It's Never Too Late: Mary J Blige Declares Howard University is her #1 Choice

So I am sure by now many of you have heard that multi platinum artist, Mary J Blige has announced that she is going to attend Howard University this upcoming school year.

Well I must say, I am not suprised that this Fabulous Brown Girl wants to join the scholarly ranks as many notable blacks have already done by obtaining a degree from Howard University!

She did meet Sean Combs aka Diddy shortly after he left Howard and joined Uptown Records!

Mary J is not afraid and knows it is never too late to gain a formal education. If this is something that she wants then we commend Ms. Mary for wanting to continue her education at one of the best institutions of higher learning on the planet ;-)

Here is Mary making her announcement on Good Morning America.

However, even though Mary J made her announcement, Howard University recently released a statement about Mary future educational plans. It seems like Howard has not officially accepted her, and if she is serious about entering as a traditional student, they are willing to help her with a successful application process.

'Without question, Ms. Mary J. Blige's resilience and dedication to her craft are largely unmatched. Howard University congratulates Ms. Blige on the recent completion of her high school requirements. We encourage Ms. Blige to continue her studies and welcome her consideration of Howard University in the future. We are happy to work with Ms. Blige on completing the formal process for admission.'

Well let's hope her application process goes a little smoother than many of ours did!

Regardless if Mary J Blige attends Howard University or not, we salute our fellow FBG for recognizing my alma mater as her top choice and wanting to further her education with a college degree!

She is setting the example that even though she may have all the success she could have ever dreamed of with her signing career, none of it has fulfilled her thirst for knowledge and receiving a formal education. I would even go as far as to say that she probably looks at Howard University students and wants to have the experience we were blessed to have-- while we look at her and dream of having her life.

Like I always say, the grass is always greener on the other side!

Note: Just want to take the time out really quickly to thank all of the FABULOUS BROWN GIRLS out there for continuing to check out the blog! Our sincerest apologies for not blogging as often as I would like! We know there are so many FABULOUS and great things happening and we will try to cover and talk about them more often.

Stay Fab!

Howard University's Student President and President Obama Support HBCU's

Last Friday, HBCU leader and student body president, Bryan Smart was given an opportunity to introduce President Obama as he signed the HBCU Initiative making more money and support from the federal government available to the institutions, beginning with the 2011 budget, according to Blackamericaweb.com.

Being a proud decendant of an HBCU education, I know and agree heavily with those who care about making HBCUs strong and able to withstand and breed a new generation of educated and confident young black Americans.



“This will establish a new platform for strengthening the capacity of HBCUs.” said John S. Wilson, executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. “This executive order provides $98 million in new money for HBCUs,” Wilson said. And the nearly $400 million in increased funds for Pell Grants is expected to find its way to students at HBCUs, said Wilson

According to the Hilltop Online, HUSA President Bryan Smart had this to say about my Alma Mater, “Howard has given me a sense of self,” he said. “It has given me an educational experience that is second to none, and opportunities like this one that I know I wouldn’t have been afforded at any other university.”

Howard University Student President, Bryan Smart

For Obama to recognize the importance of HBCUs is wonderful and another reason why we at FABULOUS BROWN GIRL love the President of the United States.


To get a more comprehensive understanding of what the HBCU initiative is... CLICK HERE

Tips for Making Better Career Moves for the New Year!

In 2009 I knew many Fabulous Brown Girls who were just going through the motions with their careers.. You were not really happy with where you were at work or how you were being treated. So in 2010 you said you wanted a CHANGE!! Well 2010 is here and nothing has happened. Its okay FBGs if you know you want to change, but don't necessarily know where to start. Just make sure you READ on for tips on how to go about it the right way..

• Self-Evaluation: Have you started a personal evaluation or self reflection of yourself career wise? Did you meet your professional goals over the last year or at least started making significant headway on them?

• Share Your Goals: Have you told your boss the goals you have? It is important to let your boss know where you see yourself professionally. Their job is not only to meet the company's goals, but also to help develop your career goals as well. A good boss will be impressed by your willingness to share your goals as well as be excited to help you progress. If you have let the new year come and haven't sat down to talk to your boss do that ASAP!

• Update Your Resume: If you achieved your goals for the year, make sure your boss knows this and your resume has your most current accomplishments on them with the results that back them up. And keep your eyes open for new opportunities within your company if you intend on staying.

• Professional Development: Use this year to expand on new skills that can be developed. Attend professional organization meetings, go to seminars, or listen to webinars for a few hours a month, purchase a few books on your industry to learn new and exciting techniques.

Corporate America is a hard game to play. We want to see all of our Fabulous Brown Girls succeed in this world, so if you have any more tips or stories you can share or pass along.. please by all means do not be afraid of leaving us a comment!

New Atlanta Mayor is Howard ALUMNI

Fabulous Brown Girl wants to give a huge CONGRATS to Mayor Elect Kasim Reed of Atlanta! He is a fellow Howard Alumni (BA- Political Science '91 and JD '95) who campaigned very hard to become the new mayor of Atlanta. His Campaign was strong and he had numerous high profile endorsements.

Reed won the very close runoff race by 51% (a win is a win!) against rival Mary Norwood.

It is very interesting to see how closely the votes were split. Most of the precints who voted for Kasim were in the Southern part of Atlanta (which is predominantly black), while the Northern part of the city (predominatly white mid to upper class) voted for Mary Norwood.

With precentages so extremely close, it presumes the question is Altanta a racially divided city... Clearly, with the poll results it does not take a rocket scientist to figure that question out.. Things that make you go hmmmm.... right? Well with that being said, CONGRATULATIONS MR. KASIM REED! You deserve it! Like Jay Z and dem say "We (Bison) Gon' Run This Town Tonight! LOL!

To read an article about the Atlanta Mayorial race and the racial divide CLICK HERE

Howard University: A Homecoming Like None Other

So I am back.. for real this time... After writing this Homecoming review blog, I can now say I have fully and officially recovered from all that is Howard Homecoming.. from the 9 hour long road trip to DC, to the spontaneous reunions, highly anticipated events, and simply the euphoric feelings of just being back "home" again...

I know one thing..Homecoming surely did not disappoint.

While in DC, I hit up some of my favorite lounges and happy hours, walked down the always live U Street and of course went to.. YARDFEST!

YARDFEST is like HU Alumni Family Reunion! Even though there were a lot of high profile performances like FABULOUS and DC native, WALE, just to name a few, a lot of the alumni are more interested in reuniting with one another than joining in on the FREE concert.

Seeing everyone look their best in their fancy "Yardfest fit" is so important to the omni-fashionable campus and then the reunion continues as everyone gets ready for the night's big event! Whether it was LOVE or The BLACK HOLLYWOOD party, HU young Alumni know how to get party and have a good time.

Seeing as it took me over a week to fully recover, I definitely underestimated how special homecoming is and plan on returning for many years to come.

Even though I am an overall HBCU supporter, there is no place on earth like Howard University! And there is no way you can convince me any different, seriously!

I was able to catch up with some of the dearest people that are in my life and see every body happy and enjoying themselves. There were many times I questioned why I left the DC area, but the answer slowly and surely would come back to me. HOMECOMING is just what its called coming home.. you have to leave the nest to truly show off what HOWARD has taught you and beam that BISON glow on everyone you meet.



I give all my thanks to Howard University, if it wasn't for me attending such a diverse and uplifting school, I would not have the inspiration or courage to start Fabulous Brown Girl! I will continue to make Howard proud and carry the HU pride with me where ever I go.

Hampton University's New Queen

As many of you are now aware, Virginia HBCU, Hampton University recently crowned Nikole Churchill as their Queen on October 9th. On the surface there is nothing really shocking about that, but what has come to many as a huge surprise is the fact that Nikole is Caucasian. Being that Hampton University is a HBCU and the majority of its student population is of African decent, Nikole race is and her win is just very ironic. One of the highest accolades a student can receive went to someone who is a non black.

Instead of congratulating Churchill on her sweet accomplishment, she received a great deal of backlash from the black community, especially from HBCU students past and present. Some people feel that if you are a non black student attending an HBCU you shouldn't do anything that would bring you notoriety or representation of their campus! That, to me, is unfortunate... I mean she must have done an awesome job to supersede the other contestants, right?

Feeling frustrated and let down, Churchill ended up writing a letter to President Obama to express her frustration and invited him to come speak to the campus of Hampton on the issue of race and equality.

To:President Barack Obama

October 11, 2009

Aloha Mr. Obama!

My name is Nikole Churchill, a senior nursing major at Hampton University. This past Friday October 9, 2009, I was honored to be crowned Miss Hampton University 2009-2010. It truly was the best night of my life! With that being said, I am sad to say…… that my crowning was not widely accepted and many negative comments regarding my win have been shared throughout my campus.

It would be much easier to say that possibly some were not accepting of the news because I wasn’t the most qualified contestant; however, the true reason for the disapproval was because of the color of my skin. I am not African-American. Despite the unfortunate beliefs that some are saying I should not have won, I am desperately trying to focus on those who believe in me and support me and my goal to represent this beautiful, multicultural campus the very best way that I can. I would love your help!

I am hoping that perhaps you would be able to make an appearance to my campus, Hampton University, so that my fellow Hamptonians can stop focusing so much on the color of my skin and doubting my abilities to represent, but rather be proud of the changes our nation is making towards accepting diversity. People are even nicknaming me, “lil Obama” because of various reasons. This is truly an honor as well!I am also from Hawaii (Wahiawa) and I am hoping that you can assist me in opening some closed minds and help share some aloha spirit throughout my campus. I feel as though you could relate to my situation, which is why I immediately wanted to contact you. I was interviewed last night at the HU vs. HU football game by news channel 13 and I mentioned how individuals such as you and myself are making changes in hopes people can stop placing so much focus on our skin color by letting that define what we can, cannot, should, and/or should not do. Dr. Harvey welcomed me last night to the family with open arms and I was beyond honored when he told me that he is behind me 100%. I am proud to represent Hampton University and I am so proud having you to represent our home, our country. Your support with my crowning as Miss Hampton University 2009-2010 would be graciously appreciated. Please reply, I will be looking forward to it!

-Nikole Churchill Virginia Beach , VA

Today, Churchill released a statement apologizing for writing this letter, (a little too late if you ask me) and that she now only wants to represent the students at her campus in a good light.

To read the statement Nikole released click here

So what do you think? Should only FABULOUS BROWN GIRLS be allowed to compete in HBCU pageants or represent their campus in key leadership positions?

And to all my fellow BISON, could you see this happening at Howard?

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!!

HU Alumni Show Support

On Friday at Howard University a protest took place that shook up the campus on what is known traditionally as "First Friday". With over 350 participating students and staff, a peaceful rally of demands were handed out to the Howard University Administration.

As many people know, Howard is home to many famous alumni. Sean "Diddy" Combs, one of the most famous Howard alumni to date, showed his support of the protest via his Twitter page.

Diddy said...

@iamdiddy Howard Univ. Students I love you! I know I haven't been there enough. But I want to be and I will be! Keep the pressure on! I got your backs

Even 2004 alumn, Lance Gross, most famous for his work with media mogul, Tyler Perry, and the his role as Calvin in "House of Payne" took to his Twitter page to support the HU too!

Lance had this to say...

@LanceGross #HUprotest fellow Howardities, I Got yall back too!!!

It feels great to have all this support from famous Bison. This support shows that no matter what path our live takes us, once a BISON -- always a BISON!! There is something special about that common bond that we all share that will never go anywhere--no matter what!

Although we are all supportive of the protest, I hope the current Howard University student body is realistic with their demands from the Administration. It will not be a good look if all this "negative" press goes in vain!!

Violence on College Campuses IS Unacceptable: RIP JASMINE LYNN

Our parents didnt save and send us to college to go through this...

Being that President Obama just declared this week (August 30th to September 5th, 2009) National HBCU Week, it is unfortunate that a Spelman student was shot and killed by a stray bullet last night.

According to Kansas City newspaper, Jasmine Lynn,19, was from Kansas City, and was fatally shot and killed on Clark Atlanta University's campus approximately around 12:30 am.

Even though this was technically a college campus, I am going to go ahead and say that I am pretty sure the people who participated in the violent acts were not college students. It is sad that a lot of HBCUs are located in areas where a lot of senseless violence takes place. Even though you can not possibly protect yourself fully from the violence that may occur anywhere you go, it is sad to think that you have to be scared of your surroundings when living on a college campus.

Picture of Jamie Lynn, Spelman student killed by fatal shooting

Having once lived on a campus that was in the middle of an urban and gritty area, I can say that I tried my best to be precautious, but sometimes you just have to live your life and pray that nothing bad happens to you. I personally know of several people who got robbed at gunpoint (male and female) as well as people who barely escaped with their life by being in the wrong place at the wronng.. It is not a game. It is only by God's grace that I never had anything happen to me. So I am praying for Jasmine Lynn's family and everyone who is just trying to get their education and do better with their lives. This is not what our parents sent us to college to deal with. It is truly unfortunate.