Livingstone College

Moss’ grandfather focus of acclaimed short film, ‘Otis’ Dream’ A third-generation warrior for civil and human rights will be the speaker at Livingstone College’s Fall Convocation. The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III has served as senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago since 2008, but is likely also known for a narrative documentary short film titled, “Otis’ Dream.” The film, which was featured on Oprah Winfrey’s “Super Soul Sunday,” retells the story of Moss III’s grandfather, Otis Moss, Sr., who was denied the right to vote in 1946 after walking 18 miles to three different polling places. He died before he could ever vote. Moss III, who was executive producer of the film, also wrote the original screenplay and story. His grandfather’s words, “Listen here, promise me, if you ever get the chance … vote,” was the inspiration for Moss’ father, the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., to become actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Selma march and witnessed the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Moss III inherited that same spirit of civil rights and social justice as he routinely preaches and practices a Black theology that unapologetically calls attention to the problems of mass incarceration, environmental justice and economic inequality. He is part of a generation of ministers committed to preaching a prophetic message of love and justice, which he believes are inseparable companions that form the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus …

Two individuals and one community organization will be honored this weekend for the work they do to support the West End community during Livingstone College’s first home game. Janine Evans, Jason Walser and West End Pride will each receive the Fannie T. Butler Community Impact Award during a pre-game ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at Alumni Memorial Stadium. The West End Classic is a partnership between Livingstone College, the City of Salisbury and members of the West End Coalition (West End Pride and West End Community Organization) that pays homage to the community in which Livingstone resides. This year marks the ninth annual classic game. Pre-pandemic, Livingstone College and the West End Coalition met for breakfast meetings throughout the year to discuss improvement issues related to the community and to vote on West End residents who qualify for Community Spirit Awards during the West End Classic game. On last year, Livingstone College decided to rename the award after Fannie Tillery Butler, a member of the West End Coalition, who passed away on Feb. 11, 2021, at the age of 92. Butler, a 1949 graduate of Livingstone College and local educator, was a founding member of the West End Community Organization and served as president for more than 25 years. She was the first director of Miller Recreation Center. “Our selections this year exemplify community service initiatives that supported relationship building and improved visibility of the West End community,” said Dee Dee Wright, who leads the West End Coalition. “These three will …

Joint press release Game also debuts Blue Bears’ new blue turf field  SALISBURY – It’s been nearly a decade since the Livingstone College Blue Bears faced off against the Catawba College Indians in what is known as the Mayor’s Cup. That hiatus ends at 5 p.m. on Sept. 3 at the Blue Bears’ season opener with the return of the coveted trophy-prized game. The football teams of Livingstone College and Catawba College will compete at the newly-remodeled Alumni Memorial Stadium on Livingstone’s campus, which was converted from grass to artificial turf painted in Livingstone blue. Livingstone College and Catawba competed annually for a number of years, dating back to 2001. The last football game played between the two Rowan County colleges was in 2013. “As presidents of our community’s two four-year colleges, we’re glad schedules allow our teams to compete once again,” said Catawba College President Dr. David P. Nelson and Livingstone College President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr., in a joint statement. “The presence of our teams on the athletic field is much more than a game. It is a demonstration of our partnership.” Both Livingstone and Catawba colleges as well as Rowan Salisbury Schools, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Rowan County government and economic development form the Rowan Educational Collaborative, which works – together – to ensure Salisbury/Rowan is an exceptional education community and to empower residents to engage as citizens, equipped to participate in a thriving local economy. Jenkins, who is retiring, said he is glad the return …

President to throw out ceremonial first pitch  SALISBURY – It’s HBCU Night with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers this weekend. Join Livingstone College and other HBCUs at the Atrium Health Ball Park, located at 210 Oak Avenue, Kannapolis, on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, a minor league baseball team based in Kannapolis, will take on Fredericksburg with post game fireworks. Livingstone College’s Blue Thunder Marching Band will perform pre-game and play the National Anthem. The college’s admissions team will be on hand ready to admit students to college on the spot. Livingstone’s Divine 9 will participate as well. Livingstone President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at about 6:15 p.m. The first 100 fans wearing any HBCU gear or swag will receive a free, gift bag. High school students who bring their transcripts will receive free admission into the game. HBCU Night is a part of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers’ community-focused nights’ series for the 2022 season. The night will highlight the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. High school students will also have the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from Johnson C. Smith University and Winston-Salem State University. “We are leveraging America’s favorite pastime – baseball – to promote diversity in Rowan County and the region,” said Dr. Anthony J. Davis, Livingstone College’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. A limited amount of complimentary tickets is available to faculty, staff and students. Faculty and staff may pick up tickets …

SALISBURY – The Livingstone College Golf Team cinched the CIAA 2022 Golf Championship over the weekend, culminating a stellar season that has the ingredients of a made-for-TV movie. The Blue Bears maintained their position atop the leaderboard at Chicora Golf Club in Dunn, finishing the two-round championship tournament with a team score of 582 (+14) to capture its first title since 2018. Livingstone finished 19 strokes ahead of second place Virginia Union, who finished a score of 601 (+33). Fayetteville State finished third with a team score of 609 (+41). Joel Basalaine of Livingstone College finished atop the individual leaderboard at 141 (-1) to claim the low medalist award. Basalaine shot a 71 (E) in round two and needed a playoff hole to overtake his teammate and roommate Xavier Proctor, who came into the day as the individual leader. Basalaine and Proctor were named to the All-Tournament team for their efforts. Proctor of Livingstone College was also named 2022 CIAA Player of the Year. Following the championship event, the 2022 All-CIAA Golf team, which featured the top five players from both the CIAA Northern and Southern Division based on average scores during regular season CIAA events, was also recognized. Those selections included Xavier Proctor (Livingstone), Ronald Otile (Livingstone), Emmanuel Jakisa (Livingstone), Joel Basalaine (Livingstone) and Brandon Jones (Fayetteville State) from the Southern Division. Livingstone College Head Coach Andre Springs was named 2022 CIAA Coach of the Year after leading the Blue Bears to four first-place finishes in CIAA Southern Division …