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Miami Herald
18-05-2025
- Miami Herald
From incarceration to an HBCU graduation
Courtesy: Virginia State University Spending 23 hours every day in a jail cell with only one hour of free time gives you plenty of time to think about the choices you've made. For Dennis Freeman, most of that time was spent ruminating on the firearms possession charge that had landed him there. After his release, a judge gave Freeman a choice: find a job or go to school. Though he had fallen in with the wrong crowd, Freeman had always done well in school. So, he started applying to colleges across Virginia. Few people get a second chance and even fewer are willing to hand them out. When Freeman received his acceptance letter from Virginia State University, he was given the opportunity to turn his life around. 'Getting accepted into Virginia State was one of the most important moments of my life,' said Freeman. 'Some people I went to high school with were already going here and were telling me about how great it was. I knew this was where I needed to be.' Enrolling in 2021, Freeman became a member of the Residential Royal Court and later joined the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, finally surrounding himself with people who actually wanted what was best for him. He also joined Kultured Men Making A Change, a VSU organization focused on mentoring young African American men. Freeman had always been entrepreneurial, so when it came time to choose a major, he enrolled in the reputable Reginald F. Lewis College of Business at VSU. Though his tattoos and past drew skepticism, he soon proved his commitment. His professors were champions of his growth, helping him land internships and launch a fashion business. Freeman wants to eventually open a one-stop shop store that is heavily involved in the community and allows kids to purchase affordable clothing and be around people who can be a positive influence. 'When I was in jail, I came up with a vision for myself and who I wanted to be,' said Freeman. 'Because of Virginia State University, I was able to escape the situation I was in and elevate my life. I am the best version of myself thanks to VSU.' But adversity didn't end there. At the start of his senior year, Freeman was hospitalized with an illness and forced to miss the first two months of classes. Used to overcoming challenges, he persevered to graduate on time. So, when Freeman walked across the stage to receive his business management degree, he did so with a 3.17 GPA to complete an improbable journey. Back when that judge presented Freeman with options, the unspoken third option was going down the same path and returning to life as an inmate. Fortunately, he became a lifelong Trojan instead. Freeman was among the more than 600 students who graduated during Virginia State University's two Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17. The 8:30 a.m. processional/ceremony honored graduates from the College of Education and College of Humanities & Social Sciences, with Virginia Speaker of the House Don Scott delivering the keynote. The 1:30 p.m. processional/ceremony celebrated graduates from the College of Agriculture, College of Engineering & Technology, College of Natural & Health Sciences, and the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. Virginia Senator Louise Lucas served as the guest speaker. The post From incarceration to an HBCU graduation appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Fayetteville State claims second straight CIAA Title
BALTIMORE, MD - Fayetteville State claimed its second consecutive CIAA women's basketball championship with a 64-56 victory over Virginia State (23-6, 14-2 CIAA) at CFG Bank Arena on Saturday. The Broncos (21-7, 13-3 CIAA) were powered by standout performances from Keayna McLaughlin and Talia Trotter, who each scored 15 points. McLaughlin, named the Food Lion MVP of the Game, also contributed eight rebounds and three steals, while Trotter filled the stat sheet with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. Junior Nyah Wilkins was recognized as the CIAA Tournament MVP after averaging nine points and 6.7 rebounds over three games. She played a crucial role in the tournament, scoring 12 points with six rebounds and two steals in the victory over Bluefield State, followed by a double-double performance of 11 points and 10 rebounds against Virginia Union. Both Wilkins and McLaughlin earned spots on the CIAA All-Tournament Team. Fayetteville State's defensive intensity proved to be a game-changer, limiting Virginia State to just 14.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc and forcing 18 turnovers, which led to 13 points off takeaways. McLaughlin's three steals were instrumental in disrupting the Trojans' offensive rhythm. The Broncos set the tone early, closing the first quarter with an 11-8 lead. Their momentum carried into the second quarter, where they extended their advantage to 32-17, fueled by a 6-0 run punctuated by a three-pointer from Daziyahna Wilson. Fayetteville State's efficiency from deep was a key factor, as they knocked down six three-pointers in the second quarter alone. In the third quarter, the Broncos maintained control, using a 7-0 run to push their lead to 48-32. Virginia State attempted a late rally, but Fayetteville State held firm, entering the final quarter with a 51-39 advantage and never relinquishing control. Fayetteville State finished the game with eight made three-pointers while holding Virginia State to 36.2 percent shooting from the field. Despite a dominant performance from Virginia State's Amesha Miller, who led all scorers with 19 points and 10 rebounds, the Trojans were unable to overcome Fayetteville State's balanced attack and defensive pressure. With this victory, Fayetteville State secured its second straight CIAA championship, further cementing its legacy in the conference. The Broncos now hold a 6-11 record in championship play dating back to 1976, with their first-ever title coming in 1979, when they also defeated Virginia State, 63-61. The post Fayetteville State claims second straight CIAA Title appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
