HBCU ORIGINAL
President Jimmy Carter’s Final Journey to Washington
The remains of President Jimmy Carter departed Atlanta on Tuesday, beginning their final journey to Washington, D.C. The solemn occasion unfolded on a clear but chilly day, as Carter’s casket was transported via Air Force One on Special Air Mission 39, a tribute to his legacy as the 39th president of the United States.
From Atlanta to Washington
A motorcade, including Carter family members, escorted the casket to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. Upon arrival in Washington, the late president’s remains will be carried to the Navy Memorial, then placed on a horse-drawn caisson for a procession to the U.S. Capitol. Military personnel will transfer the casket into the Capitol Rotunda, where a congressional service is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Due to weather-related delays from a winter storm, the service has been rescheduled to 4:30 p.m. Public viewing in the Rotunda will take place from 7 p.m. Tuesday to midnight and continue from 7 a.m. Wednesday until 7 a.m. Thursday.
A Nation in Mourning
Carter’s funeral is set for Thursday at Washington National Cathedral, coinciding with a National Day of Mourning declared by President Joe Biden. Following the service, Carter’s remains will return to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, for a private funeral and interment at Maranatha Baptist Church.
Carter, who passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100, leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a humanitarian and a public servant.
Notable Developments:
- Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and House Speaker Mike Johnson will deliver eulogies at Tuesday’s congressional service.
- Supreme Court justices, diplomats, and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser are among those invited to attend.
- President Biden and former President Donald Trump are expected to attend Thursday’s funeral.
Caisson Tradition Resumes
The ceremonial transport of Carter’s casket is a high-profile mission for the Army’s Caisson Detachment, which resumed operations after a hiatus following the deaths of two horses in 2023. The unit has undergone months of preparation to uphold its tradition of flawless execution during state funerals.
“We hold ourselves to the highest standard,” said Lt. Col. Derrick Draper, deputy commander of the regiment.
Honoring a Life of Service
Jimmy Carter, born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, rose from humble beginnings as the son of a farmer and nurse. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a nuclear engineer before returning to Georgia to manage his family farm and serve in the state legislature. Elected president in 1976, Carter’s single term was marked by both achievements, such as energy initiatives and expanded national parks, and challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis.
After leaving office, Carter dedicated his life to humanitarian causes, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his global efforts to promote peace, democracy, and economic development. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96.
National Day of Mourning Closures
Thursday’s National Day of Mourning will see federal offices and Postal Service locations closed, and the NYSE and Nasdaq halting trading. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has ordered the Court building closed for the day.
This week’s events honor a life devoted to service, leadership, and compassion, ensuring that President Carter’s enduring legacy is remembered and celebrated.
The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.
On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.
Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.
The SIAC championships belonged to Morehouse and Tuskegee as both programs delivered complete team performances to claim the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
On the men’s side, Morehouse controlled the meet from start to finish, scoring consistently across sprints, distance, and field events to build separation early. The Maroon Tigers maintained their advantage through the final events, sealing another conference championship built on depth and execution.
On the women’s side, Tuskegee continued its dominance with a back-to-back SIAC championship performance. The Golden Tigers delivered strong scoring across sprints, relays, and field events, holding off the field once again to repeat as conference champions.
Together, Morehouse and Tuskegee set the standard in SIAC track & field heading into postseason competition.
The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.
Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.
Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.
The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.
HBCU ORIGINAL
OVC Outdoor Track & Field — Eastern Illinois & Southeast Missouri Take Control, Tennessee State Battles in the Mix
The Ohio Valley Conference delivered a high-level championship meet in Little Rock as Eastern Illinois and Southeast Missouri claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles, while Tennessee State fought to stay inside the top tier.
Eastern Illinois captured the men’s championship with a powerful overall team performance, using depth across sprints, distance, and field events to hold off a competitive field. Southeast Missouri stayed right behind the pace, finishing runner-up behind a balanced scoring attack that kept pressure on throughout the meet.
On the women’s side, Southeast Missouri dominated the field to secure the OVC crown, led by consistent scoring across multiple event groups and a strong closing push in the final sessions. Eastern Illinois again finished near the top, locking in runner-up status and showing its program-wide strength on both sides of competition.
Tennessee State was the key HBCU presence in the conference, finishing in the middle of the standings on both the men’s and women’s side. The Tigers showed flashes in sprints, hurdles, and relays, but lacked the depth needed to break into the championship tier against the OVC’s top programs.
The meet reinforced Southeast Missouri’s growing conference dominance while Eastern Illinois remains a consistent championship contender on both sides.
The MEAC once again ran through two familiar powers as Norfolk State and Howard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field championships in dominant fashion.
On the men’s side, Norfolk State continued its conference dynasty, securing its fifth straight MEAC outdoor title. The Spartans delivered across sprints, hurdles, and relays, using depth and execution in the final events to separate from the field and close out another championship run.
On the women’s side, Howard extended its own reign of dominance, stacking points across distance races, field events, and relays to secure another MEAC crown. The Bison’s balance and consistency across all disciplines once again proved too much for the rest of the conference.
MEAC dominance remains firmly in the hands of Norfolk State and Howard heading into postseason competition.
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