James E. Cheek
James E. Cheek | |
---|---|
Born | James Edward Cheek December 4, 1932 |
Died | January 8, 2010 | (aged 77)
Education |
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Occupation(s) | educator, scholar, theologian, public speaker, humanitarian |
Years active | 1958–2010 |
Spouse | Celestine (m. 1958) |
Children | 2 |
Awards | Presidential Medal of Freedom |
James Edward Cheek (December 4, 1932 – January 8, 2010)[1] was president of Howard University from 1968 to 1989. He was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.
Howard University President (1968–1989)
[edit]In 1989, Cheek appointed Republican National Committee Chairman Lee Atwater as a member of the Howard University Board of Trustees. Students rose up in protest against Atwater's appointment, disrupting Howard's 122nd anniversary celebrations, and eventually occupied the university's administration building.[2] Within days, both Atwater and Cheek resigned.
Personal life
[edit]Cheek was married to the former Celestine Williams, and had two children. He died on January 8, 2010, from complications of coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
References
[edit]- ^ Martin, Douglas (January 21, 2010). "James E. Cheek, Forceful University President, Dies at 77". The New York Times. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
- ^ Stanley, Alessandra; Jacob V. Lamar (March 20, 1989). "Saying No to Lee Atwater". Time.com. Time Warner. Archived from the original on November 6, 2007.