News

An important moment of initiation begins with an auspicious sound: the African drums with infectious rhythm, the click-clack of heels all in a row calling across the landscape. The Johnson C. Smith University Class of 2030 began its march to the Jane M. Smith Memorial Church. Freshman Convocation 2026 would soon begin, a formal start to the students’ JCSU journey.

Award-winning actor, director, producer and author Eriq La Salle challenged Johnson C. Smith University students to prepare for opportunity, persevere through rejection, and remain open to the lessons life has to offer. La Salle imparted the words of wisdom during a JCSU Lyceum Series event held inside the New Science Center Auditorium on Sept. 11, 2026.

Eight Johnson C. Smith University scholars participated in the President's Student Cohort for the Sports, Entertainment, & Business Experience (SEBE) Foundation. This group of vibrant JCSU scholars represented the College of Business and Professional Studies, namely its Department of Health and Human Performance's Sport Management program and the Department of Business Administration's Business Administration program.

Dr. Cindy J. Kistenberg, Professor of Theatre and Communication, participated in the 2026 August Summit for Black Pastors and Rabbis, held August 24–26 in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of her ongoing work with the Charlotte Black/Jewish Alliance and Spill the Honey. Dr. Kistenberg also served as the official photographer for the event.

Johnson C. Smith University welcomed writer, director and producer Mark E. Swinton to campus Sept. 10, 2026, for an early screening of Route 187 , a new series produced through Tyler Perry Studios for Paramount+.

Nearly 134 years ago, Johnson C. Smith University, then Biddle University, helped launch a tradition when its football team faced Livingstone College on a snowy field in the first Black college football game. More than a century later, JCSU students had the opportunity to experience that history firsthand before participating in the 2026 Black College Football Hall of Fame Clash at the Classic.

Johnson C. Smith University enters the 2026 football season with national recognition, a championship pedigree and a challenging opening schedule.

Head coach Maurice Flowers, however, is not focused on what the Golden Bulls have already accomplished.

The Johnson C. Smith University International Institution of Sound (IIOS) is gearing up for an exciting 2026 football and performance season! The band was hard at work during its annual Pre-Season Band Camp, preparing new music, refining marching fundamentals, and building the musicianship, precision, and energy that IIOS will bring to performances throughout the year.

Johnson C. Smith University President Valerie Kinloch, Ph.D., is proud to announce a major gift to the University championed by Congresswoman Alma Adams. The University will receive $1.03 million in federal community project funding for its Workforce Skills Enhancement through Equipment Initiative.