• HBCU

by Shanique Yates

August 21, 2024

Howard University Faces Housing Challenges Amid Record-Breaking Enrollment

On Aug. 9, the renowned HBCU welcomed the largest incoming class in the school’s history. More than 2,700 first-year college students arrived on campus, prepared to begin their HU journey.

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As Howard University celebrates an enrollment milestone, students are concerned about what this means for their on-campus housing.

On Aug. 9, the renowned HBCU welcomed the largest incoming class in the school’s history. More than 2,700 first-year college students arrived on campus, prepared to begin their HU journey. As the number of incoming students increases, the institution is working to ensure that all first- and second-year students can live on campus in their preferred housing, The Hilltop reports.

“As always, we have looked for innovative ways to open the Howard experience to a diverse array of students who can contribute to our university community in unique ways,” said Howard Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Lydia Sermons in an interview with The Hilltop. “As a result, Howard is experiencing growth in enrollment, which is a positive development fueled in large part by higher upperclassman retention rates.”

The sizeable incoming class follows news that Howard received a record-breaking 37,000 applicants last year ahead of this year’s first-year class. According to the university’s undergraduate admissions department, the class of 2028 applicant pool increased by 12%, or 4,000 applicants, from the previous year. 

Moreover, Sermons revealed that the number of first-year students entering Howard this year is “in line with the goals set by the university’s administration.” She also noted that HU has added new faculty and classes to support the incoming students, dining services have also been “enhanced,” and more than 300 beds have been added to housing availability.

Despite some accommodations, returning students have voiced concerns about being placed into triple dorm rooms, although they requested something different.

For example, the outlet also reported that a sophomore biology major, Makayla Lumpkin, requested a single dorm in Howard Plaza West Towers but was devastated when she learned of her assignment in a triple.

“I cried, and I was very upset,” said Lumpkin. “All of my friends got singles, and I was the only one placed in a triple.” 

Per Sermons, triples only account for 1% of the beds, or 22 rooms, available to students during the aforementioned interview.

“The unprecedented interest in enrolling at Howard has required ingenuity in housing to meet the needs of each student,” said Sermons. “As we have in the past, we have leveraged a group of larger rooms which can comfortably accommodate triples to ensure that as many students have housing as possible, especially freshmen.”

Along with the space constraints, students have voiced concerns about the pricing of the triples, noting that they are the same amount it would be for a small double dorm that includes a shared bathroom. The Howard University student housing website currently lists the small double and triple dorms at $4,158 per semester.

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• Entrepreneurship

by Daron Pressley

August 21, 2024

’60 Day Hustle’ Offers $100K Prize To Competing Entrepreneurs

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60 Day Hustle judge and business development consultant Terry Rice understands firsthand the complexities of business startup and funding challenges. Working for large tech companies, including Adobe and Meta, Rice entered the consulting space in 2015. The New York native received his first yes from a local t-shirt company but knew he had to scale fast. In just two years, Rice developed a reliable method for attracting clients, appeared on Good Morning America, and spoke at events like AdWeek and SXSW.

In the world of entrepreneurship, time is often the most valuable currency. For 12 ambitious entrepreneurs, 60 days is all they have to prove their business acumen and secure a life-changing $100,000 prize. The stakes couldn’t be higher in 60 Day Hustle, a new Amazon Prime series launched on Aug. 8, where emerging business talents compete in a high-intensity accelerator program. 

New businesses are launched daily across America, but starting a business doesn’t guarantee success. Around 35% of companies still operate after 10 years, with nearly 18.4% failing in the first year and almost 50% closing by the fifth year. Furthermore, according to a SCORE survey of roughly 1,000 small business startups nationwide, 78% of respondents relied on personal funds and income from another job to get their startup up and running.

BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with Rice about the vision behind 60 Day Hustle, the importance of sustainability, and mentorship.

The Vision Behind 60-Day Hustle

Rice describes the show’s genesis as rooted in a passion for empowering the next generation of business leaders. “Rudy Mawer, the show’s creator, saw an opportunity to provide the kind of support he wished he had when he started,” Rice explains. Mawer, coming from a family with a legacy in sports rather than business, realized the critical need for guidance and resources that young entrepreneurs often need more.

“The 60 Day Hustle is about bridging that gap,” says Rice, “offering both financial support and mentorship from seasoned experts.”

Created and executive produced by Chris Hayman and Michelle Delamor, with production led by Adam Horner of Sonic Gods Studios, the show promises to be more than just entertainment. It’s a platform where dreams are either realized or reshaped. “This show is not just about the competition,” Rice adds. “It’s about giving viewers practical lessons in entrepreneurship.”

A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Walking into the $30 million studio where 60 Day Hustle was filmed, Rice was struck by the scale and sophistication of the production. “From the green screens to the LED volume, everything was designed to create an immersive experience,” he recalls. But what stood out most was the energy on set. “There was a palpable sense of hope and excitement,” Rice notes. “These entrepreneurs weren’t just there to compete; they were there to transform their lives.”

The selection process for the show was intense. “We conducted a nationwide casting call, reviewed countless business plans, and interviewed many candidates to ensure we had the best of the best,” Rice explains. The final 12, Avijah Scarbrough of Viju Beauty and Marcus Thomas of Marcus Alexander Footwear were chosen for their business ideas and growth potential. “Diversity was a key factor,” Rice says. “Each contestant brought their unique worldview and experiences to the table.”

The Entrepreneurial Challenges Ahead

The entrepreneurs face rigorous challenges throughout the two-month program to simulate real-world business obstacles. “The goal is to condense two years of business development into just 60 days,” Rice explains. With the guidance of mentors like Fabletics Co-Founder Ginger Ressler and Fab Fit Fun Co-Founder Daniel Broukhim, contestants will have to think fast, adapt, and execute. “This isn’t just about who has the best idea,” says Rice. “It’s about who can implement, scale, and sustain their business under pressure.”

The show’s format also allows viewers to learn alongside the contestants. “Every 60 Day Hustle episode is packed with actionable insights,” Rice shares. “If you’re an entrepreneur watching from home, take notes. The lessons here are invaluable.”

Mentorship That Matters

One of the most unique aspects of 60 Day Hustle is the mentorship provided to the contestants. “The mentors are not just there to critique; they’re there to coach,” Rice emphasizes. “We have people like Peter Pham, Science co-founder, who built billion-dollar brands. Their advice is gold.”

For Rice, being a judge on the show was more than just evaluating performances. “I couldn’t help but pass on some guidance as well,” he admits. “You see their potential and want them to succeed, not just in the show, but in their future endeavors.”

What a Judge Looks For

As a judge, Rice emphasizes that several key factors are crucial when determining who should win a competition like 60 Day Hustle. “It’s not just about having a great idea,” he says. “We look for adaptable, resourceful entrepreneurs who can pivot when faced with challenges.”

Execution is another critical factor. “A brilliant idea is only as good as its execution,” Rice explains. “We pay close attention to how well contestants can bring their ideas to life, whether they can deliver on their promises and meet their business demands.”

Sustainability also plays a significant role. “We want to see businesses that don’t just flash in the pan,” Rice says. “They need a plan for long-term growth and a vision beyond the initial excitement.”

Lastly, passion and leadership are indispensable qualities. “An entrepreneur’s passion can be the difference between success and failure,” Rice notes. “Their ability to inspire others and lead their team through tough times is what sets apart the good from the great.”

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• News

by Daniel Johnson

August 21, 2024

Wendell Pierce Calls For Black Men To Support Kamala Harris At DNC

Although Pierce acknowledged that voters should ask about her record, he also admonished those who don't think the Democrats have done anything for Black people.

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Wendell Pierce Jr, an actor known for his roles in The Wire, Suits, and Waiting To Exhale spoke to MSNBC’s Joy Reid at the Democratic National Convention and used his time to implore Black men to cast their votes for Vice President Kamala Harris come November.

According to The Hill, Pierce told Reid, “There’s blood on that ballot box. Remember those who died in the rivers of Alabama and Mississippi. For them, do the honor and vote. Any Black man that has an issue with a Black woman rising, they have to look at their own inadequacy,” Pierce said. 

Pierce then turned his attention even more directly to Black men, urging them to get behind Harris. “What would make you so fearful of someone who was so beloved of you, who was so loving to you, like your mother and your grandmother and your aunts and your sisters, that you cannot be proud and embolden yourself when you see someone from your community rise up?”

Although Pierce acknowledged that voters should ask about her record, he also admonished those who don’t think the Democrats have done anything for Black people, pointing to student loan forgiveness, investments in HBCUs, and the $2 billion in funding provided to Black farmers after years of discrimination from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“If that’s not enough for you to vote for this campaign, why don’t you go to the other and hold up a sign behind him at a rally and tap dance? That’s what they want.” Pierce said. 

According to Capital B News, Black men in Georgia are more enthusiastic about voting for Vice President Harris than they were President Joe Biden as indicated by a focus group of Black men organized by political strategist Leo Smith to gauge Black men’s feelings about Harris.

James Jackson, a 74-year-old Black man, told the outlet that he was concerned about Trump either attempting to become a dictator or implementing Project 2025 upon his election.

“I don’t really have a choice. I’m voting for a person I believe is going to lead this country and at least give us an opportunity to readjust and move this democracy forward.” Jackson said.

John Taylor, the co-founder of the Black Male Initiative Georgia, a non-profit that does work around voter engagement specializing in Black men, told the outlet that Harris has brought a spark to the race.

“She’s not boring,” Taylor said. “It brings the entire debate around the election cycle a little bit more energy, a little bit more life.”

He also said that the Democratic Party as a whole needed to reach out to Black men in the same way they do Black women. 

“If you don’t spend the resources to target our population with a message that actually matters to us, then we’re probably not going to turn out to vote.”

Asante, meanwhile, an IT professional and a naturalized citizen from Ghana, told Capital B that he believes that now is the time for America’s first Black woman president. 

“I definitely want America to be able to get over that barrier. We’ve gone past the Black part,” Asante added, referring to the election of Barack Obama. “Let’s get the woman part out of the way.”

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 21, 2024

Atlanta Turned Up During Roll Call At Democratic National Convention: ‘The South Got Something To Say’

Lil Jon got the crowd hype during the roll call at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

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Atlanta stole the show in true ATL fashion during the roll call at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

It was a party for night two of the DNC as DJ Cassidy played tunes from hometown heroes for states featured in the ceremonial roll call to nominate Kamala Harris. State anthems included Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” for Michigan, Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” for Massachusetts, and Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” for California. But Atlanta set the stage with a live performance from native Lil Jon, who got the crowd hype with his DJ Snake hit “Turn Down For What.”

Lil Jon quickly transitioned into his chart-topping classic “Get Low.” The rapper and producer stood next to Georgia political leaders while belting out the tune, with the entire audience singing in unison. Lil Jon clapped hands with Georgia Sen. Ralph Warnock as U.S. Rep. and Georgia Democratic Party Chair Nikema Williams issued the state’s official backing for VP Harris as the next president of the United States.

“Mr. Chairman, the South got something to say,” Williams said after Lil Jon’s handoff.

“Georgia: the home of President Jimmy Carter, the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement where we fight for our freedom. Extremists in Georgia are trying to silence our voices by kicking Georgians off of the rolls and making it harder to vote, but y’all, when we send Kamala Harris to the White House, she’ll fight for our freedom to vote, our reproductive freedom, and our freedom to thrive.”

“In the spirit of good trouble, Georgia casts 123 votes for the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris,” she concluded.

Positive vibes encompassed state officials’ serious pleas in support of Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Celebrities supported state politicians to motivate viewers to vote blue this November. Spike Lee stood with New York officials, while “The Goonies” star Sean Astin stood with the Indiana delegation.

Other notable hits on DJ Cassidy’s roll call playlist include “1999” by Minnesota native son Prince, “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas for the state of Kansas, and “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen for his hometown, New Jersey. Check out the full playlist HERE.

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