further their education."
Supporters assure that the bill provides a crutch to veterans to better their chances at working.
Evaluating military training and experience for college credit is a common practice among Florida’s public higher education institutions, but there is no uniformity in the process and credits widely vary. Neither the Florida Board of Governors nor the State Board of Education currently have standards set in place to maximize on certain areas outlined in SB 532.
Critics of the bill argue that it gives veterans too much of an advantage over students who had gone through the college process.
“I guess it’s a good thing they get the chance to earn college credit, but what about the students who have been in college for years?" said Tyja Robinson, a fifth-year biology student. “It wouldn’t be fair if veterans had the opportunity to surpass college students that have put in the time and effort towards their academics since high school.”
Monday, March 12, 2012
FAMU Way extension project
By Christian Allen, News 20 at Five
The City of Tallahassee is hosting a community meeting this Thursday for resident feedback about future modifications to FAMU Way. The proposed FAMU Way extension project will connect Wanish Way and Lake Bradford Road.
The FAMU Way extension project has recently been notified by CSX railroad of potential undisclosed factors that may hault plans of construction.
The project has been approved for a year thus far but changes to the agenda are ongoing. Communications Director, Michelle Bono, says efforts to make the community better is a city commitment.
“Students that have been here for a while will remember we’ve been working with the student community, residential community and the business community around the campus on a plan to extend FAMU Way. Right now everybody knows that FAMU Way stops at Wanish and the goal was to connect it all the way to Lake Bradford. Not just for transportation but also a part of the city’s commitment to improving the Southside,” said Bono.
Pot holes are a main concern for drivers that frequently use FAMU Way as a form of transportation.
New provisions of route adjustments will be better for commuters, but residents will suffer. Kulton Jackson, a resident of Eugenia Street is excited for the project but acknowledges the risk.
“Considering that I live relatively close to that area, I can see how a lot of the construction would be a major obstacle for me because of where I need to go and how to get around the city of Tallahassee. But at the same time I could see how it’s a good thing,” said Jackson.
The city has already begun acquiring properties needed to make the project vision a reality. Some apartment complexes include Shaker Heights and Kingston Square. Still there are concerns that many cannot put to rest.
Thursday’s meeting is sure to be an indicator on whether or not the City of Tallahassee should go with things as planned or make the needed adjustments. The new route for FAMU Way is set to be a two lane linear road that will make transportation less of a hassle while still satisfying CSX and Tallahassee residents.
Once complete, builders say FAMU Way will be one of the most attractive roadways in Tallahassee and will provide the community with several recreational areas.
The public workshop will be held on March 15, 2012 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Walker Ford Community Center gymnasium, 2301 Pasco Street.
For more information, please visit Talgov.com or call (850)-891-8535.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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