‘Law and Order’ star donates $1 million to historically Black Alabama college

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May 11, 2025

By Hannah Denham, AL.com

S. Epatha Merkerson (Chimaysteve, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Award-winning actor S. Epatha Merkerson is donating $1 million to Talladega College, per media reports.

The actor was the keynote speaker for Alabama’s oldest private, historically Black college’s 150th commencement, held on May 4.

Rica Lewis-Payton, chair of Talladega’s Board of Trustees, said Merkerson’s gift “will have a profound impact” on the college in a statement to CBS 42.

“It ensures that this institution remains a beacon of light in the community that fosters the development of future leaders for generations to come,” Lewis-Payton said. “We are privileged to have generous friends and donors, such as Ms. Merkerson, who believe in the mission of our historic institution and who are willing to invest in its future.”

[…]

“It’s important to give back,” [Merkerson] told news stations in an interview. “I have had a lot of luck in my career, and I came down here and met some wonderful people who embraced me immediately. I felt at home, and I love what this college has done over 150 years.”

Keep reading and see the commencement speech she gave.

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