April 20, 2025

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter. This week we will highlight Legacy, Leadership and Breaking Barriers: Ernest Cole’s Rediscovery, Howard University’s Tech Brilliance and Black Sportwriters Honored.

Lost and Found: The Haunting Brilliance of Ernest Cole’s Photography

By Kylie Thomas

Ernest Cole, one of South Africa’s most courageous visual storytellers, documented the cruel truths of apartheid through his groundbreaking 1967 photobook House of Bondage. His powerful images laid bare the realities of racial segregation and systemic oppression, earning international praise but resulting in his exile. Banned in his home country for over two decades, Cole lived much of his life stateless, searching for freedom—and peace—through his lens.

A remarkable discovery in 2017 brought Cole’s legacy back into focus: 60,000 of his lost negatives were found in a Swedish bank vault. This treasure trove of unseen photographs and personal notes inspired Haitian filmmaker Raoul Peck’s acclaimed documentary Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, which won the documentary prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The film is both a poetic tribute and a painful meditation on Cole’s life in exile, narrated with quiet intensity by actor LaKeith Stanfield.

Cole’s work spans continents—from South Africa’s segregated streets to Harlem’s vibrant neighborhoods—capturing Black life in all its beauty, complexity, and hardship. Though he sought freedom in the U.S., he was disheartened to find familiar patterns of racism and marginalization. His later years were marked by poverty, depression, and illness. Yet his voice never fully disappeared; he once said of his banned book, “It will stand in the future. Because I’m sure South Africa will be free.”

Ernest Cole: Lost and Found not only resurrects a forgotten archive, but also revives the story of a man who risked everything to reveal the truth. Despite global recognition, Cole died alone and impoverished in 1990—the same year Nelson Mandela was released from prison. Peck’s film, through images and words, restores his place in history and reminds us that freedom often comes at an unimaginable cost.

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

Dr. Jermaine Whirl, 39, has made history as the youngest president of a historically HBCU, officially assuming the role as the 15th president of Savannah State University (SSU) on April 1, 2025. With nearly two decades of experience in higher education, including his recent tenure as president of Augusta Technical College, Dr. Whirl brings a wealth of knowledge and a visionary approach to his new position. His leadership at Augusta Tech was marked by significant achievements, such as a 20.3% increase in enrollment and the establishment of strategic partnerships with organizations like Amazon and Augusta University .  

At SSU, Dr. Whirl aims to elevate the university’s profile by expanding doctoral programs, enhancing community engagement, and positioning SSU as a leading institution for workforce development in Georgia. He envisions SSU becoming the “anchor institution” of Savannah, driving social mobility and innovation within the region. Emphasizing the importance of student success and institutional growth, Dr. Whirl is committed to fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity, ensuring that SSU continues to thrive as a beacon of higher education .  

Howard University recently showcased its innovation and tech talent through two major events: BisonHacks and MeccaTech 2025. BisonHacks, the university’s annual hackathon, brought together students from across the country to solve real-world problems using technology. Participants created projects that ranged from AI-driven apps to tools addressing social justice issues. The event served as a platform for students to collaborate, learn, and present their solutions to tech leaders and industry professionals, demonstrating the power of HBCU innovation.

MeccaTech 2025 further highlighted Howard’s growing influence in the tech space by hosting panels, workshops, and networking sessions focused on entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and emerging technology trends. The conference featured leaders from top tech companies and government agencies, offering insight and inspiration to students aiming to break into the field. Together, BisonHacks and MeccaTech underscored Howard University’s commitment to equipping the next generation of Black tech leaders and innovators.

black history in quotes 

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culture

The inaugural Black Sportswriters Hall of Fame ceremony, held recently at North Carolina A&T State University, marked a historic moment in sports journalism. Conceived by veteran journalist Rob Parker, the Hall of Fame was created to honor the legacy of Black sportswriters whose contributions have long been overlooked. Inspired by his students’ passion during a baseball writing class at A&T, Parker envisioned a space that both celebrates excellence and acknowledges the essential role these writers have played in shaping sports culture.

The first class of inductees includes trailblazers such as William C. Rhoden, Claire Smith, and Michael Wilbon, along with posthumous honors for pioneers like Sam Lacy and Wendell Smith. These journalists not only covered the games but also broke racial barriers, advocated for integration, and transformed the field through courageous storytelling. The Hall of Fame stands as both a tribute to their legacy and a call to inspire future generations of Black journalists to continue pushing for equity and visibility in sports media.

Our editor, Lisa D. Tinsley, would like to thank you for spending part of your day with KISA News Radio.

See you next Sunday.

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