AFRO BRIEFS - Bates’ Home to Become Museum

Bates’ Home to Become Museum

Little Rock Nine Historic Site Designation

By AFRO Staff


(November 28, 2009) - The contributions of the nine students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957 are well documented. But there is another place in the community as important to the history of desegregation as the school itself, one that locals hope to turn into a museum.

The students, dubbed the “Little Rock Nine,” often took shelter at the former home of Daisy and L.C. Bates just down the street from the school. The home has already been designated an historic site, but local volunteers want to open it to the public as a museum, according to an Associated Press report.

“It was kind of like a war room in a sense,” Little Rock Nine member Carlotta Walls LaNier told the AP, “It was a place that we gathered and got ready to go to school and where we would come back to. It was a place of nurturing and a place of debriefing where we could at least have a laugh or two from that day."

The L.C. and Daisy Bates Museum Foundation and the Christian Ministerial Alliance have made $75,000 in repairs to the home, including roof repairs and returning the interior, including furniture, to what it looked like in the 1950s, according to the AP.

But approximately $80,000 of additional funding is needed to finish renovations, build exhibits, and complete their plans for a museum which will offer tours and keeping regular hours with a full-time staff.

TURKEY DAY CLASSIC: Disputed plays show how deep rivalry goes for ASU, Tuskegee

By Josh Moon • November 25, 2009




TURKEY DAY CLASSIC: Disputed plays show how deep rivalry goes for ASU, TuskegeeAmong historically black college football fans, "The Pho­to," as it is now known, is one of the most popular e-mail for­wards of the last year.

In the picture, Tuskegee wide receiver Jonathan Lessa has just caught a pass and is cradling the ball against his stomach. Lessa clearly has one foot on the ground, just a few inches from the backline of the end zone at Cramton Bowl.

This is the much-disputed, second-to-last play in the 2008 Turkey Day Classic.

Lessa was ruled out of bounds on the play by back judge Philip Harden.

Alabama State won the game, 17-13, snapping the Gold­en Tigers' 27-game winning streak and costing them a black college national championship. The Hornets, which had limped into the game having lost five of six games, finished a 3-8 season on the highest of notes.

A day later, the photo ap­peared.

"Everybody's seen that pho­to," said former ASU defensive back Brandon Averett, who was in the end zone on the play and shoved Lessa out of bounds after the (non) catch. "People all over the United States have seen that photo."

By the time it made its first sweep across the Internet, Tus­kegee had received a profuse apology from the Southern In­tercollegiate Athletic Confer­ence, the Golden Tigers' confer­ence and the organization that supplied the officials for the game.

In a long, public release, the SIAC said it had reviewed both photos and video of the play and determined that the officiating crew did a "distressingly poor job." Harden was permanently suspended.

At Tuskegee, many universi­ty employees, especially those in the athletic department, use "The Photo" as a screensaver. When the Montgomery Advertis­er asked longtime TU sports in­formation director Arnold Houston if he might be able to locate a copy of the picture to accompany this story, his quick reply was, "I've got it right here on my desktop."

In the days following that game, an e-mail flier contain­ing a copy of the picture went out to almost every media out­let in the state. Flyers were posted up around campus. It appeared on every college foot­ball message board imaginable. And there were even T-shirts printed with The Photo on the front.

"I've had my kids ask me about (that play)," said ASU head coach Reggie Barlow, whose children, Reggie Jr. and Simone, are 9 and 6. "I guess somebody at school said some­thing to them about it. But that's how big it got."

The hype hasn't exactly died down around Tuskegee.

While the coaches outward­ly say that they've put the game behind them and moved on, they also can't help but drop clues that give away their true feelings.

"You have to move on and let it go at some point," Golden Tigers head coach Willie Slater said. "We didn't play well enough to win the game. That's all there is to it. It hurt, cer­tainly. We had a lot riding on that game. I have to be careful what I say, so I'll just say that we didn't win. But we still think about it. It's hard not to."

Over at ASU, there is but minor concern over "The Pho­to" or the fallout from it. After all, the Hornets have the offi­cial W from that game and the official, yearlong bragging rights that go along with it.

On top of that, ASU faithful recall another controversial ending in the 2005 Turkey Day Classic, when running back Keldrick Williams was stopped just short of the goal line on a two-point attempt on the game's final play. That year's game was televised by ESPNU and video replays appeared to show Williams getting just across the goal line before los­ing the football. The refs took several minutes to rule other­wise and Tuskegee won, 28-27.

"They can save it, because Keldrick was in and they know it," said Averett, who is now a fourth-grade teacher in Phenix City. "Also, I don't know for sure that (Lessa) was in bounds. I don't think the photo shows that. All you get is a quick snapshot. It doesn't show whether he has possession or not. And even if he does, that's just payback for Keldrick. It all works out in the end."

While neither side is likely to budge in this debate, the one thing they all can agree on is that these controversies are a clear sign of just how big this game is for many people.

Without two deeply passion­ate fan bases there's little chance this argument ever gets so big or that it is still raging a year later.

"I grew up on this game, liv­ing here in Montgomery," said Barlow, who played for ASU in the early 1990s. "It's the biggest game of the year to me, always has been. The fans are great. The games are always close. The atmosphere is intense. It's just really a great game, a great spectacle. It's a true rivalry."

HBCU notebook (Nov. 24) - Awards season for MEAC, SWAC

HBCU notebook (Nov. 24)

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HBCU notebook (Nov. 24) - Awards season for MEAC, SWAC

By Donald Hunt
Special to ESPN.com

For most college football teams, the season is winding down and with that in mind, it's recognition time. In the MEAC and SWAC, there are some terrific players and coaches who had big years. It wasn't easy picking just one person in each category.

MEAC

Coach of the year: Buddy Pough, South Carolina State. Pough got off to a great start defeating Grambling State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge this season. The Tigers were the defending SWAC and National Black College Champions. Pough has led the Bulldogs to back-to-back MEAC championships. South Carolina State finished the season with an impressive 10-1 record. The Bulldogs' only loss was to FBS South Carolina. S.C. State also compiled an 8-0 conference record. Pough will lead his team to its second consecutive FCS playoff appearance against Appalachian State. The No. 6 Mountaineers will host the No. 7 Bulldogs in the first round of the tournament Saturday (ESPNU, noon ET).

Offensive player of the year: Will Ford, South Carolina State running back. Ford became the MEAC's all-time leading rusher this season. He rushed for 156 yards in a win over North Carolina A&T to give him 4,649 for his career, surpassing Hampton's Alonzo Coleman (2003-06) who held the record with 4,648. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior finished with 1,010 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Ford has been one of the best running backs in the country over the last four years. He should be playing on Sundays next season.

Defensive player of the year: Terrell Whitehead, Norfolk State defensive back. Whitehead is one of the best cover guys in college football. He had five interceptions and 37 solo tackles this season. Moreover, most teams tried to stay away from Whitehead because of his playmaking skills. And still, he had a brilliant year. He was a big reason why Norfolk State had the second best defense in the MEAC.

Special teams player of the year: LeRoy Vann, Florida A&M return specialist. Vann had an unbelievable year as a punt and kickoff returner. He set NCAA records for single-season and career punt returns, single-season TD punt returns, single-season and career combined kick returns and combined kick return yards. He had 28 punt returns for 462 yards (16.5 yard average). He returned three punts for touchdowns, including one for 92 yards. Vann returned 28 kicks for an incredible 1,121 yards (29.5 yard arverage). He also returned three for scores, including one for 99 yards.

SWAC

Coach of the year: Henry Frazier III, Prairie View A&M. Frazier led Prairie View A&M to an undefeated conference record and are a win away from capturing the SWAC title for the first time since 1964. The Panthers (7-1 overall, 6-0 SWAC) will face Alabama A&M for the SWAC championship on Dec. 12. Frazier has taken a once struggling football program and turned it into a nationally-recognized team in just six years. Prairie View A&M suffered just one loss this season to FBS New Mexico State. The Panthers dropped a narrow 21-18 decision to the Aggies.

Offensive player of the year: Ulysses Banks, Alabama A&M running back. Banks is the real deal. He's a great all-around running back. He had 194 carries for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 5.2 yards a carry and 101.4 yards a game. Ball control is key to the success of Alabama A&M. Banks played a huge role in leading his team to the conference title game.

Defensive player of the year: Jeremy Maddox, Alabama A&M defensive end. It's not easy to contain Maddox. He led the conference in sacks with 10, and is tied for second in FCS. He also had 16.5 tackles for loss, which leads the SWAC.

Special teams player of the year: Ari Johnson, Grambling State field goal kicker. Johnson led the SWAC in field goals made with 17. He also had a league-leading 77.3 percentage, including a season-long of 47 yards.

HBCU notes

The SBN Black College Football Poll
1. South Carolina State
2. Prairie View A&M
3. Tuskegee
4. Southern
5. Florida A&M
6. Grambling State
7. Shaw
8. Alabama A&M
9. Norfolk State
10. Albany State

Tuskegee will face Alabama State on Thursday in the Turkey Day Classic.

Grambling State will clash with long time rival Southern University in the Bayou Classic from the Superdome in New Orleans on Saturday.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff will battle Texas Southern in the Dallas Lonestar Classic in Dallas on Saturday.

Alabama A&M (7-4 overall, 4-3 league) will face Prairie View A&M for the SWAC Conference championship on Dec. 12 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.

The Russell Athletic HBCU Bowl is scheduled for Dec. 19 at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. The game will be a showcase for the top black college football prospects. The game will feature an East/West format. The East will feature players from the CIAA and MEAC. The West will be comprised of players from the SWAC and SIAC.

South Carolina State's Will Ford was named the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week. Ford had 156 yards on 23 carries to lead South Carolina State over North Carolina A&T.

Norfolk State defensive back Terrell Whitehead was selected as the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week. Whitehead intercepted a pass and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown. He also forced a fumble to help Norfolk State beat Winston-Salem State.

K.J. Black, Prairie View A&M quarterback, was named the SWAC Offensive Player of the Week. Black completed 23 of 27 passes for 312 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in the Panthers' 49-17 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Devin Boyd, Prairie View A&M defensive tackle, was chosen as the SWAC Defensive Player of the Week. Boyd made six tackles (three for loss) with two sacks and one forced fumble in the Panthers victory over the Golden Lions.


Donald Hunt is a columnist for The Philadelphia Tribune. You can reach him at dhunt37261@aol.com.

Nerjyzing Diversity in the Video Gaming Industry

Company CEO takes HBCU football to next level
By Marcia Wade Talbert - November 20, 2009


Some people sit and watch on the sidelines, while others play the game. Jacqueline S. Beauchamp plays the game. Not satisfied with the dearth of diversity in the video gaming industry, in 2004 Beauchamp partnered with three colleagues to start Nerjyzed Entertainment Inc. to not only put more African American players in games, but also to increase the number of developers in the field.

“I kept saying for about two and a half years [that] someone needs to… bring some different products and different experiences to the market segment,” says the former Motorola executive. Then she realized that she was that someone.

With the release of “The Black College Football Experience: The Doug Williams Edition” Nerjyzed has done what no other company has done before: It has created the first game published by a black-owned interactive digital media company for high-end video game consoles.

Over the years, Beauchamp, now Nerjyzed CEO, and her three co-founders-- all graduates of HBCUs--were able to raise $8 million in seed money and hire 45 programmers and video game developers to work toward their goal of creating a sports video game that focuses on the football leagues of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The endeavor has been five years in the making and the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based company has seen its share of ups and downs. But now, after the game’s autumn release, Beauchamp, 47, a former manager with experience working at Motorola and IBM, is ecstatic that BCFx is finally taking up shelf space at Wal-mart, GameStop, and Amazon.com.

BCFx features more than 40 teams from HBCUs that battle on the football field using not only their players but their drumlines. It also has interactive halftime shows complete with drum majors, cheerleaders, and bands. The drumline portion of the game allows players to compete against other players in a rhythm-based competition. Using a drum pad, gamers can choose to perform one of over a 120 songs ranging from artists like Beyoncé to Frankly Beverly and Maze.

Beauchamp spoke with Black Enterprise about Nerjyzed’s false starts, the support the company received from HBCUs, and explained why it is important to honor NFL legends who have roots in black college teams.

BlackEnterprise.com: Why did it take such a long time to obtain the certification to produce the games on Xbox and Sony Playstation consoles?

Jacqueline Beauchamp: Our product is very different. We have integrated two of the top tier genres in the video game industry into one product: football and head-to-head, rhythm-based competition on one game. We were the first to be able to do that.

The integration of two different genres [created] a different class of product, which took a little bit longer than we had anticipated. It was just a little bit more challenging. There were some rules that actually changed in the middle and we literally had to go back and redo a number of things that we had previously met the requirements on.

What other hurdles did you have to overcome to produce the video game?

The process for obtaining licenses from the schools took a little bit longer than what we would have really liked. Those institutions are very accustomed to licensing their brands for t-shirts and cups but licensing for a video game was very new. So we had to spend a little bit more time in educating them and getting them comfortable with the entire video game industry model. Once we got to that point the processes for getting the licenses and closing contracts went a little bit faster.

How much in sales do you need to make in order to consider the project successful?

Success for us is going to be achieved [by reaching] $14 million in revenue. Now we are in the process of making sure that everybody is set, ready, and prepared for the Christmas push on marketing and promotions, and making sure we have enough inventory in the [retail] channel, which is why I’m spending direct time with retailers like Walmart.

What role did HBCUs play in getting the game launched?

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities have supported the roll out of the product. They have participated with us in some of our TV show airings, and allowed us to come on their campuses and promote the game. Their bands got involved in recordings, and we recruited their cheerleaders and band members to do motion capture [to create animation in the game]. So they were an integral part in not just creating the product, but helping to promote it and drive sales and we’re providing royalties [from the game back to them].

Why is the game called the “The Doug Williams Edition”?

He’s been the first in so many categories -- first African American quarterback to not only start in and win a NFL Super Bowl but then to be named MVP [of the game]. Doug is a huge proponent and spokesperson for Black college football. He and James Jack Harris, [who both played for Grambling State University,] just announced the formation of the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame.

There are so many greats that came from these institutions—like Jerry Rice and Walter Payton -- and a lot of people really don’t know that they did. We want to pay respect to all of these individuals that have made an enormous impact on not just collegiate football, but on the entire game of football, even at the NFL level.

Grambling, Southern prepare for 36th meeting in Bayou Classic

Grambling, Southern prepare for 36th meeting in Bayou Classic

When most people think of the Thanksgiving holiday, ideas of family, good food and football usually come to mind.

Here in Louisiana, one tradition that stays on the mind of football fans during the Thanksgiving weekend is the annual showdown between the SWAC’s Grambling State Tigers and Southern Jaguars, better known as the State Farm Bayou Classic.

This Saturday in the Louisiana Superdome the Tigers and Jaguars will face off in the 36th meeting of their storied rivalry, which has featured slew of legendary players and coaches. Renowned figures such as late Grambling coach Eddie Robinson, Super Bowl MVP and former Grambling coach Doug Williams, former NFL Pro Bowler and Southern Jaguar Aeneas Williams among many others have added to the lore of the Bayou Classic throughout the years.

Widely considered as the premiere game in black college football, the halftime show of nationally-televised Bayou Classic typically generates as much excitement as the action during the game. Furthermore, the positive economic impact that the Bayou Classic has on the city of New Orleans is significant.

Southern (6-3, 3-2) enters this year’s game holding a slight 18-17 edge in the all-time Bayou Classic series. In his 16th year as Southern’s head coach, Pete Richardson has had much success coaching in the Bayou Classic, winning 11 times. Richardson spoke about the importance of competing in the Bayou Classic.

“You start the season, and the only thing the alumni want to know is what’s going to happen in the Bayou Classic,” Richardson said at the Bayou Classic Kickoff Press Conference. “They’re not concerned about championships. The only thing they’re concerned about is this game, and when you’ve been around a while you understand why. Because it a deep thing that’s involved in the culture of this state and two fine institutions.”

The same sentiments were expressed by 3rd year Grambling head coach Rod Broadway.

“It’s big,” Broadway said. “I’ve been involved in a lot of bowl games, a couple of Sugar Bowls, Orange Bowls, Fiesta Bowls, and this event is as good as any. As you know, a win in this thing means a lot to your season. ”

Typically, the winner of the Bayou Classic goes on to compete in the SWAC championship game as the representative of the Western Division. However, neither Southern nor Grambling will be competing for the conference championship as the Prairie View A&M Panthers and the Alabama A&M Bulldogs have earned spots in the title game. That puts that much more emphasis on bragging rights for both teams in this year’s Classic.

Grambling Athletic Director J. Lin Dawson offered an interesting take on what is to come in Saturday’s match.

“The camaraderie will be great,” Dawson said. “But in just a few days you can hold the gumbo and put the etoufee to the side. The bragging rights for 364 and 1/2 days come down to the final whistle. I’ve the opportunity to play here as a player, but it’s so much better and the game slows down when you’re watching from the stands.”

The Jaguars are looking to avenge 2008’s 29-14 loss at the hands of the Tigers. Southern is led by the pitch-and-catch combination of senior quarterback Bryant Lee and senior receiver Juamorris Stewart. Lee, who prepped at Hahnville, has thrown for 2259 and 22 touchdowns while completing 63% of his passes. Stewart has been Lee’s main target, with 69 receptions for 936 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“I have a lot of respect for Southern and the job the coach has done down there and (quarterback) Bryant Lee and Stewart,” Broadway said. “They have some outstanding players and it should be and outstanding football game this week and one that we are looking forward to participating in and competing against what I feel is and outstanding program.”

Grambling (6-4, 4-2) will try to use their potent rushing attack to earn consecutive victories over Southern. Junior running backs Frank Warren and Cornelius Walker lead the Tigers’ dominant running game with 805 and 622 yards respectively. On the defensive side of the ball, senior defensive end Christian Anthony leads the team with 6 sacks, 5 interceptions and is second on the team with 67 total tackles.

Richardson has taken note of Anthony’s impressive play.

“You look at Grambling’s football team, I think it’s going to be a hard, physical type of football game,” Richardson said. “They have one player on the defensive side that can control the game. I think Christian (Anthony) is probably one of the most gifted athletes I have seen since I’ve been in the conference. Here’s an individual that can rush the passer, knock the pass down, pick the ball up and run for a touchdown. That’s an oddity.”

“I’m looking forward to (the game) and I think our players are excited about having this opportunity, especially to come down to New Orleans for Thanksgiving.”

Given the history of the many exciting Bayou Classics in the past, it’s probably safe to say the 2009 edition won’t disappoint.

BAYOU CLASSIC XXXVI prepares to kick off

BAYOU CLASSIC XXXVI prepares to kick off

Posted: Monday, November 23, 2009 12:08 pm

The turkey, ham, oyster dressing and potato salad have not even been prepared or served yet, but some minds are already focused on this weekend's annual matchup between Southern University and Grambling State University in the Louisiana Superdome.

The State Farm Bayou Classic is more than just a football game; with its colorful and glorified history, the State Farm Bayou Classic is a unique family fellowship that exists within a football game. The State Farm Bayou Classic has become the greatest and most distinguishable sporting event in all of Black America.

Everyone loves a grudge match. And that's what football fans can expect at the 36th Bayou Classic sponsored by State Farm Insurance Companies. Every year, the game is a sellout, attracting more than 70,000 fans. It'll be another terrific game this year as the Grambling State University Tigers and Southern University Jaguars football teams line up on the field to battle it out for bragging rights.

The gridiron match-up between Grambling State University and Southern University, two great Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) rivals, represents the best that collegiate sports have to offer: Teamwork, tradition, passion and fierce competition.

With ongoing talk about a nationwide recession and a local slump in tourism dollars, the State Farm Bayou Classic couldn't come at a better time for the Crescent City. This year's contest should provide local restaurants, hotels and other businesses in downtown New Orleans with some much-needed revenue heading into the Christmas holidays.

According to the New Orleans Metropolitan Visitor and Convention Bureau, the Bayou Classic drew an estimated 200,000 visitors in 2009 and had a $200 million economic impact over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Weekend activities kick off with the Coaches Luncheon on Fri., Nov. 27 at 11 a.m., and the Super Job Fair at noon. Guests should also see the Nerjyzed Entertainment Battle of the Bands & Greek Show at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 27.

The Bayou Classic Football Game is televised live on NBC Sports Nov. 28. Whatever your pleasure, you'll never forget a weekend at the State Farm Bayou Classic. And if you can't make it to the game in person, kickoff time is at 1:00 p.m. CST on NBC TV.

The Grambling State University Tigers won last year's game 29-14.

Southern University's Master's of Business Administration program will host the 2nd Annual "Black and White Affair" at 7:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27, in the Harrah's Casino-Masquerade Ultra Lounge in New Orleans.

The affair will feature a live performance by Gina Brown and Anutha Level. Participants will also receive a ticket to see Con Funk Shun in the casino's theater at 9 p.m. Complimentary culinary delights and a cash bar will also be provided.

The event is a fund-raising initiative sponsored by the MBA program's National Board of Advisors. All funds will be used to support the program. Tickets are $50 and are tax deductible.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (225) 771-5640.

Bayou Classic organizers, fans and alumni from Southern and Grambling will celebrate the 20th Annual Super Job Fair during the 36th State Farm Bayou Classic. Over the years, more than 20,000 students and other potential employees have met with more than 1,000 different public and private businesses and agencies, for the purposes of networking and career enhancement.

The Super Job Fair provides companies an opportunity to interview and select outstanding students for employment with their respective organizations. Students from Southern, Grambling, and other universities are able to network and seek career opportunities with large corporations and agencies.

The Super Job Fair promotes the fact that the State Farm Bayou Classic is far more than just a football game. It also serves as an avenue by which the educational development and pursuits of students attending two of the nation's premier historically Black universities can be enhanced. The Super Job Fair is an outlet where students seriously pursue their plans to compete favorable for positions in their respective professions.

Representatives from some of the most prestigious companies and agencies in the country offer permanent employment, summer jobs, internships, cooperative education, and graduate and professional school opportunities to selected candidates.

Companies interview, receive resumes, and disseminate literature allowing students to explore the numerous opportunities with your organization.

Companies participating in the Super Job Fair are provided a booth, chairs, an interview area, assistance with set-up, lunch, and two tickets to the State Farm Bayou Classic football game.

The complete State Farm Bayou Classic schedule follows:

Friday, November 27, 2009:

• Bayou Classic Coaches Lunch-eon 12:00p.m.- 1:00p.m. Location: TBD

• Bayou Classic Super Job Fair

12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: Sheraton New Orleans,

500 Canal St.

• State Farm Bayou Classic College Fair 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Location: Sheraton New Orleans, 500 Canal St.

• KaBOOM! Playground Build

8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Mary D. Coghill Elementary School - 500 Piety Drive

New Orleans, LA 70126

• Corporate Reception Presented by Adams & Reese 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Invitation Only

• Nerjyzed Entertainment Battle of the Bands & Greek Show 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Location: Louisiana Superdome

Saturday, November 28, 2009:

• Bayou Classic Fan Festival 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Louisiana Superdome Plaza Level

• XXXVI State Farm Bayou Classic 1:00 p.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Louisiana Superdome.

This article was originally published in the November 23, 2009 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper

IN THE NEWS - Proposal to Merge HBCUs Draws Fire

Proposal to Merge HBCUs Draws Fire

By AFRO Staff


Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (Courtesy Photo/governing.com)

(November 22, 2009) - Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour is facing widespread criticism for his proposal to merge the state’s three historically Black universities into one institution, BlackAmericaWeb.com reported.

Barbour has proposed merging Alcorn State University and Mississippi Valley State University into Jackson State University to cut losses in revenue and the increasing numbers of staff required to oversee each. While the schools would be recognized as one institution, each campus would continue to operate on its own, Barbour said in a statement. According to state calculations, the move would save $35 million annually.

However, lawmakers and the schools’ presidents hope the governor will create other ideas to save funds that will not merge the campuses.

“Every time the money is tight, they look at cutting money for our colleges or merging,” state Sen. David Jordan, a Democrat from Greenwood, told BlackamericaWeb.com. “We whipped the proposal when it came up in 1992, and we’ll whip it again. We’re willing to fight and do whatever is necessary to keep our institutions.”

If Barbour’s proposal is approved, the school would merge in fiscal year 2011, but the state would not see savings from the changes until the following year.

IN THE NEWS