FAMU Journalism Future Secured by Alumna’s $25K Gift

Imagine being honored for a lifetime of dedication to your craft, and then immediately turning that moment into an investment in the next generation. That’s exactly what celebrated journalist and publisher Cheryl Smith did when she was inducted into Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Journalism and Graphic Communication’s Thelma Thurston Gorham Distinguished Wall of Fame.

A Generous Gift for Future Journalists

Following the unveiling of her portrait on October 17th, Smith announced a significant commitment: a $25,000 donation to establish the ‘Cheryl Smith’s Soldiers Without Swords Scholarship.’ This scholarship is set to award its first recipient in the Fall 2026 semester, marking 50 years since Smith first walked the halls of FAMU.

This generous gift is more than just a donation; it’s a powerful testament to Smith’s belief in the importance of supporting aspiring journalists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. It ensures that the legacy of the Black press and FAMU’s commitment to journalistic excellence will continue to thrive.

Honoring a Legacy of Truth and Equity

During the 90-minute ceremony, Dean Mira Lowe praised Smith’s profound impact, stating that her portrait is a ‘powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to truth, equity, and excellence in journalism.’ Lowe highlighted how Smith’s work truly embodies the spirit of the school’s founder, Dr. Thelma Thurston Gorham.

Smith herself shared that the decision to fund a scholarship was immediate upon learning of the honor. She presented a $25,000 check to Dean Lowe, emphasizing the critical role of alumni support in the institution’s success. Her dedication goes even further, as she mentioned FAMU is included in her will, showcasing a lifelong commitment.

A Career Built on Mentorship

Smith’s induction recognizes her significant achievements, including being a National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Hall of Famer and a key figure in the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). However, it also shines a light on her decades-long dedication to mentoring young reporters.

Marlon Walker, managing editor at The Marshall Project, commended Smith for ‘making sure that our community is well-served and well-informed.’ Royle King, a FAMU graduate and city official, credited Smith’s mentorship through the Urban Journalism Workshop for instilling ‘a seed of excellence’ in him. King demonstrated his gratitude by presenting an initial $1,000 annual donation to Smith’s new scholarship fund.

Adding Cheryl Smith’s portrait … is a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to truth, equity, and excellence in journalism. — Dean Mira Lowe

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president/CEO of the NNPA, called the event a ‘historical moment,’ hailing Smith as a ‘great publisher and a great freedom fighter.’ Karen Carter Richards, head of the NNPA Fund, praised Smith’s ‘principled guidance of hundreds of young people.’ Smith, inspired by her own mentors like the late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and activist Dick Gregory, pledged to continue her mission, stating, ‘We must work to help each other and make the world a better place.’

Investing in the Future of Journalism

The funds for this scholarship were raised with the help of a dedicated group of ‘Champions,’ including family, sorority sisters, mentees, and professional colleagues. This collective effort highlights the widespread respect and admiration for Cheryl Smith and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of Black journalists.