HBCU ORIGINAL
Biden’s planned Morehouse College commencement speech spurs alumni protest
Joe Biden will be the commencement speaker at Morehouse College in Georgia, giving the Democrat a key spotlight at one of the nation’s pre-eminent historically Black campuses but potentially exposing him to uncomfortable protests as he seeks re-election against Donald Trump.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that Biden would speak on 19 May at the alma mater of the civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, and then address the graduating class at the United States Military Academy at West Point on 25 May.
The Morehouse announcement has drawn some backlash among the school’s faculty and supporters who are critical of Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war. That could put the White House and Biden’s re-election campaign in a difficult position as the president works to shore up the racially diverse coalition that propelled him to the Oval Office.
The letter, obtained by the Associated Press, claimed Biden’s approach to Israel effectively supports genocide in Gaza and runs counter to the pacifism that King expressed with his opposition to the Vietnam war.
“In inviting President Biden to campus, the college affirms a cruel standard that complicity in genocide merits no sanction from the institution that produced one of the towering advocates for nonviolence of the twentieth century,” the letter states, emphasizing King’s stance that “war is a hell that diminishes” humanity as a whole. “If the college cannot affirm this noble tradition of justice by rescinding its invitation to President Biden, then the college should reconsider its attachment to Dr King.”
Late last week, before the school and the White House formally announced commencement plans, Morehouse provost Kendrick Brown, Thomas’s top lieutenant, sent an email to all faculty acknowledging concerns about “rumors” and affirming that the school issued the invitation to Biden last September. That would have been before Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October, spurring the sustained counteroffensive that the Morehouse alumni letter called an act of genocide against Palestinians. Brown’s email did not reference anything about the Middle East conflict.
Brown invited faculty to an online forum, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, to discuss the matter. But, he added: “Please know going into this conversation that the College does not plan to rescind its accepted invitation to President Biden.”
Morehouse officials have not responded to an Associated Press inquiry.
Asked about the concerns from some faculty members, the White House deputy press secretary, Andrew Bates, said Biden was eager to speak at the school and added: “Commencements are about the graduates, their families and their loved ones, about celebrating the accomplishments of the graduates.
“I’m not going to weigh in on processes happening at Morehouse, but he looks forward to going there and celebrating with the graduates,” he added.
Earlier Tuesday, Thomas released a statement to BET.com that, like the provost’s faculty letter, highlighted the September timing of the invitation to Biden.
Thomas said Morehouse officials “eagerly anticipate” the president’s visit, which he called “a reminder of our institution’s enduring legacy and impact, as well as our continued commitment to excellence, progress and positive change.”
The Rev Stephen Green, pastor of the St Luke AME church in Harlem and an author of the alumni letter, said in an interview that his group had reached out to several Morehouse trustees and hoped to speak with Thomas. Green, who graduated in 2014, called the effort part of a “common thread of protest and activism in the Morehouse tradition” of social and political engagement.
“We hope this would send a strong message that we are serious about the values we were taught,” Green said, adding that he wants to see Biden forcefully advocate for a Palestinian state and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Beyond any dissatisfaction over Israel, polling suggests Biden may have work to do with Black Americans generally. More than half of Black adults approve of how he is handling his job as president, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in March, but that is down significantly from when he took office and 94% approved of his performance.
Biden has increasingly encountered protests this year from progressives who assert that he is too supportive of Israel. The issue has proven vexing for the president. He has long joined the US foreign policy establishment in embracing Israel as an indispensable Middle East ally. Yet he also has criticized the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for mounting civilian deaths in Gaza and told him that future US aid depends on Israel taking steps to protect civilians.
HBCU ORIGINAL
2024 MEAC Cross Country Championships
Men’s Race
Men’s Race – 8K – 11:00 AM
- ESPN+
- LIVE RESULTS
- CHAMPIONSHIP MANUAL
- CHAMPIONSHIP SOUVENIR PROGRAM
- TOP-20 TIMES
- WEEKLY HONORS
- MEAC RECORDS
- CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
- 2023 MEAC CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
- MEDIA CREDENTIAL REQUEST FORM
Women’s Race
Women’s Race – 5K – 12:00 PM
- ESPN+
- LIVE RESULTS
- CHAMPIONSHIP MANUAL
- CHAMPIONSHIP SOUVENIR PROGRAM
- TOP-20 TIMES
- WEEKLY HONORS
- MEAC RECORDS
- CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
- 2023 MEAC CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
- MEDIA CREDENTIAL REQUEST FORM
Directions to the DSU Outreach & Research Center – home of the DSU Cross Country Team – from Delaware State University
884 Smyrna-Leipsic Road
Smyrna, DE 19977
- Turn left out of the main entrance of Delaware State University.
- Travel approximately 8 miles north on US Route 13.
- Turn right onto Rt 12/Smyrna Leipsic Rd (opposite direction of the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill).
- Destination will be on your right after you cross Route 1.
Events
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) EAGLES SOAR IN DOMINANT SHUTOUT VICTORY
Oct. 12, 2024 — Durham, N.C.
In a complete showcase of offensive firepower and defensive prowess, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) shut out Virginia-Lynchburg 68-0 on Saturday at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, capping off their final non-conference game of the season in emphatic fashion.
NCCU wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, lighting up the first quarter with 33 points. Quarterback Walker Harris opened the floodgates, connecting with Joaquin Davis on a 24-yard touchdown pass. Though the extra point was blocked, the Eagles quickly capitalized again, as Kamari Houze recovered a loose ball in the end zone following a mishandled kickoff by Virginia-Lynchburg. Astonishingly, 13 points were on the board with less than a second ticking off the game clock.
The Eagles’ offense remained relentless. Running back Christian Mosley punched in his third rushing touchdown of the season, extending the lead to 20-0. Wide receiver Mehki Wall followed suit with a 9-yard touchdown reception from Harris, capping a quarter in which NCCU scored on every possession.
By halftime, the Eagles were up 41-0, following scores from J’Mari Taylor and freshman Aleni Mageo, who notched his first career touchdown. The second half saw no letup. Freshman QB Joshua Jones delivered a 15-yard strike to Sterling Greene, before running back Quest Powell closed the scoring with a 1-yard rush, sealing the commanding 68-0 victory.
NCCU’s ground game dominated, amassing 326 rushing yards led by Zion Dobson’s 98-yard performance on 12 carries. Defensively, the Eagles suffocated Virginia-Lynchburg, holding them to -42 rushing yards and allowing just 117 passing yards. The Dragons failed to convert a single third down (0-for-12) and were shut out of the red zone entirely.
With the win, head coach Trei Oliver improved his overall record to 34-20 and extended NCCU’s dominance at home, winning 13 of their last 14 games at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
Notable Stats:
- Walker Harris: 3 passing touchdowns, extending his streak of two or more TDs in four consecutive games.
- J’Mari Taylor: A rushing touchdown in seven straight games, tallying two scores on the day.
- Zion Dobson: Led all rushers with 98 yards and a touchdown.
- Defense: Held Virginia-Lynchburg to -42 yards rushing; Matthew Leavelle led the defense with 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss.
NCCU heads into their bye week before resuming conference play, riding the momentum of one of their most dominant performances of the season.
For more on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
HBCU ORIGINAL
Volleyball Previews: North Carolina Central University’s volleyball Travels Shoreside to Delaware State and UMES
North Carolina Central University’s volleyball team heads back on the road this weekend facing Delaware State University (Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.) and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Sunday, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m.).
COMING UP:
Friday, Oct. 11 – 6 p.m.
NC Central at Delaware State
Memorial Hall Gym, Dover, Del.
Sunday, Oct. 13 – 1 p.m.
NC Central at Maryland Eastern Shore
Hytche Arena, Princess Anne, Md.
Live Stats | Delmarva Sports Network
NC CENTRAL COURT
NCCU (3-12 Overall, 1-3 MEAC) looks to bounce back in the next set of games after falling in two MEAC matchups last weekend against Morgan State University, 3-0 and Coppin State University, 3-1.
In the latter of the two matches, junior Kamren Harper extended her double-digit kills streak to five matches in a row leading all attackers with 20 kills versus Coppin State. Junior Emmie Modlin earned a 12-kill, 14-dig double-double in the same match.
The Eagles are in the top 100 nationally in aces per set (92nd – 1.68), team attacks per set (69th – 36.07), team service aces (81st – 99) and team total attacks (92nd – 2,128). NC Central leads the MEAC in digs per set steered by junior Gabriela Felix-Baeza who is third in the MEAC in total digs (189). Senior Bella Dearinger leads the conference in total assists (487).
The DSU Hornets and UMES Hawks each lead the series against NCCU. Delaware State has a 10-4 record when facing the Eagles and Maryland Eastern Shore’s record is 14-4.
NCCU Statistical Leaders – Per Set
KILLS: #13 Kamren Harper (3.02) and #36 Emmie Modlin (2.43)
ACES: #35 Gabriela Felix-Baeza (0.44) and #1 Bella Dearinger (0.31)
ASSISTS: #1 Bella Dearinger (8.25)
DIGS: #35 Gabriela Felix-Baeza (3.20) and #36 Emmie Modlin (2.64)
BLOCKS: #18 Kayden Cupid (0.76) and #10 Tayah Little (0.56)
DELAWARE STATE COURT
Delaware State (6-11 Overall, 2-2 MEAC) split its last two conference matches falling to Howard University, 3-0 on the road and shutting out Norfolk State University in straight sets at home.
DSU’s Gerren Tomlin led the Hornets in kills in both matches with 11 against Howard and 18 over Norfolk State. Paige Ahakuelo and Naz Tuncay were the assist leaders versus the Bison and Spartans.
The Hornets are in the top 50 in the nation in team service aces (25th – 114) and aces per set (50th – 1.81), led by Tomlin who leads the conference individually and is ranked 17th nationally in aces per set.
DSU is second in the MEAC in multiple categories including aces per set, team assists, team kills, team service aces and team total attacks. Tomlin is also ranked 11th nationally and first in the conference in service aces (34).
DSU Statistical Leaders – Per Set
KILLS: #1 Gerren Tomlin (2.85) and #12 Aaliyah Mitchell (2.17)
ACES: #1 Gerren Tomlin (0.54)
ASSISTS: #9 Paige Ahakuelo (5.21) and #17 Naz Tuncay (4.46)
DIGS: #1 Gerren Tomlin (2.48) and Valeria Otero (2.38)
BLOCKS: #30 Hannah Sanders (0.60) and #20 Martyna Kmuk (0.54)
MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE COURT
Maryland Eastern Shore (6-9 Overall, 1-3 MEAC) was shutout in their last two contests on Oct. 4 to Norfolk State and Oct. 6 to Howard.
UMES’ Ranyla Griggs had 12 kills at NSU. Anisa Dorlouis and Isil Yilmaz led the Hawks in assists and digs through both matches. The Hawks are third in the MEAC in blocks per set (1.98) and team total blocks (103) and second in opponent hitting percentage (0.191).
Dorlouis is 12th in the nation in triple-doubles after securing an 11-kill, 29-assist, 14-dig performance versus Iona University earlier in the season. Valeria Matias is fourth in the MEAC in total digs (188) and Griggs is fifth in the conference in kills per set (2.90).
UMES Statistical Leaders – Per Set
KILLS: #23 Ranyla Griggs (2.96) and #12 Nkemjika Ikemefuna (2.73)
ACES: #6 Anisa Dorlouis (0.27) and #9 Anjola Omolewa (0.22)
ASSISTS: #6 Anisa Dorlouis (6.00) and #19 Tola Maczka (3.27)
DIGS: #1 Valeria Matias (3.84) and #6 Anisa Dorlouis (3.13)
BLOCKS: #18 Lilliana Montes (0.81) and #9 Anjola Omolewa (0.76)
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
HBCU ORIGINAL
SUNO Men’s Basketball Hosts Media Day
HBCU ORIGINAL
Trimble Opens Technology Lab at Florida A&M University, Marking New HBCU Collaboration
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. and WESTMINSTER, Colo., Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) celebrated the grand opening of the new Trimble Technology Lab at the Tallahassee campus on October 2.
This event marks a major milestone as FAMU becomes the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to host a Trimble Technology Lab (TTL). The lab at FAMU is set to revolutionize the learning experience for students in architecture and construction engineering by providing access to state-of-the-art technology and software solutions.
“Trimble’s generous support will equip our students and faculty with state-of-the-art technology, while setting a historic precedent,” said Andrew Chin, Assoc. AIA, dean, FAMU’s School of Architecture & Engineering Technology. “We are honored by a gift that demonstrates a commitment to cultivating a diverse and technologically proficient generation of architects and engineers.”
In addition to the donation of software and hardware technologies from Trimble, the Trimble Foundation Fund —Trimble’s philanthropic donor-advised fund — provided a grant to support the renovation and refurbishment of classroom spaces to house the new labs. FAMU is the first institution to be a recipient of a grant from Trimble Foundation Fund in connection with the establishment of a Trimble Technology Lab.
“Establishing our first technology lab at an HBCU underscores our commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive construction workforce,” said Amy Northcutt, director of education and outreach at Trimble. “By partnering with Florida A&M University and providing a grant from the Trimble Foundation to support facility renovations, we aim to create a more equitable environment in the industry. This initiative ensures that FAMU students have access to cutting-edge resources and tools, enhancing their education and preparing them for successful careers in construction.”
“The facilities grant from the Trimble Foundation offers a distinctive opportunity for FAMU students to access cutting-edge technology in the construction industry, enhancing their competitiveness in this rapidly evolving field,” said Doreen Kobelo, Ph.D., director of the division of engineering technology at FAMU. “Given the limited funding for capacity building, this grant allows for significant student advancement through solutions that would otherwise be inaccessible with state funding. This initiative will increase the number of underrepresented minorities equipped with expertise in advanced construction design and management solutions.”
The lab includes a broad range of Trimble’s industry-leading geospatial and construction solutions such as the Trimble® Ri robotic total station and XR10 HoloLens hardhat as well as advanced software solutions including RealWorks® scanning software, Trimble Business Center Infrastructure Construction edition, Tekla® Structures, Tekla Structural Designer, Trimble Connect® AR interactive collaboration software, and the company’s popular 3D modeling solution, SketchUp®.
About Florida A&M University
Founded on October 3, 1887 with its main campus in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University (FAMU) is the only public, historically Black university in Florida. What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to a high-quality, affordable education with programs and services that guide students toward successfully achieving their dreams. FAMU is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
In addition to its main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida. These include the College of Law in Orlando and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami.
About Trimble Foundation Fund
Trimble Foundation Fund is a donor-advised fund that focuses its charitable giving on the missions of supporting natural disaster and climate resilience, promoting female education and empowerment and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. The Trimble Foundation Fund is aligned to the company’s commitment towards building a more sustainable future. For more information on the Trimble Foundation Fund, visit: foundation.trimble.com.
About Trimble
Trimble is transforming the ways people move, build and live. Core technologies in positioning, modeling and data analytics connect the digital and physical worlds to improve our customers’ productivity, quality, safety, transparency and sustainability. For more information about Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB), visit: www.trimble.com.
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