The Official VSU Black History Week

After our Black History Celebration Program on Thursday, Rep. Alisha Morgan will be having a book signing. Come out and get your autographed copy.

February 2, 2012
12-24
Malynda Dorsey
VSU Communications Specialist

Black History Week: Celebrating the Legacy, Building Our Own

VALDOSTA -- As the nation observes the accomplishments of notable black men and women in history throughout the month, Valdosta State University will host events and activities on campus from Monday, Feb. 6, to Feb 10 that focus on the contributions of African Americans in America. VSU’s Second Annual Black History Week is sponsored by the VSU NAACP, Black Student League (BSL), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Creative Media & Marketing.
The theme for Black History Week is “Celebrating the Legacy, Building Our Own.”

“American history was and still is being shaped by people from different countries, cultures, religions and backgrounds everyday and it is important that we acknowledge the contributions of everyone,” VSU NAACP President DeAndre Jones said. “The contributions and roles of African Americans in America for over 400 years are without a doubt an important subject and cannot be ignored. I see this week as an opportunity to share our culture and history with the entire campus community.”

Jones added that there is nowhere better to celebrate diversity and education than at the university.

“As Carter G. Woodson, the originator of Black History Month (or week in those days) once said, ‘Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.’ With that said, history no matter what color, needs be celebrated. It's our history, it's your history, and most importantly it's America's history.”

Schedule of Events

VSU Black History Week Jump-Off Unity Cookout
Monday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. on the VSU Front Lawn
All students are invited to enjoy food, music and games.

A Catwalk Through the Past Fashion Show
Monday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Bailey Science Center
The show will feature various fashion trends.

Organizational Meet and Greet
Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Meeting Rooms A & B
This will be an opportunity for students to meet members of the hosting organizations.

Black in America Panel Discussion
Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Theater
The panel will include VSU students and faculty members who have shown leadership and outstanding service on campus. The panel will discuss issues about education, diversity on campus, leadership and opportunities.

VSU Black History Celebration Program
Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Theater
The program will feature keynote speaker, Georgia Representative Alisha Morgan. There will also do a book signing afterward.

“Ambitious: An All Black Affair”
Friday, Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. at Fruits of the Garden, located at 115 W. Central Ave.
VSU students are invited to enjoy live entertainment and open mic. 

2012 State Of The Union Address: Enhanced Version

President Obama delivers the 2012 State of the Union Address.

We Still March: MLK March and Candlelight Vigil

NAACP Youth & College is Leadership

by Alycia Singletary


Being an NAACP Youth Leader has been an honor and a privilege! Personally it is a passion of mine to help people, but especially those who cannot help themselves. In joining the NAACP, my original goal was to be of service where I was needed, but that soon changed. I quickly developed a desire to help as many people as I can, as much as I can... READ MORE

We Still March: MLK March and Candlelight Vigil

"We Still March: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March and Candlelight Vigil"

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

University Center Brick Patio

The life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. redefined the civil rights movement and acted as a catalyst for many of the freedoms we currently enjoy. We are inviting the entire campus community as well as the citizens of Valdosta to join us as we celebrate the legacy of this influential pioneer and reflect on the impact he has had on our nation. The VSU NAACP College Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Mu Omicron Chapter, and the Office of Social Equity will be hosting the event.

We will start assembling for the march at 4:30 PM in front of the University Center at the intersection of Ann and North Patterson Street. At 5:00 PM we will begin marching down to the front of the campus front lawn and we ask that everyone proceed to the front of West Hall (in front the fountain) for the candlelight vigil ceremony. Please do not bring your own candles. Candles will be provided but limited. Our very own President Dr. Louis Levy and Reverend Floyd Rose of the local Valdosta SCLC branch will be speaking at the ceremony. If the weather conditions do not allow us to have the event outside, there will be an alternative location.

We hope that you may be able to attend and celebrate with us. This will be nothing short of a historic event for VSU!

Happy Holidays From Your NAACP Fam!

Shout out to our Fall 2011 grads Bianca Howard, Lauren Walker, Chaz Garvin, and  Reginald Rainge!

A little learning, indeed, may be a dangerous thing, but the want of learning is a calamity to any people. -Frederick Douglass

Above: Our members right after our "End of the Year Social".

Live Chat Replay: Stefanie Brown

Stefanie Brown, NAACP's National Field Director/Director, Youth & College Division, joins us as our inaugural guest for our live video chat session. Stefanie talks civil rights, the NAACP's role today, leadership and life balance.

Stay tune for the next LIVE CHAT!

For more info, go to www.NAACPConnect.org

VOTE IN THE LOCAL ELECTIONS ON TUESDAY!

How do I know if i'm registered to vote? And where do I vote?
Visit http://www.sos.georgia.gov/MVP/Login.aspx to find out about your voter registration status, Poll Location, Elected Officials and even a sample ballot for the upcoming election is available.

When do I vote?TOMORROW, TUESDAY, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on each election day. Any voter who is waiting in line to vote at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

What am I voting for?

Alcohol Referendum, Mayoral Race, City Council at Large Seats, and the School Unification question.

Why should I vote?Your vote is your voice in the governance of your city, county, state and country. As a citizen, you declare your rights and privileges with your vote. Contrary to popular belief, one vote - your vote - does make a difference.

Even though most of us may not be from Valdosta, VSU is very much connected to the Valdosta community educationally and economically. Our chapter has many local sponsors and supporters that need us to show up at the polls.

This is what NAACP is all about! NAACP is actively engaged in helping people to use the power of their voice by voting. With an aim to increase the young electorate turnout (18-29), the NAACP continues to make voter education a priority. Depending on our regional, state and local units for ongoing electoral work, the NAACP will lead in the struggle for voting rights in the field of grassroots advocacy.

Reducing Your Student Loan Debt: Barack Obama's Plan to Help College Students

Nearly six million students who have both guaranteed and direct loans will soon be able to refinance them and get a discount under President Barack Obama's student loan debt reform plan: "Help Americans Manage Student Loan Debt". You'll only have to write one check a month and within a year it will ensure that more than 1.6 million college students won't be required to make loan repayments over 10% of their income.

President Obama's plan will make college more affordable for students. All remaining debt is forgiven after 20 years of payments for college students. Debt is forgiven after 10 years for teachers, nurses, members of the armed forces, and others in public service careers.

These are just some of the important repayment options designed to make student loan repayments more affordable. All of this progress builds off student loan reform President Obama signed into law in 2010. All of this progress makes sure that more students from working and middle class families can get college educations and the opportunities that come with them.

Bankers don't get to be middlemen for student loans anymore. We saved $68 billion dollars by taking them out of the equation and a lot of the money is going towards loans and grants to make college more affordable for more people.

Share this news and join the movement. President Obama needs your voice to be heard. He needs you to tell Congress that reforms like this are what we're fighting for.

More information here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/10/26/how-president-obama-helping-lower-monthly-student-loan-payments