(ATLANTA – April 21, 2026) — In a powerful act of legacy, gratitude, and generational impact, the Crawford family has made a transformational $2 million gift to Spelman College and Morehouse College—two of the nation’s most prestigious historically Black colleges.

The contribution includes $1 million designated for Spelman College, supporting both Spelman Strong, the institution’s unrestricted annual fund, and its general endowment—ensuring both immediate student support and long-term institutional sustainability.

The gift comes from siblings Dr. Christine Ruth Crawford (Spelman ’94), Dr. George Crawford (Morehouse ’96), and Dr. Marcus Crawford (Morehouse ’98), who say their decision reflects a lifelong commitment to giving back to the institutions that helped shape their success.

“HBCUs have always been part of our lives,” said Dr. Christine Crawford. “We were raised to give back to the places that gave us opportunity.”

A Legacy Rooted in Family and Tradition

The Crawfords’ connection to Spelman and Morehouse spans generations. Their father, a 1962 graduate of Morehouse, maintained a decades-long tradition of attending Homecoming—instilling in the family a deep sense of pride, loyalty, and responsibility to the institutions.

That legacy of giving was further reinforced by their grandmother, Ruth, who emphasized philanthropy well into her 100s.

Investing in Flexibility and the Future

By directing funds toward both unrestricted support and the endowment, the Crawford family is empowering Spelman to respond to evolving student needs—from emergency financial assistance to strategic academic initiatives—while also strengthening its long-term financial foundation.

“Departments change. Student needs change,” Dr. Crawford said. “We wanted the institutions to have the flexibility to use the funds where they can make the greatest impact.”

A Timely Gift for a Forward-Looking Vision

The contribution arrives as Spelman advances its Spelman Forward capital campaign, aimed at expanding access, enhancing academic excellence, and preparing the next generation of Black women leaders.

Spelman Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer called the gift both an investment and a vote of confidence.

“This extraordinary gift affirms trust in our mission and strengthens our ability to remain bold, responsive, and future-focused,” Brewer said.

Giving Back What Cannot Be Repaid

For the Crawford family, the gift is less about recognition and more about responsibility.

“It still feels small compared to what we’ve received,” Dr. Crawford said. “The mentorship, the relationships, the sense of possibility—those things are priceless. This is our way of paying it forward.”

ATLANTA, GA – HBCU Original was on the ground in Atlanta as the 2025 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge lit up Center Parc Stadium with a clash between North Carolina Central University and Southern University. The night kicked off with pure HBCU energy — fans tailgating, bands filling the air with music, and both fan bases turning Atlanta into a showcase of maroon, gray, gold, and blue. On the field, the action matched the atmosphere. North Carolina Central’s Eagles, led by quarterback Walker Harris, leaned on their experienced offensive line to set the tone early. Southern’s defense, anchored by Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Chelky Givens, fought to keep the Jaguars in striking distance. The game brought momentum swings, big defensive plays, and highlight-worthy moments — everything HBCU football is known for. Whether it was NCCU showing poise in critical drives or Southern firing back with big plays to energize Jaguar Nation, the battle lived up to the hype of being a season-opening showcase on ABC. But this matchup wasn’t just about football — it was about culture. The fans never stopped cheering, the bands battled in the stands, and Atlanta once again became the stage where HBCU pride took center stage. HBCU Original was proud to be there, capturing the sights, sounds, and spirit that make the MEAC/SWAC Challenge more than just a game — it’s a celebration of HBCU tradition and excellence.
💬 Which fan base do you think brought the most energy — Eagle Nation or Jaguar Nation?
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Sunday, August 17, Lincoln University hosted its Football Media Day, and HBCU Original, Runway to Purpose, and Under Recruited Athletes were on the ground covering every moment.
📸 From team and class photos on the field, to headshots, action shots, and interviews inside the Wellness Center, the event highlighted the pride and preparation of Lincoln University Football.

🎥 Featured media stations included: HBCU Original Interviews Inside the Den (Student Media Club) TikTok & Social Media Content Behind-the-scenes with players and coaches. This event showed not just the talent on the field, but the culture, passion, and representation of HBCUs that make days like this special.

💡 Question for the audience: What’s your favorite part of Football Media Day—photos, interviews, or behind-the-scenes content?
Drop your thoughts in the comments ⬇️

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