WOLF NATION
CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FALL 2023
Introducing CUNAA’s Top 40 Under 40 Award in May 2024
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BARBARA DANIEL COX ‘66
Congratulations to our 2023 National Black College Hall of Fame Inductees Admiring Alumnus Bayard Rustin’s Impact on the 1963 March on Washington
Greetings Cheyney Alumni, Family and Friends, Thank you for your continued support to the Cheyney University National Association (CUNAA). I would also like to thank you for your ongoing support to the “Wolf Nation” Newsletter. Without your support by submitting articles, photos and scheduled events, this year’s newsletter would not have been possible. We look forward to your continued submittals highlighting and chronicling all of your important events, milestones and positive news of information for our beloved University and its esteemed Alumni. We are now in the Fall Semester of the 2023 Academic Calendar year, and this year’s Homecoming is quickly approaching. The CUNAA Board members and this year’s Homecoming Committee have been working very hard to bring you the best Homecoming 2023 experience. You too can help share the Homecoming 2023 experience with others by using the hash tag #CUHC2023 (Cheyney University Homecoming 2023) to post to your social media accounts. By doing so, your photos could make the next issue of the “Wolf Nation” Newsletter. Furthermore, please do not forget to send in your 2024 Dues, or consider becoming a new member of your local CUNAA Alumni Chapters, as new members will be in good standing (e.g., Financial) for the rest of the 2023 and all of the 2024 year. The ultimate commitment is to become a CUNAA Life Member; this is the best way to support CUNAA and all of its initiatives. You can pay your dues by mail (PO Box 288, Westtown, PA 19395), directly on our website (www.CheyneyAlum.org), or by using the QR code below. Finally, once again we thank you for your support to CUNAA, and we are looking forward to continuing to serve you, the Alumni, as well as, supporting our beloved Cheyney University. Sincerely Yours,
Verron S. Hayspell '96 President Cheyney University National Alumni Association "When thou callest, Alma Mater, Never shalt thou call in vain."
A Letter on Cheyney and Affirmative Action Dear Cheyney Alumni, We have the honor and privilege to be alumni of the 1st HBCU in the United States. When we think of how it was established by a man whose family were slave owners and his will provided $10,000 to have a school for children of African descent, we are amazed! This school is now an accredited university 186 years later - Cheyney University. Many years passed and more than one hundred HBCUs were established throughout the United States. Many were opened in the South and were the only institutions of higher learning that could enroll members of African descent. Today, many of these universities and colleges have provided such outstanding instruction that after granting bachelor’s degrees, graduates are able to matriculate to other universities and earn additional degrees at all levels and certificates in a myriad of professions. Our Alma Mater has many Cheyneyites who expanded their degrees and became lawyers, judges, doctors, school principals, superintendents, professors, administrators of corporations, accountants, mayors, and entrepreneurs just to share a few accomplishments. We have in our chapter members who held some of the aforementioned positions. Colleges and universities in the country that were not HBCUs however, were only admitting students who were not of African Descent (African Americans). “Affirmative Action, the name given to efforts at encouraging the participation of women and minorities in education, the workforce, the military and other arenas in the United States”, was initiated by President Lyndon Johnson (1963–69). This order was to improve opportunities for African Americans while civil rights legislation was dismantling the legal basis for discrimination. The federal government began to institute Affirmative Action policies under the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and an executive order in 1965. Businesses receiving federal funds were prohibited from using aptitude tests and other criteria that tended to discriminate against African Americans. Affirmative Action programs were monitored by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Subsequently, Affirmative Action was broadened to cover women, Native Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities and was extended to colleges and universities and state and federal agencies. Affirmative Action was to encourage diversity. The word “encouraging” however is not in the law dictionary. State laws were then passed in California, Texas, and Michigan, in 1970, to continue the selection process for undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical schools, public colleges, contracts, and employment. Basically, race was not a consideration in these and other states. Through the years, there were many cases that were sent to the Supreme Court, and race admission practices were approved and some restricted. The 2023 Supreme Court decision from a case brought by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for their use of racial information in admissions was not approved. This admission practice was indicated by the chief supreme court that this was a form of reversed discrimination. Therefore race cannot be used for admissions after more than 50 years. Cheyney now has less competition and with alumni and Cheyney staff working together can recruit more students. Cheyney has the upper hand being the 1st HBCU. It has a historical campus, alumni with successful careers in a myriad of fields, and experiences about who we are as African Americans. Cheyneyites, with all these students available, we can reach out to the students to show --- YES, WE CAN!! Sincerely, Betty Berry-Holmes MCCA President
CHEYNEY ALUMNI
Prayers T
he members of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association community would like to extend our sincere condolences to all the families of alumni who passed away between 2019 and 2023.
Chester City Naomi Beauford ‘46 Bernice Covert ‘51 Eloise Rothwell ‘59 Alfred Kirkland ‘71 Mildred McLaughlin ‘75 Anna Fisher ‘82 Delaware William Nichols ’64 Kappa Alpha Psi Sandra Carter Maness ’66 Alpha Kappa Alpha Arlene Hollis ’65 Delta Sigma Theta Dennis Savage ‘66 Gloria Nichols ’77 Delta Sigma Theta Crystal Belinda Barnett ’79 Alpha Kappa Alpha Greater Chester County Sara Ruth Rodger Johnson James Manning '62 Elmer Treadwell '72 Leslie Crutchfield '75 Montgomery County Phyllis Logan Simms ’49 Alpha Kappa Alpha Barbara Turner ‘60 Claire Morris Lyons ’62 Alpha Kappa Alpha Lawrence Stallworth ’62 Kappa Alpha Psi Paul A. Turner, Sr. ’62 Omega Psi Phi Lawrence Jack ‘63 Jane Boston Jordan ’63 AKA Carlye Hawkins ‘69 Edgar Knights ’73 Kappa Alpha Psi Gale Naeemah Overton ‘76 Matthew Thomas ’77 Omega Psi Phi Francine Hughes-Stanback ‘97 Ceatrice Beard ‘98 Patricia Howard Blue-Williams '65 AKA
North Carolina Julia Hoffman Sanders, ‘49 Dr. Morris C. Peterkin, ‘63 Barbara Henry Ashe, ‘69 Philadelphia Eleanor Palmer '59 Joan Janerette '65 Harriet F. Reynolds '66 Alpha Kappa Alpha D. Sandra Roosa '66 Delta Sigma Theta Marilyn G. Clark '66, Dr. Richard Allen '70 Adrienne N. Owens '71 Cynthia Wright '74 Mary Banahene '79 Pittsburgh Byron Gamble ‘70 Raymond Morton ‘72 Thomas “TD” Jordan ’75 Kappa Alpha Psi Nan Moore Carrington National Harold W. Freeman ‘42 Dolores Davidson ‘55 John Williams ‘60 Patty Cox ’64 Alpha Kappa Alpha Ann Hodges ’67 Alpha Kappa Alpha Edward Brown ’68 Omega Psi Phi Marion Sallie Harris ‘69 Delores Webb Jordan ‘70 Ronald Hollis ‘71 Henry McNeil ‘72
If you would like to submit a Cheyney Prayer, please send an email with the individual's full name, graduation year, chapter, and relevant affiliations to President@CheyneyAlum.org.
Celebrating JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY 2023
T
he sun was bright and shining early in Philadelphia on Sunday, June 18th, for two good reasons. It's Father's Day - the day we collectively celebrate, acknowledge, and appreciate our fathers' love, support, hard work, and care, was finally here! It was also parade day!
Juneteenth is an annual holiday observing the end of slavery in the United States of America. It marks the day (June 19, 1865) when news of emancipation reached people in the former Confederacy in Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth became a state holiday in Pennsylvania in 2019 and a federal holiday in 2021.
Cheyney Alumnus George Trawick has been spearheading the HBCU float for years now. He's worked tirelessly to ensure that the 1st HBCU has been represented. For the past two years, Mr. Trawick appointed Ms. Niya Danzy-Ghaffaar, a West Philadelphia native and rising senior at Cheyney University to be the Student Coordinator for the HBCU/CU float. Together, they've ensured that the float had representatives from The Royal Court, The Student Government Association, Athletics, and Alumni. This year, our beloved mascot joined in on the fun. The children loved him!
The community enjoyed the very spirited HBCU float. The laughs, the waves, the dancing on and off the float as we traveled down 52nd street, were contagious. The Cheyney students engaged the community in a way that made your heart swell with joy. We love our Cheyney U., and that love radiated from us all to the According to the PJI, over the past five years, the crowd. The "Ok, Cheyney!" "Yes, Cheyney!" could be parade has grown to be the largest in the nation, heard as we drove by. The "CU" from Alumnus in the drawing over 25,000 attendees (from the original crowd echoed loudly! 5,000) to a parade with over 2,000 participants and floats (from the original 15 units and 2 floats). The It was a glorious day to show our pride in our University. annual celebration continues with the festival at the 2024, we're going to do it again! historic Malcolm X Park in West Philadelphia with over 250 (from the original 50) vendors and a musical CU!!! concert. (Visit juneteenthphilly.org). MarQuita L. Danzy, MS '99 The first Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival took place on June 18, 2016. In 2019, The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival was created by the Philadelphia Juneteenth Initiative, Inc.
National Membership Chair, CUNAA
DELAWARE COUNTY CHAPTER’S
Poolside Fundraiser
L
ike the famous saying goes, “The third time is the charm!” Well, at least that’s what it was for the Cheyney University Alumni Chapter of Delaware County who, on Saturday, July 29, 2023, held their 3rd Annual Poolside Fundraiser.
This event provided all who attended with an intimate opportunity to explore all the amenities that The Nile Swim Club provides for its members and guests, all the while relaxing to the smooth grooves of DJMoney B, our own Sam Patterson. Well attended by Cheyney Alum from near and far, also on hand to kick back and have a good ole time where the relatives and friends of our beloved alma mater’s loyal sons and daughters. Attendees were most fortunate to partake in the assortment of refreshments donated by members of the Chapter, in addition to playing old and new school games and winning some great pool (“door”) prizes.
The proceeds from this event will be used for the benefit of Cheyney University’s traditional and non-traditional students. The Chapter wishes to acknowledge Cheyney Alums Anthony Patterson, along with Deborah Harris Barnes and the entire Nile Swim Club staff. Everyone was most accommodating of our needs and requests, and their individual and collective efforts ensured that this was a day and event that will be imprinted in the minds of the attendees well into the future! If you missed out this year, it is quite all right! We will look forward to seeing you next year for our 4th Annual Poolside Fundraiser, which promises to knock your socks off. To all who attended this year, we are also looking to seeing you again next year with a friend. And that concludes this call! “When thou callest Alma Mater, never shalt thou call in vain.” Submitted by Yasir Roundtree
Legend
Remembering a Cheyney
BARBARA DANIEL COX '66
O
On Saturday, June 17, 2023, the City of Philadelphia paid homage to the memory
of Barbara Daniel Cox ’66, by renaming 41st Street between Parkside Avenue and South Concourse Drive the Barbara Daniel Cox Way. Philadelphia Council Majority Leader Curtis Jones, Jr. and Councilmember Sharon Vaughn co-sponsored the bill and hosted the renaming event. Thera Martin, Mistress of Ceremonies, along with very dear friends of Barbara, shared reflective remarks. The African Drummers and Contemporary African Dance Troupe provided entertainment. Verron Hayspell, President of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association, along with Board Members Kyle Adams, Sekini Moore Royster, and Sheree Monroe Whitsett attended the event. Also in attendance were Cheyney alumni, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., family and friends. Barbara’s love for Cheyney University and the Cheyney University National Alumni Association was undeniable! She served as past president of the National Alumni Association and chaired numerous events such as Homecoming, 170th and 175th Cheyney University Galas, Restoration of Melrose House, Legacy Family Luncheon, Life Members Luncheon, Last Dollar Scholarship Program, and Alumni Scholars Reception. The National Alumni Association honored Barbara by renaming the Alumni Scholars Reception as the Barbara Daniel Cox Alumni Scholars Reception and established a scholarship in her name. Barbara was also a member of Heeding Cheyney’s Call.
A native of Philadelphia, Daniel Cox was a graduate of West Philadelphia High School and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. Barbara was well known throughout the Philadelphia area, Pennsylvania, the United States, and the world as an educator, political consultant, event producer, and community facilitator. Daniel Cox worked with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, ODUNDE, and the African-American Music Foundation. Her events drew thousands of people, including Black Family Reunions in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Her career included working as a teacher and human relations specialist for the School District of Philadelphia and as a director of consulting and education for the Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center. She worked with Dr. Dorothy Height, a civil and women’s rights activist with the National Council of Negro Women, and was director of education for the Urban League of Philadelphia. She was also executive director of the Mayor’s Commission on Women. Council member Curtis Jones, Jr. stated, “Before there was a Welcome to America or Roots Picnic, there was the Black Family Reunion.” Lynette Brown Sow stated that in the 1980’s, Barbara and her team organized and staged large-scale Black Family Reunions in Philadelphia, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, and other cities. The Black Family Reunion theme was the inspiration for O’Jays 1975 platinum album, “Family Reunion” produced for Philadelphia International Records by Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble. Barbara Daniel Cox, a phenomenal queen, will forever be remembered! She died in 2016 at age 71. “To whom much is given, much is required.”
CHEYNEYCCLUB.COM
GAS CARD
RAFFLE
1 for $2 3 for $5 First Prize: $100 Second Prize: $50 Third Prize: $25
YOU COULD WIN 1 OF 3 PRIZES!
Winners will be drawn on December 16 at 12 PM ET FINLEY RECREATION CENTER 1000 E Hortter Street, Philadelphia, PA 19150
Committee Contacts JIM MCKELVEY 215-327-1730
DARYL WOOD 215-868-2115
LEA MORRIS 215-439-0839
BOBBY HALL 267-664-2410
The Cheyney University C Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and charitable donations are tax-deductible. Cheyney C Club, PO Box 4966, Philadelphia, PA 19119
2023
HELP THE CHEYNEY C CLUB FORTIFY THE
Future of Athletics
O
n September 16, The Cheyney University C Club, the only athletic booster club of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, hosted its annual Meet & Greet membership drive event at its new home in the Finley Recreation Center in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia,.
Alumni, family, and friends were invited to enjoy the family-friendly facilities complete with music, food, and a playground for the children. The C Club thanks everyone for their support as we launch our new event schedule and begin collecting donations to support our upcoming endowment fund for athletic scholarships as we continue to deliver on our mission to fortify the future of athletics at Cheyney University. You can learn more about how The C Club is impacting the local community, and providing support to Cheyney's cheerleaders, University Band, men's and women's basketball, and volleyball teams by attending our monthly meetings (in-person or via Zoom) on the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 AM Easter at Finley Recreation Center 1100 E. Hotter street Philadelphia, PA 19150.
Membership starts at $50.00 dollars a year and new members will receive our new "I Believe" t-shirt as an appreciation gift (while supplies last). We also have vintage C Club logo t-shirts ($15), 11oz C Club coffee mugs ($20), and 15 oz Glass Sports Mugs ($20) available for purchase. Our next event is a Gas Card Raffle with prizes ranging between $25 and $100. Winners will be drawn on December 16, 2023. You need not be present to claim your prize, simply purchase your raffle tickets in advance and we’ll contact the 3 winners. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events and appreciate your support! If you would like to support The Cheyney C Club's goal to start an athletic scholarship endowment fund, please send your donations to the following address and write "Endowment Fund" in the memo line: The Cheyney University C Club, Inc. ATTN: C Club Endowment Fund P.O. Box 4966 Philadelphia, PA 19119-0066 Submitted by Jim McKelvey https://www.cheyneycclub.com/donate/
Congratulations!
2023 NATIONAL BLACK COLLEGE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Ed Bradley, Cheyney State College 1964 Entertainment (Posthumous) Bradley was born June 22, 1941, in Philadelphia and graduated from Cheyney (Pa.) State College in 1964 with a B.S. in education. Ed Bradley’s death at the age of 65 on November 9, 2006, during his 26th season on 60 MINUTES shortened a career full of achievements few other journalists will ever match. His consummate skills as a broadcast journalist and his distinctive work were recognized over and over by the industry’s most demanding award committees, including Columbia University’s Alfred I. du Pont Awards, the University of Georgia’s George Foster Peabody Awards, and the Emmys. His work won 21 Emmys, the last awarded posthumously for his coverage of the Duke University rape case, in which lacrosse players were falsely accused. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Black Journalists.
Michael Coard, Cheyney State College 1982 Law Michael's path to his current standing as a prominent criminal defense attorney, activist, and educator was anything but conventional. While many choose their career paths early on, Michael's journey took a pivotal turn. He initially set out to become an English teacher, and that ambition led him to Cheyney State College, known then as one of America's foremost teacher training schools. During his freshman year, he secured a summer job at the Prisoners Rights Council, an experience that profoundly altered his career aspirations. The exposure to the justice system ignited a passion within him, redirecting his goals toward becoming a lawyer. Michael's time at Cheyney College was transformative in more ways than one. He described it as culturally enlightening, academically enriching, and socially uplifting. It was at Cheyney that he discovered the importance of Black pride, intellectual excellence, and the bonds of fraternity. He pursued a dual major in English and Political Science, graduating in 1982 with two degrees, a B.S. in English Education and a B.A. in Political Science. Beyond the courtroom, Michael's commitment to social justice is unyielding. He is an adjunct professor in the Africology and African-American Studies Department at Temple University, where he volunteers his expertise in Criminal Justice and Hip Hop 101 courses. His activism extends to organizations like Avenging The Ancestors Coalition (ATAC), which played a pivotal role in commemorating the enslaved African descendants at America's first "White House." He is also involved in the Friends of Bethel Burying Ground, striving to memorialize a South Philadelphia cemetery housing the remains of over 5,000 African Americans from the 1800s. Michael Coard's involvement reaches far and wide, from serving as a Pennsylvania board member of the ACLU and the Philadelphia chapter of the National Lawyers Guild to his participation in the Occupy Philadelphia Legal Defense Team and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also serves as one of the attorneys for Heeding Cheyney's Call, a coalition dedicated to ending racial discrimination against Cheyney University through legal means.
2023 DC HBCU ALUMNI 5K RUN/WALK
T
he Cheyney University Washington DC Alumni Chapter (DMV) participated in the DC HBCU Alumni Alliance 10th Annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Members of the DMV chapter served on the following committees: race, logistics, and educational which supported the overall development of the 5K Run/Walk. The 5K Run/Walk was held at "The St. James” sports complex in Springfield, VA. The proceeds from the 5K Run/Walk are used for college scholarships for students attending an HBCU. Submitted by Ron Swann
PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER’S
Roundup
C
heyney University Alumni Chapter of Philadelphia, CUACP, had a spectacular time at the CUACP Roundup at the Illusions Banquet Hall in Clifton Heights on August 3, 2023. We laughed and fellowshipped while sharing a wonderful meal together.
Chapter President Kim Perry spoke of camaraderie and asked fellow chapter members to share the wonderful events planned for this year! If you are interested in becoming a member of CUACP, contact Sabrina Mason sabrinamsn@yahoo.com and/or Wilhelmena Calland wilcallu@aol.com for more details.
DMV CHAPTER’S
Epicurean Event
T
he Cheyney DMV Alumni Chapter hosted The Epicurean Event 2023, on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the Country Club at Woodmore, Mitchellville, MD. The Epicurean Event was a party with a purpose, which was to raise scholarship funds for college-bound students.
The event was well attended by numerous alumni, family, and friends coming from within and outside the DMV area to support this fundraiser. The entertainment included the DC VYBE Band and DJ playing the latest music and the guests attending this event were provided a great variety of food which complimented the evening entertainment. Submitted by Ron Swann
Quilting
FINDING HER PASSION FOR
G
loria Davis's first recollection of her art abilities occurred in elementary school. She carved a lamb out of a bar of soap, introducing her to sculpting.
Then, an aunt taught her how to sew, giving her another skill. Over the years, Gloria continued to pursue art classes, adding sculpting, beading, art quilting, knitting, crocheting, painting, and polymer clay to her repertoire. The classes complement her obtaining a full scholarship at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the first HBCU in the United States. She received honors and obtained her BFA in 2011. Professors Keener, Dantonio-Madsen, and Domonic at Cheyney were instrumental in her art development. Since graduating, Gloria has continued to pursue her art classes to perfect her skills. She has exhibited at the African American Museum in Detroit, Michigan, the City of Philadelphia, PA, North Carolina City Halls, the Will Grant Still Art Center in Los Angeles, CA, Underground Railroad in Cincinnati, OH and at the Joan Mondale Gallery at the Textile Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, James Museum in St. Petersburg, FL.
A recent quilt book called “We Are The Story” features two of her quilts. She also has been included in the book called “Black Pioneers”--both books by Carolyn Mazloomi. Her work has also been exhibited in the Colored Girls Museum in Philadelphia and Moody Gallery in Glenside, Pennsylvania.
The Philadelphia Tribune featured an article about her unique abilities. Along with creating, Gloria enjoys teaching art to children and senior adults. She has taught classes for the Philadelphia Free Library, Wynnefield Resident Association, as well as the Philadelphia Art Museum, Nile Swim Club, and Johnson House, and volunteers whenever possible. She currently has a solo art exhibit that will be up until September 29, 2023, at Scribe Video Center, 3809 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. She is one of the exhibitors at an upcoming show at City Lore Gallery, New York City and another at Pendel Hill, Delaware County, PA Channel 6 has featured on television. Sumbitted by Gaynelle Turner-Lewis
DELAWARE STATE CHAPTER’S
Annual Dynasty Derby
O
n Saturday, June 10, 2023, the Delaware Alumni Chapter partnered with the Philadelphia chapter of 100 Blackmen to host their annual Dynasty Derby. The event was held on the third floor of the Delaware State Casino.
Women wore beautiful sundresses with matching fascinators, while the men sported bright-colored suits and hats. Upon arrival, guests were given a voucher which they could use to place live bets on a race of their choice. This sophisticated entanglement included watching the race, fellowshipping, and dancing while raising money for our Beloved Alma Mater. Thank you to the overwhelming support from other alumni chapters, friends, and families, who traveled near and far to support the Dynasty Derby. We look forward to another successful event in June of 2024, and we hope to CU there. Submitted by Catherine McCall
Darren A. Laws CHESTER’S FAVORITE PHILANTHROPIST
D
arren A. Laws, native of Chester, Pennsylvania, is well known for his philanthropic work throughout various communities within the Delaware and Philadelphia Counties.
As a graduate of Chester High School and Cheyney University, Darren earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Darren is currently employed at ChesterUpland School District as a Dean of Students. He also serves as one of the Social Emotional Learning Coaches for Chester High School. Darren has over 28 years of experience working in the juvenile and adult probation field. He is a former community management services supervisor. He is also a member of the FBI Citizens Academy based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. A scholar-activist and catalyst for philanthropic change, Darren served as Director of the Smart Leaders Mentoring program for the Boys and Girls Club of Chester, Pennsylvania. Darren followed the path of his passion and established the non-profit organization “The Mission/Team Powercore 24/7”. The vision of this dynamic organization is to empower, educate, and provide impactful role models and mentors for both youth and adults. Darren is also a volunteer for Team S.T.R.I.V.E.Strengthening Ties & Reinvigorating Individuals until Violence Ends.
Other civic accomplishments while serving Chester and surrounding communities include aiding in the establishment of the first all-boys mentoring program, “CHAMP” (Chester High Achievement Mentoring Program), for Chester High School in 2015, 2023 founder of Edgmont Scholar Academy's first positive football club, serving as a member of the Youth Interlock Society organization, spearheading the first FBI Youth Academy Program, and supervising Glen Mill’s first Delaware County Program for youth. Darren's on-the-ground presence through organizations such as these has heightened his desire to address the political, economic, and educational struggles facing the urban communities in which he serves. Darren is a profound, brave, and passionate voice of his local community who speaks from his heart and history and challenges those within to become involved and stand in solidarity for those who are marginalized, invisible, and/or denied the opportunity to succeed. He has received numerous awards, citations, and accolades for his tireless work and commitment to others, including The White House President’s Volunteer Service Award; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Community Service Man of the Year Award; Michelle Obama and City of Chester Proclamation National “Let’s Move” Award; and President Obama Service Award.
THE 2023 DC HBCU ALUMNI ALLIANCE
Black Tie SCHOLARSHIP GALA
T
he Cheyney DMV Alumni Chapter supported the DC HBCU Alumni Alliance Black Tie Scholarship Gala on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel, Washington, DC. A number of Cheyney DMV alumni were in attendance to support this outstanding DC HBCU Alumni Alliance’s Black Tie Scholarship Gala.
This formal gala was well attended with representatives from at least 69 different HBCUs who are currently members of the DC HBCU Alumni Alliance. The evening was filled with an outstanding variety of food, awards, and gifts complemented by the evening entertainment by the Let It Flow Band and DJ TWhy which provided the latest musical entertainment for all. Submitted by Ron Swann
Legacy ADMIRING BAYARD RUSTIN’S
I
n September 2006, Bayard Rustin High School opened in West Chester, PA, hometown of Bayard Rustin. Since 2006, Dr. Corey Fields has served as Assistant Principal at Bayard Rustin High School.
Advancement of Colored People resulted in leaders of the black community, such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Mary McLeod Bethune, visiting the Rustin home during Rustin’s childhood. After graduating from West Chester Dr. Fields is a graduate of Cheyney University (1992). High School, Rustin studied intermittently at When asked about how he feels working at Bayard Rustin Wilberforce University, Cheyney State Teachers High School, Dr. Fields stated, “I am truly honored and College, and City College of New York. feel blessed to work in the West Chester Area School District in a school named after Bayard Rustin who was a Rustin became a key advisor to Dr. King during the true pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement. “His legacy Montgomery bus boycott and provided King with a lives on and his work is needed just as much today as it deep understanding of nonviolent ideas and tactics at was back in the 1940-60s.” Netflix will release a movie a time when King had only an academic familiarity with about activist Bayard Rustin in November 2023. Gandhi.
Bayard Rustin was a close advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. and one of the most influential and effective organizers of the civil rights movement, Bayard Rustin was affectionately referred to as “Mr. March-onWashington” by A. Philip Randolph (D’Emilio, 347). Rustin organized and led a number of protests in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, including the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
King recognized the advantages of Rustin’s knowledge, contacts, and organizational abilities, and invited him to serve as his advisor, well aware that Rustin’s background would be controversial to other civil rights leaders. As King’s special assistant, Rustin assumed a variety of roles, including proofreader, ghostwriter, philosophy teacher, and nonviolence strategist.
Born on March 17, 1912, Rustin was one of 12 children raised by his grandparents, Janifer and Julia Rustin, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Rustin’s life-long commitment to nonviolence began with his Quaker upbringing and the influence of his grandmother, whose participation in the National Association for the
In 1963, despite the concerns of many civil rights leaders, Rustin was appointed deputy director of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In less than two months, Rustin guided the organization of an event that would bring over 200,000 participants to the nation’s capital.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
CLASS OF 1973
F
rom the early days of Hip Hop in the 1970’s the Cheyney Family has had a relationship with Hip Hop through music, dance, art, parties and vibes.
Furthermore, in recent decades several Hip Hop acts have visited Cheyney to share their talents in Rap, DJing, Fashion, to name a few Queen Lateifah, RUN DMC, Meek Mills, KRS-1, and many more. Years previously soulful musicians who performed the original sampled beats have been coming to Cheyney events and homecomings to play their music before the tunes were converted into Hip Hop form, to give an example Kool and The Gang played “Summer Madness” before it was sampled by Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince for their smash hit “Summertime”. It is safe to say that Cheyney University, America's oldest HBCU has always been a part of African American culture, and that definitely includes Hip Hop culture. In an exercise of civilian civics the honoring of Hip Hop is being utilized to make a difference in society with the cooperation of government officials from across America, and the music listened to at Cheyney plus lessons learned at Cheyney has contributed to the success. In 2013, after having worked many years in the Music industry, at performance venues, in Film and TV production as a Location Manager, and other forms of entertainment since graduating from Cheyney, I began an independent effort to have a street named in one of each of the five New York City Boroughs for a Hip Hop artist. It was not simple, but after ten years there is success citywide with Christopher “Notorious
B.I.G.” Wallace Way in Brooklyn, Wu-Tang Clan District in Staten Island, Big Pun Plaza in The Bronx, Beastie Boys Square in Manhattan, and forthcoming A Tribe Called Quest Boulevard in Queens. Additionally, through my initiative Philly has an Avenue of The Roots street sign up along South Street, Sylvia Robinson Place is in Englewood, NJ, and Tupac Shakur Way in Oakland, CA is approved. Hopefully, The Fugees street name will be advanced in East Orange, NJ, and OutKast Way in Atlanta, GA too. Additionally, through my outreach to Senator Chuck Schumer, legislation in the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Hip Hop Resolution for naming August 11: Hip Hop Celebration Day, August: Hip Hop Recognition Month, and November: Hip Hop History Month. Complementary Hip Hop resolutions were passed by the NYC Council, Los Angeles City Council, Mayor of Philadelphia, NAACP, and pending are other Hip Hop accomplishments. The overall success led to a 50th Anniversary Breakfast with Hip Hop Pioneers Kool Herc, Cindy Campbell, Coke LaRock, Sha-Rock, Kool DJ Red Alert, and VJ Ralph McDaniels, at the Gracie Mansion the home of Mayor Eric Adams, seen in the photo. In turn by honoring Hip Hop over the years it has created an environment for the communities and people which Hip Hop has historically come from to be empowered, and has additional positive ramifications to follow, including at Cheyney University which has always been a part of the Hip Hop culture. Submitted by LeRoy McCarthy '92
WELCOMING THE CLASS OF 2027
Discovery Week
T
he Discovery Week for the Class of 2027 took place over three days during the week of August 14-18, 2023.
New Cheyney students engaged with CU Alumni and learned what it means to be “Cheyney Made” during the “New Student Assembly” session led by CU Alumna MarQuita L. Danzy ‘99. Danzy invited alumni from different eras–the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and recent graduates within the last 5 years–to join the interactive and engaging presentation by sharing their memories and experiences from their respective periods in Cheyney history. The Class of 2027 learned Cheyney's historical significance through the eyes of Alumni, the charge they are accepting by coming to the
nation’s oldest educational institution for African Americans, and the expectation for them to carry the legacy forward. The session ended with students learning the University’s Alma Mater. Alumni Panelists: Victoria Mosley Rivers Joseph Foster Marva Morris Stacey Jones Bey Sabrina Scott Feggins Verron Hayspell Hakim Stovall Sunni Solomon Keiasha Lumpkins James Mergile MarQuita L. Danzy
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