famu Archives - Rolling Out

It is a fact that some White men with guns are feeling particularly emboldened when confronting Blacks in their everyday lives. The most interesting thing about these encounters is that the Blacks who are on the receiving end of these threats are often women or young adults. For many, the power of death in their…

Many of us encounter obstacles in life, but it’s how we deal with them that defines us. Tia Coleman was dealt her hand of hardships, but she prevailed against the odds. On her 21st birthday, she was involved in a terrible car crash that left her in critical condition. When she woke up in the hospital the doctor…

During homecoming this past weekend, Georgia State University crowned its newest Royal Court, including Norae Woodard as the 2017-2018 Ms. Georgia State University, making her the sixth consecutive Black Ms. GSU since 2012. Georgia State University is the most diverse institution in the state of Georgia and is No. 1 in the nation for awarding…

Trey Pressley is eye candy no doubt. Pressley is a seasoned model who is very comfortable in his own skin. Don’t get it twisted; he never compromises his integrity for a check. Here, he discusses how he navigates the “complicated” entertainment industry, why he uses caution and offers tips to stand above the competition. What…

It’s that time of year again that brings joy to thousands of HBCU students, commencement. Several top tier HBCUs have announced exciting speakers for 2015. Take a look at this year’s lineup, starting with the top ranked HBCU in the United States: Spelman College Donna Brazile

A former band leader at Florida A&M University will have to serve the next six years of his life in prison for the hazing death of a fellow band member. Dante Martin, 27, and 15 other FAMU band members were charged for the death of Robert Champion while hazing him in 2011. Prosecutors said…

An ex-FAMU band member was convicted this past Friday (Oct. 31) of manslaughter in relation to a hazing ritual known as “Crossing Bus C” that resulted in the death of 26-year-old Robert Champion in 2011. According to prosecutors, Dante Martin, 27, was known among the group as “the president of Bus C,” and was responsible…

One of the former Florida A&M University band members who beat Robert Champion in the infamous hazing homicide was sentenced on Friday to a year in jail. Jessie Baskin became the first FAMU student to be sentenced to jail time for his role in the hazing death of the drum major when he was ordered to…

Happy Founders Day to the illustrious ladies of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority! Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 15, 1908. It is the oldest Greek organization established by black college-educated women. Today, the women of AKA…

Happy Founders Day to the women of Delta Sigma Theta! Today marks 101 years for the beautiful ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Delta Sigma Theta, was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 female college students at Howard University. The students wanted to promote and highlight academic excellence and to provide assistance to…

About a decade ago, when legendary radio deejay Tom Joyner was asked whom he thought would become the first black president of the United States, two words bolted out of his mouth before the question was complete: Kwame Kilpatrick. That’s just how well thought of he was back then. And Joyner was far from alone with…

Florida Congressmen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart sent a joint letter to the U.S. Treasury Department officials responsible for policing the embargo with Cuba to demand to be told who approved Shawn “Jay-Z” and Beyoncé Knowles Carter’s travel and for what purpose. “Do you care that the Jay-Zs have taken the capital you have given…

Twelve former band members now face charges of manslaughter in the 2011 death of drum major Robert Champion. State Attorney Jeff Ashton also filed charges against two more band members. The new charges were announced at a hearing Monday. Last spring, 10 band members were charged with third-degree felony hazing. If convicted, each will result in…

Florida Agricultural Mechanical University’s homecoming week has arrived and students and alumni will celebrate with an elaborate coronation, a much anticipated football game, spirited tailgating, a lively step show and a number of concerts featuring the top names in hip-hop and R&B. FAMU has a storied history of providing education to individuals who went on to…

– Edgy drama inspired by internationally known Los Angeles Serial Killer case focuses on detective, journalist and community organizer hunting the killer. “Dancing With Rip,” is the first movie inspired by the South Central Los Angeles serial killer case, “Grim Sleeper.” The film is being produced by Nyjo Brennen, Florida A&M alum, who most recently produced…

President of FAMU Resigns

Georgia State University outpaced every college in America to become the top school to graduate blacks in the nation, according to a report from Diverse Issues in Higher Education. The downtown-based Atlanta school awarded 1,262 degrees to black Americans in 2012, surpassing every HBCU school, including Florida A&M University and North Carolina A&T State University.…

The fate of the FAMU “Marching 100” has finally been decided. According to The Associated Press, FAMU’s famed marching band is being suspended until2013. The announcement was made Monday by the school’s president, James Ammons, at a meeting of the university’s board of trustees. During the meeting Ammons said that he wanted to ensure…

The fate of the FAMU Marching 100 is in question now that their famed band director has stepped down. On Thursday, 71-year-old Julian White announced through his attorneys that he has decided to retire and spend more time with his family. White, the longtime leader of the embattled band, was briefly suspended from his position…

The Florida A&M band members responsible for brutally beating Robert Champion on a band bus have been charged with felony and misdemeanor hazing. In total, 13 FAMU students have been charged. Eight students were charged with felony hazing for inflicted the most sever physical punishment on Champion. Florida State Attorney Lawson Lamar said 11 of the…