Skip to content
Advertisement

Clark-Artis named president of FMU; VH1 launches ‘Atlanta Exes’; Russell Wilson makes history

Advertisement

California

Wells Fargo Education Financial Services and First Generation Films today kicked off the “Go College!” national community event initiative that will present 70 film screenings of the award-winning documentary “First Generation” to tens-of-thousands of high school students, parents, educators and civic and community leaders in 10 major cities across the United States throughout 2014.  Go College! was created to help shrink the higher education gap amongst first generation college-bound students, minorities and underserved youth through the inspirational stories captured in First Generation. The screenings will also include a panel discussion with the documentary film makers, education leaders, and college financial planning experts. First Generation is narrated by two-time Golden Globe Award nominee Blair Underwood and tells the story of four high school students—an inner city athlete, a small town waitress, a Samoan warrior dancer, and the daughter of migrant field workers—who are looking to break the cycle of poverty and bring hope to their families and communities through a college education.

Florida

 (59051)

The Board of Trustees of Florida Memorial University (FMU) has announced the appointment of Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis as the university’s 13th president, effective immediately. This historic appointment is unprecedented and Dr. Artis has made history by becoming the first woman president of the 135-year-old institution. After serving as interim president since July 15, 2013, Dr. Artis has performed admirably during her six months in the position and has been embraced throughout the student body, the faculty and staff and the entire south Florida community. “I am impressed with her adept administrative and people skills, says Charles George, Chairman of the FMU Board of Trustees. “She has hit the ground running and brings superb qualifications and leadership skills to FMU.”

Georgia

 (59052)

Tameka Foster-Raymond, ex-wife of international pop star Usher, will star in the new VH1 series “Atlanta Exes” – a spin-off of the popular series “Hollywood Exes.” Also, starring in the series will be Christina Johnson (ex-wife of Cee-Lo Green), Monyetta Shaw (ex-fiancee of Ne-Yo), Sheree Buchanan (ex-wife of former pro football player Ray Buchanan), and Torrei Hart (ex-wife of Kevin Hart). Premiering in summer 2014, the docu-series will follow the lives and careers of these five women, and will charter a new chapter in ‘The ATL’. As the thriving music and entertainment capital of the South, Atlanta provides the ideal backdrop and group of ex-wives for the franchise’s extension.

.

Illinois

The Evanston Public Library is taking a different approach to Black History Month. In March, “11 Months of

 (59053)

African American History” becomes a yearlong celebration of theater, lectures and conversation. The idea was brought forth by Lesley Williams, head of Evanston Public Library Adult Services. “I think there’s a sense of frustration that so many wonderful programs, readings, dance concerts and theatre performances celebrating African-American history are crammed into these four really short weeks,” said Williams, a 25-year Evanston resident. “And you just don’t get a chance to see them all.”

New York

History was made at the legendary Newark Symphony Hall in breaking the Guinness World Record for Largest Gospel Choir. The McDonald’s Gospel Super Choir was composed of 1,171 singers of all ages, from across the New York Tri-state area and as far away as Philadelphia and Florida. This record-breaking event was produced and directed by Emmy Award winning A. Curtis Farrow. “We did it! We brought the record back to our country where Gospel Music was born! The community really showed up!” The previous record of 1,169 singers was held by the London Community Gospel Choir, who were joined by hundreds of singers from gospel choirs across Europe. As a launch to Black History Month, this record breaking choir was sponsored by the McDonald’s New York Tri-State Owner Operators Association and McDonald’s Corporation.

Washington

 (59054)

Russell Wilson made history becoming just the second African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl as he led the Seattle Seahawks to a dominating 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2. Wilson joins Doug Williams formerly of the Washington Redskins  as the only Black men to win a Super Bowl as starting quarterback. The Richmond, Va. native is, at 25, also the third youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Wilson finished 18-of-25 for 206 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers.

National

According to a new data analysis, the abortion rate in the USA has dropped to its lowest level since the procedure became legal in 1973. To be exact, there has been a 13 percent decline in both the abortion rate and the number of abortions from the years 2008 to 2011. The Guttmacher Institute in New York City, the organization who conducted the research, found that major declines were seen in all but six states—Alaska, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, West Virginia and Wyoming—which all saw either no change or an increase in abortion rates. This is good news for African American children as more of them die as a result of abortion than for any other reason.

Compiled By Juliana Norwood.

Advertisement

Latest