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A weekly roundup of the latest news and campus buzz courtesy of Howard University's collegiate newspaper, The Hilltop.
80 Episodes
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Hello, Hello!
Welcome back to The HillTalks.
This week on the show, Campus reporter Natalie Betts explains the Office of Campus Life's policy to pause new club registration until 2025. Natalia Wilson from News and Politics talks about the district's first net zero recreation center and its plan to become a carbon-neutral city. Then, the HillTalks goes to The White House, and we talk to the great-great-great grandson of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington.
Show Notes:
Campus Life Not To Accept New Club Registrations Until Spring 2025
The District's First Net Zero Recreation Center Opens At Stead Park
Election Day is three days away. Join us on The HillTalks as we tackle urgent issues such us burning ballot drop-off boxes, voting challenges at Howard, and Elon Musk's influence on politics. Plus, we discuss the scrutiny Black women face while breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.
Production Team
Host & Executive Producer: Madison BeloProducers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Lemaria Stevens
Featured Articles
Howard Students Prepare for Early Voting and Ballot Drop-OffsElon Musk's Influence on Voters Looms Over 2024 ElectionSafeguarding Black Film Stars: The Imperative of Protecting Talent
Music
The Star-Spangled BannerYoung Buck by Blue Dot SessionsStirring Awake by Blue Dot SessionsCynthia Erivo performs "Alfie" for Dionne Warwick | 46th Kennedy Center Honors
Music by KaraoKeysPH
News Clips
Elon Musk flouts order to face court over election interference claims | ABC NewsElon Musk at Trump rally in Butler, PA: FULL SPEECHElon Musk at NYC Trump Rally: FULL SPEECH
Disney's ‘The Little Mermaid' Trailer Sparks Racist Remarks
In this week's episode of “The HillTalks”, we mourn the loss of incoming Howard University Law professor Kiah Duggins, who tragically died in a mid-air collision. We also dive into the recent federal spending halt—then reversal, while Howard alumni are embroiled in a legal battle with the university. Plus, we celebrate a Howard student's $25,000 scholarship win from alumni Phylicia Rashad and Taraji P. Henson. Tune in!
HillTop Stories
Alumni Lawsuit Over Howard's Board Representation Returns to D.C. Superior Court - The Hilltop
Dean Emeritus Phylicia Rashad and Taraji P. Henson Surprise COFA Student With Scholarship - The Hilltop
Music:
Blue Dot Sessions
Additional News Clips:
See Phylicia Rashad surprise Howard student with scholarship
Federal funding halt not a ‘blanket pause,” money will flow to individuals: White House | FULL
Executive Producer and Host: Madison Belo
Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Zion Williams
Hello, hello! As homecoming wraps up, we wanted to get a better understanding of how Homecoming not only impacts the Howard community but also the greater D.C. community. This week, we will discuss how local D.C. residents feel about Homecoming and its impact on the way the Howard community and the D.C. community interact with one another. We also sit down with council member of the District of Columbia, Kenyan R. McDuffie, to get a better understanding of how Howard Homecoming impacts the D.C. community. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in wherever you get your podcast!
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba, Tatiana Allen, Jordan Adkins and Myla Walker
Hello, hello! This week, we discuss Howard homecoming and how it creates a space for the black community to commune and reconnect with one another at “The Mecca.” HillTalks host, Zion Williams, sat down with Milynda Stewart, a senior political science and communication double major at George Washington University. Stewart is attending Howard homecoming for the first time.
This is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in wherever you get your podcast!
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba, Tatiana Allen, Jordan Adkins
Hello, hello! This week, we discuss how the Trump administration's cuts to environmental projects in the South will affect Howard students and southern communities. We sat down with Adam Tolliver, a sophomore at Howard University from Jackson, Mississippi, along with Nahdia Parks, who is the vice president of Howard University Water and Environment Association (HUWEA) to get a better understanding of how she advocates for the environment at Howard University. Lastly, we discussed solutions to environmental injustices with David A. Padgett, Ph.D, who is a co-founder of the HBCU Environmental Justice Technical Collaborative and associate professor at Tennessee State University.
This is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in wherever you get your podcast!
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba, Tatiana Allen, Jordan Adkins
Hello, hello! This week we discuss The International Black Writers Festival at Howard University and how storytelling shapes Black stories.
This is an episode you won't want to miss, tune in wherever you get your podcast!
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba, Tatiana Allen
Hello, hello! This week, we discuss the discontinuation of the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) program funding by the Department of Education. This affects many college students around the country, including Howard students. We sat down with Krista Johnson, Ph.D., she is a professor and outgoing director of the Center for African Studies at Howard University to get an understanding of the program and its mission. We also talk to Fatiat Mustapha, a Howard student, to understand her experience losing her FLAS scholarship.
This is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in wherever you listen to your podcasts!
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba, Tatiana Allen
Hello, hello! This week we discuss the recent threats to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide. We sit down with Hampton University student, Lathan Dunbar-Keys to understand what safety measures Hampton took to keep students safe. Along with Benjamin Talton, Ph.D., the executive director of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and professor in the history department at Howard University to provide some historical context on why HBCUs are receiving threats.
This is an episode you won't want to miss, tune in wherever you get your podcast!
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba, Tatiana Allen
This week we hear from two Howard University students who attended the “We Are All D.C.” march on Saturday, Sept. 6.
Make sure to tune in wherever you get your podcast!
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba, Tatiana Allen
Hello, hello! This week we discuss how the removal of food options like Chipotle, Subway and Negril from campus affect Howard students. We sit down with Maryam Muhammad, a student experiencing food insecurity at Howard. We visit Common Good City Farm, a green space that cultivates community through food. Lastly, we speak with Georgetown University professor Yuki Kato, P.h.D, who is an Urban Sociologist, to understand how solutions to food insecurity work.
This is an episode you won't want to miss, tune in wherever you get your podcast!
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba, Tatiana Allen
Hello, hello! This week, we discuss the resignation of President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. and the return of Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick as interim president at Howard University. We wanted to gain a better understanding of how current and past Howard students feel about the change in leadership and how the president's role affects Howard students.
This is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Transition Music: Dream As Testimony by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
Production team:
Host and executive producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba and Tatiana Allen
Hello, hello! This week we discuss how student advocacy culture has changed at Howard University and the role social media plays in how students advocate for one another. We sit down with Taliana Singleton, also known as @dolly4300 on TikTok, a former Howard student who works with “Whose Howard Is It?,” Gwendolyn Jefferson, Ph.D., a Howard alumna who advocated for her community in the early 1970s, and Jelani Favors, Ph.D., incoming vice president of the United Negro College Fund and director of the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute.
This is an episode you won't want to miss, tune in wherever you get your podcast!
Tiktok Audio Used
@dolly4300
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba, Tatiana Allen
Hello, hello! Welcome to the first episode of the fourth season of ‘The HillTalks' podcast. I'm glad you could join us.
This week, we break down current and past financial aid issues at Howard University. We also turn to Associate Professor Greg Carr, Ph.D., for insight on the situation and what can be done to move forward.
Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.
Sources:
6 Howard University Employees Fired for Misappropriating Financial Aid
9-Day Student Protest At Howard University Ends With A Deal
Beyond Affirmative Action: HBCUs and the Time For Equitable Funding
How the state underfunded Tennessee State University by $2 billion
Fact Check: HBCU Alumni Give More Than National Average
Giving Spare Change And Love To Historically Black Colleges And Universities
The Economics of HBCUs
Protesting Howard University students take over administration building
Additional Audio Used:
TikTok Audios
@boundriesandbloom
@leluvsyu
@iiamartist
@scholarshipcollegemama
Twitter Audio
@KyraAzore
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Zion Williams
Producers: Yacine Ba and Tatiana Allen
Hello, hello! This week we cover HUSA runoff elections, explore where natural remedies fit in modern health care, and highlight the 53rd annual Owen Dodson “Weenie” Awards, where the College of Fine Arts' Department of Theatre Arts students celebrated one another's achievements both on and off the stage with performances, awards and some truly heartfelt moments.
Stories Featured :
HUSA Executive Runoff Election Moves Forward Without Elections Commission - The Hilltop
Where Do Natural Remedies Fit In Modern Healthcare? - The Hilltop
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Madison Belo
Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Zion Williams
1
Hello, hello! This week, we break down Howard's recent advisory on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids sent via email and examine growing concerns among international students as President Donald Trump's administration revokes student visas. We also speak with immigration attorney and Howard professor Nicole Dillard, who offers legal insights on what to do if ICE appears on campus.
Show Notes:
Stories Covered:
Howard Issues Advisory Amid Growing Concerns Over ICE Raids - The Hilltop
International students express worries under the Trump administration - The Hilltop
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Madison Belo
Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Zion Williams
Hello, hello.
This week, we dive into HU athletics, starting with Darci Khan, former Howard track superstar and valedictorian, making her WWE Evolve debut. We also cover the women's basketball team's historic win and the swimming and diving team's performance at the CSCAA Championships.
Stories Covered:
Howard Track Superstar and Valedictorian Makes WWE Evolve Debut - The Hilltop
Women's Basketball Makes History With Win Against Siena College - The Hilltop
Howard Swimming and Diving Concludes Season at CSCAA Championships - The Hilltop
Show Notes:
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Madison Belo
Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Zion Williams
Additional audio:
Field Sound
Hello, hello, and welcome to this week's Hilltalks Podcast! Today we're joined by Dr. Carmen Johnson—Director of Court Watch and Judicial Accountability (Life After Release) and Co-Founder & Chief Programs and Operations Officer of Helping Ourselves to Transform. She shares insights from her book, “The Pretense of Justice”, dives into her tumultuous battle with the justice system, and talks about her ongoing advocacy today.
Credits:
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Madison Belo
Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Zion Williams
Hello, Hello, This week on “The HillTalks” podcast, We bring you an exclusive interview with Grammy-nominated artist and Howard professor Christie Dashiell as she shares her journey to the Grammys, her unforgettable night, and what's next. Plus, we cover the Nikki Giovanni Read-A-Thon, now cemented as Nikki Giovanni Day at Howard, and examine how Trump's anti-DEI agenda is impacting major industries.
Tune in!
Credits:
Hilltop Stories Covered:
February 14 Declared Nikki Giovanni Day at Howard - The Hilltop
Additional Audio:
Ego Tripping
Visions of Freedom Film Festival: Honoring Nikki Giovanni | Read-a-Thon & Proclamation Ceremony
Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin in conversation on 'SOUL!' (PART 1) | ALL ARTS Vault
News Clips:
Wildfires Demand Solutions — Rep. Jasmine Crockett Stays on Task - YouTube
MSNBC CHAOS: Network CANCELS More Shows; Joy Reid CRIES; Maddow SLIGHTS Bosses While On Air
Walmart joins list of companies that are rolling back DEI policies
War on DEI: Major Corporations Backtrack on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiatives: What's Next? - YouTube
Target announces it is rolling back DEI programs
Music:
The Christie Dashiell Quartet - “Influence” and “How it ends”, Blue Dot Sessions, APM Music
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Madison Belo
Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Zion Williams
Hello, hello, and happy Black History Month!
In this week's episode of the "HillTalks" podcast, we break down ICE's recent authorizations and recruitment efforts at Howard, explore the evolving role of protest anthems in modern activism, and dive into Howard University's historic achievement as the first HBCU to regain Research One (R1) status.
Show Notes:
Stories Covered:
ICE and CBP Authorized for Deportation Enforcement, ICE Recruits at Howard - The Hilltop
Where Are All the Protest Anthems? - The Hilltop
Howard receives top research classification, marking milestone for HBCUs - The Hilltop
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Additional Audio Clips: Kendrick Lamar's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show
Production Team:
Host & Executive Producer: Madison Belo
Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Zion Williams
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