Alpha Man MLK honored on anniversary of death

Our Brother known as the silent Drummer #5 Sigma Chapter- Boston Metro where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha is honored in a huge way today.
On this very day April 4, 1968, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. He was gunned down on the balcony of a hotel in Memphis, TN.

To mark the 44Th anniversary of the civil rights leader's death, the city of Memphis will rename a one-mile stretch of road Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Alpha men Dominates The Court

Special Shoutout to the Men of Beta Omicron who dominates the basketball court in a major way winning the University intramural basketball championship going undefeated throughout the season. Representing in a huge way showing that there is ZERO COMPETITION since December 4, 1906.

Dr. Levi Watkins Jr.

Last week, Tennessee State University was honored for the 34Th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium which was set for March 26-30. TSU alumnus and medical pioneer Levi Watkins Jr., M.D., was featured as the keynote speaker officially opening the Symposium.

He was also educated at Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He then became the first African-American to be admitted to and graduate from Vanderbilt's School of Medicine. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Watkins went onto become the first black chief resident in cardiac surgery at the Johns Hopkins university and Hospital as well. Dr. Watkins performed the world’s first human implantation of the automatic implantable defibrillator in February 1980 shocking the heart back to life.

Dr. Levi Watkins is a pioneer in many respects. He’s a powerful man who pledged Alpha phi Alpha at Tennessee State University with the chapter Beta Omicron. Dr. Watkins #9 was apart of Ambassadors 15 Fall 1963 line while here at Tennessee State University before he went on to graduate in 1966. I see Dr.Watkins as an ordinary man who stands tall and do extraordinary things. Alpha man Levi Watkins, MD: First African American to hold the position of Associate Dean for the School of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University and is still contributing to his field in today's society.

Black History Fact

Did you know that on February 21, 1965, Malcolm X (born Malcolm little, later changing his name to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz), a man who undeniably devoted his life to the betterment of Black people, was shot to death by three black men while giving a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in the Washington Heights area of New York City? A quote once said by the Malcolm X himself "Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."

TSU Continue to improve their record

After winning their last nine games, the Tennessee State University men’s basketball team hopes to continue its momentum throughout the season. The Tigers outshine their opponent 68-61 to defeat (Miami) Ohio in the annual Sears Bracket Busters game on Sunday afternoon at Millett Hall.
The Tigers now has a (19-10) overall record after beating Miami Ohio, 68-61, on Feb. 19. The team is 11-4 in conference play and surging at the right time. TSU men’s basketball has a 7-0 record and is the only team undefeated at home in conference play. As they have in a number of recent games, Robert Covington, Patrick Miller, Kellen Thornton and Jordan Cyphers led the Tigers pass Miami and all scored in double figures.
Covington, scored 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds which gave him 662 in his career, pushing him up in the ranks making him 13th all-time in school history.
Miller and Thornton both combined for 24 points both scoring 12 points apiece in their match-up against (Miami) Ohio.
Jordan Cyphers also contributed double figured by adding on 10 points to help the Tigers in a clutch moment.
Tennessee State closes out the regular season with No. 14/16 Murray State on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Gentry Center complex. Tip is slated for 7 p.m. and will be televised on ESPNU. The Tigers look to stay undefeated at home to finish out the regular season.

Pick Our Theme

The Men of the BETA OMICRON Chapter of ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC. Present you with an opportunity to choose the Alpha week theme for spring 2012. By choosing the winning theme will earn you an free expense for Alpha week 2K12. The entire campus body is encouraged to get involved to come up ideas for this year's theme. We want to show the campus that we care for our students because of the support that we get on daily basis. The rules for picking our theme include; no more than groups of four people, presentation of the themes are limited to 3 minutes only, within the presentation the person or group must include theme name and why it would be a great Alpha theme. Submit your theme ideas to twitter @Bloody_BO

Black History Fact

Did you know that in 1968 Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman ever to be elected to congress? She was a Democrat from New York elected to the Untied States House of Representatives, representing New York's 12Th Congressional District, which includes parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and lower Manhattan. After her first term, she was re-elected 6 more times, serving in Congress from 1969 through 1983. In 1972 she made history again as the first Black person, male or female, to run for President of the United States on a major-party ticket (Democrat or Republican ticket),and also the first Female Democrat to ever run for president, which she paved the way for Geraldine Ferraro (VP candidate 1984) and Hillary Clinton (2008). Ms.Shirley Chisholm's campaign slogan was "Unbought and Unbossed" which she used to serve in congress.

Black History FACT of the Day

Did you know that the nine historically Black fraternites and sororities of the NPHC which stands for National Pan-Hellenic Council, many of which were founded in the early 1900's, have produced many of the most notable figures of the Black community? including people, but certainly not limited to: Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. and Quincy Jones members of (Alpha Phi Alpha); Corretta Scott King and Jada Pinkett-Smith (Alpha Kappa Alpha); Jonnie Cochran and Cedric the Entertainer (Kappa Alpha Psi); Jesse Jackson and Steve Harvey (Omega Psi Phi); Betty Shabazz and Nikki Giovani (Delta Sigma Theta); Huey P. Newton and Jerry Rice (Phi Beta Sigma); Zora Neale Hurston and Sheryl Underwood(Zeta Phi Beta); Cathy Hughes and MC Lyte (Sigma Gamma Rho); Bobby Rush and Terrence Carson known as T.C. (Iota Phi Theta). These people are all very significant and has imprtant contributions world wide and to black history.

Happy Birthday Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan celebrates another year, born February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. Jordan left college at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill after his junior year to join the NBA. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls, he helped the team make it to the playoffs. For his efforts there, he received the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. With five regular-season MVPs and three All-Star MVPs, Jordan became the most decorated player in the NBA. Jordan was best known for leading the Bulls to six national championships and earned the NBA Most Valuable Player Award five times. Michael Jordan is a significant superstar to many people in this world today and has brought the light to many young athletes in the world to strive to be the best and work hard at everything they do in life. Jordan once said "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." #BlackHistoryMonth

TSU Releases Centennial Week Schedule of Events

One hundred years in the making, Tennessee State University will be looking to its origins, and its century of history during the University’s Centennial Celebration April 14-21, 2012. During the eight-day celebration, the University will celebrate the legacy of excellence, resilience, and unity that the institution has been known for the past 100 years. Events will include lectures, exhibits, symposiums, visual and performing arts, and social events to commemorate this milestone.

For more information, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/centennial/.

Saturday, April 14
The Ralph Boston Track Classic
Location: Ed Temple Track
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Legends Football Game
Location: William Jasper Hale Stadium (The “Hole”)
Time: 1 p.m.

Blue and White Game
Location: William Jasper Hale Stadium (The “Hole”)
Time: 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 15
The Centennial Rededication Ceremony
Location: Kean Hall (on the Steps)
Time: 5 p.m.

Centennial Gospel Celebration
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 6 p.m.

Monday, April 16
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 6 – 9 p.m. (Opening Reception)

Centennial Health Fair
Location: Floyd-Payne Campus Center – 2nd Floor
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: All Day

Centennial Multimedia Festival
Location: Performing Arts Center Room 210
Time: 3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Sustaining the Legacy Annual Student Organizations Banquet
Location: Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
Time: 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 17
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: All Day
Centennial Television program, “Eye of the Tiger”
Locations: Campus Monitors
Time: All Day

Our Legacy: Celebrating the Brown Daniel Library’s 100th Birthday
Location: Brown-Daniel Library
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Centennial Showcase of Art, Music and Communication
Location: Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m.

100 Years of Blue Fashion
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 18
Asthma Management Lecture by Bijoy John, M.D
Location: Tom Jackson Industrial & Technology Building, #307
Time: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Geier Breakfast
Location: Avon Williams Atrium
Time: 9 a.m.

Geier Panel Discussion
Location: Avon Williams Campus
Time: 10 a.m.

Research and Sponsored Programs Showcase
Location: Research and Sponsored Research Building, 1st Floor Lobby
Time: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Pulmonary Function Mini Screenings
Location: Tom Jackson Industrial & Technology Building Room #307
Time: 11a.m. – 1 p.m.

Diversity Celebration Week – “ Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: All Day

“Living Legends: A Vision of Excellence – Perspectives from TSU’s Former President’s”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 12:45 p.m.

Centennial Week TV Newscast
Location: Performing Arts Center TV Studio
Time: 5 p.m. (Live newscast)

Centennial Speech Contest
Location: Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
TSU’s Legacy TigerFest
Location: President Lawn
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Resilience and Unity: The Freedom Riders
Location: Floyd-Payne Campus Center—Robert N. Murrell Forum
Time: 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 19
Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
National Imported Fire Ant Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown
Time: 8 a.m. – Noon (Extension Workshop)

Centennial Theatre Festival
Location: Performance Arts Center Cox-Lewis Theatre
Time: 4 -6 p.m.

Viewpoint Symposium Series
Special Guest Speaker: Donna Brazile
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 7 p.m.

Friday, April 20
Diversity Celebration Week – “Celebrating Cultures and Diversity”
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.

Live on the Lawn—The Sounds of Music
Location: Big Blue Meadow Lawn
Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person/$30 per couple/$40 for family (maximum of five)
*Inclement weather location: Gentry Basketball Pavilion

Saturday, April 21
TSU Pan-Hellenic Greek Step Show
Location: Kean Hall
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.

Centennial Scholarship Gala
Location: The Mansion at Fontanel
Time: 6:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Attire: Black Tie
Cost: $225.00
Contact the TSU Foundation for more information

The Blue Tiger Student Unity Ball
Location: James Ferrell & Fred Westbrook Building
Time: 8 p.m.

Tenn. State University Holds Mock Trial Competition

Tennessee State University is in conjunction with the John Marshall School of Law and they will be orchestrating a Mock Trial Competition Feburary 17-18, 2012 at the University.

As part of the law school’s long-standing commitment to access and opportunity to an excellent education, the Undergraduate Diversity Mock Trial Competitions were established to encourage interest in the law among diverse undergraduate students. According to attorney Robert Smith, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, student participants will have the opportunity to conduct significant aspects of a full trial in a courtroom setting and experience how the law is practiced and applied. “The competition will familiarize students with the concepts of trials (including direct and cross examinations), evidentiary issues, and opening and closing statements.” said Dr. Smith. “This will also help students become better citizens and advocates for our legal system.” The competition has grown each year and is open to all students at the University, not just Pre-Law students. Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity!

President Obama & The NCLB Law

President Barack Obama shakes hands with U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan while speaking at an event on reform of the No Child Left Behind Act in September 2011.

Ten years ago, on January 8, 2002, President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law. Since then, the law has been the topic of numerous discussions among lawmakers, educators, and parents. NCLB was actually an update of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which was aimed at supporting disadvantaged students in low-income area schools. There are many provisions to the "No Child Left Behind" law; such as, safe and secured schools, drug free schools, and parental involvement as well. Now, more schools were listed as failing last year than in any previous year since the passage of NCLB. President Obama now announces that schools and colleges can now apply for the NCLB funding; only, if they meet other federal mandates. Since citizens did NOT vote on this in 2011, how can you and the rest of the students & staff at Tennessee State University make a difference and make sure we have the right to push this law through?

The King of "Soul Train" committs suicide

Many people was shocked early this morning when the news hit the fan that Don Cornelius was pronounced dead. Some didn't know how to react to the news, but was devastated when they found out Don had committed suicide. The Legendary creator of the iconic TV music and dance show "Soul Train" that helped introduce Americans to black pop culture, dead Wednesday morning February 1st in his Los Angeles home. Don Cornelius death has shaped so many current legendary leaders,activist, and singers worldwide and will be a moment that BET and the African American Community will never forget.

President Obama's State of The Union Address

On Tuesday January 24, 2012 President Barack Obama gave his final State of The Union Address which outlined a multitude of economic proposals for the United States of America. He explained how he will attempt to give every citizen a "fair shot", put a stop to illegal immigration, spur energy innovation with new incentives, and most importantly, he elaborated on how taxpayers (primarily wealthy taxpayers) will pay more as the cost of tuition increases. He reinstated that higher education should be a higher priority in collegiate budgets; and colleges and universities have to do their part by working to keep costs down. Do you support President Obama? If so, help the Tennessee State University students and the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Beta Omicron Chapter MAKE A DIFFERENCE and CREATE HISTORY that will last a lifetime.

Black History Month

Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. It's the time of the year we look back and see the significance of Black History Month and the different ways people contributed to our nation and around the world. With only 28 days in February and it being the shortest month of the year, each and everyday is important to learn something intriguing that occurred from several different African Americans world wide. So since Black History Month begins tomorrow February 1st here is a trivia question to consider.
What did the Dred Scott case decide?

TSU to renovate Hale Stadium

The countdown has begin,it's official the on campus Hale stadium is undergoing reconstruction."The $1 million dollar proposal to restore Hale Stadium on the Tennessee State University campus and allow football games to be played there has been the topic of many debates for more than a decade,according to channel 5 news." This could be a dream come true to many of the football players to get the opportunity to play at home actually on campus. This will be a major change in getting the campus back to how it use to be when games was played in Hale stadium known as the "Hole". 233 days and the TSU alumni, Fans, players and local community will be back in what we call the historical Hale Stadium.