Latest news with #WTVD
Miami Herald
7 hours 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
CTV News
20-05-2025
- CTV News
Man strangles coyote to death after it follows, attacks him: ‘I felt something watching me'
Neighbors said they've heard and seen coyotes in the distance from time to time, but the evening of May 16 is when James Pulliam came face to face with one himself up close. WTVD via CNN Newsource
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NC nears permitless carry approval, final vote pending
Two bills concerning constitutional carry were passed out of committee on Tuesday, potentially allowing permitless carry for individuals 18 and older in North Carolina, according to WTVD. The proposed legislation, backed by Sen. Danny Britt, aims to eliminate the current requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit, including the firearms safety course and associated fees. Supporters argue it aligns with open carry laws, while opponents raise concerns about public safety. 'We believe that our Constitution is clear that law-abiding citizens should be allowed to constitutionally carry,' said Sen. Danny Britt, a Republican representing Hoke, Robeson, and Scotland counties. Sen. Lisa Grafstein, a Democrat from Wake County, expressed opposition, stating, 'When you take away the training that people need to get these firearms, it just means more people who shouldn't be carrying are carrying.' ALSO READ: Security officers at some Charlotte parks could soon carry guns Currently, obtaining a concealed carry permit in North Carolina requires individuals to be 21 years old, complete a firearms safety course, and pay an $80 fee, among other conditions. The new bill seeks to remove these requirements for those 18 and older. The debate around the bill included discussions on crime statistics from states with similar laws. Twenty-nine other states, including many in the southeast, have enacted constitutional carry laws. During public comment, two members of law enforcement, including Sheriff Birkhead, opposed the measure, citing concerns for officer and public safety. Grass Roots North Carolina, an advocacy group, supported the bill, with member Karen Raines stating, 'Allowing good citizens to permitless carry enables one to fulfill that role until law enforcement arrives.' The passage of these bills out of committee marks a significant step in the legislative process, with similar legislation already filed in the House. The debate continues as stakeholders weigh the implications for public safety and individual rights. VIDEO: Security officers at some Charlotte parks could soon carry guns
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
North Carolina teen inspired by Native American roots wins national science prize
A teenager from North Carolina says her pride in her Native American culture helped inspire the research that was just recognized for a national science prize. WTVD reports Ava Grace Cummings of Johnston County won a six-figure prize after placing 2nd in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search. Cummings won the prize for her research on Native American myopathy, also known as the muscle disorder stac3. WTVD spoke with the teen, and she said it was a subject that was close to her. 'Just bringing more resources and more advocacy and more awareness to medicine within these areas. I was able to contribute to that by looking at this disease that's specific to my tribe and also using our traditional practices and finding a solution,' Cummings told WTVD. CHECK IT OUT >> Charlotte high school student wins scholarship for designing homes meant to weather rising seas According to WTVD, Cummings tested adult flies and larvae for her research. She combined an experimental amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) drug called Tirasemtiv with a nettle herb and found that the pair improved movement. She told WTVD she's a member of the Lumbee and Coharie tribes. 'One of the approaches I used in my project was bridging western medicine and also traditional indigenous practices,' she told WTVD. Cummings says she was accepted into Yale University and hopes to major in bio-medical engineering. WTVD reports the $175,000 she won from the talent search will go towards her college tuition. (VIDEO: How local students got to visit Jimmy Carter at the White House in the 1970s)
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
North Carolina Senate votes to eliminate DEI initiatives in public schools
The North Carolina Senate passed Senate Bill 227 on Tuesday, aiming to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in public education to focus on core curriculum and free speech. Senate Bill 227, titled 'Eliminating 'DEI' in Public Education,' seeks to prohibit the promotion of discriminatory policies and practices in public schools. According to the WTVD, the bill's supporters argue it will ensure schools concentrate on essential academic subjects and foster an environment that respects diverse opinions. 'We do see an achievement gap between black and brown boys,' said Christina Spears, president of the Wake County Chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators, who opposes the bill. 'My focus is, who gets to decide what makes people uncomfortable?' asked Democratic Sen. Val Applewhite during a debate, expressing her opposition to the bill. The bill prohibits schools from having a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, division, designated employee, or any similar unit. ALSO READ: Judge blocks ending of government support for DEI programs, citing free-speech rights It is designed to comply with a Trump-era executive order, ensuring the state continues to receive over $3 billion in federal funding. Supporters of the legislation argue that DEI programs require students to judge others based on race, sex, or other immutable factors, which they believe detracts from academic excellence. 'Our children are the ones disadvantaged when DEI policies take precedent over academic excellence,' said Sen. Michael Lee. Opponents of the bill, like Christina Spears, argue that DEI programs have tangible benefits for students, particularly in addressing achievement gaps. Raleigh resident Jessica Strauss expressed concern that banning DEI could harm young adults by pushing a false narrative. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration, where its future remains uncertain. Meanwhile, another bill in the House proposes raising teachers' pay and reinstating education-based salary supplements. VIDEO: Judge blocks ending of government support for DEI programs, citing free-speech rights
