URGENT: Renowned Educator Earl Richardson Dies, Leaving Lasting Legacy on HBCUs

Breaking News: Renowned Educator Earl Richardson Dies at 81, Leaving Lasting Legacy on HBCUs Earl Richardson, a pioneering educator who led a historic lawsuit to address funding disparities for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has died at the age of 81. Richardson passed away on Saturday, according to Morgan State University, where he served as president from 1984 to 2010. Richardson's death comes just months after a landmark settlement was reached in the lawsuit he helped organize, which secured $577 million in supplemental funding over 10 years for four HBCUs in Maryland. The settlement marked a significant victory for Richardson and his colleagues, who had long fought for greater resources and recognition for these institutions. As president of Morgan State University, Richardson chafed at the limited funding he received from the state, which he believed put his institution and others like it at a disadvantage. He was a vocal advocate for increased support and resources for HBCUs, and his efforts helped bring attention to the issue nationwide. The impact of Richardson's work is still being felt today, as the settlement he helped secure provides much-needed funding for four HBCUs in Maryland. The university has not announced plans for a memorial service or other tributes at this time. This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*