Latest news with #WSSU


The Hindu
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
People evicted in Assam may move to Nagaland, warns students' body
GUWAHATI A students' body in Nagaland has warned against the possible inward movement of 'alleged illegal immigrants' evicted from government land in Assam. More than 50,000 people, mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims, have been evicted from reserve forests, wetlands, grazing lands, wastelands, etc., in northeastern and western Assam since June. Resistance to these drives claimed the life of one person in the Goalpara district a few days ago. On Monday (July 21, 2025), the Western Sümi Students' Union (WSSU) expressed deep concern over the ongoing eviction drive in Assam. Its president, Ikato Khulu, and general secretary, Vitoka N. Rochill, issued a statement, saying such drives are threatening areas inhabited by Nagas along the border with Assam. 'It is alarming that such activities are beginning to infringe upon Nagaland's territory, posing a direct threat to the rightful ownership of our land and the safety and security of its residents. These border communities have lived peacefully for generations and have acted as de facto custodians of our State's boundary,' they said. Risk of conflict 'It is pertinent to mention that the alleged illegal immigrants reside near Naga-inhabited areas along the Assam-Nagaland border. This situation further heightens the risks of conflict, displacement, and demographic pressure on our vulnerable border communities,' they said. The WSSU asked the Nagaland government to immediately deploy security forces 'to deter unauthorised actions by external authorities' and ensure 'swift and effective protection of our people.' It also sought steps to prevent a potential influx of illegal immigrants. 'The large-scale evictions, push-backs, and expedited deportations currently underway in Assam will likely trigger displacement-driven movement into Nagaland,' the union stated, resenting the 'slow and inadequate' response of the Nagaland administration to the threat. Dismantle SoO camps In neighbouring Manipur, another Naga organisation has asked the Centre to immediately dismantle camps for Kuki extremist outfits located 'in or around Naga ancestral territories' in the State. These groups had signed the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Centre in 2008. In a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee accused the SoO groups of repeatedly violating the terms of the agreement. The committee cited a long list of alleged crimes and violent acts committed by these groups between 2023 and 2025, including extortion, assaults, kidnappings, and the burning of villages. The committee said the SoO agreement 'has become a sanctuary for armed criminals rather than a tool for peace. 'The continued presence and reported relocation of SoO camps into Naga areas represent a direct threat to communal harmony, constitutional order, and national security,' it stated in the memorandum. The committee warned that any attempt to impose such camps in Naga areas would be seen as an act of aggression.

Miami Herald
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
North Carolina has two HBCUs on 2025-2026 schedule
North Carolina has officially announced its 2025–2026 non-conference men's basketball schedule, which includes two matchups against in-state HBCUs - Winston-Salem State and North Carolina Central. The Tar Heels will host Winston-Salem State on October 29 in an exhibition game, followed by a regular season contest against North Carolina Central on November 14. The games continue a meaningful tradition of North Carolina engaging with HBCUs, highlighting the state's rich basketball history and cultural connections. The Tar Heels last played Winston-Salem State to open the 2019–2020 season, earning a 96–61 win. That WSSU team would go on to win the CIAA championship under head coach Cleo Hill Jr., proving itself as one of the top programs in Division II HBCU basketball. North Carolina's last contest against North Carolina Central came during the pandemic-impacted 2020–2021 season. Despite being heavily favored, UNC had to battle for a 73–69 win over the Eagles, showcasing the competitive edge of HBCU programs even against traditional basketball powerhouses. This year's matchups hold special resonance for UNC head coach Hubert Davis. A native of Winston-Salem, Davis has personal ties to HBCUs - his father played at Johnson C. Smith University, a fellow CIAA member alongside WSSU. In 2022, Davis received the Clarence "Big House" Gaines Coach of the Year award, named in honor of the legendary WSSU head coach and Naismith Hall of Famer. These games provide valuable exposure and experience for HBCUs while giving North Carolina a chance to honor its connections to Black college basketball culture. For WSSU and NCCU, the opportunity to compete in Chapel Hill adds another layer of visibility and challenge for their respective programs. As UNC prepares for another season with national expectations, these early-season contests against HBCUs will serve as both a competitive tune-up and a celebration of North Carolina's deep basketball roots across all divisions. The post North Carolina has two HBCUs on 2025-2026 schedule appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025

Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU track power rising picks up honors, transfers
HBCU powerhouse Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is celebrating a historic postseason after capturing the 2025 CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship. The Rams' momentum continued on the national stage, with multiple honors for both athletes and coaches, further cementing WSSU's rise in HBCU track and field. At the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in Pueblo, Colorado, WSSU athletes Charnessa Reid and Brianna Benloss delivered standout performances. Benloss ran a personal-best 11.39 in the 100m prelims to qualify for the finals, finishing ninth overall and earning Second Team All-American honors. Reid, meanwhile, placed fourth nationally in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.35, securing First Team All-American status. Reid's dominance this season-undefeated in collegiate hurdles competition and victorious at the CIAA Championships-also earned her the title of USTFCCCA Division II Atlantic Region Athlete of the Year. WSSU assistant coach Paula Salmon, in her first season, was named Atlantic Region Assistant Coach of the Year after leading WSSU's sprinters and hurdlers to five CIAA titles, ten school records, and 23 NCAA provisional marks. Adding to the momentum, HBCU standout Candace Morris is transferring to WSSU from West Virginia State. Morris, a First Team All-American in the 60m dash during the indoor season, also swept the 100m and 200m titles at the Mountain East Conference Outdoor Championships. Her arrival gives WSSU even more firepower heading into 2025. WSSU continues to showcase the strength and depth of HBCU athletics on the national stage, with its women's track program earning accolades and attracting elite talent. With All-Americans, championship hardware, and elite transfers, WSSU is setting the standard for HBCU excellence in track and field. The post HBCU track power rising picks up honors, transfers appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025

Miami Herald
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU coaching legend receives highest academic honor
Nearly 50 years after starting his legendary career as a head football coach at Winston-Salem State University, Bill Hayes has received the highest academic honor from the was honored with an honorary doctorate from WSSU on Friday during its spring commencement ceremony on Friday morning. Serving as head coach from 1976 to 1987, Hayes compiled an impressive 89–40–2 record, making him the winningest coach in WSSU history until his record was broken by his former quarterback Kermit Blount. Under his leadership, the Rams secured three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships (1977, 1978, 1987) and five CIAA Southern Division titles. Notably, his 1977 and 1978 teams achieved back-to-back 11–1 seasons, with the 1978 squad advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs. Hayes's coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, innovation, and relentless work ethic. He introduced the split-back veer offense and the wide tackle 6 defense to WSSU, strategies uncommon among HBCUs at the time. Despite limited resources and staffing-initially having only one assistant coach-Hayes built a formidable program through sheer determination and strategic eventually left WSSU for rival North Carolina A&T in 1988 and led it to three MEAC titles before his retirement in 2003. Beyond his coaching achievements, Hayes made significant contributions as an athletic administrator. After his coaching stint, he served as athletic director at North Carolina Central University, Florida A&M University, and returned to WSSU in 2010, where he oversaw the athletic department until his retirement in 2014. His administrative leadership further solidified his legacy in collegiate athletics. Hayes's impact on college football has been recognized through numerous honors, including induction into multiple halls of fame and the naming of the football field at WSSU's Bowman Gray Stadium in his honor. His career stands as a testament to his dedication to excellence and his profound influence on student-athletes and the broader HBCU sports community. The post HBCU coaching legend receives highest academic honor appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025

Miami Herald
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Rajah Caruth gaining momentum in 25 NASCAR season
Rajah Caruth, a rising star in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, is making waves both on and off the track in 2025. Driving the No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports, Caruth secured a commendable third-place finish at the 250 at Texas Motor Speedway on May 2. The race, extended to 174 laps due to two overtimes, saw Caruth navigate through intense competition to clinch his second top-five finish of the season Beyond his racing achievements, Caruth's journey is deeply rooted in his academic and cultural background. In December 2024, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Motorsports Management from Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), an HBCU in North Carolina. WSSU is notable for being the only HBCU in the nation to offer such a program. Caruth's commitment to education while pursuing a demanding racing career exemplifies his dedication and resilience. Caruth's ascent in NASCAR is also significant in the context of diversity in motorsports. He is among the few Black drivers to have won a national series race, joining the ranks of Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace. His participation in NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program has been instrumental in his development, providing opportunities to hone his skills and compete at higher levels As the 2025 season progresses, Rajah Caruth continues to demonstrate his prowess on the track and his commitment to representing HBCUs in the racing world. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring drivers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the importance of perseverance, education, and representation in sports. The post Rajah Caruth gaining momentum in 25 NASCAR season appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025