Latest news with #Riddick
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Retired shop owner earns degree to honor victims of the Orangeburg Massacre
Orangeburg, South Carolina — New York native Linwood Riddick could have spent his golden years in Summerville, South Carolina, tickling the ivories or whatever else tickled his fancy. But instead, the 79-year-old retired shop owner has spent the last six years poring over textbooks and dragging himself to class at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, relentless in his pursuit of a college education. "I just stepped on the accelerator and didn't stop," Riddick told CBS News. "…I was determined to complete what I started." To understand why it mattered so, we need to go back to 1968, when protests against segregation were erupting across the country. One of the deadliest protests occurred at South Carolina State University, where three unarmed Black students were shot and killed by police in what became known as the Orangeburg Massacre. The three killed were Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond Jr. and Delano Middleton. Smith and Hammond were students at SCSU, and Middleton was a high school senior whose mother worked at the university. More than two dozen protesters were also wounded. Nine South Carolina Highway patrolmen, all White, were indicted on federal charges in the shooting, but were all acquitted. Linwood Riddick had never heard of the Orangeburg Massacre until a few years ago when he stumbled on a campus memorial. He says he knew right then what he had to do. "I said, you know, I'm coming here…because I want to put my contributions to their sacrifice,' Riddick said. "And when I get my degree, it's going to be in their name." "In his mind, he was completing their mission," SCSU President Alexander Conyers told CBS News of Riddick. "...He started here in 2019 with zero credits, you know, driving from Summerville every day, which is almost an hour to class and back home." That patience and persistence earned him a bachelor's degree in music industry. And earlier this month, he walked across the stage to a standing ovation. But the more important walk was yet to come, one done alone and without any pomp or circumstance to the Orangeburg Massacre memorial. With that, Riddick's mission was complete. And although it started as a symbolic gesture, Conyers says it'll have a very real impact. "Mr. Riddick has brought this back to the forefront for this university, for this community, for this state — to remind us of our solemn duty to never forget." Here's how much Qatar's plane gifted to Trump administration will cost to retrofit Biggest takeaways from RFK Jr.'s MAHA report What is Trump's message to the European Union amid new tariff threats
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
HBCU awards degree to 80 year old Vietnam veteran
Linwood Riddick didn't enroll at South Carolina State University, an Orangeburg, South Carolina, HBCU, in pursuit of a career. Instead, he came seeking clarity, a renewed sense of purpose, and a way to honor a legacy that deeply moved him. This month, the Vietnam War veteran and longtime member of the SC State Concert Choir received his bachelor's degree in music industry-just weeks before his 80th birthday in July. His journey to that diploma was far from traditional, but it was firmly grounded in personal conviction. "I was walking through campus one day and overheard some men discussing the Orangeburg Massacre," Riddick recalled, referring to the tragic 1968 police shooting that claimed the lives of three unarmed Black students at SC State. "I thought to myself, 'I need to come here, leave my mark on this institution in honor of those young men.'" Now, with his academic journey complete, Riddick hopes his story will inspire others. "People will see me and hopefully understand the purpose behind my being here," he said. A Moment of Recognition SC State President Alexander Conyers made a special pause during Friday's commencement ceremony to honor Riddick as he stepped down from the choir risers. "Mr. Riddick, at 80 years old, has been fully immersed in the student experience-singing in the choir, performing at events," Conyers said. "You inspire us all." Later in the ceremony, Conyers personally handed Riddick his diploma, and the arena erupted in applause from his fellow graduates and the audience. From Service to Song Born in New York and raised in Virginia, Riddick began his college journey at Norfolk State University before being drafted into the U.S. Navy and serving in Vietnam. After returning home, he built a successful business selling souvenirs and various goods for over 30 years. "I did my time in the military, came back, got some help from the VA, and started my own business," he said. "I ran that business until I retired at 72." Instead of settling into retirement, Riddick began commuting from his home in Summerville, South Carolina, to Orangeburg for classes. "I wanted to keep my mind and body active," he said. "The brain is like a spiritual muscle-it needs to be used. Mind, body, soul, and spirit-all must be engaged." An HBCU Voice and a Mentor At SC State, Riddick became a familiar face in the Concert Choir, performing at commencements and special occasions. But his impact extended far beyond the stage. His presence brought inspiration and wisdom to a younger generation of students. Riddick hopes to continue supporting his HBCU. He plans on working with faculty and students to build stronger intergenerational connections and spark greater student engagement. "We need to bridge the gap," he said. "Sometimes, one must teach one. With all I've been through, I want to mentor these students. Hopefully, the faculty and I can foster more connection. We need innovation." A Message of Hope Riddick's advice to others, particularly seniors, is simple but powerful: "If I can do it, you can do it. Nothing's impossible if you try." As for the future? He jokes, "The only thing left for me now is to get computerized-but I've got everything else covered." The post HBCU awards degree to 80 year old Vietnam veteran appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
ESPN Analyst Sends Blunt Message to Kevin Stefanski Regarding Shedeur Sanders' Future
If you're a Colorado Buffaloes fan still riding the Coach Prime wave, brace yourself—because one of the NFL's most respected voices just poured rocket fuel on the Shedeur Sanders hype train. During a recent segment on ESPN, former NFL exec and analyst Louis Riddick didn't hedge when discussing Shedeur's chances of winning the QB1 job for the Cleveland Browns. Riddick made it crystal clear: if head coach Kevin Stefanski levels the playing field, Shedeur could take the reins as soon as Week 1. 'If he can compete with Dillon Gabriel, if he can compete with Joe Flacco, if he can compete with Kenny Pickett. There's a very good chance that he could be your starter week one.' Advertisement That's a huge statement when you consider the Browns' quarterback room. Veteran Joe Flacco, 2024 Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel, and former Steelers starter Kenny Pickett are all in the mix. Yet Riddick believes Shedeur, coming off a statistically explosive season at Colorado, has the raw tools, football IQ, and composure to rise above them. Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) and quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5)Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images 'It's not ridiculous… he could be your starter Week 1. No question about it,' Riddick said, pointing to the need for a truly open competition. Last season, Sanders threw for 4,134yards, 37 touchdowns—despite playing behind one of the most porous offensive lines in college football, which allowed a staggering 43 sacks. It wasn't just his arm that turned heads—it was his poise, his command, and his ability to make clutch plays under duress. Advertisement Still, the path won't be handed to him. As Riddick noted, it all depends on whether Stefanski is willing to 'change some things' in how practice reps are distributed. Without that, Shedeur may find himself limited by structure, not skill. But if Stefanski embraces an 'organic competition,' as Riddick put it, then don't be surprised if Sanders is under center come September. Buff Nation, this isn't just another media soundbite—this is a real shot. Shedeur isn't just trying to make a roster. He's gunning for the top. Keep your eyes on Cleveland. The Prime Era may be expanding faster than anyone expected. Advertisement Related: Florida Judge denies Travis Hunter Sr. "special treatment" request, allows son's wedding Related: NFL All-Pro sends blunt message to Shedeur Sanders and Browns QB room
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN's Louis Riddick calls Kansas City Chiefs RB Brashard Smith an Alvin Kamara clone
ESPN's Louis Riddick calls Kansas City Chiefs RB Brashard Smith an Alvin Kamara clone During a recent episode of ESPN's NFL Live show, Louis Riddick shared his feedback on the Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 draft class. He focused much of his attention on their seventh-round selection, Brashard Smith. "Keep an eye on Brashard Smith, he is an Alvin Kamara clone with 4.3 speed. They have got a lot of things going on right now in Kansas City," said Riddick, "they may have addressed their issues as good as anybody." Kamara was named the NFL Rookie of the Year, a Pro Bowler in his first five NFL seasons, and a two-time second-team All-Pro. He became the Saints' All-Time leading rusher. Riddick, who has a reputation for evaluating talent, highly praises Smith's comparison to Kamara. After a playing career in the NFL, Riddick became a pro scout for the Washington Redskins for four years, eventually getting promoted to Director of Pro Personnel. He next joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a pro scout and became their Director of Pro Personnel. He has since served as one of the top analysts on ESPN's NFL coverage. Last season, Smith earned Third-team Associated Press All-American All-Purpose and First-team All-ACC honors with SMU. He led the team with 1,332 rushing yards on 235 carries and 14 rushing touchdowns.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chiefs 'Alvin Kamara Clone' Among Reasons Scout Raves About Moves
The Kansas City Chiefs' offseason business has divided opinion. Some think the franchise has lost its fear factor and isn't at all sold on the organization's moves. And then you have ESPN's Louis Riddick, a former pro scout for multiple NFL teams who loved some of Kansas City's moves. Advertisement The offensive line was the biggest issue, and the Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore in free agency, and then doubled down with the first-round selection of Josh Simmons to fortify the left side of the line. For Riddick, the Chiefs may have solved their roster issues better than most this offseason. "I think getting Josh Simmons, that could end up being the steal of the draft," Riddick said on NFL Live. "Along with him and Jaylon Moore, if they can go ahead and solidify the left side of this offensive line, with some of the other additions they have, keep an eye on Brashard Smith, he is an Alvin Kamara clone with 4.3 speed they have got a lot of things going on right now in Kansas City, they may have addressed their issues as good as anybody." Chiefs Ohio State OL Josh Simmons at 32By Tony Fisher Many expect Simmons to push Moore for the starting role sooner rather than later, while the addition of Smith, who was a receiver for his first three years of college at Miami, then turned running back last season, is lightning in a bottle. Advertisement The Chiefs have been missing that in the backfield, and while Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are good pros, they don't have the speed to worry defenses. Now the Chiefs have Smith, along with Elijah Mitchell, to inject some speed into the rushing attack. So, with the offensive line additions, the hope is that Patrick Mahomes, who was sacked a career-high 47 times last season (including playoffs), will be better protected. Now, he might also have some speed wrinkles in the run game. If both of those moves pan out as many hope, then the Chiefs, as Riddick says, might have addressed their needs as well as any team this offseason. Related: Chiefs' Travis Kelce Reveals Major Body Change Related: Kansas City at Cowboys on Thanksgiving Keys Mahomes Chiefs Schedule
