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Otis Moss III is Fall Convocation speaker

In News, News & Events by KHarrington

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 …

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West End Classic to honor 3 Saturday

In News, News & Events by KHarrington

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 …

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Mayor’s Cup returns against Catawba Sept. 3

In News, News & Events by KHarrington

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 …

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Jenkins retirement gala June 25, featuring The Whispers

In Dr. Jenkins, News, News & Events by KHarrington

Retiring Livingstone College President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. and First Lady Dr. Faleese Moore Jenkins will be honored June 25 with a retirement gala featuring the iconic R&B music group, The Whispers. An “Evening of Celebration” will be held at the West End Plaza, 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd., in Salisbury (former Salisbury Mall). Cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. with the program starting promptly at 7. Formal attire is expected. Jenkins announced his plans to retire to the Livingstone College Board of Trustees in early February, effective July 1, after 16 years as president of Livingstone and after 38 years in higher education. He was appointed to lead the historically black college in February 2006 and is the second longest tenured president in the college’s history. To honor the legacy of the Jenkins, the college has established the Dr. Jimmy R. and Dr. Faleese Moore Jenkins Endowed Bridge Program, of which all proceeds from the gala will benefit. The Summer Bridge Program is the Jenkins’ signature legacy. It is an intensive six-week summer program targeting students who have college potential, but who do not meet admissions requirements regarding GPA, core courses, or ACT and SAT scores. All students who complete the program are enrolled in the fall as provisional students. “Bridge is not a remedial program but an academic reinforcement program, designed to meet students where they are so they can not only catch up and keep up, but also soar,” said Dr. Anthony Davis, senior vice president, …

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Malik Yoba calls LC graduation best experience

In News, News & Events by KHarrington

Pledges to partner with college on Yoba Development real estate degree program  SALISBURY, NC – In the words of actor Malik Yoba, Livingstone College’s graduation was the best he has ever experience, and the most memorable for retiring President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. “Livingstone College, I’ve never seen a graduation like this anywhere and I’ve spoken at hundreds of them … This is the ‘littest’ graduation I’ve ever been to in my life. I ain’t lying,” the Hollywood veteran said, referring to his emotional and spiritual responses throughout the program. Malik received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the historic black college in Salisbury after an emotional, tear-jerking program. Graduating senior and SGA President Justin Wade, who was also co-valedictorian, set the stage with a soul-stirring, praise-worthy sermonette. In preacher-style, Wade, on behalf of the graduates, thanked “the haters,” who will cause you to look at yourself in the mirror and affirm, “I am that smart, I am that fine, I am that gifted … thank you for every screenshot, thank you for every lie, thank you for every rumor.” Wade also thanked his help, those brothers and sisters who wouldn’t allow him to stay stuck in a negative place; his home, naming his mother, father, relatives and ascended ancestors; and his heavenly father. Click link to hear his entire speech on Livingstone’s official campus radio station YouTube page, WLJZ 107.1: Livingstone College’s Justin Wade graduation speech Moved by Wade and a spiritual song titled “Grateful,” sang by …

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Actor Malik Yoba to address graduates

In News, News & Events by KHarrington

The Livingstone College graduating class of 2022 will have a New York detective, astronaut and Jamaican sprinter – all in one speaker. These are among the roles played by actor, writer, director, activist and serial entrepreneur Malik Yoba, who will deliver the commencement address at Livingstone College at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022. The ceremonies will be held for the first time on the college’s historic front lawn. Malik is a Hollywood veteran with more than three decades of commitment to the arts. He has amassed over 50 film credits and more than a dozen lead roles in network/cable TV series. His debut in the Disney classic “Cool Runnings” and his performances as New York police detective J.C. Williams in the groundbreaking police drama, “New York Undercover,” catapulted Malik into the fabric of American culture. Malik, alongside Michael DeLorenzo, made TV history in “New York Undercover” as it was the first police drama on American TV to feature two people of color in the starring roles. Malik won three consecutive NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for that part. He went on to star in films such as “Copland,” “The Good Nurse,” “Soul Food,” “Ride,” and Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married” and “Why Did I Get Married Too.” His TV credits include “Blue Bloods,” “The Good Wife,” “Law and Order,” “Empire,” “Designated Survivor,” “The Last O.G.” and “God Friended Me.” Yet among all of his acting success, Malik considers himself a community …

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HBCU Night with Cannon Ballers Saturday

In News, News & Events by KHarrington

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 …

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Golf team wins it all

In News, News & Events by KHarrington

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 …

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Waffle House to hold seminar on campus

In News, News & Events by KHarrington

Throughout the month of April, Waffle House Inc. is hosting a series of business leadership and branding seminars with students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in North Carolina. Headlining the seminars’ panel discussions will be Waffle House’s vice president of public relations and area senior operations leaders, Njeri Boss. Livingstone College will host the Waffle House seminar and panel discussion on Saturday, April 23, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Little Tubman Theater located on campus. Of the college tours, Livingstone is the only stop that will include Waffle House’s CEO Walt Ehmer as special guest. Waffle House Inc., headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, is sponsoring the sessions with North Carolina-based HBCU Matters and Black Business Ink magazines. “Over the years, Waffle House has developed ongoing relationships with several HBCUs in North Carolina. These seminars will provide an opportunity to establish an even deeper connection with the students, while providing them essential knowledge and information they’ll need on entering the workforce,” Boss said. “We are excited to partner with HBCU Matters and Black Business Ink magazines for this opportunity to discuss professional development topics such as business leadership with HBCU students in North Carolina, where Waffle House employs several HBCU graduates in its management ranks.” “We are extremely excited about executives from Waffle House visiting our campus to share professional, sage career advice with our students. This opportunity offers a personal connection with corporate executives to better prepare our students to enter the workplace poised and ready to perform,” said …

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Golf team ranks No 1 in nation among HBCUs

In News, News & Events by KHarrington

As Livingstone College’s golf team competes for the CIAA Championship title this week, it is already a winner in one regard. Livingstone’s golf team ranks as the No. 1 HBCU golf team in the nation among NCAA Division II teams. “We’ve never been ranked this high,” said Livingstone Golf Coach Andre Springs. “This is the best team I’ve ever had – pound for pound. All of them are good and they are real close. They compete against each other.” Earlier this month, the Blue Bears won the 2022 CIAA Southern Division Golf Championship. The Blue Bears finished 23 strokes over par as a team during the two-round event to finish 38 strokes ahead of second place Fayetteville State. The tourney was held at Anderson Creek Country Club in Spring Lake. Livingstone’s Jakisa Emmanuel nailed an eagle on the 18th hole to claim the individual medal to finish two over par (146). Emmanuel’s shot broke a tie with second-place finisher Zack Martin of Fayetteville State (+2, 146). Emmanuel and Martin narrowly edged out Xavier Proctor of Livingstone, who finished in third place at three over par (147). Fayetteville State’s Brandon Jones (152, +8) and Livingstone’s Ronald Otile (154, +10) round out the top five finishers at the event. The Blue Bear Golf Team have demonstrated a consistent winning spree in the conference, having won all four CIAA tournaments in which they participated. In addition, they participated in two out-of-conference events – Barton Intercollegiate and The Trojan Invitational – where they displayed phenomenal performances by finishing 5 of …