Jackson State University has launched a memorial scholarship fund to honor the legacy of the late Sekou Smith. Smith's ties to Jackson, Mississippi run deep. He was both a Jackson State University graduate and a former reporter for The Clarion-Ledger.
After working for The Clarion-Ledger, Smith went on to pursue a career covering the National Basketball Association. Over the course of his 20-year career, he worked for the Indianapolis Star and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Most recently, he worked for Turner Sports and became a familiar face on NBA TV. Tragically, his career came to an abrupt end last month when he passed away due to COVID-19.
"The NBA community lost a great man today in Sekou Smith. While I’ve known him since he was with the AJC but was lucky to work with him at NBA TV. I got to know him well enough to know 3 things — I was lucky to spend time with him, I wanted to know him better and he was a good man," New Orleans Pelicans Coach Stan Van Gundy tweeted.
“Which was helping and mentoring young and old to do what he was passionate about, which was writing and reporting. It felt like the natural step.”
In the wake of his passing, Smith's family was met with many texts and calls from people looking for a way to show their support. Ultimately, Smith's siblings, Ayanna, Eric, Charmel and Misty, decided to launch a scholarship fund. With the help of Jackson State University, the Sekou Smith Journalism Award will empower another generation of young, Black journalists.
“To truly keep his legacy alive, why not do what Sekou was about?” Ayanna Smith asked.
“Which was helping and mentoring young and old to do what he was passionate about, which was writing and reporting. It felt like the natural step.”
The scholarship fund is now accepting donations for those looking to help out. Also, virtual memorial services will be held for Sekou Smith on February 2 at 4 p.m.
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