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Articles by Damaia Davis
Who’s in the running: Meet the two candidates vying for Martin County’s District 3 school board
This story is part of a statewide partnership of 27 nonpartisan newsrooms and universities working to help Florida voters make informed decisions in the 2026 school board elections. Learn more about the Florida Elections Reporting Partnership. Jackie Gary Clarke, a longtime Indiantown Village community and political leader, is running against incumbent Jen Russell for the District 3 seat on the Martin County School Board.
Behind the scenes of ‘The Color Purple’
Behind the scenes with the Claflin University Theatre Ensemble: Dr. Charlie Toomer leads a music rehearsal fpr "The Color Purple." (Instagram) Claflin University’s Theatre Ensemble, also known as C.U.T.E productions, is planning a revival of “The Color Purple.” The production is a musical adaptation of a film and book by the same name, and the company previously performed it in 2017. Theater Director Annette Grevious described the coming-of-age classic as inspiring.
‘Something big’ for Black History Month
Dinari Sabb, a senior computer science major, used the event to get more exposer as a newer artist. (Panther photo by Damaia Davis) Junior class officers celebrated Black History Month with a Black Expo on Feb. 19, honoring both the past and present for Claflin students. Junior class Treasurer Ja’Leah Guenther said the event was important for allowing Black students to embrace the month.
Relative of Orangeburg Massacre victim calls for change
The Orangeburg Massacre victims were remembered Feb. 8 during the annual memorial service. (Panther photo by Evan Jenkins) A relative of Delano Middleton, one of the three students killed during the Orangeburg Massacre, urged the audience at the Feb. 8 memorial service to continue fighting for change. Middleton, Henry Smith, and Samuel Hammond were killed after nine highway patrolmen fired into a student protest on Soth Carolina State University’s campus Feb 8, 1968.
Claflin unveils renovated, high-tech library
The ribbon is cut on the renovated H.V. Manning Library. (Panther photos by Damaia Davis) President Dwaun J. Warmack cut the ribbon to the renovated H.V. Manning Library, introducing its new high-tech look. The library originally opened Dec. 3, 1967, and was named after the university's sixth president, H.V. Manning. The library has been under renovation through the first semester.
Claflin police chief: From The Bronx to the ‘Burg
Claflin Police Chief Melvin Williams. Sporting his sash and a shining badge, a young boy takes great pride in monitoring the halls of his Bronx elementary school -- a responsibility that would lead to a career over 44 years long. Chief Melvin Williams has served with Claflin's public safety department for almost nine years, long after his retirement from law enforcement. He found his calling in the fourth grade.
Hacking, judo, golf: a professor’s journey into communications
Dr. Luis Almeida Most students would not picture hacking, judo or golf when it comes to their professors, but nothing was too unusual in the life of Claflin University mass communications professor Luis Almeida. Almeida earned awards as a top HBCU educator in both 2022 and 2023. He can often be seen interacting with students on campus or parsing their work on social media; however, a career in education could not be further from his original path.
Claflin University welcomes class of 2028
Claflin University celebrated its 156th Matriculation Day Convocation, symbolizing the start of the 2024-25 academic year. The convocation was held in Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Center’s Tullis Arena on Sept. 10. The class of 2028 matriculated with the second-highest median GPA in seven years at 3.6. “This is just a microcosm of the excellence that is in this room,” Claflin President Dwaun J. Warmack said. At graduation, I will talk about what I define as Claflin magic.
Students ready for homecoming concert with 4 artists
Students and their campus leadership are reacting positively to the selection of concert artists for Homecoming 2024 in November. Kofi Springs Jr., executive assistant for SAB, and Iyanna Pickens, SAB director of communications, announced the homecoming lineup during a Sept. 5 reveal event in the W.V.M. Fine Arts Center auditorium. The artists are “Pretty Girls Walk” rapper Big Boss Vette, “Him” rapper Big Yavo, “Pretty Brown” rapper YTB Fatt, and Bossie Badazz. “I am extremely excited.
This Panther has a passion for advocacy
Promise Joseph is a communications major and political science minor at Claflin University. (Panther photo by Damaia Davis) From the campus to Orangeburg City Council, Claflin student Promise Joseph has been unafraid to be a voice for change -- and her journey started with a Netflix series.
Vote HBCU panel readies students for the polls
On the panel for discussing elections and voting are (from left) Breeze Smith, Kaliyah Hall, Anthony Hallmon, Genesis Morris and Promise Joseph. (Panther photo by Damaia Davis) Students opened a conversation on the importance of their vote in a panel discussion held ahead of Nov. 5 elections. Speakers included students Genesis Morris, Breeze Smith, Kaliyah Hall, and alumni Anthony Hallmon.
Warmack looks ahead as president completes 5 years
Claflin President Dwaun J. Warmack speaks to student reporters on April 9. “It has been a remarkable run,” Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack said. He spoke with student reporters April 9, reflecting on the 2023-24 academic year as well as his upcoming five-year benchmark as Claflin’s president. “I am unapologetic while stating that I serve the most amazing students in this country, the most fantastic faculty and the most stellar staff, and an awesome alumni base,” Warmack said.
Claflin cuts ribbon on new student center
The student center ribbon cutting was held March 22 (Larry Hardy/TheTandD.com) President Dwaun J. Warmack cut the ribbon for Claflin’s new student center on March 22, a ceremony that marked the official grand opening of the new facility. The ribbon cutting was followed by guided tours of the completed building for students and other attendees.
'Spring homecoming' promises good time
Dr. Luis Almeida talks with student reporters. (Panther photo) Claflin’s Arts and Letters Annual Bash will have an increase in events this year, CALA-Bash Chair Dr. Luis Almeida said. CALA-BASH highlights the work of the departments of the Humanites and Social Sciences. The festival will take place April 7-14.
SGA president feels Claflin is returning to normalcy
Jabez Roberson is Claflin SGA president. Claflin Student Government Association President Jabez Roberson said his administration has had successes but there is more to do. In a meeting with student reporters on Feb. 20, Roberson said that when he ran for SGA president, he was set on revitalizing Claflin’s culture. He graded the administration with a B-, saying that while he is proud of their work, there is plenty more to be done.
Notify police before social media posting, police chief urges
Students should have notified Claflin police rather than taking to social media in a Feb. 6 incident that resulted in a campus lockdown, Chief of Police Melvin Williams said. Williams met with student journalists on Feb. 15 to discuss safety concerns after a shooting incident at neighboring South Carolina State University. A male student came onto the Claflin campus after a shot was reportedly fired at him.
Cecil Williams
Photographer Cecil Williams and author Claudia Smith Brinson discussed their new book “Injustice in Focus: The Civil Rights Photography of Cecil Williams” at the Orangeburg County Library on Feb. 8.
New book tracks Cecil Williams' coverage of civil rights era
Photographer Cecil Williams and author Claudia Smith Brinson discussed their new book “Injustice in Focus: The Civil Rights Photography of Cecil Williams” at the Orangeburg County Library on Feb. 8. The book depicts Williams’ coverage of the civil rights movement in South Carolina. Brinson said readers should consider the importance of Williams’ career as one of the few Black photojournalists in the segregated South.
New book tracks Cecil Williams' coverage of civil rights era
The new book is titled, "Injustice in Focus." (Panther photo by Damaia Davis) Photographer Cecil Williams and author Claudia Smith Brinson discussed their new book “Injustice in Focus: The Civil Rights Photography of Cecil Williams” at the Orangeburg County Library on Feb. 8. The book depicts Williams’ coverage of the civil rights movement in South Carolina. Brinson said readers should consider the importance of Williams’ career as one of the few Black photojournalists in the segregated South.
VP Kamala Harris says re-election is deserved
Vice President Kamala Harris greets the crowd at SC State on Friday, Feb. 2. (Panther photo by Tyuanna Williams) Vice President Kamala Harris made a stop at South Carolina State University to give one final message to the voters ahead of the first-in-the-nation Democratic presidential primary held Feb. 3. Harris appeared Friday, Feb. 2, at the campus’ fine arts center, and students from South Carolina State and neighboring Claflin University were invited to attend.
California governor says 2024 election is ‘daylight and darkness’
Claflin President Dr. Dwaun Warmack, left, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom at Ministers' Hall on Jan. 24. (Panther photo by Damaia Davis) California Gov. Gavin Newsom visited Claflin's campus to advocate for the Biden-Harris administration ahead of South Carolina’s Feb. 3 Democratic presidential primary. Newsom spoke to students and Jan. 24 in the university Ministers' Hall. He emphasized the importance of South Carolina being the first Democratic primary.
Family weekend is a ‘time to connect’
Guest Frances Smalls and Chicquetta President Reed, director of first and second-year experience, during the family game night. (Panther photo by Damaia Davis) Students shared their Claflin spirit with family members during the university's inaugural parent-family weekend. Families were invited to join students for games, food and raffle prizes. Chicquetta President Reed, director of first and second-year experience, said she wants families to feel like they are part of Claflin.
Claflin meeting takes aim at internet deserts
Representatives from the Orangeburg community and the Student Freedom Initiative discussed a lack of internet accessibility during a Nov. 13 community meeting held on Claflin University’s campus. SFI is a nonprofit that aims to shorten the wealth gap by focusing on education. Keith Shoates, chief operation officer of SFI, gave a presentation on how the digital divide affects historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions and their students.
Claflin meeting takes aim at internet deserts
Keith Shoates, chief operation officer of Student Freedom Initiative, speaks during a forum at Claflin University. Representatives from the Orangeburg community and the Student Freedom Initiative discussed a lack of internet accessibility during a Nov. 13 community meeting held on Claflin University’s campus. SFI is a nonprofit that aims to shorten the wealth gap by focusing on education.
SFI presentation
Nintendo Indie Direct, Game of the year tier list 02:04:53 Halloween Special 01:40:13 Progress Report Brief: Halloween Events, EKU Spring 2024 Graduation Announcement 06:34 Episode 2 11:00 Progress Report: October News Highlights 05:36 Episode 2: The Intersection Between Acting and Music 33:17 Difficult Games Discussion, Wii U Multiplayer shutdowns and more! 57:33 Episode 2 43:57 Episode: 1 39:39 Talking Out of School: September 19th 2023 01:18:44 Episode 1: The Hero on the Stage 28:36...
DRIP4VRR: ‘I’m going to bring that top energy’
DRIP4VRR This year's homecoming concert came with a bigger lineup, and DRIP4VRR is one of three student performers set to take the stage. Gerald Edmunds Jr. is a junior mass communications student who produces music under the stage name “DRIP4VRR.” The homecoming concert will be his first live performance as a recording artist. “Going out there, I'm kind of excited. I'll be lying if I said I wasn't nervous” Edmunds said.
President eyes new student center, other progress
President Dwaun Warmack speaks to student reporters on Oct. 31. (Panther photo) Construction on Claflin’s new student should be substantially complete by Nov. 30, President Dwaun J. Warmack said. Located at Goff Avenue and Magnolia, the student center will include a one-screen movie theater that will open Tuesday through Sunday, Warmack told Panther reporters on Oct. 31. It will have 180 seats, including wheelchair-accessible seating.
The ‘contagious' passion of homecoming
Dr. Arthur Doctor speaks to student reporters Nov. 2. (Panther photo) By DAMAIA DAVIS Claflinites expect an exciting week of events, according to a homecoming breakdown given by Dr. Arthur Doctor during a Nov. 2 conference. The campus has been buzzing about the Nov. 11-19 activities, from homecoming games to the concert lineup. Doctor, dean of students, said homecoming is a time to embrace and celebrate Claflin’s culture.
Hello fall: Festival ‘timing is perfect’
Fall Fest 2023 was held in the SRC quad. (Panther photo by Damaia Davis) Students embraced the start of a new season on Oct. 24 during Claflin’s annual Fall Fest. The Fall Fest was put together by both and SAB and was held in the SRC quad. Students were invited to unwind with pumpkin painting, music, games and festival food provided in the dining hall.
CU Royalty goes pink for breast cancer awareness
Claflin’s Royal Court aimed to educate during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month through the “CU Royalty Goes Pink” campaign. The efforts were led by JonTavious Morgan and Genesis Morris, who currently stand as mister and miss 1869. They submitted a response detailing the overall goal of October's events. “We believe that spreading awareness and prevention information is crucial for the Royal Court,” they said.
Technology one tool in keeping campus safe, DPS chief says
DPS Chief Melvin Williams speaks to Panther reporters. (Panther photo) Claflin Department of Public Safety Chief Melvin Williams has been working constantly to improve campus safety, looking to expand in both police numbers and technology. "Our main goal is to keep the campus safe, that is what we're focused on every day," Williams said during a news conference with Panther reporters Sept. 21.
Class of 2027 deserves ‘standing ovation’
Dr. Hakim J. Lucas was guest speaker at Matriculation Day on Sept. 12. (Special to The Panther) Guest speaker Dr. Hakim J. Lucas left the class of 2027 with a powerful message on transformation during his convocation address. On Sept. 12, the freshman class gathered in the W.V. Middleton Auditorium for the 155th annual Matriculation Day Convocation. Lucas, president and CEO of Virginia Union, joined members of Claflin’s faculty and student government in welcoming the class into the institution.
Panther Prowl: Claflin’s student organization fair
PLUS Positive, a women's empowerment and sisterhood group, participated in Panther Prowl. (Panther photo) The Office of Student Engagement hosted its annual student organization fair, the Panther Prowl, in the SRC quad. Panther Prowl is one of many events held to welcome students back to campus at the beginning of the school year. The fair acts as a brief introduction to some of what the university has to offer outside of the classroom setting.
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