March 14, 2025
HUAC OF RICHMOND
Officers:
President
Russell Scott
Vice President
D
eanna Parker
Secretary
Shelby Randolph
Treasurer
Leon Hobson
Corresponding
Sherl Moses
Secretary Scholarship Chair
Almeater Alston
CLUB UPDATES AND ACTIVITIES
by Russell Scott, President
Ecclesiastes 3:4 Says, “that there is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance”. That expression truly encapsulates 2025, thus far. In preparing for our signature Annual Scholarship Fundraiser this year we lost Donna Nutter Dawson, a valued member of our Scholarship/ Executive committee and Immediate Past President of HUAC-Richmond. With heavy hearts we carried on in spite of her loss, as she would have wanted us to do.
The 13th Annual Scholarship Event took on special meaning and we were inspired to make this year’s event the Best Ever! Based on the feedback from the attendees, I believe our mission was “Accomplished”.
Now as I look to close out my final few months as your Club President, I pray that I have served and represented our Club admirably.
As HUAA President, Dr. Kandace Harris invoked in her message to members and attendees, we need local alumni support. You can help in 2 ways, financial capital or human capital, as both are needed to keep HUAC-Richmond moving forward!
HUAC-RICHMONDPRESSCOVERAGE
Almeater and I had to step out of our comfort zones to appear on TV and discuss our major fundraiser. While neither of us is naturally at ease giving live interviews especially on camera—it was part of the job. I was grateful to have Almeater by my side for all the local media appearances. Together, the ‘Dynamic Duo’ took to the airwaves to promote the Howard University Alumni Club of Richmond’s (HUAC-Richmond) 13th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser, featuring Emmy Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of The 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones. The event took place on Sunday, March 9th, in Petersburg, VA. Though we were the public faces of the fundraiser, the scholarship committee also worked tirelessly to bring it to life.
13THANNUALSCHOLARSHIPFUNDRAISER MEDIABLITZ
In order to get the word out throughout the community we reached out to both TV and print media. The Richmond Free Press reached out to the Club to help with the promotion of our 13th Annual Scholarship fundraiser featuring, Emmy Award & Pulitzer Prize winning creator of the 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah Jones. The Annual Scholarship event was held on Sunday, March 9th in Petersburg, VA at the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School.
Our Fundraiser supports scholarships for area students who go to Howard University. Last year the funds raised allowed us to provide $21K in support to our local area Bison.
13THANNUALSCHOLARSHIPFUNDRAISER
It was an honor to host Emmy & Pulitzer award winner, Nikole Hannah Jones, The New York Times Magazine and Creator of The 1619 Project and to welcome attendees to our 13th Annual Charter Day Scholarship fundraiser. Charter Day commemorates the founding of Howard University on March 2. 1867. This year’s 13th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser was a departure from our usual Jazz Brunch Scholarship Fundraiser format but brought a new ‘vibe’ and fresh enlightenment to the audience.
Nikole Hannah Jones currently serves as Howard University Professor and the Knight Chair of Race and Journalism and also founded the Center for Journalism & Democracy. The Theme of this year’s program “From 1619 to 1867” was quite illuminating. The program was presented in a discussion format and moderated by Dr. Colita Fairfax, Howard Alumna and Social Justice Professor & Historiographer at Norfolk State University.
We were also pleased to have Dr Wanda Tucker among other Tucker family members in attendance The Tucker family are descendants of the 1st Black family to land in Virginia in 1619 aboard the ‘White Lion’ which landed at Port Comfort, now Hampton, VA
On the left Alexis Morris tells the audience about her HU experience. On the far right, Region II Chair, Trina Cobb shared a moment with Scholarship Chair and Soror, Almeater Alston.
Above left, Dr. Colita Fairfax w/ AKA Sorors, above center, Dr. Wanda Tucker
Above, alumni Patrice & David Elliott and daughter enjoy the reception
On the right, members of the hardworking Scholarship Committee, Adiah Reid, Deanna Parker and Daphne Bryan
Above, Hilltop Sponsor & alumna, Wakeshi Benson w/ Scholarship Chair, Almeater Alston
The Freedom Classic first began its tradition in Richmond, Virginia, on January 14th, 1996. Twenty-eight years later, this event has evolved into a community staple, connecting thousands of alumni, students, fans, and corporations as they commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement.
This was the first year Howard University was invited to participate, and the interest in the Mecca was overwhelming!
On the left alumna, Tonya Byrd helps us hold our own next to Hampton Institute.
Pictured to the right,Scholarship Chair, Almeater Alston.speaks with a student and his mom who expressed interest in attending the Mecca!
Each year HUAC-Richmond receives numerous requests to participate in local HBCU College & Career Fairs. Aside from being a part of the Freedom Classic, we also participated in the 3rd Annual Omega Psi Phi College & Career Fair This event brought out over 500 students from Henrico and other area schools from as far away as Charlottesville, VA. Calvin Lee and I were also proud to support the Mecca at the Richmond High School for the Arts, formerly George Wythe HS’s College and Career Expo.
Although this year was particularly active, we had to decline several events We were unable to support several College Fairs either because no members were available or due to lack of advanced notice from the requesting organization.
Students seem to all flock to the Howard University table whenever we are in attendance Interest in the Mecca is HIGH!
HUAC-RICHMOND RECEIVES SPECIAL INVITATION TO ATTEND DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA’S BLACK HISTORY EVENT
it was great and extremely beneficial meeting Howard alumna, Tonya Byrd at the Freedom Classic. Because of the connection made with Tonya, HUAC-Richmond received corporate sponsorship support from Dominion Energy for our March Fundraiser. Additionally, we were special invited guest to the Dominion Energy and Library of Virginia “Strong Men & Women in Virginia’, Black History Program It was quite a gala which highlighted the achievements of Virginia’s first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates, Alpha Brother, Don Scott and Virginia’s first female Lieutenant Governor, Winsome Earle-Sears.
above: Sherl Moses, Almeater Alston & Tami converse with the evening’s honorees, VA Lt Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Speaker of the House of Delegates, Don Scott
Photo
HUAC-RICHMOND SUPPORTBISONSPORTSTEAMS
HUAC-Richmond members love our Bison sports teams, and we spend a lot of time back on the yard attending athletic events. We also travel and support teams when they are in the area. We support all Bison sports, whether it’s basketball, soccer, swimming, football or any other sport. You are likely to find at least one member cheering loudly for our beloved Bison! You can always hear us as we are typically the loudest group in the crowd.
We bring our cowbells!
We traveled to Hampton and Williamsburg VA to support our men’s team against the Institute and cheered our Lady Bison on to victory over the Tribe of William and Mary
Upcoming Events
Howard University Day at Nationals Park, Washington, DC. Wednesday, April 9th,2025. Game time 4:05pm. Nationals vs. LA Dodgers
To receive this awesome hat, purchase your tickets through the link below! More Information will be sent out to buyers 24 hours prior to the game. nats.com/howard
Next General Body Meeting is Saturday, April 26, 2025, at (tentatively) Annie Ruth’s Wine Bar & Bistro11:00 a.m. Please NOTE: Nominations for 2025-2026 Officers will take place.
St. James Baptist Church Inaugural College & Career Fair- Sunday, April 27th-11:45-2pm. Located at 2169 New Market Road, Richmond, VA 23231
HUAC of Richmond Social event, ‘Paint & Sip’ tentatively scheduled for May 2025 at Annie Ruth’s Wine Bar & Bistro, details to follow.
HUAC of Richmond Scholarship applications process begins in June.
HUAC-Richmond New Executive Board selected in June.
HUAC-Richmond Student Send-off July 2025.
HU Bison vs. U of Richmond Spider Football at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium, Richmond, VA, Saturday, September 27th
HU Bison Homecoming Game- October 25th vs. Morgan State University
2025 BISON FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
