Morris Brown Ponders Selling to Tom Joyner

[Steeltrap]

Missing Men on Campus

by Tanu Henry
www.africana.com
August 29, 2002

Back to school at Howard University in Washington, DC, the campus comes alive with crowds of young, excited students. Fraternities and sororities are strutting their stuff, folks are moving into dorms, the sounds of the marching band practicing rises into the summer air as the campus all around
bustles with activity -- proof that the fall semester has officially
begun.
But behind this idyllic, A-Different-World-style picture lies an
upsetting reality: women continue to outnumber men -- not just on this campus but at colleges across America -- at growing ratios. This June, a record-breaking high of 57 % of new college graduates were women.

The statistics get worse in black America, where studies show that black women earn college degrees at a rate almost two times that of men. At historically black colleges and universities, some schools report margins even steeper. At Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, for example, the student body is a whopping 71 % female. And at Morgan State's graduation in
Baltimore last year, two-thirds of the graduates and nearly the same amount of honor students were female. Pick almost any HBCU, walk on the yard and the scenario is similar: hundreds of sharp, ambitious black women studying, organizing, representing their sororities or just hanging out. The black men might as well be an endangered species.

The situation is disturbing on a number of levels. Beyond the obvious concern about future employment opportunities for black men who do not have college degrees, some voice concerns about the social impact on the African
American community at large -- particularly when it comes to dating, marriage and the formation of families.

"Men leave these environments where they are outnumbered by 10 to 1 feeling as if they are entitled to four or more women at one time, and women leave feeling that they have to man-share," says Frank Matthews, publisher of Black Issues in Higher Education.

In addition, recent months have seen a proliferation of articles on
the sharp increase of marriage between black women and white men. The Atlanta Journal Constitution, describing the phenomenon as "a quiet revolution," quotes black women decrying the lack of college-educated black men to date,
let alone marry.

"Black colleges," Matthews continues, "have a responsibility to
actively recruit black males and work to retain them."

Everyone agrees it's a problem. But the causes are harder to parse. The popular explanation during the '80s and '90s was that black men were more likely to succumb to drugs, gangs and prison. But new statistics point to other social factors. A study conducted by the University of California at Los Angeles found that women generally study harder then men, have higher
career and personal goals and spend more time preparing for their future.
The same study found that male high school students are likely to
spend their time watching television, playing video games, partying and exercising than studying or planning for their futures.

David Williams, an 11th grade reading teacher at Homestead Senior High School near Miami, remembers first witnessing the trend during his undergraduate years at Wilberforce University in Ohio. There were "definitely more women on campus," he says, and those female students typically outperformed the men there. Sadly, says Williams, he sees the same pattern among the teenagers in his classroom.

"I think males in general -- not just black males -- are more
pressured by their peers to perform below standard and seek negative attention than their female counterparts," he says. "Women, on the other hand, I notice, are better prepared by their families to leave the nest, get out there on their
own and become independent."

So, is it just a case of boys being boys? Or are there circumstances particular to the African American experience that may explain the disparity. According to Carmen Cannon, Director of Admissions at Howard, historically black men have not had much of an incentive to pursue college
degrees -- even when they had the opportunity. Male children, she points out, were expected to provide economic support to their families, often forcing them to work full-time while still in high school, or dropping out of school to work. And then, men have benefited from gender inequity in the workforce --"historically, females have required more education to get jobs
that are equal in pay to those of their male peers."

Black women have gone to college for a variety of reasons, some
different than those of black men -- in the past, for instance, many enrolled to find a husband (ask your mother or grandmother about women seeking the elusive "M.R.S" degree). As women have increasingly entered the workforce, black
women have joined their white sisters in seeking higher education at a faster-growing pace than men. Black women ought to be lauded for these achievements, not held responsible for the skewed ratios.

Still, the numbers are alarming to many. How to solve such an
entrenched problem? Isaac J. Black, a former New York social worker and author of a college guide for African American college students, says he has seen in his interactions with young black males that "the brainiac gets no props. (HE'S SO ON POINT! -- ST) Our boys are being bombarded with negative images, have little support, few mentors and are, sadly, too often left unattended by their fathers."

Eric Ward, Associate Director of Admissions at Lincoln University in
Pennsylvania -- where the ratio of women to men is more than 3 to 1, says the low enrollment of black males constantly frustrates him.

"You definitely see it when you go out to recruit. Women show more interest and more women apply than men do," he said. "Many of our young men have unrealistic expectations. They all want to go into sports and entertainment. But then again, how do you convince a kid with several unemployed, college-educated relatives to go to college?"

Ward says his frustration led to him founding, along with his son,
the Nu Juice Foundation, a non-profit venture based in Philadelphia. His organization finds mentors for African American boys in middle school and tries to steer them towards college.

In inner cities and suburbs and even in affluent black communities
(where underachievement is just as prevalent and the numbers of men going to college are just as dismal) organizations are sprouting up to help prepare boys for college.

Some small victories have emerged. Black Issues in Higher Education's Matthews reserves high praise for two HBCUs --Benedict College in South Carolina and Edward Waters College in Florida -- that have actively sought and enrolled black men, leveling the gender ratio to almost 1 to 1 ratios.
Maybe soon back to school will become an equal-opportunity event in the black community.

First published: August 29, 2002

[CrimsonTide4]

I almost did not even read this article but I am glad I did.

This article speaks volumes to me as having been in the college arena and now being a teacher of AVID (high school program that prepares students, primarily minorities to be ready for college and actually attend college).

Right off of the bat: BRAINIAC GETS NO PROPS is so true. It is true for males and females but alarmingly it sticks with our young men more. We NEED to have more of a presence in the schools. The WE refers to BLACK MEN mentoring young BLACK MEN and showing them that it is far more realistic and probable for them to get a college degree and become a __________ then to become the next Michael Jordan, AI, Kobe, etc. etc. etc. We need to praise BOOKS more than BLING, MATH more than MUSIC, WRITING more than WOMEN!!! Seriously, kids know far more about the latter across the board than they do the former. Education needs to be celebrated and praised.

Also parents stop taking your kids out of school for BS reasons -- hair did, nails did, go get tickets for Nelly next week, etc.

I will have to share this article with my AVID students.

[Steeltrap]

Please do share it with your students.
It speaks to me because of my single state. The sad think is that this deficit of black males and college has been going on for years -- remember I'm nearly 40.

As a side note, my chapter's science and tutoring program for late elementary and middle school students is getting more male involvement -- most of the kids who come are boys.

We've had Omegas help us, and the new graduate chapter president of Phi Beta Sigma asked if he and his men could come and tutor when we get started up again. That's what the kids need -- REAL, everyday Black men who've accomplished something.

[CrimsonTide4]

BUSH SUPPORTS HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES: The President declares HBC Week and meets with an advisory panel.

(Sep. 23, 2002) *By Executive Order this February, President Bush created an advisory board to examine the needs of historically black colleges.
That was his first step in fulfilling his campaign pledge to boost the federal spending for black schools by 30 percent in 2005.

According to White House press secretary, Ari Fleischer, Bush attended a [board] meeting “to listen to their recommendations for advancing these institutions.”

The Bush administration's budget plan proposes $264 million in federal aid. It’s not clear from reports whether the advisory panel endorsed the amount proposed in the budget.

Bush proclaimed September 15-21 as “National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.”

[12dn94dst]

Call me a skeptic, accuse me of biting the hand that feeds me but I find it interesting that the deadline to increase spending on HBCUs is the year AFTER he could (will) lose his re-election campaign.

[CrimsonTide4]

Grambling University holds on to accreditation
2002/10/10 11:49 PM EDT


(Special to the NNPA)—Grambling University, one of the nation’s best-known historically black universities, will keep its accreditation, according to a Louisiana auditor who said the school earned a satisfactory audit review.

Financial management troubles for the school began in 1997 when its finance department installed a new computer program. The few staff members trained on the system left the school, and a 1998 and 1999 audit revealed a problem in financial record keeping.

State auditor Dan Kyle said that the state had not been able to issue an opinion on Grambling since 1997.

The school was facing a deadline for passing an audit of its most recent fiscal year, or it would lose accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

The organization put Grambling on probation in December 2001. Accreditation is an important factor in attracting public funds, students and faculty.

Already, the financial problems may have contributed to a decline in enrollment. In the mid-1990s, the school had about 7, 800 students, but the number has dropped to 4,462 students this year.

Grambling was founded by Black farmers in 1901 as a teachers’ school and has become famous for its marching band, and for the 57-year sports leadership of Eddie Robinson, known as the nation’s winningest football coach.

Grambling was one of 11 schools on probation with SACS, including six other HBCUs.

[Steeltrap]

Says Morris Brown University's in trouble:

http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/opinion/tucker/

[Love_Spell_6]

Originally posted by miss priss
I'm not knockin her experiences at all...my point is that HBCU's get a very bad rap ...much like what you said that is or was " an extension of high school because that is what the mentality the faculty/students had"...believe me that statement alone damages the credibility of HBCU's....although your view may very well be a fact...I'm not doubting that...but if you look at it alll colleges can be considered as an extension of a high school...PWI's students typically have more problems with underage drinking, substance abuse, date rapes,etc. Those statistics are rarely publicized nor do they hype an investigation of these schools like they do our own....HBCU's suffer because of lack of funding by the state.... but do they emphasize or even harp on when our schools will receive equal funding?...NO...because it is not a concern....

I know I am going to get lambasted for my comments, but I went to a large University (Old DOminion University) for undergrad, and loved it! I tried a HBCU (NCCU School of Law) for law school and hated it! I wanted to go to an HBCU for the "black ecperience" but what I found were unrprofessionalism at it's best! Across the board! Now we had our problems at ODU, because of course Young people will be young people where ever you go..... but never with the administration!!! Financial aid was a nightmare! Losing paperwork constantly, not being held accountable for messing up, and I could go on.....and .......on....... I felt like I was in high school again. I felt like I could do better than that, and I also felt that for a student who's paying out of pocket, I wanted more for my $$. I went to a HBCU knowing that in the eyes of some, it is less reputable than "other colleges," but I didn't care. But when I saw the way the school was run, I could not believe it! Unfortunately, this has tainted my view of HBCU's. I think if I could do it over again, the ONLY way I would choose an HBCU, is for undergrad. And that would be for the fun, not the education. Also, if you don't know what it's like to attend a large university, you'll be pleasantly surprised on the graduate level. I know at my Alma Mater, folx would go NSU to take classes like Calculus because it was easier and less demanding. Now please know, I am not saying that I or my degree is better than someone who graduated from an HBCU....it just wasn't for ME!

Now I know my comments are not PC, and some of you will take offense, but I am speaking from MY experiences and the experiences of MY friends that have attended both kinds of institutions. I just feel like, as in the case of black business, I don't want to sacrifice quality, reputation, etc. to support my own...... Especially when I am paying my $$...

And apparently, there are a lot of people who feel this way, because HBCU's (NCCU) specifically gets little support from alumni. Willie Gary who is the #2 black attorney in the country...second only to Johnnie Cochran (in dollars) went to Shaw for undergrad and NCCU for law school. He donated 10 million to Shaw at one time..... and much more$$..... and nada to NCCU! (I think he did give 1 million when his son went there) He even donates $$ to shools he doesn't go to,......but not NCCU. SO maybe it's just NCCU, and not all HBCU's, but my view of HBCU's is skewed tremendously.

[CrimsonTide4]

Oprah donates $5 million to Morehouse
02/17/2003 11:27 PM EDT


ATLANTA (AP) - Oprah Winfrey will donate $5 million to Morehouse College, the school announced.

The talk show host's pledge came as Morehouse launched its largest-ever fund-raising campaign, hoping to receive at least $105 million by 2006.

Winfrey, who had previously donated $1 million to the historically black college, is the school's top donor.

President Walter Massey said Morehouse will use the money to offer more scholarships, upgrade the campus and make the college more competitive.

``Our mantra has been that we want to be considered among the finest liberal arts colleges in the country while still remaining the college of choice for African-American men,'' Massey said Friday.

[Confucius]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
Oprah donates $5 million to Morehouse
02/17/2003 11:27 PM EDT


ATLANTA (AP) - Oprah Winfrey will donate $5 million to Morehouse College, the school announced.

The talk show host's pledge came as Morehouse launched its largest-ever fund-raising campaign, hoping to receive at least $105 million by 2006.

Winfrey, who had previously donated $1 million to the historically black college, is the school's top donor.

President Walter Massey said Morehouse will use the money to offer more scholarships, upgrade the campus and make the college more competitive.

``Our mantra has been that we want to be considered among the finest liberal arts colleges in the country while still remaining the college of choice for African-American men,'' Massey said Friday.

Is it wrong for me to think that Oprah could have donated more money? Also, didn't she graduate from a historically black college?

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by Confucius
Is it wrong for me to think that Oprah could have donated more money? Also, didn't she graduate from a historically black college?

Tennessee State University

[CrimsonTide4]

Morris Brown loses appeal on accreditation


Morris Brown has lost its bid to win back its accreditation, according to a letter released today by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Losing accreditation means that students who attend the private school in Atlanta will no longer qualify for federal financial aid -- nearly 90 percent of students at the school rely on that aid to help them pay for their education. The decision also means that Morris Brown will be removed from membership in the United Negro College Fund, which provides financial support for private historically black colleges.

Donzella James, a former state senator from Atlanta, who attended Morris Brown in the late 1960s, said she was saddened by the news.

"It has been there to educate any hungry mind, and now I don't know where they are going to go to, because Morris Brown opened its doors to everyone who wanted to better themselves."

Many of the 1,130 remaining students have said in recent weeks that they planned to leave if the school lost its appeal.

James said the school faces a tough future. "It's going to definitely be difficult [to survive] because who will go to a school that's not accredited?" she said. "So I don't know how they are going to survive, when they were barely surviving. It's really sad."

Morris Brown, the only college in Georgia founded by blacks, was chartered in 1881 and began holding classes in 1885. It has had a historical mission of welcoming all students, even those who don't have the money or grades to get into other colleges.

The school's debt currently totals $27 million. School officials say they are trying to repay the short-term debt of $10 million by June. So far, they say they've raised nearly $5 million, and they also say they reorganized the board to address the Southern Association's concerns about how the school is run.

[CrimsonTide4]

Tom Joyner today during his interview with Soror Vashti expressed his desire to BUY Morris Brown.

What do you think?

[Sistermadly]

I know Mr. Joyner is quite well-off, but does he have the financial capital necessary to bring this institution to self-sufficiency? What were his plans, exactly -- to do it singlehandedly, or to create a coalition of wealthy investors to bring money back into the school?

He has name recognition, which is something MoBrown sorely lacks - they don't have the legacy of a Spelman or a Morehouse, even though they are the only truly 'black' college at the AUC. But they've never been able to get people -- alumni or other benefactors -- to donate money to them at a comparable level of Spelman, Morehouse, or even Clark Atlanta (which has problems of its own).

[AKA2D '91]

At least the man is making SOME effort to DO SOMETHING...