LaRon Byrd Honored by UM Africana Studies Program

May 4, 2010

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami wide receiver LaRon Byrd was selected as one of three recipients of the Fannie Lou Hamer Academic Achievement Award, given to the Most Improved Students, in terms of Africana Studies Program courses at UM.

LaRon has excellent attendance, participates in class, completes all assignments on time and has an overall positive attitude toward learning which is to be applauded, said Dr. Patti Rose, Professor, UM Africana and American Studies. As a student-athlete, he is exemplary, in the classroom setting, which is wonderful to see.

Byrd received the award Monday night at the First Annual Fannie Lou Hamer, Africana Studies Program Achievement Awards at the Wesley Gallery on the campus of the University of Miami.

Fannie Lou Hamer (October 1917-1977) was an outspoken advocate for the Civil Rights of African Americans. She was a grass roots activist who sought to do everything she could in Mississippi to free African Americans. She was known for her famous quote, “I’m Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired” which is engraved on her tombstone in her hometown of Ruleville, Miss.