Latest news with #TuskegeeUniversity
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Danielle Spencer's Cause of Death Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Danielle Spencer, the former child actor best known for playing Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom What's Happening!!, died on Monday at the age of 60. The actress' death was due to gastric cancer and cardiac arrest, family friend and spokesperson Sandra Jones confirmed to ABC News. The Context Spencer starred in 65 episodes of What's Happening!! (1976–1979) and reprised her role in the sequel What's Happening Now!! (1985–1988). The shows were among the early American television programs to follow the lives of Black teenagers. She later earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993 and practiced in the Richmond, Virginia, area after relocating there from California in 2014, according to ABC News. (L) Actress Danielle Spencer from the TV show "What's Happening!!" poses for a photo in November 1976 in Los Angeles, California. (R) Danielle Spencer, circa 1988. (L) Actress Danielle Spencer from the TV show "What's Happening!!" poses for a photo in November 1976 in Los Angeles, California. (R) Danielle Spencer, circa 1988. Michael; Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer What To Know Spencer died on August 11 at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond. Prior to her death, the sitcom star had a history of health issues. In 1977, Spencer was involved in a car accident that killed her stepfather and manager, Tim Pelt, her website bio states. She was in a coma for three weeks and had broken bones in her arm, leg and pelvis. Decades later, the injuries she endured left her wheelchair-bound, and she underwent physical therapy to learn how to walk again. In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and in 2018, she had emergency surgery to relieve bleeding in the brain. Spencer was inducted into the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, marking the first time a child star received the honor. "I still can't believe it," she told in 2014. "That's something people can look at for years to come, long after I'm gone." What People Are Saying Sandra Jones told ABC News on Tuesday: "This untimely death is really hard to process right now. She is a sweet and gentle soul and she is going to be missed very, very much." Jeremy Pelt, Spencer's brother and jazz musician, penned a lengthy message to his sister via Instagram: "August 11, 2025 will forever be a reminder of the day that I lost a big part of myself. After many years, my big sister, Dr. Danielle Louise Spencer lost her battle with cancer." "Many of you knew her as 'Dee,' but she was more than a child actress. She was a friend, an auntie to my three children who adored her, she was a daughter- and in many ways, my mother's best friend, she was a veterinarian, she was someone who always remained positive even during her darkest days fighting this disease. And she was MY sister and protector." "My immediate family, of which there were only three of us had an unusual knack for always being connected even if we weren't always in contact with each other. Dani and I- our bond got stronger the older I (in particular) got. She's 11 years older than me. I used to relish our texts back and forth using unfiltered 'real' talk." "She positively LOVED Milo, Charlie and Amma and constantly dreamed of a time they'd all be visiting her and 'Mimi' (grandmother). The times they made it down south, she was always so encouraging. Always so uplifting. I'm rambling...I'm so fucking fucking gutted... I watched her take her last breath... I'm thankful for that." "I love you, forever." Haywood Nelson, Spencer's What's Happening!! co-star, wrote on Instagram: "Brilliance! It comes in a great many forms. We all have them and we all have this family's - Dr. Danielle Spencer (June 24, 1965 - August 11, 2025)." "Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body. We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer." "We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, What's Happening cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced." What Happens Next Spencer is survived by her brother, Jeremy Pelt, and mother, Cheryl Pelt. At the time of writing, no public memorial or funeral plans have been announced.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Danielle Spencer, beloved ‘What's Happening!!' child star, dies at 60
Danielle Spencer, the actress who charmed audiences as Dee Thomas on the classic 1970s sitcom What's Happening!!, has died at age 60. Her brother announced the news Monday on Instagram, confirming she passed away at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Spencer had faced health challenges in recent years, including a breast cancer diagnosis, a double mastectomy, and multiple surgeries. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1965, Spencer began acting after her family moved to New York City. At 11, she landed the role of Dee Thomas — the quick-witted, sharp-tongued younger sister of Raj Thomas — on What's Happening!!, which aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979. The sitcom, inspired by the film Cooley High, became a cultural touchstone, and Spencer's character quickly became a fan favorite. After the series ended, Spencer moved to the Ivory Coast before returning to the U.S. to study veterinary science at UC Davis, later earning her doctorate from Tuskegee University in 1993. She built a two-decade veterinary career in Los Angeles while making occasional acting appearances, including roles in As Good as It Gets and Days of Our Lives. In 2010, she published her memoir Through the Fire … Journal of a Child Star, sparking renewed interest in her life and career. She was inducted into the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2014 and later hosted a pet care segment for Richmond's WTVR-TV. Spencer is survived by her mother, Cheryl Pelt, and brother, jazz trumpeter Jeremy Pelt.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Danielle Spencer Dead At 60: Tributes Pour In For 'What's Happening!!' Child Star—Latest Updates
Danielle Spencer, beloved for her role as Dee Thomas on the hit 1970s sitcom What's Happening!!, has died at age 60. Spencer's death was confirmed by former co-star Haywood Nelson, who praised her enduring strength and spirit. What to Know: Spencer died on August 11 after a long battle with cancer; however, the cause of death has not been publicly announced. She rose to fame playing Dee Thomas from 1976 to 1979 and returned for What's Happening Now!! in the 1980s. In 1977, she survived a car crash that killed her stepfather and left her in a coma for three weeks. She earned a veterinary medicine degree from Tuskegee University in 1993 and practiced for decades. Spencer was inducted into the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture—the first child star to receive the honor. She faced multiple health challenges, including spinal stenosis, breast cancer, and a brain bleed linked to her earlier accident. Stay with Newsweek for the latest.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
HBCU Mourns the Loss of Student-Athlete, Campus Leader
The HBCU community is mourning the loss of Macahri Washington-Parker, a junior mechanical engineering student at Tuskegee University and member of the Golden Tiger baseball team, who died on August 10. Washington-Parker, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, was a standout on and off the field. In addition to his role on the baseball team, he served as a New Student Orientation leader and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Known for his leadership, positivity, and dedication, he left a lasting impression on teammates, classmates, and the broader campus community. 'We are heartbroken to learn of Macahri's passing,' Tuskegee University President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Brown said. 'We will come together to uplift his family and each other during this time. I encourage everyone to seek counseling as needed and lean on each other for support.' Tuskegee Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin described Washington-Parker as the embodiment of a Golden Tiger. 'Macahri embodied what it means to be a Golden Tiger. Hard-working, committed, and always willing to lead by example,' Ruffin said. 'His impact extended beyond the diamond into every space he entered on campus. Our entire athletics family mourns this tremendous loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.' Tuskegee University has made counseling and pastoral services available to support students, faculty, and staff during this time. The HBCU has provided access to TimelyCare, a 24/7 virtual counseling platform that can be accessed from anywhere using a QR code provided by the university. In-person counseling is available on campus Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the facility next to the Kresge Center. For spiritual guidance and prayer, pastoral care is available from the Dean of the Chapel during the same hours in the lower level of the Chapel. Tuskegee University Athletics expressed its deepest condolences to Macahri Washington-Parker's family, teammates, friends, and all who knew him. Memorial arrangements will be announced once they are finalized. The post HBCU Mourns the Loss of Student-Athlete, Campus Leader appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Black America Web
04-07-2025
- General
- Black America Web
Famous People Who Attended Tuskegee University
Rich Fury Every HBCU has a rich history when it comes to its origin story, but there's something purely unique and wildly extraordinary about the rise of Tuskegee University as founded by astounding educator and civil rights pioneer, Booker T. Washington. Although the university celebrated its 107th Founder's Day back in March — the inaugural ceremony occurred in 1917 — TU was in fact founded as an institution 144 years ago today (July 4) on Independence Day 1881. RELATED: Famous People Who Attended Tennessee State University Tuskegee University has gone through a few name changes since its inception, starting off as an institution specifically for educators in the form of Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers until 1891. Then it became the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute until 1937, followed by the shortened and simple Tuskegee Institute and finally Tuskegee University after achieving its university status in 1985. Washington, who led with the utmost pride, dedication and tenacity up until his premature death at the age of 59 due to high blood pressure, was preceded by equally dedicated principals in the form of Dr. Robert Russa Moton (1915 – 1935), Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson (1935 – 1953), Dr. Luther Hilton Foster Jr. (1953 – 1981), Dr. Benjamin Franklin Payton (1981 – 2010), Interim President Dr. Charlotte P. Morris (August 2010 – October 2010; July 2017 – June 2018), Dr. Gilbert L. Rochon (2010 – 2013), Interim President Dr. Matthew Jenkins (2013 – 2014), Dr. Brian Johnson (2014 – 2017), first female president Dr. Lily D. McNair (2018 – 2021), Dr. Charlotte P. Morris (2021 – 2024) and current president Dr. Mark A. Brown who was appointed exactly one year ago in July 2024. With such a strong culture of education at TU, it comes as no surprise that so many melanated folk would be vying to attend over the past century-and-a-half. Of those who've since graduated, a handful have gone on become stars in their own right while also carrying the Tuskegee pride in their journeys. Would you believe our very own founder, Tom Joyner, is a proud TU alumni?! He even spoke at their 2011 commencement ceremony, speaking words of wisdom to the 500 graduates at the time by stating, 'A lot of people are educated, but won't offer a hand to serve others. They're worth a lot of money … but not worth anything if they don't serve.' During his welcoming address for their virtual Homecoming in 2020, he helped drive that same love to inspire future TU alumni in their academics and beyond. Of course, you can't forget about the most famous Tuskegee alumni and hometown native, GRAMMY and Oscar-winning R&B icon Lionel Ritchie. Not only did he name his latest album after the love for his city with 2012's Tuskegee, the 76-year-old Motown legend also introduced a whole recreational facility in front of the gates of TU last year with Hello Park (seen above), named after his classic chart-topping single from the 1983 sophomore album, Can't Slow Down . The alumni love doesn't stop with those two by a long shot. Many famous faces from past to present can claim the school as their institution for higher learning, and below you'll find 20 that show just how special it is to call yourself a member of this prestigious family. Harry How SEE ALSO
