Sports
Jasmine Crockett Responds to Threats Sent to HBCU After Her Commencement Speech
Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is speaking out after Tougaloo College, a historically Black college in Mississippi, received threatening calls following her keynote address at the school’s recent commencement ceremony.
According to a statement from Tougaloo College President Donzell Lee, the school is investigating “concerning calls” made after the May 2025 graduation ceremony. “We are not taking these occurrences lightly,” Lee wrote in a letter to the campus community. “Appropriate actions have been taken. Contact has been made with law enforcement authorities to ensure that safety protocols are in place, if needed.” He also urged students, staff, and faculty to report any suspicious behavior to campus authorities.
In response, Rep. Crockett condemned the threats and pointed to political motivations behind them. “No low is too low for MAGA,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Now explain to me why an institution would be receiving threats because of the commencement speech that I GAVE. This type of behavior is why I’m constantly having to be protected. Sadly, truth-telling in this country is a dangerous business—but college students don’t deserve this.”
Crockett, who received an honorary doctorate from fellow Congressmember and Tougaloo alum Rep. Bennie Thompson, was invited to speak about the legacy of civil rights at the university. In her speech, she highlighted the historic contributions of the Tougaloo Nine and iconic civil rights figures like Anne Moody and Memphis Norman. She also drew comparisons between the past and present struggles for justice, emphasizing that today’s students continue that fight by simply pursuing education in a polarized climate.
“To think that people have to be fearful of a sitting member of Congress speaking to graduates tells us that we still have a lot of work to do,” Crockett said during the speech. Still, she left the graduates with a message of encouragement: “Your moment is now. This country is relying on each and every one of you to walk into your purpose and to walk in greatness with your head held high. You absolutely belong.”
Tougaloo College, known for its role in the Civil Rights Movement, stands firm amid the controversy. “As always, your continuing safety is our primary concern,” President Lee said, reaffirming the school’s commitment to its students.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension surrounding race, politics, and free speech in America—even in spaces meant to celebrate achievement and legacy.
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.
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.
The CIAA saw strong championship performances on both sides as Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Virginia Union controlled the men’s meet with steady scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, building enough separation to hold off challengers and secure the championship.
On the women’s side, Winston-Salem State continued its strong run in CIAA competition, delivering a balanced performance highlighted by relay strength and consistent event scoring to secure another conference title.
CIAA track & field continues to run through two established powers at the top of the conference.
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