Tuesday, October 29, 2013

HU’s Sixth Annual Local Political Party Q&A Forum

HU’s Sixth Annual Local Political Party Q& A Forum

Hampton, Va. -- Hampton University’s Political Science/Pre-Law Club and Pi Sigma Alpha hosted their Sixth Annual Local Political Party Question & Answer Forum, which took place in the Student Center Theater earlier this month.

Students, elected officials, and community members came out to hear local Republican, Constitutional, Tea, Libertarian, and Democratic party representatives as they discussed issues that affect the nation in the lens of politics.

State Senator and Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Ralph Northam stopped by and spoke with the crowd as well.
Ralph Northam engages in dialogue with the audience
Ronell Chatmon, Hampton University's Political Science/Pre Law Club President and Vice Chairman of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, said, “I am truly honored to continue to promote political awareness and understanding for the people by continuing this event.  It is important for the students to visualize both sides of the isle so we see how people in our society think and act.”

If you are interested in more events like this, Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications will be sponsoring a political town hall meeting on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. 

For more details, click here.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Hampton University Office of Admission to host On-Site Admission Sessions


Hampton University Office of Admission will be hosting On-Site Admission Sessions in the following cities: Greensboro, Detroit, Raleigh, and Richmond. These events will be held at the following venues:

Raleigh Alumni Chapter

Monday, October 28, 2013 at 6 p.m.

Martin St. Baptist Church Family Life Center

1005 E. Martin Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

High school seniors who submit all required admissions materials will be interviewed and receive an admissions decision.

 Items needed for the On-Site Admissions include:

The Signature Page from your completed online application,  Application fee of $35.00 (Non-refundable; Only cashier’s check or money order accepted), A copy of your social security card, Standardized test results, ACT or SAT scores are required of all students, Official high school transcript, Two letters of recommendation, one must be from a guidance counselor or teacher,  An autobiographical essay
Please RSVP to NHAA Raleigh Chapter at raleighnhaa@yahoo.com or 919-906-6361 by October 25.



Richmond Alumni Chapter

Monday, November 4, 2013 at 6 p.m.

Zion Baptist Church

2006 Decatur Street

Richmond, VA 23224

High school seniors who submit all required admissions materials will be interviewed and receive an admissions decision.

Items needed for the On-Site Admissions include:
The Signature Page from your completed online application,  Application fee of $35.00 (Non-refundable; Only cashier’s check or money order accepted), A copy of your social security card, Standardized test results, ACT or SAT scores are required of all students, Official high school transcript, Two letters of recommendation, one must be from a guidance counselor or teacher,  An autobiographical essay
For general questions and to RSVP, contact:richmondhualumni@hotmail.com



Detroit Alumni Chapter

Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 10 a.m.

New Calvary Baptist Church

3975 Concord Street

Detroit, MI 48207

High school seniors who submit all required admissions materials will be interviewed and receive an admissions decision.

Items needed for the On-Site Admissions include:
The Signature Page from your completed online application,  Application fee of $35.00 (Non-refundable; Only cashier’s check or money order accepted), A copy of your social security card, Standardized test results, ACT or SAT scores are required of all students, Official high school transcript, Two letters of recommendation, one must be from a guidance counselor or teacher,  An autobiographical essay
For general questions and to RSVP contact: peterboykin1@comcast.net or 313-492-9629.


Greensboro Alumni Chapter

Sunday, November 10, 2013 at 3 p.m.

Shiloh Baptist Church

Otis L. Hairston Family Life Center

1210 South Eugene Street

Greensboro, NC 27406
Items needed for the On-Site Admissions include:
The Signature Page from your completed online application,  Application fee of $35.00 (Non-refundable; Only cashier’s check or money order accepted), A copy of your social security card, Standardized test results, ACT or SAT scores are required of all students, Official high school transcript, Two letters of recommendation, one must be from a guidance counselor or teacher,  An autobiographical essay
For general questions and to RSVP, please contact: 336-337-3248 or email: jhig22553@bellsouth.net

Written by Daisha Roberts

Friday, October 25, 2013

Hampton University & Howard University Debate in their First Ever Debate-Off


Hampton University & Howard University Debate in their First Ever Debate-Off

Washington, D.C.—On Friday, Oct. 18, Professor Jamantha Watson and our award-winning Hampton University Forensics & Debate Team participated in the First Annual HU Debate at Howard University.

First Annual HU Debate at Howard University
Hampton University (right) against Howard University (left)
Both ‘rivals’ debated on the topics:  “Stand Your Ground Law Should be Repealed” and “Potential Employers Should Not Be Allowed Access to Student’s Social Media Accounts, Namely Facebook. Twitter, and Instagram.”

The students debated in front of an audience of 350 people.  Included in the audience were students from the Benjamin Banneker Preparatory Charter School in Willingsboro, N.J.

Hampton University sophomore Nya Harris from Washington, D.C., said how she appreciated how both universities were able to put their rivalry aside and "focus on the good:  making a difference and being heard."

In fact, as her opponents were speaking, she was extremely proud to see that her generation is capable of anything if they put their minds to it.

And it was no surprise that Hampton University took a trophy home for the team’s professional appearance, effective level of research, knowledge of the subject matters, and overall preparation for the two topics.

Meagan Downing (Senior from Chesapeake, Va.)
Caleb Jackson (Junior from Dallas, Texas)
Ivana Thomas (Sophomore from Durham, N.C.)
Nya Harris (Sophomore from Washington, D.C.)
Because this was the first HU Debate, it served as an exhibition that will be used to further more HBCU participation.

“Next year [Hampton University] will be hosting Howard University in the second HU Debate,” said Watson, “It is our hope that the 2013 HU Debate will begin a tradition of cohesive dialogue between Hampton University and Howard University as well as other Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation.”

Watson added how her students never disappoint the competition, nor herself; so come support HU's Forensics & Debate Team at their upcoming competitions--

  • Nov. 15 - 16, Tournament at Lord Fairfax Community College
  • Feb. 23 - 24, Tournament at Fayetteville State University
  • Feb. 28 - March 1, Tournament in Ocean City, Md.
-Gianina Thompson

Monday, October 21, 2013

The New York Times Visits Hampton University… Again


The New York Times Visits Hampton University… Again

Hampton, Va.-- Hampton University alumni and The New York Times editorial staff members visited Hampton University to better prepare students who are interested in being part of the NYTimes Student Journalism Institute program and their summer internship—two very competitive, but life-changing experiences.
The New York Times informs HU students about their internships
“Thank you for supplying us with such great talent from Hampton University,” said Don Hecker, Director of the NYTimes Student Journalism Institute, via Skype to students in Scripps Auditorium.

Such comments were quite humbling and rewarding to the university and it made the students even more confident in applying.
To add onto such motivation, three alums spoke about their experiences at these two internships, which eventually transcended into fulfilling careers at The New York Times.

Whitney Richardson ’09 is a news assistant and social media curator for the photo department; AngelicaRogers ’08 works as a news graphics designer along with other responsibilities for New York’s Fashion Week and is faculty member for the Institute program; and Eba Hamid ’09, who participated via Skype, is an editor with experience in web producing, reporting, and copy-editing.

Both internships provide close contact with seasoned staff, producing a newspaper under very tight deadlines, and overcoming intimidation.

“It’s a very intense place, but you find inspiration from the talented people you are working with,” said Rogers.

Hamid co-signed with Rogers and added that students should expect to work 11 hours a day and commit to each project.

The New York Times is a place where you can work, but also learn from talented people.
Students listen intently in Scripps Auditorium

Hampton University mirrors such setting and it is highly likely that The New York Times will become flooded with even more HU students and alums.

For more information on applying for different internships at The New York Times, click here.

The deadline is Nov. 1st.  Remember to re-check that you have completed everything in the packet.

Good luck Hamptonians!

-Gianina Thompson

Thursday, October 17, 2013

All the way from South Africa, Emmy-Award Winning Journalist Kenneth Walker speaks on The Caldwell Café TV Series


All the way from South Africa, Emmy-Award Winning Journalist Kenneth Walker speaks on The Caldwell Café TV Series

Kenneth Walker speaks on The Caldwell Cafe

Hampton, Va.-- On Wednesday, Oct. 17, the Caldwell Café, presented by Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications (SHSJC), caught the conversation of two long time friends—host and our own writer-in-residence Earl Caldwell and Emmy-award winning journalist Kenneth Walker.

The two shared stories in front of a studio audience and the awe, inspiration, and motivation was novel-like to say the least.

“We go way back,” admitted Caldwell as the two reminisced about exhilarating times hitting the news world.

Kenneth Walker started in print at the Washington Star and stayed for 13 years, then made his way into television at ABC News as a White House correspondent and anchor.  He was only the fourth African-American anchor for the network at the time.  Success followed him at USA Today TV series and National Public Radio along with many other prominent outlets in print, TV, and radio; however, his journey was a lot more than just a good story.

“Excellence was an adequate shield,” Walker said in speaking of his ability to ascend to ascend to the top of network news.

Walker also spoke of current events facing the African-American race.  He specifically mentioned the Trayvon Martin case, which unfortunately gave people the false conception that the African American race is a feared race, but in fact, many people are drawn to the race.
Kenneth Walker and Earl Caldwell in front of a live studio audience


Walker said people are drawn to the race through athleticism and music, but really it’s in their human rights, activism, and motivation to keep prevailing against the odds.

Greatness didn’t just start with him.  It was in his family legacy.  Walker’s family was heavily involved in the Civil Rights movement and the associated struggles.  This molded him to go beyond what was typical to say, and say what was necessary to say.

“I speak the truth as I see it,” Walker said.

This had closed the door for him a few significant times, but as Walker puts it, “When God closes one door, he opens twenty more.”

During the Q&A, a student asked Walker about how to go about finding a job during today’s frustrating economy.

“Jobs aren’t what they use to be,” Walker said without hesitation, “Look for business opportunities, not just simply a job.”

Such advice will definitely play a role in helping our future generation not only aspire for greatness, but achieve greatness.

 And with just a few seconds left for The Caldwell Café, Walker left a simple, yet strong message, “Dream big and never give up.”





Wednesday, October 2, 2013

HUs Director of Student Counseling Center Sits on Panel Among Shaq, Speaking on Alcohol Prevention


On Sept. 18, Hampton University’s own Dr. Linda Kirkland-Harris, director of the HU’s Student Counseling Center had the honor of being a panelist at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research and educational institute, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation aims to help improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.

The panel, which was sponsored by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (Missouri) was on a topic Kirkland-Harris was familiar with, alcohol consumption/ binge drinking among African-American students.

Recently working with the Virginia Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control with “Operation Undergrad 1023-2013”, a grant in which they entitled “SOBER CHILL”, Kirkland-Harris spoke on the many collaborations that took place with the university on regards to alcohol education. “SOBER CHILL”, explained by Kirkland-Harris had 5 objectives: To provide face to face fun without the ‘aid’ of alcohol, to develop engaging formats for alcohol education, to create a culturally competent educational DVD, to promote awareness of HU’s Police Department’s (HUPD) use of AlcoSensors, and to reduce by 25 percent the number of alcohol offenses recorded by HUPD.

Many may think that alcohol consumption is not that big of an issue, but the abuse of alcohol in younger communities is getting more serious.

“With regard to the younger community, published research consistently indicates that throughout the country, first year (followed by second year) students are most at risk of alcohol abuse/binge drinking, explained Dr. Kirkland-Harris.”

 “In addition, the most vulnerable time in the academic year is the first few weeks because of the combination of being released from parental monitoring and a lot of free and low pressure time on students’ hands. Young ladies are of special concern because older male students and community members “prey” (student language) upon their naïveté and desire to demonstrate “I know what I’m doing” leading them to dangerous decision-making.”

Other advocates on the panel included Dr. Shaquille O’Neal who has partnered with the Century Council (a group of distillers fighting drinking drunk driving and underage drinking) for the purpose of reducing binge drinking among young people. Many of you may be thinking “Shaq, An advocate of stopping underage drinking? Really?” O’neal has seen that social media and comedy are effective strategies for conveying prevention education and on the panel displayed a clip of a Godfrey the Comedian video clip. He wants to reach younger adults with an “It’s not ok” message.

Others on the panel included, Ralph Blackman, director of the Century Council (alcohol education) and Dr. Linda Loubert of Morgan State University, director of a study on binge drinking at HBCUs.


Dr. Linda Kirkland-Harris with Dr. Shaquille O'Neal


Mechala Simpson
Hampton University 15’