Journalism school to award first scholarship Fall 26
By Joseph Green-BishopArise
Rejoice News Service
On a warm and sunny September morning 49 years ago, when a youthful, ambitious Cheryl Smith first set foot on the campus of Florida A&M University (FAMU), she had no idea that one day she would be among the most celebrated journalists in America, and that her alma mater would recognize her as one of its most distinguished graduates.
That day came on October 17th, when FAMU unveiled a portrait of Smith on a wall in its School of Journalism and Graphic Communication in Tallahassee, Florida.
She became the first representative of the Black press to receive such an honor.
“Adding Cheryl Smith’s portrait to the Thelma Thurston Gorham Distinguished Wall of Fame is a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to truth, equity, and excellence in journalism,” said Dean Mira Lowe during a 90-minute ceremony at the school.
“Her voice has shaped communities, inspired generations, and elevated the legacy of FAMU. We are proud to honor her as a trailblazer whose work embodies the spirit and vision of Dr. Thelma Thurston Gorham herself,” Dean Lowe added.
Mrs. Gorham, who died in 1992, founded the school of journalism at FAMU and taught legions of young journalism students, including Smith.
“Cheryl Smith encouraged me and so many other young men and women to pursue greatness,” said Royle King, a FAMU graduate who was one of hundreds of teenagers who participated in the Urban Journalism Workshop in North Texas, which Smith administered for decades as a member of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists.
“She was the secret sauce in the mentoring program,” said King, a Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet High School graduate who is now a city official in Tallahassee. “She planted a seed of excellence in me, and in many other young students.”
King said that because of Smith, he donated $1,000 annually to a scholarship program that she has established at FAMU. He gave his initial $1,000 during the event.
The lives of countless students have been impacted and changed by Cheryl Smith, said Marlon Walker, a managing editor at the Marshall Project, which covers national criminal justice issues.
“I first met Cheryl in 2005,” said Walker, who, as Vice President-Print, served on the NABJ board with Secretary Cheryl. “She has leaned into her life’s purpose, making sure that our community is well-served and well-informed. She is admired, wise, and committed to the pursuit of truth.”
Vickie Muse Johnson, who pledged the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with Smith when they were FAMU students, said that her sorority sister was someone special who has “moved forward in life with excellence and caring.”
“We love you and we appreciate you,” she said to Smith as nearly 50 members of the sorority presented a framed proclamation to Smith acknowledging her work with students and the establishment of a scholarship fund at FAMU to assist them.
“I love FAMU,” said Smith, when asked to speak by Dean Lowe, before the unveiling of her portrait.
Smith said that when she learned that she had been selected as a distinguished alumnus, she knew that she would raise money for a scholarship fund. With the help of a group of “Champions,” including family members, sorority sisters, mentees and mentors, colleagues, sources, elected officials, and former students, donors were among those who contributed.
Additionally, a silent auction contributed to the fundraising efforts. According to Smith, FAMU is in need and deserving of support, and it is up to alumni to be first in line.
“I decided that I would bring the money with me,” she said, as she handed Dean Lowe a check for $25,000 and pointed out that “FAMU is included” in her will. “And this is not the end.”
So, on November 22, at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas, it was standing room only as everyone rose to their feet upon hearing that FAMU was the recipient of $25K. Also hosted by Bradley-Johnson, the Dallas event featured vocalists Nychelle Winters accompanied by Isaac Brooks, Virlinda Stanton, and Dr. Dareia Jacobs, TX. State Sen. Royce West, NABJ founder Norma Adams-Wade, Immediate Past International President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Elsie Cooke-Holmes, NABJ VP-Print Eva Coleman, and Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists Clarence Hill.
Recalling conversations she had with her own mentors, such as Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and the comedian/activist Dick Gregory, as well as during an interview with the movie mogul Tyler Perry, Smith said emphasis was placed on what is done for youth, and she pledged to continue to move forward with her mission every day that God gives her.
She recalled Mrs. Gorham telling the class that if they came to class, did all her assignments, and paid attention, they could get a “B” out of the class. “I wanted an A,” said Smith, adding that Gorham consistently corrected their grammar. “You don’t AX a question, you ASK it!”
“We have got to save our children and help make a way for them,” Smith said shortly before thanking members of her family, her professional staff, alumni, and residents of North Texas who journeyed to FAMU at their own expense to support her.
I support the Black Press and Black people, especially Black women, Smith said. “We must work to help each other and make the world a better place,” said the NABJ Hall of Famer, who sits on the executive boards of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the NNPA Fund, whose leaders shared congratulatory remarks.
“The unveiling of Cheryl’s portrait is a historical moment,” said Dr. Benjamin Chavis, the President/CEO of the NNPA, located in the nation’s capital. “Our national organization is extremely proud of this special tribute to her. Cheryl is a great publisher and a great freedom fighter.”
The program at FAMU is a well-deserved recognition of Cheryl’s commitment to the pursuit of truth and to her principled guidance of hundreds of young people, said Karen Carter Richards, who heads the NNPA Fund. “Cheryl has always set standards of professional excellence.”
According to Smith, a student will walk on the campus of FAMU in the Fall semester of 2026, 50 years from Fall 1976 when she first stepped on the highest of seven hills. Cheryl Smith’s Soldiers Without Swords Scholarship will make that walk easier.
FAMU Portrait Unveiling Honors Hall of Famer Cheryl Smith
Award-winning Journalist establishes scholarship in honor of the Black Press
