James E. Cheek
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James E. Cheek | |
|---|---|
 Cheek with Ronald Reagan in 1981 | |
| 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 emeritus of Howard University. 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.
External links[edit]
| International | |
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| National | |
