By Evelyn Carter
Special to the AFRO
On Oct. 25, 2025 at 7 p.m. Trojan supporters gathered at the Delta of Marriott Hotel in Colonial Heights, Va., to honor the distinguished achievements of the Class of 1976. The event aimed to foster excitement for the upcoming Golden Reunion, scheduled for May 2026.
Registration commenced at 6:30 PM, facilitated by Sharlene Wrenn and Sharon Chamberlayne. Souvenir booklets were presented at the door which contained all names of invited guests, sponsorships and biographies of all team members, artists, volunteers and VSU representatives who supported the 1976 efforts.
Opening remarks and welcome
The mixer began with a warm greeting from Dr. James Davis and Dr. Evelyn Adkins Carter. Honorable Willie Randall extended a heartfelt welcome to distinguished guests from VSU. The Class of 1976 Reunion Coordinating Team was recognized, consisting of Dr. Evelyn Adkins Carter, Rev. Sharon Richardson Chamberlayne, Rev. Pamela Fitzgerald Cooper, Dr. James Davis, Mr. Melvin Jackson, Mr. Rondall James, Mr. Randolph Long, Dr. Shirley Mason Randall, Sharlene Wrenn and Hon. Willie Randall. Special guests included President of VSU, Dr. Abdullah, Dr. Walter-Office of Advancement, Oscar Robinson, class President and Brenda Stith-Finch, Chair of the VSU Foundation.
Special presentations, memorials and memories
Dr. Latorial Faison, Pulitzer Prize nominee and VSU English Chair, delivered a thought-provoking poem entitled “These Black Kids Have Come to Save Us”. Reverend Pamela Fitzgerald Cooper led a memorial honoring the 1976 Fallen Trojans, with names listed in the 76 Souvenir Booklet and wall poster.
A class photo for 76, yearbooks and the Petersburg Index article written in 1976 were provided for participants to review and remember.
Class video tribute
Randy Long produced an outstanding class video showcasing photographs of 1976 class members engaging in campus activities, service projects, organizations and social events. The video highlighted the diverse paths classmates pursued after leaving VSU, including military service, entrepreneurship, further education and community involvement through Greek and religious organizations, academia, film and the stage. The soundtrack featured memorable 70’s hits from “Earth, Wind and Fire,” evoking nostalgia and celebrating moments that helped define the class.
Musical performance
Bill McGee, Grammy-nominated musician and current VSU professor, energized the atmosphere with 2 songs including his rendition of “We are One”. The Class of 1976 enjoyed his group, Trussel, known for national hits played on Soul Train. Bill performed his songs, captivating the audience as they watched his engaging videos which displayed our world. Bill presented Evelyn A. Carter with a copy of his new Album “Daddy What is Jazz”. This highly acclaimed album will help to educate children on the genre of Jazz and it explains how Jazz greats have contributed to make this music loved all over the world.
The 76 challenge: “The Mission”
The audience participated in the 76 Challenge, “The Mission,” led by Dr. Evelyn A. Carter and her Mission Team. Attendees were invited to support future generations by donating to VSU tuition assistance. Participants, led by Carter, raised their lit cell phones symbolizing that the class would become a “Beacon of Light” through their giving and then they logged on using the VSU Giving QR Code to donate an amount ending in ‘76’, helping the class achieve its $250,000 goal. The first four donors received a black Mission Impossible hat.
Art and marketplace auctions
The program concluded with an exciting Art Auction and Marketplace Auction. Dr. James Davis encouraged enthusiastic bidding for original art pieces and sculptures by VSU graduates Steven Harris, James Gray and Theresa Brown.
The 76 Marketplace, chaired by Dr. Shirley Mason Randall, featured donated artworks from Rondall James and Professor Vango, retired VSU Artist instructor. Additional auction items included VSU gear, lottery tickets, restaurant cards and “Exercise Your Temple and Lay Aside Your Weight” exercise kits donated by Evangelist Shirley Wooten of St. Louis, Missouri.
Dr. James Davis announced the winners of the Art Auction, the Marketplace Auction and the raffle.
Closing celebration
After the program, guests mixed, mingled and danced, enjoying an evening of camaraderie and celebration. Event photos were provided by Mr. Jerrold Price. The 76 Challenge Video was recorded by Retired Colonel Carl J. Faison. During the entire event, DJ Enyaphace (Chris Chiles) provided music of the 70’s.