The Winston-Salem State University Powerhouse of Red and White Cheerleaders united with the Panthers’ TopCats during Carolina’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons last night.
The HBCU x NFL collaboration was apart of the Panthers’ Inspire Change game with the theme: “Representation Matters: Celebrating Black Culture.”
The partnered teams took to the field to cheer the Panthers to a win (9-7).
“This is a remarkable opportunity to showcase the wonderful talent of our cheerleaders and represent our university during this historical moment,” said NeSheila Washington, Head Coach of the Powerhouse cheerleaders.
“WSSU’s Powerhouse will make history this Sunday as the first CIAA cheer squad to perform with an NFL team’s professional cheerleaders.”
The Carolina Panthers announced the Inspire Change initiative early this December. In a press release statement, the organization highlighted their commitment to conversations and actions towards a more equal and just tomorrow.
“Inspire Change highlights how NFL players, clubs and the league are joining together to ensure that access to opportunity is a reality for all and to create progress in police-community relations, criminal justice reform, and education and economic advancement.“
WSSU is the first CIAA team to preform with NFL cheerleaders and includes a few Powerhouse alumni who’ve cheered with the TopCats. Brandi Hopson is in her third season with the TopCats’, and Melvin Sutton and Dedra Cherry are former members. Coach Washington is also a former WSSU Powerhouse cheerleader alumni.
With the HBCU stomp and shake of WSSU Powerhouse and the classic cheerleading style of the TopCats’, the performance was proven to be a top-tier sight to see.
“Three members of Powerhouse and three members of the TopCats choreographed eight counts each for the routine and merged them together,” Coach Washington said. “When we have these opportunities, we want to make our ‘Ramily” proud as well as dynamically represent HBCU stomp and shake cheer.”
“By celebrating Black culture this season, we are not only recognizing the contributions of Black individuals to our community, but also fostering an environment where every fan can take pride in the diversity that makes us stronger together,” said Quentin DeBerry, director of Inclusion & Belonging at Tepper Sports & Entertainment
In February 2024, WSSU Powerhouse will perform on their next national professional sports stage during the NBA HBCU Classic during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.
