Award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson has made a beneficiant $1 million donation to Talladega School, an Alabama HBCU, based on a number of media experiences.
Merkerson served because the keynote speaker for the Alabama-based establishment’s one hundred and fiftieth graduation ceremony, held on Could 4. Talladega School is the oldest personal traditionally Black school within the state.
Rica Lewis-Payton, chair of the school’s Board of Trustees, praised the reward and highlighted its significance.
“This contribution could have a profound affect on our school,” Lewis-Payton stated in an announcement to WIAT CBS 42. “It ensures that Talladega stays a beacon in the neighborhood—nurturing and creating future generations of leaders. We’re actually lucky to have beneficiant supporters like Ms. Merkerson, who imagine in our mission and are dedicated to investing in our future.”
In recognition of her contributions and accomplishments, the school awarded Merkerson an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
Significance of giving again
Reflecting on her donation, Merkerson shared her motivation. “It’s vital to provide again,” she stated in a televised interview. “I’ve had a lucky profession, and through my go to right here, I met some unbelievable individuals who welcomed me warmly. It felt like dwelling. I’m impressed by what this faculty has completed over the previous 150 years.”
Greatest identified for her long-running position as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on Legislation & Order, she appeared in over 390 episodes. Merkerson at present stars as Sharon Goodwin on NBC’s Chicago Med. Her acclaimed movie roles embrace Lackawanna Blues, Radio, and Black Snake Moan. She earned an Emmy and Golden Globe for her highly effective efficiency in Lackawanna Blues. A celebrated stage actress, she has additionally appeared in Broadway productions equivalent to The Piano Lesson. Merkerson’s profession displays her depth, versatility, and lasting affect on American leisure.
Merkerson didn’t attend an HBCU, she earned her Bachelor of Effective Arts (BFA) diploma from Wayne State College in Detroit, Michigan. Previous to that, she attended Jap Michigan College however transferred to Wayne State to focus extra particularly on her theater research.
