Page 11 – HBCU Buzz

Money

HBCU Students Take the Stage at the 2026 Sports Emmys — and Walk Away With $40,000

Posted on Jun 1, 2026

Three HBCU programs just proved that the future of sports media is being built on Black college campuses.

At the 47th Annual Sports Emmy Awards in New York City, students from Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, and Delaware State University were honored as the winners of the 2026 Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Production Grant. The competition, now in its fifth year, distributes $40,000 in total funding to HBCU student storytellers who demonstrate a passion for sports journalism and media production. This year saw a record-breaking 88% increase in submissions — a sign that HBCU students are showing up for this opportunity in a major way.

Morehouse Takes First Place With a Powerful Story

First place and a $25,000 grant went to Morehouse College graduates Stevie Jackson, Mateo McIntosh, Makai Brown, Ian Chamberlin, and Salahuddin Saafir for their documentary Before the Bell, a film that traces the origins of the Morehouse Boxing Club through the eyes of its founder, Jacoby Bell.

The film goes far beyond the sport itself. Written, directed, shot, and edited by Jackson through his creative media company AKSHN, Before the Bell explores mental health, brotherhood, discipline, and the kind of transformation that happens when young Black men find community through competition. Jackson spent time listening carefully to the lived experiences of Bell and his teammates rather than pushing a predetermined storyline — and the result is a deeply personal portrait of what sport can mean at an HBCU.

At the ceremony, Jackson announced that the $25,000 grant would be reinvested directly into the Morehouse community — a move that reflects exactly what this competition is designed to inspire.

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FAMU and Delaware State Round Out the Winners

Second place and $10,000 went to Florida A&M University students Charmiana Delphonse, Rowan Mumford, and Darnell Walker-Jones for their documentary Tough Leather, which highlights the legacy of former FAMU Softball Coach and Hall of Famer Veronica Wiggins. The film landed at the perfect time — FAMU’s 2026 softball team just brought home the SWAC Championship title, adding another chapter to the program Wiggins helped build.

Mumford also received an additional honor at the ceremony — he was selected as an inaugural Coca-Cola–TNT Sports intern for the summer, a direct career pathway opened up by the competition itself.

Third place and $5,000 went to Delaware State University students Sanaiyah Baines-Butler and Tia Jarvis for their film First to the Mat, continuing a proud tradition of HBCU students using this platform to tell stories that mainstream sports media often overlooks.

A Competition That Keeps Growing

The Coca-Cola HBCU Sports P r oduction Grant is administered by the NATAS Foundation — the organization behind the Emmy Awards — in partnership with the Coca-Cola Company. Each year, student teams submit a creative video alongside an essay. This year’s theme was “Excellence Beyond the Field: The Impact of Sports on HBCU Students, Campuses and Communities.”

The record number of submissions was driven in part by a volunteer HBCU Advisory Committee that included FAMU alumnus and comedian Roy Wood Jr., Drew Watkins of Warner Bros. Discovery, and CBS Sports’ Howard Bryant. Roy Wood Jr. personally notified each winner before the ceremony.

“HBCUs are packed with the hardest-working and the most outstanding talent you can find,” Roy Wood Jr. said. “And this grant is an incredible way to make sure those students are both seen and rewarded.”

Stephanie Eaddy, Coca-Cola North America’s cultural marketing lead, added: “We were thrilled to see such excitement from students across the country. The videos and essays were exceptional. We saw so much truly wonderful work.”

Why This Matters

Sports media is one of the most competitive industries in the country. Breaking in requires not just talent but access — access to equipment, mentorship, industry connections, and platforms that take student work seriously. This competition provides all of that.

For the students who win, the impact goes beyond the grant money. They leave with an Emmy credential, a national spotlight, and direct connections to industry professionals who can open doors. The fact that submissions jumped 88% in a single year tells you everything about the demand. HBCU students are ready. They are creating. They are competing — and they are winning on the biggest stages in the business.

Buzz Killer

Saint Augustine’s University Needs the HBCU Community Now More Than Ever

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jun 1, 2026

Saint Augustine’s University has given so much to Black excellence — now it is time to give something back.

The 159-year-old Raleigh, North Carolina HBCU is facing one of the most difficult chapters in its history. Saint Augustine’s University filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late April, ended its legal fight to restore accreditation, and saw its interim president step down — all in the same week. The road ahead is steep. But this institution has meant too much to too many people to be written off, and the Saint Augustine’s University bankruptcy story is not over yet.

159 Years of Legacy on the Line

Saint Augustine’s was founded in 1867 by Episcopalians in the Diocese of North Carolina — just two years after the end of the Civil War. It was built to educate freed Black men and women at a time when the rest of the country was determined to keep them from learning. That founding mission carried through generations of students, faculty, and alumni who went on to shape their communities, their professions, and the world around them.

For decades, the school was also home to one of the greatest athletic dynasties in American sports history. Coach George Williams spent 44 years building a track and field program that captured 39 NCAA Division II national championships. He coached the U.S. Olympic Track and Field team in 2004. He ranks third all-time in championship titles among all coaches in NCAA history — across every division and every sport. Saint Augustine’s produced Olympians, world-class competitors, and hundreds of individual national champions. That is the kind of legacy that does not just belong to one school. It belongs to all of us.

Where Things Stand Today

The financial challenges at Saint Augustine’s built over many years. Enrollment that was close to 1,000 students in 2017 had fallen to an estimated 150 by the start of the 2025-26 school year. The school lost its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in late 2023 following years of financial and governance concerns, and fought hard in court to get it back.

The Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing is not a death sentence — it is a legal tool designed to give institutions a structured path to reorganize and move forward. The Board of Trustees called it “a comprehensive path to address our financial challenges and move forward with a stronger foundation.” The university says it is not closing and plans to continue offering technology and nursing certification programs during the process.

Interim Provost Verjanis Peoples has stepped into the role of interim president and is working to keep the institution moving. The fight is not over.

It Has Been Done Before

History shows that HBCUs can come back from moments like this — and Saint Augustine’s can too.

Morris Brown College in Atlanta lost its accreditation in 2002 and filed for bankruptcy in 2012. Alumni rallied. Donors showed up. New leadership took hold. Morris Brown regained its accreditation in 2020 and rebuilt enrollment from fewer than 20 students to over 400. That comeback did not happen because people gave up — it happened because the HBCU community refused to let it die.

Saint Augustine’s deserves that same energy. It deserves alumni giving what they can. It deserves donors and organizations looking at how they can help stabilize the institution. It deserves the kind of loud, visible support that reminds decision-makers, creditors, and the broader public that this school has a community behind it.

What the HBCU Community Can Do

The most important thing right now is awareness and action. Sharing this story matters. Conversations about what went wrong — and what systemic underfunding of HBCUs looks like in practice — matter. Alumni connecting with the university directly matters.

For the broader HBCU community, Saint Augustine’s is also a call to action beyond just one school. Too many HBCUs operate without the financial safety nets that comparable predominantly white institutions take for granted. The gap in federal funding, philanthropic investment, and institutional support is real — and Saint Augustine’s is what happens when that gap goes unaddressed for too long.

This is bigger than one bankruptcy filing. It is a conversation the entire community needs to keep having.

The Story Is Not Over

Saint Augustine’s University is still standing. Alumni are still praying over it. People inside the institution are still working to find a path forward. The 159 years of history, sacrifice, and achievement that define this school do not disappear because of a difficult financial moment.

The HBCU world has always shown up for its own. Saint Augustine’s needs that same love right now — and it needs it loudly.

Track & Field

Howard University Leads the Way to the 2026 NCAA Track & Field Championships

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jun 1, 2026

HBCU track and field in 2026 just got its biggest moment yet — and Howard University is leading the charge.

After a dominant run at the NCAA East Regional in Lexington, Kentucky, Howard University qualified four women for the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships — more than any other HBCU program. The championships run June 10–13 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Four other HBCUs punched their tickets right alongside them, making this one of the strongest collective HBCU showings at the NCAA level in recent memory.

A Program That Has Been Building Toward This

This moment didn’t happen overnight. Howard’s women’s track and field program has been on a steady rise under Head Coach David Oliver — a Howard alumnus and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist — who has turned the Bison into one of the most consistent programs in the country.

This spring, Howard ranked 13th nationally in the USTFCCCA National Rating Index, the highest ranking in program history. The Bison also claimed their fifth consecutive MEAC Outdoor Championship in May, completing a rare triple crown by winning the cross country, indoor, and outdoor conference titles in the same season. Oliver earned MEAC Coach of the Year for the fifth straight year in the process.

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Last year, Howard finished 30th out of 124 teams at the NCAA Championships — the best finish in program history. Now the Bison are back with even more firepower.

“The energy, the execution, the excellence — they left it all on the track,” Oliver said after last year’s championships. “These women are elevating the standard, and as a coach and alum I could not be prouder.”

Who Is Headed to Eugene

Sophomore Yahnari Lyons leads Howard’s contingent in the women’s 200 meters. She ran 22.72 seconds to finish second in her regional heat — a result that fits her perfectly, given she spent most of the spring ranked fourth in the nation in the event. Lyons was also named co-Outstanding Runner of the MEAC Outdoor Championship alongside freshman Nilijah Darden.

In the 400-meter hurdles, Howard sent two athletes. Cenaiya Billups won her quarterfinal heat in a personal-best 55.09 seconds. Teammate Aniya Woodruff ran a personal-best 55.43 to lock in her own spot. Both women delivered their best performances when the stakes were highest.

Five HBCUs Are Making the Trip

Howard led the pack, but the HBCU presence at nationals goes well beyond one program.

North Carolina A&T advanced two field-event athletes. Senior Spirit Morgan cleared 1.82 meters in the high jump to earn her berth. Junior Olivia Dowd recorded a personal-best 13.23 meters in the triple jump to secure hers.

Southern University’s Tashina Alase turned in one of the best individual performances of the entire regional weekend. The junior finished second overall — among all competitors, not just HBCU athletes — in the women’s 100-meter hurdles quarterfinals with a time of 12.74 seconds. That kind of result puts her among the nation’s best heading into Eugene.

Alabama State freshman Daedrian Beville qualified in the triple jump, capping a strong spring for the Hornets. Florida A&M rounded out the group to give the HBCU community five schools and nine total women’s entries at the NCAA Championships.

What This Means for HBCU Athletics

Getting to Hayward Field is not a routine accomplishment. The Eugene venue is the premier track and field facility in the country, and the athletes competing there represent the very best Division I has to offer.

For Howard, four entries at nationals is a statement. A program that ranked 13th in the country, won five straight conference titles, completed a triple crown, and now sends multiple athletes to compete for national glory is a program that has fully arrived on the national stage. Howard VP of Athletics Kery Davis summed it up after last year’s run: “Howard is on track to become a national powerhouse, and the women’s team is leading that charge.”

For programs like Southern, Alabama State, and FAMU, a trip to Eugene tells recruits everything they need to know. HBCU track and field in 2026 develops athletes who compete — and win — at the highest level.

The 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships open June 10 in Eugene. Yahnari Lyons steps into the 200 meters carrying elite national credentials. Cenaiya Billups and Aniya Woodruff bring personal-best momentum into the 400-meter hurdles. NC A&T, Southern, Alabama State, and FAMU round out the HBCU contingent across sprint and field events.

Howard and its fellow HBCUs have earned their spot in Eugene. Now it’s time to see what they can do with it.

Baseball

Alabama State Wins SWAC Baseball Championship

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 25, 2026

Alabama State Baseball Championship Run Sends Hornets Back To NCAA Tournament

The Alabama State baseball championship run is not over yet. Alabama State University captured the 2026 SWAC Baseball Tournament title with an 8-6 win over Florida A&M on Sunday at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. The win gave the Hornets their third SWAC tournament championship and sent them back to the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship. Alabama State finished the tournament unbeaten and earned the league’s automatic bid.

The Hornets entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed, but they played like a team built for the moment. Alabama State opened with a dominant win over Grambling State, kept rolling through the bracket, and then beat Florida A&M twice to close the week. The final victory came against a Rattlers team that refused to go away.

Florida A&M pushed late, but Alabama State held on. The Hornets built an 8-2 lead, gave up four runs across the seventh and eighth innings, and still found a way to finish the job. That closing stretch showed the toughness of a team that now gets to keep playing on the national stage.

Hornets Win Third SWAC Baseball Championship

This title adds another major chapter to Alabama State baseball history. The Hornets also won SWAC tournament championships in 2016 and 2022. Now, the 2026 group joins that list after a strong week in Birmingham.

Alabama State finished the championship game with 13 hits. The Hornets scored in the first inning, added another run in the third, and broke the game open with three runs in the fourth. A three-run home run from Trey Callaway in the sixth gave Alabama State the breathing room it needed.

Callaway’s swing became the biggest moment of the title game. With Alabama State already leading 5-2, he launched a three-run shot to right-center field. The home run stretched the lead to 8-2 and gave the Hornets enough space to survive Florida A&M’s late push.

The SWAC Baseball Tournament win also secured Alabama State’s spot in the NCAA Tournament. That makes this championship more than a trophy moment. It also gives the Hornets a chance to represent HBCU baseball on a national field.

Miguel Oropeza Leads The Way

Miguel Oropeza delivered one of the strongest performances of the tournament. He earned tournament MVP honors after hitting .571 with eight hits, 13 RBIs, two home runs, and a 1.143 slugging percentage across four games.

Oropeza also came through in the championship game. He recorded two hits, drove in a run, walked, and scored twice. His bat helped set the tone for Alabama State throughout the week.

He was not alone. Fabian Santana, James Peterson, and Jorhan LaBoy also earned All-Tournament Team honors for the Hornets. Santana added two hits and an RBI in the title game. Peterson picked up the win on the mound, and LaBoy helped anchor the pitching staff during the tournament.

That balance mattered. Alabama State did not win the championship with one player carrying the entire load. The Hornets won because their lineup, pitching staff, and defense all found ways to respond.

Florida A&M Made Alabama State Earn It

Florida A&M made the championship game tense late. The Rattlers tied the game in the first inning after Jackson McKenzie drove in Jay Campbell with an RBI double. They later chipped away at Alabama State’s lead with runs in the fourth, seventh, and eighth innings.

McKenzie and Campbell both had strong tournaments for the Rattlers. McKenzie hit .529 during the week, while Campbell hit .500. Alex Monile also stood out at the plate for Florida A&M.

Still, Alabama State kept its composure. The Hornets gave up 14 hits, but they limited the damage when it mattered most. Peterson settled in during the ninth inning and forced the final out with runners still threatening.

That final inning mattered because championship teams often need to win messy games. Alabama State did not need perfection. It needed poise. The Hornets found it.

A Big Moment For HBCU Baseball

The Alabama State baseball championship gives HBCU baseball another national postseason storyline. The Hornets will enter the NCAA Tournament as the SWAC’s automatic qualifier and one of the key HBCU programs to watch this postseason.

The NCAA later placed Alabama State in the Tuscaloosa Regional. The Hornets will open against No. 1 seed Alabama on Friday, May 29, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The regional also includes Oklahoma State and USC Upstate.

That matchup gives Alabama State a major in-state stage. The Hornets will face one of the top national seeds, but they enter with momentum. They have won eight straight games and come in with a 34-21 record, according to SWAC standings.

For head coach José Vázquez, this run adds to a strong era for the program. Alabama State has now won two SWAC tournament titles in the last five seasons. The Hornets continue to show that they can build winning teams, develop talent, and compete when the stakes rise.

Hornets Carry Momentum Into NCAA Regional

Alabama State now turns its focus from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa. The stage gets bigger, and the challenge gets tougher. Still, the Hornets have already shown that they can handle pressure.

Their tournament run had everything a team needs in May. They got timely hits. They had stars step up. They survived delays, late rallies, and elimination-style pressure. Most importantly, they kept winning.

Now, Alabama State gets a chance to carry the SWAC banner into NCAA regional play. The Hornets earned that opportunity with a championship week that proved they belong in the postseason conversation.

For Alabama State, the celebration is real. So is the next challenge.

Buzz Killer

Livingstone College Mourns Volleyball Player Kendall Cook After Her Death At 19

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 25, 2026

Livingstone College Volleyball Player Kendall Cook Remembered

Livingstone College is mourning the death of Kendall Cook, a 19-year-old student-athlete who planned to join the school’s women’s volleyball program. Cook came to Livingstone after starting her college career at Clark Atlanta University, where she competed as part of the Panthers volleyball program. Her death has shaken several communities, including Livingstone College, Clark Atlanta, Frankfort High School in Kentucky, and the wider HBCU athletics family.

The Livingstone College volleyball program shared a heartfelt message honoring Cook’s life and spirit. In its tribute, the program described her as someone who brought light, joy, and warmth to the people around her. The statement also noted how her smile could brighten a room and how deeply teammates and coaches felt her presence.

Cook’s time with the Blue Bears had just begun. Still, Livingstone made it clear that she had already become part of the school’s family. The program ended its message with a tribute that captured that bond: “Once a Blue Bear, Always a Blue Bear.”

A Young Athlete With Promise

Kendall Cook came from Frankfort, Kentucky, and built her name as a student-athlete before college. She attended Frankfort High School, where she competed in volleyball and softball. Her coaches, classmates, and school community knew her as a talented athlete with a bright future.

After high school, Cook continued her volleyball journey at Clark Atlanta. The school’s athletics roster lists her as a 5-foot-9 outside hitter. Her move to Livingstone marked the next chapter in her college career.

That path connected Cook to two proud HBCU athletic programs. Clark Atlanta competes in the SIAC, while Livingstone competes in the CIAA. Both conferences carry deep history across Black college sports. Cook’s journey showed how student-athletes often build bonds across campuses, teams, and communities.

Livingstone And Clark Atlanta Communities Grieve

The loss of a student-athlete reaches far beyond the court. For teammates, grief can feel personal and sudden. For coaches, it means losing someone they planned to guide and support. For classmates and friends, it means facing the absence of someone who shared their daily life.

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Livingstone’s tribute focused on Cook’s character, not just her athletic future. The program remembered her warmth, her smile, and the way she made people feel. That kind of legacy matters. It shows the impact a young person can leave even in a short time.

Clark Atlanta also remains part of Cook’s story. Her time with the Panthers connected her to another HBCU community that now shares in the grief. For many student-athletes, a college team becomes a second family. Cook had already touched more than one.

Frankfort Community Honors Kendall Cook

Cook’s hometown community also mourns her death. Frankfort Independent Schools shared a message remembering her as smart, kind, and beautiful. The district also acknowledged her impact in the classroom, on the court, and on the field.

School leaders said grief counselors and mental health support would be available for students and members of Cook’s graduating class. That step shows how deeply her death affected the people who knew her before college.

Her story began long before she reached an HBCU campus. Friends, teachers, coaches, and classmates in Kentucky watched her grow. Many of them saw her talent, drive, and personality up close. Now, they join Livingstone and Clark Atlanta in honoring her life.

No Cause Of Death Shared Publicly

Officials have not publicly shared a cause of death. As Cook’s family and loved ones grieve, the focus should remain on compassion, care, and respect.

Student-athletes often appear in headlines because of their stats, rosters, and team roles. Yet every player carries a full life beyond the game. They have families, friends, dreams, challenges, and communities that love them.

Cook’s death feels especially painful because she had so much ahead of her. She had already earned a place in college athletics. She had also found a new home at Livingstone. Her next season should have brought growth, competition, and new memories with the Blue Bears.

HBCU Athletics Family Stands Together

The HBCU community knows how to celebrate its student-athletes. Fans show up for games, homecomings, rivalries, and championship moments. But that same community also shows up during loss.

Kendall Cook’s death reminds us that HBCU sports are about more than wins and records. They are about family, support, culture, and belonging. When one campus grieves, the pain often reaches many others.

Livingstone College, Clark Atlanta, Frankfort High School, and the volleyball community now share that grief. Each community knew a different part of Cook’s journey. Together, they help tell a fuller story of who she was.

Remembering Kendall Cook’s Light

Kendall Cook leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, promise, and connection. Livingstone remembers her as a Blue Bear. Clark Atlanta remembers her as part of the Panthers volleyball program. Frankfort remembers her as one of its own.

For those closest to her, Cook was more than a volleyball player. She was a daughter, friend, teammate, student, and young woman with a spirit that people will not forget.

HBCU Buzz sends condolences to Kendall Cook’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, classmates, and everyone mourning her loss.

Top HBCU

Top 5 HBCU Choirs 2026

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 20, 2026

The Top 5 HBCU Choirs 2026 poll is officially complete, and the HBCU community made its voice heard. After thousands of votes, fans selected The Aeolians of Oakwood University as the No. 1 choir in this year’s poll, followed by the World Renowned Rust College A’Cappella Choir, South Carolina State University Concert Choir, Tuskegee University Golden Voices Concert Choir, and Virginia State University Concert Choir.

Top HBCU Choirs Poll Shows The Power Of HBCU Music Culture

HBCU choir culture has always carried a sound that reaches far beyond the stage. These groups sing at campus programs, chapel services, convocations, alumni events, national ceremonies, and cultural moments that help define the HBCU experience. They also preserve a deep musical tradition rooted in spirituals, gospel, classical training, hymns, anthems, and contemporary arrangements.

That is why this poll struck such a strong chord. Fans were not just voting for their favorite vocal groups. They were celebrating the schools, directors, students, alumni, and musical legacies that continue to shape Black college culture.

The final results showed strong support across several campuses. The top 10 included legendary concert choirs, a cappella ensembles, gospel groups, and university choirs with major followings.

No. 1 The Aeolians Of Oakwood University

The Aeolians of Oakwood University finished in first place with 17.74% of the vote. The win is a major statement for one of the most respected choral groups in the HBCU community.

The Aeolians were originally organized in 1946 by Dr. Eva B. Dykes and have built a reputation for inspirational singing, disciplined musicianship, and wide-reaching performances. Oakwood describes the ensemble as a group that has traveled widely while touching audiences through its music.

Their placement at No. 1 reflects the strong pride surrounding Oakwood’s choral tradition. The group has long been associated with excellence, precision, and a sound that blends spiritual depth with technical control. For many fans, The Aeolians represent the gold standard of HBCU choir performance.

This victory also speaks to the loyalty of Oakwood supporters. With nearly 3,000 votes, The Aeolians separated themselves from the rest of the field and showed why their name remains one of the most recognized in college choral music.

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Politics

FAMU Alumna Keisha Lance Bottoms Wins Democratic Nomination For Georgia Governor

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 19, 2026

Former Atlanta Mayor Moves One Step Closer To Making Georgia History

FAMU alumna Keisha Lance Bottoms has won the Democratic nomination for Georgia governor, setting up a major general election race in November and placing one of Florida A&M University’s most recognized graduates back on a statewide political stage. The former Atlanta mayor secured the nomination Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, and will now compete for a governorship that Democrats have not won in Georgia in more than two decades. The Associated Press reported that Bottoms’ victory also marks the third straight time Georgia Democrats have nominated a Black woman for governor.

Keisha Lance Bottoms Carries FAMU Legacy Into Statewide Race

Keisha Lance Bottoms is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, where she earned her degree in broadcast journalism from FAMU’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. Her rise from Florida A&M University student to mayor of one of America’s most influential Black cities has long made her a standout figure among HBCU alumni in public service.

FAMU’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication has described Bottoms as one of its notable graduates, highlighting her path from communications student to national political leader. The school remains one of the most respected journalism and media programs among HBCUs, and Bottoms’ career adds another example of how FAMU graduates continue to shape politics, media, law, and civic life.

From Atlanta City Hall To National Politics

Bottoms served as the 60th mayor of Atlanta from 2018 to 2022. During her time in office, she led the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, protests following the murder of George Floyd, major public safety debates, and a period of national attention on Georgia politics.

Before becoming mayor, Bottoms served on the Atlanta City Council and worked as a judge, giving her experience across multiple branches of government. Her campaign biography notes that she became the first mayor in Atlanta’s history to have served in all three branches of government: as a judge, city councilmember, and mayor.

After leaving City Hall, Bottoms joined the Biden administration as a senior adviser and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. In that role, she worked with community leaders, elected officials, and organizations across the country. Her national profile grew as Georgia became one of the most closely watched political states in the nation.

A Historic Race Ahead In Georgia

Bottoms’ nomination sets the stage for a closely watched race in a state that has become central to national politics. Georgia helped deliver key victories for Democrats in recent presidential and U.S. Senate races, but the governor’s mansion has remained out of reach for the party.

The Republican side of the race is still developing. According to the AP, the Republican primary for governor is headed to a runoff between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and health care executive Rick Jackson. The winner will face Bottoms in November.

If elected, Bottoms would make history as Georgia’s first Black woman governor. Her campaign is expected to focus on issues including health care, housing, education, economic opportunity, and steady leadership.

Another Major Moment For HBCU Alumni In Politics

Bottoms’ win adds to a growing list of HBCU alumni making major moves in politics and public leadership. From city halls to Congress, statehouses, the White House, and federal agencies, HBCU graduates continue to hold powerful roles that shape policy and community outcomes.

For FAMU, Bottoms’ victory is another reminder of the university’s reach beyond Tallahassee. The school’s alumni network has long included leaders in law, business, journalism, entertainment, education, and government. Bottoms now enters the general election as one of the most visible HBCU graduates in the 2026 political cycle.

Her campaign also comes at a time when HBCUs are receiving more national attention for their role in developing leaders who serve both Black communities and the broader country. Whether in politics, media, entrepreneurship, or public service, HBCU graduates continue to influence national conversations while carrying the legacy of their institutions with them.

Bottoms Looks Toward November

The November race will test whether Bottoms can build a winning statewide coalition in a competitive political environment. Georgia remains one of the most closely watched battleground states in the country, and the governor’s race is expected to draw national attention, major fundraising, and intense voter turnout efforts.

For FAMU supporters, Bottoms’ nomination is already a major milestone. She now has the chance to turn a historic nomination into an even larger victory this fall.

As the race moves forward, Bottoms will carry more than a political résumé. She will carry the legacy of Atlanta leadership, national service, and a FAMU foundation that helped shape her path.

Sports

NAACP Urges Black Athletes To Consider HBCUs Amid Voting Rights Fight

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 19, 2026

The NAACP urges Black athletes to think deeply about where their talent, money, influence, and future should go as the fight over voting rights moves into college sports. Through its new “Out of Bounds” campaign, the civil rights organization is calling on Black athletes, recruits, families, alumni, fans, and consumers to withhold athletic and financial support from public universities in states it says are weakening Black voting power. The campaign also encourages athletes to consider HBCUs as a powerful alternative.

NAACP urges Black athletes to look at the bigger picture

NAACP launched the campaign on May 19, 2026, naming eight priority states: Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Georgia. The organization says these states have moved to limit or erase Black voting representation following the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais.

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At the center of the campaign is a direct message to Black athletes: your power is bigger than the field, the court, or the scoreboard.

The NAACP is asking top football and basketball recruits to withhold commitments from targeted public universities until affected states restore fair congressional maps and meaningful Black representation. It is also asking current athletes to use their platforms, NIL influence, and public visibility to speak up for voting rights and fair maps.

This is not a small request. College decisions can shape an athlete’s future, family stability, professional development, and earning potential. But the NAACP is arguing that Black athletes should not be expected to generate wealth, attention, and prestige for institutions while the states around those institutions weaken Black political power.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson framed the issue as one of both economics and representation.

“Black athletes should not be asked to generate wealth, prestige, and power for state institutions while those same states strip political power from Black communities,” Johnson said.

The quote was reported by the Associated Press and matches the core message of the campaign.

HBCUs enter the national sports conversation

The campaign places HBCUs in the middle of a larger national conversation about race, sports, money, and power.

For decades, Black athletes have helped build the identity and revenue of major college sports programs. They have filled stadiums, lifted television ratings, driven merchandise sales, energized alumni bases, and shaped the culture of entire athletic conferences. Now the NAACP is asking what would happen if more of that talent and attention flowed toward HBCUs.

That question matters.

HBCUs have always been central to Black excellence. They have produced leaders, athletes, artists, doctors, lawyers, educators, entrepreneurs, and culture-shapers across generations. In sports, HBCUs have produced legends while building some of the richest traditions in college athletics. From football classics and marching bands to basketball rivalries and homecoming culture, HBCU athletics has never lacked meaning. It has often lacked the same level of investment and exposure given to larger public universities.

The NAACP’s call challenges athletes, families, donors, and fans to rethink where value is created and where value should be returned.

The campaign also targets fans, alumni, and donors

The NAACP’s message is not only for athletes. It is also calling on fans, alumni, donors, and consumers to stop buying tickets, merchandise, and licensed apparel tied to public universities in the targeted states. The organization wants that support redirected to HBCU athletic programs, scholarship funds, alumni foundations, NIL collectives, and bands.

That part of the campaign may be where the HBCU community can move quickly.

Every ticket sold matters. Every donation matters. Every NIL contribution matters. Every piece of merchandise purchased helps shape which institutions gain power, visibility, and financial strength.

If fans are serious about supporting Black athletes, the NAACP is pushing them to look beyond slogans and make financial choices that reflect that support. For HBCUs, that could mean more donations to athletic departments, more support for student-athletes, more media attention for games, and more investment in the full student experience.

Voting rights and college sports are now connected

The campaign comes as voting rights and redistricting fights continue across the South. Reuters reported that the NAACP is focusing on public universities in states where it says lawmakers are undermining Black voting power, especially at flagship athletic programs that continue to recruit Black athletes and generate major sports revenue.

The Associated Press also reported that the NAACP and Congressional Black Caucus are calling for a boycott of certain public university athletic programs in states they say are restricting Black voting rights. According to AP, the campaign connects college athletics, redistricting, and the influence of Black athletes in a direct way.

That connection may feel new to some fans, but Black athletes have always been part of larger social and political movements. From college campuses to professional leagues, athletes have used their visibility to challenge unfair systems, support their communities, and push public conversations forward.

The difference now is NIL. Athletes have more public-facing power than ever. They can build their own brands, speak directly to fans, and shape conversations without waiting for a school, conference, or network to give them permission.

Why this moment could matter for recruits

For recruits, the NAACP’s message adds another layer to an already complicated decision.

Athletes already consider scholarship offers, coaching staffs, playing time, facilities, exposure, academic support, family needs, and professional opportunities. Now the campaign is asking them to also consider whether the states and institutions recruiting them are protecting Black political power.

That does not mean every athlete will make the same choice. It does mean the conversation around recruiting may become bigger than uniforms, stadiums, and TV games.

HBCUs can be part of that bigger conversation if they are supported with the resources needed to compete. That includes better facilities, stronger NIL infrastructure, media investment, travel budgets, academic support, nutrition programs, sports medicine, marketing, and alumni giving.

It is not enough to tell athletes to choose HBCUs. The broader community must help build the systems that allow those athletes to thrive once they arrive.

HBCU support has to move beyond the moment

The NAACP urges Black athletes to consider HBCUs, but the responsibility cannot fall only on teenagers and college students. Adults, alumni, brands, donors, media companies, and community leaders also have work to do.

If people want HBCUs to benefit from this moment, support has to be consistent. That means buying tickets before the big rivalry game. It means donating outside of homecoming season. It means watching HBCU games, sharing HBCU stories, supporting HBCU athletes with NIL deals, and pushing brands to invest in HBCU platforms year-round.

It also means respecting HBCUs as first-choice institutions, not symbolic alternatives.

The conversation around this campaign should not reduce HBCUs to a response to what is happening elsewhere. HBCUs stand on their own legacy. They have their own value, their own culture, their own excellence, and their own future.

Black athletic power is bigger than sports

The NAACP’s campaign is bold because it connects athletic power to political power.

Black athletes help drive college sports. They help build brands, raise school profiles, and create unforgettable moments that fuel billion-dollar ecosystems. The NAACP is now asking whether that power can be used to protect Black communities beyond the game.

That question will not be answered by one campaign alone. It will be answered by athletes, families, fans, alumni, universities, conferences, media platforms, and brands deciding what they are willing to support.

For HBCUs, this is a moment of visibility. It is also a call for deeper investment.

The NAACP urges Black athletes to think about where their power goes next. If that power is redirected toward HBCUs, the impact could reach far beyond sports.

Homecoming

2026 HBCU Homecoming Schedule Is Here

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 18, 2026

The 2026 HBCU homecoming schedule is already shaping up to be one of the biggest fall seasons for alumni, students, fans, and families across the country. From Daytona Beach to Durham, Washington, D.C., Tallahassee, Greensboro, and beyond, HBCU football will once again anchor some of the most important cultural weekends on the calendar. The latest 2026 HBCU football homecoming and classic schedule includes a strong mix of conference matchups, rivalry games, historic classics, and homecoming weekends that will bring thousands of people back to campus.

For the HBCU community, homecoming has never been just about a football game. It is a family reunion, a business weekend, a fashion show, a networking event, a tailgate, a concert, a Greek life gathering, and a celebration of Black college culture all wrapped into one. Every fall, alumni return to the yard, students get to experience the tradition in real time, and schools use the moment to highlight their legacy, growth, and pride.

This year’s homecoming slate begins in September with Bethune-Cookman and runs deep into November with major dates at schools across the MEAC, SWAC, SIAC, CIAA, and beyond. October will once again be the busiest month, with several schools hosting homecoming games on Oct. 10, Oct. 17, and Oct. 24.

2026 HBCU Homecoming Schedule

The 2026 HBCU homecoming schedule below combines the listed homecoming games into one master calendar instead of separating schools by division.

Full 2026 HBCU Homecoming DATES

Date	School/Host	Opponent or Event	Location
Sept. 19	Bethune-Cookman University	Virginia University of Lynchburg	Daytona Beach, FL
Sept. 20–26	Lincoln University of Missouri	Upper Iowa University	Jefferson City, MO
Oct. 1–4	West Virginia State University	West Liberty University — game Oct. 3	Institute, WV
Oct. 3	Bluefield State University	Johnson C. Smith University	Bluefield, WV
Oct. 3	Grambling State University	Alcorn State University	Grambling, LA
Oct. 3	Livingstone College	Fayetteville State University	Salisbury, NC
Oct. 3	Miles College	Lane College	Fairfield, AL
Oct. 3	Southern University	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff	Baton Rouge, LA
Oct. 10	Alabama State University	Florida A&M University	Montgomery, AL
Oct. 10	Albany State University	Lane College	Albany, GA
Oct. 10	Alcorn State University	Arkansas Baptist College	Lorman, MS
Oct. 10	Central State University	Tuskegee University	Wilberforce, OH
Oct. 10	Delaware State University	Franklin Pierce University	Dover, DE
Oct. 10	Elizabeth City State University	Lincoln University (PA)	Elizabeth City, NC
Oct. 10	Kentucky State University	Miles College	Frankfort, KY
Oct. 10	Morehouse College	Savannah State University	Atlanta, GA
Oct. 10	Morgan State University	Robert Morris University	Baltimore, MD
Oct. 10	Norfolk State University	Virginia University of Lynchburg	Norfolk, VA
Oct. 10	North Carolina Central University	William & Mary	Durham, NC
Oct. 10	Spelman College	Campus Homecoming	Atlanta, GA
Oct. 10	Texas Southern University	Mississippi Valley State University	Houston, TX
Oct. 10	Virginia State University	Livingstone College	Petersburg, VA
Oct. 11–17	Langston University	Wayland Baptist University — game Oct. 17	Langston, OK
Oct. 17	Alabama A&M University	Grambling State University	Huntsville, AL
Oct. 17	Benedict College	Edward Waters University	Columbia, SC
Oct. 17	Clark Atlanta University	Allen University	Atlanta, GA
Oct. 17	Fayetteville State University	Elizabeth City State University	Fayetteville, NC
Oct. 17	Howard University	Morehouse College	Washington, DC
Oct. 17	Jackson State University	Florida A&M University	Jackson, MS
Oct. 17	Johnson C. Smith University	Lincoln University (PA)	Charlotte, NC
Oct. 17	Mississippi Valley State University	Bethune-Cookman University	Itta Bena, MS
Oct. 17	Prairie View A&M University	Alcorn State University	Prairie View, TX
Oct. 17	Savannah State University	Fort Valley State University	Savannah, GA
Oct. 17	Tennessee State University	Morgan State University	Nashville, TN
Oct. 17	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff	Alabama State University	Pine Bluff, AR
Oct. 18–25	Harris-Stowe State University	Campus Homecoming	St. Louis, MO
Oct. 18–25	Wiley University	Campus Homecoming	Marshall, TX
Oct. 21	Dillard University	Campus Homecoming	New Orleans, LA
Oct. 24	Bowie State University	Johnson C. Smith University	Bowie, MD
Oct. 24	Edward Waters University	Clark Atlanta University	Jacksonville, FL
Oct. 24	Florida A&M University	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff	Tallahassee, FL
Oct. 24	Florida Memorial University	Thomas University	Miramar, FL
Oct. 24	Fort Valley State University	Lane College	Fort Valley, GA
Oct. 24	Hampton University	Monmouth University	Hampton, VA
Oct. 24	Lincoln University (PA)	Winston-Salem State University	Lincoln University, PA
Oct. 24	South Carolina State University	Norfolk State University	Orangeburg, SC
Oct. 24	Virginia Union University	Shaw University	Richmond, VA
Oct. 31	Allen University	Campus Homecoming	Columbia, SC
Oct. 31	Lane College	Tuskegee University	Jackson, TN
Oct. 31	North Carolina A&T State University	Elon University	Greensboro, NC
Oct. 31	Shaw University	Bluefield State University	Raleigh, NC
Nov. 1–8	Fisk University	Campus Homecoming	Nashville, TN
Nov. 1–8	Rust College	Homecoming Celebration Week	Holly Springs, MS
Nov. 7	Talladega College	Campus Homecoming	Talladega, AL
Nov. 7	Tuskegee University	Miles College	Tuskegee, AL
Nov. 7	University of Maryland Eastern Shore	Campus Homecoming	Princess Anne, MD
Nov. 7	Winston-Salem State University	Fayetteville State University	Winston-Salem, NC
Nov. 7	Xavier University of Louisiana	Campus Homecoming	New Orleans, LA
Nov. 7–14	Huston-Tillotson University	Campus Homecoming	Austin, TX
Nov. 14	Philander Smith University	Campus Homecoming	Little Rock, AR
Nov. 14	Voorhees University	Campus Homecoming	Denmark, SC
Nov. 14–22	University of the District of Columbia	Campus Homecoming	Washington, DC

Total: 62 HBCUs.

The schedule gives fans plenty of major weekends to watch. Oct. 10 features a packed lineup with North Carolina Central hosting William & Mary, Alabama State welcoming Florida A&M, Texas Southern facing Mississippi Valley State, Morehouse taking on Savannah State, and Virginia State meeting Livingstone. One week later, Oct. 17 brings another major wave of homecomings, including Howard vs. Morehouse, Jackson State vs. Florida A&M, Tennessee State vs. Morgan State, Alabama A&M vs. Grambling State, and Prairie View A&M vs. Alcorn State.

North Carolina A&T will also have a major moment on Oct. 31 when the Aggies host Elon in Greensboro. The date stands out because A&T’s homecoming remains one of the most talked-about traditions in the HBCU world, drawing alumni, students, celebrities, vendors, and supporters from across the country. For more HBCU culture and campus coverage, follow our HBCU Homecoming and HBCU Football coverage throughout the season.

HBCU Classics And Special Games To Watch

While homecoming weekends will bring fans back to campus, the 2026 classics schedule gives the season another layer of tradition. HBCU classics are often played in major cities or neutral-site venues, turning one football game into a full weekend of events, alumni meetups, battle of the bands moments, and community celebrations.

Date	Classic / Event	Matchup	Location
Aug. 29	MEAC/SWAC Challenge	Alabama A&M vs. Howard	Atlanta, GA
Aug. 29	John Merritt Classic	Jackson State at Tennessee State	Nashville, TN
Aug. 29	Nature State Kickoff Classic	Morehouse vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff	Little Rock, AR
Aug. 30	Red Tails Classic	Tuskegee vs. West Alabama	Montgomery, AL
Sept. 5	Louis Crews Classic	Miles at Alabama A&M	Huntsville, AL
Sept. 5	Pete Richardson Classic	Kentucky State at Southern	Baton Rouge, LA
Sept. 5	HOPE Labor Day Classic	Edward Waters at Jackson State	Jackson, MS
Sept. 5	Labor Day Classic	Lane at Alabama State	Montgomery, AL
Sept. 5	Port City Classic	Tuskegee vs. Fort Valley State	Mobile, AL
Sept. 6	Labor Day Classic	Texas Southern at Prairie View A&M	Prairie View, TX
Sept. 6	Orange Blossom Classic	Florida A&M vs. South Carolina State	Miami Gardens, FL
Sept. 6	Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic	Albany State vs. Johnson C. Smith	Canton, OH
Sept. 12	Aggie-Eagle Classic	North Carolina A&T at North Carolina Central	Durham, NC
Sept. 12	The Legacy Series	Tennessee State at Alabama A&M	Huntsville, AL
Sept. 12	Southern Heritage Classic	Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Alcorn State	Memphis, TN
Sept. 12	Chicago Football Classic	Lincoln PA vs. Mississippi Valley State	Chicago, IL
Sept. 19	Battle for Greater Baltimore	Morgan State at Towson	Towson, MD
Sept. 19	Battle of the Bay	Hampton at Norfolk State	Norfolk, VA
Sept. 19	W.C. Gorden Classic	Tuskegee at Jackson State	Jackson, MS
Sept. 26	State Fair Classic	Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M	Dallas, TX
Sept. 26	Boombox Classic	Southern at Jackson State	Jackson, MS
Oct. 3	Battle of the Real HU	Hampton vs. Howard	Washington, DC
Oct. 3	Gulf Coast Challenge	Alabama A&M vs. Jackson State	Mobile, AL
Oct. 3	Morehouse Tuskegee Classic	Morehouse vs. Tuskegee	Montgomery, AL
Oct. 31	Magic City Classic	Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State	Birmingham, AL
Nov. 8	Fountain City Classic	Fort Valley State vs. Albany State	Columbus, GA
Nov. 14	CIAA Championship	TBD	Durham, NC
Nov. 14	SIAC Championship	TBD	TBD
Nov. 21	Florida Classic	Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M	Orlando, FL
Nov. 21	Soul Bowl	Jackson State at Alcorn State	Lorman, MS
Nov. 26	Turkey Day Classic	Tuskegee at Alabama State	Montgomery, AL
Nov. 28	Bayou Classic	Grambling State vs. Southern	New Orleans, LA
Dec. 5	SWAC Championship	SWAC East Champion vs. SWAC West Champion	Campus Site
Dec. 12	Celebration Bowl	MEAC Champion vs. SWAC Champion	Atlanta, GA

The classics schedule starts early with the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off, which will feature Alabama A&M and Howard in Atlanta on Aug. 29. That game gives the season a national opening moment before fans move into Labor Day weekend classics, September rivalry games, and late-season staples like the Florida Classic, Bayou Classic, and Celebration Bowl.

The Magic City Classic between Alabama A&M and Alabama State will once again be one of the biggest rivalry events of the year. The Bayou Classic between Grambling State and Southern remains one of the most recognizable HBCU football traditions in the country. The Florida Classic between Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M will also bring another major fan weekend to Orlando.

The 2026 HBCU homecoming schedule shows why HBCU football remains one of the strongest cultural engines in college sports. These games are not only about wins and losses. They bring alumni back to campus, support local businesses, create content moments, boost school spirit, and give current students a deeper connection to the institutions they represent.

For many schools, homecoming is also one of the most visible weekends of the year. It creates a chance to showcase bands, cheer squads, dance teams, student organizations, Greek life, alumni chapters, campus upgrades, and school traditions. For smaller schools, these weekends can be even more important because they help tell a larger story about campus life and community pride.

Fans should keep in mind that football dates are usually announced before full homecoming week details. Concerts, step shows, comedy shows, alumni receptions, tailgate rules, parade times, and ticket information may be released later by each school. Anyone planning to travel should check directly with the school before booking final plans.

Still, one thing is already clear: the 2026 season will give the HBCU community another packed fall calendar. From early-season classics to October homecoming weekends and the December Celebration Bowl, HBCU football will continue to prove that the culture around the game is just as powerful as the game itself.

Money

South Carolina State Launches $41.2 Million Campaign To Elevate Campus, Athletics And Research

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 11, 2026

SC State begins a historic fundraising push

South Carolina State campaign momentum is building after the university officially launched a $41.2 million fundraising effort designed to expand student support, strengthen academics and athletics, and improve campus facilities.

The five-year initiative, called The Power of SC State: A Capital Campaign to Elevate Excellence, is one of the university’s most ambitious fundraising efforts to date. South Carolina State said the campaign is focused on five major priorities: student scholarships, athletics enhancements, faculty and staff support, programmatic opportunities, and revitalized facilities.

The campaign also arrives at a key moment for South Carolina State University. The Orangeburg institution is working to build on its recent research growth, campus construction, and rising alumni engagement while creating a stronger student experience for future Bulldogs.

A campaign built around student success

The South Carolina State campaign is centered on the student experience. University leaders said the fundraising effort is designed to create more scholarships, strengthen academic programs, support faculty and staff, and modernize facilities across campus.

SC State President Alexander Conyers said the campaign reflects the university’s larger vision for student success. He noted that public support remains important, but private giving helps complete the picture for a university looking to keep moving forward.

That message gives the campaign a clear purpose. This is not only about raising money. It is about aligning alumni, donors, corporate partners, and university supporters around the next chapter of SC State.

For HBCUs, that kind of campaign can have a major impact. Many institutions are asked to do more with less while serving students who often need stronger financial and academic support. A campaign of this size gives SC State a chance to close gaps, expand opportunity, and invest in areas that affect students every day.

More than $17 million already raised

SC State is not starting from zero. The university said the campaign’s silent phase began in 2024, and donors have already contributed more than $17.4 million toward the $41.2 million goal.

That early fundraising total gives the campaign a strong foundation. It also shows that alumni and supporters are responding to the university’s vision before the public phase fully ramps up.

According to the university, SC State raised more than $6.08 million in private contributions during the 2024–25 fiscal year. Donor participation also increased by 34%, reaching the highest annual donor count in the university’s 130-year history. The school said its alumni giving rate reached 15.2%, which was above both the national average and the HBCU average.

Those numbers matter because fundraising is not only about major gifts. It is also about participation. When more alumni give, even at different levels, it signals belief in the institution and helps build long-term fundraising culture.

Oliver C. Dawson Stadium gets major attention

Athletics is one of the campaign’s most visible pillars. A centerpiece of the South Carolina State campaign is a $10.4 million renovation of Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, home of Bulldog football. Planned upgrades include new LED lighting, modernized press boxes, a second elevator for improved accessibility, and the addition of the “Dog Park,” a premium pregame experience.

For SC State, those upgrades are about more than aesthetics. Football Saturdays are a major part of HBCU culture, alumni connection, student pride, and donor engagement. A stronger stadium experience can help the university create more excitement around game days while supporting student-athletes with improved competition spaces.

The stadium investment also speaks to a larger trend across HBCU athletics. Facilities matter in recruiting, fan experience, media visibility, and revenue. As more HBCUs compete for talent and attention, modernizing athletic spaces has become a strategic priority.

SC State has a proud football history, and investing in Oliver C. Dawson Stadium helps connect that legacy to the future.

Research growth adds another layer

The campaign also comes as SC State continues to grow its research profile. The university recently earned R2 status in the Carnegie Classification system, placing it among high research activity institutions. Campaign funds are expected to support that momentum through academic investments, including $2 million for endowed professorships and $5.5 million for scholarships.

That part of the campaign may not be as visible as a stadium renovation, but it is just as important. Research status can help a university attract stronger faculty, compete for larger grants, build academic partnerships, and create more opportunities for students.

For an HBCU like SC State, research growth also carries community impact. HBCUs often produce research tied to real public needs, including agriculture, education, health, technology, economic development, and rural communities. More research capacity can help SC State deepen its role as a public-serving institution in South Carolina and beyond.

Campus construction is already underway

The South Carolina State campaign also complements more than $210 million in ongoing campus construction. Conyers said the work includes a new 94,000-square-foot academic facility and a state-of-the-art university library.

That larger campus investment helps show why the fundraising campaign matters now. SC State is not only announcing future goals. It is already in the middle of a physical and academic transformation.

Modern facilities can change how students learn, gather, study, and see themselves on campus. For many HBCUs, facility upgrades are also tied to retention and recruitment. Students want to attend schools that reflect their ambition, and alumni want to support campuses that are visibly growing.

SC State’s campaign gives donors a way to support that progress directly.

Alumni leadership drives the effort

The campaign is being led by a group of co-chairs with deep connections to SC State. The university named Col. (Ret.) Ned E. Felder, Hank and Iva Allen, Coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough, Josie Pough, and Patrena Rice among the leaders helping guide the effort.

That alumni involvement is important. HBCU campaigns are often strongest when they are rooted in people who know the institution’s story from the inside. Alumni do not only give money. They give credibility, relationships, and a sense of shared responsibility.

Honorary co-chair Col. Felder framed the campaign as a responsibility to future students, saying the effort can help provide a stronger foundation for generations to come.

That is the heart of the message. SC State is asking its community to invest not only in buildings or programs, but in the students who will carry the Bulldog legacy forward.

A bigger moment for HBCU fundraising

The South Carolina State campaign reflects a bigger moment across HBCU higher education. As more HBCUs pursue research growth, athletic upgrades, stronger student support, and modernized campuses, private fundraising is becoming even more important.

Public funding remains central, especially for public HBCUs. But large-scale campaigns help institutions build flexible resources that can move faster than state budgets or federal funding cycles. They also allow alumni and partners to help shape the future of schools that have shaped generations of Black leaders.

SC State’s $41.2 million goal is ambitious, but the early momentum shows the university has already built support. With more than $17.4 million raised during the silent phase, record private giving, and a rising alumni participation rate, the Bulldogs are entering the public phase with real traction.

SC State looks toward its next chapter

South Carolina State’s campaign is about more than a fundraising total. It is about what the university wants to become and how boldly it wants to move.

The $41.2 million effort gives SC State a platform to invest in students, expand scholarships, support faculty, elevate athletics, modernize facilities, and strengthen its research future. It also gives alumni and supporters a clear invitation to help shape the university’s next era.

For Bulldogs past, present, and future, The Power of SC State is more than a campaign title. It is a call to invest in the institution’s legacy and the students who will carry it next.

Research

HBCU Research Coalition Launches With 15 Schools

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 11, 2026

A major push for HBCU research power

A new HBCU research coalition is bringing 15 historically Black colleges and universities together to expand research power, increase federal funding opportunities, and push more HBCUs toward the nation’s top research classification.

The coalition, called the Association of HBCU Research Institutions, officially launched on April 29 with a mission to accelerate world-class research, strengthen institutional capacity, and elevate HBCU leadership in solving major national and global challenges. The organization is also known as AHRI.

This launch marks a major step for HBCUs that have long produced important research while often receiving less national recognition and fewer resources than larger research universities. AHRI aims to change that by creating a shared platform for collaboration, policy influence, faculty recruitment, student research access, and stronger funding opportunities.

The 15 HBCUs in the coalition

Founding members include some of the country’s most active HBCU research institutions. The group includes Howard University, Morgan State University, Clark Atlanta University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Jackson State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Southern University, Tennessee State University, Texas Southern University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Virginia State University.

Howard is currently the only HBCU with Research One status, the highest Carnegie research classification. The other institutions include many R2 schools, which are already recognized for high research activity. Together, AHRI members account for 50% of competitively awarded federal research funding among HBCUs.

That number is important. It shows that HBCU research power is not small. It is concentrated, active, and already shaping work in health, science, education, justice reform, economic development, technology, and public policy.

Why the HBCU research coalition matters

The HBCU research coalition matters because research status can change what a university is able to do. Stronger research infrastructure can help schools compete for major grants, recruit faculty, support graduate students, build labs, create patents, launch startups, and expand academic programs.

Research also impacts students directly. When HBCU students gain more access to funded research, they gain stronger pathways into graduate school, medicine, public health, engineering, technology, data science, law, and policy careers. That access can shape who gets to lead in industries where Black talent is still underrepresented.

For HBCUs, the issue is not a lack of ideas or ability. The issue has often been access to capital, research infrastructure, and national networks. AHRI is designed to help address those gaps by giving member schools a stronger collective voice.

A push toward R1 status

One of AHRI’s key goals is to increase the number of HBCUs that reach Research One classification. R1 is widely viewed as the top research designation in American higher education. It reflects very high research spending and doctorate production.

Howard reached R1 status in 2025, becoming the only HBCU to hold the designation. The university exceeded the base criteria by recording just under $85 million in research expenditures and awarding 96 doctorates in the evaluation year used for classification.

That milestone gave HBCUs a new model to point to. It also showed how much infrastructure, funding, and institutional strategy are needed to reach that level. AHRI now gives other HBCUs a way to pursue that goal together instead of working in isolation.

The coalition will work with member schools to strengthen research systems, expand grant capacity, and build stronger pathways from R2 to R1.

Harvard grant supports the launch

AHRI is also receiving major outside support. Harvard University announced a three-year, $1.05 million grant to the coalition through the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative. The grant is designed to support research infrastructure and technical assistance as member schools build capacity and pursue R1 status.

Harvard’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research will provide technical support. AHRI will also work through a strategic partnership with the Association of American Universities, where its offices will be co-located.

The funding does not solve every research gap facing HBCUs, but it gives the coalition early support and national visibility. It also signals that major institutions are being pushed to build deeper, longer-term partnerships with HBCUs.

Morgan State president leads the board

Morgan State University President David K. Wilson will serve as AHRI’s inaugural board chair. Prairie View A&M University President Tomikia P. LeGrande will serve as board vice chair, and Howard University Interim President Wayne A.I. Frederick will serve as AHRI interim president.

That leadership structure brings together several institutions with strong research ambitions. Morgan State has continued to grow its research profile in Maryland. Prairie View A&M has expanded its role in public research and innovation. Howard’s R1 designation gives the coalition a working example of what the next level can look like.

Together, that leadership gives AHRI both institutional credibility and strategic direction.

HBCUs are already research leaders

For years, HBCUs have produced doctors, scientists, engineers, educators, public health leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. They have also led research in areas that directly affect Black communities and underserved populations.

That includes work in sickle cell disease, cancer, artificial intelligence, environmental justice, education equity, agriculture, defense research, social justice, and economic development. Howard’s own research profile includes the Center for Sickle Cell Disease, a Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Center, and major work in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The new HBCU research coalition gives that work a larger platform. It also helps challenge the idea that elite research only happens at predominantly white institutions with long-standing access to federal and philanthropic funding.

A new chapter for HBCU innovation

AHRI’s launch comes at a time when research funding, workforce development, and innovation are deeply tied to national competitiveness. Universities are not just places where students earn degrees. They are engines for discovery, job creation, public health, technology, and community problem-solving.

For HBCUs, that mission has always carried added weight. These institutions serve students, families, and communities that have often been left out of major funding streams. When HBCUs build research power, the impact reaches far beyond campus.

It creates more pathways for Black scholars. It helps students see themselves as researchers and innovators. It gives communities more direct access to institutions that understand their needs. It also changes who gets to shape the future of science, health, policy, and technology.

The bigger picture for HBCU research

The launch of AHRI is not just a higher education announcement. It is a statement about where HBCUs belong in the future of American research.

The coalition gives 15 institutions a shared structure to pursue bigger grants, influence policy, support faculty, and open more doors for students. It also gives the broader HBCU community a new story to tell about innovation and excellence.

HBCUs have always produced leaders. Now, this coalition is focused on making sure more of those leaders have the research infrastructure, funding, and national support needed to change the world at scale.

Baseball

Howard And FAMU Softball Head To NCAA Tournament After HBCU Title Runs

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 11, 2026

HBCU softball earns the national stage

HBCU softball NCAA tournament momentum is growing after Howard University and Florida A&M both punched their tickets to the 2026 NCAA Division I Softball Championship with conference tournament titles.

Howard earned the MEAC’s automatic bid after defeating South Carolina State 11-2 in five innings to win its second straight conference tournament championship. Florida A&M earned the SWAC’s automatic bid after beating Southern 2-1 on a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning. Now, both HBCU programs are headed into regional play with a chance to make noise on the national stage.

The NCAA announced the 64-team field on Sunday, May 10, with regionals scheduled for May 15-17 at 16 sites across the country. The 16 regional winners will advance to super regionals, with the Women’s College World Series set to begin May 28 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.

Howard repeats as MEAC champion

Howard entered the MEAC championship game as the top seed and played like it. The Bison took control early against South Carolina State and never let the Bulldogs settle in, using a balanced offensive attack and clean defense to close out an 11-2 victory at TowneBank Field in Norfolk, Virginia.

The win gave Howard back-to-back MEAC tournament championships and another automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. It also continued a strong run under head coach Tori Tyson, who was named the MEAC Softball Championship Most Outstanding Coach.

Howard’s offense finished with 11 runs on nine hits and drew eight walks. The Bison kept pressure on South Carolina State throughout the game and made the most of their scoring chances. Maryn Jordan led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, driving in three runs and scoring three times. Makyia Taylor also added three RBIs, while Lauryn Jones reached base three times.

Maryn Jordan leads a balanced Howard effort

Maryn Jordan’s championship performance helped her earn MEAC Softball Championship Most Outstanding Performer honors. Her presence at the plate set the tone for a Howard lineup that looked locked in from the start.

Howard also handled the details that matter in postseason softball. The Bison played error-free defense, swiped two bases, and limited South Carolina State to four hits. In a tournament setting, those small pieces often decide who survives and who goes home. Howard handled them with confidence.

Julia Holt and Makyia Taylor joined Jordan on the MEAC All-Tournament Team, giving the Bison multiple players recognized after another championship run. For Howard, the moment was not just about winning one game. It was about proving the program could defend its crown and return to the national tournament with momentum.

Howard draws Duke in Durham Regional

The HBCU softball NCAA tournament path for Howard begins in Durham, North Carolina. The Bison will face No. 12 national seed Duke on Friday, May 15, at noon on ACC Network. Duke will host the four-team Durham Regional at Smith Family Stadium.

The regional also includes Arizona and Marshall, giving Howard a tough but exciting bracket. Duke enters the tournament at 39-14, while Arizona comes in at 35-16 and Marshall enters at 37-17. The format is double elimination, which means Howard will have to stay sharp across the weekend and respond quickly to every result.

For Howard, the matchup is another chance to show the growth of the program. The Bison have already proven they can dominate the MEAC. Now they get another shot to test that success against a national seed on a bigger stage.

FAMU wins SWAC title in walk-off fashion

FAMU had a much different path to its championship moment, but the ending was just as powerful. The Rattlers beat Southern 2-1 in the SWAC championship game at Gulfport Sportsplex after sophomore Braxtyn Battle delivered a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The game was tied 1-1 entering the final inning when Kiara Beltre opened the frame with a bunt single. Graduate pitcher Samantha Smith then reached base after being hit by a pitch, putting the winning run in scoring position. Battle stepped in as a pinch hitter and drove a 1-1 pitch into left field, allowing Beltre to score and sending the Rattlers into celebration.

That type of finish gives FAMU a special kind of energy heading into the NCAA Tournament. Walk-off wins can define a postseason run because they show poise, belief, and the ability to deliver when the pressure is highest.

Samantha Smith shines in the circle

While Battle delivered the final swing, Samantha Smith gave FAMU the foundation it needed to stay alive. Smith threw a complete game, allowing just two hits and one run across seven innings. She also retired nine straight batters during one stretch and closed the top of the seventh by retiring Southern in order.

That performance mattered because Southern entered the title game as one of the SWAC’s top teams. The Jaguars came in at 37-15 overall and had the offensive firepower to turn the game quickly. Smith kept the matchup under control and gave FAMU enough room to find its championship swing late.

FAMU also struck first in the opening inning when senior center fielder Neriah Lee reached base and freshman Amya Ramos drove a triple into left-center field to give the Rattlers a 1-0 lead. Southern tied the game in the second, but FAMU stayed patient until Battle ended it in the seventh.

FAMU heads to Gainesville Regional

The HBCU softball NCAA tournament road for FAMU starts close to home. The Rattlers will open regional play against Florida on Friday, May 15, at 11 a.m. ET at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville.

Florida enters as the No. 6 overall national seed and regional host. Texas State and Georgia Tech round out the Gainesville Regional field. That gives FAMU a difficult draw, but also a major opportunity. A strong showing against Florida would put the Rattlers in front of a large in-state audience and give the program a chance to make a national statement.

For FAMU, the matchup also adds a Florida storyline to the bracket. The Rattlers will not have to travel far, and their fan base has a chance to show up in Gainesville for one of the biggest weekends of the season.

A major moment for HBCU women’s sports

Howard and FAMU reaching the NCAA Tournament in the same week is a strong moment for HBCU women’s sports. Both programs won their way in. Both did it through conference championships. Both now have a chance to represent HBCU softball against some of the best teams in the country.

That matters because visibility is still one of the biggest challenges in women’s sports, especially at HBCUs. These regional appearances give players, coaches, alumni, and fans a larger platform. They also give younger athletes a clearer picture of what is possible at HBCU softball programs.

The national tournament is not only about wins and losses. It is also about exposure, recruiting, pride, and program growth. Howard and FAMU earned their place in that conversation.

Howard and FAMU carry HBCU pride into regionals

The 2026 NCAA softball field gives Howard and FAMU a chance to carry conference pride into regional play. Howard will try to challenge Duke in Durham after another dominant MEAC championship run. FAMU will face Florida in Gainesville after one of the most dramatic finishes of the SWAC tournament.

Both teams enter with different stories, but the same opportunity. They are conference champions. They are NCAA Tournament teams. And they are carrying HBCU softball into a national postseason moment.

Leadership

Howard University Commencement Draws National Attention After Mayor Bowser Speech

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 11, 2026

A proud Howard moment meets a public reaction

Howard University commencement became one of the most talked-about HBCU moments of the week after Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser received a mixed reaction during her keynote address at the university’s 158th Commencement Convocation.

The ceremony took place Saturday, May 9, on The Yard, where Howard University celebrated the Class of 2026 and conferred more than 3,100 degrees during Mother’s Day weekend. The day included Howard’s historic Long Walk, proud families, university leaders, and a graduating class stepping into the next phase of its journey.

But the national conversation quickly shifted after parts of the crowd booed Bowser and some students chanted “Free D.C.” during her remarks. Bowser, who also received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Howard, delivered the commencement address as she prepares to leave office after deciding not to seek a fourth term as mayor.

The reaction on The Yard

The Howard University commencement reaction spread quickly across social media and HBCU news spaces because it captured more than a tense moment at a graduation. It reflected the complicated relationship between students, local politics, and the city that Howard calls home.

According to HBCU Gameday, Bowser’s speech leaned heavily on the theme of transition. She compared her own exit from office to the graduates’ next chapter, telling the crowd that she, too, was “graduating.” That framing did not land the same way with everyone in attendance. Some students responded with boos, while others used the moment to chant “Free D.C.”

The response made the commencement feel like both a celebration and a civic statement. Howard students have long been part of Washington’s political and cultural fabric. When they speak in public spaces, especially on The Yard, the message often reaches far beyond campus.

Howard’s official celebration remained historic

Even with the reaction to Bowser drawing headlines, Howard’s official commencement was still centered on the Class of 2026. The university described the ceremony as a major milestone for graduates and their families, noting that the class included students from many different paths, backgrounds, and life experiences.

Interim President and President Emeritus Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick addressed the graduates and reflected on their growth from their first walk onto campus to their final Long Walk across The Yard. Howard also highlighted the symbolism of the ceremony, with graduates moving from preparation to purpose as they entered life after graduation.

That part of the story matters. The Howard University commencement was not only about one speaker or one reaction. It was about thousands of students completing degrees at one of the nation’s most important HBCUs.

Why the Bowser moment became bigger than the speech

The reaction to Bowser did not happen in a vacuum. Howard sits in the heart of Washington, D.C., and its students experience the city as residents, neighbors, commuters, workers, organizers, and voters. For many, local politics are not abstract. They show up in housing, public safety, transportation, policing, affordability, and the larger fight over D.C. self-determination.

That is why the “Free D.C.” chants stood out. The phrase points to the long-running push for greater local control and statehood for Washington, D.C. It also shows how quickly a commencement stage can become a platform for public accountability.

NewsOne argued that the student response should not be dismissed as simple disrespect, framing it instead as a reaction from young people who live in the city and understand its political tensions firsthand. That perspective helped shape the broader conversation after clips from the ceremony began circulating online.

HBCU commencements are never just ceremonies

HBCU commencements have always carried a deeper meaning. They are family reunions, cultural celebrations, academic milestones, and public statements all at once. They bring together students, elders, elected officials, alumni, and community leaders in spaces where history is always present.

At Howard, that meaning is even more visible. The university has produced generations of leaders in law, medicine, politics, media, education, business, activism, and the arts. Its commencement stage is not just ceremonial. It is symbolic.

That symbolism is part of why the Bowser reaction gained so much attention. Students were not simply sitting in an audience. They were participating in a Howard tradition that has always existed at the intersection of scholarship, Black leadership, and public truth-telling.

Bowser’s connection to Howard and D.C.

During her address, Bowser spoke about the connection between Howard and Washington, D.C. Howard’s official recap noted that she emphasized the university’s role in the city and its impact on the world. She also referenced Howard alumni who served as D.C. mayors, including Sharon Pratt and Adrian Fenty.

That connection is real. Howard’s presence in Washington has shaped the city for more than a century. Its students, alumni, faculty, hospital, research, and cultural influence have helped define what Black excellence looks like in the nation’s capital.

Still, the mixed reaction showed that institutional connection does not erase public criticism. Bowser may have come to celebrate Howard graduates and mark her own transition, but students made it clear that the moment belonged to them, too.

A story about celebration and accountability

The Howard University commencement story is powerful because it holds two truths at once. Howard celebrated more than 3,100 graduates in a historic ceremony filled with pride, family, tradition, and achievement. At the same time, students used a public moment to voice frustration with a political leader whose decisions have shaped the city around them.

Both parts matter.

The Class of 2026 deserved its celebration. Families deserved to cheer. Howard deserved to honor the years of work, sacrifice, and resilience that brought students to The Yard. But the student response also belongs in the story because HBCU students have never been passive observers of history.

They have always challenged it, shaped it, and pushed it forward.

Howard graduates step into the world

For Howard’s newest alumni, the headlines around Bowser may fade, but the meaning of commencement will last. The Class of 2026 walked across The Yard carrying the weight of Howard’s legacy and the promise of what comes next.

That is the bigger story.

The boos and chants became national news, but the heart of the day remained the graduates. They completed the work. They crossed the stage. They joined a global Bison alumni network rooted in excellence, truth, and service.

Howard’s commencement showed the country what HBCU spaces often show best: celebration can exist with critique, joy can exist with conviction, and young Black voices can honor tradition while still demanding more from the world around them.

Featured

J.R. Smith North Carolina A&T Graduation Inspires Aggie Pride

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 11, 2026

A champion becomes an Aggie graduate

J.R. Smith North Carolina A&T is more than a celebrity graduation story. It is a full-circle moment about discipline, growth, and the power of returning to finish what matters.

Former NBA standout J.R. Smith officially graduated from North Carolina A&T State University during the university’s spring 2026 commencement weekend, earning his undergraduate degree after enrolling at the HBCU in 2021. The two-time NBA champion received a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies with a concentration in applied cultural thought, according to reports on his graduation journey.

For many fans, Smith is known for his 16-year NBA career, his shot-making, his confidence, and his championship runs alongside LeBron James. But at A&T, he became something different: a student, a teammate, a non-traditional learner, and now, an Aggie alumnus.

Why J.R. Smith North Carolina A&T matters

The J.R. Smith North Carolina A&T story matters because it pushes back against the idea that success only moves in one direction. Smith had already made millions, won championships, played on the biggest basketball stages in the world, and built a public name before he ever stepped onto A&T’s campus as a student.

Still, he came back.

That choice matters. It shows that education is not only for people at the start of their careers. It is also for people who are rebuilding, expanding, and asking what comes next. Smith could have stayed comfortable in the identity the public already knew. Instead, he entered classrooms, completed coursework, joined campus life, and allowed himself to be seen as a student again.

That is not always easy for anyone. It is even harder when you are a public figure and people already think they know your story.

Smith’s journey gave A&T students and alumni a real-time example of what it looks like to keep evolving. He was not just representing celebrity culture on campus. He was representing humility, discipline, and the willingness to start a new chapter.

From NBA courts to Aggie classrooms

Smith entered the NBA straight out of high school after being selected by the New Orleans Hornets in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft. He later played for several teams, including the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. His biggest moments came in 2016 with Cleveland and in 2020 with Los Angeles, where he won NBA championships with James.

But his A&T chapter gave fans a different view of him. After retiring from the NBA, Smith enrolled at North Carolina A&T and also joined the Aggies’ golf team as a walk-on. His return to school was later featured in the docuseries Redefined: J.R. Smith, which followed his adjustment to college life, academics, and HBCU culture.

That visibility helped make his college experience feel personal to people who had watched him for years as an athlete. Fans saw him talk about assignments, grades, golf practice, campus life, and the pressure of doing something new in public.

For HBCU students, that part of the story hit home. It showed that the HBCU experience is not limited to one type of student. It can also hold space for second chances, career pivots, adult learners, and people still chasing purpose after public success.

A commencement weekend filled with Aggie pride

North Carolina A&T’s spring 2026 commencement weekend was already a major celebration for the university. The school announced that more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students earned diplomas during the academic year, a record total for A&T. The university also said its alumni base has grown to approximately 80,000 graduates across its 135-year history.

Queen Latifah served as keynote speaker for both undergraduate ceremonies, adding even more cultural weight to the weekend. During her remarks, she encouraged graduates to dream beyond what the world has already named them and to believe in a future that may not yet be visible to others.

Smith’s graduation became one of the most visible individual stories from the weekend, but it also fit into a much larger celebration. His walk across the stage was part of a broader Aggie moment filled with families, first-generation graduates, graduate students, student leaders, and alumni pride.

That balance is important. Smith brought national attention, but the spotlight also helped point back to the excellence already happening at A&T.

A new goal after graduation

Smith has made it clear that graduation is not the end of his education journey. After earning his degree, he spoke about wanting to keep growing intellectually and even expressed interest in leadership within athletics. He said he wants to see young people graduate and prosper, especially through sports and education.

That part of the story makes his A&T journey even more meaningful. Smith is not only celebrating a degree. He is thinking about how to use what he has learned to help others.

For an HBCU community, that matters. A&T did not just give him a credential. It gave him a new lens on leadership, student development, and the role athletics can play in shaping young people. His experience as a professional athlete gives him one kind of knowledge. His time as a student gave him another.

Together, those experiences could shape how he shows up in the next phase of his life.

A powerful message for non-traditional students

The J.R. Smith North Carolina A&T graduation story also speaks directly to non-traditional students. Many people delay college, pause their education, change careers, or return years after life takes them in another direction. That path can come with pride, fear, pressure, and self-doubt.

Smith’s journey offers a reminder that there is no single timeline for growth.

He did not follow the traditional route from high school to college to career. He went straight to the NBA, built a career, retired, enrolled at an HBCU, played golf, and earned his degree at 40. That timeline is not conventional, but it is powerful because it is real.

For every adult learner wondering whether it is too late, Smith’s story says it is not. For every student who had to leave and come back, it says the return still counts. For every person who already succeeded in one field but wants to grow in another, it says there is still room to become more.

Aggie made and HBCU proud

J.R. Smith’s graduation from North Carolina A&T is a win for him, his family, the Aggie community, and HBCUs as a whole. It shows the world that HBCUs are not just places where students begin their stories. They are also places where people rediscover themselves.

Smith arrived at A&T as a former NBA champion. He leaves as an Aggie graduate.

That may be the most important part of the story. The rings were already there. The fame was already there. The career was already there. But this degree represents something different. It represents commitment, humility, and the courage to keep learning.

For North Carolina A&T, it is another proud moment in a record-setting commencement year. For Smith, it is proof that a new chapter can still be written after the world thinks it already knows the ending.

Basketball

Four Star Recruit Josh Powell Commits To Alcorn State

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 11, 2026

A major recruiting win for Alcorn State

Josh Powell Alcorn State is now one of the biggest recruiting stories in HBCU basketball. Powell, an ESPN four-star prospect in the Class of 2026, has committed to Alcorn State, giving the Braves a major national spotlight moment and one of the most talked-about commitments in recent SWAC basketball history.

The 6-foot-5 wing announced his decision over the weekend, celebrating the move with a message that quickly made its way across HBCU sports circles. His commitment gives Alcorn State a nationally recognized prospect and adds another layer to the growing conversation around elite athletes choosing HBCUs.

Powell is listed by ESPN as a four-star recruit with a scout grade of 80. The New York native attends Veritas Prep and is considered a versatile wing who can impact the game as a scorer, athlete, and defender.

Why Josh Powell Alcorn State matters

The Josh Powell Alcorn State commitment matters because it gives the Braves more than just another player. It gives the program a national recruiting storyline. HBCU basketball has always had talent, history, and culture, but high-profile recruiting wins like this help shift how fans, athletes, and media view the future of programs outside the traditional power conference system.

Powell is not just a name on a recruiting board. He is a player with size, athleticism, and national attention. 247Sports lists him as a 6-foot-5, 190-pound guard from Jamaica, New York. On3 also lists Powell as a 2026 shooting guard with offers and interest from multiple programs.

For Alcorn State, landing a prospect with that kind of profile creates a major momentum moment. It gives fans something to rally behind. It gives the coaching staff a recruiting proof point. It also shows other players that choosing an HBCU can come with visibility, excitement, and a chance to help build something meaningful.

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A statement for the Braves

Alcorn State has a proud athletic history, but this commitment feels different because of the timing. College basketball recruiting has changed. Players have more visibility, more platform power, and more control over their decisions. NIL, social media, transfer movement, and direct athlete branding have all changed what recruits consider when choosing a school.

That makes Powell’s decision even more important. He is entering a college sports world where attention matters, but so does fit. Choosing Alcorn State gives him a chance to be more than part of a roster. It gives him a chance to become a face of a program and a symbol of what is possible at an HBCU.

For the Braves, this is the kind of commitment that can create real energy around the program before Powell even steps on campus. Fans will want to follow his senior season. Recruits will pay attention to how Alcorn State uses the moment. The SWAC will now have another player to watch in the coming years.

HBCU basketball keeps gaining ground

The Josh Powell Alcorn State commitment also fits into a larger trend. HBCU athletics have continued to draw more national conversation, especially as athletes and families think differently about exposure, culture, and opportunity.

In recent years, HBCU football has received much of that spotlight. Deion Sanders’ time at Jackson State brought a new wave of national media attention. Several high-profile players also gave HBCU programs serious consideration, showing that the path is no longer viewed the same way it was a decade ago.

Now, HBCU basketball has another moment to point to. Powell’s commitment shows that the recruiting conversation is still expanding. It also gives SWAC basketball a storyline that can carry into the 2026-27 season.

This is not just about one player picking one school. It is about the message behind the decision. A four-star player choosing Alcorn State tells younger athletes that HBCUs are not just historic institutions. They are active, competitive, and capable of offering a real stage.

What Powell brings to Alcorn State

Powell brings size and versatility to the perimeter. At 6-foot-5, he has the frame to play multiple spots on the floor. He has been described as a player who can score at different levels and use his athleticism on both ends.

That kind of profile matters in the SWAC. Guards and wings who can create, defend, and play with pace can change the feel of a team. Powell’s skill set gives Alcorn State a player with upside and immediate attention.

He also brings a built-in spotlight. Every major performance, highlight, and update will likely draw more eyes because of the history tied to his commitment. That can help Alcorn State on the court, but it can also help the program off the court as it looks to grow its brand and recruiting presence.

A cultural win beyond the court

Part of what makes this story stand out is the cultural layer. Powell did not just quietly commit to an HBCU. He leaned into it. His announcement celebrated the HBCU element, which made the moment feel bigger than a standard recruiting decision.

That matters because HBCUs are not selling only basketball. They are selling community, legacy, identity, and culture. For many athletes, those elements are becoming more important. They want to play, but they also want to belong. They want development, but they also want meaning.

Powell’s decision gives Alcorn State a chance to tell that story nationally. It also gives HBCU fans another reason to push back against the idea that top talent has to follow the same traditional route.

A big moment for Alcorn State and HBCU hoops

The Josh Powell Alcorn State commitment is a major win for the Braves and a major moment for HBCU basketball. It gives Alcorn State a nationally ranked player, fresh recruiting momentum, and a story that reaches beyond the SWAC.

Powell still has work ahead before he arrives at the college level, but the impact of his decision is already being felt. For Alcorn State, this is a chance to build excitement. For HBCU basketball, it is another sign that the landscape is changing.

One commitment does not change everything overnight. But it can change what people believe is possible. Josh Powell choosing Alcorn State gives the Braves that kind of moment.

Track & Field

Winston-Salem State Track Wins Back-To-Back CIAA Title

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 4, 2026

Winston-Salem State track is back on top of the CIAA after the Rams captured their second straight women’s outdoor track and field championship. Winston-Salem State University scored 130 points at the 2026 CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship, holding off Claflin University and Fayetteville State University in a tight team race at Rogers Stadium on the campus of Virginia State University. The win gave the Rams another major moment in a strong athletic year and added to the program’s growing championship history.

Winston-Salem State Track Repeats As CIAA Champions

The 2026 CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship ended with Winston-Salem State proving once again that its women’s track and field program belongs at the top of the conference. The Rams finished with 130 points, while Claflin placed second with 125 points and Fayetteville State finished third with 101 points, according to official TFRRS results.

The margin made every point matter. In a meet this close, championships are not won by one star alone. They are built through podium finishes, qualifiers, field-event points, relay execution, and athletes who grab fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth-place points when the team needs them most. That depth helped Winston-Salem State separate itself from a strong field of CIAA programs.

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The repeat also gives the Rams their fifth CIAA outdoor championship in program history. Winston-Salem State previously won outdoor titles in 2017, 2019, 2022 as co-champions, 2025, and now 2026. That run shows the program has moved beyond a single strong season and into a true championship window.

Rams Used Depth To Win A Close Meet

Winston-Salem State entered the final day in second place after Fayetteville State led the opening day of competition. The Rams had 56 points after day one, trailing Fayetteville State’s 59.26. But they stayed close enough to make a move on day two.

That move came through balance. Winston-Salem State collected points across sprints, hurdles, distance, jumps, throws, and relays. The Rams finished the championship with eight podium finishes, giving head coach Antonio Wells the kind of team performance needed to repeat.

Wells was named Women’s Coach of the Year after leading Winston-Salem State to back-to-back CIAA outdoor titles. That honor reflected not only the final score, but also how the Rams handled pressure. Repeating is never easy. Every team knows who the defending champion is, and every point becomes harder to earn when the target is on your back.

For Winston-Salem State, the championship was not about sneaking up on anyone. It was about defending the standard the program set last season.

Rainn Sheppard Helped Lead The Charge

Rainn Sheppard delivered one of the biggest individual performances of the meet for Winston-Salem State. On day one, she won the 1500 meters with a season-best and school-record time of 4:31.94. That performance gave the Rams an early lift and showed that Sheppard was ready for a championship-stage weekend.

Sheppard kept producing on day two, winning the 800 meters with a time of 2:09.75. Those two victories gave Winston-Salem State critical points in the distance events and helped keep the Rams in position as the team race tightened.

Her performance mattered beyond the points. School records at championship meets create momentum. They also remind the rest of the field that the team is not just trying to survive the meet. It is pushing the standard higher while chasing a title.

For a program defending its crown, Sheppard’s weekend gave Winston-Salem State a major spark.

Long Jump And Hurdles Added Key Points

The Rams also made a major statement in the long jump. Lanyjah Gunter won the event with a mark of 5.93 meters, while Charnessa Reid finished second with the same mark. That one-two finish gave Winston-Salem State a huge boost in the field events and showed the depth that made the difference across the meet.

Reid also added points in the hurdles and high jump. She finished second in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.09 and placed fourth in the high jump. Layla Simpson added more value with a sixth-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles and a seventh-place finish in the triple jump.

Those performances are the kind that win conference championships. They may not all become viral moments, but they stack points. In track and field, that is the formula. One athlete wins an event. Another finishes second. Someone else grabs sixth. Together, those results build a championship total.

Sprints And Relays Kept The Rams In Control

Winston-Salem State also got important sprint points from Asheika Smith, Olivia Cosby, Leigh Wills, and Brianna Benloss. Smith finished third in the 400 meters with a time of 55.77. Cosby followed in fourth, while Wills added another point-scoring finish in eighth.

Benloss placed third in the 100 meters with a time of 11.97 and later finished fifth in the 200 meters with a season-best time of 24.81. In a championship meet where Claflin was close behind, those sprint points mattered.

The Rams also earned a second-place finish in the 4×400 relay. The quartet of Cosby, Sheppard, Jaynissa Cauthen, and Smith crossed in 3:47.07, giving Winston-Salem State another key podium result.

Cauthen added another major individual finish in the 400-meter hurdles, taking second with a time of 1:02.31. That result helped the Rams keep pressure on the rest of the field late in the meet.

Field Events Helped Seal The Championship

Winston-Salem State’s throws group also contributed to the title push. Leila Henderson finished second in the discus with a mark of 43.40 meters. Kaylee Thomas added a seventh-place finish in the same event, helping the Rams gain points outside of the running events.

Henderson also scored in the shot put, finishing eighth with a mark of 12.21 meters. Maeghan Wallace added an eighth-place finish in the javelin. Those results show how complete the Rams were across the championship.

Track fans often focus on sprints and relays, but conference titles are won everywhere. The Rams needed points from throws, jumps, hurdles, mid-distance, and relays. They got them.

That balance is why Winston-Salem State was able to hold off Claflin, which stayed close throughout the meet. It also explains why the Rams have become so difficult to beat in the CIAA.

A Bigger Moment For HBCU Women’s Track

The Winston-Salem State track title is also a strong moment for HBCU athletics. Women’s track and field programs across the CIAA continue to produce elite athletes, strong team races, and championship moments that deserve more visibility.

HBCU track often does not get the same attention as football or basketball, but the level of competition is real. Athletes train through long indoor and outdoor seasons, balancing academics, travel, injuries, and pressure while representing their schools. Championship weekends are the reward for that work.

For Winston-Salem State, this repeat title adds another chapter to the university’s athletic tradition. The Rams have built a program that can win in multiple ways. They can score in the sprints. They can win distance races. They can dominate jumps. They can get points from throws and relays. That kind of full-team strength is hard to create and even harder to maintain.

Winston-Salem State Keeps Building A Standard

Back-to-back championships create a new expectation. Winston-Salem State is no longer just chasing the top of the CIAA. The Rams are defending it.

That is the real story behind the 2026 championship. The Rams did not need a perfect meet to win. They needed a complete meet. They needed athletes to answer in every event group. They needed leadership from their coaching staff and competitive focus from athletes who knew the team race would come down to small margins.

They delivered.

Winston-Salem State track now leaves Petersburg with another CIAA trophy, another Coach of the Year honor for Wells, and another reminder that the Rams’ women’s outdoor program is one of the conference’s strongest. After winning in 2025 and repeating in 2026, the question is no longer whether Winston-Salem State can reach the top. The question is how long the Rams can stay there.