A Fool's Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump

Founding Director Lonnie Bunch's deeply personal tale of the triumphs and challenges of bringing the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to life. His story is by turns inspiring, funny, frustrating, quixotic, bittersweet, and above all, a compelling read.

In its first four months of operation, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture surpassed one million visits and quickly became a cherished, vital monument to the African American experience. And yet this accomplishment was never assured. In A Fool's Errand, founding director Lonnie Bunch tells his story of bringing his clear vision and leadership to bear to realize this shared dream of many generations of Americans.

Outlining the challenges of site choice, architect selection, building design, and the compilation of an unparalleled collection of African American artifacts, Bunch also delves into his personal struggles--especially the stress of a high-profile undertaking--and the triumph of establishing such an institution without mentors or guidebooks to light the way. His memoir underscores his determination to create a museum that treats the black experience as an essential component of every American's identity.

This inside account of how Bunch planned, managed, and executed the museum's mission informs and inspires not only readers working in museums, cultural institutions, and activist groups, but also those in the nonprofit and business worlds who wish to understand how to succeed--and do it spectacularly--in the face of major political, structural, and financial challenges.

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Jharrel Jerome Wins Emmy for Lead Actor in 'When They See Us'

Jharrel Jerome took home the award for lead actor in a limited series for When They See Us during Sunday night's Emmy Awards.

Jerome beat out other nominees Mahershala Ali (True Detective), Benicio Del Toro (Escape at Dannemora), Hugh Grant (A Very English Scandal), Jared Harris (Chernobyl) and Sam Rockwell (Fosse/Verdon).

While his acceptance speech included the usual suspects, such as his peers, cast and crew, and family, Jerome took a moment to dedicate his win to the true inspirations whose harrowing life experiences brought this story to life.

"Most important[ly], this is for the men known as the Exonerated Five," he said. "Thank you so much. It's an honor, it's a blessing."

City of Buffalo honors African-American heritage with new archway

Leaders cut the ribbon on the new Michigan Avenue archway, celebrating African-American culture in the Queen City (Buffalo NY).

This archway marks the entrance to the District of the African-American Heritage Corridor.

Leaders say it highlights African-Americans contributions to Buffalo.

“This archway is a door that was never shut for no one. It will always be open. and as you press under this archway and drive through it. hopefully you get blessings and anointing from it, because that’s what the archway is all about. It’s the healing of the wounds that we’re carrying,” artist Valeria Cray said.

This is the first archway in the City of Buffalo.

[SOURCE: WIVB]

Kelsey Koelzer named coach of Arcadia University’s women’s ice-hockey program

Kelsey Koelzer has been a pioneer before.

An African-American woman in ice hockey, she cut her teeth and several other body parts in boys leagues, then became a first-team all-American at Princeton and the National Women’s Hockey League’s top overall draft choice.

Now Koelzer, 24, will break more ground as the first coach of Arcadia University’s new women’s ice-hockey program, which along with a men’s team will begin play in the 2021-22 season.

“To be able to provide more girls an opportunity to play at the college level should be amazing,” Koelzer said. “Hockey helped me get a degree from the best school in the country.”

She’ll start recruiting in October and Arcadia hopes her stature in a sport she discovered at age 4 will propel its new program, which, along with a men’s team, launches in the 2021-22 season. Vince Pietrangelo, the lead assistant at SUNY-Canton, will coach the men.

A Horsham Pennsylvania native, Koelzer was a three-time all-Ivy performer as a Princeton defender and a member of the USA Select Under-22 team. After graduating in 2017, she was drafted into the NWHL and was named its all-star game’s MVP. She’s also a member of the NHL-NHLPA Female Hockey Advisory Committee, a group aiming to increase women’s participation in the sport.

“I’ve mentioned her to some people and they’re impressed. They all say, `Whoa, she’s your coach?’” said Brian Granata, Arcadia’s athletic director. “Her passion is impressive. She’s extremely humble, very mature.”

[SOURCE: PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER]

Congresswoman Hayes speaks on the School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT 5th District) spoke at the House Committee on Education & Labor in support of H.R. 4301, the School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act. The bill, which is cosponsored by Congresswomen Hayes, Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), and Lucy McBath (GA-06), would create a federal definition for “school shooting” and instructs the Department of Education, in consultation with the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services, to annually report uniform data on school shootings. The bill passed the Committee on Education & Labor and is headed to the floor for a full vote by the House.

Watch Rep. Hayes comments below:

Cory Booker will drop out of presidential race if he can't raise $1.7 million by end of September

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker has told supporters he needs to raise nearly $1.7 million by the end of September or he will drop out of the 2020 presidential race. Watch Cory explain this decision below;

NEW BOOK: Hope, Never Fear: A Personal Portrait of the Obamas

An affecting, profoundly personal insight into an extraordinary couple who energized and empowered millions of people around the world.

An intimate collection of photographs that follow Barack and Michelle Obama on their incredible presidential journey: Award-winning photographer Callie Shell presents a firsthand collection of portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama depicting the guiding principles that defined their time in the White House. While documenting the journey from the Obama's family home in Chicago to the most powerful house in the United States, Shell and the Obamas became fast friends, swapping stories about their families and sharing tips about coping with life on the road.

• Features over 100 compelling photographs from behind the scenes, including many previously unpublished, that give viewers a glimpse into the happiness, the stress, the triumphs, the pressures, and everything in between
• Each photograph is paired with insightful quotes from Michelle and Barack that reveal their warmth, compassion, and unending commitment to service
• Includes an in-depth introduction by Shell along with notes drawn from the diaries she kept during her time with the Obamas to give Hope, Never Fear a genuine feel that is captivating and authentic

Hope, Never Fear makes an empowering gift for any photography, presidential, or history fan.

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Callie Shell is a World Press Photo Award-winning photographer whose work has appeared in magazines, books, galleries, and museums throughout the world. She has covered five presidential campaigns, served for eight years as the official photographer for Vice President Al Gore during the Clinton administration, and spent over 10 years capturing images leading up to and during Barack Obama's presidency.

Charles Barkley: democrats take black votes for granted

During an interview Michael Smerconish SiriusXM radio show NBA legend Charles Barkley argued the Democratic party enjoys overwhelming support from African Americans but takes their votes for granted.

Listen to Barkley's comments below:

Booker Bill to Help Communities Get Lead Out of Drinking Water Passes House Unanimously

The House unanimously voted to pass legislation authored by New Jersey Senator Cory Booker that could help communities across the country, including Newark, remove lead from drinking water. The Water Infrastructure Funding Transfer Act now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

Booker worked closely with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and the New Jersey House delegation after last week’s passage in the Senate to ensure the legislation was quickly acted upon in the House. Specifically, the legislation would give states facing a threat to public health from lead in drinking water the flexibility to make a one-time transfer of the federal funds in their Clean Water State Revolving Fund to their Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for projects that will remove lead from drinking water. New Jersey would be able to transfer up to $100 million in federal funds for use toward the $120 million lead service line replacement project in Newark and projects in other municipalities.

“Last night’s passage of the Water Infrastructure Funding Transfer Act puts us one step closer to helping cities like Newark address the threat of lead in drinking water,” Sen. Booker, who lives in Newark, said. “Every American should have access to safe, clean drinking water, and this legislation will allow New Jersey to provide Newark with substantial funding as Newark moves to rapidly replace lead service lines.”

“Thank you Chairman Pallone and the New Jersey delegation for their work in quickly getting my legislation passed by the House of Representatives. I urge the President to sign this into law as soon as it reaches his desk to help states make critical repairs and upgrades to their aging drinking water systems.” 

“I am pleased that the House acted swiftly to follow the Senate’s lead and pass this common sense legislation,” Sen. Menendez said. “Our bill gives states like New Jersey added flexibility to tap needed federal funding to assist our communities grappling with the challenges of aging water infrastructure. I would implore President Trump to sign this legislation without delay in order to help the residents of Newark and its surrounding communities deal with the current situation of elevated lead in their drinking water. The federal government has a role in ensuring that each family has access to safe, clean drinking water. I will continue to fight for the critical resources New Jersey needs, while holding those federal agencies accountable for ensuring the health and well-being of our residents.”

“Every American has a right to clean drinking water. It is unacceptable that Newark’s residents have been living with elevated levels of lead in their water,” Chairman Pallone said. “Federal funds exist to help communities like those in New Jersey, but for some states, that funding is constrained from being used to address lead contamination. The House acted unanimously to change that, giving New Jersey the flexibility and resources it needs to replace lead pipes and give the people of Newark the clean water they deserve. I am proud to have expedited passage of this important legislation through the House and grateful for my colleagues’ urgent attention to this public health crisis.”

“I am excited to hear that the Water Infrastructure Funding Transfer Act passed,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “This is a badly needed step towards cleaner water my neighbors in Newark.  The problems with Newark’s water system could occur in any city with aging pipes nationwide.  Communities need the flexibility to spend federal funding to improve their water supply when necessary because nothing is more important than the health and safety of their residents.  I have been proud to work with Senator Booker, Congressman Pallone and national as well as local agencies to fix this problem as quickly as possible.  I will continue to do so until Newark’s water is clean.”  

“All Americans deserve access to clean drinking water, and the federal government has a responsibility to help communities that are struggling to meet that goal,” Congressman Albio Sires said. “I am proud to join my New Jersey colleagues in the House and Senate in supporting the Water Infrastructure Funding Act, to give New Jersey the flexibility to use federal infrastructure funding to upgrade its water systems. This common-sense bill will go a long way towards ensuring that Newark residents have access to clean water, and it can help other communities get ahead of any potential water infrastructure issues. We are our brothers’ keepers, and we cannot fail to act when our neighbors are in trouble. The bill is now awaiting the President’s signature and I sincerely hope that he will stand with us in protecting clean water for all Americans.”

“Yesterday, the New Jersey delegation worked together to get Senator Booker’s legislation unanimously passed by the House of Representatives,” Governor Murphy said. “States and municipalities can’t upgrade our nation’s aging water infrastructure alone and, once it is signed into law, this legislation will allow New Jersey to utilize up to $100 million in federal funds to help Newark and other cities fund the replacement of lead service lines. This is amazing news for our state and I applaud our congressional delegation for their efforts.”

“Last night's vote was a huge win for the City of Newark and many communities across the United States that are dealing with older, aging infrastructure,” Mayor Ras Baraka said. “Thank you to New Jersey Senators Booker and Menendez for creating opportunities and solutions to fund critical projects that will help eliminate lead service lines and provide clean, safe and healthy water to countless families.”

Since an engineering study was released in October 2018 finding that lead was leaching into Newark’s drinking water because of ineffective corrosion treatment at one of the City’s water treatment plants, Booker has worked tirelessly in the Senate to help the city get the federal resources it needs to fix the problem. In December, Booker urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to include this measure he authored to provide a source of funding for Newark in a 2018 end-of-year spending bill. The measure wasn’t included in that spending deal, so Booker introduced the measure as a stand-alone bill in May and pushed its passage through the Environment and Public Works Committee, which he sits on, in June. The Committee filed a written report on the bill in July 2019.

Also in June, Booker worked to include the measure as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which was moving through the Senate, but it was blocked by Republicans. Booker then worked to “hot-line” the bill for Senate passage before Congress broke for recess in early August, but the effort was again blocked by Republicans. Bills can be “hot-lined” for passage, which means they do not need to come to a vote on the Senate floor, if no Senator raises objections to the bill.

Since additional serious concerns over the lead in drinking water in Newark were reported in August, Booker has aggressively and repeatedly pushed the federal government to provide more resources for the city. He has helped pass out bottled water to affected residents and he met with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 Administrator Peter Lopez to discuss EPA’s duty and on-the-ground efforts in Newark. He also—along with Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Albio Sires (D-NJ), and Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) – urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help administer lead blood screenings for affected residents in Newark. That request followed a separate letter, Booker sent with New Jersey lawmakers urging the USDA to offer additional assistance to serve the immediate needs of Newark residents by making temporary changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC). The lawmakers also sent a letter to the EPA urging it to assist state and local efforts to deliver safe drinking water to Newark residents.

Congressional Black Caucus Focuses On Marijuana Legalization At Conference

Over the next two days, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation will hold four panels dedicated to marijuana policy as part of the group’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

The events will feature lawmakers and advocates discussing a wide range of issues related to cannabis, including a look at the future of the industry, access to banking services for marijuana businesses and legislation to end prohibition while promoting social equity.

Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) will lead the first marijuana panel on Thursday, which is titled “The Future of Cannabis-Hemp in the United States.” Neal Levine, CEO of the Cannabis Trade Federation, will also appear in that group.

“Lawmakers are increasingly recognizing the intersections between our nation’s cannabis policies and other issues, and there is a strong and growing sense that change is needed at the federal level,” Levine told Marijuana Moment. “It touches everything from public safety, to criminal and social justice, to the economy, and the environment.”

“Public attitudes have shifted strongly in favor of ending cannabis prohibition, and its seeming inevitability has inspired members of Congress to take a far more proactive approach on the subject,” he said.

Later in the day, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), who is a co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, is set to host a panel discussion on the Marijuana Justice Act—legislation that would deschedule cannabis and also penalize states that continue to carry out marijuana enforcement in a discriminatory manner.

Drug Policy Alliance Policy Coordinator Queen Adesuyi and Center for American Progress Senior Policy Analyst Maritza Perez will participate.

“We are excited about being part of such important conversations taking place around equity and the need for reforming our marijuana laws,” Perez told Marijuana Moment. “It’s clear that public sentiment is moving toward marijuana legalization and that people and lawmakers alike recognize that we must start by repairing the harm the war on drugs brought to low-income communities of color.”

“Congress has the historic opportunity to address this harm by bringing the MORE Act to a floor vote this fall,” she said, referencing a legalization bill sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY).

Adesuyi told Marijuana Moment that the volume of cannabis-focused panels is “yet another promising and historic signal of the ever increasing support for substantive cannabis reform for key members of the CBC and Congress broadly, as we work to get the most comprehensive bill [the MORE Act] ending cannabis prohibition to be introduced in Congress passed this year.”

“This year’s Annual Legislative Conference takes on special meaning as we mark the 400th anniversary of enslaved Africans arriving on our shores,” Lee said in a press release. “I’m excited to gather with my colleagues from around the country to address the most pressing issues in the African American community—ranging from the legacy of the failed War on Drugs to health disparities facing our friends and families.”

On Friday, Gia Moron, president of Women Grow, is scheduled to discuss cannabis and banking at another event.

The chair of CBC, Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), will hold a two-hour panel titled “Social Equity in Marijuana Legalization,” another indicator that as Congress takes cannabis legislation back up after returning from recess, CBC members are likely to emphasize equity and restorative justice in any legislative attempts to legalize cannabis.

CBC has been a leader in promoting marijuana reform and pushing the conversation forward as it concerns racial disparities in cannabis enforcement under prohibition. The organization’s 2018 conference included two panels that also looked at social equity issues, as well as civil engagement related to marijuana.

In a policy statement released last year, CBC called for cannabis decriminalization and automatic expungements for those with prior marijuana misdemeanor convictions, noting that people “should not have to suffer today for previously illegal behavior that is now allowable in their community.”

Ending cannabis prohibition was also included in the group’s list of “must-do” policy proposals the caucus published in advance of last year’s elections that it said the House should pursue within 100 days if Democrats reclaimed the chamber.

f t # e Tags: Diversity

1,000 black men marched against violence in Chicago, where was the media?

Israel United in Christ Hosted a 1,000+ men march on August 31, 2019, to spread awareness of peace and unity amongst our community in Englewood of Chicago IL.

I guess it got no national because it was for a positive cause and that there was no violence so that made it not newsworthy.

Check our video of the march below:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Raising $1 Million For HBCUs

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 17, 2019: The AKA HBCU Endowment Campaign has been EXTENDED through today! There’s still time to help us raise $1 million! You can support our wonderful HBCUs by donating to https://donate.akaeaf.org/pages/HBCU_Community_Impact_Day or text AKAHBCU to 44321.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® seeks to raise $1 million in 24 hours for a second consecutive year during HBCU Impact Day on September 16, 2019. As part of a four-year $10 million fundraising goal, AKA International President Dr. Glenda Glover is leading the challenge for contributions that can help to secure fiscal sustainability and success across all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

“This year, we are simultaneously launching a ten-month campaign to secure larger corporate giving matches, corporate pledges and donations to our AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund, while continuing our efforts to support these all-important educational institutions,” said Dr. Glover, who is also president of Tennessee State University, and an HBCU graduate.

On September 16, as part of the sorority's recognition of HBCU Week, chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will host fundraising events around the globe. Donors can make contributions by texting AKAHBCU to 44321, giving by mail or online at http://aka1908.com/hbcus/donate-hbcu during the 24-hour campaign. Money raised through HBCU Impact Day will assist in providing financial support to these schools over the next three years.

“Last year, our members and supporters surpassed our million dollar goal in one day, and we began distributing funds almost immediately to support HBCUs around the country,” added Dr. Glover.

“This was a historic moment for Alpha Kappa Alpha, but it was also just as historic and meaningful for our HBCU families.”

In February, AKA gifted $1.6 million from their AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund to 32 HBCUs. Presidents from these institutions joined Dr. Glover and sorority leadership at a special Black History Month program at the Ivy Center International Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

Organizations that provided the largest corporate matches to the AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund in 2018 were Caterpillar, General Electric, Hilton, Houston ISD, IBM, SAP America, State Farm Companies Foundation, UnitedHealth Group, and Wells Fargo Bank.

These endowment funds can help schools reduce student debt through scholarships, fund industry-specific research, recruit and retain top faculty, and much more. According to The Network Journal, roughly a quarter of all African Americans with bachelor degrees graduated from an HBCU (22%). HBCUs have historically served all people regardless of race or economic standing and continue to do so. These schools are often the largest employer in rural areas, and educate students from pre-K through college via teacher education programs, charter schools and early college high schools housed on their campuses. AKA believes the importance of these environments of higher learning and the need to support them has never diminished.

Philadelphia 76ers honor Charles Barkley with a statue

76ers alumni flooded the Complex Friday to witness Charles Barkley taking his place as the eighth Sixer to be immortalized with a statue on Legends Walk.

The celebration began with remarks from 76ers Co-Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, General Manager Elton Brand, President Chris Heck, Barkley’s former coach and Hall of Famer Billy Cunningham, Head Coach Brett Brown, Play-by-Play Broadcaster Marc Zumoff, and Sir Charles himself.

“When you grow up in Leeds, Alabama, in the projects, and all these 56 years later, you’re standing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and you’ve had this amazing journey, all you can really say is thank you,” Barkley said.

During his remarks, Barkley recalled the adversity he faced en route to his illustrious career.

“People always said, ‘He’s undersized,’” Barkley said. “To all the small power forwards and short guards out there -- you can still get your thing done.”

That very spirit seems to have rubbed off on another player who was coming up through the ranks during Barkley’s prime.

“[Barkley] showed me -- It’s not the height, it’s the size of your heart, your will, and your passion to go get it and to compete at the highest level,” Brand said, calling Barkley “someone I looked up to and emulated in my game every day.”

Aside from inspiring young players nationwide, Barkley also managed to become an 11-time All Star, an 11-time All-NBA selection, the 1992-93 MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist before getting enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Today, when Barkley’s not busy voicing NBA broadcasts on TNT, he spends his summers back in the city which drafted him in 1984.

“Man, Philadelphia. What an amazing city,” Barkley said. “My heart will always be here in Philadelphia.”

“He was a massive presence on the court,” Heck said. “What you don’t see is what Charles contributed off the court. He is still very much part of the community in a way that is iconic.”

The sculpture, commissioned by sculptor Chad Fisher, now becomes a permanent fixture in the lives of today’s Sixers.

Brown said he nods the club’s rich history every day when entering the facility, hoping his players do the same.

Considering the statues on Legends Walk and the banners hanging above the court, Brown said, “[It’s] truly breathtaking.”

[SOURCE: NBA.COM/SIXERS]

‘When They See Us’ wins Creative Arts Emmy Award

Ava DuVernay’s Netflix miniseries ‘When They See Us’ took home the Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Movie/Limited Casting.

Casting directors Aisha Coley and Ashley Ingram dedicated the award to the Central Park Five who allowed their stories to be told on the show, and to director Ava DuVernay.

Angela Davis inducted into National Women's Hall of Fame

Civil rights icon Angela Davis was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 14, 2019.

Davis, a former leader of the Black Panther Party who rose to international fame in the 1970s after she was imprisoned and put on trial for conspiracy charges, said while accepting her award on Saturday that her “consciousness has been enabled always by shared endeavors and collective consciousness.”

“At each significant turning point in my life, when I was introduced to the world of progressive political activism, anti-racist prison abolition struggles, when I myself was on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted List and ended up spending two years in jail and on trial, when I became involved in many international solidarity efforts, intersectional feminist movements, I’ve always been one of many,” she also said, according to the AP.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Brandon Curry wins the 2019 Mr. Olympia!

Brandon Curry was the prohibitive favorite to win the Olympia after winning the 2019 Arnold Classic, and he didn't disappoint.

Although he was challenged by William Bonac and People's Champion Hadi Choopan Curry became the 15th man to win the Olympia due to his overall size, conditioning, and total physique.

The champ took home $400,000 for his winning efforts.

The top 5 finishers were:

1st – Brandon Curry

2nd- William Bonac

3rd- Hadi Choopan

4th- Dexter Jackson

5th – Roelly Winklaar

Mr Olympia 2019 Winning ceremony: New Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry On Stage Interview!

Cydney Gillon wins the 2019 Ms. Figure Olympia

For the third consecutive year Cydney Gillon has won the 2019 Mrs. Figure Olympia.

Olympia 2019 Figure Results & Prize Money

1. Cydney Gillon, $50,000

2. Latorya Watts, $20,000

3. Nadia Wyatt, $12,000

4. Jessica Reyes Padilla, $7000

5. Carly Starling-Horrell, $ 6000

2019 Figure Olympia Winner Cydney Giillon After Show Interview

Shanique Grant wins 2019 Women's Physique Olympia

The winner of the 2019 Women’s Physique Olympia competition is Shanique Grant making her a back to back champion.

The official results are as follows:

2019 Olympia Women’s Physique Results & Prize Money

1. Shanique Grant, $40,000

2. Sarah Villegas, $18,000

3. Natalia Abraham Coelho, $12,000

4. Daniely Castilho, $6,000

5. Laura Pintado Chinchilla, $4,000

2019 Olympia Women's Physique Winner Shanique Grant After Show interview.

Exonerated Five member Kevin Richardson honored with scholarship in his name

Syracuse University community members welcomed a teary-eyed Kevin Richardson to a reception at the Community Folk Art Center on Sunday night.

Richardson was honored at a benefit reception for the Our Time Has Come Scholarship at SU, which supports underrepresented students. At the reception, SU announced the Kevin Richardson Fund, which will be part of the Our Time Has Come program.

Richardson was able to step foot on the campus he dreamed of attending as a kid.

“It’s surreal,” Richardson said moments before he was honored. “Just being here and being 44 and having that dream at (age) 14, and now I’m here. It’s mind-blowing.”

In 1989, Richardson and four other black and Latino teenagers — Korey Wise, Antron McCray, Raymond Santana, and Yusef Salaam — were falsely accused and arrested for the rape of a woman jogging in Central Park. Richardson was 14 years old at the time of his wrongful conviction. It wasn’t until 2002, when the real perpetrator admitted to the crime, that the “Central Park Five” were exonerated. Now they’re known as The Exonerated Five.

“My mother always told me that one day the truth will come out,” Richardson said in a speech. “I am so thrilled that she is alive to be able to see it.”

Richardson expressed his interest in SU in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that was released in June. He was always a fan of SU basketball and dreamed of playing the trumpet in the university’s marching band.

After seeing the Oprah interview, SU political science major senior Jalen Nash started an online petition calling on the university to give Richardson an honorary degree. The petition has gained nearly 6,000 signatures, but the university has not indicated whether he will receive a degree. The process to get an honorary degree can take several months or up to a few years.

Students, faculty and community members gathered over hors d’oeurves and drinks at the CFAC to honor Richardson by presenting him with several tokens of appreciation. This event was held in partnership with SU’s Office of Multicultural Advancement; Rachel Vassel, assistant vice president of the office, organized and hosted the reception.

Vassel introduced several guests who then gave Richardson gifts to welcome him to the SU family. He received a customized “44” SU basketball jersey, a Yamaha trumpet and an award from the 2019-20 recipients of the Our Time Has Come scholarship.

Alumna Tara Favors, Class of 1995, also pledged $25,000 to a new scholarship in Richardson’s name.

“I don’t take anything for granted. I want to continue this legacy for years to come,” Richardson said in his speech. “If I’m not around, my name will still be here. My time has come.”

Read more: Kevin Richardson honored with scholarship in his name

NFL Hall of Famer Tony Dungy newest children's book 'Carson Chooses Forgiveness'

Super Bowl winning player and coach Tony Dungy and his wife, Lauren, just released their fourth book in a children's series. This one is titled ''Carson Chooses Forgiveness,''.

Carson loved basketball practice with the Trentwood Tigers until Daniel, the star player, started showing off and hogging the ball. When Daniel refuses to pass to Carson during a drill and then makes fun of him, coach Tony and coach Lauren remind Daniel to have a better attitude. But the team, including Carson, is still upset with Daniel.

Things get worse at Trentwood’s next game when Carson’s teammates hurt their chances of winning by not passing to Daniel. As Carson sits on the bench, watching his team fall further behind and Daniel getting more frustrated, he knows he has a choice to make. Will he continue to be angry at Daniel or reach out to him? With his coaches’ help, Carson learns that even though forgiveness can be difficult, it’s the best way to make things right and move on.

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