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Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Miami Herald
Mother and son overcome obstacles to graduate together at HBCU
When graduates crossed the stage at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) on May 10, one moment stood out as a testament to perseverance and family: Tamika Stanton and her son Tomantae Stanton-Jones both received degrees in a rare and emotional joint milestone at the Durham, NC HBCU. Stanton, already a proud NCCU alumna, earned her Master's degree in Social Work, officially becoming a "Double Eagle"-a title reserved for those who earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees from NCCU. Meanwhile, her son Tomantae graduated summa cum laude from NCCU's School of Law. Their inspiring academic journey began nearly 20 years ago. Stanton was just 15 years old and a student at Hillside High School in Durham when she became pregnant with Tomantae. She recalled the experience as a life-altering moment. 'Being in high school and pregnant was very challenging for me. It was my first real adult decision,' Stanton told WTVD (ABC11). The journey wasn't easy. Tomantae's father, Leniel Jones, moved with his family to Connecticut and was later incarcerated, serving a three-year sentence. For much of his early childhood, Tomantae never met his father. 'When I was 8 years old, I met my dad for the first time,' Tomantae shared with WTVD. Despite the challenges, Stanton raised her son with unwavering support from her family and community. After his release, Jones stepped up to co-parent their son and make up for lost time. 'When I came home, that's when I really wanted to be in his life,' Jones said. 'I was young, so I wasn't thinking as far as how important it was.' Their hard work and dedication paid off. Tomantae graduated from Hillside High School-just like his mother-and was named a Gates Scholar before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While Tomantae thrived at Chapel Hill, Stanton pursued her own academic goals at NCCU, first earning a bachelor's degree and later enrolling in the master's program in social work. 'My ultimate goal was to be finished before he finished school because I was like, 'Oh, he is killing it. I got to show him that I can do it,'' she said. Their graduation day marked a powerful full-circle moment. Both mother and son walked the stage at NCCU, proud of each other's accomplishments. 'It's been a long journey. I'd say I'm super proud of my mom,' Tomantae said. Jones, now an entrepreneur and nonprofit founder, watched proudly from the audience. He owns two restaurants in Connecticut and runs a nonprofit mentoring at-risk youth. 'That's why we're here now, because this is a story for everyone to see,' Jones said. 'We were young. She was 15. I was 16. And he had every reason to not be where he is right now. And he didn't let that happen. And she didn't let that happen. It's never too late.' The post Mother and son overcome obstacles to graduate together at HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU hoops backup levels up with Big Ten committment
Anthony Peoples Jr., a 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward, is making a major move in his basketball career by transferring from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), an HBCU, to UCLA of the Big Ten conference. People's announced his commitment to the Bruins via his Instagram page, announcing his transition from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) to the ultra-competitive landscape of the Big Ten. At NCCU, he played six games during the 2024–25 season, totaling 21 points and six rebounds over 61 minutes of play. His standout performance came against St. Andrews on December 31, 2024, where he recorded 16 points, eight rebounds, and two assists in 21 minutes. Before his time at NCCU, Peoples spent two seasons at Lewis-Clark State College, an NAIA program in Idaho. During the 2023–24 season, he appeared in all 33 games, starting two, and averaged 6.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He shot 59.2% from the field and tied for the team lead with 24 blocked shots. His season highs included 13 points against Multnomah and 11 rebounds versus Evergreen State. Despite limited starting experience-only two starts at Lewis-Clark State and a reserve role at NCCU-Peoples' physical attributes and work ethic have caught the attention of UCLA's coaching staff. According to 247Sports, "The 6'9, 225-pound Peoples is expected to provide depth and increase the physicality of practice. As a junior last year, he averaged five points and 2.4 rebounds per game. The expectation is that he would also provide an emergency backup at center, behind newcomers Xavier Booker and Steven Jamerson." North Carolina Central University is an HBCU basketball program led by head coach LeVelle Moton. Moton is a respected figure in college basketball and is known for developing talent and consistently competing in the MEAC. The Eagles have earned multiple NCAA Tournament appearances during Moton's tenure. Cementing their place as one of the top HBCU basketball programs in the country. UCLA, meanwhile, is one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. Boasting 11 national championships and a legacy of producing NBA talent. People's addition gives the Bruins additional size and a hard-working presence in the post, as he transitions from the HBCU stage to one of the sport's biggest platforms. The post HBCU hoops backup levels up with Big Ten committment appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU football program records perfect APR score
College Sports HBCU football program records perfect APR score DURHAM, N.C. – The HBCU football team at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is a 'national champion' when it comes to the 2023-24 Academic Progress Rate (APR) Report, which the NCAA released on Tuesday. The Eagles posted their best single-year APR score ever-a perfect 1,000, which is the NCAA's highest standard of academic success. The APR is a measure used by the NCAA to track the academic progress of student-athletes on every Division I team through a team-based metric emphasizing variables such as eligibility and retention. 'This is a monumental achievement, one that should invite ongoing conversation about what's possible when student-athletes, support staff, coaches, and the university community move in alignment with shared direction and commitment,' said Kwadjo Steele, the NCCU Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Support. North Carolina Central University is the only HBCU football team to earn a 1,000 single-year APR score and one of just a few Division I football programs (FBS or FCS) to achieve a perfect score this year. The achievement further proves that the Eagles refuse to compromise academic excellence while pursuing athletic championships. 'I am incredibly proud of our football team's achievement of earning a perfect APR score over 1,000,' head coach Trei Oliver said. 'This is more than just a number for us; it's the academic equivalent of winning a national championship. It speaks volumes about the kind of young men we recruit, the intentional culture we've built, and the total commitment of our coaching and academic staff.' Academic Perfection During the 2023-24 academic year, the Durham, NC-based HBCU notched a semester and cumulative GPA above 3.0 for both the fall and spring semesters. The team graduated 25 students, with 20 earning their undergraduate degrees and five receiving their master's degrees. 'While there are many deserving of thanks, we must begin by recognizing our student-athletes for their academic success,' Steele said. 'We also extend deep gratitude to our exceptional support team - Lucy Mason, Jenna Watts, and assistant football coach Tony Spencer - for the structure and accountability they provided throughout the year. Their behind-the-scenes work made a tremendous difference. Coach Oliver likewise deserves high praise for embracing a structure that upheld the same elite habits that drive championship-level success - on the field, in the classroom, and within the community.' The APR report includes a single-year score and a rolling four-year average to determine academic accountability. Teams must maintain a multi-average of 930 to compete for championships and avoid potential penalties. 'At NCCU, our football team's motto is 'Culture Over Scheme,' and this milestone is a direct reflection of that philosophy,' Oliver said. 'We don't just develop football players; we develop scholars, leaders, and men of character. This achievement proves that when you build a program on discipline, accountability, and family, excellence follows on the field and in the classroom. The Eagle standard is real, and we're just getting started.' The post HBCU football program records perfect APR score appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025 This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 1:54 PM.
Miami Herald
14-03-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU star plays big, stays strong for ailing sister
NORFOLK, VA – The MEAC Tournament delivered an emotional thriller as Perry Smith Jr. led the charge for ninth-seeded North Carolina Central University (NCCU), helping the HBCU to a 79-77 upset victory over eighth-seeded Delaware State at Scope Arena. The dramatic finish came down to the final seconds, with Isaac Parson delivering the decisive layup with just one second remaining, breaking a 77-77 tie. Smith, however, was the driving force behind NCCU's inspired performance, finishing with 22 points on a near-perfect 7-for-9 shooting night, complemented by an immaculate 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Yet Smith's performance transcended basketball, driven by a deeply personal mission. His younger sister is currently battling cancer, an emotional burden that has weighed heavily on him throughout the season. "My little sis, we're very close, and my family is very devastated," Smith said after the game. "This is a very hard time, but basketball has become my escape, my therapy. I play for my sister because I know she's watching." North Carolina Central head coach LeVelle Moton expressed profound admiration for Smith's resilience. "For Perry to just be out here and still on this team says a lot about his character. He's fighting through things most people can't imagine. He's playing for something bigger, and he knows it,' Moton said. 'My grandmother told me the two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you figure out why. I think Perry has figured out why now." In a tightly contested game marked by nine ties and four lead changes, NCCU relied on emotional resilience and critical free throws down the stretch. Delaware State fought valiantly, led by Muneer Newton's game-high 27 points and Martaz Robinson's clutch 20-point performance. But NCCU's determination proved insurmountable. This victory propels NCCU into the MEAC quarterfinals, it will face second-seeded South Carolina State. Riding a scorching 10-game winning streak, the Orangeburg, SC-based HBCU represents a formidable challenge. Still, Smith and the Eagles remain focused, inspired, and ready to continue their improbable run through the MEAC Tournament. The post HBCU star plays big, stays strong for ailing sister appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
