The Greene County Democrat

Category: Sports

  • Newswire: The Rise, The Sacrifices, And The Victory Of Jalen Brunson

    Newswire: The Rise, The Sacrifices, And The Victory Of Jalen Brunson

     BY STEPHEN A. CROCKETT JR, NEWSONE

    In order to understand Jalen Brunson’s sacrifice – the financial, emotional, and physical toll the lead guard made for the New York “championship” Knicks – you need look no further than his mom and Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

    Brunson’s mom, Sandra, didn’t want to take the team flight to Game 5 in San Antonio because she had a prior obligation to a charity she refused to miss. She knew what was at risk, but she wanted to be there for the kids in her and Jalen’s Second Round Foundation that empowers children to determine their own success by understanding that their background doesn’t determine their future.

    Sandra missed her connecting flight the night before the game, so she flew to Austin instead, rented a car, and drove an hour and a half to make it to the game.

    Because that’s what commitment looks like. It’s the work you do when no one is watching. It’s the sacrifice you make when there is no audience to cheer you on. It’s the willingness to make the drive when you could’ve just forgotten the kids and taken the flight.

    Brunson could have forgotten his teammates, the city of New York, and the people and taken the bag. He could’ve dropped the top on the whip and pressed play on Southern epistemologist, Young Dolph’s “Get paid, young n–ga, get paid” as he left Madison Square Garden. 

    Players leave. Teams trade franchise icons. Owners cry poor while printing money. Every contract negotiation becomes a public debate about maximizing value, securing the bag, and making sure nobody leaves a dollar on the table.

    And generally speaking? That’s good advice.

    Get your money.

    Because if sports have taught us anything, it’s that organizations don’t care about feelings or facts. They care about money. That’s it. 

    Currently, the New York Knicks are the NBA champs from a division often overlooked, in a conference that doesn’t get respect, in a city that hasn’t won a championship in 53 years. To fully understand how long 53 years ago actually was, just know that the number one song in 1973 was “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree” by some old people named Tony Orlando and Dawn.

    Respectfully.

    Because if sports history has taught us anything, it’s that organizations rarely reward loyalty. They reward production. The moment that production slips, loyalty suddenly becomes a very flexible concept.

    Which is what makes Jalen Brunson’s championship feel so significant.

    Because this isn’t just a story about the New York Knicks winning their first NBA title in generations. It’s a story about a star who chose to believe in something bigger than his next paycheck—and was proven right.

    Brunson could’ve waited and signed a projected five-year, $269 million max contract; instead, he signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension to help bring in better players. It led to the Knicks signing OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns. It led to a championship. Leaving $113 million on the table with inflation higher than Willie Nelson standing on top of a giraffe, which is standing on top of the peak of Mount Everest, is insane.

    People called it foolish. People called it risky. Some treated it like financial malpractice. After all, NBA careers are short. One injury can change everything. Why voluntarily leave millions on the table?

    The answer became clear the moment the Knicks raised the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

    Brunson wasn’t thinking about what he could get. He was thinking about what the team could become. Every dollar he didn’t demand gave New York more flexibility. More room to keep talent. More room to build depth. More room to chase a championship instead of merely chasing headlines.

    And now that championship belongs to him. Not because he was the highest-paid player. Not because he had the flashiest endorsement deals. Not because he was chasing individual accolades. Because he understood something that gets lost in today’s sports culture.

    The point isn’t to win the negotiation. The point is to win the damn championship. That’s what makes Brunson’s story resonate beyond basketball.

    We live in a culture obsessed with individual accumulation. More money. More followers. More status. More attention. More everything. Brunson chose a different path. He chose investment. He bet on teammates. He bet on organizational stability.

    Most importantly, he bet on himself.

    And let’s be honest: betting on himself is something Brunson has been doing his entire life. The Dallas Mavericks certainly weren’t doing it. Before he became the face of New York basketball, Brunson was sitting in Dallas, practically begging the Mavericks to recognize what was right in front of them.

    Instead, they hesitated. Again and again.

    Dallas treated Brunson like a complementary piece when he was already becoming a cornerstone. They saw a solid player. New York saw a franchise leader. The Mavericks looked at him and saw someone who benefited from playing alongside Luka Dončić. The Knicks looked at him and saw somebody capable of carrying a franchise on his back.

    Only one organization got it right.

    Now one franchise is celebrating a championship while the other is still living with one of the most expensive miscalculations in modern NBA history. The beauty of Brunson’s rise is that it feels familiar to anyone who has ever been underestimated.

    Too small.

    Not athletic enough.

    Not flashy enough.

    Not marketable enough.

    Not enough.

    For years, Brunson heard some version of that message. Now he’s a champion. Not because he transformed into somebody else. Because everybody else finally caught up to who he already was. And that’s why this title matters so much.

    And in order to understand this, you have to understand how Brunson was raised. 

    The Knicks didn’t just win because Brunson took less money. Basketball is more complicated than that. But his sacrifice helped create the conditions that made winning possible. It set a tone. It established trust. It sent a message to the rest of the roster that the franchise star was willing to prioritize the collective over the individual. Championship cultures don’t magically appear. They’re built through a thousand decisions that prioritize winning over ego. Brunson made one of those decisions. The ring is the reward.

    And perhaps the sweetest part of all this is how completely it rewrites the narrative. For months, people talked about the money Brunson supposedly lost. Today, nobody is talking about the money. They’re talking about the parade. They’re talking about the banner. They’re talking about the championship. Years from now, nobody will remember the salary-cap calculations. Nobody will care about the spreadsheets. Nobody will debate the exact dollar figure he left on the table. They’ll remember that Jalen Brunson became the face of the franchise that brought a championship back to New York.

    They’ll remember that he helped resurrect the Knicks.

    They’ll remember that he won.

    And somewhere in Dallas, they’ll probably remember him too.

    Just not for the reasons they hoped.

    Featured Image: Jalen Brunson (Gregory Shamus / Getty)

  • Newswire: Former NBA Star Derrick Coleman Rejects Alabama Honors Over Redistricting

    Newswire: Former NBA Star Derrick Coleman Rejects Alabama Honors Over Redistricting

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  • Greene County Board of Education celebrates ‘School Board Recognition Month’

    Board members receive recognition from schools and Central Office

    The Greene County Board of Education held its regular meeting on January 20, 2026, in the Central Office auditorium. All five school board members were present.
    It was National School Board Recognition Month, so each of the Board member was honored with gifts from the schools and Central Office staff. This included a healthy edible bouquet of flowers, composed of fruits, from Acting Superintendent Darryl Aikerson, a globe and other gifts.
    In addition to the gifts, the Board also heard reports from the acting Superintendent, CFO on finances and other staff on curriculum and programmatic matters. The Board also approved minutes of its recent meetings on December 15, 18, 30 and January 5, which involved selecting a new Superintendent.
    Ms. Martin, Curriculum Coordinator reported on the Alabama Numeracy Act which requires that all students from K to 5th grade learn basic math skills and are able to do and solve basic math problems. The act, which is similar to the Alabama Literacy Act, requires students to have basic math skills and understanding by 5th. Grade. The act provides math coaches and summer math camps for students who need additional assistance and support in math. There are math coaches assigned to Eutaw Primary School and Robert Brown Middle School, with financing from the State of Alabama, under the Numeracy Act to assist students in Greene County meet these requirements.
    The Board held an Executive Session to discuss personnel and legal matters. The Board made the following Personnel changes:
    • EMPLOYMENTS (CLASSIFIED)
 Williams, Shirleria RBMS CNP 

    • RESIGNATION(S)
 Eubanks, Brandi RBMS Teacher Elementary 
    
• VOLUNTARY TRANSFER
 Davis, Linda RBMS to GCHS CNP Cook 
    
• RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION STIPENDS (RTI)
 McGee, Pamela EPS Teacher PK-3 
 Durrett, Carla EPS ARI Reading Coach.

    The Board also approved these Administrative Service items, as recommended by the Acting Superintendent:
    Quote from RJ Young (Sophos Antivirus License Renewal) $45,356.68

    Quote from Renaissance for Nearpod, Flocabulary and services (Learning License, 1 year) $19,530.00

    Renewal of Service and Support Agreement with Albireo Energy to continue maintenance and support of the Building Management System (BMS) and access control systems, including cameras and HVAC, at Greene County High School (GCHS) and Greene County Career Center (GCCC)

    Proposal from Bailey Group to provide Instructional coaching (ELA English Language Arts) at Robert Brown Middle for 5th & 6th grade in the amount of $15,000

    Proposal from Bailey Group to provide Instructional coaching (Math) at Robert Brown Middle for 5th & 6th grade in the amount of $15,000

    Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll

    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO

    The Board received a financial report from CFO, Marquita Lennon, on the months of November and December 2025. For December 2025, she summarized the results saying:
    *General Fund Bank Balance $5,841,722.47
    reconciles to the Summary Cash Report
    * Accounts Payable Check Register $231,756.27
    *  Payroll Register $929,427.21*Total gross pay, to include employer match items
    * Combined Ending Fund Balance: $7,414,733.33

    Leo Branch, Board Chair announced that the Board Committee had met with Dr. Timothy Thurmond and worked out the details of his contract to be the new Superintendent beginning February 1, 2026.

     

     

  • Greene County Commission assists ambulance service to meet expenses and keep operating

    At a special called meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the Greene County Commission responded to an urgent request from the Greene County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) for funds to pay bills, including payroll, to allow the county’s ambulance services to keep operating.
    Commission Chair Garria Spencer said, “We are responding to the Greene County Ambulance Service with an advance of $88,000 to meet back expenses. We expect GEMS to contact others, including, the county municipalities, the Sheriff, the Industrial Board, the volunteer fire departments and others for immediate support. Any money collected from other agencies should be paid to the County Commission, to reimburse for this advance. The advance will allow the ambulance service to continue operating while we seek a more permanent solution to its problems.”
    Vickie Colson, was recently chosen as Chair of the GEMS, when other members resigned. She informed the County Commission of the crisis financial problems and asked for assistance in continuing the vital work of the ambulance service in Greene County.
    Colson also informed the Commission that Chris Jones, GEMS current Executive Director, had submitted his resignation and that the board would be responsible for directing and supervising operations until a new director is found and can be placed in that position.
    Other surrounding rural counties including Sumter, Pickens and Hale have also had problems in maintaining ambulance services in a situation with isolated and aging rural populations, low reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid, and the general uncertainties of the future financial stability of rural health care, under the Trump budget cuts.
    In talking with Ms. Colson, it seems that the Greene County EMS is in need of more guaranteed revenue sources to subsidize operations and capital expenses, like maintaining and expanding the ambulance fleet. Beyond the County Commission, the municipalities, gaming, the fire departments and others will need to make annual guaranteed allocations for the ambulance services. Another possibility is to raise the advalorem milage property tax rate to support the ambulance service.
    The County Commission stepped up to the plate to assure the continuance of ambulance services in Greene County but all of us, residents of the county, businesses and industries, fire departments and others will need to stand firm in figuring a way forward for this vital and needed service.

  • Newswire : Alabama students, professors appeal ruling in lawsuit challenging anti-DEI law

    Flowers on campus

    By Chance Phillips, Alabama Political Reporters

    On Monday, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union filed an appeal in a lawsuit challenging the anti DEI law SB129 on behalf of college students and instructors at Alabama’s public universities.
    In a press release, ACLU of Alabama Legal Director Alison Mollman called the appeal a “necessary next step to ensuring that the constitutional rights of all professors and students are protected in Alabama.”
    Filed last January, the lawsuit alleges that SB129 is an unconstitutional infringement on Alabamians’ First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
    “SB 129 unconstitutionally abridges the First Amendment right of the students to receive information and the right of the professors to disseminate ideas without undue imposition of governmental viewpoints,” the original complaint asserts. “SB 129 violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because it was enacted with intent to discriminate against Black professors and students, and those who ally with them.”
    APR reported earlier this year that documents submitted as evidence in the lawsuit showed professors concerned that their classes would be effectively banned by SB129 and describing a general “pall of distrust, anxiety, and fear.”
    “As a senior, I have watched our campus change overnight, as students are afraid to speak, opportunities for thoughtful engagement have disappeared, and students’ shared sense of belonging has eroded,” Sydney Testman, a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, stated. “With this appeal, we hope the courts will recognize the real and lasting damage that SB 129 has caused to me, my classmates, and my professors.”
    Before SB129 was enacted, Testman was the finance coordinator for UAB’s Social Justice Advocacy Council, which had received funding from the university that was terminated after UAB and other public universities closed their offices meant to encourage and help students who are members of minority groups.

    Signed by Governor Kay Ivey during the 2024 legislative session, SB129 formally prohibits state agencies and public universities from sponsoring diversity, equity and inclusion programs or requiring individuals to “personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to a divisive concept.”
    In August, a federal district court judge denied the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction against SB129’s enforcement. He wrote that the University of Alabama Board of Trustees “clearly has an interest in regulating the type of classroom indoctrination forbidden by SB 129” and referred to the current Trump administration’s stance on “preferential treatment based on race.”
    Requesting the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit approve a preliminary injunction, the appeal filed earlier this week charges that the district court judge “committed an abuse of discretion” by ruling that the students and the Alabama NAACP lacked standing, which contributed to the denial of the request for an injunction.
    It also challenges claims that SB129 is not unconstitutionally vague and that professors’ speech affected by SB129 is not protected by the First Amendment.
    “The law continues to censor classrooms, restrict student expression, and disproportionately harm Black and LGBTQ+ students,” Legal Defense Fund Senior Counsel Antonio Ingram wrote. “We will continue to challenge SB 129 because every student in Alabama deserves an accurate, high-quality education free from discrimination, fear, or undue interference from politicians.”

  • School Board selects Darryl Aikerson as interim superintendent

    The Greene County Board of Education met in a called session, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 and selected Mr. Darryl Aikerson as interim superintendent, effective immediately in order to allow for a smooth transition with Dr. Corey Jones, whose last official day as superintendent is September 30, 2025.
    Following the preliminary opening, including removing the executive session item from the agenda, Mr. Aikerson was asked to give a presentation to the board, staff and community members present. He noted that he has served in multiple leadership positions in public education, including teacher, principal and superintendent. Specifically, he served for six years as superintendent of Tuscumbia City Schools (2015-2021). Prior to that, he served as Director of Federal Programs for the Bessemer City Schools for 21 years.
    More recently, Aikerson served three months in 2024 as interim superintendent for the Selma City School System. According to Aikerson, Selma City Schools were having financial challenges once the ESSER Funds were depleted. “Much of these funds had been applied to high salaries, which the system could not continue,” he said. He also stated that he left the Selma City Schools in a good condition.
    Responding to board inquiries on his style of administrative leadership, Aikerson noted the following: Leadership starts with building relationships; that always comes first; that’s more important. I will communicate regularly with individual board members, meet principals and administrators, connect with parents including attending PTA meetings, athletic and other school events.”
    In closing, Aikerson said, “ I am available to contract with the board as a consultant to help with the seamless transition with the new superintendent.”
    Following questions from the community members, Board Vice President, Veronica Richardson, moved to accept Mr. Aikerson as interim superintendent. Ms. Carrie Dancy seconded. There was unanimous approval. A second motion, authorizing the Board President Leo Branch and Vice President Richardson, along with Board Attorney Hank Sanders, to work out the details with Mr. Aikerson, was made by board member Brandon Merriweather, seconded by board member Veronica Richardson. The board gave unanimous approval. President Branch stated that the timeline of the arrangements with Mr. Aikerson will be worked out in the negotiations.
    The meeting was adjourned.


    School board calls meeting to transfer investments and update bank signatures

    The Greene County Board of Education held a called meeting on Thursday, September  25, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in the Central Office Auditorium with a focus on administrative issues.  Board member present included Robert Davis, Veronica Richardson, Brandon Merriweather and Board President Leo Branch. Carrie Dancy was absent.  Administrative items  included: – Closure of a Certificate of Deposit (CD) with Synovus as of September 23, 2025.
    Opening of Certificate of Deposit (CD) at the 13 month term rate with Merchants and Farmers Bank in Eutaw and necessary signature updates; out of state travel of GCHS football team and coaches to attend Atlanta Falcon game on November 16, 2025. Richardson made a motion to approve the items as a blanket; Davis seconded, and there was unanimous approval.  The meeting was adjourned.  

  • School Board delays decision on bid to initiate Phase I – Track and Field Project at GCHS

    Phase 1- Track and Field Project

    The Greene County Board of Education held a called meeting, Thursday April 10, 2025 to consider a bid for athletic improvements to Greene County High School – Phase I – GCHS Track and Field Project. Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones stated that the purpose of the meeting was to lock in material and other costs for the Project in light of current US economic conditions.

    He explained that the two initial bids from Game Day, Inc at $2,244,444 and J.T. Harrison at $1,899,000 were both over budget, therefore there was a re-bid with only Game Day Inc. proposing a cost of $1,683,748.

    CSFO Mrs. Marquita Lennon, displayed the category of funds available for the Phase I Track and Field Project at GCHS: FY 2024 K12 Capital Grant – $1,100,000; FY 2025 K-12 Capital Grant $84,615.38; Fy 2024 Education Trust fund Advancement and Technology Fund – $111,900; FY 2025 Education Trust Fund Advancement and Technology Fund (Proposed) $575,000. These fund categories total $1,871,515.38.

    The board members questioned the difference between Game Day Inc.’s initial bid and the second re-bid. Dr. Jones and CSFO Lennon explained that changes and/or substitutions to the plans and specifications were reflected in the re-bid.

    Although Superintendent Jones was able to reach the Architectural Firm of McKee & Associates during the board meeting and the board was able to make inquiries at the time concerning deletions to the original Project Specs, they seemingly were not satisfied and requested an in-person meeting with Walter McKee at the next board meeting. No further action was taken on the GCHS Phase I -Track and Field Project.

    On the superintendent’s recommendation, the board did approve the quote of $27,570.62 from AngelTrax to upgrade camera/surveillance system and add windshield cameras on school buses.

  • Superintendent Jones shares school system’s budgeting process at AASB Conference

    The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session Monday, March 17, 2025 with all members present except Ms. Carrie Dancy. Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones began his report to the board with a summary of the recent Financial/Budget Presentation shared at the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) Annual Spring Conference held in Florence, AL, February 27-28, 2025. Board President Leo Branch and board member Robert Davis also attended the conference.
    Dr. Jones noted that the invitation from AASB was an opportunity to showcase the team work that is needed to operate a school system, especially the financial component. “A key component is building relationships and trust in budgeting and finances, Dr. Jones said.
    The presentation, entitled Proactive vs Reactive Budgeting – Navigating Financial Stability Post-ESSER, contained the following elements:
    * Proactive budgeting requires proper planning, staying in control of resources. Reactive budgeting is responding to events or problems as they occur, often in a crisis.
    Necessary to focus on the importance of controlling funds for long-term benefits.
    Building relationships and trust in budgeting and finances. “ Our District prioritizes involvement with all stakeholders when developing a budget and maintaining financial health, he said.
    Superintendent Jones’ report showed that the school district received over $9 million in ESSER Funds from 2022-2024. The final funds expired September 30, 2024 with the district utilizing the entire amount to upgrade curriculum tools including additional instructional staff for intervention and providing smart boards and hotspots for students; upgrading facilities including a new HVÅÇ system for Robert Brown Middle School and providing students with air conditioned buses. Jones said that many benefits were gained from ESSER Funding, but the District now focuses on a sustainable future.
    Dr. Jones also gave an overview of the ACAP Practice Test in Reading and Math for the 4th through 8th grades. The practice test indicate instructional areas teachers and administrators must focus on to assure students’ improvement and success. The ACAP Test are scheduled for April.
    CSFO Marquita Lennon provided the Financial Snapshot for the period ending February 28, 2025. The operating reserves totaled 7.98 months and the cash reserves totaled 7.70 months. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The general fund budget totaled $8,120,338.91. (This reconciles to the summary cash report). Accounts payable check register totaled $389,641.42; Payroll register totaled $939,400.36, with the combined ending fund balanced totaling $8,424,516.40. In local revenues, property taxes totaled $71,136.85; sales taxes $97,201.68; other taxes $12,641.27; Amendment 743, $60,000. Local revenue totaled $240,979.80.
    The board approved on e personnel item recommended by the superintendent- the retirement of Mrs. Angela White, Career and Technical Counselor at Greene County Career Center, effective February 28, 2025.
    The following administrative items were approved by the board.
    * Permission to sell used district office chairs at $15 each and to dispose of salvage chairs.
    * Retroactive approval for March 10, 2025, quote from Uniti Fiber to upgrade and install 49 network switches at EPS and RBMS in the amount of $38,617.31. (FY 2025-2026 E-Rate Mini Bid. Optional equipment not accepted as part of the bid).
    * Air travel and overnight stay for chaperones and two students to attend the National DECA Competition in Orlando, FL April 26 – 29, 2025.
    * Travel to SREB Conference in New Orleans, July 15-18, 2025, for 10 faculty/staff (to be paid from CCR Grant; 11 faculty/staff to be paid from federal funds.
    * Travel for Shamyra Jones to attend JAG National Training Seminar in Louisville, KY, July 14-18, 2025.
    * Science textbook adoption (6 years).
    * Quote from Savvas Learning Company to purchase science textbooks, Grades K-12 in the amount of $130,790.63 (6-year purchase).
    * Permission to sell three Transportation Department vehicles as is by sealed bids
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    * School Calendar 2025 – 2026.
    * Contract between the Greene County School system and Alicia Hodge-Scott/Educate to Excellence LLC, to provide special education services to the Greene County School System for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
    * FY 2025 Special Education Teacher Supplement per guidelines outlined by the Alabama State Department of Education.

  • School bus and vehicle incident injures student and parent

    Editor’s Note: At press time, the Democrat received this statement from Greene County School Superintendent, Dr. Corey Jones, regarding  yesterday’s school bus and vehicle incident that injured a student and parent.

    The Greene County School system acknowledges the unfortunate accident involving one of our scholars and her parent at the bus stop on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. During this difficult time, we ask the community to come together in offering prayers and support for the family. It is vital that we show compassion as we hope for a speedy recovery for both our scholar and her father.

    As we navigate this situation, let us remember the strength of our community and the importance of empathy. Together, we can provide comfort and encouragement during this difficult period.

    The school bus involved followed the system’s procedures for caution and safety and we work diligently to make our transportation safe for our children. The school system and law enforcement are continuing the investigation regarding this incident

  • Newswire : Shooting at Tuskegee Homecoming kills one and injures 16

    By Shannon Dawson, Newsone

    The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is collaborating with Tuskegee University to investigate a devastating shooting that unfolded in the early hours of Nov. 10, leaving one person dead and 16 others injured, according to NPR.

    The shooting occurred early Sunday morning as students and alumni gathered on campus to celebrate the university’s 100th homecoming, a highly anticipated event for the historically Black institution in Macon County. ALEA agents were alerted to the scene at approximately 1:40 a.m., where they discovered that a non-university individual had been fatally shot. The victim’s family was notified.

    Several others, including Tuskegee University students, sustained injuries and were rushed to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, the university announced in a press release.

    Disturbing footage shared on social media Sunday depicted the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, showing students scrambling for cover as gunshots rang out. In one video posted by user @DukeofLight, bullets were heard ricocheting off a fence as a student sought shelter behind a car.

    According to 12 WSFA, the shooting occurred at the West Commons on-campus apartments. Tuskegee University President Dr. Mark A. Brown stated that the event was not an official or approved university-sanctioned homecoming event.

    “We did not nor could we have planned for security at an event that was not approved in advance or officially sanctioned by the university,” Brown told reporters. “Nonetheless, it happened on our campus, and we take full responsibility for allowing a thorough investigation and implementing corrective actions.”

    In response to the tragedy, Tuskegee University canceled all classes on Monday (Nov. 11) and Tuesday (Nov. 12) to help ALEA with its investigation efforts. The university has also made grief counselors available to support students as they cope with the traumatic event.
    “Students should not hesitate to reach out for help through the Student Health Center if they choose to do so privately,” officials from the HBCU said.

    Jaquez Myrick, 25, of Montgomery, was arrested while leaving the scene of the campus shooting and was found in possession of a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device, ALEA said, as reported by NPR. Myrick is facing a federal charge of possessing a machine gun, though ALEA has not indicated whether he used the weapon during the shooting or provided further details on the investigation. The agency also did not confirm whether Myrick was a student at Tuskegee University. ALEA has secured the campus and is now working in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement to continue the investigation.

    According to 12 WSFA, the victim of Sunday’s tragic homecoming shooting was identified as 18-year-old La’Tavion Johnson from Troy, Alabama. Johnson, who was not a student at Tuskegee University, had been enjoying the festivities with friends before the chaos erupted. His close friend, Janyla Avery, who was also injured in the shooting but survived, told the news outlet in an interview published on Nov. 11, “All we wanted to do was have fun. And one thing about us is we never leave each other. We all come together, everybody’s going to leave together. I just don’t understand.”

    Johnson, who was described as a vibrant and outgoing young man by friends and family, was about to begin a new chapter in his life—he was set to start a job with the Alabama Department of Transportation the following week. Those who knew him remembered him as a “lively soul,” with his mother, Tamika, affectionately calling him a “mama’s boy.” However, she spoke with deep sorrow to the media, saying, “That was my baby.” His father, Larry, added while struggling to hold back tears, “He was a loving person. The life he had…”

    Tuskegee University announced during Monday’s press conference that its campus would be closed to the public, effective immediately. All visitors will now be required to wear and display visitor badges while on campus. Additionally, starting immediately, everyone—students, faculty, and staff—will need to present a university-issued ID to access campus. The university emphasized that IDs must be worn at all times while on the premises. For those without an ID, the Public Safety office, located across from the main gate, will provide them with one.

    Brown also announced that Tuskegee University had terminated its security chief and hired a new one, who will conduct a thorough review of the shooting incident.

    Expanding on the details of the shooting, Brown explained that the unapproved homecoming event took place after all officially sanctioned events for the university’s 100th homecoming had concluded. While the campus remained open following the approved festivities, Brown noted that for the official events, the university had hired over 70 additional law enforcement officers from Alabama and Georgia to assist with crowd control. Tickets for all approved events were sold in advance to minimize ticket lines, although the university acknowledged that security checks would still cause delays and advised visitors to expect some inconvenience.

    Brown stated that he has no intention of ending the university’s annual homecoming tradition, emphasizing its significance to both the university and its students. He highlighted the importance of the event to the HBCU community, reaffirming the university’s commitment to preserving the event’s rich legacy.

    “We connect this generation of students with alumni who walked the same paths,” Brown stressed. “We reunite our students with old friends. We participate in a football game. We create elaborate step shows with links that go back as far back as our ancestors in West Africa. We sponsor concerts featuring popular entertainers. We celebrate our journey and how the university helped us along the way, and yes, we invest financially in the university that transformed our lives and that we all love dearly. Nothing we do in any way is associated with violence,” the university official added