Statement by Dwayne Ashley, CEO of The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, on the Death of Legendary Entertainer, Eartha Kitt

Statement by Dwayne Ashley, CEO of The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, on the Death of Legendary Entertainer, Eartha Kitt

NEW YORK, Dec. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), which represents the 47-member public Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country (HBCUs), is saddened to hear of the death of singer, dancer, author and actress, Eartha Kitt. Ms. Kitt, whose career spanned six decades, was an early pioneer for African-Americans in the entertainment and arts arena. She was a best-selling recording artist, a Tony-nominated actress and author of three autobiographies.

Ms. Kitt embodied exceptional leadership skills. She recently stated on her legacy and how she wished to be remembered that she "stayed on her own path and did not follow the herd." Known for her unique style and versatility, Ms. Kitt opened doors for many artists that followed after her to emulate.

Her triumph of overcoming the cotton fields of South Carolina to becoming a legendary entertainer serves as inspiration to the 235,000-student population that attend TMCF colleges and universities, many whom were also reared in the South.

Ms. Kitt appreciated the value of HBCUs. She once challenged students at historically black Benedict College to clarify her birthplace and birth date after years of uncertainty. The students successfully located her birth certificate, ending years of ambivalence.

"Eartha Kitt broke many barriers and obstacles that stood before her during her longstanding career to achieve international acclaim and success," said Dwayne Ashley, President and CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund. "Her life's work demonstrated the same tenacity and resilience of Justice Thurgood Marshall to overcome injustice and not falter."

About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc., named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, was established in 1987 and represents 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) located in 22 states with a population of well over 235,000 students. Over the last 20 years, Thurgood Marshall College Fund has awarded more than $91 million in leadership development, scholarships, programmatic, and capacity support, enabling over 7,500 students to attend public Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Thurgood Marshall College Fund also provides internship programs and joins corporate and foundation partners in providing leadership training and support to students preparing for undergraduate and professional schools. Thurgood Marshall College Fund is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization.

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Source: THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND

CONTACT: Will Davison Jr., +1-202-715-3230, for Thurgood Marshall
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Profile: International Entertainment