HBCU

Rankin Celebrates 125 Years

THE AFRO — In 2020, Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel will celebrate its 125th year of serving as a spiritual, historical and cultural center on Howard University’s campus. Built between the years of 1894 and 1895, Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel has served as a pillar of truth, service and a spiritual oasis for students, faculty, staff, alumni, the greater Washington D.C. community and visitors from across the nation and throughout the world for almost 125 years.

Published

7 years ago

August 8, 2019

Oakland Post

By Brianna McAdoo

In 2020, Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel will celebrate its 125th year of serving as a spiritual, historical and cultural center on Howard University’s campus.

Built between the years of 1894 and 1895, Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel has served as a pillar of truth, service and a spiritual oasis for students, faculty, staff, alumni, the greater Washington D.C. community and visitors from across the nation and throughout the world for almost 125 years.

The chapel was constructed under the leadership of former Howard University President Jeremiah Rankin. In 1896 the chapel was dedicated and named after Andrew Rankin, President Rankin’s late brother. Rankin’s widow had donated $5,000 to the construction of the chapel.

Throughout its existence, the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel has had four Deans of the Chapel including Dr. Howard Thurman, Dr. Daniel Hill, Dr. Evans Crawford and Dr. Bernard Richardson who currently serves as the Dean of the Chapel. The Chapel is serviced and supported by the Chaplains, Chapel Assistants, the Chapel Ushers, Interfaith Fellows and “Friends of Rankin Chapel.”

In a newsletter to the Howard University community, President Wayne A.I. Frederick shared that an architectural assessment of Rankin chapel took place. Frederick explained that major monetary contributions are necessary, in order to renovate and repair the historic chapel to the extent that the university wants and needs.

“A significant fundraising effort will be needed to complete this project,” Frederick wrote. “Our desire is to move forward with the renovation and expansion of this national landmark given its central place in Howard University history and those chapters yet to be written.”

Rankin Chapel is a non-denominational chapel that has welcomed prolific people throughout history to the pulpit including Howard’s very first Black President Dr. Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Eleanor Roosevelt, Desmond Tutu, Vernon Johns and Mary McLeod Bethune. For over a century, many people have been able to find a spiritual haven in the 90-foot long building that offers an array of worship, ranging from their Jummah Prayer Series to their Sunday Chapel Service.

“As a member of the Howard Gospel Choir, the chapel became my second home,” Samiyah Muhammad, a current student at Howard University shared. “Rehearsals in the Chapel became my place of refuge and release from the stressors of college life, and I am grateful to know I always had a place where I could find peace of mind.”

Their Sunday Speaker Series is one of a kind. Every Sunday a new sermon is delivered by a different speaker, who range from clergy, to civil leaders, ambassadors and the president of the Howard University himself.

“Andrew Rankin Chapel is the easiest way for me to stay connected not only spiritually, but also politically. Being that every Sunday there is a new speaker and it’s situated in the capital, Rankin creates somewhat of a breeding ground of different forms of Christianity, while bringing in notable speakers with different sets of social beliefs,” said Howard student, Kennedy Jennings.

“The chapel itself feels like nothing short of home, and seeing the families within the community that come out allows for it to be a pivotal part of history by linking us all by experience and spirituality.”

President Frederick also emphasized the importance of Rankin to Howard history and the community at large.

“For more than a century, Rankin Chapel has served as the locus of spirituality for generations of Howard students, faculty and staff and has been a consistent haven for all marking different seasons of life,” he said. “Within its walls, students have been inspired and provoked to manifest heavenly values here on earth. Sacred vows have been exchanged at the altar to celebrate love and marriage. Generations of families have been comforted in its pews even as they grieved loss.”

Frederick is hopeful for Rankin’s future.

“We look to the future of Rankin Chapel with great anticipation, knowing that a thriving chapel advances a dynamic University and strong community,” the 17th Howard University said. “In the words of Dr. Howard Thurman, ‘community cannot feed for long on itself; it can only flourish where always the boundaries are giving way to the coming of others from beyond them — unknown and undiscovered brothers.’ With open hands and open hearts, we begin to press beyond old boundaries to build an even stronger community in our time with Rankin Chapel leading the way.”

This article originally appeared in The Afro.

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Black History

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Celebrates New North Atlantic Regional Director

WASHINGTON INFORMER — As the 36th Regional Director, Dr. Ringgold will serve on the Alpha Kappa Alpha 18-member Board of Directors and will assist in the implementation of policies and programs under the leadership of International President and Chief Executive Officer Charletta Wilson Jacks.

Published

2 months ago

August 3, 2026

Post News Group

Dr. Tonja L. Ringgold, an educator and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), was installed as North Atlantic Regional Director during the organization’s 72nd Biennial International Convention on July 23 in Las Vegas.

Dr. Ringgold will serve a two-year term overseeing one of the Sorority’s largest and most historic regions. With more than 17,000 members, the Notable North Atlantic is the birthplace of the sorority, which was established on Jan. 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

“I am excited and humbled by the faith placed in me to lead,” said Dr. Ringgold. “I welcome the opportunity to give back to this illustrious Sisterhood that has poured so much into me.”

The North Atlantic Region, one of the sorority’s 10 regions in the United States and abroad, comprises undergraduate and graduate chapters in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, eastern New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

As the 36th Regional Director, Dr. Ringgold will serve on the Alpha Kappa Alpha 18-member Board of Directors and will assist in the implementation of policies and programs under the leadership of International President and Chief Executive Officer Charletta Wilson Jacks.

Her previous sorority leadership includes serving as the North Atlantic Regional Representative to the International Program Committee and as North Atlantic Region Program Chairman. She also served as president of Epsilon Omega Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Ringgold represents four generations of Alpha Kappa Alpha women, all initiated into the Alpha Delta Chapter at Morgan State University. She was initiated in 1982, following in the footsteps of her cousin and Alpha Delta Charter member, Mary Anita Short Wheatley, and her mother, Mary Jane Briscoe Short, a life member of the Sorority with 67 years of service. Her daughter Ashley R. Davy was initiated into the Alpha Delta Chapter in 2011.

A nationally recognized educator, Dr. Ringgold has spent more than three decades in higher education. She is a retired Vice President of Academic Affairs within the Community College system and is a faculty member in the Morgan State University’s Community College Leadership Doctoral Program. She also serves as president and CEO of En-Sight Educational and Management Consultants.

She holds a doctorate degree in education, master’s degrees in Applied Psychology, Management, Business Administration, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

In addition to her Alpha Kappa Alpha service, Dr. Ringgold is president of the Baltimore County Chapter of The Pierians, Incorporated; a member of the National Council on Black American Affairs; and a member of the Coalition of 100 Black Women.

She resides in Parkville, Maryland.

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Community

Scotland Defeats Haiti 1-0 in World Cup Opener

MEDIASHIFT NEWSROOM MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY — Despite Haiti’s dominance in possession, holding 54 percent of the ball, they struggled to convert opportunities, managing only two shots on goal from a total of 15 attempts.

Published

3 months ago

July 20, 2026

Post News Group

AI-Assisted Report | Morgan State University

In a tightly contested Group Stage encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Scotland emerged victorious over Haiti with a 1-0 win, thanks to a decisive strike from John McGinn in the 28th minute at Boston Stadium.

The contest marked a historic night for each team, with Scotland collecting its first victory in the tournament since 1990.

And this is Scotland’s first victory in a World Cup opener since their 5-2 win over New Zealand at the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain.

Both teams had spent many years on the sidelines as others qualified for the World Cup and four-year windows passed. Haiti qualifed for this tournament for the first time since 1974, while Scotland returned to action for the first time since 1998 in France.

An expanded tournament draw of 48 teams during this North American event helped both teams earn entrance.

Disappointed by the loss, the Haitians have another day to play, as its second Group Stage match comes against Brazil on June 19 at Philadelphia Stadium.

Looking for a better outcome, they will want to play with the same plucky toughness that kept them in this match.

Despite Haiti’s dominance in possession, holding 54 percent of the ball, they struggled to convert opportunities, managing only two shots on goal from a total of 15 attempts.

The Haitian side, led by forward pressure, forced Scotland to defend robustly, but Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall’s assured presence denied scoring opportunities.

Scotland’s organized defense and tactical discipline were exemplified by their equal number of shots on goal, though with fewer total attempts at nine.

Aaron Hickey received a yellow card early in the second half, marking a critical moment as Scotland maintained composure amidst Haiti’s spirited efforts.

The match saw a flurry of substitutions in the latter stage. Notably, Lyle Shankland, Ben Gannon-Doak, and Che Adams were introduced simultaneously by Scotland to fortify the midfield and attack.

Haiti pushed back with substitutions of their own, including the introduction of Deedson Louicius and Wilfried Isidor, trying to change the dynamic upfront.

However, defensive solidity and a disciplined Scottish side prevailed, maintained by a late yellow card to Kenny McLean as the match wound to a conclusion.

John McGinn’s solitary goal, coupled with strategic gameplay and resilient defense, secured Scotland a crucial three points in the group standings.

About the Game

Welcome to the world of the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field.

The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team’s large net, called the goal.

Games last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a short break in between called halftime. Players use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use their heads or other parts of the body, except their hands and arms.

Only the goalkeeper, who stays near the goal to try to stop shots, can use hands within a specific area called the penalty box. Some important terms you’ll hear include “offside,” which is when a player is in an illegal position closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the second last opponent, and “fouls,” which are rule violations leading to free kicks or penalty kicks, depending on where they occur.

The FIFA World Cup occurs every four years and is considered the most prestigious football competition in the world. In 2026, teams from around the globe compete for the title.

The tournament is structured with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Initially, teams are divided into groups and each team plays against the others in its group.

Teams earn points for each match: three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The best teams advance to the knockout stage, where they compete in direct elimination matches until only one team remains as the champion.

The World Cup is exciting because it brings nations together in a celebration of culture and sport, showcasing the best talents and fostering international camaraderie.

Understanding these basics helps you follow the matches and enjoy the thrilling spectacle of the world’s most-watched sporting event.

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Entertainment

Ivory Coast Finds the Net Late Securing a 1-0 Victory Over Ecuador

MEDIASHIFT NEWSROOM MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY — Ecuador dominated possession with 55 percent and had a higher passing accuracy at 87 percent compared to Ivory Coast’s 83 percent, but failed to register a single shot on target.

Published

3 months ago

July 20, 2026

Post News Group

AI-Assisted Report | Morgan State University

PHILADELPHIA – In a tightly contested FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage match, Côte d’Ivoire’s men’s national team (Ivory Coast) edged out Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a late goal from substitute Aboubacar Diallo.

The game, held on June 14 at Philadelphia Stadium, saw both teams struggle to create clear opportunities, with Les Éléphants managing only one shot on goal throughout the match.

They move forward with a much-anticiapted match against Germany on June 20 in Toronto.

Ecuador dominated possession with 55 percent and had a higher passing accuracy at 87 percent compared to Ivory Coast’s 83 percent, but failed to register a single shot on target.

The first half progressed with intense midfield battles, evidenced by three yellow cards issued to Ivory Coast’s Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, and Giacomo Doue.

Despite Ecuador’s tactical substitutions in the second half, including Alexander Minda and Jhegson Yeboah, they could not break the deadlock.

Les Éléphants breakthrough came in the 90th minute when Diallo converted their sole accurate effort into the match’s defining moment.

Ecuador’s goalkeeper made one save, but it was not enough to stop Ivory Coast from securing a crucial three points. Les Éléphants return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and are making the nation’s fourth appearance.

The result leaves Ecuador needing to reassess their attacking strategies for upcoming matches if they are to progress further in the tournament.

About the Game

Welcome to the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field.

The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team’s large net, called the goal. Games last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a short break in between called halftime.

Players use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use their heads or other parts of the body, except their hands and arms. Only the goalkeeper, who stays near the goal to try to stop shots, can use hands within a specific area called the penalty box.

Some important terms you’ll hear include “offside,” which is when a player is in an illegal position closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the second last opponent, and “fouls,” which are rule violations leading to free kicks or penalty kicks, depending on where they occur. The

FIFA World Cup occurs every four years and is considered the most prestigious football competition in the world. In 2026, teams from around the globe compete for the title.

The tournament is structured with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Initially, teams are divided into groups and each team plays against the others in its group.

The World Cup is exciting because it brings nations together in a celebration of culture and sport, showcasing the best talents and fostering international camaraderie.

Understanding these basics helps you follow the matches and enjoy the thrilling spectacle of the world’s most-watched sporting event.