Page 3 - The Fayetteville Press Newspaper March 27, 2026 Edition
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The Fayetteville Press March 27, 2026 Edition Page 3a
WSSU Alum Fred Whitted Named to CIAA Hall of Fame Class
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Winston-Salem State Uni- reminding audiences of the conference's role in
versity alum Fredrick "Fred" O'Neal Whitted was one of eight shaping collegiate athletics. His collaboration with
being named to be inducted into the 2026 John B. McLendon the late John B. McLendon in establishing the
CIAA Hall of Fame Class. HBCU Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame fur-
ther demonstrated his commitment to preserving
Fredrick "Fred" O'Neal Whitted Black sports history for future generations.
Nationally regarded as one of the leading ex-
CIAA HBCU Sports Historian perts on HBCU athletics, Whitted played a cru-
Fredrick "Fred" O'Neal Whitted was a passion- cial role in ensuring that the stories of Black col-
ate historian whose life's work centered on honor- lege sports remained visible, respected, and en-
ing and preserving the legacy of Black college ath- during. His passion, scholarship, and devotion to
letics. For more than 30 years, he dedicated him- collegiate athletics continue to stand as a corner-
self to documenting the achievements, stories, and stone of the CIAA's heritage.
cultural impact of HBCU student-athletes and
coaches, driven by a deep belief that these histo- The 2026 Hall of Fame Class includes:
ries deserved to be celebrated and protected. Fredrick "Fred" O'Neal Whitted – Jerome "Biggie" Bell Sr. (Virginia State University,
Men's Basketball Student-Athlete)
A 1975 graduate of Winston-Salem State Uni- CIAA HBCU Sports Historian Andrea Giscombe (St. Augustine's University,
versity, Whitted founded Resources 2000 to en- 2026 John B. McLendon Track & Field Student-Athlete)
sure that HBCU athletics were recorded with integ- CIAA Hall of Fame Class. Akira Turner (Fayetteville State University, Bowling
Student-Athlete)
rity and respect. His landmark publications, includ- and supported major projects such as Otis Stroud
ing The Black College Sports Encyclopedia, The ESPN's Black Magic documentary. (Johnson C. Smith University, Administrator/Supporter)
Ralph "Pete" Hunter
Black College Alumni Journal, and the Black Col- Whitted's passion extended far beyond (Virginia Union University, Football Student-Athlete)
lege Alumni–American Role Models series, became writing. At CIAA tournaments and champi- Donald Ware (CIAA, Football | Official)
George Leonard
essential references for journalists, historians, and onship events, he chronicled moments oth- (Virginia State University, Football Student-Athlete)
educators. His work also produced The Rams' ers overlooked, connecting generations and Fredrick "Fred" O'Neal Whitted
House, a definitive history of WSSU basketball, (CIAA, HBCU Sports Historian) (posthumously)
