(Akiit.com) On Wednesday, the 6th Annual Ford Black College Quiz Game Show brought together some of our nation’s brightest minds for two days of fun and competition on the illustrious campus of Washington D.C.’s Howard University.
Hosted by actor Greg Alan Williams (Necessary Roughness and BET’s The Game), this “Jeopardy-style” televised competition left the confines of its home base in a Chicago studio to hit the road, offering a dozen gifted student players a chance to visit our nation’s capitol as well as compete for scholarship money and prizes. Also new this year is a partnership with The Ford Motor Company, an updated show format with music, new topics and each institution is represented by a single student competitor – in previous seasons, each school fielded a team made up of four or more players.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Ford to develop programming that supports education, encourages knowledge of African American history and highlights the wonderful work of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities to prepare our next generation of leaders,” said Don Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Central City Productions.
The competition included 12 students, accompanied by their coaches, from across our nation attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). This year’s participants are:
Allen Nicholas, Alcorn State University, Alcorn State, MS
Rose Ndeto, Benedict College, Columbia, SC
Peter Hughes, Cheyney University, Cheyney, PA
Victor Bradley, Fisk University, Nashville, TN
Sherelle Stephens, Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens, FL
Aaron Coleman, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
Gavette Richardson, Howard University, Washington, DC
Joseph A. Franklin, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY
Mario Johnson, Southern University-Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA
Gabriel Smith, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Krysta Beck, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA
Latyra Stinson, Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, OH
The festivities began on Wednesday, November 30 with a special VIP Reception at Howard University for the student contestants, coaches, university administrative staff and special invited guests, hosted by actor/producer Mel Jackson (BET’s Reed Between The Lines, Soul Food, Deliver Us From Eva) and radio personality Taylor Thomas (WHUR/The Steve Harvey Morning Show).
On Thursday, over four competitive rounds of play in front of a live audience, the field was narrowed to four finalists, from which a grand prize winner emerged – and won not only bragging rights, but a cash prize of $5,000 for the winner and for their school. Second and third place finalists received $2,750 and $1,500 respectively; with $750 going to the student placing 4th. In addition, Apple iPad 2’s were raffled to lucky audience members, as well as awarded to the student contestant with the most correct answers who did not place among the top four finalists. Viewers will have to tune-in to find out who took home top honors when the show airs in syndication in various markets around the country from January 14, 2012 – February 26, 2012.
The game show taping has wrapped, but there’s still a way for viewers at home to get involved and win cash prizes. From now until December 15, 2011, the Ford Black College Quiz invites HBCU alums and students to submit a 1 – 2 minute video to creatively answer the questions: “What advice would you give a freshman entering college?” for alumni and “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” for students. To participate, go to: www.blackcollegequiz.com for official details, prize info and instructions on uploading your video.
For local airdate information, please visit www.blackcollegequiz.com where the most recent list of airdates will be posted as they become available. Viewers can also consult local TV listings to get programming info for their area. To connect with the Ford Black College Quiz on social media platforms, follow us on Twitter @BlkCollegeQuiz, and ‘like’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ BlackCollegeQuiz.
About Central City Productions
With 40 years of successful and innovative television production and marketing experience, Central City Productions (CCP) is a leader in African-American – targeted television. CCP is a full service television production company that produces, syndicates, and manages advertising sales for all of its programs.