Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts published in “Ceremonies”

Alabama Crimson Tide's Derrick Henry Wins Heisman Trophy for 2015

By goodblacknews on December 13, 2015
2015 Heisman Trophy Winner Derrick Henry (photo via bet.com)
Alabama Crimson Tide’s Derrick Henry is the first running back to win the Heisman Trophy since 2009. He came in first with 1,832 points, beating out Standford’s Christian McCaffrey (1,539) and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson (1,165). The 2015 Heisman Trophy Ceremony was held last night in New York City.
While Henry was the favorite coming in, he knew he had tough competition, especially coming from a state with no NFL team. “I didn’t know at all. Them two guys were great contenders for the trophy. Deshaun, with how consistent and efficient he is at the quarterback position, all the success he had, I was kind of worried. Christian, breaking Barry Sanders‘ record, doing all the things he does, he’s just unbelievable.” However, the RB was more than happy to receive the highly coveted trophy, “I’m just so thankful to have this trophy. It’s just a blessing and an honor.”
Henry can add the Heisman trophy to his already impressive collection of the Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Doak Walker awards. He has also set Alabama records with 1,986 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns.
article by Evelyn Diaz via bet.com

Michelle Obama Awards 13 Youth Arts Programs at White House

By goodblacknews on November 18, 2015
WASHINGTON (AP) — Calling a group of artistic youth the “next generation of fabulous,” Michelle Obama presented national arts and humanities awards to 12 after-school programs from across the country and one international program from Honduras.
Honorees included a musical theater program co-created by comedian Rosie O’Donnell that serves low-income students in New York City.
The first lady presented the awards Tuesday to recognize the nation’s best youth programs that use arts and humanities to develop skills and increase academic achievement. She honored programs that teach ceramics, dance, music, writing, science and more. Each of the U.S. programs will receive $10,000.
The annual White House ceremony included a live performance from winning program, A Commitment to Excellence, or ACTE II. The New York group performed a song and dance medley including “I Got Rhythm,” ”Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” and “Empire State of Mind.”
“Wow…that wasn’t singing, that was ‘sanging,’” Mrs. Obama quipped, referring to the group which she predicted is destined for Broadway.
Mrs. Obama urged continued funding and support for arts and humanities programs, which she said also teach students problem-solving, teamwork and discipline.
“There are millions of kids like these with talent all over the place, and it’s hidden and it’s untapped and that’s why these programs are so important,” Mrs. Obama said. “We wouldn’t know that all this existed without any of these programs and that would be a shame.”
The 2015 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards are hosted by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities in partnership with three national cultural agencies.
The 13 programs recognized with a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award during the White House ceremony are:
— A Commitment to Excellence (ACTE II), New York.
—Action Arts and Science Program, Sioux Falls, S.D.
—Art High, Pasadena, Calif.
—CityDance DREAM Program, Washington.
—Spy Hop Productions, Salt Lake City.
—Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee.
—Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Inc., New Orleans.
—VSA Indiana, Inc. , Indianapolis.
—The Center for Urban Pedagogy, Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y.
—Deep Center, Inc., Savannah, Ga.
—The Telling Room, Portland, Maine.
—Caldera, Portland, Oregon.
—Organization for Youth Empowerment (OYE), El Progreso, Honduras.
article by Stacy A. Anderson, AP via blackamericaweb.com