Spelman College is a private, historically Black, women’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia.
Spelman College, a historically Black women’s college in Atlanta, has received a $1 million grant from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund to establish the Spelman SPEAR (Security Plan, Education, Assessment, and Remediation). The program will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in cybersecurity and AI by helping local businesses and organizations with their cybersecurity efforts.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore — $600,000
University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a historically Black university in Princess Anne, Maryland.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shorehas received a $600,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The funding will support the Historically Black university’s research into how commercial pet food transmits food-borne pathogens to humans.
Winston-Salem State University — $1.25 Million
Winston-Salem State University is a historically black public university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The Department of Education at Historically Black Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina has received $1.25 million from the Office of Special Education Programs in the United States Department of Education. The funds will provide financial support and tailored special education training to 35 students pursuing a degree in early childhood education.
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff — $2 Million
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is a public historically black university in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council has awarded a $2 million grant to the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.The award will support the renovation of the historically Black university’s Hazzard Building. The historic building was the site of the 1958 Arkansas A&M College commencement ceremony, in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the commencement address.
Congratulations to all the HBCUs for these outstanding contributions!
Tonight, FOX Sports and Major League Baseball will visit the historic Rickwood Field for a first-of-its-kind regular season matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants. This event will pay tribute to the iconic legacy of the Negro Leagues and their esteemed players, including the late, great Willie Mays.
FOX Sports’ extensive coverage of this MLB game at Rickwood Field will honor some of the sport’s greatest players and share their stories of perseverance while celebrating the rich history and excellence of Black baseball.
Pregame coverage of MLB at Rickwood Field begins live from Birmingham at 5:30 PM ET on FOX as Hall of Famers Derek Jeter and David Ortiz, World Series Champion Alex Rodriguez, and veteran host Kevin Burkhardt set the scene for viewers.
Dontrelle Willis, World Series champion and member of an elite group nicknamed “The Black Aces,” which represents African American pitchers who have won at least 20 games in a single season, also contributes to the coverage, while Emmy Award-winning reporter Tom Rinaldi sits down with Bill Greason – one of the only living members of the Birmingham Black Barons, a veteran of World War II and one of Mays’ best friends – to reflect on a remarkable and fascinating life story.
The rundown for FOX Sports’ 90-minute pregame show is below:
STREAMING
Live streaming of FOX Sports programming is available on the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com.
All MLB games will be streamable in 4K on connected TV and “living room” apps, including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku devices. Viewers joining live games late on authenticated streaming devices can choose to catch up on all the key moments missed with the ‘Catch-Up with Highlights’ option or jump straight into live play.
The Board of Trustees Chairman at Saint Augustine’s University, Brian Boulware has responded to a lawsuit filed by the SAVE SAU Coalition, citing the lawsuit as “fraught with lies and deceptions from individuals and disgruntled former board members and graduates.”
The letter also provided updates on the institution’s financial status. In a detailed four-page letter, the Vice Chair-turned-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, who assumed the role in January 2024 following the resignation of Justice James Perry, outlines the challenges and efforts to safeguard the university.
Boulware says a significant issue arose during a business dinner attended by SAU’s Interim President, Dr. Marcus Burgess, and key Raleigh business leaders. During the meeting, a proposal to merge SAU with Shaw University, another local black university was suggested to free up downtown land for development. The executives were unnamed in his 6/17 letter.
“Let’s get to the bottom of this,” the TV station owner reportedly said, according to the document. “Raleigh doesn’t need two black universities. We need them to merge on SAU’s property because we need downtown land to expand the development footprint.”
Boulware cited in the letter that the proposal was met with resistance and ultimately rejected, leading to a targeted campaign highlighting the financial struggles of SAU and other regional HBCUs.
“Let’s get to the bottom of this,” the TV station owner reportedly said, —according to the document. “Raleigh doesn’t need two black universities. We need them to merge on SAU’s property because we need downtown land to expand the development footprint.”
SAU has been in the news frequently over the last fiscal year due to issues with its finances and accreditation. The Raleigh university’s financial woes include cash flow issues and delayed payroll for faculty and staff. The university also lost its accreditation this February after being placed on probation in December 2023.
Representatives with Saint Augustine’s said at the time that they disagreed with the board’s ruling, saying they felt the decision was arbitrary, unreasonable, and inconsistent with the board’s policies.
Shaw University, on the other hand, has fared better, but interestingly, does sit on valuable downtown real estate. Shaw University occupies around 30 acres of prime downtown real estate, making it a focal point in the city’s plans for growth and development. Earlier this year, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) presented a revitalization plan to city leaders to reshape the area.
In response to the lawsuit and addressing the university’s financial issues, Boulware says moving forward, SAU will announce an immediate short-term financial solution to “address payroll, student refund compensation, & other urgent operational funding needs,” to develop a solid long-term solution within 90 days to address IRS and state tax delinquencies.
Boulware concluded the letter by assuring stakeholders of the board’s dedication to addressing the financial crisis and enhancing institutional stability and urged the SAU community to stand together in support of the university during these trying times.
This story is developing and we will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
A woman found dead in Marietta has been identified as a resident of the Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Samantha Woolery, 42, died after she was attacked inside her apartment at the Lakeside Town Center complex on Williams Drive over the weekend.
The ex-husband of Dr. Woolery is now facing charges after allegedly stabbing her to death.
Mickey Anthony Woolery, 49, was arrested in Indiana on Monday and charged with felony murder, felony aggravated assault, felony aggravated battery, felony possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, and felony malice murder. He allegedly tried to run from officers but was caught, according to the Marietta Police Department.
According to inmate records, Woolery is being held in Hamilton County Jail. The Marietta Police Department is working with the Carmel Police Department to coordinate Woodley’s extradition to Georgia.
Dr. Woolery recently graduated from Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine and was completing her residency at Morehouse School of Medicine.
Police said the attack happened sometime over the weekend. Woolery’s co-workers became suspicious after she didn’t show up for work. Police said the door was closed but unlocked when her friends arrived.
Detectives said Mickey Woolery fled Georgia after the murder and returned to his primary home in Carmel, Indiana. Detectives from both agencies coordinated efforts and searched multiple addresses. According to detectives, Woolery attempted to run before he was caught.
Dr. Samantha Woolery, 42 (left) and ex-husband, Mickey Anthony Woolery, 49 (right)
Channel 2’s Tyisha Fernandes spoke to medical students off-camera, who said they were shocked to hear that anyone would hurt Woolery. Minnie Mitchell said the medical community at Morehouse School of Medicine is pretty tight.
“We’re super close,” Mitchell said. “I haven’t personally heard of her, but it’s because I’m like a new resident, so I’m sure other residents know of her.”
Samantha’s daughter, Naeema, created a Go-Fund-Me to honor Samantha’s memory. So far, the page has raised more than $40,000 over the $5,000 goal.
“She was a wonderful person who touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love,” the page reads.
Dr. Woolery was a first-year surgery resident and was about to start at Morehouse School of Medicine on July 1. She previously was the 2023 surgery intern of the year with Morehouse.
Dr. Samantha Woolery, 42, died after she was attacked inside her apartment at the Lakeside at Town Center complex on Williams Drive over the weekend.
The school said she was “deeply cherished” and was known for her “kind spirit and exceptional ability to connect with others.”
“Her loss is profoundly felt within our Morehouse School of Medicine community,” Dr. Adrian Tyndall, dean and executive vice president of health affairs, said in a statement. “Our thoughts and condolences are with Dr. Woolery’s family and friends during this time.”
This is the second Morehouse School of Medicine doctor found dead within a month.
Dr. Diamond Clarke, 28, was found dead just weeks after her graduation. Police records state her body was found with a gunshot wound to her head. Her car was found abandoned nearby.
We send our thoughts and prayers to Dr. Woolery’s family and the Morehouse School of Medicine community during this time.
Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” has become a pivotal figure in American history for her relentless advocacy to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Her journey from a young girl in segregated Texas to a national icon is inspiring and instructive, embodying the spirit of perseverance and the quest for justice.
Opal Lee was born on October 7, 1926, in Marshall, Texas, a town steeped in the rich, albeit troubled, history of the American South. Her early years were marked by the harsh realities of segregation and racial violence. Despite these challenges, Lee’s parents instilled in her the importance of education and resilience.
Lee’s pursuit of education led her to Wiley College, a Historically Black college (HBCU) in Marshall, Texas. Wiley College is renowned for its legacy of producing leaders and activists, most famously the Wiley College debate team that triumphed against more prominent institutions, a story immortalized in the film “The Great Debaters.” At Wiley, Lee cultivated her passion for social justice and community service, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.
After completing her education, Lee embarked on a career as an educator. She spent many years teaching elementary school, where she not only imparted academic knowledge but also taught her students the values of equality and self-worth. Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom as she became involved in numerous community projects aimed at improving the lives of African Americans in Texas.
The Juneteenth Campaign
While Lee’s contributions to education were significant, it is her work with Juneteenth that has earned her national recognition. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Despite its importance, Juneteenth was long overlooked in many parts of the United States.
In 2016, at the age of 89, Opal Lee began her most ambitious project yet: a campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She embarked on a symbolic walk from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., covering over 1,400 miles in increments of 2.5 miles each day, representing the two and a half years it took for the news of freedom to reach Texas. Her walk captured the imagination of the nation and brought renewed attention to Juneteenth.
Lee’s tireless efforts paid off on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making Juneteenth a federal holiday. This historic moment was a testament to Lee’s unwavering dedication and the power of grassroots activism. President Biden acknowledged Lee’s pivotal role, stating that she was “a grandmother of the movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.”
A Resilient Life & Legacy
Opal Lee’s influence goes beyond her accomplishments. She has become a symbol of strength and advocacy, demonstrating that one person’s determination can lead to meaningful change. Lee’s story continues to inspire people across generations, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging and honoring our history.
Opal Lee’s path from a young girl in segregated Texas to the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” illustrates a compelling tale of persistence, education, and activism. Her education at Wiley College played a pivotal role in shaping her beliefs and purpose.
Through her lifelong commitment to equality and justice, particularly her efforts to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday, Lee has solidified her position in American history. Her legacy stands as a source of optimism and a call to action, urging all of us to work towards a more inclusive and fair society.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 24: during the 45th annual State Farm Bayou Classic game between the Southern Jaguars and the Grambling State Tigers on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire)
GRAMBLING, La. | For the first time in school history, the Grambling State University football team will travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on Ohio State on Sept. 6, 2025. It will also be the first time that GSU faces a member of the Big Ten Conference.
The game features two of the most historic football brands in college football history. Grambling State boasts 27 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championships, and 16 Black College National Titles and has produced four Pro Football Hall of Famers in Willie Brown, Buck Buchanan, Willie Davis, and Charlie Joiner.
The Tigers also cultivated Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams, James “Shack” Harris, and the first player to be drafted to the NFL, Paul “Tank” Younger.
“We are thrilled that our players and fans will get to experience a matchup between two of the most storied football programs in the country. When you think of college football, Grambling State and Ohio State are two of the names that many think of immediately. This contest will allow our both fan bases to experience the cultural and athletic excellence of both institutions.”
GSU is also known for legendary head football coach Eddie Robinson, who built the Grambling State University football program from the ground up, winning 408 games during his tenure.
Ohio State has won eight national titles, 42 conference crowns, seven Heisman trophy winners, and has produced 10 Pro Football Hall of Famers.
FOLLOW GRAMBLING STATE ATHLETIC For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gsu_tigers1 (Facebook), @gramblingathletics (Instagram), or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.
The South Carolina Department of Education recently announced that the AP African American studies course will no longer be offered in the state’s schools.
The class was developed by College Board, a nonprofit that creates AP (Advanced Placement) courses taught nationwide. According to a College Board overview, the course is a study of the diversity of black communities in the United States.
“They [students] are getting hands-on college experience while still in high school so the transition from high school to college is not that hard for them,” said Dr. Jerret Fite, a professor at Clinton College, a Historically Black Christian college in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Many teachers and students in the Greenville County school district have vocalized their frustration at the removal of the course, saying this course on the AP level is a necessity.
Local professors, like Dr. Fite, said they’re worried about this decision’s “impact on students preparing for college” and that S.C. officials were also “robbing high school students of opportunities to receive college-level education and earn college credits” that will advance them when they actually get to college.
“They are getting hands-on college experience while still in high school so the transition from high school to college is not that hard for them…”It seems to me they have a solution without a problem.”
CCSD Director on AP African American Studies | Photo Courtesy of WCIV News.
“The issue you have with removing the AP-level courses and giving those communities an opportunity is number one, you rob this intellectual student that at a high school level, can reach potential to help them with their future,” Dr. Fite continued. “If they are on their way or on track to go to college, these courses on a high school level give them college credit so that it expedites their education in college. If they come from an impoverished family it cuts the time down that they’re in school which also cuts the potential debt down.”
The Department of Education said districts have the option to offer the course content as a locally-approved honors course.
“The District received official notification yesterday, June 4, 2024, from the South Carolina Department of Education that the African American Studies AP course will not be available for the 2024-25 school year. Some high schools within Greenville County had this course scheduled for the spring of 2025, which provides the District time to consider the appropriate path moving forward.”
Former Bethune-Cookman Men’s Golfer Willie Mack III via BCU Athletics
Willie Mack III, a product of Bethune-Cookman University, an HBCU in Daytona, Florida, had a dream run at the U.S. Open Championship. Playing at the historic Pinehurst No.2 in North Carolina, he had the opportunity to compete for the U.S. National Championship.
Mack played well, putting himself in contention to make the 36-hole elimination cut. However, the pin placement and fast greens on the cut day left no room for error, leading to Mack’s elimination from contention. According to HBCU Gameday, Mack finished with a 10-over-par 80 in the second round.
Despite his early exit, Mack’s journey to the U.S. Open as an HBCU alum garnered attention and support from fans. His experiences on the APGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour have prepared him to strive for regular participation on the PGA Tour.
This marked a significant moment for HBCU alums in golf, as it had been since 2015 when a representative from an HBCU qualified for the U.S. Open.
Mack started strong on the front nine with three birdies and six pars, finishing with a score of 38. However, he struggled on the back nine, carding a 42 and totaling 11-over-par for the tournament.
The U.S. Open proved to be a challenging tournament for many golfers, as even big names like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Rickie Fowler failed to make the cut. Despite the tough competition, Mack’s performance was commendable until the final nine holes, which halted his momentum.
🚨 Willie Mack III main feed coverage 🚨
— Lifelong Jamo Truther (@MelvinIzzoIII) June 13, 2024
Flint Town’s own Willie Mack III near the top of the leaderboard of the @usopengolf!! Nooooooo freak’n way!! I did a story on the kid many many moons ago during my #810 days!! I will 100% be rooting for him if he can stay in the mix!!
There was widespread support for Mack’s run on social media. The Facebook group “Black Golf Alliance” had numerous posts backing Mack’s run and shared their experiences with him during his career. HBCU groups also took note of Mack’s run, although many were only aware of his time at B-CU and not his professional career.
There are currently 20 HBCUs with golf programs. Willie Mack III’s recent performance at the U.S. Open is pivotal for HBCU golf, amplifying the visibility and recognition of the talent and potential within these programs. His success has the potential to ignite greater interest and support, translating into enhanced funding, resources, and opportunities for HBCU golfers to excel at elite levels and attract top recruits.
Despite falling just short of the peak of his career, Willie Mack has gained many new fans. The resilient journeyman will continue to grind his way to opportunities, making the HBCU nation proud along the way.
Elsie Cooke-Holmes, National President and Chair, National Board of Directors Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated President, Elsie Cooke-Holmes has issued a statement regarding former members publicly denouncing the organization on social media platforms.
“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s membership continues to grow, with thousands joining our cherished sisterhood each year, energized by our mission and inspired by 111 years of impact in communities across the nation and around the globe,” the statement begins,” “While social media tends to magnify outliers, individuals choosing to withdraw represent less than 1% of our membership. We accept the decision of those who choose to withdraw their membership – we wish former members peace and clarity.”
The statement comes after several former members have taken to social media and video-sharing outlets to denounce their fraternity and sorority organizations. Last month, Howard University student Zora Sanders went viral for her denouncement of the organization. Sanders, a double major in Pre-Law Political Science and History, took to Instagram to post a detailed letter explaining her decision.
“Before I was invited to join the organization, despite all the research and information I had gathered, I was not aware of the specific requirements needed to become an official member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated,” Sanders wrote.
“As I detail these requirements, I want to emphasize that they were my non-negotiables from the beginning and that while I did initially compromise on them, this is not something I am willing to continue compromising on under any circumstances.”
The letter goes on to state that her decision to denounce the sorority is driven by her religious convictions. “This conviction has been placed within me by the Holy Spirit, and I must obey,” she asserted. “Please inform me of the next steps or any paperwork necessary for me to be formally removed from the organization.
“This letter constitutes my official letter of denouncement. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for honoring my final decision.”
The letter received various controversial reactions. Some supporters praised and supported her for the public letter, while others criticized her for potentially disclosing confidential details about the sorority or denouncing the organization.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University on Jan. 13, 1913. Per the statement from President Holmes, the organization has garnered over 350,000 members.
“Delta’s strength lies in its members! Among us are trailblazers, including respected theologians, trusted community leaders, and changemakers in collegiate chapters and beyond,” President Holmes said.
“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has 350,000 initiated members and more than 1,050 chapters across the United States and internationally, including in the Arabian Gulf, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Virgin Islands.”
San Francisco’s Mayor, London N. Breed, has announced a plan to bring a satellite campus of a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to the city as part of her 30 by 30 initiative. The proposal, named Black 2 San Francisco, aims to increase the city’s population by 300,000 residents and students by 2030.
The Black 2 San Francisco initiative, led by the San Francisco Human Rights Commission and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, will offer a city grant to a selected HBCU to aid in the establishment of a satellite campus in downtown San Francisco. The campus will cater to both Bay Area residents and HBCU students from all over the country.
Additionally, the program intends to create educational and philanthropic partnerships between the upcoming HBCU campus and local public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
FILE PHOTO: San Francisco Mayor London Breed delivers remarks for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Yerba Buena Gardens on Jan. 15, 2024. (Ruth Dusseault / Bay City News)
To kick off this initiative, the city of San Francisco is hosting a summer intern program for 60 students from HBCUs throughout the United States. The participating students will receive internship placements, participate in academic workshops, and learn about the culture of San Francisco.
“Bringing an HBCU satellite campus here will boost our downtown and our economy while bringing new minds and ideas to grow within our world-renowned culture of innovation,” said Breed. “We have been building partnerships with HBCUs across the country, and we are bringing our first cohort of students here this summer, all part of our larger 30 by 30 initiative to help revitalize downtown. San Francisco is seizing the opportunity to be a center of excellence with a commitment to higher education as a key part of our city’s future.”
Breed was sworn in as mayor of San Francisco on July 11, 2018, making her the first Black woman mayor in the city’s history. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Davis and a master of public administration degree from the University of San Francisco.
South Carolina State University is a public, historically black, land-grant university in Orangeburg, South Carolina
Historically Black South Carolina State Universityhas been awarded a $583,920 grant from the Partnership for Education Advancement to enhance technology for enrollment and student success efforts. The new funding will be used to implement new software, hardware, and employee training to help improve student tracking and progress, data analysis efforts, student information systems, cybersecurity, and computer networks.
North Carolina Central University — $9.4 Million
North Carolina Central University is a public historically black university in Durham, North Carolina.
Historically Black North Carolina Central Universityhas received a $9.4 million gift from Cisco Systems to enhance the university’s ongoing campus network upgrade. The funding will be used to create new infrastructure and provide the university with updated equipment, technical services, and cybersecurity tools.
Livingstone College — $1 Million
Livingstone College is a private historically black Christian college in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Dr. Anthony J. Davis, president of Salisbury, North Carolina HBCU Livingstone College, announced Tuesday afternoon that the college was blessed to receive its fifth $1 million contribution. The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has given the College four additional $1 million contributions, the first being received during the College’s homecoming celebration last October. Dr. Davis exclaimed at that time that the initial $1 million contribution was the largest individual gift from a non-alumnus in the College’s history.
This additional gift will address the College’s challenges related to capital improvements and the campus’s infrastructure. It will also enable us to continue our mission to educate, equip, and empower our students to compete and contribute in a global context with confidence and competence. Dr. Davis appreciates the community’s support and hopes that this exemplary act of philanthropy will ignite the spirit of giving among other members of the community.
Congratulations to all the HBCUs for these outstanding contributions!
Lincoln University of Missouri has temporarily severed its relationship with the alumni association due to “ongoing concerns about the association’s financial management and operations.”
The Lincoln University Board of Curators sent a letter to the President of the Lincoln University National Alumni Association (LUAA), Sherman Bonds, on Monday, detailing the suspension.
“During the last three years, we have made efforts to engage the LUAA constructively in the interest of 1) developing a more productive relationship that best serves LU’s students and alumni, 2) ensuring the role and purpose of the LUAA aligns with the honorable mission of LU and our founders to educate the underserved African-American community, and 3) entering into a memorandum of understanding to memorialize the relationship between the LUAA and LU,” the letter states. “Unfortunately, our efforts have been unsuccessful.”
The LUAA has been instructed to undergo an independent audit for its two most recent fiscal years by September 1 and to reach a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by December 1. Additionally, the LUAA must establish an independent mailing address by July 1 for its business and create an independent financial management system that allows it to receive payments and donations online.
The MOU must include a section that states neither the LUAA nor its members may “publicly disparage the university or its representatives effective immediately,” according to the letter. Noncompliance with the university’s expectations will result in LUAA’s “immediate failure to be reinstated as an affiliated constituent group of the university.”
LU said the suspension does not affect individual alumni chapters. The Board of Curators said it will work with the administration to create an Alumni Council, which will consist of representatives from the individual chapters as well as alumni currently not in any chapter, “ensuring (its) dialogue with alumni is both broadened and strengthened.”
The suspension comes five months after former LU administrator Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey accused LU President John Moseley of bullying and harassment. Days before she died by suicide, Candia-Bailey wrote a 12-page letter to Moseley, alumni, and faculty, detailing the severe bullying and mistreatment she received. Moseley was voluntarily placed on paid administrative leave, and protests led by students ensued, calling for Moseley’s removal.
This past March, a third-party investigation found no evidence of bullying or harassment.
The LUAA’s Board of Directors issued a no-confidence statement days later regarding the investigation and the Board of Curators’ “ability to bring forward an effective leader who can bring healing to this institution of higher education.”
A representative from the LUAA told HBCU Buzz that a response will be issued soon.
*This story is developing and we will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
ATLANTA — An arrest has been made in the Buckhead shooting that killed two back in May, one of which was a student at Albany State University, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Authorities said Karanji Reese, 21, turned himself in on Wednesday. Reese faces murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to APD.
The shooting happened on Mother’s Day when a single shooter opened fire at the club and shot six people: 21-year-old Mari Creighton, an Albany State University volleyball player, 20-year-old Nakyris M. Ridley died, and four others were hurt.
Arrest warrants indicate that video from inside shows Ridley and the suspect got into a fight before the gunfire broke out. Reese is accused of “pulling out a gun and recklessly firing it” before he left the scene.
“Reese… knowingly and intentionally did shoot and kill Nakyris Ridley,” the warrant says. “In the process, Karanji Reese did shoot and kill… Creighton.”
The parents of Mariam Creighton, Juan Umberto Creighton and Tracey Easton filed a wrongful death suit last Tuesday, citing the club’s negligence. Creighton’s family says they’re still struggling to come to terms with her death.
“It’s been a rough day,” said Parker Miller, the family’s lawyer and member of the Beasley Allen Law Firm. “It’s incomprehensible what happened.”
Attorney Parker Miller (center) and Mari Creighton’s parents, Tracey Eason and Juan Umberto Creighton (far right), outside the Fulton County courthouse. Photo Courtesy The Atlanta Constitution.
“This should’ve never happened,” Miller said.
“They knew and could have absolutely utilized security measures to keep what happened from happening,” Miller said. “Officials want to shut it down, calling it a public nuisance.”
“We’re talking multiple shootings, multiple stabbings,” Miller said. “They know of or should have known about how dangerous this facility was.”
Creighton, a volleyball player and a biology major at Albany State University, was only one semester away from graduating.
In the meantime, The City of Atlanta and Elleven45 Lounge have agreed to a 60-day closure of the club. City officials were calling for the club’s closure after the recent deadly shooting. The club’s owners defended their safety record online and claimed it was being racially targeted. The nightclub also indicated it planned to enhance its security.
The owners and the city will meet again in early August to discuss the club’s future.
ESPN has agreed to a multi-year contract with Pro Football Hall of Famer, three-time Super Bowl champion, and Savannah State University alum Shannon Sharpe. Under this new deal, Sharpe will expand his role on First Take, ESPN’s signature morning debate show featuring Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim.
“Shannon Sharpe has been an incredible addition to the First Take team, enhancing the show’s dynamic with his engaging presence and insightful commentary,” said David Roberts, ESPN’s Head of Event & Studio Production. “Shannon’s chemistry with Stephen A. Smith has elevated our debates and been another key reason First Take is the premier destination for morning sports discussion.”
Said Sharpe, “Being a part of this family has been a blessing. Everything about this relationship with ESPN, Stephen A., and First Take, has been tremendous. I look forward to expanding my role and showing more of the world what I have to offer. The show goes on!”
ESPN’s First Take airs on weekdays from 10 a.m. – Noon ET on ESPN. Sharpe also hosts his weekly podcast, Club Shay Shay, where he sits down with athletes, celebrities and influencers to break down, analyze and discuss the latest headlines in sports, pop culture, and everything in between.
Shannon Sharpe attended Savannah State University from 1986-1989, where he played football and basketball, and also competed in track and field. Sharpe was a three-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection from 1987 to 1989 and the SIAC Player of the Year in 1987.
He was also selected as a Kodak Division II All-American in 1989. He led the Tigers’ football team to their best records in the program’s history: 7–3 in 1988 and 8–1 in 1989.
As a senior, Sharpe caught 61 passes for 1,312 yards and 18 touchdowns, including three games with more than 200 yards. Sharpe finished his college career with 192 receptions for 3,744 yards and 40 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Division II Football Hall of Fame in 2009, Savannah State’s athletic Hall of Fame in 2010, and the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
The family of Dr. Diamond Clarke, a recent graduate of Morehouse School of Medicine, is seeking justice after she was found dead in Georgia. Her family suspects foul play in her untimely death, just weeks following her graduation.
Darren Anglin, a long-time friend of Diamond, shares her family’s concerns. “We received a crash alert from her phone between 5 and 5:30 p.m. That prompted our concerns,” he told Atlanta News First.
Dekalb County police reported that Diamond was last seen at her Decatur home on May 28. Authorities found her body the next day in a wooded area in Lithonia, with a gunshot wound to the head. Her car was found abandoned nearby, and her phone was later found in her driveway.
Dr. Diamond Clarke, a 28-year-old recent graduate from Morehouse School of Medicine was found dead in Georgia on May 29th.
Anglin said the circumstances surrounding her death don’t make sense.
“If I’m not mistaken, there were five rounds found on the scene and Diamond suffered a gunshot wound to the head. We want to better understand who the owner of the gun may be. How the gun was discharged,” he said.
Police records indicate Diamond’s boyfriend was the last person to see her. He told police they argued at her home, and she left and never returned.
Dr. Clarke, a promising medical professional, had recently earned her medical degree and was slated to begin her residency in South Georgia.
Morehouse School of Medicine Dean Adrian Tyndall expressed the school’s grief and honored Dr. Clarke’s dedication to healthcare and community service.
“Dr. Clarke’s commitment to underserved communities, her volunteer work at our H.E.A.L. Clinic, and her efforts in establishing the Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group exemplified her dedication to holistic healthcare and helping others,” he said. “She was honored with the 2023 Excellence in Public Health Award and the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians T.A. Sappington MD Award. Dr. Clarke’s compassion and vision for Family Medicine will continue to inspire us. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Dekalb County Police currently consider Clarke’s death a suicide. Her family insists the investigation is ongoing to rule out any foul play. They are working with police to ensure a thorough investigation.
“Now that she’s gone, the family is looking for justice for this woman who dedicated her entire life to seeking justice and life for others,” Anglin emphasized.
The medical examiner’s office will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
*This story is developing and we will update you as more information becomes available.
This summer, high school students worldwide will begin researching the colleges that best suit their ambitions for the future, sending millions of applications to their top schools by the fall.
Numerade recently analyzed National Center for Education Statistics data to rank the 50 colleges where applications are growing the fastest. To be included, colleges and universities had to receive at least 2,000 applications in the 2022-2023 school year and offer four-year degrees. They are ranked by the percent increase in applications from the 2019-2020 school year to the 2022-2023 school year, the latest data available.
College application volumes have grown steadily over the past decade, plateauing in 2020 and rising again the following year. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a blow to the college experience, altering it completely and pushing enrollees into online courses they didn’t intend to take. Applications have seen growth, but by 2022, around 1.5 million fewer students were enrolled in college than before the pandemic.
Some schools have continued to grow their applications by more than 100% from 2019-2022 despite survey data suggesting that the overall enrollment decline is primarily due to the belief that a college degree holds less value today than in previous decades.
That’s despite evidence of a growing earnings gap between young people with college degrees and those without. The typical college degree recipient can earn $20,000 more annually when entering the workforce than their peers without a degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
