Doctoral Student, 83-Year-old Woman, Harvard

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 29, 2025

Harvard Folds, Renames Diversity Office Amid Pressure From Trump

The new office will focus on cross-cultural engagement programs, supporting first-generation and low-income students, and opening opportunities for dialogue.

After a public back-and-forth battle with President Donald Trump over anti-DEI pressure, Harvard University announced it will be renaming its Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to “Community and Campus Life,” the Harvard Crimson reported.

In an email from Harvard’s chief diversity officer, now Chief Community and Campus Life Officer, Sherri A. Charleston, the school outlined plans to make the changes concrete. “In the weeks and months ahead, we will take steps to make this change concrete and to work with all of Harvard’s schools and units to implement these vital objectives, including shared efforts to reexamine and reshape the missions and programs of offices across the university,” she wrote.

While the email failed to specify what the changes would entail, Charleston did express a shift, as evidenced by data from the 2024 campus-wide Pulse Survey. Students, faculty, and staff felt a strong sense of belonging; however, fewer felt comfortable expressing their viewpoints or connecting across different ideologies. The data led to the change, prompting an urgency to reimagining how Harvard fosters community, with a focus on supporting free expression.

The Ivy League institution was one of the very few universities without plans to bow down to Trump’s demands to eliminate DEI programs, ensure “viewpoint diversity” in its hiring process, and screen international students who are “supportive of terrorism or anti-Semitism.” In a letter to the Trump administration, President Alan Garber said, “No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.”

Even fans of Trump, such as media personality Candace Owens, were cheering Harvard on for its boldness, but the new Office of Community and Student Life will have new goals. The office will focus on expanding cross-cultural engagement programs, supporting first-generation and low-income students, and increasing opportunities for dialogue about differences.

The timing of the name change is questionable, as, according to The New York Times, the Trump administration accused the Harvard Law Review of racial discrimination in journal membership and article selection, during a conference that included Harvard lawyers and the White House administration.

The Department of Education’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, Craig Trainor, claimed the independent student-run journal “appears to pick winners and losers based on race, employing a spoils system in which the race of the legal scholar is as, if not more, important than the merit of the submission.”

Harvard Law Review received a similar accusation in 2019, which was later dismissed. The leading law school responded to the accusation, emphasizing its commitment to guaranteeing that its programs comply with the law, but highlighted the journal’s legal independence.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 29, 2025

How This HBCU Grad Is Pioneering Global Marketing And Media Campaigns For Billion-Dollar Body Care Brands

Eric Austin is leading the inclusive marketing and media approaches at Procter & Gamble.

Eric Austin, a proud alumnus of Tennessee State University, is a dynamic force behind the global marketing and media initiatives of some of the top body care brands.

For the past 25 years, he has been a pioneering voice for branding notable brands such as Pantene, Head & Shoulders, and Olay, among others. As vice president and marketing innovator at Procter & Gamble, Austin’s influence can be seen at all of these world-renowned companies within P&G’s portfolio.

However, his success was not built overnight. He looks to his HBCU alma mater for shaping his vision and sharpening the skills he needed for corporate leadership.

“It was a major turning point in my life,” he shared with Watch The Yard. “The yard felt sacred—I knew the school had a rich history, and I was proud to be a part of it.”

As a first-generation college student, Austin’s matriculation could have led to feelings of isolation and loneliness as he worked toward his future. Fortunately, that was not the case for him at TSU. While moving in, he and his family crossed paths with TSU’s Dean of Architectural Engineering, Dr. Walter Vincent.

Vincent spoke sincerely with the anxious parents and incoming freshman, promising to look after the young man. It became a symbol of hope and warmth found at many historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), providing a sense of relief for Austin as he began his academic journey.

He later thrived at the university, becoming a member of the Rho Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1992. Inspired by his brother, who was also a member, and Dr. Vincent, Austin gravitated to the fraternity’s values of brotherhood and friendship. His experience joining Omega Psi Phi helped him as he entered his professional career, shaping his leadership and determination to accomplish any goal.

Although initially starting in the IT department at P&G, Austin transitioned into brand management, where his passions better aligned. Now, he has led the shift to more inclusive storytelling in their marketing approach.

While a trailblazer in advertising, Austin still looks back at his HBCU for instilling a standard of success. He has leveraged this experience to help establish diverse media campaigns and Widen The Screen, a platform designed to combat stereotypical representations of Black people in visual content. However, he also understands that HBCUs are essential to creating a pipeline of creative game-changers in media.

“HBCU culture is essential to the success of American culture,” he said. “These schools need to center that strength in how they market themselves to attract students, funding, and sponsorships.”

Understanding the influence of HBCU students, Austin also led P&G’s “This Is How We HBCYOU” campaign to further this relationship with the brand and this sector of young adults. Not only is P&G’s campaign with HBCUs promoting Black excellence on a global scale, but it also highlights greater opportunities for future leaders to emerge from these institutions.

@proctergamble That HBCYOU energy was unmatched last year, and we're ready to do it again! 📚🎉 Fresh starts, fresh feels and fresh laundry — we're here to help you grow up and show up this semester! ✨ This is #HowWeHBCYOU ♬ original sound – Procter & Gamble

Austin encourages other companies to follow suit in their multicultural marketing. In his opinion, the first step is to take an authentic interest and investment in these communities to connect with their unique stories.

“I want to leave a legacy of inclusive marketing,” he said. “To inspire others to break barriers and see themselves in the work we create.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 29, 2025

Karoline Leavitt Suggests Trump Deserves The Credit For Shedeur Sanders Getting Drafted By The NFL

After Sanders wasn't selected in the first round, Trump spoke out suggesting the league was “stupid” for passing over him.

After three days of waiting, 2025 NFL Draft pick Shedeur Sanders was selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns following President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Politico reports.

During a briefing following the highly anticipated draft in late April, Leavitt suggested Trump deserves credit for the former University of Colorado Boulder quarterback securing a spot on the team. Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked her if the president felt responsible for Sanders, son of NFL legend and coach Deion Sanders, getting a shot. With some laughs, Leavitt responded, saying, “All I will say is the president put out a statement, and a few rounds later, he was drafted. So, I think the facts speak for themselves now, Peter.”

Karoline Leavitt: "All I will say is the president put out a statement, and a few rounds later Shedeur Sanders was drafted, so I think the facts speak for themselves." pic.twitter.com/wxNrwmUXmB
— Lebang Moloi (@lebang_moloi) April 28, 2025

After Sanders wasn’t selected in the first round, Trump spoke out, suggesting the league was “stupid” for passing over him and calling Deion, also known as Prime Time, a “very good coach, streetwise and smart. “Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness,” Trump said.

“He should be ‘picked’ IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck, Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father,” he continued.

President Donald Trump on NFL teams passing on Shedeur Sanders in Round 1: pic.twitter.com/kFogXmsRoG
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 25, 2025

Despite what Trump and his White House administration feel, social media users called a “cap” on the need for credit. According to Newsweek, Trump’s post went live shortly before 5 p.m. ET on April 25, more than two hours before the second round kicked off. Sanders wasn’t drafted until late April 26.

While social media and sports analysts were disappointed in Sanders’ draft placement, the new NFL quarterback prospect was all smiles as he celebrated his journey surrounded by friends and family.

“Thank you, everybody, who came to support. I thank everybody out there, all the fans,” he said during a Twitch livestream.

“Thank you, Browns organization, for giving me a chance. We know these decisions, things happen. We can’t control the uncontrollable. I knew the whole time God had me, so I wasn’t really panicking because I understood it’s about perfect timing.”

No. 2 draft pick and Sander’s former Colorado teammate, Travis Hunter, celebrated his friend’s placement. “Yes, sir! My boy to the Browns, man. Let’s go,” he said.

by Roz A. Gee

April 29, 2025

Dr. Lorie A. L. Nicholas Speaks On Financial Recovery And Literacy

The Financial Recovery Doctor helps people who may be embarrassed by their hidden debt and are tired of living paycheck to paycheck,

Dr. Lorie A. L. Nicholas found herself stuck in a rut after purchasing her first condo. The mortgage doubled on her, and her credit card interest rates spiraled out of control. The way that she got herself in was the same way that she was going to get out. So, she began researching and attending workshops and programs on how to get out of debt.

As she implemented what she had learned, she was able to reduce her credit card interest rates, which had been as high as 38%, to 5%, and ultimately save her home. Today, as the Financial Recovery Doctor, she helps people who may be embarrassed by their hidden debt and are tired of living paycheck to paycheck, and teaches them how to kick debt to the curb, learn how to live financially stress-free, build wealth, and create the freedom to chase their wildest dreams.

BLACK ENTERPRISE: Why do you think that financial education is so critical today?

Dr. Nicholas: Each year, the American Psychological Association surveys “Stress In America.” Every year, concerns related to financial stress have continued to rank high. Additionally, when looking at New Year’s Resolutions, one of the top ten goals people set is to manage their finances.

Financial education is one of those life skills that will continue to be ranked among the most critical knowledge. Money is an exchange that impacts every aspect of our life and determines the type of service you get.

–Try going to a doctor, before you can even see a doctor, you are asked whether you have insurance.

–When you go into the grocery store, what you buy will be based on how much money you have.

–If your car breaks down, depending on the cost, this will determine whether you can get your car fixed today or six months from now.

–The amount of interest you pay on a loan will be determined by your credit score (partially, how you pay your bills).

In general, life does not have to be doom and gloom. However, it does require preparation, and this preparation should not start while you are in the midst of a crisis, but instead well before the crisis ever occurs. This is why financial education is so critical.

BLACK ENTERPRISE: Why do you think that financial literacy is still lacking in the African American community?

Dr. Nicholas: Several research reports highlight the disparities that exist for the African American population. We can look at the level of pay. Over the years, studies have indicated that African Americans receive the lowest incomes. They also receive the highest interest rates due to how credit card usage is handled. There is also a significant gap in financial knowledge and implementation. For example, when investing, you must be able to trust the person handling your money. There are many myths, misperceptions, and miscommunications surrounding money. In addition to this, African Americans tend to have less money saved up for emergencies.

As a result of these disparities, there are groups and organizations dedicated to addressing these issues. For instance, take BLACK ENTERPRISE. Their magazine is always filled with articles related to financial empowerment. The information spans a range of topics, from personal finance to entrepreneurship. In every issue, they provide life scenarios in conjunction with the Declaration of Financial Empowerment. Each month, they address a life scenario related to one of the 10 Declarations. As a result of these declarations. I, in turn, also created a pledge, not to be used separately from the declarations outlined in BLACK ENTERPRISE, but to be used in conjunction with them. My mission is to create a movement of 10 Million Strong, a financial pledge to overcome economic hardship and eliminate debt.

In terms of the focus of my business, it is directed at people who are struggling financially, which unfortunately is a common experience for many Black and Brown families. Due to the significant level of disparities across various areas of healthcare, education, and employment, these sectors are further impacted by economic, social, political, and environmental factors.

BLACK ENTERPRISE: Can you share some tips on how to get your finances in order?

Dr. Nicholas: B.A.C.K. T.O. B.A.S.I.C.S.

B – Budget Regularly: Create a detailed budget and review it frequently to stay in control of your spending.
A – Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to savings and investment accounts to make saving effortless.
C – Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Identify and reduce non-essential spending, such as unused subscriptions or luxury items.
K – Keep Track of Debt: Monitor and prioritize paying off high-interest debts to improve your financial health.
T – Track Your Progress: Review your financial goals and regularly check how close you are to achieving them.
O – Organize Finances: Simplify your accounts, automate bill payments, and streamline your financial management.
B – Build an Emergency Fund: Save 3-6 months of living expenses to safeguard against unexpected financial challenges.
A – Assess Your Credit: Monitor your credit score closely and strive to improve it by paying bills on time and reducing your credit card balances.
S – Save for Big Purchases: Plan ahead for major expenses, such as vacations, home improvements, or a new car, by gradually setting aside money.
I – Invest for the Future: Contribute to retirement accounts and consider long-term investments that align with your financial goals.
C – Control Impulse Spending: Avoid making spontaneous purchases that can disrupt your budget and savings plan.
S – Stay Financially Educated: Continuously learn about personal finance, investments, and new financial tools to make informed decisions.

By following these principles, you can get “Back to Basics” with your finances and build a solid foundation for your financial future.

Website: www.TheFinancialRecoveryDoctor.com

State courts to consider blocking Trump from 2024 ballot under the ‘insurrection’ clause

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 29, 2025

Trump Enters First 100 Days In Office By Lining White House Lawn With Mugshots Of Alleged Arrested Immigrants

A video of the mugshots was posted on X using the White House’s official account claiming “it’s a new dawn, a new day, a new life for America.”

Just ahead of his 100th day in office on April 29, President Donald Trump celebrated his “accomplishments” by donning the White House lawn with mugshot posters of immigrants who allegedly were arrested for violent crimes, CBS News reported.

A video of the mugshots was posted on X using the White House’s official account, claiming “it’s a new dawn, a new day, a new life for America” along with jazz singer Michael Bublé’s “Feeling Good.” With names included with the pictures, each poster lists the alleged crimes of each immigrant including convictions or charges of murder, kidnapping, sexual assault of a child, and rape.

https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1916870056413192618

As the Trump administration has been aggressively pushing immigration enforcement measures under the leadership of White House border czar Tom Homan, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced plans for the president to sign two executive orders empowering law enforcement to pursue criminals and publish a list of U.S. jurisdictions “that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws.”

“We will hunt you down. You will face justice,” another X post read.

“You will be deported — and you will never set foot on American soil again.”

We will hunt you down. You will face justice. You will be deported — and you will never set foot on American soil again.

Oh, and your mugshot may just end up on a yard sign at the White House. pic.twitter.com/hWhcxkCWHq
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 28, 2025

During an interview on CBS’ Face the Nation, Homan boasted about how the Trump team “secured the most secure border in the history of this nation, and President Trump was able to accomplish that in seven weeks.”

According to USA Today, arrests of immigrants with criminal records have escalated, with more than half of approximately 48,000 ICE detainees having a criminal record or facing criminal charges. However, the numbers differ for those with non-criminal activity.

Forty-six percent of ICE detainees detained in mid-April were without a criminal record.

Social media users jumped at the opportunity to drag Trump — and his social media manager — for the North Lawn display. Journalist David Leavitt noted that one specific criminal mugshot of the president himself was missing. “Why isn’t his mugshot on the lawn?” he questioned.

https://twitter.com/David_Leavitt/status/1916927913787625587

One user called the stunt propaganda, while another questioned what is next for the White House. “I guess it’s a matter of time before there is a public lynching and electrical chair electrocution on the White House lawn,” @uniathiAfrika said.

by Mitti Hicks

April 29, 2025

‘Mass DOJ Exodus’: More Than 70% Attorneys Take Trump’s Resignation Offer

Staff with the Department of Justice (DOJ) had until Monday to accept a second offer to federal workers that allows them to resign from their roles and be paid through September. There were roughly 340 employees as of Monday, but Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon told CNN more than 100 DOJ attorneys accepted the offer to resign. Dhillon, who oversees the Civil Rights Division at the DOJ, said he expects the final number of resignations to surpass 200 attorneys, which could be well over 70% of its workforce.

“What we have made very clear last week in memos to each of the 11 sections in the Civil Rights Division is that our priorities under President Trump are going to be somewhat different than they were under President Biden,” Dhillon said in an interview with conservative host Glenn Beck. “And then we tell them, these are the President’s priorities, this is what we will be focusing on — you know, govern yourself accordingly. And en masse, dozens and now over 100 attorneys decided that they’d rather not do what their job requires them to do.”

DOJ Attorneys Resign Amid Shifting From Protecting Voting Rights Laws To ‘New Priorities’

The DOJ was established in the 1950s in the wake of the Civil Rights movement. Its priorities since the 50s have been upholding the rule of law and protecting civil rights. Dhillon and Attorney General Pam Bondi have made it clear that the new priorities would shift away from enforcing voting rights laws and fighting discrimination against minority groups to cracking down on antisemitism, rooting out anti-Christian bias and “woke ideology.”

“I think that’s fine, because we don’t want people in the federal government who feel like it’s their pet project to go persecute, you know, police departments based on statistical evidence or persecute people praying outside abortion facilities instead of doing violence,” Dhillion continued on Beck’s show about the resignations. That’s not the job here. The job here is to enforce the federal civil rights laws, not woke ideology.”

However, Democrats are sounding the alarm on these resignations. Several top Democrats sent a letter to Bondi, Dhillon, and DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz Monday raising concerns over what they described as the “politicization” of the DOJ’s civil rights division, ABC News reported.

Still, Dhillion says the DOJ is looking for more lawyers and investigations to “do the work” alongside people in the United States to help identify these issues for the DOJ.

Howard University, 14th Amendment Center For Law And Democracy

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 29, 2025

Howard University Professor Launches GoFundMe To Help HBCU Journalism Students Graduate

Patton emphasized how common this issue is for many HBCU students.

A Howard University Professor has reached out to the HBCU community to help the school’s journalism students graduate.

Dr. Stacey Patton launched a GoFundMe to help some of her students relieve their outstanding tuition payments. With a goal of $20K, donors can help these HBCU students achieve a milestone that they worked years for.

“These student journalists have spent the past four years pouring their energy, brilliance, and resilience into their education,” wrote the Howard professor in the GoFundMe page description. “They’ve weathered personal hardships, financial strain, a pandemic, and a society that constantly underestimates them — and still, they rose. They completed every course, passed every exam, met every requirement to earn their degrees.”

She continued, “But now, a cruel technicality threatens to keep them from the moment they’ve dreamed of: walking across the stage in cap and gown, hearing their name called, and seeing the pride shine on their families’ faces… Outstanding tuition and fees — just a few hundred or a few thousand dollars — stand in the way. “

Patton emphasized the students’ academic achievements despite the financial struggles. She wrote to impassioned donors that their graduation depends on the support of their overarching community due to systemic obstacles they cannot overcome alone.

“After everything they’ve sacrificed, everything they’ve achieved, they may be blocked from graduating simply because of financial hardship.”

She noted how this experience is not uncommon for many HBCU students at Howard and elsewhere. With limited opportunities and funding available, many are left with no other options to complete their education. Most have already used a combination of work study, extra jobs, loans, and scholarships to pay these debts. However, it does not always resolve this ongoing issues.

Threats to HBCU funding proposed by the Trump Administration may harshen this reality for matriculating students. With anti-DEI legislation looming, HBCU students must rely on themselves and Black scholarship supporters to get across the finish line.

“Your donation — no matter the amount — can bridge the final gap,” continued Patton. “It can put college degrees into hands that have already earned them. It can open the doors of newsrooms, production studios, and communication fields to Black storytellers whose voices the world desperately needs.”

Thankfully, Patton has already surpassed her $20k goal in the GoFundMe. Now, this current class of dedicated journalism majors can graduate and make their mark on the world.

However, the work to ensure future classes can focus on their studies and not financial strain continues. Stifled by Trump’s rescinding of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the progress of these storied institutions lies in the hands of those who understand and promote the importance of an HBCU education.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 29, 2025

As Beyoncé Kicks Off Cowboy Carter US Tour, SirDavis Whisky Expands Globally

The American whisky brand hopes to find its audience in Asia with an introduction in a Singapore airport.

While Beyoncé struts new stages to kick off her Cowboy Carter Tour, the singer’s SirDavis ‘whisky’ brand is having its own global debut.

The brand, co-launched by Moët Hennessy and Knowles-Carter, will begin sales in Asia, starting at Singapore’s airport. According to Drinks Intel, SirDavis will be sold as an exclusive through the Changi Airport’s global travel retail channel.

The activation will include a “tasting cart” for visitors to witness the full experience of SirDavis while on their travels. It will be accompanied by a digital campaign throughout the region for potential buyers to learn of its local availability.

An executive at Moët Hennessy, Leonardo Ferracina, shared more about SirDavis’ inaugural rollout in Asia. Ferracina called its placement at Changi a “key milestone” in introducing the liquor to this market.

“The debut of SirDavis at Singapore’s Changi Airport marks a key milestone in our strategy to bring exclusive whisky experiences to Travel Retail Asia Pacific,” said Ferracina, the GTR managing director for the spirit and wines division at LVMH. “This launch underscores our commitment to delivering a unique luxury experience – one that redefines the whisky landscape in Asia for a new generation of enthusiasts and travellers.”

The brand took off last September following a rollout of Beyoncé’s other business ventures. Amid the likes of her haircare company, Cécred, and newest addition to her Parfums line, Cé Lumière, SirDavis pays tribute to another part of the singer’s legacy.

Named in honor of her great-grandfather, the spirit’s history in American culture aligns with the Beyoncé’s dive into country-inspired music through her latest project, Cowboy Carter. The singer just started a tour, deemed the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit in further homage to Black Americana, on April 28 for a five-night stint in Inglewood, California’s SoFi Stadium.

While performing is the business mogul’s main gig, her very lucrative side hustles are getting their own spotlight as well. The SirDavis’ team also announced that the drink will rightfully join the Cowboy Carter tour as the official spirit for the string of concerts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SirDavis (@sirdavis)

Fans of the singer’s music and business ventures can now sip on SirDavis as they experience the next era of her artistry.

Irfaan Ali,Guyana, 11-year-girll, Double Day. Resort

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 29, 2025

Guyana’s President Demands Answers After 11-Year-Old Girl Found Dead In Hotel Pool

Guyana’s President has pledged his support for the investigation into the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

The President of Guyana is offering his full support to a family mourning an 11-year-old girl who was found dead inside a hotel pool in Tuschen.

Adrianna Younge’s body was discovered on the morning of April 24, lying in the pool of the Double Day Hotel after she was reported missing the day before, News Source GY reports. Many have expressed outrage, demanding answers as to what led to Younge’s death. Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has agreed to the family’s request for an independent autopsy to find answers.

“We want full transparency,” Ali told Younge’s family. “As much witnesses the family want there (autopsy process) and is medically permissible, all of that and [their] requests will be honored.”

There has been outrage over the police’s handling of the case, with officers initially saying that Younge was last seen entering a car identified by color and license plate number. Assistant Commissioner of Police Khalid Mandall was removed from his post as Commander of Regional Police Division Three and replaced by Assistant Commissioner of Police Mahendra Siwnarine following the death of Younge.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been directed to videotape every step of the process, including the autopsy, to eliminate any doubts or potential missteps.

“It is significant to note that the Guyana Police Force is also awaiting the arrival of another independent pathologist who was identified by family members of the deceased to perform the post-mortem examination,” the GPF said.

“The post-mortem examination is an important aspect of the investigation to confirm the cause of death of Adrianna Younge.”

On April 28, the Rights of the Child Commission called for immediate action from law enforcement, judicial authorities, and social services to ensure the quick pursuit of truth and justice in Younge’s case.

“Justice for Adrianna is not negotiable—it is a moral imperative”, the Commission said. “Report negligence, demand accountability, and prioritize child protection at all levels.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 29, 2025

Community ‘Devastated’ After Blaze Leaves Lasting Damages To Memphis’ Clayborn Temple

During a press conference, officials said the church suffered significant damage, mostly to the inside of the building.

Community and local leaders are speaking out after a massive fire left lasting damage to the Clayborn Temple, a Memphis-based church described as a safe space during the Civil Rights Movement, according to Action News 5.

The fire broke out during the early morning hours of April 28, with fire personnel from the Memphis Fire Department racing to the scene to tame the blaze. During a press conference, officials stated that the church, which had hosted civil rights leaders such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., suffered significant damage, primarily to the interior of the building.

A neighboring staple to the Memphis community, the National Civil Rights Museum, released a statement, calling the fire a devastating blow, not only to Memphis but to the nation.

“Clayborn Temple stood as a symbol of organized resistance and hope during the 1968 Sanitation Workers’ Strike. When marchers filled its sanctuary, it wasn’t just about better wages; it was about dignity, about declaring that Black lives and labor mattered in a city that often acted indifferent,” the statement read.

“In the years since, despite cycles of neglect and efforts at preservation, Clayborn Temple remained a powerful reminder that in the face of obstacles, violence, and hatred, collective action and faith can build something stronger.”

https://twitter.com/mffa1784/status/1916784458960716017

Clayborn Temple is known as the starting point for a march for sanitation workers’ rights with Dr. King scheduled to take place on April 8, 1968 — four days after King was assassinated on April 4 on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, according to WREG. While mourning her husband, King’s wife, Coretta Scott King, persevered and led strikers and thousands of supporters in his place, showcasing the iconic “I Am A Man” signs painted at Clayborn. Fire Chief Gina Sweat said there is more to the church than just being a building. “It’s not just a structure. It’s sacred and significant to our entire community,” Sweat said.

City leaders, including Mayor Paul Young, shared their devastation over the fire in a statement posted to X, calling the church “sacred ground” and “the beating heart of the civil rights movement.” Young showcased how Clayborn has overcome many obstacles and will continue to fight. “Clayborn Temple has seen struggle before, and it has always overcome. So will we,” the mayor wrote.

Media Statement:
Mayor Paul Young
Monday April 28, 2025 pic.twitter.com/Rk4vctymps
— CityofMem_Media (@CityofMem_Media) April 28, 2025

The building was established in 1892, originally serving as the Second Presbyterian Church. Since then, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named the church an official national treasure and has been working on a multimillion-dollar restoration effort.