October 30, 2014
By Lauren Victoria Burke
NNPA Columnist
Three years ago, the Department of Education tightened the loan standards for Parent PLUS Loans. The change affected more than 30,000 students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at a collective loss in tuition to the schools of more than $150 million. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan apologized for the impact of the change.
After a contentious three years of meetings and negotiations with HBCU advocates and members of Congress, the Department of Education announced the new and final rule update for Parent PLUS Loans, scheduled to take effect next July.
Representatives at the Department of Education have expressed concern that Parent PLUS loans were a bad risk for low-income borrowers. Skyrocketing costs for higher education and record student loan debt in America are the backdrop.
“The new regulations will both expand student access to postsecondary education and safeguard taxpayer dollars by reflecting economic and programmatic changes that have occurred since the program was established more than 20 years ago,” Duncan said in a statement.
“The final regulations update the definition of “adverse credit history” for PLUS loan applicants, and implement a streamlined application process for borrowers to obtain a PLUS loan, specifically for those with adverse credit histories,” the department announced last week. The Department of Education also informed reporters they will release school-by-school data on rates of default and PLUS Loan default details.
“While the regulations do not restore the pool of ‘creditworthy’ applicants to the pre-2011 level as NAFEO and its colleagues fought indefatigably to achieve, it is a step in the right direction,” said Lezli Baskerville, president of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAGEO). “The regulations will make 370,000 PLUS loan applicants who failed to pass the new ‘adverse credit history’ criteria, now eligible borrowers for the PLUS Loan gap funding; expand higher education access, and increase the likelihood of success for 691,900 additional students.”
United Negro College Fund President Michael Lomax noted, “HBCUs and the students they serve have endured three years of hardships caused by denied access to PLUS Loans. This has been a distraction from the real work that needs to be done – preparing students with the skills needed in a competitive, global economy.”
Lomax added that the department’s action, “reverses stringent credit standards imposed by the Department in 2011 that had a devastating impact on families and students.” Lomax came under sharp criticism this year after UNCF accepted $25 million from the Koch Brothers. During an interview with Roland Martin in June, Lomax revealed UNCF took the money from the Koch Brothers in part because their donation included a $4 million unrestricted contribution to UNCF’s member institutions, “in order to make up for losses institutions had around the Parent PLUS loan issue.”
Many HBCU advocates aren’t thrilled the implementation of the new rules won’t take effect until 2015.
Thurgood Marshall Fund President Johnny Taylor said, “The delayed implementation of PPL regulations is as disturbing as the unlikely scenario of our government issuing a statement indicating they have a cure for Ebola and then announcing the cure will not be released until July 2015.”
The chair of the Congressional Black Caucus was less critical.
“I am encouraged by today’s news, and applaud the Department of Education for finally taking this step to begin leveling the playing field for so many students and families of color and modest means – those who most benefit from the Parent PLUS Loan Program,” said CBC Chair Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio).
Representatives Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) and Cedric Richmond (D-La.) offered legislation to change the Parent PLUS Loan rules back to what they were in 2011. Brown and Richmond, who have many HBCU’s in their districts, expressed general satisfaction with the rule change but their praise was joined with a glance backward at the last three years.
“HBCU’s and their students have struggled terribly because of the sudden change in the Department of Education’s Parent PLUS loan guidelines. For three years, the Congressional Black Caucus, along with the HBCU advocacy community, has battled arduously with the Department of Education to correct this administrative injustice,” Congresswoman Brown stated.
“Although the goal of the Caucus was to return the PLUS Loans rule back to where it was prior to 2011, I am pleased that the Department’s new regulations will begin to stem the loss of thousands of students and millions of dollars from HBCU’s and colleges across the nation,” Rep. Brown added.
“Finalizing this rule is an important step towards re-opening the doors of higher education that were closed to students across the nation by the previous unfair standards. We should not be making it harder for students to afford an education at a college or university they qualified for, and I am glad the Department of Education shares this sentiment,” said Rep. Richmond.
As reported by Rachel Fishman in EdCentral.org: Under the Department’s final rule, PLUS borrowers will fail the credit check for the loan if they have one or more debts with a total combined outstanding balance greater than $2,085 that are 90 or more days delinquent, charged off, or in collections in the past two years or have been the subject of a default determination, bankruptcy discharge, foreclosure, repossession, tax lien, wage garnishment, or write off of a debt under title IV in the past five years….”
Lauren Victoria Burke is freelance writer and creator of the blog Crewof42.com, which covers African American members of Congress. She Burke appears regularly on “NewsOneNow with Roland Martin” and on WHUR FM, 900 AM WURD. She worked previously at USA Today and ABC News. She can be reached through her website, laurenvictoriaburke.com, or Twitter @Crewof42 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
October 26, 2023
By Dr. Valerie Wardlaw
Contributing Writer
Richard Roundtree, the actor known and loved for his iconic portrayal of the first Black action hero, John Shaft, died on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at his Los Angeles home surrounded by his family.
His longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, confirmed his death and said the cause was pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis Roundtree received two months ago. He was 81.
This was not Roundtree's first battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy.
He spoke publicly about his breast cancer fight, hoping to educate and inspire men to get tested:
"Breast cancer is not gender specific," Roundtree said. "Men have this cavalier attitude about health issues. I got such positive feedback because I spoke out about it. I'm a survivor," he said.
Roundtree was more than a survivor as he took the movie industry by storm, bringing private eye John Shaft, a sophisticated, intelligent, masculine, and smooth-talking beautiful Black man, to the big screen.
He was not the movie studio's first choice. Still, astute director Gordon Parks saw it differently and chose Roundtree, a former college football player turned fashion model, among the many who turned out for the audition. Parks would later say he chose Roundtree because of his "presence."
"Shaft" was an immediate hit with audiences around the world. As soon as you heard the opening of the late Isaac Hayes' Academy Award-winning original song, you knew the movie was special. The theme song would earn Hayes, 29, at the time, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy award.
To watch Shaft, the first Black private eye with an undeniable swagger, walking down Harlem streets in a chocolate brown leather coat, collar turned up, a slight smile on his face, knowing that others were admiring his confidence, his beauty, you understood why the theme song asked: "Who's the cat that won't cop out when there's danger all about?" And "Who is the man that risks his neck for his brother, man? Of the impact of John Shaft, Roundtree would say:
"I know "Shaft" is a fantasy person, but the image kids see of him on the screen is of a Black man who is, for once, a winner. And I think that's positive," Roundtree said in a 1972 interview with the New York Times.
The movie made "$13 million in ticket sales (roughly $82 million in today's money) off a $500,000 production budget," according to Variety. Roundtree was paid $13,500 for the first "Shaft" but refused to make the second "Shaft" movie for $25,000 after seeing how much the studio earned. Parks said he would not make another "Shaft" without Roundtree. The lesson: Roundtree and Parks walked the "Shaft" path as brothers creatively and financially.
Roundtree would go on to make "Shaft's Big Score!" in 1972, "Shaft in Africa" in 1973, and "Shaft," the television series that lasted only seven weeks.
Richard Roundtree is credited for opening the door of an era known as "Blaxploitation" films where Black actors, writers, and directors were sought after and made millions for studios during the 70s. Roundtree had ambivalent feelings towards the term Blaxploitation:
"I had the privilege of working with the classiest gentleman possibly that I've ever known in the industry, Gordon Parks. So, that word, exploitation, I take offense to with any attachment to Gordon Parks. I've always viewed that as a negative. Exploitation. Who's being exploited?" Roundtree said. "But it gave a lot of people work. It gave a lot of people entrée into the business, including a lot of our present-day producers and directors. So, in the big picture, I view it as positive," said Roundtree.
Roundtree didn't want to be thought of as John Shaft all his life, and his professional acting career was prolific. He starred with some of the biggest names in the business: Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner in "Earthquake" and "City Heat" with Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds, to name a few.
In 1977, Roundtree played Sam Bennett in one of the most significant events on the small screen, Alex Haley's "Roots." He would appear in more than 50 television series, notably "Once Upon a Time…When We Were Colored," "Being Mary Jane," "Heroes," Ava DuVernay's "Cherish the Day," and he would return to "Shaft" starring Samuel L. Jackson and directed by the late John Singleton.
Richard Arnold Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, NY, to John and Kathryn Watkins Roundtree. He grew up as a popular kid attending New Rochelle High School, where he was voted "most popular, best-dressed and best-looking senior." He would attend Southern Illinois University, playing football on scholarship. Roundtree would return to New York a year-and-a-half later, where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company (NEC). A time of growth for Roundtree, he would reflect on the value of the NEC, saying:
"It made me more aware of how many great Black writers we had who did not have the spotlight."
He was called "Tree" by his friends and was only 28 years old when he debuted in "Shaft" and became a bona fide movie star. Gordon Parks shared his thoughts on "Shaft" as the Black Superman with the late film critic Roger Ebert saying:
"Suddenly, I was the perpetrator of a hero. Ghetto kids were coming downtown to see their hero, Shaft, and here was a Black man on the screen they didn't have to be ashamed of."
Tributes to Richard Roundtree, the actor, poured in as news of his death spread. Samuel L. Jackson acknowledged that he will always be our "Shaft' writing:
"Shaft, as we know it, is and will always be His Creation! His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart but, I'm sure, a lotta y'all's, too. Love you, Brother…I see you walking down the middle of Main Street in Heaven & Isaac's conducting your song, coat blowin in the wind!"
Gabrielle Union, his "Being Mary Jane" co-star, wrote: "Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. He was always the coolest man in the room, with the best vibes. He was simply the best, and we all loved him."
Sheryl Lee Ralph shared her condolences: "When I was a teenager, I dreamed about growing up to meet Richard Roundtree. I did, and what a wonderful human being."
"Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men," his manager Patrick McMinn said. "The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."
The late Isaac Hayes captured it best:
“They say this cat Shaft is a bad mother, shut your mouth; But I’m talkin’ ‘bout Shaft, then we can dig it.”
Roundtree is survived by his children, four daughters, Kelli, Nicole, Taylor, and Morgan; and one son, John.
October 26, 2023
By Cora Jackson-Fossett
Managing Editor
With hands in the air and bodies swaying to the music, thousands of people sang along to the songs of artists appearing on the Bakewell Media Sounds for the Soul Stage presented by Chevrolet.
The popular scene was among the many attractions at the 18th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 21, on Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles.
The huge concert platform, erected on the corner of Crenshaw and Stocker St., featured some of the most beloved R&B icons in history.
The Whispers headlined the show and regaled the crowd with favorites such as “And the Beat Goes On,” “It's A Love Thing,” and “Rock Steady.”
The lineup also included The Delfonics Experience, melodic creators of “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)” and “La-La Means I Love You;” and Switch, known for the endearing classics “There’ll Never Be” and “I Call Your Name.”
Additional entertainment was provided by vocalist Perri Jones, party band B.I.G., and musical act Soul Play, who performed incredible covers of Michael Jackson’s “PYT,” Bruno Mars “24 Carat Magic,” and George Clinton’s “Flashlight.”
During intermission, the deejay from 94.7 The Wave conducted a “Wobble” interlude, enticing hundreds of people to participate in the popular line dance.
Taste of Soul Photographers: Robert (CameraMan) Torrence, E. Mesiyah McGinnis, Renee Newman, Larry (Bull) Russell, Kirk McClain, Bre Vanderbilt, and Malik Perry.
October 26, 2023
By Betti Halsell
Assistant Managing Editor
The 18th Annual Taste of Soul exuberated the feeling of fun, people set up their tents, umbrellas and sat in their lawn chairs ready for a great time at the KJLH stage presented by Delete the Divide. Many stars shined brightly on stage, bringing new sounds and energy to a sea of people. Winners of the Taste of Soul Star Quest found themselves living a reality they always imagined, artists like Le Fluer and Passion described their adrenaline rush as soon as they got off stage.
Performers included Stevie Wonder, Johnny Gill, Canton Jones, the KJLH Choir, Sean2 Miles, DW3, Dante Bose, Major, October London, Mike Phillips, and political speeches by Adai Lamar.
The crowd started to set up their spots to watch the concert around 7 a.m., to guarantee a good view of the performances that were looking to start at 10 a.m.,
Terri Richards and Patricia Woods were prepared to see October London, comparing his talent to Marvin Gaye.
Richards confirmed that she has been coming to the Taste of Soul consecutively for four years and each year keeps getting better. They talked about their favorite moments, such as the time they saw Stevie Wonder at the Taste of Soul.
Formerly known as Keisha Marie, La Fleur is a singer/songwriter from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After rocking the stage with her song, “Cali Dream” she sat with her feelings on the couch in the KJLH artist lounge.
She imagined herself on stage so many times and after living that reality, La Fleur said, “There was a time where I was in Pittsburgh and I was like, I want to move back to California so I can just do what I want to do—there’s not much you can really do in a small city.” The song represented her dream to come to California and pursue her dream as a Musician.
“It’s a little bit cereal, I feel like I visualize stuff like this a lot, so I have to pinch myself and be like, ok this is real, this is actually happening, this is progress.
Sometimes when you are going through it, you don’t see how far you actually come and then you’re like, oh snap, ok, we are doing something here,” La Fleur said.
After getting off the KJLH stage with Sean 2 Miles, Paschan high fived her dancers and relished in the energy after performing her song, “Moving.”
She stated, “I feel hot—temperature hot— and I feel like I did a hot a-s-s job. My favorite part was watching the audience gravitate to the stage with that first song.”
Passion expressed that she felt like dancing when she made “Moving,” and she performed it at the Taste of Soul in hopes of moving the crowd in the same direction.
102.3 FM carry themselves as the top Black-owned radio station in Los Angeles. KJLH has been broadcasting music for more than 55 years and counting.
The station gave away concert tickets throughout the event, people were able to win tickets to see Kirk Franklin, Bia, Burna Boy and more.
The KJLH stage was made possible through the efforts of Delete The Divide, headed by County of Los Angeles.
It is an initiative to try to help young people, and small companies in underserved areas who are negatively impacted by the digital divide.
Relationships with governmental, corporate, academic, and community-based groups have been developed to coordinate efforts to ensure that members have direct access to, and access to training and assistance with current technology.