B4 The Afro-American November 22, 2025 - November 28, 2025
University of the District of Columbia holds 12th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony By Patricia McDougall The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) held its 12th Annual hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Nov. 16 on the campus. The ceremony honored three new living legends who were inducted into the UDC Athletic Hall of Fame. The athletes were honored for their outstanding contribution to the athletic department. The ceremony marked the start of UDC’s homecoming events. One by one, the inductees took to the microphone to share
their moments they felt were their highlights during their years as an athlete at UDC. Eric Collier served as master of ceremonies and kept the program moving, with UDC President Dr. Maurice D. Edington providing closing remarks. Former and present UDC students, known as UDC Firebirds, were present, along with faculty, staff and other members of the UDC community who came from near and far to attend the event. All AFRO photos / Deborah Bailey
Renowned former UDC athlete and coach, Bessie Stockard, makes an appearance.
UDC Chair HOF Athletics Committee Jerome Shelton (left) receives honors for his work by Dr. Stephen B. Robbins, the vice chair of District of Columbia Teachers College, Class of ‘69.
Master of ceremonies C. Eric Collier speaks to those in attendance to support this year’s cohort of inductees.
Shown here, University of District of Columbia Chair of the Hall of Fame Athletics Committee Jerome Shelton (left), with UDC Hall of Fame inductee Dale Bethel and UDC President Dr. Maurice D. Edington.
Attendees enjoy the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon.
Patricia Thomas serves as director of intercollegiate athletics at UDC.
University of District of Columbia Hall of Famer Harold Jackson (left) shares a moment with UDC Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Jackson Armstrong, UDC first lady Tonya Barge Edington, Charles “Choo” Smith a former Harlem Globetrotter and UDC alum, and UDC Head Coach Mike Riley.
University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees include Dale Bethel (left), Class of ’71; Ivan Jordan (center), Class of ’85; and Larry Overton (right), Class of ’74.
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D4 The Afro-American November 22, 2025 - November 28, 2025
AFRO News honors veterans in third annual salute to servicemen and servicewomen By Brandon Henry AFRO Intern AFRO News hosted its third annual “Salute to Our Veterans” event on Nov. 13 at Martin’s West, an event honoring those who have served in the U.S. military. Veterans came from near and far to attend the event, which featured the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute JROTC/Color Guard and greetings from former Maryland State Delegate Clarence “Tiger” Davis. Honorees for the day included U.S. Air Force Maj. (Retired) James A. Dula; Brig. Gen. (Retired) Edward H. Ballard; Chief Warrant Officer Five (Retired) Tywanda B. Morton; U.S. Army Col. (Retired) Jo Ann C. Jolivet and Sen. Benjamin T. Brooks (D-District 10), a U.S. Army veteran. Maj. Gen. (Retired) Dr. Linda L. Singh, who served as keynote speaker for the event, was also honored for her service. Singh delivered a moving speech about the importance of leaders like the honorees— especially in the current political and social climate. “We need leaders who can find flow when the current shifts. We need leaders who practice containment, who know how to rest, reflect and protect their purpose. We need leaders who are brave enough to reshape the terrain,” she said, to the nearly 200 persons gathered for the event. After Singh’s speech, the honorees were called up one by one to say a few words and receive their own framed AFRO News front cover which featured their stories. “It’s a privilege to be a veteran,” said Ballard. “Being a veteran, to me, is one of the most sacred things that could have happened to many of us African Americans. It grounded us in a sense of accountability, grounded us in terms of how to perform, when to perform, and what you needed to know to be successful.” Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy Draper, CEO and publisher of AFRO News, called the event “absolutely fantastic,” adding that “it’s
Former Maryland State Delegate Clarence “Tiger” Davis shares his thoughts on the importance of honoring Black veterans and members of the Black Press, who recorded their stories.
Maj. Gen. (Retired) Dr. Linda L. Singh speaks to the more than 200 gathered for the AFRO’s “Salute to Our Veterans.” always heartwarming to hear stories of people who served our country.” Honoring the veterans on an annual basis is crucial for the media company. “Because of our founding by a Civil War veteran, we are very much in tune and appreciative of their service,” said Dr. Draper.
AFRO News was created Aug. 13, 1892, by John Henry Murphy Sr. The former slave and Civil War veteran gained freedom following the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 and decades later founded the publication with $200 obtained from his wife, Martha Howard Murphy.
Shown here, Chief Warrant Officer Five (Retired) Tywanda B. Morton (left) and Diane Hocker, AFRO director of community and public relations.
Brig. Gen. (Retired) Edward H. Ballard is honored for his time in the Maryland Army National Guard. Ballard enlisted in 1972 and made a name for himself in the service but also in a civilian career, rising from police patrolman to chief of police and director of public safety at University of Maryland, Baltimore.
U.S. Army Col. (Retired) Jo Ann C. Jolivet (center) receives her own AFRO News front cover story at the 2025 “Salute to Our Veterans” event, held Nov. 13 at Martin’s West. Jolivet was honored for her 20 years of service as an Army nurse. Shown here, Jolivet with AFRO News CEO and Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy Draper (left) and AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze. Draper highlighted the fact that members of the Black Press have always led the way in keeping the memory of Black soldiers and their valiant efforts alive. She said if it wasn’t for the AFRO and other Black publications, “who wrote stories about our servicemen and women who served in World War II, there would not be a record, so it
Maryland State Sen. Benjamin T. Brooks Sr. (D-District 10) speaks after receiving recognition for his time in the U.S. Army. While in the service Brooks did a tour of duty in Vietnam.
is important. ” The event was sponsored by Baltimore Gas and Electric, Greater Baltimore Medical Center and Associated Black Charities. Reginald T. Jordan, a retired veteran who spent two years active duty and more than two decades in the reserves, was proud to attend the ceremony. He spoke on
his experience in the military. “Being from Philadelphia, when you went to Georgia, certain parts of the South, the training was difficult, how you were treated and spoken to wasn’t the best,” said Jordan. “But I’m not knocking it because it was all about discipline.” All AFRO photos / James Fields
U.S. Air Force Maj. (Retired) James A. Dula (center) is a proud veteran. Shown here, Dula, as he is honored by the AFRO for his service.
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