Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Led by Georgia State Sen. Donzella James, descendants of Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee leaders, alums and supporters gathered at the state capitol in Atlanta for “Booker T. Washington Day” – a resolution sponsored by Sen. James to recognize the founding principal of Tuskegee University.
Student Ambassador Mackenzie Thompson, an animal sciences major from Atlanta, Dr. Rolundus R. Rice, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Student Affairs, and Trustee Natalie D. Knight and Trustee Carla Whitlock represented the Tuskegee University family in celebrating Washington.
“We are honored to join with descendants of Booker T. Washington to honor our founding principal,” said Dr. Rice. “Not just for lifting as he climbed but also lifting the veil of ignorance through his vision to create Tuskegee Institute, empowering Black people with the transformational power of education.”
The Tuskegee University Renaissance Era was brought to life in a coincidental interaction, underscoring the connection between Tuskegee’s history and its future.
Trustee Whitlock met De’Marrion Pearman, visiting the Capitol with his 4‑H group, who will be a freshman at Tuskegee in the fall. After recognizing her Tuskegee sweater, Pearman shared his plans to study cybersecurity at the university.
Reflecting on the moment, Whitlock noted that the encounter served as a meaningful reminder of Tuskegee University’s continuing legacy and its role in shaping future generations.
“What struck me was how naturally the past and present converge,” she said. “We continue to make history. I was reminded of that today in a tangible way.”
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