#NNPA BlackPress
Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young Abruptly Resigns in Less Than 2 Years as TSU President
By Jeffrey L. Boney, Associate Editor On June 17, 2021, the Forward Times reported that the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents had unanimously selected Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young to be the 13th President of TSU, after the publicly controversial termination of former TSU President Dr. Austin Lane in 2020. In September 2021, Dr. […]
The post Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young Abruptly Resigns in Less Than 2 Years as TSU President first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

By Jeffrey L. Boney, Associate Editor
On June 17, 2021, the Forward Times reported that the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents had unanimously selected Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young to be the 13th President of TSU, after the publicly controversial termination of former TSU President Dr. Austin Lane in 2020.
In September 2021, Dr. Crumpton-Young sat down for an Exclusive Interview with the Forward Times to share her vision for TSU, where she stated that she was “focused on ushering in a new era of transformation” and that she wanted to build on TSU’s rich legacy “by transforming the lives of individuals who come to our campus, and who want to receive a quality education, and who have high aspirations. That is the number one reason I’m here at TSU.”
Fast forward, less than two years from the date of her hire, and it is announced she is abruptly leaving the University.
In a letter received by the Forward Times, dated May 15th, Dr. Crumpton-Young informed TSU Board Chairman Albert Myres that she has been “called to expand my (her) commitment to transforming lives by helping elevate HBCUs to a broader national stage” and further stated that she would with Chairman Myres to “partner in planning an effective and efficient transition.”
After a special called meeting of the TSU Board of Regents on May 26th, TSU Board Chair Myres released the following statement:
In a collegial manner, Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young approached me, as Chairman of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, with her retirement request. The board unanimously agreed with the request and the mutually beneficial timing that will ultimately lead to the best outcome for Texas Southern University. I would like to personally thank Dr. Young and her family for their service to this great institution. We wish them the very best. Effectively immediately, a board Transition Oversight Committee, chaired by Dr. Mary Sias, will be formed. All divisional vice presidents will continue to lead their TSU areas of daily responsibility, serve collectively in the executive function role during this interim period, and report to the board via the smaller oversight committee. A formal resolution ratifying the formation of this committee will be presented at the June 15th meeting of the TSU Board of Regents. We look forward to the continued growth and success of Texas Southern University. As always, we are TSU Proud.
Prior to being named TSU president, Dr. Crumpton-Young served as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at Morgan State University (MSU) and relative to her other overall experiences in education, Dr. Crumpton-Young previously served as the Vice President of Research and Institutional Advancement and Chief Research Officer at Tennessee State University. Dr. Crumpton-Young also served as the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Research and Sponsored Programs and Chief Research Officer at Tennessee State University, where she assisted in restructuring faculty workload policies, enhanced faculty incentive programs, and engaged more students in research and innovation programs. While at Texas A&M University, Dr. Crumpton-Young served as Associate Provost and had the distinction of being a Program Director at the National Science Foundation. She also served as Department Head and Professor of the Industrial Engineering and Management Systems Department at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where she led her department to become the first to be ranked in US News and World Report.
As of this article, there have been no other specific details given as to why Dr. Crumpton-Young chose to abruptly resign from TSU, but the Forward Times will continue to keep readers abreast of any new developments that may arise surrounding this surprise and sudden announcement.
The post Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young Abruptly Resigns in Less Than 2 Years as TSU President appeared first on Houston Forward Times.
The post Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young Abruptly Resigns in Less Than 2 Years as TSU President first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
#NNPA BlackPress
Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.
Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”
The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”
#NNPA BlackPress
Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”
But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”
Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”
#NNPA BlackPress
WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event
Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed
May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.
But what has happened since?
Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?
This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.
Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:
Panelists:
- Medaria Arradondo – Former Minneapolis Police Chief
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil Rights Activist & Attorney
- Dr. Yohuru Williams – Racial Justice Initiative,
- UST Mary Moriarty – Hennepin County Attorney
- Fireside Chat with Andre Locke – Father of Amir Locke
Special Guests:
- Kennedy Pounds – Spoken Word Artist
- Known MPLS – Youth Choir bringing purpose through song
This podcast episode looks at the past five years through the lens of grief, truth, and hope—and challenges us all to do more.
Subscribe to Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real wherever you get your podcasts or follow @mnspokesmanrecorder for more.
Visit https://spokesman-recorder.com for more coverage and stories from Minnesota’s trusted Black news source.
#GeorgeFloyd #BlackPress #SpokesmanRecorder #Minneapolis #BlackHistory
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