The Gathering Spot Transforms D.C. Location Into ‘Safe House’ As Trump’s Police Surround City
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 18, 2025

The Gathering Spot Transforms D.C. Location Into ‘Safe House’ As Trump’s Police Surround City

'We have to actively resist what we are seeing,' CEO and co-founder Ryan Wilson says.

The Gathering Spot has opened its Washington, D.C., location to Black Washingtonians as President Donald Trump’s police continue its takeover of the city.

The Black-owned private membership club typically reserves its spaces for networking events as well as professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry players a part of its cohort. However, as D.C. deals with Trump’s growing control over the city with National Guard troops patrolling the area, The Gathering Spot hopes to provide a refuge for those overwhelmed and concerned by the current state of D.C.

The club’s D.C. location shared about the “Safe House” initiative on Instagram. The Gathering Spot will allow non-members to use the facility as a safe haven to “work, rest, connect, or simply find refuge in community,” as reported by Afrotech.

“The authoritarian-in-chief is doing something unprecedented so we are going to do something unprecedented too,” shared CEO and co-founder Ryan Wilson. “It is more important that we are in community during moments like this than ever.”

Non-members will gain access to the spot’s location through a vetting process to ensure the safety and authenticity of all who enter the premises. While they will not have the club’s full access and benefits as members, Wilson emphasized The Gathering Spot’s intentions to make sure the Black community can be united in moments like these.

“It is important during critical moments to make sure that our community broadly has the opportunity to be with one another,” he added.

The evolution into a “Safe House” comes as Trump has significantly ramped up police presence in Washington, deploying 500 federal agents earlier this month to the area. Trump also exercised his control over the city’s police, prompting state and local leaders to condemn his occupation.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser continues to navigate the tricky situation, calling the move an “authoritarian push.” Others have continued to resist Trump’s stronghold over the city.

“We have to actively resist what we are seeing,” Wilson said. “This is absolutely unprecedented and unacceptable, but together in community we will be able to overcome.”

Those in the D.C. area can apply to this venture on The Gathering spot’s website.

Chef Jermayne Harris
by Mitti Hicks

August 18, 2025

Jermayne Harris Is Training Next Generation Of Chefs As He Waits For New Heart

Chef Harris had a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted in him in his twenties.

“Chef Mayne” etched on a white jacket is the first thing students from Columbus Downtown High School’s culinary program will likely notice when their instructor, Jermayne Harris, walks into the room. The black letters of his name are proof of the program’s success.

“Being a student at this school and coming from where they come from shows them that they can do whatever it is they want to do,” Harris tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

But what his students probably don’t see initially is the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) inside a waterproof bag that he keeps close to his chest. The mechanical pump is an implant to help the left ventricle (the heart’s main pumping chamber) pump blood more effectively. It’s the same LVAD that forced him to take a leap of faith to open his own business when his employer at the time let him go after spending weeks in the hospital.

Chef Jermayne Harris Diagnosed With Heart Failure In His Twenties

Harris was in his physical prime in his early twenties. As a teenager, he ran track and was a quarterback for his high school football team. He returned home after college to start a catering business. At the beginning of 2017, he began to feel sick, and the cold-like symptoms would linger. He started wheezing first thing in the morning and eventually in his sleep.

The only way Harris could sleep comfortably was straight up against the wall. His lower extremities started to swell months later to the point he couldn’t put on his shoes anymore. He drove himself to the hospital, and doctors diagnosed him with congestive heart failure at the age of 23.

“I was kind of a shock because I was so young, but at the same time I was thinking, ‘OK. What’s next? Is it curable?’ and things like that.”

Harris wore a defibrillator for a few months and had one permanently put in on October 2017. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of his health scares. In 2019, he had a panic attack while working, which ultimately landed him back in the hospital. Harris said he felt different than his initial hospital stay in 2018. Doctors found a blood clot in his lung, and his health took a dramatic turn. Harris was life-flighted to another hospital, where he learned he would receive the Abbott HeartMate 3 LVAD as the next level of care.

According to Lifeline of Ohio, he contracted a virus that severely damaged his heart.

From Hospital Bed To Hot Food Truck Kitchen

While in the hospital, Harris said he had nothing but time and would watch the Food Network, which inspired him to create the menus for his food truck. His dad planted the seed to start his food truck after the restaurant he was working in let him go.

“My dad didn’t want to be under that kind of stress after seeing how they treated me while I was going through my health situation.”

The menu featured six different bowls from around the world, including bowls inspired by Asia and the Caribbean. Amid his business venture and health battle, Harris maintained a relationship with the Columbus Public Schools, where he served on the advisory board for the culinary program. That relationship opened the doors to becoming an assistant to the program and eventually a teacher.

It takes a great deal of heart for Chef Mayne to get up every day and inspire students, especially since his own heart is failing and his physical activity is limited. While others may have faltered at everything he has gone through, he has used his LVAD to pump some culinary heart into his students, and while renewing hope for himself. He has lived out his dream of opening a food truck and is now training the next generation of culinary artists.

As for what’s next for Harris, he has been on the heart transplant list in Ohio since 2017 and now has two hearts that beat outside of his body.

“I’m married and raising a daughter,” says Harris. “I think there’s another business venture in me eventually with my wife.”

RELATED CONTENT: Elevating Your Excellence: Jotaka Eaddy Is The Strategist Behind The Movement

pbs, pragerU, classrooms
by Daniel Johnson

August 18, 2025

White House Pushes Conservative Online Platform As PBS Alternative; May Already Be In Classrooms

PragerU is a conservative 'education' platform has been criticized for whitewashing history.

After the White House pulled federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting earlier in August, the Trump administration accelerated its partnership with PragerU, a nonprofit organization that has been credibly accused of creating whitewashed and far-right versions of American history.

Laura Meckler, national education writer for The Washington Post, told Vox that many of the videos reflect an effort to editorialize history, aligning with the Trump administration’s push to control the historical narrative.

“There’s a video with Christopher Columbus, who is talking to some modern-day kids who are saying, basically, ‘I heard bad things about you.’ And he says, ‘You have to judge me by the standards that were true at the time.’ The upshot of this video and other Prager videos is to — I think it’s fair to say — minimize the role of slavery or how much we should focus on it or how upset we should be about it from our past and to try to look on more, shall we say, uplifting ideas from American history,” Meckler said.

The viral video that Meckler referenced is from a 2022 episode of its programming, in which two young modern-day students travel back in time to determine whether Christopher Columbus deserves to be celebrated. The video is emblematic of the kind of content that PragerU creates, pseudo-educational content that seeks to position itself as a conservative alternative to “woke” or the correct version of history.

As 404 Media reported in July, PragerU has increasingly been integrated into the educational curriculum of several states, and even partnered with the White House to create what the outlet referred to as an odd collection of lesser known historical figures alongside John Adams and Thomas Jefferson for its “Road to Liberty” series, which was hosted, but with a wink and nod, not officially endorsed by the White House and the Department of Education.

As Jonathan Zimmerman, a professor of the history of education at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, told Education Week in 2023, “PragerU is not a university. It is a political propaganda machine, and it promotes mistruths about climate change, slavery, and a whole host of other things.”

He continued, “The things I’ve seen, both about slavery and climate science, are radically distorted and not based in evidence the way that universities understand that term.” Taking into account the argument about any left-leaning bias in the curriculum, Zimmerman noted that “there are any number of much more credible sources that one could use to balance the equation. This isn’t a solution; it’s cynicism. It is distressing and destructive.”

In 2023, members of the Texas State Board of Education criticized PragerU after another member, Julie Pickren, indicated that the group’s educational materials would meet the criteria for use in Texas classrooms.

“This has not gone through any kind of review process,” SBOE District 1 member Melissa Ortega told Fox 7 Austin. “We do not endorse this, and we will not be having this come to Texas.”

In addition, Carisa Lopez of the Texas Freedom Network noted that “PragerU has twisted the words of Frederick Douglass, making disgusting claims that slavery was a compromise. And that’s just one example of the negligence and misinformation this vendor pushes.”

According to Texas AFT Policy Analyst Kelsey King, instead of presenting the correct version of history, PragerU engages in a number of problematic narrative choices.

“These videos instead whitewash and misrepresent events in our history, glorify hyper-capitalism, promote jingoism and are rife with misogyny and white saviorism,” King told the outlet.

RELATED CONTENT: PragerU Hosts Animated Video Of Frederick Douglass Calling Slavery A ‘Compromise

Saint Augustine's Black Woman, Board
by Daniel Johnson

August 18, 2025

St. Augustine’s University Appoints First Black Woman Board Of Trustees Chair

Earlier in August, Saint Augustine's secured an important victory, a federal injunction that allows the university to keep its accreditation.

The beleaguered Saint Augustine’s University appointed its first Black woman chair to its Board of Trustees as it attempts to create stability to restore its accreditation status. According to HBCU Gameday, Sophie L. Gibson, a business leader from Atlanta, will replace Brian A. Boulware, who stepped down from the position Gibson inherits after leading the Board since 2019.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of this historic institution during a time of great challenge and transformation. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and confident in the leadership of Chair Gibson and the Board to guide SAU into a bright future,” Boulware said.

Making more history, the appointment of Gibson also means that both the top two positions on the Board —chair and vice chair —will be held by women. V. Lynette Mitchell, a 1989 graduate of SAU, will serve as Gibson’s second-in-command as they prepare to lead the university.

“We are deeply grateful for the steady leadership of Trustee Boulware during challenging times,” Gibson said in a pre-written statement. “As we move into this new chapter, we honor their contributions while embracing a bold, strategic path forward that will strengthen our impact for generations to come.”

Mitchell echoed Gibson’s sentiments in her own statement, “We are turning the page to an exciting new era for SAU-–one guided by a clear strategic direction and a renewed Falcon spirit.”

Earlier in August, Saint Augustine’s secured an important victory, a federal injunction that allows the university to keep its accreditation while it challenges an earlier ruling by its accrediting body. The university is also raising funds through its “Believe in SAU: A Falcon Is Not an Ordinary Bird” campaign.

Funds from the campaign will be used to support operations and the legal defense fund. Alternatively, donors also have the option to donate directly to Alston & Bird L.L.P., the university’s legal team.

As The News & Observer reported, leaders emphasized the importance of the injunction for the university’s prospects.

“This is a tremendous win for Saint Augustine’s University and, most importantly, for our students,” Saint Augustine’s interim president, Marcus H. Burgess, said in a news release after the injunction ruling. “Thanks to our supporters, we will open our (virtual) doors on Sept. 2 as an accredited institution, just as we promised. We have said all along that we will stop at nothing to maintain our accreditation and continue serving our scholars — and we meant it.”

“We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from our alumni and friends,” Gibson said in a statement. “Their commitment ensured we had the resources to take this crucial legal step to protect our students and our mission. This injunction is not just a legal reprieve; it is a testament to the power of the Falcon community. It allows us to continue educating our students without interruption as we vigorously defend SAU’s future in court, and it shows that we soar higher when we soar together.”

RELATED CONTENT: Historic Black Church In Virginia Pays Off Debt Of 11 Graduating Seniors At Saint Augustine’s University

Grand Rapids, Settlement, Girl, 11, Handcuffed, police
by Daniel Johnson

August 18, 2025

Former University Of Wisconsin Women’s Basketball Players Sue Ex Coach, Alleging Mental Abuse

Five former players are accusing their former coach, Maria Moseley, of psychological abuse, mental cruelty, retaliation, and discrimination

Five former University of Wisconsin women’s basketball players filed a federal lawsuit against the school’s former coach, Maria Moseley, its former sports administrator, Justin Doherty, and the Wisconsin Board of Regents on Aug. 15 in the Western District Court of Wisconsin.

According to The Athletic, the five former players, Alexis Duckett, Krystyna Ellew, Mary Ferrito, Tara Stauffacher, and Tessa Towers, are accusing their former coach of psychological abuse, mental cruelty, retaliation, and discrimination. The players are seeking punitive and compensatory damages, as well as attorney fees and a trial by jury.

Per their complaint, “She (Moseley) unconstitutionally toyed with the mental health of her players, including Plaintiffs, as a means of exerting control over every facet of their lives, including retaliating against them based on their protected speech and expressive acts and discriminating against them based on their disabilities or perceived disabilities.”

Moseley, who resigned in March after spending four seasons at the helm of the program, is also being accused of interfering in her players’ mental health treatments, prying into their personal and romantic lives, and threatening players regarding their scholarships and playing time. Doherty, meanwhile, was allegedly made aware of issues by both players and parents and was also involved in removing players from the team.

According to the lawsuit, “medical providers treated a disproportionate number of Moseley’s players for mental health issues,” and “several players required emergency medical treatment or treatment at a mental health facility.”

The lawsuit also alleges that doctors at the university diagnosed several players with “serious mental illnesses and mood disorders and placed them on numerous prescription mental health medications.” In addition, the University of Wisconsin “coerced players, following a mental health incident, to sign broad agreements releasing their medical records if they wished to remain on the team.”

Notably, Moseley never compiled a winning record at the university, going 47-75 overall and 21-51 in Big Ten play. In her resignation from her position, Moseley cited “personal reasons” as the reason she chose to resign rather than presumably waiting for the university to fire her.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Towers, a 6’5″ former center at Wisconsin who now plays for Ball State University, went public with her account in January, posting a video to TikTok in which she detailed various acts of mistreatment from Moseley.

https://twitter.com/EJayArrow/status/1956810821188956635?s=19

According to the lawsuit, Moseley singled out Towers, which disturbed other players on the team. “Tessa’s teammates found Moseley’s behavior towards their friend and teammate disturbing. Her teammates knew about Tessa’s ADHD and they watched their coach bully her because of it. Then, as they witnessed Tessa’s mental health problems escalating in multiple crises, they observed their coach’s behavior growing even worse. They could do nothing about it since Moseley threatened to reduce their playing time if they visited Tessa in the mental health facility or continued their friendships with her.”

The University of Wisconsin’s athletic brand communications department responded with a statement after Towers went public with her account.

“We are aware of comments shared online by former Badger student-athlete Tessa Towers and will be looking into this matter. We care deeply about the physical and mental well-being of all of the student-athletes on our teams, during and after their time on campus. While we would like to share additional context around Tessa’s comments, federal privacy laws prohibit us from publicly addressing the health-related claims made on Tessa’s social media account,” the university stated.

RELATED CONTENT: 4 Black Mead High School Student-Athletes & Their Parents Sue School For Failing To Protect Students From Racial Harassment

barbershop, mississippi, historic marker
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 18, 2025

Black-Owned Barber Shop And Beauty Salon In Mississippi Honored With Historic Marker

Tyrone's Barber & Beauty Salon initially opened to serve Black servicemen from the nearby Air Force base.

A Black-owned barbershop and beauty salon in Biloxi, Mississippi, has a new historic marker outside its doors.

Tyrone’s Barber & Beauty Salon has stood in the southern city since the early 1960s. It initially opened as a way to serve Black servicemen at the nearby Keesler Air Force Base. Now, residents and travelers to Biloxi will understand its significance on Main Street with the historic marker. The couple unveiled the marker on social media Aug. 16.

The shop’s owner, Tyrone Burton, began cutting hair as a teenager. He worked with scissors and clippers in hand to help Black men in the community stay groomed. The salon became a staple in East Biloxi’s historic Black business district. This new marker will now forever celebrate the shop’s history and legacy in the town.

“It’s a beauty to live to see it because so many times, so many things happened,” shared Burton to WLOX.

The barber shop remains open to this day, with long-time residents still coming in for a fresh haircut. Burton still cuts hair, with the community knowing him and his shop as a space for change and togetherness.

“I have lived carrying the torch and still carrying the torch, and I’ve enjoyed the walk with the people,” he added.

The barber shop has held many roles across its decades-long existence. During the Civil Rights Movement, it became a safe haven and a crucial meeting ground for community activists. The salon once helped Black people with voter registration and later navigated changes from desegregation to Hurricane Katrina.

“Black and white couldn’t leave the base in the same cab, and I was seeing those changes,” recalled Burton.

Amid the natural disaster, which severely damaged the city, Burton and his wife, Vera, opted to stay and rebuild, continuing to serve their community as a hair-cutting duo that catered to all people’s haircare needs.

“I’m very proud of him,” shared Vera. “So proud of him. He deserves every bit of it. His legacy will just continue on.”

The recognition of the barber shop’s place in Biloxi extended even further. In May, a part of Main Street outside the shop was renamed to “Tyrone Burton Way.” Tyrone’s importance to the people of Biloxi remains felt, with hair appointments feeling more like a family reunion.

“You can go into a business and just be a customer, but when you can go into it and feel fellowship as a family? That’s what you feel here when you come to Tyrone,” explained a patron and friend, Bob Gibson. It’s awesome that the city would take time and recognize the work and the impact that he’s had on his community.”

RELATED CONTENT: Montgomery Newspaper Launched During Civil Rights Movement Gets Historic Marker

Buffalo, supermarket
by Daniel Johnson

August 17, 2025

Buffalo Supermarket Shooter Who Targeted Black People Wants Federal Charges Dropped Because Jury Was Too White

Lawyers for Payton Gendron argued that the federal charges should be dropped because there were not enough Black people on the jury that convicted him.

On Aug. 14, lawyers for Payton Gendron, the white supremacist who killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket in May 2022, argued that the federal charges against their client should be dropped because there were not enough Black people or other minority groups on the jury that convicted him

Gendron’s constitutional rights were violated as a result, they say.

According to the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo noted that their objection to a lack of Black and other people of color seemed to him “a little incongruous” considering their client is accused in a hate crime case. Gendron’s federal charges are separate from the state charges which he was convicted of in 2022.

Gendron is currently serving eight life sentences and could face the death penalty if he is convicted on federal charges in the trial slated to begin next June.

“It is very ironic that attention to this problem is being brought out in this case, where Payton Gendron committed a racially motivated homicide,” attorney John Elmore, who represents some of the victims’ relatives in lawsuits, told reporters by phone after the hearing. “But this has been a persistent problem in our courts that needs to be addressed.”

According to Gendron’s lawyers, Black people, Latinx people, and men are “systemically and significantly underrepresented” in the lists created for jurors to be selected from.

“To illustrate this point, the grand jury that indicted Payton Gendron was drawn from a pool from which approximately one third of the Black persons expected and one third of the Hispanic/Latino persons expected,” they argued.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin Higgins, the issue is a “technical violation” and doesn’t rise to the evidence necessary to completely dismiss the indictment.

Notably, Gendron’s lawyers have previously challenged the demographic composition of his federal jury, in April, they filed a motion to move the trial to New York City so that it could be tried by a racially diverse, impartial jury.

Additionally, as a result of their concerns over the jury selection process, the lawyers requested that the death penalty be removed as a potential punishment. Villardo denied the latter request, but has not decided on whether to move the trial.

According to ABC News, the families of some of the victims, like Wayne Jones, the son of 65-year-old victim Celestine Chaney, are vehemently opposed to moving the trial.

“What could you really call a ‘fair trial’ and you’re on video doing it?” Jones said in reference to the livestream video of the mass shooting that Gendron recorded. “We all know you did it. You already pleaded guilty once.”

He continued, “The only way you could watch that video and not give him the death penalty is if you’re really against it. The only way you could watch that video and not give him the death penalty is if you’re really against it. I want him to stay here so I can see the trial. In New York City, we wouldn’t be able to go to the trial.”

RELATED CONTENT: Buffalo Supermarket Shooter Payton Gendron Indicted on Terrorism, Murder Charges

Drunk Passenger, Flight Attendant
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 17, 2025

Boy, You Better Sit Down: Drunk Passenger Hurls Slurs, Hits Flight Attendant Before ‘Linebacker In 17C’ Lifts And Drops Him Back In His Seat

The Breeze Airways flight was diverted after the man managed to break free from restraints twice, police said.

A Breeze Airways flight from Virginia to Los Angeles was diverted after a drunk passenger caused an offensive disruption, resulting in another passenger coming to the rescue.

The flight was scheduled to take off and arrive at LAX Aug. 13, but had to land in Colorado over the unruly passenger. According to People, the passenger appeared “intoxicated” as he hurled racial slurs and struck a flight attendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Denver Field Office later identified the man as David Leroy Carver Jr. of Los Angeles. Carver Jr. also allegedly waved around a skateboard, physically threatening those onboard.

Footage of the incident went viral on TikTok, with one video showing a passenger helping to restrain the man by lifting him up and placing him in his seat. Fellow passengers nicknamed him the “linebacker in 17C.”

@vadogwoodnews

A Breeze Airways flight from Virginia to Los Angeles made an emergency landing in Colorado after an intoxicated passenger, waving a skateboard and shouting racist slurs, broke free from restraints twice. The man was taken into police custody, and fellow passengers spent hours stranded before continuing on to their destination. Follow @vadogwoodnews for more.

♬ original sound – Dogwood

According to additional audio from pilots, the man used his belt to try harming other passengers, while a criminal complaint said the man made sexual comments and racial slurs directly at the Black flight attendant. He also allegedly spat chewing tobacco in another passenger’s face after they asked him to stop.

The Grand Junction Police Department wrote the ordeal on Facebook.

“Officers learned that an intoxicated male passenger became agitated, yelling racist slurs at airline staff while waving a skateboard,” police wrote. “Airline staff placed the man in restraints twice, but he was able to break free both times. At no time did the suspect physically assault anyone, and no injuries were reported.”

The police took Carver Jr. into custody at the direction of the FBI. He was detained at the Mesa County Detention Facility. A flight attendant and a passenger were evaluated for minor injuries, a Breeze Airways representative told NBC Los Angeles.

As for the “linebacker in 17C,” identified in outlets as Ray, he sprang into action when he heard that help was requested. “I saw black almost, and I just grabbed him and sat him down,” he told KABC.

@abcnews A passenger is in custody after a physical altercation with flight attendants and passengers onboard a Breeze Airways flight headed to Los Angeles, the airline said. He was restrained twice, but broke free both times, according to police. #news #airplane ♬ original sound – ABC News

Neither the airline nor police report disclosed what racial slurs Carver allegedly yelled on the aircraft. The incident is under investigation by the FBI, with charges expected soon.

RELATED CONTENT: Spirit Airlines’ Updated Dress Code Policy Landed One Woman Off The Plane, Sister Arrested At MIA

farmer, HBCU, scholarship
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 17, 2025

Kid Farmer In Georgia Receives Full-Ride Scholarship To Study Agriculture At HBCU

Kendall Rae Johnson may be the only 10-year-old in America with a college scholarship already in her hands.

Kendall Rae Johnson of Georgia may be the only 10-year-old in America with a college scholarship already in her hands.

Johnson already made history as the youngest certified farmer in the country, a feat she accomplished at the age of 6. Now, South Carolina State University, an HBCU, has issued the full-ride scholarship to the elementary schooler for her knack for farming.

“She just wanted to grow,” her mom, Ursula, said to 11Alive. “Once she found her love of growing, that blossomed into what you see today.”

The kid farmer runs her own backyard garden, which hosts everything, from a variety of vegetables while caring for farm animals themselves. Despite Johnson’s young age, she has become a seasoned farmer as she helps her family’s homestead.

Her green thumb appealed to leadership at South Carolina State, which granted the tween a full-ride scholarship usually reserved for athletes. The school’s president, Alexander Conyers, told Johnson’s mom that he felt inspired to give the scholarship to an “ag scholar,” as people like Johnson matter just as much as athletes. The news is especially relevant as new anti-DEI rule jeopardizes Black farmers future and present.

Johnson’s family remains supportive of her agricultural dreams. “It’s living with the ceiling open,” Ursula said. “We have no idea where we’re going, but we’re just following.”

The 10-year-old wants to expand her farm to 100 acres, with longhorn cattle, poultry, and more.

Alongside the exciting, and perhaps record-making news, Johnson continues to inspire other young growers to keep exploring all things agriculture. She also promotes youth farming scholarships as a USDA National Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador.

“I want to tell them to keep growing. Keep going. Keep being amazing. You do you!” Johnson said.

RELATED CONTENT: Dr. Ibram X. Kendi Celebrates HBCU Homecoming As Howard Tenure Begins, ‘Welcome Home’

Ghana, university of Memphis
by Daniel Johnson

August 17, 2025

Ghanaian Students At The University Of Memphis Can Stay—For Now

Nearly 200 Ghanaian students will be allowed to remain at the University of Memphis after their home country made a $1 million payment toward the debt it owes the school.

Nearly 200 Ghanaian students will be allowed to remain at the University of Memphis after their home country paid a $1 million toward the debt it owes the school.

According to Fox 13 Memphis, the payment does not cover the full balance, but will allow the 185 students living in on-campus residencies to stay.

“We remain hopeful that the Republic of Ghana will meet its debt obligations to ensure the students will be able to continue their education through the fall semester,” a spokesperson for the university told the outlet.

As Commercial Appeal reported in July, the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, which administers scholarships on behalf of the Republic of Ghana, had not made payment by the due date agreed to by the university and the Republic of Ghana, which put the students on scholarships through the program at risk of losing their places at the University of Memphis.

“The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat has failed to fully meet its financial obligations,” the university said in a statement on July 7. “As a result, these students face academic dismissal, visa complications, and loss of housing and support, through no fault of their own if GSS does not fully meet all financial obligations.”

The GSS owes $3.6 million to the university, and including a previous balance of $400,000, reported by Ghanian outlet Ghana Web, it has now paid down $1.4 million of the debt it owes to the University of Memphis.

The leader of the Ghanaian student cohort, Fredrick Badu-Asamoah, indicated at the time that the students had begun to exhaust their actions and were beginning to become frustrated with their situation.

“We’ve written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Embassy in Washington, the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, and efforts to reach the presidency proved futile, and we’ve received no decisive intervention,” Badu-Asamoah told the outlet.

Per Ghana Web, a similar predicament had befallen Ghanaian students who were studying abroad in the United Kingdom in May.

According to David Farman, the spokesperson for over 50 students in that country who also rely on the GSS to distribute funding for their education, the students were in limbo at that point, much like students at the University of Memphis were before the GSS made a payment.

“Since last year, October, we received emails from the university concerning the payment of fees. Unfortunately the issue has not been resolved to date,” Farman told Joy News.

He continued, noting that there is a marked discrepancy between what the GSS wants to pay and what the university in England he and others attend will accept.

RELATED CONTENT: Ghana Shuts Down Its D.C. Embassy Over Visa And Passport Scams

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