In a major victory for the NPHC's African-American Fraternities and Sororities, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals panel agreed unanimously to reinstate a landmark trademark infringement and trademark dilution lawsuit filed by The Pittman Law Firm, P.C. and Davis and Kendall, P.C. on behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta Sororities and Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternities.

The original case arose out of a complaint filed on December 11, 2003, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, on behalf of six predominantly African-American fraternities and sororities against Converse, a manufacturer of sneakers and basketball shoes, alleging federal and state claims of trademark and trade dress infringement, as well as unfair competition. The sororities and fraternities own a series of trademarks and trade dress, some of which contain the founding year(s), colors and identification of the plaintiffs. According to the complaint, Converse produced and marketed a line of athletic shoes called the GREEKPAK Weapon basketball shoe that features a two-color combination associated with one of the organizations and a small embroidered date near the heal of the shoe that corresponds to the founding year of that same organization. ...   more »

Beauty was definitely in the eye of the beholder as the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. sponsored the 3rd Annual Woman-less Beauty Review on Wednesday, April 12 in the UC Ballroom. UTM students paid $2 with a can good and $3 without one. Male participants were asked to dress up as women in this “make shift” beauty pageant.

There were 7 contestants total, and each male was asked to be prepared in the categories of club wear, talent competition, evening wear and a question and answer period. The contestants consisted of men from all over UTM’s campus.

Freshman Communications major, Willis White won 3rd place. He performed an infamous rap song entitled “Stilettos Pumps,” while actually wearing a pair of these excruciating shoes. He dazzled the ladies with his dancing in the tall shoes, and some ladies were amazed because that is a task that some girls cannot perform. “I’m still trying to figure out how they talked me into to doing it,” said White.  more >>

As the seats of the I.W. Young Auditorium were filled with an anxious audience awaiting the 2006 Miss Fashionetta Scholarship Pageant, the stage could be seen full of ivies and tea roses. Three white screens were set up for the contestants to pose behind to form a "silhouette," which went with this year's theme, "Pink Silhouettes." The pageant, hosted by the Alpha Zeta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., took place Thursday, April 13 at 7 p.m.

The six contestants electrified the audience with the opening number, which was performed to an array of songs by various artists, such as "Feelin' Good" by The Pussycat Dolls, and "Check On It Remix" by Beyonce'.  more >>

There is a leadership void in the African-American community, said Jeffrey "Cousin Jeff" Johnson, a hip-hop and civil rights activist, when he spoke to a group of 70 people at the K-State Student Union Little Theatre Monday night.

Johnson's speech was a part of Alpha Week, an annual celebration for Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Abdul Yahaya, senior in civil engineering and president of Alpha Phi Alpha, said he hoped the presentation would help make people politically active and aware for the upcoming presidential elections in the fall.

"Alpha Phi Alpha will have a campaign this fall to get more people registered to vote," he said. "This should help it kick off."  more >>

The Florida A&M University students arrested on charges of hazing for reportedly beating Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity pledges say their due-process rights as students have been violated.

The complaint, filed on their behalf last week in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court, alleges that FAMU did not notify the five students in writing of their suspensions, and does not have cause to suspend them because the students have been charged, not convicted.

"Certain administration officials have jumped the gun," said Brian Wolk, attorney for the students. On Monday, FAMU responded by filing a motion with the court to dismiss the complaint.  more >>

Carrollton, Texas | Accor North America, one of the largest hotel chain owner and operators in North America, continues to experience rapid growth and is pleased to announce the hiring of Glenda Shelby as the new Vice President, Diversity & Corporate People Department.

Shelby comes to Accor with 18 years of Human Resources and Diversity experience. She will be responsible for developing, administering and executing the workforce, workplace, and marketplace diversity management strategies for the corporate office as well as within each Accor Brand – Sofitel, Novotel, Ibis, Red Roof Inn, Studio 6, and Motel 6. Shelby is also responsible for the recruiting and human resource business partnerships for the corporate office. In addition, she serves as the administrator and coordinator of Accor’s corporate mentoring program.

Shelby received her bachelor’s degree, with honors, from Northwood University, and is completing advanced studies in Human Relations at Amberton University. She also has a Diversity Certification from the International Institute for Diversity and Cross Cultural management from the University of Houston.  more >>