• Sports

by Daniel Johnson

December 29, 2024

Head Coach Mike Brown Fired By Sacramento Kings, Sparking Backlash

Coaches around the league, including Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone, who formerly coached for the Kings, responded with ire at the sudden firing of Brown

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Mike Brown, the 2023 NBA Coach of the Year, was fired by the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 27 after leading the Kings to the playoffs for the past two years. Brown’s tenure came to an end as the Kings finished up a homestand, which saw them go 0-5 and drop to the 12th seed in the Western Conference.

According to The Athletic, Brown ended the Kings’ 16-season playoff drought in 2023, bringing playoff contention to a franchise, which had long gone without hope.

Brown’s last game on Dec. 26 was an encapsulation of the Kings season up to that point, as the team found a way to blow a 19-point lead, capped by star guard Dearron Fox’s defensive lapse and panicked close-out which led to a game-sealing four-point play for the Detroit Pistons’ Jaden Ivey.

Following the game, Brown was understandably critical of Fox’s play and of the team’s inability or refusal to lock in defensively at the end of games this season.

The next day, after an extended conversation at practice with Fox, Brown gave his typical post-practice interview session to reporters and was preparing to board the plane to Los Angeles for the team’s game against the Lakers when word came down that he had been fired.

Coaches around the league, including Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone, who formerly coached for the Kings, responded with ire at the sudden firing of Brown.

Malone told reporters that he initially was “shocked and surprised” but after reflecting, those feelings gave way to an understanding of how life is as an NBA head coach.

Malone continued, “Then I caught myself. I said, ‘Why am I shocked and surprised? [I’m not] for two reasons. One, because as an NBA head coach, ultimately, you’re going to get the blame. When they win, it’s gonna go to Sabonis and Fox, and when you lose, it’s gonna go to Mike Brown. That’s the way it works. And two, who he works for,” Malone said. Malone coached the Kings from the 2013 season to the 2014 season. “So I’m not surprised that Mike Brown got fired, because I got fired by the same person.”

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, whose staff Brown left to take the job in Sacramento, called the firing of Brown “shocking” during the course of his comments to reporters.

“When you think about where that franchise was before Mike got there, where they’ve been the last couple years, the job that he and his staff have done, it’s just really shocking,” Kerr said.

Brown was replaced on an interim basis by key assistant coach Doug Christie, a beloved member of the 2001 Sacramento Kings squad that pushed the Shaq and Kobe led Lakers squad to seven games.

It is believed that the rest of the season will be Christie’s audition to show that he is worthy of a longer look, and potentially becoming the official next coach of the Kings. However, if tradition holds, he too could be swapped out for yet another coach if he falls out of favor with Kings ownership.

RELATED CONTENT: Sacramento Kings Sign Shaquille O’Neal’s Son Shareef For Upcoming Season

• Sports

by Daniel Johnson

December 29, 2024

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl: A Historic First With Rapper’s Gin And Juice Brand As Presenting Sponsor

During the game at the University of Arizona's Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Snoop was a fixture in nearly every aspect of the game's presentation.

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The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented By Gin and Juice by Dre and Snoop is the official title of the bowl game formerly known simply as the Arizona Bowl, which was played on Dec. 28 and is the first bowl game presented by an alcoholic beverage or that has an alcoholic beverage as a presenting sponsor.

According to The Coloradoan, rules around which entities could promote bowl games used to be under a more strict set of guidelines, but those guidelines were removed entirely in 2022, allowing for a broader range of advertising partnerships.

In a press release announcing the multi-year sponsorship of the Arizona Bowl in May, Snoop Dogg alluded to his involvement in the Snoop Youth Football League and his love of the game of football.

“I’ve sent many players through my SYFL to colleges (and the NFL) so it’s only fitting that I bring the ‘juice’ back to college football,” Snoop said in the release. “Dr. Dre and I are excited to bring our brand to the next level with this partnership, and we’re going to make the Arizona Bowl into a game day experience like never before.”

Over the years, Snoop Dogg has transformed his public persona from a gangsta rap artist to a beloved elder statesman who has become America’s favorite pitchman.

During the game at the University of Arizona’s Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Snoop was a fixture in nearly every aspect of the game’s presentation.

Before kickoff, Snoop caught passes from the University of Miami at Ohio’s equipment manager and stopped by a tailgate, where he had a few sips of his Gin & Juice drink.

Snoop headed back in the stadium to perform the coin toss ahead of kickoff, which the crowd loved, judging from their roaring applause for the rapper. Following the kickoff, he went to Colorado State’s sidelines where he put on a coach headset and called a few plays.

Later, he joined the broadcast booth and succinctly summed up his appeal with America in general, remarking in the play by play booth, “This is a seven-day-a-week thing with me, man,” Snoop said. “I guess I’m the people’s champ because I love the people as much as they love me.”

After this, Snoop went down to the field and interviewed Miami (Ohio) head coach Chuck Martin at halftime, climbed the bandstand, where he led both schools bands as they performed medleys of some of his hit songs. Snoop then went back into the booth, where he remained for the entirety of the fourth quarter.

After the clock hit triple zeroes, Snoop closed out the bowl game’s festivities by handing out the Arizona Bowl trophy near the victorious Miami (Ohio) football team on a makeshift stage, after driving out a light green lowrider-styled Chevy Impala complete with gold rims and accent trim.

Snoop also handed out gold chains to the players and took pictures with some of them before security whisked him out of the stadium.

Snoop thanked the fans who gathered at the stadium for welcoming him, and if the rest of their partnership goes like year one, the Arizona Bowl might turn into the can’t-miss bowl game for players, fans, and broadcast networks alike.

RELATED CONTENT: Snoop Dogg And Wife Shante Broadus Honored With Surprise Award At Give Her FlowHERS Gala

• Arts and Culture

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 29, 2024

Atlantic City Theater To Be Transformed Into Cultural Arts Center For Jazz And Black History

The theater will be taken over by the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation.

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The legendary Dante Hall Theater in Atlantic City, New Jersey, will become a new beacon for the area’s jazz and Black history.

The theater will be revitalized into a cultural arts center that will touch on Atlantic City’s jazz presence and racial discrimination at its beaches. According to NJ.com, a local foundation that promotes the city’s Black history, the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, will launch new programming at the space.

The organization recently obtained a $1.8 million grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in November. It emerged as one of 12 groups given the monetary award. It aims to transform unused properties in the state to benefit the surrounding community.

With the funding in tow, the foundation can now celebrate the city’s place in Jazz music. Moreover, they can also document its Black residents’ fight for integration. They plan to open a museum detailing this unique history.

“This is what we wanted since 2005 and now it’s materializing,“ said Henrietta Shelton, founder of the Chicken Bone Beach foundation. “It’s unbelievable what we’re going to be able to do in the art form, in that building.”

Established in the 1990s, the foundation’s namesake comes from the shoreline designated for Black beachgoers. Its name stemmed from racist stereotypes of Black families bringing fried chicken for a beach picnic. However, residents have since reclaimed the name and this history. The beach also gained recognition as a historic site on New Jersey’s Black Heritage Trail.

The organization’s leaders plan to buy a 250-seat theater. While still preserving the theater’s seating and integrity, they will renovate its upper floors to classrooms for teaching music. Furthermore, the theater’s original use will still shine through concerts and performances.

Chicken Bone beach once hosted artists from Sammy Davis Jr. to Louis Armstrong to entertain Black attendees. Now, the foundation hopes to recreate the magic that once delighted Black audiences during the early to mid-20th century.

Shelton added, “Now we can do even more powerful things in that building — indoor concerts, we can have plays, it’s going to be a Mecca.”

Originally built in the 1920s, Dante Hall has remained vacant since 2020. However, the organization plans to immediately use the space for its programming, specifically choir practice, once the purchase closes.

RELATED CONTENT: Why Black Community Theater Deserves Our Support

• News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 29, 2024

Man Arrested For Pouring Gasoline On North Carolina Woman, Lighting Her On Fire

According to her GoFundMe, Ashanti Downey, 20, endured third-degree burns on over 70% of her body.

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A man has been arrested and charged for reportedly pouring gasoline on a 20-year-old woman from North Carolina, lighting her on fire after doing so.

The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office says the man, Jami Raiziah Griffin, lived with the woman, who now lies in critical condition. According to People, Griffin allegedly attempted to kill Ashanti Downey on Dec. 16 by setting her on fire. Downey now suffers from third-degree burns down the right side of her body.

They arrested the 23-year-old on Dec. 27, more than 10 days after the initial incident. He now has charges for felony attempted murder, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and misdemeanor assault.

The police say Downey was walking down Barbecue Church Road in Sanford, North Carolina, when Griffin allegedly doused her with gasoline and set her on fire.

Initially, police did not have an immediate suspect, yet called the matter a “nightmare” for Downey and her family. However, they revealed that it could have been a domestic issue, later discovering it was the case.

However, Downey’s family has advocated on behalf of their loved one as she embarks on recovery. Her mother, Donecia Davis, expressed her frustrations with the ordeal to news outlets.

“How could they do this to my baby?” Davis told WRAL-TV. “You didn’t have to do this to her.” 

The family set up a GoFundMe to help with Downey’s medical expenses. They greatly surpassed their original goal of $75K, with more than $94K donated thus far.

“My daughter will be celebrating her 21st birthday on January 1, 2025, and due to the hatred of an individual or individuals, her life will be forever changed,” the parent wrote on the platform. “No parent should have to see their child in the condition my daughter is in. I am making her my top priority and have been by her side at the hospital since this incident occurred.”

The money will go toward Downey’s medical bills, which include surgery, ongoing treatment, and rehab. Still accepting donations, it will also cover outside bills as the mother takes off work, without pay, to support her daughter in her healing journey.

As for Griffin, he remains detained at Harnett County Detention Center since his arrest. He expects to appear in court on Dec. 30.

RELATED CONTENT: Guatemalan Suspect Arrested For Allegedly Setting Woman On Fire In NYC Subway

• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 29, 2024

Tyler Perry Explains Why His Son Gets Only ‘Books And Legos’ For Christmas

Perry, who also makes his son fly commercial, refuses to let his son grow up to be a spoiled and entitled person.

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Tyler Perry wants his son to have a relatively normal upbringing. The billionaire filmmaker and producer explained why he only gifts his son inexpensive items for Christmas, and his decision to have him fly commercial.

Perry got real about his intention to not spoil his son despite him having a very successful father. The Six Triple Eight writer and director appeared on a Dec. 18 episode of Sherri where he revealed this shocking parenting choice.

He told Sherri Shepherd that his son, Aman, doesn’t get a Christmas list. In fact, the 10-year-old only gets two types of things for the gift-giving holiday.

“He don’t get no Christmas list,” he told the talk show host, as reported by People. “He gets two things: books and Legos.”

After Shepherd expressed her initial surprise at this simple gift, Perry responded that the boy has no job to get much else.

The actor continued, “He don’t have a job! What else is he going to get?”

Moreover, Aman doesn’t get the usual celebrity kid perk of flying in private planes. Perry revealed that he and Aman’s mother, Gelila Bekele, decided early on that their son would learn better life skills by undergoing the typical airport experience. The move came after a five-year-old Aman would start complaining about the long lines often found at TSA.

Perry remains unashamed of this decision. He emphasized the importance of Aman finding his own success before enjoying certain luxuries.

“Absolutely,” Perry exclaimed. “So that he understands I worked, he did not! So when he works, he can learn that lesson. He’s not going to be one of those ridiculous spoiled rich kids. I can’t stand that. No! He ain’t got no money!” 

For the Madea film franchise creator, he wants his son to become his own man before others decide who he is, based on his dad.

“I want him to know who he is before people start to say, ‘Oh, that’s Tyler Perry’s son!’ I want to make sure that he’s not seen in public,” explained the filmmaker. “Even when I’m at a game, I’m in the back so he can play and not be bothered. All those things are important to me so he can have as much of a normal life as he can. Very different from my childhood, but I don’t want him to be that spoiled, rich, entitled.”

RELATED CONTENT: Tyler Perry Took Joy Behar’s Advice To Get Therapy: ‘You Were Right’

• News

by Daniel Johnson

December 29, 2024

Social Media Prankster Faces Felony Charges For Spraying Bug Spray On Food At Walmart

Videos show Phoenix Influencer Charles Smith spraying bug spray on a number of items, including chicken.

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Charles Smith, a Black 27-year-old social media influencer from Phoenix, is now facing felony charges after videos uploaded to Instagram and TikTok showed a man, later confirmed to be Smith, spraying bug spray on several items, including chicken, at a local Walmart.

According to the Arizona Republic, spraying the poison on the food items led to a felony charge of introducing poison and misdemeanor charges of theft, criminal damage, and endangerment.

In addition, a judge ordered Smith held on a $10,000 bond for a separate third-degree burglary charge.

Detective Richard Encinas told the outlet that Smith voluntarily turned himself in and admitted to spraying the poison and theft.

“Through investigative means, and with assistance from the Tempe Police Department, detectives were able to identify Smith as the suspect,” Detective Encinas said. “Mesa Police contacted Smith and he turned himself in voluntarily. During the interview, Smith admitted to the theft and spraying of the pesticide.”

Smith, who posts his content on social media under the name Wolfie Kahletti on Instagram and TikTok, which has been banned, did make two follow-up posts indicating that he didn’t leave the product he sprayed out for others to pick up.

He captioned those posts “Fooled u,” “Threw them away,” and “Promise I threw them away.”

According to court documents obtained by People Magazine, Smith originally left the store and the items on the shelves. He only returned after he saw how negatively his videos showing him spraying the bug spray were received online.

“Once he left, he began to see comments online saying how horrible the act was, and he decided to return and collect the items,” the documents state.

Walmart, the store where the videos were filmed, said in a statement to the outlet that the contaminated products were removed from the store and the areas where the videos were filmed were cleaned.

“The health and safety of our customers and associates is always a top priority,” Walmart’s statement read. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers as we work to resolve this issue. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement during their investigation.”

According to the Mesa Police Department, this case is an example of what can happen when alleged social media pranks go too far.

“This incident underscores the potential dangers of reckless actions disguised as social media pranks,” the police department said in a statement to People Magazine.

RELATED CONTENT: Houston Teen Arrested After Video Showing Assault Of Strangers In Park Goes Viral

• News

by Daniel Johnson

December 29, 2024

Arizona Sen. T.J. Shope Thinks Kwanzaa Isn’t A Real Holiday, Gets Roasted

He posted on X, 'Yes…a fake anti-American, anti-Christian 'holiday' celebrated by our Governor in AZ...'

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According to Arizona state Sen. T.J. Shope, a Republican, Kwanzaa is a “fake, anti-American, anti-Christian holiday.” He apparently took issue with the holiday after encountering a display set up at the Capitol building by Arizona’s Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.

As the Phoenix New Times reported, Shope’s comments, which he posted on X along with a picture of the display as a quote response to an article by far-right wing outlet The Federalist, are completely unsupported by the facts about Kwanzaa.

The post read, “Yes…a fake anti-American, anti-Christian “holiday” celebrated by our Governor in AZ…”

According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, an author and activist currently chair of the Africana Studies Department at California State University.

In contrast to the outlandish claims of Sen. Shope and The Federalist, Kwanzaa is about reaffirming and restoring African heritage and culture. It is one of the few holidays in America that centers Black Americans.

Kwanzaa, celebrated between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, draws on principles found across the continent of Africa: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

As Patience Titcombe, a Nigerian immigrant and the proprietor of Lasgidi Cafe, a Nigerian food truck in Phoenix, told The Arizona Republic, Kwanzaa is rooted in African traditions.

“Kwanzaa is rooted in African tradition, and to be able to bring a taste of home through my food… it just makes my heart warm. Kwanzaa is the one holiday that really represents our culture,” Titcombe told the outlet. “We celebrate Christmas … but there’s really nothing cut out for Black and African American people.”

According to Darlene Little, who owns the Afri-Soul Education Center, the display was set up at the Capitol through a Black-owned business associated with the center and is an optional commemoration of the holiday.

“It’s just informative for people who want to hear it,” Little said. “Nobody makes you go. Nobody makes you listen.” Little also said that Black people don’t necessarily need white people to understand or agree with the traditions of the Black community.

Others, like Patience Ogunbanjo, who also represents Lasgidi Cafe, told the Phoenix New Times that the senator’s tweet was “a bit prejudiced” and “could be defined as racist” before continuing.

“It (Shope’s comments) reflects the misunderstanding of the profound culture and the cultural significance of Kwanzaa for a lot of African Americans, not only in Phoenix, not only in Arizona, but across the United States,” Ogunbanjo said.

RELATED CONTENT: Kwanzaa Celebrations Are Kicking Off Across The South

• HBCU

by Daniel Johnson

December 29, 2024

NFL Veteran DeSean Jackson Named Head Coach At Delaware State University

Desean Jackson and and fellow ex-NFLer Michael Vick both accepted job offers from HBCUs approximately a week apart.

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DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick both accepted job offers from HBCUs approximately a week apart. The two hirings remind that HBCUs are willing to take chances on unproven but high-profile first-time coaches with NFL backgrounds. Jackson, a former NFL wide receiver, accepted his job offer on Dec. 26.

According to The Athletic, Jackson issued a statement saying that he believes that HBCUs still have much to offer in the way of producing scholars and athletes.

“HBCUs have much to be proud of in creating a more representative America. But that story is not simply a historical one. It continues to be written and includes the elevation of HBCU scholars and scholar-athletes in every field of human endeavor,” Jackson said. “The opportunity for me to help write another chapter here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime moment consistent with my journey as a young boy finding his way to manhood through mentorship, accountability, achievement, and discipline.”

In addition to Deion Sanders’ time at Jackson State University, where he helped bring eyes, attention, money, and highly touted prospects to that HBCU, the other best-case scenario for both Vick and Jackson is likely Tennessee State’s Eddie George, who just finished leading the team to a 9-4 record and its first OVC Championship and its first berth in the FCS playoffs.

Vick and Jackson will both be taking over programs coming off of disappointing seasons. Norfolk State went 15-31 over the last four seasons, while Delaware State went 1-11 last season, so they likely won’t be expected to challenge for an MEAC title immediately, giving them the necessary time to develop their programs.

Delaware State University’s Athletic Director, Tony Tucker, said in a statement that he believes Jackson is a perfect fit for what the university embodies.

“DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution – incredibly competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future, and focused on the fundamentals of the institution: students first,” Tucker said.

Vick, who is from Newport News, Virginia, will return to the area that made him a transformational quarterback. He eventually took his generational talent to Blacksburg, Virginia, to play for then-Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer.

Coach Beamer’s son, Shane Beamer, the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks and a good friend of Vick, supported Norfolk State’s decision to hire the former NFL quarterback.

“He came and talked to our team at South Carolina in August of 2021 and I knew then that he had a passion for possibly coaching,” Beamer said. “I’m really excited for him, and I know he will crush it at Norfolk State.”

Vick’s former high school coach and longtime mentor, Tommy Reamon, will join the staff at Norfolk State. Reamon told The Athletic that he believes Vick has the charisma to be an excellent recruiter.

“I bet he and I have talked about Deion’s situation, and him 100 times,” Reamon said. “Those two kids (Vick and Sanders) are perfect examples of taking their talent, with all that charisma, to then become a head coach [in] football today. Michael has the voice. People are gonna relate to him, especially when we get in these houses.”

RELATED CONTENT: Michael Vick New Head Football Coach At Norfolk State University

• News

by Mary Spiller

December 29, 2024

Teen On Atlanta’s Most Wanted List Arrested For Double Homicide

Corey Comer was wanted in connection to the murders of 37-year-old Douglas Banks and an unnamed 17-year-old boy in Atlanta.

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Corey Comer, a 20-year-old man, was arrested on Dec. 27. He was previously on the Atlanta Police Department’s Most Wanted list for his involvement in two separate violent shootings in the past year.

Comer has been charged in connection with the killings of 37-year-old Douglas Banks in May and an unnamed 17-year-old boy in November within the city limits.

On May 6, 37-year-old Banks was shot and killed at Cleveland Avenue Park at 47 Cleveland Ave. SW. As reported by the Atlanta Police Department, authorities were dispatched to the scene at around 4:30 P.M. Banks was found and transported to the hospital in critical condition. He later succumbed to his injuries and suspected Comer’s involvement.

The second fatal shooting, in which police also suspect Comer, took place in November, and officers were dispatched to 183 Mount Zion Rd. SE after receiving calls about a shooting. When they arrived, they found a deceased 17-year-old male who suffered from several fatal gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the time medical personnel arrived.

In connection to both shootings, after further investigation of the scenes, Comer was officially named as a suspect in both killings.

Comer allegedly used an illegal switch in both of the shootings to fire multiple rounds in quick succession to kill the two victims. Atlanta police stated, “[firearm switches] are illegal devices that transform a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic one, making them highly dangerous.”

Comer was arrested this week, and a $10,000 reward was offered to assist in apprehending him.

Comer has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony as the case continues to be investigated.

Comer is currently being held in the Fulton County Jail.

RELATED CONTENT: FBI Search For Former CNBC Analyst James Arthur McDonald Comes To An End

• News

by Daniel Johnson

December 29, 2024

Mississippi Valley State’s Band Faces Backlash Over Trump Inauguration Invite While Seeking Donations For Trip

Mississippi Valley State's President Dr. Jerryl Briggs, called the invitation is a 'moment of pride' for the entire state.

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Mississippi Valley State, an HBCU in Ita Bena, Mississippi, best known as the alma mater of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, has reportedly accepted an invitation to perform at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in January 2025.

The school is trying to raise the funds to travel. According to WLBT, the “Mean Green Marching Machine” will need to raise $350,000 to cover its expenses for the trip.

Normally, a band’s selection to perform at the inauguration of a president is an honor, but the decision of the band to accept to perform for Trump has been criticized on social media.

The band’s GoFundMe page reads, “The Mean Green Marching Machine Band of Mississippi Valley State University is seeking funds to travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Inaugural Parade. The band seeks funds to acquire instruments, uniforms, provide scholarships, and other essential resources for its continued development.”

According to a press release from Mississippi Valley State University, the band became the first HBCU band to perform at the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1965, again in 1968, and President Richard Nixon’s inauguration the following year.

According to Mississippi Valley State President Dr. Jerryl Briggs, the invitation is a moment of pride for the entire state.

“This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi,” Briggs said. “It is an opportunity to showcase our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future leaders of our community.” This participation allows students to engage in the peaceful transition of power and gain global exposure while celebrating the university’s 75th anniversary.”

RELATED CONTENT: Morgan State’s ‘Magnificent Marching Machine’ Was Tapped To Perform At The White House’s Juneteenth Event