Alexia Young
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Alexia Young Shows Us How to Turn a Disformity into Mission!

A Birth Defect that Birthed Purpose Born with a birth defect, cleft lip, and palate, Alexia Young is a woman with a brave mind and heart, she chooses to stand beyond challenges and helps others embrace their struggles. Through her organization,…
BERTHA ROGERS LOONEY
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Do you know Bertha Rogers Looney of the Memphis State Eight?

Bertha Rogers Looney is a history-maker and trailblazer who made my time at the University of Memphis possible, peaceful, and progressive. Imagine being at a place where no one wants you there. Hateful words are yelled at you daily and you…
Best Valentine's Day Gift
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The Best Valentine’s Day Gift

15 years ago I got my first actual Valentine's Day gift. It was an engagement ring. That was preceded by a short dating relationship, 11 years as a single mother and a strong desire to have a companion and a father figure for…
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Can You Be Happy Being Last on the List?

On January 20th, I sat like most of America watching history being made. Regardless of one's political views, the fact remains that a woman and of color was in the position of Vice President of the United States. Something my mother and certainly…
2020 Milestones
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Before we leave 2020…

Before we leave 2020, a year full of devastation for so many I want to share a message I think is important. People I love lost people they love, and I even witnessed my aunt take her last breath and can't get that image out of my head. I've…
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A Focus on the Future After a Year of Loss and Lessons

2020 represents a lot of loss for me, as it does for many others. It also represents a year where I was reminded of just how creative, flexible, compassionate, and resourceful I can be and how the lessons from my past can help me focus on the…
Summer Owens and Miriam DeCosta Sugarman
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Becoming a Part of History- The Miriam DeCosta Sugarman Marker Dedication Ceremony

There are not many moments when you're invited to be a part of history. Last Monday, I had the honor of speaking on the program for a major moment in University of Memphis history. As part of the University of Memphis' initiatives to Eradicate…
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20 Years Later. A Teen Mom Homecoming Achievement.

Have you ever achieved something that you didn't even consider pursuing because you didn't even know it was a "thing." Well, here's my teen mom homecoming achievement. 20 years I did just that when I was named Ms. University of Memphis 2000-2001. Teen…
Marker where Bertha Looney and the Memphis State 8 fought racial injustice
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Racial Injustice – A Message from the President

No, this isn’t a message from that president. This one. Being a black woman with friends of all races, I feel it is important for me to address racial injustice. As the president of the national alumni association of my alma mater.…