BY: Cheryl Smith
If you have read previous columns, I’ve been talking about a trip I am about to take.
Earlier this year, I received a call informing me that my portrait would appear on the Dr. Thelma T. Gorham Distinguished Alumni Wall in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication at Florida A&M University.
To say I am humbled, proud, sometimes overwhelmed, and even nostalgic would be an understatement. I learned in Dean Robert Ruggles’ class that I lean towards a utilitarian and consequentialist way of living — the greatest good and accountability.
So, while I am overjoyed that I will appear on the WALL, and we have an accompanying digital book that will tell a little about my life and what I represented, I wanted to make the presentation meaningful to more than just my loved ones and yours truly.
Thus, a fundraiser to endow a scholarship for aspiring journalists and female student athletes became my next project.
I called a few friends, some friends called me, and now we have Cheryl’s Champions – those who expressed their support by donating and getting others to donate.
I’m using this space to talk about our efforts because I’m also stressing the importance of us taking care of our village. Just imagine if we all started working to make sure that someone other than us benefited from our successes.
We can do so much and make for a better experience for generations to come, if we think about more than ourselves and personal gains. A greater good is being served with your support.
On October 17, friends and loved ones will celebrate with me as the cover is removed, revealing a portrait of me that has never been seen before.
I will smile and attempt to say something profound because in my heart and head, I will be thinking about the money we raised to benefit others.
If you have already donated, please accept my sincerest expressions of gratitude and love. Any amount is appreciated. Please log on to www.texasmetronews.com and find out how you can donate, bid on auction items, and receive an invitation to the program.
I also thank and salute Cheryl’s Champions. You make my heart sing!
- African American Education Archives History and Program
- Rebecca Aguilar/ 21-22 President – SPJ
- Arise and Rejoice /Joseph Green-Bishop
- Cecil Armstrong bka Shuckey Duckey
- (Quack Quack)
- John Beckwith/Golden Gate Funeral Home
- Black Headline News
- Black Jack Pizza/ Dorothy Jones
- Black Star Network/Roland S. Martin2
- Black Business Directory/Shane Hefner
- Perri Camper Rivers/One Happy Camper
- Celebrating Life Foundation
- Chef Fee
- Chuck D RAPtivist PE
- CR8IVE OUTLET
- Stewart Curet
- Dallas Post Tribune/Shirley Gray
- D/FW Association of Black Journalists
- D/FW ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop Alumni
- Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation
- Atty. Bobbie Edmonds
- Elusive Ladies/Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.(BADST)
- Evans Engraving
- Friends of Dick Gregory
- Helen Giddings/Multiplex Inc.
- East Orange High School (NJ) Class of 1976
- Gary “with da Tea” Hayes
- Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III/Friendship-West Baptist Church
- Valerie Fields Hill
- Jesse Hornbuckle Photography
- Garry D. Howard
- IMAJ
- Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Psi Chapter – Dallas/Charlotte Berry, Natl Pres.
- Dareia Jacobs for JP
- jimaustinonline.com
- Eddie Bernice Johnson LIVES Foundation
- Ella Goode Johnson
- Dr. Vivian Bradley Johnson/Miss FAMU 1981
- Tom Joyner
- Karrington Realty/Gary Hasty
- Ambassador Ronald and Matrice Ellis Kirk
- Lankford Avenue
- Dr. Julianne Malveaux
- Patrice Cook Manigo/East Orange, New Jersey
- MASS – in honor of Joyce Ann Brown
- MOCCA Cosmetics/Kena Williams Baccus
- Richard A. Moore/WAAITT Foundation
- NNPA/The Black Press of America
- Charles O’Neal – Reformed Black Press Veteran
- Pelican House
- Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price
- Shaun Rabb
- DeMetris Sampson, Esq.
- Terri D. Sanders/Omaha Star
- Smith Family
- Vernell and Debra Brown Sturns
- UNCF Leadership Council/North Texas
- Janis Ware/The Atlanta Voice
- James A. Washington/The Dallas Weekly
- Texas State Senator Royce West
- Westside Gazette/Bobby and Bertha Henry
- William Blair Foundation/Elite News
- Walter Williams/Sweet Georgia Brown
- Chelle Luper Wilson
- Joe Young/KEMET
- Activity Sheet
