Latest news with #MorganState
Miami Herald
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Weekend Binge Alert: 'Duster' gives a nod to this HBCU
If you're looking for something thrilling to binge over the holiday weekend, Duster on Max should be at the top of your list. Not only because it's a fast paced adventure each episode, but it also stars a fictional HBCU graduate as its main character. Set in the gritty, fast-paced world of 1970s Arizona, Duster is a slick crime thriller created by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan. The series follows the unlikely partnership between getaway driver Jim Ellis (Josh Holloway) and FBI agent Nina Hayes, brilliantly portrayed by Rachel Hilson. But here's where it gets especially interesting for HBCU fans-Nina Hayes is written as a proud fictional graduate of Morgan State University. In early episodes she displays a Morgan State coffee cup on her desk and tells her backstory of coming from Baltimore and graduating from MSU. This creative choice subtly weaves HBCU representation into mainstream storytelling, adding depth and pride to her trailblazing character. Then there's Keith David. If you don't dig his deep voice and intense facial expressions, we'll have to question your taste in entertainment. David plays the top villain in the series, but you can't help enjoying his character's personality and struggling to root against him. At least this viewer did. Inspired by Real History, But Not Based on It While Duster isn't based on a true story, it is loosely inspired by the groundbreaking life of Sylvia Mathis, who became the first Black female FBI agent in 1976. The series captures the essence of her barrier-breaking journey, imagining what a Black female FBI agent's life might have looked like in the early '70s, even though the storyline and characters are entirely fictional. Why You Should Watch High-speed chases, undercover operations, and sharp FBI HBCU connection through Nina Hayes, a Morgan State alum who uses her intellect, grit, and courage to challenge systemic chemistry between Rachel Hilson and Josh Holloway, bringing both intensity and heart to the rich 1970s setting, delivering all the retro vibes with a modern storytelling pace. Critics have praised the show's stylish execution, sharp dialogue, and dynamic character arcs. Whether you're in it for the action, the cultural callbacks, or the refreshing take on crime dramas, Duster offers something special. Where to Watch: Stream Duster now on Max. The post Weekend Binge Alert: 'Duster' gives a nod to this HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU Grappler Takes Coaching Role at Wrestling Powerhouse
HBCU wrestling continues its rise as Morgan State standout Darrien Roberts steps into a coaching role at Wyoming Seminary. His path from HBCU athlete to prep school mentor reflects the growing impact of these institutions on national athletics. Roberts returns to Wyoming Seminary, where his wrestling journey began. The school is known for producing NCAA stars and national prep champions. Therefore, his return brings experience, passion, and a commitment to developing young talent. While at Morgan State, Roberts posted a 12–6 record during the 2024–25 season. He went 8–3 in dual matches and recorded a 2:23 pin-the fastest of his campaign. Moreover, he balanced academics with athletics, earning a degree in Applied Liberal Studies. In addition, he is completing a Project Management certificate by year's end. Olympic gold medalist Kenny Monday has led Morgan State's wrestling resurgence. Under his leadership, Roberts matured into a top competitor and team leader. In fact, Monday praised Roberts' influence in a statement to "Darrien is excited to start his new journey as Assistant Coach at Wyoming Seminary. He's had a major impact on our program at Morgan with his experience and leadership." The Blue Knights recently won their eighth national prep title in 2024. As a result, adding Roberts to the coaching staff strengthens a program that thrives on discipline and tradition. His HBCU-honed mindset, combined with his leadership, makes him an ideal fit. Furthermore, his personal experience at both levels brings invaluable insight. Clearly, this move highlights a larger trend. Athletes from HBCUs, especially Morgan State, are stepping into key leadership roles. Roberts proves that HBCU players do more than perform-they mentor, build, and lead. Consequently, programs like Wyoming Seminary benefit from this rising pipeline of HBCU talent. For more on Morgan State's growth and standout recruits like Anthony Ferrari, check out our full report. The post HBCU Grappler Takes Coaching Role at Wrestling Powerhouse appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Yahoo
3 suspects arrested in shooting death of former high school football player
Three people suspected in the shooting death of a former high school football player have been arrested. Pittsburgh Public Safety officials announced on Wednesday that Zion White, 21, was taken into custody on Tuesday. John Kyles, 20, and Marcus Johnson, 23, were arrested on April 25 and May 23, respectively. They are being held in the Allegheny County Jail. The trio is facing charges in connection with the killing of Gavin Yarbough, who was shot multiple times on Sept. 16 in Larimer and died in the hospital. Yarbough was a standout football player at Woodland Hills High School who went on to play at Morgan State, a historically Black university in Baltimore. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Head coach of sole DI HBCU acrobatics program steps down
Regina Smith, the trailblazing coach who introduced acrobatics and tumbling to Morgan State University, has officially stepped down. Her departure marks the end of a historic era and leaves a powerful legacy at both Morgan State and across HBCU athletics. Smith joined Morgan State in 2022, bringing a strong background in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics. She began her coaching journey after earning a degree in Business Communications from Illinois State University in 2006. Her early success came at Bolingbrook High School in Illinois, where she led competitive cheerleading teams to state-level achievements. From there, she moved into college athletics, coaching at Thiel College, Ottawa University, and Adrian College. In 2012, she launched Adrian College's first acrobatics and tumbling program. Under her leadership, the program quickly earned national respect. Smith's teams went on to win over 30 national championships and secured more than 50 top-three finishes in cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, and mascot competitions. At Morgan State, Smith applied her deep expertise to create a program that balanced competitive performance with cultural representation. The Bears became the first HBCU Division I acrobatics and tumbling team, a groundbreaking achievement that reshaped the sport's landscape. Smith's influence went far beyond competition. In March 2024, her team made history by visiting the White House during Women's History Month. They became the first NCAA NCATA and HBCU team to receive this recognition. The impact didn't stop there. In February 2025, the team's "two feet split with straddle" routine went viral, earning over 12 million views online. Off the mat, Smith emphasized academics and service. As a result, 13 student-athletes were named to the NCATA Academic Honor Roll, and the team completed more than 400 community service hours. In a statement, Regina Smith expressed her appreciation: Dena Freeman-Patton, Vice President and Director of Athletics, praised Smith's leadership: Morgan State has already started a nationwide search for Smith's successor. But this moment is about more than just one coach's departure. It's a call to continue elevating HBCU acrobatics and tumbling and to keep pushing the boundaries of collegiate athletics. The post Head coach of sole DI HBCU acrobatics program steps down appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Breakout HBCU WBB star transfers to ACC
Morgan State forward Naya Ojukwu is on the move. After a breakout season in the MEAC, the 6'1" redshirt freshman has committed to the University of California, bringing her game from an HBCU program to one of the Power 4's newest members in the ACC. Ojukwu averaged 17.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game for Morgan State during the 2024–25 season in just 15 appearances. Her efficiency and dominance in the paint helped her earn second-team All-MEAC honors. Despite missing several games, she shot nearly 48% from the field and quickly became one of the conference's most impactful players. Originally from Idaho, where she was the 2020-21 Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps Idaho Player of the Year, Ojukwu began her career at Utah before transferring to Gonzaga. As a freshman at Utah, she played in four games, averaging 5.3 minutes, 3.3 points, and 2.3 rebounds per game. After receiving a hardship waiver from the NCAA, she transferred to Gonzaga as a true freshman, appearing in nine games. She totaled 11 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in 56 minutes before transferring again, this time to an HBCU. However, she found her rhythm at Morgan State and delivered on her potential. Her time at the HBCU allowed her to lead, develop, and showcase her skills on a national level. That growth caught the attention of the University of California, which is reloading its roster as it prepares to enter the ACC. Her departure is a significant moment for Morgan State women's basketball, which recently saw longtime head coach Ed Davis Jr. retire after more than a decade leading the program. Ojukwu's move continues a growing trend of elite HBCU talent earning opportunities in major conferences through the transfer portal. As she transitions to the next chapter of her career, Ojukwu represents the level of talent developing within HBCU programs like Morgan State. Her success underscores the growing visibility of HBCU women's basketball and the impact players from these programs can have at every level of college athletics. The post Breakout HBCU WBB star transfers to ACC appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
