Fruit for Thought: the Intersection of Education, Culture, and Performance

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — April 16th, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________________ Taking it to the Streets This isn't for the weak at heart. Whether it be hot rods, muscle cars or import tuners, these drivers are serious. The only difference: import tuners do a lot more work to increase in power.   "I am just laughing," said Robert Decker, the Shop Forman at Cherner Classics in Potomac, Maryland. He's been working with muscle cars for 25 years. From his grandfather, who worked with Chrysler in 1932 to Robert, the Decker family bleeds auto mechanics.   He's not laughing because t...

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — April 9th, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________________ Why You Cele-hatin’ This is how it's going to be done:   My man Bill Maher is on hiatus, so I'll pick up the slack.   NEW RULE... Can a Brotha Get an Endzone Dance   As of next season, touchdowns are going to be so depressing. It's wasn't supposed to be like this. It used to be such a glorious event; the endzone is the holy land, heaven if you will. Everybody wants in, but only a select few get there. So, when the person we least expect crosses that threshold and sees the light (probably just f...

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — April 2nd, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________________ Notre Damn We're back on this stuff again. I thought that was water under the bridge. I guess it won't stop until everyone "Se abre los ojos."   I shouldn't have to say his name or tell you what happened, but for those who need it:   Paul Hornung, a former Heisman quarterback at Notre Dame, suggested that schools, particularly Notre Dame, needs to alter their admission requirements in order to get more black athletes.   I agree with him...y'all can't be surprised?   This is an issue about ...

Before my current writing life, there was  The Hilltop ,  Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form. From The Hilltop Archives Originally published in   The Hilltop , Howard University — April 2nd, 2004 __________________________________________________________________________________ Running Dirty Down 95 It's not a joke and the only ones laughing are the Track Bison. April 1 was yesterday, but they're still going to make fools of anybody who's sleeping on them.    Not once, twice, but thrice times Howard's Track team will be heading south for a weekend of run and sun. Only this time it's a nine-hour trip past North Carolina to Clemson University in South Carolina. But don't think because the Bison had success in the Ca-ka-lac that it'll be a walk in the park one state south...