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Shaw Celebrates Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month and Shaw University’s legacy as the first institution of higher learning for African-Americans in the South, Shaw will be profiling students, alumni, faculty and staff who exemplify what it means to be a part of the Shaw community throughout the month of February.


Tyshawn White

Tyshawn White - Finishing Strong

Tyshawn White didn’t start his college career at Shaw University, but he’s finishing it here strong. The senior biology major from Williamston, North Carolina originally began his career at a larger university in state before realizing that a big school wasn’t a great fit for him. 

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Dr. Cheryl Kirk-Duggan

Dr. Cheryl Kirk-Duggan Transforms Grief with New Book

A literal sign from God led her to Shaw in 2004. Now, Dr. Cheryl Kirk-Duggan is using her position at Shaw University to train Divinity students, stand for justice, and challenge her students’ thinking and writing. Her new book of poems, Baptized Rage, Transformed Grief, I Got Through, So Can You, is a project that’s been years in the making.

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Ella Baker

Ella Baker Civil Rights Icon

The Civil Rights Movement is full of unsung heroes. But there is one Shaw alumna who deserves special recognition. Her name is Ella Baker and she founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (better known as SNCC) at Shaw University in 1960.

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leonard hall

The First Four-Year Medical School in the United States

When classes began at Leonard Hall in 1882 Shaw University made history as the home of the first medical school in the United States to offer a four-year curriculum – including white institutions.

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Autumn Bailey-Ford

Autumn Bailey-Ford on Shaw University and Black History Month

Alumna and founder of Autumn Bailey Entertainment, Autumn Bailey-Ford '05, tells us what Shaw University and Black History Month mean to her.

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Michael A. Leach

Michael A. Leach on Shaw University and Black History Month

Alumnus Michael A. Leach, Director of the Office of Public Engagement for the State of North Carolina, talks about Shaw University and Black History Month.

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Board Members

Shaw Board of Trustees Reflect on Black History Month and the University

As February comes to a close, Board of Trustees Members, Chairman Joseph Bell, and Trustees Ayoka Gay, Randolph Bazemore and Wilson A. Lacy, took time to reflect on Black History Month and what the university means to them..

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