Saint Augustine University, Shaw | HBCU supporters react sharply to SAU-Shaw merger meeting

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

1 2 minutes read

RALEIGH, North Carolina (WTVD) — There are further reactions as fallout continues from this letter containing explosive allegations released by the chairman of the University of Saint Augustine's Board of Trustees.

Eugene Myrick is a Shaw University alumnus and mayoral candidate. He is passionate about many things and his HBCU, Shaw University, is at the top of the list.

“I tell people I went to Saint Shaw. We are rivals of the CIAA. If I wasn't in Shaw, I was in Saint Aug. It's right around the corner,” a- he declared.

Myrick is concerned that Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard is also president of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance.

What level of relationship do you have with someone who could sit in the room with you and talk about something that you're supposed to love and are passionate about in that way? The level of disrespect is unprecedented.

– Eugene Myrick, Shaw U alumnus

“I think it’s just a favor to the developers who want the Shaw University land,” he said.

He said the national president of the National Alumni Association at Shaw University had resigned.

Saint Augustine President Brian Boulware wrote a letter in response to a lawsuit claiming that SAU leaders and Shaw met with prominent business executives in Raleigh, including the owner of a local television station.

WRAL confirmed that among the local businessmen at the meeting was the CEO of its parent company, Capitol Broadcasting Co.

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Preserve history or move toward the future? That's the question facing two HBCUs in Raleigh.

Boulware alleged that the CEO said, “Raleigh doesn't need two black universities: we need the two to merge.” »

“What level of relationship do you have with someone who could sit in the room with you and talk about something that you're supposed to love and are passionate about in that way?” Myrick said. “The level of disrespect is unprecedented.”

In a statement to ABC11, outgoing Raleigh-Apex NAACP President Gerald Givens Jr. said he was surprised by the comments.

“Both HBCUs have had a crucial impact on expanding educational opportunities for all students, particularly African American students,” Givens wrote. “Why not focus on developing a market that encompasses both schools, rather than gentrification?”

Orage Quarles, former editor of the News & Observer, was present at the meeting. He told ABC11 he was there because he cares about the community.

Capitol Broadcasting Company, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance and Shaw University have not yet responded to requests for comment.