• Education

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 29, 2025

University Of Alabama Gets Civil Complaint After Scholarship For Black Students Deemed Discriminatory

The school has reportedly taken down the racial requirement for the scholarship.

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A conservative national organization has filed a civil rights complaint against the University of Alabama, claiming that a scholarship for Black students is discriminatory.

The Equal Protection Project argued that the school should not promote an English scholarship designated only for applicants of a certain race or ethnicity. According to AL.com, the organization has become known for challenging race-based affirmative action.

In the complaint filed on April 25, the organization stated that UA violated Title VI regulations by retaining the award. Part of the Civil Rights Act, Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and/or national origin. The grant is named the Norton-Textra Endowed Scholarship for Minority Students in the English Department.

“Regardless of UA’s reasons for offering, promoting, and administering such a discriminatory scholarship, UA is violating Title VI by doing so,” wrote the organization. “It does not matter if the recipient of federal funding discriminates in order to advance a benign ‘intention’ or ‘motivation.’”

The complaint stated that the scholarship would only review applicants who identify as full-time African American students pursuing a degree in English. However, UA’s website currently lists the scholarship as for students “Interested in Minority Writing.”

Moreover, the eligibility requirements no longer specify any racial criteria; instead, they focus on GPA and grade classification.

A 2023 Supreme Court decision prohibited U.S. colleges and universities from considering race in their admissions processes. However, some schools have also gone beyond the initial ruling by removing scholarships and programming related to race.

Furthermore, the Trump administration has cracked down on DEI initiatives across federally funded schools. Higher-education institutions across Alabama have already shut down their DEI offices amid national and statewide legislative pressure.

However, this crackdown on diversity awareness and upliftment has led to pushback from other institutions, such as Harvard University. The school has refused to comply with these new Trump-ordered guidelines. The President retaliated by pausing federal contracts and grants worth billions for the school.

The University of Alabama (UA) has not responded publicly regarding the complaint. However, the alleged removal of the race stipulation in its scholarship signifies their compliance with the new anti-DEI policies.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Rescinds HBCU Support: A Dismantling Of Opportunity For Our Youth

• Entertainment

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 28, 2025

Outkast Among 2025 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees

Outkast is among the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

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Outkast’s legacy as hip-hop icons is being cemented with their induction into the coveted Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The Atlanta rap duo, consisting of André 3000 and Big Boi, is among the 2025 inductees selected to be added to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this fall, Variety reports. Voters selected seven inductees, while the Hall selected the remaining six.

Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, the White Stripes, Chubby Checker, Bad Company, Soundgarden, and Joe Cocker are the seven artists voters chose for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. Meanwhile, Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon earned their spots through a special board decision in the Musical Influence category, despite not appearing on this year’s ballot.

The Grammy Award-winning rap group made their musical debut in 1994 with their album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Through the release of six studio albums, one compilation album, one soundtrack album, and one video album, Outkast helped to reshape hip-hop culture from the inside out.

Their influence extended beyond hip-hop with pop hits like “Hey Ya!” and culture-shifting projects, such as the 2006 film Idlewild. Throughout it all, Outkast’s creativity and impact remained unmatched.

Their eccentric way of blending Southern rap with funk, soul, and eclectic sounds helped them break barriers with albums like ATLiens, Aquemini, and the Grammy-winning Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. Innovative fashion, lyrical creativity, and a desire to push musical boundaries allowed Outkast to redefine what hip-hop could be, opening doors for Southern artists and expanding the genre’s global reach.

When André 3000 said “The South got something to say,” he meant it! Now, 30 years after the debut album, Outkast will receive one of music’s highest honors with a placement into the esteemed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

See the complete list of 2025 inductees below.

The complete list of 2025 inductees:

Performer Category:

• Bad Company
• Chubby Checker
• Joe Cocker
• Cyndi Lauper
• Outkast
• Soundgarden
• The White Stripes

Musical Influence Award:

• Salt-N-Pepa
• Warren Zevon

Musical Excellence Award:

• Thom Bell
• Nicky Hopkins
• Carol Kaye

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

• Lenny Waronker

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Cherry-Picked’ Performance: Usher Alters Show In Abu Dhabi. Y’all Know Why!

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 28, 2025

Shooting Leaves 1 Dead, 6 Injured During Elizabeth City State University’s Viking Fest Celebration

Thoughts of support poured in on social media highlighting that tragedy correlating to gun violence continues to overshadow the issue of gun control in America.

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A celebration at HBCU Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) ended in tragedy after a shooting left one dead and six injured, NBC News reports. 

The shooting took place during early hours on April 27, following Yard Fest, the last event of the North Carolina-based HBCUs’ weeklong Viking Fest celebration. The campus was locked down as four people sustained gunshot wounds, including three students, and two other students were injured as a result of the commotion. An unidentified 24-year-old man, who was not a student, was pronounced dead shortly after. 

In a statement, ECSU officials called the act of violence “senseless” and offered thoughts and prayers. “The university is deeply saddened by this senseless act,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all members of the Viking community affected by this tragedy.”

The lockdown was lifted later on the same day, as a spokesman for Sentara Health reported that four people had been treated at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, with three already discharged, according to WWLTV. 

The tragic event is an addition to several acts of violence that have taken place on school grounds. In mid-April, Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee suffered a similar loss after a student and son of a local sheriff’s deputy allegedly opened fire on campus, leaving two dead and six others injured. 

Thoughts of support poured in on social media, highlighting that tragedy correlating to gun violence continues to overshadow the issue of gun control in America. “ANOTHER SCHOOL SHOOTING! This is not an ECSU, Elizabeth City State University, problem. It’s a gun problem in this country. FSU just had the same issue with innocent people dying,” @road_trippin wrote on X. 

“They are putting restrictions on everything BUT GUNS!! Make it make sense.”

While President Donald Trump hasn’t issued statements on the ECSU shooting, he did speak out about the violence at FSU, calling it “terrible” but defending the 2nd Amendment right. “These things are terrible. But the gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” the indicted President said. 

To comply with some of his executive orders, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) removed a former surgeon general’s warning declaring gun violence a public health crisis. 

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Rescinds HBCU Support: A Dismantling Of Opportunity For Our Youth

• Business

by Ahsan Washington

April 28, 2025

We’re Definitely Digging These 9 Black-Owned Brands That Sell Products Direct-To-Consumer

BE's first-round draft of our favorite direct to customer products.

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The current consumer boycott of major retailers like Target and Walmart has led many African Americans to seek new methods for backing Black-owned businesses. BLACK ENTERPRISE stands with the African American community in the initiative to reclaim our time and our dime. Here is BE‘s first-round draft of our favorite direct-to-consumer products produced by Black-owned brands that sell directly to consumers.

Partake Foods

Partake Foods is a Black-owned snack brand founded by Denise Woodard in 2016. Her daughter’s experience with food allergies led her to develop snacks that range from cookies and baking mixes that are vegan, gluten-free, and void of the top nine allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, and dairy. Buyers can purchase through the brand’s official website.

 

 

 

 

 

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BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold is a Black-owned coffee and tea brand started by Rod Johnson and Pernell Cezar in 2018. The company is famous for its premium, fair trade coffee beans and specialty teas, to give back—5% of profits go to at-risk youth programs. Coffee and tea lovers can purchase BLK & Bold products on the brand’s official website.

 

 

 

 

 

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McBride Sisters Wine

Robin McBride and Andréa McBride established McBride Sisters Wine Company as a Black-owned wine brand in 2005. The sisters discovered their mutual love for wine, which led them to start their business to increase diversity within the wine sector. The company produces SHE CAN, Black Girl Magic, and McBride Sisters Collection wines that promote inclusivity and premium quality. The company website is where each McBride Sisters wine is highlighted and sold.

 

 

 

 

 

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Juvia Place

Juvia’s Place is a Black-owned beauty brand founded by Chichi Eburu in 2016. The brand creates highly pigmented eyeshadow palettes, along with bold lip products and foundations that work well with all skin tones, especially those with deeper skin tones. Juvia’s Place has built a devoted customer base because its products combine African cultural inspiration with artistic flair and affordable prices. You can purchase Juvia’s Place products at the authorized brand website.

 

 

 

 

 

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Beneath Your Mask

Beneath Your Mask represents a luxury, non-toxic skincare brand founded by Dana Jackson in 2012. The brand emerged as a result of Jackson’s lupus diagnosis. The creator developed clean healing beauty products using high-quality, plant-based ingredients. The brand offers two main products: Heal Whipped Skin Soufflé and Nourish Skin & Hair Serum to heal and protect sensitive, damaged skin. You can purchase Beneath Your Mask products at the brand’s dedicated website.

 

 

 

 

 

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Luv Scrub

Caribbean entrepreneur Caroline Owusu-Ansah established Luv Scrub as a skincare brand in 2017. The company’s main product is a mesh exfoliating cloth, inspired by a traditional West African bathing tool that has been used for generations. The Luv Scrub Mesh Body Exfoliator provides body exfoliation that yields smooth and radiant skin. You can purchase Luv Scrub products exclusively on the brand’s official website.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Sable Collective

The Sable Collective is a boutique founded by Shanée Nicole, featuring products created by and for women of color. The brand includes beauty, wellness, fashion, home decor, and lifestyle products, celebrating Black and brown culture and identity. The shop is a retail space and a community hub that aims to uplift and empower its customers. You can shop The Sable Collective online at thesablecollective.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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Bevel

Bevel is a Black-owned grooming brand founded by Tristan Walker through Walker & Company Brands in 2013. The company emerged to fulfill the unique hair care requirements of Black men with thick and textured hair types. The Bevel product line includes the Bevel Trimmer and Bevel Shave System, which serve as the brand’s main offerings to help Black men avoid razor bumps and skin irritation. You can purchase Bevel products through the brand’s official website.

 

 

 

 

 

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RELATED CONTENT: It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere, Turn-Up For National Tequila Day With These Black-Owned Brands

• Sports

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 28, 2025

Bethune-Cookman University Named Recipient Of NBA Foundation’s 14th Grant Round

The multi-million dollar grant is a part of a broader initiative from the NBA Foundation, which set aside money for numerous nonprofit organizations in league markets.

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Bethune-Cookman University’s (B-CU) Black Male College Explorers Program was named as a recipient of the NBA Foundation’s 14th grant round to help prepare young Black men for college and the world beyond, BLACK ENTERPRISE has learned.

The program is one of several to receive part of the $16.3 million fund that goes to dozens of nonprofit organizations across the country. Participants in the 30-plus-year program are provided with services and resources, including individualized tutoring plans, one-on-one mentoring, and extensive opportunities for college and career exploration. 

B-CU’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Sherry Paramore said the funding is vastly important.

“This generous investment of $300,000 from the NBA Foundation enables us to expand our influence and support young Black men as they begin to carve out their futures,” Paramore said. “Together, we are not merely altering individual life trajectories but also fostering the development of stronger, more resilient communities through education, empowerment, and access to meaningful opportunities.”

Started in 1993, the Black Male College Explorers Program was established to give mentorship and guidance to local youths in grades 6 through 12. With a focus on empowering minority male youth throughout the Sunshine State, the program cultivates academic excellence, ensures high school graduation, facilitates access to post-secondary education, and promotes long-term success, both personally and professionally. 

The program’s mission aligns with the NBA Foundation. In 2020, the league’s Board of Governors pledged $300 million over 10 years to support Black communities, according to Lauren Sills, the foundation’s head of operations.

Sills, who has worked on other HBCU-focused initiatives, including the NBA HBCU Fellowship, told Ebony that the work being done comes “at a time when resources are becoming more scarce, especially for those who need it most,” the Spelman College alumna said. 

“Our organization is living up to the commitment, and we’re going forward in this direction.”

Working with Bethune-Cookman highlights the group’s commitment to social responsibility and its vision to create impactful change in underserved communities.

RELATED CONTENT: Rest In Power: Alexis Herman, First Black Labor Secretary, Dies At 76

Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer are taking their “Kings of BBQ” brand to Arby’s with the launch of two new barbecue sandwiches for premium meat lovers.

On April 24, the fast food giant announced its collaboration with Anderson and Cedric’s food-focused lifestyle brand AC Barbeque, QSR Magazine reports. As part of the partnership, Arby’s will introduce two new sandwiches, the Quarter Pound Pulled Pork and Brisket BBQ Sandwiches, featuring Cedric’s Sweet Bussin’ Brown Sugar Sauce and Anthony’s Spicy Chipotle Smoke Sauce.

The sandwiches give Anderson and Cedric a chance to introduce consumers to the bold flavors behind their growing AC Barbeque brand, which prides itself on elevating any grilling experience. As part of the Arby’s partnership, AC Barbeque’s signature sauces will the top meats, including a 13-hour hickory-smoked brisket and a 6-hour hickory-smoked pulled pork.

“AC BBQ is a labor of love,” Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer said in a statement. “We put so much time and energy into this product; we wanted to partner with Arby’s so that people across the country could feel like they are meeting us as they take a bite of their sandwich. We want these sandwiches to convey the joy, fun, and feel-good experience that barbeque brings, all while enjoying a great-tasting, quality sandwich.”

The partnership is the latest of Anderson and Cedric’s barbecue ventures after the two famed comedians teamed up for the hit food and travel series Kings of BBQ. Cedric’s Sweet Bussin’ Brown Sugar Sauce boasts a rich, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce flavor. The Original Kings of Comedy star crafted the sauce with slow-cooked brown sugar to deliver a deep malt and caramel flavor to pair with Arby’s new sandwiches.

Anderson’s Spicy Chipotle Smoke Sauce features chipotle peppers to deliver a smoky, spicy kick that perfectly complements Arby’s slow-smoked meats.

“At Arby’s, we’re always looking to elevate our guests’ experience with quality ingredients,” said Jeff Baker, chief marketing officer at Arby’s. “We combined our mastery in meats with Anthony and Cedric’s expertise in sauce to create barbecue sandwiches that are dripping with the kind of quality you’d expect from a BBQ pitmaster. These are the real deal – no shortcuts, just pure, smoked meat perfection.”

Arby’s new Quarter Pound Pulled Pork and Brisket BBQ Sandwiches, featuring Cedric’s Sweet Bussin’ Brown Sugar Sauce and Anthony’s Spicy Chipotle Smoke Sauce, will be available at participating locations nationwide starting April 28. Price start at $5.99.

RELATED CONTENT: Teeing Off with Anthony Anderson

• Sports

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 28, 2025

College Tennis Coaches Who Were HBCU Teammates Make History In Legendary Match

The HBCU alum took their talents to coaching positions at the Division 1 schools.

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As Minnesota and Indiana’s women’s tennis teams prepped for their 33rd match against one another, their Black coaches did so with history in the making.

The colleges’ respective coaches, Lois Arterberry and Gabrielle Moore, were once teammates at Southern University. The duo even worked to bring two championships to the Louisiana HBCU.

“I was a junior when she came in,” said Arterberry of Moore to MSR. “So we had the opportunity of playing two years together and winning two championships.”

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Their HBCU-grown talents led them to coaching positions at the Division 1 schools. On April 11, they faced one another as competitors for the first time. They have also made history by becoming the first Black women to lead each university’s teams.

“It’s a historical moment,” shared Moore on the platform. “Especially not just two teams but two Black coaches that also played together and competed together to be here.”

While the Indiana Hoosiers fell to the Minnesota Gophers in the match, the two coaches have long respected each other’s game and leadership. Arterberry previously brought Moore on as part of her staff while coaching at Jackson State.

The women also understand their role in bringing representation to Division 1 coaching. They are the Big Ten conference’s sole Black women in head coaching positions for women’s tennis. Moreover, they are the only Black coaches at each of their schools, a statistic they do not take lightly.

“It’s very important,” said Moore. “I think it gives other Black coaches a vision of [how]this is where they could be. We’ve worked our way from the ground up to be here.”

Their rise represents the ability of Black coaches at any level. However, their shared experience as teammates and HBCU alumna marks their ongoing support of one another. As Black women in sports leadership, they continue to promote diversity in tennis as they accomplish more historic feats in their careers.

“This match for us was not only important, obviously, within our conference, but I think it was an important match for us as coaches, always rooting for each other,” added Moore. “We knew it was going to be a battle, but I think that the togetherness of seeing Black women leading in this sport is a huge, huge thing for us.”

RELATED CONTENT: Former TSU Defensive Player Eriq George Joins Father Eddie At Bowling Green University

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 28, 2025

Hakeem Jeffries, Cory Booker Stand Up For Change With Capitol Hill Sit-In To Protest GOP Budget Cuts

Booker labeled the next few days, given the circumstances, as the “most consequential weeks for seniors, kids and families in generations.”

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House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) sat on the steps of Capitol Hill with hundreds of supporters to protest the Republican Party’s upcoming efforts to pass a budget reconciliation bill that may eliminate $1.5 trillion in federal spending, including Medicaid, NBC News reported.

For over nine hours, Both political leaders started the sit-in around 6 a.m. April 27 – also Booker’s 56th birthday – and slowly were joined by other Democratic lawmakers like Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and religious leaders such as Rev. Dr. William Barber. “I’m sure you didn’t expect last year, when thinking about this birthday, that I would be your birthday date in this location, but this of course is the moment that we find ourselves in,” Jeffries told Booker. 

“That bill, we believe, presents one of the greatest moral threats to our country that we’ve seen in terms of what it will do to providing food for the hungry, care for the elderly, services for the disabled, health care, health care for the sick and more.” 

The sit-in happened the day before congressional lawmakers are scheduled to return from a two-week recess. For several months, Democratic leaders, including Booker and Jeffries, have warned about the damage the budget could inflict, leading to more than $880 billion in cuts to the federal program that provides health insurance for America’s low-income families.

In a statement, the outspoken New Jersey leader labeled the next few days, given the circumstances, as the “most consequential weeks for seniors, kids and families in generations.” “Republican leaders have made clear their intention to use the coming weeks to advance a reckless budget scheme to President Trump’s desk that seeks to gut Medicaid, food assistance and basic needs programs that help people, all to give tax breaks to billionaires,” Booker said, according to North Jersey.com. 

Other high-profile progressive leaders like president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Maya Wiley, spoke out about the cuts, touching on specific ways they will affect American citizens. The [budget] cuts, when we’re talking about cuts, people bleed and we should put names behind them,” Wiley said to sit-in participants. 

“You know, Sarah in South Dakota had a son who has seizures one to five times a day, had to quit her job to try to save her son. It is Medicaid that helps pay for her health care to do that. Or Jasmine in Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, with two kids, who was taking care of other people’s children when she fell and became disabled, and it’s Medicaid that was taking care of her.”

Other initiatives under attack, if the budget is approved, are programs that support health research, education, housing, and child care. Programs like Head Start, a program providing childcare and preschool education to low-income families and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helping struggling households pay for heating and cooling, are on the chopping block. Booker called the proposed budget cuts a reflection of “what we value, who we protect, and what we stand for” and is calling for American voters not to remain silent. 

With just four Republican voters, Booker said things can change. “It’s wrong. To stop it, we all must say so — clearly, courageously, and together,” Booker, who recently stood on the Senate floor for over 25 hours speaking against the Trump administration, said. 

“Speaking out and speaking up is how we will convince four Republicans in the House and Senate to do the right thing and vote no.”

RELATED CONTENT: Cory Booker Made History With A 25-Hour Speech But His Background In Politics And Public Advocacy Is 26 Years Long

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 28, 2025

High School Basketball Coaches In Metro Atlanta Rehired After Community Launches Petition

The two coaches were rehired after their community launched a petition to get their jobs back.

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Two popular high school basketball coaches will return to their Metro Atlanta high school after their community fought for their reinstatement.

The boys’ and girls’ basketball coaches, James Gwyn and Randy McClure, at Campbell High school in Cobb County were shocked to hear their teaching contracts would not be renewed for the upcoming school year. According to Fox 5, their disbelief on the matter grew when the school could not give a definitive reason why.

Their players, students, and overarching community also became concerned upon hearing the unfortunate news. Not willing to stand for it, their supporters launched a petition to get the two men back at Campbell High.

Their decades-long service and presence at the school resulted in 1,200 career wins. This also includes 16 region titles between the two coaches. Their achievement even led to the school naming its gym after the acclaimed Black educators.

Over 4,000 people signed the petition for Gwyn and McClure to continue their duties at Campbell. Moreover, community members advocated on their behalf at a school board meeting held in March.

Upon hearing their concerns, Cobb County School Superintendent, Chris Ragsdale, agreed to look into the firing. He has now announced his recommendation to offer new contracts for the coaches.

“I recommended Coach McClure and Coach Gwyn be offered contracts for rehiring by the county school district for the school year 25-26,” said Superintendent Ragsdale.

The positive update shocked the coaches, who thought that their careers at Campbell could be over. The duo expressed their appreciation for the commity support that got them their jobs back.

“Obviously, signing this contract was pretty satisfying because we weren’t sure we’d be able to sign another one,” said Coach Gwyn.

The number of Black male educators in the country has also declined, making these teachers’ rehiring even more prevalent. According to Diverse Education, Black men accounted for only 1.3% of public school teachers  during the 2020-21 school year, a decline from 6.5% during the 2017-2018 academic year.

Now back in action, the coaches are preparing for next season to add another title to their resume.

“Ready to go back tomorrow, I’ll be doing workouts, trying to catch up with the six weeks that we lost, so we can get back to being competitive,” Coach McClure said.

RELATED CONTENT: Charlie Ward Hired As Florida A&M University Head Basketball Coach

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 28, 2025

Derrick Harmon Loses Mom Less Than 24 Hours After Being Pittsburgh Steelers’ 1st-Round Draft Pick

Tiffany Saine was on life support when Harmon learned the news about being drafted.

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A football player lost his mother less than 24 hours after being drafted by an NFL team.

According to ESPN, Derrick Harmon, who was selected as the No. 21 pick of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, lost his mother shortly after the NFL Commissioner called his name on draft night. Harmon was on his way to see his mother, Tiffanny Saine, after leaving a draft party acknowledging his selection. She was on life support.

“It was a little bittersweet, man,” Harmon said moments after being drafted by the Steelers. “My mom wasn’t with me, she’s at the hospital right now on life support, so that was a little bittersweet, because she worked just as hard as me to get to this moment.”

Saine suffered a stroke in 2022 that left her paralyzed on her left side. Harmon chose to play for Michigan State so he could be close to his mother, who had also had several brain surgeries before suffering her stroke. He played his senior season at Oregon.

RELATED CONTENT: Shedeur Sanders Picked In 5th Round By Browns After Draft Slide