Latest news with #Tuskegee
Miami Herald
05-07-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Tuskegee celebrates its 144th anniversary
Tuskegee University, founded on July 4, 1881, commemorates its 144th anniversary today. The institution began as the Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers, established through a collaboration between Lewis Adams, a formerly enslaved Black leader, and former Confederate Colonel W.F. Foster. Booker T. Washington, recommended by Hampton Institute's Samuel C. Armstrong, became the founding principal, initiating classes in a modest church setting. The university's official Founders' Day celebration occurred earlier this year, from March 28–30, marking its 107th annual observance. The event honored reunion classes from 1955 to 1985 and featured Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams as the keynote speaker. A highlight of the weekend was the record-breaking $1.3 million raised by alumni, including a significant $794,000 donation in memory of Dr. Matthew Jenkins. Williams spoke on the connection between the two HBCU institutions during his address this spring. "On behalf of Pirate Nation, I bring you greetings from your family up North, Hampton University," he said. "Most everyone knows the topline story of the special relationship our two institutions share. We know, for example, the Booker T. Washington connection with our founder, Former Union Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong. We know that many of the buildings on our campuses bear the same names. We know about the former Tuskegee presidents who matriculated through Hampton University and we know that my predecessor worked and trained here at Tuskegee prior to becoming the president of Hampton. We know of the respect and admiration the founders of our respective institutions shared for each other. "I contend that the bond is much, much deeper," he said. "We share the same values. We share the same ideals. We share the same commitment to excellence and the knowledge that education remains the door to opportunity, economic empowerment, and the continued advancement of a people. "The names Hampton and Tuskegee will forever be spoken together in history," said Williams. "They have always been inseparable in their singular and collective brilliance, and our destinies forever shall be intertwined. Hampton and Tuskegee; Crimson and Old Gold, Reflex Blue and White, Tuskegee and Hampton. May God bless our communities, and may God continue to richly bless America." While the formal Founders' Day events took place in March, the university's founding date of July 4 remains a significant milestone. Today, Tuskegee University reflects on its enduring legacy and contributions to education and African American history. The post Tuskegee celebrates its 144th anniversary appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Black America Web
04-07-2025
- General
- Black America Web
Famous People Who Attended Tuskegee University
Rich Fury Every HBCU has a rich history when it comes to its origin story, but there's something purely unique and wildly extraordinary about the rise of Tuskegee University as founded by astounding educator and civil rights pioneer, Booker T. Washington. Although the university celebrated its 107th Founder's Day back in March — the inaugural ceremony occurred in 1917 — TU was in fact founded as an institution 144 years ago today (July 4) on Independence Day 1881. RELATED: Famous People Who Attended Tennessee State University Tuskegee University has gone through a few name changes since its inception, starting off as an institution specifically for educators in the form of Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers until 1891. Then it became the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute until 1937, followed by the shortened and simple Tuskegee Institute and finally Tuskegee University after achieving its university status in 1985. Washington, who led with the utmost pride, dedication and tenacity up until his premature death at the age of 59 due to high blood pressure, was preceded by equally dedicated principals in the form of Dr. Robert Russa Moton (1915 – 1935), Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson (1935 – 1953), Dr. Luther Hilton Foster Jr. (1953 – 1981), Dr. Benjamin Franklin Payton (1981 – 2010), Interim President Dr. Charlotte P. Morris (August 2010 – October 2010; July 2017 – June 2018), Dr. Gilbert L. Rochon (2010 – 2013), Interim President Dr. Matthew Jenkins (2013 – 2014), Dr. Brian Johnson (2014 – 2017), first female president Dr. Lily D. McNair (2018 – 2021), Dr. Charlotte P. Morris (2021 – 2024) and current president Dr. Mark A. Brown who was appointed exactly one year ago in July 2024. With such a strong culture of education at TU, it comes as no surprise that so many melanated folk would be vying to attend over the past century-and-a-half. Of those who've since graduated, a handful have gone on become stars in their own right while also carrying the Tuskegee pride in their journeys. Would you believe our very own founder, Tom Joyner, is a proud TU alumni?! He even spoke at their 2011 commencement ceremony, speaking words of wisdom to the 500 graduates at the time by stating, 'A lot of people are educated, but won't offer a hand to serve others. They're worth a lot of money … but not worth anything if they don't serve.' During his welcoming address for their virtual Homecoming in 2020, he helped drive that same love to inspire future TU alumni in their academics and beyond. Of course, you can't forget about the most famous Tuskegee alumni and hometown native, GRAMMY and Oscar-winning R&B icon Lionel Ritchie. Not only did he name his latest album after the love for his city with 2012's Tuskegee, the 76-year-old Motown legend also introduced a whole recreational facility in front of the gates of TU last year with Hello Park (seen above), named after his classic chart-topping single from the 1983 sophomore album, Can't Slow Down . The alumni love doesn't stop with those two by a long shot. Many famous faces from past to present can claim the school as their institution for higher learning, and below you'll find 20 that show just how special it is to call yourself a member of this prestigious family. Harry How SEE ALSO
Reuters
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
4-star WR Marquez Daniel commits to Florida on official visit
June 14 - Marquez Daniel, a four-star receiver who had offers from schools throughout the Southeastern Conference, committed to Florida's Class of 2026 on Saturday. Daniel plays at Booker T. Washington High School in Tuskegee, Ala. He took an official visit with the Gators on Friday, and officially visited Auburn last week. "What makes Florida stand out to me are the coaching staff," Daniel told On3. "Coach (Billy) Napier is really a great coach. Told me from day one that I will be a great student-athlete and he believed in me." Daniel is the No. 25 wide receiver in the nation, as ranked by the 247Sports composite. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Daniel gives the Gators nine players committed to the 2026 class, with Daniel holding the highest ranking among them. Also committing this weekend was Carsyn Baker, a three-star running back prospect from Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Ga. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
HBCU Powerhouse Eyes Division I Jump
HBCU Powerhouse Eyes Division I Jump originally appeared on Athlon Sports. On any given Saturday at Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, the roar of the crowd, the beat of the marching band, and the echo of history pulse through the Alabama air. But behind the scenes, a question looms louder than any drumline: Is Tuskegee University ready to make the leap to NCAA Division I? Advertisement It's not just speculation. It's a conversation rooted in data, infrastructure, and a growing resume of athletic excellence. In the 2024–25 academic year alone, Tuskegee competed for seven conference titles, winning three and finishing runner-up in four. That kind of consistency isn't just impressive. It's the blueprint for elevation. 'That's a lot of championships,' said Tuskegee Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin, who has become the face of both tradition and transformation within the program. Tuskegee isn't just winning. It's evolving. Under Ruffin's leadership, and with the support of President Dr. Mark Brown the university has made full athletic funding a priority, ensuring that sports are not only maintained but nurtured. Facility upgrades are underway, alumni support is strengthening, and the campus is undergoing revitalization that mirrors the ambition taking root in its athletic department. There are currently 23 Division I HBCUs across the nation. A move up for Tuskegee would mean joining a select group competing at the highest level. Joining programs in the SWAC, MEAC, and even independent Division I conferences. But it's not just about competition; it's about culture, community visibility, and access to greater financial and recruiting resources. Advertisement Still, the decision is not solely Ruffin's to make. 'It's going to be President Mark Brown… what he wants to see in the next three-year plan, his five-year plan…. what he sees in athletics,' Ruffin told HBCU Gameday. The NCAA mandates strict requirements for Division I membership, including minimum sports sponsorships, scholarship numbers, and financial commitments. Tuskegee's steady climb suggests that while it isn't quite there yet, it's not far behind. Tuskegee's Gabriel Garmon (9) catches a pass against Alabama State during the Turkey Day Classic on the ASU campus Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 28, 2024.© Mickey Welsh / Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Perhaps more importantly, Ruffin and the administration are committed to ensuring that no sport is left behind. 'You gotta be supporting your sports,' Ruffin emphasized. 'We're grounded where we're planted, and we're going to do what we can to continue building the legacy of Tuskegee University.' Advertisement With the spotlight on HBCU athletics growing brighter, fueled by figures like Deion Sanders and media platforms amplifying Black college sports, Tuskegee's timing couldn't be more strategic. If the university plays its cards right, it could not only elevate its athletic brand but position itself as a flagship HBCU in the next generation of Division I athletics. So, will Tuskegee make the move? They're not rushing. But they are preparing. And if recent success is any indication, it's no longer a question of 'if', but 'when.' Tuskegee University football team celebrating championship win; HBCU athletics Division I transition; Tuskegee sports facilities upgrade; HBCU college football crowd at Abbott Memorial Stadium Advertisement Related: Michael Vick's Special Guest Shows Off at Norfolk State Related: Fans in Disbelief over EA Sports' decision on HBCU's in College Football 26 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Historic HBCU set to play first-ever night game
Tuskegee University is about to flip the switch on history. On Saturday, September 6, the Golden Tigers will host their first-ever home night football game under the lights at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, facing off against HBCU conference rival Central State. But this isn't just a game. It's the fulfillment of a 99-year-old dream. Back in 1926, legendary Tuskegee coach Cleve Abbott-yes, the man the stadium is named after-first proposed lighting the field for night games. It was an audacious idea at a time when electricity itself wasn't a guarantee on Southern campuses. Now, nearly a century later, Abbott's vision finally beams to life. Thanks to a partnership with Alabama Power, new lighting has been installed at the historic 10,000-seat stadium, setting the stage for a game that means more than just football. It's a symbol of progress, perseverance, and pride for one of the most storied programs in HBCU history. 'It gives me great pride to see how Alabama Power has helped light up the Tuskegee campus,' said Jonathan Porter, a Tuskegee alum, Trustee, and Senior Vice President of Customer Operations for Alabama Power. 'Our commitment to the university has been ongoing and these enhancements are another example of our efforts to be strategic partners. Personally, as a second-generation Tuskegee alum. I cannot wait for the first night game and the celebrations that will come with it.' Tuskegee isn't just any program-they're the winningest team in HBCU football. Now, they're entering a new era, and they're doing it in prime time. 'This is a transformational moment not only for Tuskegee Athletics but for the entire university and community,' said Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin. 'Playing under the lights at Abbott Memorial Stadium gives us new opportunities to engage our fanbase, provide a better game day experience, and showcase our rich traditions to a national audience. We're proud to take this step forward and make history in 2025.' Last time these two teams clashed, Tuskegee handled business with a 30–14 win over Central State. But this rematch has extra juice. The lights, the legacy, the national spotlight-this will be about more than bragging rights. It's about reclaiming the narrative around HBCU football, investing in facilities, and creating moments that players-and fans-will never forget. Tuskegee. Central State. Under the lights. The post Historic HBCU set to play first-ever night game appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
