Page 8 – HBCU Buzz

Money

Saint Augustine’s University Bankruptcy Raises Questions

Posted on May 4, 2026

The Saint Augustine’s University bankruptcy filing has placed one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs at the center of a difficult conversation about money, accreditation, student support, and the future of historic Black institutions. The Raleigh, North Carolina university announced that its Board of Trustees approved a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing as part of a larger effort to reorganize its finances and create a path forward. School leaders also confirmed that Saint Augustine’s will stop its legal fight tied to accreditation, which is expected to conclude effective May 15.

Saint Augustine’s University Bankruptcy Comes During A Critical Moment

Saint Augustine’s University said the Chapter 11 filing is meant to help the school address financial challenges through a court-supervised process. Chapter 11 does not automatically mean a school is closing. It is often used by organizations that need to reorganize debts, pause certain collection actions, and attempt to rebuild under a structured plan.

For Saint Augustine’s, the move comes after years of financial stress, accreditation challenges, leadership changes, and concerns about the long-term health of the institution. The university said it will continue operating, but its immediate academic future will look very different. Instead of continuing degree programs under its current accreditation fight, the school says it will focus on teach-out agreements, non-degree certificates, apprenticeship programs, and a path toward reaccreditation.

That shift is significant. Saint Augustine’s is not just another small private college. It is a historic HBCU founded in 1867, shortly after the Civil War, with a mission rooted in educating Black students during a time when access to higher education was heavily restricted. For generations, schools like Saint Augustine’s carried both academic and cultural weight in Black communities.

Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Accreditation Fight Will End In May

Saint Augustine’s had been fighting to keep its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, also known as SACSCOC. The university previously used legal action to remain accredited while the process played out. That allowed current students to continue working toward degrees from an accredited institution during the 2025–26 academic year.

Now, the university says continuing that litigation would not be a wise use of its remaining resources. According to Saint Augustine’s, student work and degrees completed through May 15 will be completed under accreditation. Students who are still enrolled after that point will need to finish their degrees at another accredited institution.

That is where teach-out agreements become important. A teach-out agreement is designed to help students transfer credits, continue their studies, and finish their academic programs at another school. For students, this can help reduce confusion and protect the work they have already completed.

Still, the transition is not easy. Students choose an HBCU for more than classes. They choose a campus culture, a support system, a legacy, and a community. Losing that continuity can be painful, especially for students who expected to graduate from Saint Augustine’s.

Leadership Changes Add To The Transition

The university also announced a leadership change. Interim President Dr. Jennie Ward-Robinson has stepped down, and Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples has been appointed interim president. Peoples has previously served in academic leadership and now takes over during one of the most important periods in the school’s modern history.

Leadership stability will matter as Saint Augustine’s works through the bankruptcy process, student transitions, and any future plan for rebuilding. The university will need to communicate clearly with students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, creditors, and community partners.

For alumni and supporters, the news is difficult but not final. Saint Augustine’s leaders have said the school is not giving up on its future. The question now is what that future can realistically look like without accreditation in the near term and with a major financial restructuring underway.

Why This Matters Beyond One Campus

The Saint Augustine’s University bankruptcy story is bigger than one institution. It speaks to the pressure many small private colleges face across the country, especially those that serve students with fewer financial resources. For HBCUs, those pressures are often deeper because of historic underfunding, smaller endowments, deferred maintenance, and the challenge of competing in a higher education market that increasingly rewards scale.

Many HBCUs continue to thrive, grow enrollment, expand research, and attract major partnerships. But the struggles at Saint Augustine’s show that the sector is not immune to the financial realities hitting colleges nationwide.

The moment also raises larger questions about how historic Black colleges are supported before they reach crisis. HBCUs have produced generations of leaders, teachers, doctors, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and public servants. They have done that work while often operating with fewer resources than peer institutions. When one of these schools faces a crisis, the impact reaches beyond campus boundaries.

Saint Augustine’s has long been part of Raleigh’s Black educational history. Its legacy connects to the broader story of HBCUs that were built to serve Black students when many doors were closed. That legacy is why many students, alumni, and community members are watching closely.

Students Remain The Priority

The most urgent issue is student protection. Saint Augustine’s has said students who complete their studies by May 15 will have valid degrees earned while the institution was accredited. For students who need more time, the university says it will support them through teach-out agreements with other institutions.

That support must be clear, fast, and practical. Students need to know which schools will accept their credits, whether their majors will continue elsewhere, how financial aid may be affected, and what steps they must take next. Families also need direct guidance so they are not left sorting through uncertainty alone.

This is especially important because students at HBCUs often carry deep emotional ties to their institutions. A transfer caused by institutional crisis is not the same as a student choosing to leave on their own. It comes with stress, questions, and sometimes grief.

What Comes Next For Saint Augustine’s

The university says its long-term plan includes developing non-degree certificates, apprenticeship programs, and a path toward reaccreditation. That suggests Saint Augustine’s may attempt to rebuild in stages instead of immediately returning to a traditional four-year degree model.

That strategy could allow the school to keep serving students while working on financial recovery. Certificate and apprenticeship programs may also connect with workforce needs in areas like technology and nursing. But the path will be challenging. Accreditation, student trust, financial stability, and community confidence will all need to be rebuilt.

For now, Saint Augustine’s is trying to survive a major turning point. The bankruptcy filing gives the university a legal process to address its debts, but it does not solve the deeper work ahead. The school must now prove that it can protect students, stabilize operations, and create a future that honors its 157-year legacy.

The Saint Augustine’s University bankruptcy is a serious moment for the HBCU community. It is also a reminder that legacy alone cannot carry an institution without sustained investment, strong governance, and clear support. Saint Augustine’s has served Black students since Reconstruction. Now, its future depends on whether the school can turn this crisis into a real plan for survival.

Research

HBCU Research Coalition Launches With 15 Schools

HBCU Editors

Posted on May 4, 2026

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 Association of HBCU Research Institutions, known as AHRI, officially launched with a mission to strengthen HBCU-led research in areas that affect communities across the country, including health, science, education, justice reform, agriculture, technology, and economic development.

HBCU Research Coalition Aims To Expand Black-Led Research

The launch of the Association of HBCU Research Institutions marks a major step for HBCUs that have long produced important research while receiving a smaller share of national research investment. The coalition is designed to help member institutions build stronger research infrastructure, attract more faculty talent, grow student research pathways, and compete for larger grants.

That matters because research status can shape how universities are seen, funded, and supported. Schools with stronger research classifications often have more access to major federal grants, corporate partnerships, graduate education pipelines, and national academic influence. For HBCUs, the work is also tied to representation. More HBCU-led research means more Black scholars, students, and communities helping shape the questions, solutions, and policies that affect the country.

AHRI’s launch also comes at a time when national conversations around higher education, equity, and research funding remain intense. A 2025 report from the Center for American Progress and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund found that HBCUs received only 0.91 percent of federal research and development expenditures in fiscal year 2023, even though they made up 3.2 percent of all four-year degree-granting colleges and universities.

Fifteen HBCUs Are Part Of The Coalition

The founding members include 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, Virginia State University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Howard University.

Howard University currently holds R1 status and remains the only HBCU with that top research designation. Many of the other schools in the coalition already hold R2 classification, which recognizes high research activity. Through AHRI, the goal is to create a stronger pathway for more HBCUs to move from R2 to R1 while also increasing the national visibility of research already happening on HBCU campuses.

The coalition’s member institutions collectively account for 50 percent of competitively awarded federal research funding among HBCUs. That gives AHRI a strong foundation to build from, especially as schools work together instead of competing in isolation.

Morgan State President To Chair AHRI 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, while Howard University Interim President Wayne A. I. Frederick will serve as AHRI interim president.

That leadership structure places several major HBCU research voices at the center of the new organization. Morgan State has continued to grow its research profile in recent years, while Prairie View A&M and Howard bring major institutional experience to the effort.

AHRI will also work in partnership with the Association of American Universities. The coalition’s offices will be co-located with AAU, giving HBCU research leaders closer proximity to one of the most influential groups in American higher education.

Harvard Grant Will Support Research Infrastructure

The launch is being supported by a three-year, $1.05 million grant from the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative. Harvard’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research will also provide technical support to help AHRI member schools strengthen research administration, compliance systems, grant processes, and infrastructure.

That support is important because reaching R1 status is not only about having strong faculty or major ideas. Universities also need the systems to manage grants, track compliance, support labs, recruit researchers, and help students move into research careers. For many HBCUs, those systems have often been built with fewer resources than peer institutions.

This partnership is meant to help address some of those long-standing gaps while giving HBCU research leaders more tools to compete at scale.

Why R1 Status Matters For HBCUs

R1 is the highest research classification in the Carnegie system. It signals that a university has very high research activity and a strong doctoral research enterprise. For HBCUs, reaching that level can bring more than prestige. It can open doors to larger grants, stronger partnerships, expanded graduate programs, and new opportunities for students.

Research also creates economic power. It can lead to patents, startups, public policy changes, medical advances, technology development, and workforce growth. When HBCUs gain more research capacity, surrounding communities can benefit as well.

That is especially true for schools that serve as anchor institutions in Black communities. HBCUs often study issues that are overlooked elsewhere, including health disparities, environmental justice, food insecurity, education gaps, criminal justice reform, and economic mobility. More funding for HBCU research means more support for solutions rooted in the lived experiences of the communities most affected.

A Bigger Moment For HBCU Innovation

The new HBCU research coalition also challenges outdated views about what HBCUs are and what they can lead. HBCUs are often celebrated for culture, student life, athletics, and alumni pride. Those parts of the story matter, but they are not the full story.

HBCUs are also producing scientists, engineers, doctors, policy experts, entrepreneurs, and researchers whose work can shape the future. AHRI gives those institutions a more unified platform to tell that story, secure resources, and build long-term research strength.

The coalition also creates a clearer message for government agencies, corporations, and philanthropic partners: investing in HBCU research is not charity. It is an investment in national innovation, workforce development, and problem-solving.

For students, the impact could be even more direct. Stronger research infrastructure can mean more lab opportunities, paid research roles, graduate school preparation, mentorship, conference travel, and career pathways in high-demand fields. That can help HBCU students enter industries where Black talent remains underrepresented.

What Comes Next For AHRI

AHRI’s launch included its inaugural research symposium, “Expanding the Research Mission of HBCUs,” which brought together higher education leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to discuss how to grow HBCU research capacity.

The next phase will likely focus on turning the coalition’s mission into measurable outcomes. That includes more grant applications, deeper partnerships, stronger research administration, expanded student opportunities, and long-term movement toward more R1 designations.

For the broader HBCU community, this is one of the most important higher education developments of the year. It shows that HBCUs are not waiting to be invited into the national research conversation. They are building their own table, bringing their own institutions together, and making a clear case for why Black-led research must be central to the future of American innovation.

Sports

MoveLink Baltimore Builds Community Through Movement

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 30, 2026

MoveLink Baltimore is creating a new space for people who want to move, connect, and feel part of something real. The Baltimore-based community wellness group officially launched on April 11 with a simple mission: bring people together through walking, jogging, running, and shared experiences that support both physical and social wellness.

MoveLink Baltimore Creates Space For Connection

In a world where many people feel busy, disconnected, or unsure where they belong, MoveLink Baltimore wants to make community feel easier to find. The group is not built only for serious runners or people with strict fitness goals. It is designed for anyone who wants to show up, move at their own pace, and connect with others in a positive environment.

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The idea behind MoveLink Baltimore is simple. Movement can be a bridge. A walk can turn into a conversation. A jog can turn into accountability. A weekend meetup can become a place where people feel seen, encouraged, and welcomed. That is the heart of the platform.

MoveLink meets every second and fourth weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, at 10:00 AM at Lake Montebello in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants can walk, jog, or run based on their comfort level. That open format helps make the group accessible to people across different fitness levels, ages, and backgrounds.

Founded By A Team Focused On Wellness And Community

MoveLink Baltimore was founded by Mikkyo, Kalah, Shaina, and Charissa, a team with a shared passion for wellness, culture, and connection. Each founder brings a different lens to the work. Mikkyo is an educator and health enthusiast. Kalah is an engineer and HBCU alumnae. Shaina serves as a legacy curator. Charissa is a health and wellness enthusiast.

That mix of backgrounds helps shape MoveLink into more than a fitness group. It gives the platform a community-first feel, with a strong focus on belonging. The founders created MoveLink because they saw a need for a consistent space where people could build healthy habits and relationships at the same time.

Mikkyo said the idea came from a real desire to stay active while helping others feel supported.

“We started MoveLink because we genuinely enjoy being active and wanted to create something where we could not only move together, but also hold each other accountable,” Mikkyo said.

“With the stresses of everyday life, family, personal responsibilities, and everything in between, sometimes you just need a walk, jog, or run. But having that encouragement, that community, or even just someone to hit the gym with makes all the difference.”

That message speaks to a wider need. Many people want to be more active, but they struggle with consistency. Others want community, but they may not know where to start. MoveLink Baltimore brings those needs together in a way that feels natural and welcoming.

More Than A Walk Or Run

MoveLink Baltimore is rooted in movement, but the founders see the work as much bigger than fitness. The group also wants to create space for people to connect beyond active experiences. That may include social events, wellness-centered gatherings, and other community-driven moments in the future.

“At the same time, we wanted a space where people could connect beyond just fitness, through both active and non-active experiences,” Mikkyo said. “It’s really about building community in every way.”

That vision gives MoveLink room to grow. Walking and running may be the starting point, but the long-term goal is to build a culture. The founders want people to see the group as a place where they can return, reset, and build connections that extend past the trail.

This type of community-centered wellness work also connects with a larger conversation happening across Black communities and HBCU culture. Wellness is not just about working out. It is also about mental health, rest, friendship, accountability, and access to safe spaces where people can belong.

For many people, especially young professionals and community builders, finding that type of space matters. MoveLink Baltimore offers a low-pressure way to show up. There is no need to be the fastest person there. There is no pressure to perform. The goal is to move, connect, and stay in motion together.

Lake Montebello Becomes A Community Meeting Point

The group gathers at Lake Montebello, a well-known outdoor space in Baltimore. The location gives participants room to walk, jog, run, and connect in a relaxed setting. For a city with deep cultural roots and strong neighborhood pride, the setting matters. It gives MoveLink a home base while keeping the experience open and approachable.

The schedule also helps build consistency. By meeting every second and fourth weekend at 10:00 AM, MoveLink gives people a recurring opportunity to plug in. That rhythm is important because community often grows through repeated presence. When people know where to go and when to show up, it becomes easier to build momentum.

MoveLink Baltimore also uses its digital presence to keep people connected between meetups. The group shares updates through Instagram, where community members can follow along, stay informed, and see the movement grow. Photos from the launch and community gatherings are also available through the group’s media gallery.

Building A Culture Of Consistency

At its core, MoveLink Baltimore wants to create a culture of consistency, connection, and community. The founders understand that wellness can feel easier when people do not have to do it alone. A simple walk can help someone clear their mind. A run with others can help someone stay motivated. A group gathering can help someone feel less isolated.

That is what makes the platform timely. People are looking for more real-life connection. They want spaces that feel genuine, not forced. They want ways to be active without feeling judged. MoveLink Baltimore is working to meet that need with energy, intention, and care.

As the group continues to grow, the goal is to bring together people from all walks of life. Whether someone is new to fitness, returning to movement, looking for community, or simply trying to spend more time outside, MoveLink gives them a place to start.

The message is clear: join the movement and stay in motion. MoveLink Baltimore is not just asking people to walk or run. It is inviting them to build something together.

Basketball

John Wall Joins Howard University As Basketball Operations President

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 30, 2026

John Wall Howard Move Adds NBA Power To The Hilltop

John Wall Howard is now one of the biggest stories in college basketball after the former NBA All-Star joined Howard University as president of basketball operations for the men’s basketball program. The move brings one of Washington, D.C.’s most beloved basketball figures back to the city where he became a franchise star, while giving Howard another major piece in its push to grow as a national HBCU basketball brand.

Wall, a five-time NBA All-Star and former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick, steps into a role that connects player development, roster building, recruiting vision, NIL strategy, alumni engagement, and mentorship. For Howard, this is not just a splashy name attached to a title. It is a sign that the program wants to keep moving like a modern college basketball operation.

The new role places Wall alongside head coach Kenny Blakeney and general manager Daniel Marks as Howard continues to build on one of the strongest runs in recent program history. Blakeney has helped restore the Bison as one of the most visible names in HBCU basketball, and Wall’s presence gives the program another bridge to the NBA, the DMV basketball scene, and young players who grew up watching his game.

A Familiar Face Back In Washington, D.C.

Wall’s return to the D.C. basketball space carries real weight. The Washington Wizards selected him with the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft after his standout freshman season at Kentucky. He quickly became the face of the franchise and one of the most electric point guards in the league.

His speed, court vision, and competitive edge made him a fan favorite. He helped bring playoff energy back to Washington and gave the city a star who played with emotion. Wall spent most of his NBA career with the Wizards, building a deep connection with the city on and off the floor.

That connection matters now. Howard sits in the heart of Washington, D.C., and the school has always carried a national name with local roots. Wall joining the Bison gives the program someone who understands the city, understands player expectations, and understands what it takes to perform with major attention on your back.

Howard Basketball Is Building From Strength

This move comes at a strong moment for Howard men’s basketball. The Bison are not trying to create momentum from scratch. They are adding to it.

Under Blakeney, Howard has built a program that has reached the NCAA Tournament multiple times in recent years. The Bison captured MEAC Tournament titles in 2023 and 2024, and the program kept pushing forward with another major postseason moment in 2026.

Howard’s recent NCAA Tournament win gave the program another history-making chapter. That kind of success changes how recruits, transfers, fans, and national media view a program. It also raises the standard inside the building.

Wall enters at a time when Howard has proof that it can win. His job now becomes helping the program keep that progress moving. That could mean helping identify players who fit the culture, giving current players a mentor who has played at the highest level, and helping Howard compete in the fast-changing college basketball market.

Why This Role Matters In Today’s College Game

College basketball looks very different than it did a decade ago. Programs now need more than good coaching and strong campus support. They need a real plan for the transfer portal, NIL, branding, alumni involvement, player development, and visibility.

That is why a president of basketball operations role makes sense. The title sounds like something from the NBA, but the work now fits the college game. Players want to know how a program can help them grow. Families want to know who has real relationships. Donors and sponsors want to know where the program is headed. Fans want to see ambition.

Wall gives Howard instant credibility in those conversations. He knows what elite guards need. He knows what NBA scouts notice. He knows the pressure that comes with being a highly watched player. He also knows how quickly a career can change, which makes his voice even more valuable for young athletes trying to build a future.

For an HBCU program, this move also sends a message. Howard is not waiting for permission to operate on a bigger stage. The Bison are using their brand, location, alumni power, and recent success to attract high-level basketball minds.

A New Kind Of HBCU Basketball Statement

Wall joining Howard also fits a larger shift across HBCU athletics. Schools are finding new ways to bring in former pros, cultural figures, business leaders, and media personalities who can help programs grow beyond the scoreboard.

This is important because HBCU programs often compete with fewer resources than larger Power Five schools. Visibility can help close part of that gap. Relationships can help. Storytelling can help. Player development can help. A name like Wall can open doors that might have been harder to reach before.

But the real test will be what happens next. Howard will need Wall’s role to have real structure and clear impact. The title alone will not win games. The work behind it will matter most.

That means consistent involvement with the staff, smart roster support, honest mentorship, and strong alignment with Blakeney’s vision. If those pieces come together, Howard could use this move as more than a headline. It could become part of the program’s next step.

What Comes Next For The Bison

Howard basketball has already shown it can compete for MEAC titles and reach the NCAA Tournament. Now the question is how far the program can go with more infrastructure around it.

Wall’s arrival gives the Bison a chance to think bigger. It gives players a direct connection to someone who has lived the journey from college star to NBA franchise leader. It gives recruits another reason to look at Howard as a serious basketball destination. It also gives the school another national storyline at a time when HBCU athletics continue to demand more attention.

For Wall, this is also a meaningful next chapter. After an NBA career filled with highlights, injuries, comebacks, and deep ties to Washington, he now gets to shape young players from a different seat. His playing days made him a star. This role gives him a chance to build, guide, and influence the next generation.

The John Wall Howard partnership could become one of the most interesting moves in college basketball if both sides turn the moment into a long-term plan. Howard already has the history. Wall brings the name, experience, and D.C. connection. Together, they could help push Bison basketball into a new era.

Politics

SCSU Commencement Speaker Controversy Sparks Student Protests

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 29, 2026

The SCSU commencement speaker controversy is intensifying as students at South Carolina State University continue protesting a reported decision to invite South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette as the university’s 2026 commencement speaker.

What started as campus frustration has now grown into a broader movement, with students organizing protests, launching petitions, and now releasing a joint statement in solidarity that is gaining attention across the HBCU community. As first reported when The State covered the backlash, the decision quickly sparked concern among students who say the choice does not reflect the values of the institution.

Students organize and speak out on SCSU commencement speaker controversy

The SCSU commencement speaker controversy escalated as students began organizing sit-ins and demonstrations across campus. According to WIS News 10 coverage of the protests, students gathered to demand a change in speaker and accountability from university leadership.

At the same time, a student-led petition calling for a new speaker gained thousands of signatures, showing how quickly the issue resonated beyond campus.

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For many students, commencement is not just a ceremony. It is a defining moment that should reflect their journey, their values, and the legacy of an HBCU. That belief continues to drive momentum behind the SCSU commencement speaker controversy.

Joint statement adds national attention to SCSU commencement speaker controversy

A newly released joint statement from student leaders across multiple universities has added a powerful voice to the SCSU commencement speaker controversy.

In the statement, students framed the issue as part of a larger national pattern, writing that young people across the country are asking when their voices will be treated as legitimate rather than dismissed. They questioned how many times students must organize and protest before being taken seriously.

The statement also directly addressed comments attributed to Evette, pointing to reports that she referred to protesting students as “mobs” and “radicals.” Students argue that language like this dismisses their concerns and undermines their right to peaceful protest.

The message emphasized that commencement is a sacred milestone. It should honor sacrifice, perseverance, and possibility. According to the statement, any speaker who responds to student activism with contempt does not reflect the moment or the students being celebrated.

DEI and history at the center of SCSU commencement speaker controversy

Another major theme in the joint statement focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students described DEI not as a handout, but as a necessary correction to systemic inequities.

They highlighted how DEI initiatives have supported multiple communities, including first-generation students, veterans, and individuals who historically lacked access to opportunity. Within that context, students argue that dismantling DEI efforts undermines progress rather than preserving merit.

The statement also connected the current moment to South Carolina State University’s history. Students referenced the legacy of protest on campus, including the long history of students advocating for justice and equality.

By drawing that connection, the joint statement positions the SCSU commencement speaker controversy as part of a much larger narrative tied to civil rights, student activism, and the role of HBCUs in shaping social change.

The university has not officially confirmed any changes to the speaker lineup. However, the continued protests and growing national attention suggest the SCSU commencement speaker controversy is far from over.

Students say this moment is bigger than one speaker. It is about respect, representation, and ensuring that HBCU traditions reflect the voices of those who live them every day.

As the situation develops, the response from South Carolina State University could shape how similar controversies are handled across other HBCU campuses in the future. For now, students remain firm in their message: their voices deserve to be heard.

Tennis

Shaw CIAA Women’s Tennis Championship Streak Reaches Eight

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 27, 2026

The Shaw CIAA women’s tennis championship streak is still alive, and the Lady Bears are once again standing at the top of HBCU tennis. Shaw University defeated Bluefield State University 4-2 on Saturday to win the 2026 CIAA Women’s Tennis Championship at Virginia State University in Ettrick, Virginia. The victory gave Shaw its eighth straight conference title and added another chapter to one of the strongest championship runs in HBCU athletics. In a season where the Lady Bears went unbeaten in conference play, Shaw showed once again that its program is not just winning matches. It is setting the standard for CIAA women’s tennis.

Shaw CIAA Women’s Tennis Championship Run Ends With Another Title

Shaw entered the tournament as the team everyone had to chase. The Lady Bears had already handled the regular season with control, and that same form carried into championship weekend. The program opened the tournament with a 4-0 quarterfinal win over Virginia Union University, then followed it with a 4-0 semifinal sweep of Virginia State University.

By the time Shaw reached the final, the message was clear. The Lady Bears had depth, experience, and a roster that understood what championship pressure required.

Bluefield State did not make the final by accident. The Big Blue had strong players across the lineup and reached the championship match after beating Livingstone College in the quarterfinals and Johnson C. Smith University in the semifinals. But Shaw’s championship experience showed up when the match got tight.

According to Shaw Athletics, the Lady Bears took the early lead by winning the doubles point. Serena Teluwo and Camilla Angiani-Mortino won at No. 1 doubles, while Allan Antonyan and Veronika Phillippova added a win at No. 3 doubles. The No. 2 doubles team of Halley Banda and Tanaka Garikai held a 5-0 lead when Shaw clinched the doubles point.

That fast start mattered. In a championship match, the doubles point can set the tone. Shaw grabbed it and forced Bluefield State to play from behind.

Bluefield State Pushed Back In Singles

Bluefield State made the final competitive by responding in singles play. The Big Blue earned wins at No. 3 and No. 5 singles, pulling the match even and putting pressure back on Shaw.

That was the first real test of the day for the Lady Bears. A championship program has to respond when a match stops feeling comfortable. Shaw did exactly that.

Teluwo won at No. 1 singles, defeating Ekin Ozmen 6-4, 6-1. Angiani-Mortino controlled No. 2 singles with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Sirisha Dheer. Phillippova also delivered a dominant 6-0, 6-0 result at No. 6 singles against Isabella Disibbio.

Those three singles wins sealed the championship. The remaining matches stopped once Shaw reached the deciding point.

The 4-2 final score showed that Bluefield State had the talent to challenge Shaw. It also showed why Shaw has controlled the conference for so long. When the final needed someone to close the door, Shaw had multiple players ready.

Serena Teluwo Leads The Lady Bears Again

Serena Teluwo was once again at the center of Shaw’s title run. She won at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the championship match, then earned CIAA Tournament Most Valuable Player honors for the second straight season.

That award added to a strong year for Teluwo. The CIAA named her Women’s Tennis Player of the Year after she led the Lady Bears from the top of the lineup. The conference noted that Teluwo faced each opponent’s top player and produced major wins throughout the season.

At No. 1 singles, there is no place to hide. Players at that spot face the best player on the other side almost every match. Teluwo handled that role with consistency and gave Shaw a reliable leader in the most important position.

Her presence also helped Shaw in doubles, where quick chemistry and clean execution often decide the early point. That complete impact is why her MVP honor fits the moment.

Coach Sunday Enitan Keeps Shaw’s Standard High

Shaw’s title also reflects the work of head coach Sunday Enitan. The CIAA named Enitan Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year after he led the Lady Bears to an undefeated conference season and another division championship.

That honor matters because Shaw had to manage roster turnover and still remain the team to beat. Winning one title is hard. Winning eight straight takes structure, recruiting, player development, and steady leadership.

Enitan has built Shaw into the type of program that expects to compete for championships every season. That kind of standard can be difficult to keep. Opponents study the lineup. Players graduate. New players have to adjust. Pressure grows with every title.

Yet Shaw continues to answer.

This year’s roster had multiple contributors step up across singles and doubles. Teluwo and Angiani-Mortino gave the Lady Bears elite play at the top. Phillippova helped close the final. Banda and Garikai added depth in doubles. Antonyan also played a key role in helping Shaw control the doubles point.

That full-team effort is why the Lady Bears’ streak continues.

Why This Title Matters For HBCU Women’s Sports

The Shaw CIAA women’s tennis championship story deserves attention because HBCU women’s sports often do not get the spotlight they deserve. Football and basketball usually lead the conversation, but programs like Shaw women’s tennis are building dynasties in real time.

Eight straight conference championships is a major achievement in any sport. It shows consistency, discipline, and culture. It also gives young athletes another example of excellence inside HBCU athletics.

The CIAA remains one of the most historic conferences in college sports. Founded in 1912, the conference has helped shape generations of Black college athletes, coaches, and leaders. Shaw’s current run adds to that legacy.

For Shaw, this title is another reason to celebrate a program that keeps delivering. For the CIAA, it gives the conference a women’s tennis power that raises the level for everyone else. For HBCU fans, it is a reminder that championship culture exists across every sport, not just the ones with the biggest crowds.

The Ninth Chase Starts Now

The Shaw CIAA women’s tennis championship streak now sits at eight. That number will follow the Lady Bears into next season. Every opponent will know what Shaw has done. Every match will carry the weight of a program trying to protect its standard.

That is the reality of a dynasty. The wins bring respect, but they also bring expectation.

Shaw has earned that pressure. The Lady Bears did not stumble into this streak. They built it through strong doubles play, reliable singles production, smart coaching, and a roster that knows how to finish.

The 2026 championship belongs to Shaw. The title is another trophy, another statement, and another reminder that the Lady Bears remain the team to beat in CIAA women’s tennis.

Eight straight is history. Now the chase for nine begins.

Football

Jackson State NFL Opportunities Come After Draft Weekend

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 27, 2026

The 2026 NFL Draft ended without a player who finished his college career at an HBCU being selected. That reality added more frustration to an ongoing conversation around visibility, scouting access, and how HBCU talent gets evaluated at the pro level. But the weekend did not end the dream for several players across Black college football.

Jackson State became one of the schools that still saw movement after the draft. According to HBCU Gameday, Williams, Dupree, and Ivory each earned a path into an NFL building. The opportunities are different. Dupree signed as a free agent, while Williams and Ivory landed rookie minicamp invites. Still, all three now get a chance to compete in front of professional coaches and decision-makers.

That is the first step. For undrafted players and minicamp invitees, the margin is small. Every rep matters. Special teams value matters. Position flexibility matters. So does showing that the production from college can translate into an NFL environment.

Jeremiah Williams Gets Vikings Rookie Minicamp Invite

Jeremiah Williams gives the Vikings an interior defensive lineman with a strong HBCU résumé. He was one of Jackson State’s key defenders during the program’s recent run, and his production helped make him one of the Tigers’ most respected players up front.

Williams had a decorated 2024 season. He earned FCS Football Central All-American honors, Phil Steele All-SWAC recognition, and Defensive MVP honors in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. That season included 58 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and four quarterback hurries.

He followed that with another productive year in 2025. Williams finished with 35 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks in 10 games. He also earned All-American recognition from the BOXTOROW voters, with Jackson State athletics noting that he joined Quincy Ivory among the Tigers honored after the season.

For Minnesota, Williams will need to show power, leverage, and consistency in a short window. Interior defensive linemen who enter the league this way often have to win with effort, pad level, and the ability to handle double teams. Williams has already shown that he can produce in big HBCU games. Now he gets to prove it against NFL hopefuls.

Ja’Naylon Dupree Signs With Cleveland Browns

Ja’Naylon Dupree may have the clearest path of the three because he signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Browns. That does not guarantee a roster spot, but it gives him a stronger entry point than a simple tryout invitation.

Dupree gives Cleveland a receiver with speed, scoring ability, and special teams potential. In 2024, he caught 21 passes for 356 yards and five touchdowns. In 2025, he raised his production with 31 receptions for 509 yards and six touchdowns. He also added 54 rushing yards and another score, giving him seven total touchdowns on the season.

That versatility will be important. Undrafted receivers rarely make teams on receiving talent alone. They often need to cover kicks, return kicks, block with effort, learn multiple receiver spots, and make plays when the ball comes their way in preseason action.

Dupree has already shown that he can stretch the field. He was Jackson State’s second-leading receiver in 2025, and his production helped the Tigers average more than 32 points per game. If he can turn that big-play ability into reliable camp reps, Cleveland will have a reason to keep watching.

Quincy Ivory Brings Edge Production To Tampa Bay

Quincy Ivory may be the most decorated name of the group from the 2025 season. The edge rusher became one of the best defensive players in the SWAC and one of the most disruptive defenders in HBCU football.

Ivory finished the 2025 regular season with a team-high 64 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, an interception, five quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, according to Jackson State athletics. He was also named a Buck Buchanan Award finalist, putting him in the conversation with the top defensive players in FCS football.

His full 2025 line was even stronger by the end of the season. Ivory finished with 71 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception, six quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles. That production earned him a Tampa Bay rookie minicamp invite.

Ivory’s path has been anything but simple. He spent time at Mississippi Valley State as a quarterback, played junior college football at East Los Angeles College, moved on to Florida, and then landed at Jackson State. That background makes him an interesting evaluation. He has athletic traits, pass-rush production, and experience adjusting to new roles.

For Tampa Bay, he will need to show he can win off the edge, play with discipline, and contribute on special teams. For Ivory, the minicamp invite is a chance to turn a great HBCU season into a longer NFL look.

Why These Opportunities Matter For HBCU Football

The Jackson State NFL opportunities come during a difficult moment for HBCU draft representation. Several HBCU players signed or received rookie minicamp invites after the draft, but no player who finished at an HBCU was selected. That continues a trend that has concerned fans, coaches, and former players.

Still, the post-draft market remains important. A player does not need to be drafted to build a career. Many NFL players have entered the league through undrafted free agency or tryout routes. The path is harder, but it is real.

For HBCUs, every camp invite and signing matters. It helps recruiting. It shows current players that scouts are still watching. It gives coaches proof that development is happening. It also keeps the broader Jackson State University brand connected to the pro conversation.

Jackson State has become one of the most visible HBCU football programs in the country. The Tigers’ recent success, national attention, and player development have raised expectations. Williams, Dupree, and Ivory now give the program three more chances to show that its players can compete beyond the SWAC.

A Pro Pipeline Still In Motion

Jackson State finished 9-3 in 2025 and averaged 32.8 points per game, according to official team statistics. The Tigers had impact players on both sides of the ball, and three of them now have NFL opportunities.

That does not erase the disappointment of draft weekend. HBCU fans want to see players selected. They want to see names announced on national television. They want the same recognition that other programs receive when their top talent moves to the league.

But these next steps still matter. Williams, Dupree, and Ivory now get access to NFL coaches, facilities, playbooks, and competition. What they do with that access will decide the next chapter.

For Jackson State, the message is clear. The Tigers did not have a draft pick, but their pro pipeline is still active. Three players now have a shot. In the NFL, sometimes that is all a player needs.

Football

Former HBCU Cornerbacks Selected In 2026 NFL Draft

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 27, 2026

Former HBCU cornerbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft gave Black college football another reason to celebrate, even as the larger draft conversation raised questions about the current HBCU-to-NFL pipeline. Karon Prunty, who previously played at North Carolina A&T before finishing his career at Wake Forest, was selected by the New England Patriots in the fifth round. Andre Fuller, who began his college career at Arkansas-Pine Bluff before transferring to Toledo, was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round. Their selections showed how HBCU programs continue to identify and develop pro-level talent, even when players later move through the transfer portal.

Former HBCU Cornerbacks Selected After Transfer Journeys

The two cornerbacks took different roads to the NFL, but both paths included important stops at HBCUs. Prunty played at Kansas before transferring to North Carolina A&T. He later finished his college career at Wake Forest, where he became an All-ACC defensive back and improved his draft stock.

The New England Patriots selected Prunty with the No. 171 overall pick. The pick came in the fifth round, giving him a chance to compete for a spot in one of the NFL’s most visible defensive systems.

Fuller’s journey started at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He later transferred to Toledo, where he became one of the top defensive backs in the Mid-American Conference. The Seattle Seahawks selected Fuller with the No. 236 overall pick in the seventh round.

Both players left HBCU programs before the end of their college careers. Still, their stories remain connected to HBCU football. Their development, early reps, and first major college opportunities came through Black college programs that helped put them on the path.

Karon Prunty Gives North Carolina A&T Another NFL Connection

Prunty’s selection adds another pro connection to North Carolina A&T’s football story. The Aggies have built one of the strongest brands in HBCU athletics, especially across football and track and field. Prunty’s time in Greensboro gave him a place to reset and grow after starting his college career at Kansas.

At Wake Forest, Prunty put together the kind of final season that forced NFL teams to take a closer look. He recorded 40 tackles, one interception, and eight pass breakups during the 2025 season. He also earned third-team All-ACC honors.

His full college career showed steady production. According to the Patriots, Prunty played in 55 games, all starts, and totaled 166 tackles, three sacks, seven interceptions, 30 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

That experience matters. NFL teams value cornerbacks who have seen different systems, lined up against strong competition, and played a high number of snaps. Prunty checks those boxes. His path may not have been simple, but it gave him a wide view of college football.

Andre Fuller Turns UAPB Start Into Seahawks Opportunity

Fuller’s selection also gives Arkansas-Pine Bluff a reason to celebrate. He arrived at UAPB during the 2021 spring season and played a role in the Golden Lions’ run to the SWAC championship game. He later became one of the top defensive backs in the conference.

During his breakout season at UAPB, Fuller led the SWAC with 17 passes defended. He also added three interceptions, 29 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack. That production showed his ball skills and coverage ability early.

After transferring to Toledo, Fuller kept building. He missed the 2023 season because of injury, but returned and became a first-team All-MAC selection. Toledo also noted that Fuller became the second Rocket defensive back selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Seahawks drafted Fuller into a franchise that values length, toughness, and competition in the secondary. That makes his fit interesting. Seattle has a long history of developing defensive backs, and Fuller will now get a chance to prove he belongs at the next level.

The Transfer Portal Complicates The HBCU Draft Conversation

The former HBCU cornerbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft also highlight a complicated reality. HBCU programs are producing talent, but some of that talent is finishing elsewhere.

That matters because draft counts often focus only on where a player ended his college career. Under that view, HBCU representation can look smaller than the actual development story. Prunty and Fuller are examples of players who passed through HBCU programs and later became NFL draft picks after moving to FBS schools.

This does not erase the need for more players to be drafted directly from HBCUs. It does show that HBCU football remains part of the talent pipeline. Coaches at these schools are finding players, giving them reps, and helping them grow. The transfer portal has changed how those stories are tracked.

For HBCUs, the challenge is bigger than talent. Schools also need more scouting visibility, stronger pro-day platforms, more NIL support, and better retention tools. When top players leave, it can help their individual careers. It can also make it harder for HBCU programs to receive full credit for their development.

No Players Finished At HBCUs And Got Drafted

The positive news around Prunty and Fuller comes with a harder truth. No player who finished his college career at an HBCU was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to The Sporting News. That continues a concern for HBCU football fans who want to see more direct draft representation.

HBCUs have produced some of the greatest players in NFL history. Jerry Rice, Walter Payton, Michael Strahan, Shannon Sharpe, and many others helped build the league’s legacy. That history still matters, but the modern draft process has become more competitive and more data-driven.

Scouts want film against top competition. They want verified testing. They want medical reports, pro-day numbers, all-star game reps, and clean projection. HBCU players can meet those standards, but they need more consistent access to the same evaluation pipeline.

That is why the success of former HBCU players like Prunty and Fuller matters. Their stories show that NFL talent is still passing through HBCUs. The next step is making sure more of that talent can stay, shine, and still hear its name called.

HBCU Development Still Deserves Credit

There is a simple takeaway from this draft: HBCU programs helped two cornerbacks reach the NFL. That should not get lost because both players transferred.

North Carolina A&T and Arkansas-Pine Bluff were part of their growth. Those programs gave them snaps, coaching, confidence, and opportunity. In college football, early opportunity can shape everything. It can help a player build film, find rhythm, and prove he can compete.

HBCU Buzz has continued to cover the broader HBCU football pipeline because these stories matter. Draft picks are not the only measure of program success, but they do carry weight. They affect recruiting, visibility, alumni pride, and national perception.

Prunty and Fuller now enter the NFL with different expectations. Prunty, as a fifth-round pick, may get a stronger early chance to compete for defensive depth. Fuller, as a seventh-round pick, will likely need to stand out on special teams and in camp. Both have the same goal: make the roster and prove they belong.

A Draft Moment With A Bigger Message

The former HBCU cornerbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft represent both progress and urgency. Their selections prove that HBCU-connected talent can still reach the league. They also remind fans that the path is not always direct.

For Prunty, the road went from Kansas to North Carolina A&T to Wake Forest to New England. For Fuller, it went from Arkansas-Pine Bluff to Toledo to Seattle. Both players carried pieces of their HBCU journeys with them.

Now, they have a chance to turn draft weekend into long-term NFL careers.

For HBCU football, their stories should spark a bigger conversation. The talent is there. The development is there. The next goal is making sure more players can complete that journey while finishing at HBCUs and still receive the same NFL attention.

Football

DeSean Jackson Delaware State Lawsuit Draws Response From Former NFL Star

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 27, 2026

The DeSean Jackson Delaware State lawsuit has placed one of HBCU football’s most watched rebuilds under national scrutiny. Former Delaware State defensive back Malachi Biggs has filed a lawsuit against Delaware State University, head coach DeSean Jackson, assistant coach Travis Clark, Director of Football Operations Jane Hicks, and former teammate Anthony Hebert. The lawsuit centers on an alleged locker room assault that Biggs says left him with serious injuries, including jaw fractures and major dental damage. The claims have not been proven in court, and Jackson has publicly denied building or encouraging the kind of program culture described in the complaint.

Jackson Responds To Lawsuit Allegations

After being named in the lawsuit, Jackson posted a statement on Instagram addressing the allegations. He said he takes the safety, well-being, and development of every Delaware State football student-athlete seriously.

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Jackson also denied encouraging hazing, bullying, or violence inside the program. He said that has never been the culture he has worked to build. Because the matter is now part of pending litigation, Jackson said he would not comment further on the case.

His response is important because the lawsuit directly questions the environment inside Delaware State football under his leadership. Jackson’s statement pushes back against those claims while still avoiding detailed comment on the active legal matter.

Lawsuit Stems From Alleged Locker Room Assault

According to the lawsuit reported by HBCU Gameday, the alleged incident happened on Nov. 19, 2025, before a morning Delaware State football practice. Biggs, then a freshman defensive back, says he entered the locker room after receiving treatment.

The complaint alleges that Hebert confronted another teammate over an Instagram post before turning toward Biggs. Biggs alleges Hebert placed him in a chokehold and ignored his efforts to break free. The lawsuit claims Biggs lost consciousness and fell head or face first to the ground.

The filing says Biggs suffered serious injuries to his face and head. Those injuries allegedly included multiple jaw fractures, a chin wound that required surgery, and major damage to several teeth. Biggs was taken to the emergency room by ambulance, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit also says Biggs returned home to North Carolina for recovery and further medical care and has not returned to school since the alleged assault.

Complaint Claims Delaware State Failed To Discipline Player

The complaint goes beyond the alleged attack itself. It claims Delaware State and football staff failed to properly supervise the program and failed to discipline Hebert after the alleged incident.

According to CBS Philadelphia, the lawsuit alleges Hebert was not disciplined and played in a game days after the alleged locker room incident. The lawsuit also claims Hebert later remained associated with the football program.

Those claims remain allegations. Delaware State declined to comment on the active litigation, according to multiple reports.

The case includes negligence claims against Delaware State and football staff, along with battery and emotional distress claims against Hebert. Biggs is seeking damages related to medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and other alleged harm.

A High-Profile HBCU Coaching Era Faces Scrutiny

Jackson’s arrival at Delaware State brought national attention to the Hornets. The former NFL star was hired in December 2024 as the next head coach of Delaware State football, giving the program one of the biggest names in HBCU coaching.

At the time, Delaware State presented Jackson as a leader who could help change the direction of the program. The school’s official athletics announcement highlighted his 15-year NFL career, recruiting ties, and focus on mentorship, accountability, achievement, and discipline.

Jackson quickly turned that attention into results. Delaware State later announced that he signed a new deal through 2028 after leading one of the program’s best seasons in years. The university said the Hornets finished 8-4, went 4-1 in the MEAC, led the FCS in rushing, and reached the MEAC championship game.

That fast rise made Jackson one of the most talked-about coaches in HBCU football. HBCU Buzz has also covered his early impact at Delaware State, including his first win as head coach and the attention around the program’s new era.

Now, the lawsuit adds a serious challenge to that story.

Why The Allegations Matter For HBCU Athletics

The DeSean Jackson Delaware State lawsuit matters because it touches on player safety, program culture, and accountability inside college athletics.

HBCU football programs carry deep pride and tradition. They also operate in the same modern college sports world as every other Division I program. That means schools must balance toughness with care, discipline with player development, and competition with safety.

Every football program wants athletes who play with edge. But player safety has to stay at the center of the culture. Locker rooms must be competitive, but they cannot become places where students feel unsafe or unsupported.

That is why this case will draw attention beyond Delaware State. It involves a high-profile coach, an HBCU program with rising visibility, and a former player who says the school failed to protect him.

The court process will determine what happened legally. But the public conversation is already raising larger questions about how programs supervise athletes, respond to conflict, and create standards inside team spaces.

Delaware State’s Football Rebuild Continues Under A Cloud

Delaware State’s football rebuild under Jackson has been one of the biggest stories in HBCU sports. The program generated national buzz, packed major stages, and placed the Hornets back into a larger football conversation.

But this lawsuit now sits beside that momentum. It does not erase what Jackson and Delaware State accomplished on the field. It does, however, create a serious issue the school must face with care.

For Biggs, the lawsuit is about accountability for an alleged assault and its lasting impact on his life. For Jackson and Delaware State, it is about defending the program’s culture and leadership. For HBCU football fans, it is a reminder that visibility brings more attention to both success and controversy.

What Comes Next

The DeSean Jackson Delaware State lawsuit will now move through the legal process. The allegations remain unproven, and the defendants will have the chance to respond in court.

Until then, the story should be handled with care. It involves a student-athlete who says he suffered serious injuries, a school that declined comment due to active litigation, and a coach who denies building the kind of environment described in the complaint.

Delaware State’s rise under Jackson made the Hornets a national HBCU football story. This lawsuit now adds a difficult chapter. The next steps will matter not only for the people named in the case, but also for how the program protects trust during one of the most visible periods in its recent history.

Leadership

Jackson State Names First Alumna Permanent President In Historic Move

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 27, 2026

Jackson State names first alumna permanent president with the appointment of Dr. Denise Jones Gregory as the university’s 14th president. The move gives Mississippi’s largest HBCU a leader with deep ties to the campus, academic experience, and a personal connection to the institution’s legacy. Gregory has served as interim president since May 2025, and the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning selected her after an eight-month national search. For Jackson State, the appointment marks a historic leadership moment and a chance to bring stability to one of the most visible HBCUs in the country.

Jackson State Names First Alumna Permanent President After National Search

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning selected Gregory after a process that included 79 applicants, first-round interviews with eight candidates, second-round interviews with three candidates, and background and reference checks conducted by AGB Search consultants.

Gregory’s appointment is historic because she is the first alumna to lead Jackson State University in a permanent role. She is also the second woman to serve as president of the university. Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers previously served as Jackson State’s first woman president from 2011 to 2016.

That distinction matters. Gregory is not coming to JSU as an outsider learning the culture from a distance. She is returning to permanent leadership as someone shaped by the school, the city, and the HBCU mission. Her story gives alumni, students, faculty, and supporters a leader who can speak to Jackson State’s past while helping guide its next chapter.

Dr. Denise Jones Gregory Brings JSU Roots To The Role

Gregory’s connection to Jackson State runs deep. She graduated magna cum laude from JSU in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. She later earned a doctorate in chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Before becoming interim president, Gregory served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at JSU. That role placed her near the center of the university’s academic operations. It also gave her a close view of student success, faculty needs, research goals, and campus priorities.

Her background helps explain why many see this appointment as more than a leadership change. It is also a full-circle moment.

In a statement reported by Mississippi Today, Gregory said Jackson State shaped her life in profound ways and called it an honor to serve the university that helped shape her. That kind of language fits the moment. For many alumni, Jackson State is not just a school. It is a place of identity, pride, and possibility.

Gregory now has the job of protecting that legacy while moving the university forward.

A Leadership Moment Focused On Stability

Jackson State has faced several leadership changes in recent years. That history makes Gregory’s appointment even more important. The university has needed a permanent leader who can rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and create a clearer sense of direction.

Stability matters at any university. At an HBCU with Jackson State’s profile, it matters even more. JSU carries a powerful brand in academics, athletics, culture, alumni pride, and public life. When leadership turns over too often, it can affect morale, fundraising, enrollment confidence, and long-term planning.

Gregory steps into the permanent role at a time when the university needs both steady management and strong vision. Her appointment gives JSU a leader who already knows the campus and has already served in the interim role. That may help reduce transition time and give the university a smoother path into its next phase.

Alumni Support Was Part Of The Conversation

The search process drew attention from alumni and supporters who wanted transparency and a strong long-term choice. That concern reflects how deeply people care about Jackson State.

Patrease Edwards, president of the JSU National Alumni Association and a member of the Search Advisory Constituency, said the process was long and involved. She also said the alumni association was prepared to support Gregory as she takes on the role.

That support will matter. No president can move an HBCU forward alone. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors, community leaders, and state officials all play a role. Jackson State’s next chapter will require shared investment, especially around enrollment, student resources, academic growth, campus infrastructure, athletics, and fundraising.

Gregory’s status as an alumna gives her a unique advantage in those conversations. Alumni often want to know that the person leading their school understands the culture from the inside. Gregory can make that case in a real way.

Jackson State’s HBCU Legacy Remains Central

Jackson State has long stood as one of the most recognized HBCUs in America. The university has produced leaders across education, public service, business, media, science, sports, and culture. It also remains a major force in Mississippi and across the broader Black college community.

That visibility creates opportunity. It also creates pressure.

Gregory will be expected to protect the school’s legacy while strengthening its future. That means supporting academic excellence, growing student success efforts, expanding research, attracting resources, and keeping JSU competitive in a crowded higher education landscape.

It also means honoring the culture that makes Jackson State special. From the Sonic Boom of the South to Tiger athletics to the university’s deep alumni network, JSU has a brand that extends far beyond the campus. HBCU Buzz readers already know how central Jackson State remains to the larger HBCU community.

Now, Gregory has a chance to use that cultural power as part of a broader institutional vision.

Why This Appointment Matters For HBCUs

The story of Jackson State naming its first alumna permanent president matters beyond one campus. Across HBCUs, leadership stability is tied to student outcomes, fundraising, public trust, and institutional growth.

When a school chooses a leader who understands its culture, history, and community, that decision can send a strong message. It tells students and alumni that the institution values lived connection, not just administrative experience.

Gregory brings both. She has the academic background, the executive experience, and the personal JSU story. That combination gives her appointment weight.

It also adds to the larger conversation about HBCU alumni returning to lead the institutions that shaped them. Those leaders often carry a different kind of responsibility. They are not just managing a university. They are caring for a place that helped form their own identity.

A New Chapter For Jackson State

Jackson State names first alumna permanent president at a time when the university needs focus, unity, and momentum. Gregory now has a chance to turn a historic appointment into a strong presidency.

Her path will not be simple. JSU faces the same pressures many colleges face, including enrollment competition, budget concerns, student support needs, and the demand to prove value in a changing higher education market. But Gregory’s appointment gives the university a leader who already knows the institution and understands what is at stake.

For Jackson State students, this is a new era. For alumni, it is a full-circle moment. For HBCU supporters, it is a reminder that leadership matters deeply.

Dr. Denise Jones Gregory is not just stepping into an office. She is stepping into the responsibility of leading one of the most important HBCUs in the country. Her appointment gives Jackson State a chance to steady itself, honor its legacy, and move forward with a president who knows what the university means because she lived it first.

Football

Trey Holly Avoids Jail Time As Southern RB Enters New Chapter

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 27, 2026

Trey Holly avoids jail time after entering a no contest/best interest plea to felony gun charges in Union Parish, closing a major legal chapter for the former LSU running back who continued his college football career at Southern University. Holly received one year of probation and a $1,000 fine after the plea agreement. A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office also said he was sentenced to two years behind bars, but that sentence was suspended as part of the deal. Now, the Southern running back can move forward with his focus back on football, school, and the next stage of his life.

Trey Holly Avoids Jail Time In Union Parish Case

Holly’s case stemmed from a February 2024 shooting in Farmerville, Louisiana, that left two people injured. At the time, Holly was a running back at LSU. He later turned himself in after authorities issued a warrant and initially faced several charges, including attempted second-degree murder.

A grand jury later rejected the attempted murder charge. However, Holly still faced gun-related charges tied to the case. That is what made the plea agreement significant. Instead of going to trial, Holly entered a no contest/best interest plea to illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality.

His attorney, J. Michael Small, said there was a belief that Holly had a chance to win if the case went before a jury. Still, he also noted that the original charges carried serious risk if Holly had been convicted. That helped shape the decision to resolve the case through a plea agreement.

According to WBRZ, Holly avoided jail time and received probation and a fine. WAFB also reported that after Holly completes his probation period, his attorney said he can file a motion to have the conviction set aside and the prosecution dismissed.

A Case That Followed Him From LSU To Southern

The legal situation changed the direction of Holly’s college career. Before the case, he was one of the most accomplished high school running backs in Louisiana history and had signed with LSU as a major in-state talent.

Holly played in three games for LSU during the 2023 season. He rushed 11 times for 110 yards and a touchdown. He also earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors after a breakout moment early in his college career.

Then came the February 2024 arrest. LSU suspended him from team activities after the charges, and Holly’s future with the program became uncertain. He maintained that he was innocent and said he had been misidentified.

The legal process continued through 2024 and into 2026. In the meantime, Holly eventually found a new football home at Southern University.

That move gave him a second chance to stay close to the game while still carrying the weight of an unresolved case. It also brought his story into the HBCU football world, where Southern gave him a platform to play, contribute, and rebuild momentum.

Southern University Gave Holly A New Football Home

Southern University took a chance on Holly, and he quickly became one of the most important players in the Jaguars’ offense. His 2025 season showed why he had been so highly regarded as a recruit.

According to Southern’s official roster bio, Holly arrived with one of the strongest high school résumés in Louisiana football history. At Union Parish High School, he broke the state’s all-time rushing record with 10,523 career rushing yards. He also scored 160 total touchdowns, including 146 on the ground.

That production followed him to Baton Rouge. Southern’s 2025 statistics show Holly led the Jaguars with 798 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 10 games. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and 79.8 rushing yards per game. He also added 15 receptions for 126 yards, finishing the season with 977 all-purpose yards.

For a Southern offense that needed consistency, Holly gave the Jaguars a clear threat. He could run between the tackles, break explosive plays, and contribute in the passing game. Even during a difficult season for the program, he stood out as one of Southern’s top offensive weapons.

Why This Moment Matters For Holly

The headline is simple: Trey Holly avoids jail time. But the larger story is more layered.

This is a young athlete who went from Louisiana high school legend to LSU running back, then from criminal charges to a fresh start at an HBCU. The case placed his future under a cloud for more than two years. Now, with the plea agreement in place, Holly has more clarity.

That does not erase the seriousness of the case or the fact that two people were injured in the 2024 shooting. It also does not erase the legal outcome. But it does shift Holly’s path forward. The uncertainty that followed him from LSU to Southern is no longer hanging over his season in the same way.

For Holly, the next step is about discipline. He must complete probation and stay available for his team. He also has to show growth away from the field. Talent has never been the question. The bigger question now is what he does with this new opening.

Marshall Faulk Era Adds Another Layer

Holly’s next football chapter also comes at an important time for Southern. The Jaguars are entering the Marshall Faulk era, which has already brought more national attention to the program.

Faulk, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the greatest all-purpose running backs in football history, gives Southern a unique voice in the running back room. For Holly, that could matter. He now has access to a coach who understands the position at the highest level.

HBCU Buzz previously covered how Marshall Faulk’s Southern University football staff has brought new energy and visibility to Baton Rouge. Holly could be one of the players who benefits most from that shift.

The fit is clear. Holly has the talent. Faulk has the knowledge. Southern has a need for impact players who can help the program climb back into SWAC contention.

A Chance To Rewrite The Story

Trey Holly avoids jail time, but now the harder work begins. The legal case brought national attention for difficult reasons. His next opportunity has to be built on accountability, consistency, and production.

Southern gave him a place to keep playing when his future was uncertain. Now, under Faulk, Holly has a chance to turn that opportunity into something more stable. His 2025 season proved that he can still perform at a high level. The 2026 season can show whether he can become a leader as well.

For Southern fans, Holly’s return to football focus gives the Jaguars another major piece in the backfield. For Holly, it gives him a chance to move from survival mode into a new chapter.

His story is not finished. But after this plea agreement, the path ahead is clearer than it has been in a long time.

Sports

Southern University Esports Championship Makes HBCU History

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 27, 2026

The Southern University esports championship is a historic moment for HBCU athletics, gaming, and STEM culture. Southern University became the first historically Black college or university to win a Division II title in collegiate esports after claiming the Eastern College Athletic Conference EA Sports College Football National Championship. The title was secured by Coby Robinson, a sophomore computer science major known in competition as “K1ngC0by,” who helped bring a national championship back to Baton Rouge and placed Southern’s esports program in the national spotlight.

Southern University Esports Championship Marks A First For HBCUs

Southern’s win is more than another trophy. It is a major first for HBCU esports and a sign of where Black colleges can lead next. The championship came through the Eastern College Athletic Conference, where Southern competed in EA Sports College Football against a national field of Division II programs.

Robinson faced Bellarmine University in a best-of-five championship series. The matchup went the distance and forced a deciding Game 5. Robinson closed the series with a 38-29 victory, giving Southern a 3-2 win and the national title. In the final game, he used Texas to defeat an opponent playing as Oregon.

That pressure-filled finish turned the Southern University esports championship into a defining moment. Southern had already made history by reaching the title stage. Winning it moved the story from a breakthrough to a legacy moment.

Coby Robinson Delivered When It Mattered Most

Robinson entered the championship as one of the key faces of Southern’s growing esports program. A sophomore computer science major, he showed the focus and calm needed to compete at a high level.

After the win, Robinson called the moment a dream come true. He said he felt “happy and accomplished” and added that continuing to dominate and make history showed him that he belonged. That quote says a lot about the deeper meaning of this victory. For Robinson, the win was not only about the game. It was also about belief, confidence, and proof.

Those traits matter in esports. Competitive gaming requires more than fast hands. Players must read opponents, adjust strategy, manage momentum, and stay locked in when one mistake can change everything. Robinson did that with a championship on the line.

His win also gives HBCU students another example of what competitive gaming can become when schools invest in the right spaces, coaching, and support. For many students, esports is not just entertainment. It can connect to game design, broadcasting, cybersecurity, computer science, sports management, media production, and business.

Southern’s EDGE Program Is Building Something Bigger

Southern’s rise did not happen by accident. The school has been building its esports presence through the Southern University Esports Digital Gaming Ecosystem, also known as EDGE. The program gives students a place to compete, train, learn, and connect gaming with academic and career growth.

Christopher Turner, director and head coach of Southern University EDGE, called the win a “monumental moment” for Southern and the larger HBCU landscape. He also credited the victory as a true team effort, built around commitment to the plan.

That part matters. Even though Robinson secured the title, esports programs need structure behind the scenes. Coaches, alumni, graduate students, partners, and student leaders all help create the kind of environment where players can grow. Southern’s official release also recognized contributors to the team’s preparation, including program alumnus Mahcoe Edwards, Alabama A&M graduate student Jaeveon Jordan, and Civ, owner of Civil.gg.

The championship reflects what happens when an HBCU treats esports as a serious part of the student experience. It gives students a place to compete, but it also gives them access to a fast-growing digital industry.

Why This Win Matters Beyond Gaming

The Southern University esports championship matters because it challenges narrow ideas about what HBCU athletics can be. For decades, HBCU sports culture has centered heavily on football, basketball, marching bands, classics, rivalries, and homecoming. Those traditions remain powerful. But esports adds another lane.

Competitive gaming brings together strategy, technology, leadership, production, and community. It also reaches students who may not see themselves in traditional varsity sports but still want to represent their school at a high level.

That is why this title feels bigger than one player or one match. Southern’s win gives HBCU esports more visibility. It also gives students across the country a reason to see gaming as part of the Black college experience.

For HBCUs, esports can open doors to new scholarships, labs, partnerships, academic programs, and career pipelines. Gaming already connects to major industries, including entertainment, software development, live event production, content creation, and streaming. Southern’s championship shows that HBCU students are not just watching those spaces grow. They are competing in them and winning.

Southern Is Expanding Its Digital Future

Southern University has long held a powerful place in HBCU culture. From football Saturdays to the Human Jukebox, the Baton Rouge campus understands the power of school pride, competition, and community. Now, esports has added a new chapter.

The title also connects with Southern’s larger push in STEM and innovation. The university has continued to invest in science, technology, engineering, and related fields, including its work on a new $68 million STEM complex. That kind of growth helps show why esports belongs in the broader conversation about HBCU advancement.

Gaming is not separate from the future of work. It sits inside the same world as technology, media, data, content, design, and entrepreneurship. When HBCUs build strong esports programs, they are not only creating competition teams. They are building new entry points into the digital economy.

Southern’s championship proves that students can lead in that space right now.

A New Standard For HBCU Esports

The Southern University esports championship should not be viewed as an ending. It should be seen as a signal. More HBCUs are building esports labs, launching teams, and finding ways to connect gaming with academics and career development.

Southern just gave the movement a national title moment.

With Robinson’s championship performance, the Jaguars made history and raised the standard for what HBCU esports can become. The win gives Southern fans another reason to celebrate. It also gives future student-gamers a new example to follow.

For Robinson, the victory places him in HBCU history. For Southern, it validates the investment in esports. For the larger HBCU community, it proves that Black colleges can compete in new spaces while still carrying the culture that makes them special.

Southern University did more than win a game. It made HBCU history, expanded the meaning of college athletics, and showed the next wave of gamers that there is room for them on the national stage.

Volleyball

Etan Thomas’ Daughter Commits To Livingstone College Volleyball

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 27, 2026

Imani Thomas Livingstone College is a new name to watch in HBCU athletics. Thomas, the daughter of former NBA veteran Etan Thomas, has committed to continue her volleyball career at Livingstone College, giving the Blue Bears another young athlete with talent, name recognition, and a story of resilience. The Bowie, Maryland native is set to join Livingstone College volleyball after finishing her high school career at Bishop McNamara High School, where she stood out on the varsity level.

Imani Thomas Livingstone College Commitment Brings DMV Talent To Salisbury

Livingstone’s volleyball program welcomed Thomas to “Blue Bear Nation” as an incoming freshman opposite. The program highlighted her as a dynamic addition to the roster and noted her ties to Bowie, Maryland, a city that sits in the heart of the DMV’s strong youth sports pipeline.

For Livingstone College, this commitment gives the program a player who brings more than a familiar last name. Thomas arrives with experience, toughness, and a clear path of growth. She also joins an HBCU athletics community where family legacy, personal identity, and opportunity often meet in meaningful ways.

The Imani Thomas Livingstone College commitment also adds another layer to the growing conversation around HBCU sports. In recent years, more athletes with well-known family names have considered HBCUs as serious college destinations. These decisions matter because they help expand visibility for programs that have always developed talent but have not always received the same national attention as larger schools.

A Resilient Road To College Volleyball

Thomas’ journey to Livingstone did not come without a setback. Her father shared that she dealt with shin splints during the 2025 travel volleyball season. That injury later developed into a stress fracture, forcing her family to make a tough choice.

Instead of pushing through pain for short-term exposure, they focused on her long-term health. That meant stepping back from key moments, including camps and events that often help high school athletes get seen by college programs. For a young player chasing the next level, that kind of pause can feel painful. It can also test confidence.

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Still, Thomas stayed with the process. She worked her way back, returned to training, and now has a college volleyball opportunity in front of her. That part of her story gives this commitment more weight. Livingstone is not just adding an athlete with a recognizable father. The Blue Bears are adding a player who already knows what it means to recover, reset, and keep going.

Etan Thomas’ NBA Legacy Adds Context

Imani’s father, Etan Thomas, built a long basketball career after starring at Syracuse. He was selected in the first round of the 2000 NBA Draft with the 12th overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks. He later played for the Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Atlanta Hawks.

Across his NBA career, Thomas averaged 5.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. He became known as a physical frontcourt player, but his life after basketball has also shaped his public image. Thomas has remained visible as an author, speaker, commentator, and advocate on social issues.

That background makes Imani’s college choice even more interesting. She is not following her father into basketball, and she does not need to. She is creating her own lane through volleyball. Her decision to attend an HBCU connects her athletic journey to a broader cultural story, but it still centers her own work.

Livingstone Continues To Build Its Athletic Story

Livingstone College has a deep place in Black college history. The Salisbury, North Carolina school is tied to one of the most important moments in HBCU athletics: the first Black college football game, played in 1892 between Livingstone and what is now Johnson C. Smith University.

That history gives Livingstone a strong foundation. Today, the Blue Bears compete in the CIAA and continue to represent a proud HBCU sports tradition. The volleyball program now has a chance to bring Thomas into that environment and help her grow as a student-athlete.

For smaller HBCU programs, signings like this can help create momentum. They give fans a reason to pay closer attention. They also remind recruits that HBCUs can offer real athletic opportunities, strong community support, and a chance to be part of something bigger than a roster spot.

Livingstone has also made moves beyond athletics in recent years. The college has taken steps toward expanding its academic profile, including previous work toward graduate-level offerings, a development HBCU Buzz covered as part of Livingstone’s growth. That larger institutional progress helps frame why commitments like Thomas’ matter. Student-athletes are choosing schools that offer both culture and direction.

Why This Commitment Matters For HBCU Volleyball

HBCU volleyball deserves more attention. Football and basketball often dominate the conversation, but volleyball programs across HBCU conferences continue to develop competitive athletes and strong team cultures.

Thomas’ commitment gives fans another reason to look at the sport. Her story brings together a few strong elements: a DMV athlete, a former NBA family connection, a comeback from injury, and a college choice rooted in HBCU culture. That combination can help introduce more people to Livingstone volleyball and the larger world of HBCU women’s sports.

It also matters because young Black women athletes deserve fuller coverage. Their stories should not only appear when they win championships or go viral. Their signing moments, recovery stories, and college choices are part of the larger HBCU sports ecosystem.

A New Chapter For Imani Thomas

The Imani Thomas Livingstone College commitment marks the start of a new chapter. She will enter college with a story that already includes pressure, patience, and perseverance. Now, she gets to build the next part of that story at an HBCU.

For Livingstone, the signing brings fresh energy to the volleyball program. For Thomas, it offers a platform to grow on her own terms. And for HBCU sports fans, it is another reminder that talent continues to choose Black colleges for reasons that go beyond headlines.

Thomas will have the chance to prove herself on the court. But before her first college match, her journey already says something important: the HBCU path remains a powerful choice for athletes who want opportunity, identity, and community in one place.

Entertainment

Southern University Alum Tré Thomas Builds 30FirstDay Into Rising Talent & Brand Management Firm

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 23, 2026

Southern University alum Tré Thomas is building more than a company. He is building positioning. Through his firm, 30FirstDay Talent & Brand Management, Thomas is carving out space in the entertainment industry while staying rooted in the foundation that shaped him at Southern University A&M College.

In a business where access often defines success, 30FirstDay is emerging as a firm focused on both talent and long-term brand strategy. Known for working with names like Lori Harvey and Ryan Destiny, the company operates at the intersection of culture, influence, and business. But beyond its growing client presence, the firm is also grounded in a clear purpose: creating opportunity and developing the next generation of talent and brand managers.

Southern University foundation behind 30FirstDay’s vision

Thomas’ journey starts with Southern University, an institution known for producing graduates who carry confidence, discipline, and cultural awareness into competitive industries. That experience played a major role in shaping how he approaches both business and leadership.

Like many students, Thomas entered college knowing he wanted to work in entertainment but without a clear path. That uncertainty pushed him to explore multiple roles after graduating, allowing him to understand different sides of the industry before finding his lane. That process ultimately informed how he built 30FirstDay.

The release also notes his connection to Texas Southern University, adding to his HBCU background, They reflect a broader truth about HBCUs. These institutions do more than prepare students academically. They shape how graduates move, communicate, and position themselves in professional spaces.

Inside 30FirstDay’s role in entertainment and branding

30FirstDay operates as a talent and brand management firm, helping clients navigate both visibility and business. That dual focus is important. In today’s entertainment landscape, talent is not just about performance. It is about alignment, partnerships, and long-term brand building.

Firms like 30FirstDay sit behind the scenes, helping structure deals, guide public positioning, and connect talent with opportunities that extend beyond traditional media. That includes brand partnerships, campaigns, and strategic collaborations that shape how audiences engage with public figures.

The firm’s work with high-profile clients signals its presence in a competitive space. At the same time, its internal structure reflects a different kind of leadership approach. According to the release, the company is led by women, reinforcing a commitment to representation within the industry.

Thomas has also made it clear that two priorities guide the firm’s direction: supporting women and supporting HBCU alumni. Those values are not presented as branding language. They are embedded in how the company operates and how it plans to grow.

Expanding opportunity through the 30FirstDay HBCU internship

As part of that mission, 30FirstDay is preparing to launch an HBCU internship initiative in Fall 2026. While the firm itself remains the focus, the internship serves as a natural extension of its purpose.

The program will give students the opportunity to work directly with the firm and its roster of talent and brands. That includes hands-on exposure to talent management, brand partnerships, and the operational side of entertainment. For students, this type of experience can provide clarity, helping them better understand where they fit within the industry.

Thomas shared that during his own time in college, he did not have that level of direction. That perspective shaped his decision to create a program that gives students a clearer starting point. Instead of navigating the industry without guidance, participants will gain real-world exposure while building practical skills.

Why 30FirstDay reflects a bigger HBCU shift

30FirstDay represents more than a single firm gaining traction. It reflects a broader shift happening across industries. More HBCU graduates are building companies, entering competitive spaces, and then creating access points for others.

That shift matters because it changes how opportunity flows. Instead of relying only on traditional industry pathways, students now have more chances to connect with professionals who understand their background and experiences.

For HBCUs, this continues to highlight their long-term impact. The value is not just in the education itself but in how graduates carry that experience forward. When alumni like Thomas build within industries like entertainment and then reinvest in students, it creates a cycle that extends beyond one generation.

What comes next for 30FirstDay

As 30FirstDay continues to grow, its combination of talent management, brand strategy, and cultural awareness positions it as a firm to watch. Its client work shows its reach, while its commitment to mentorship and access signals where it is headed.

The upcoming internship initiative is just one step in that direction. It reinforces the firm’s focus on building not only careers but also pathways.

For students interested in entertainment, branding, and management, 30FirstDay represents a real example of what is possible when HBCU foundations meet industry execution.

Politics

Bowie State Alum Jakeya Johnson Could Become Youngest Black Woman Elected to Congress

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 18, 2026

Jakeya Johnson runs for Congress with more than a campaign launch behind her. The Bowie State alumna is now part of Maryland’s June 23 Democratic primary for the 4th Congressional District, where she is challenging incumbent Rep. Glenn Ivey and pitching herself as a younger, movement-built alternative in a deep-blue seat. Her campaign says that if she ultimately wins the seat, Johnson would become the youngest Black woman ever elected to Congress at 31, a mark now associated with Lauren Underwood, who was 32 when she was sworn in.

Jakeya Johnson runs for Congress in a crowded primary

The race is not a two-person contest. According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, the Democratic primary field for Maryland’s 4th District includes Joseph Gomes, Shavonne Hedgepeth, Glenn Ivey, Jakeya Johnson, and Jonathan White. Election Day is June 23. That gives Johnson a short runway to break through in a district already represented by Ivey, who has served in Congress since January 2023 after winning the seat in 2022.

Johnson enters the race with an HBCU story that gives the campaign a different kind of center. She earned her Master of Public Administration and Policy from Bowie State University, and Bowie State had already highlighted her as part of its philanthropy fellowship pipeline before this run for office. In 2022, the university named her as one of the first students in its philanthropy fellowship program, and later identified her as an MPA student serving through a fellowship with the Tides Foundation. That matters because her campaign is not presenting Bowie State as a résumé line. It is presenting the school as one of the places where her policy work took shape.

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Bowie State helped shape the policy lane she now runs on

A big part of Johnson’s pitch comes from a story that started in graduate school. On her campaign’s About page, Johnson says a class assignment on reproductive healthcare access grew into a real legislative effort after she gathered research, drafted a proposal, and pushed for policy change beyond campus. Bowie State later highlighted that same story in university coverage, noting that Johnson’s class project evolved into new Maryland law tied to reproductive healthcare access. Her campaign says the policy work eventually expanded access on public college campuses statewide and later reached Maryland community colleges as well.

That background gives Johnson a clearer issue identity than many first-time congressional candidates. She is not introducing herself as someone who simply wants to enter politics. She is introducing herself as someone who already sees policy as a tool and believes government should move faster for people who are usually asked to wait. Her campaign biography says she worked her way up from retail jobs, attended college while working full time as a parent, and built her career through organizing rather than institutional advantage. That life story is central to the contrast she is trying to draw in this race.

Her campaign is built around organizing, labor, and reproductive justice

Johnson’s current public profile is also tied closely to reproductive justice work in Maryland. Her campaign and background materials identify her as executive director of Reproductive Justice Maryland, a union steward, and a former chief of staff in the Maryland General Assembly. They also say she led a coalition of more than 50 organizations that backed Maryland Question 1. Official results from the Maryland State Board of Elections show that Question 1, the constitutional amendment on reproductive freedom, passed with 76.06% of the vote statewide. Johnson’s materials also point to her work with The Little Pink Pantry, a menstrual equity initiative that has distributed more than 3,000 products across Maryland. (Jakeya Johnson for Congress)

Her campaign is also leaning hard into a people-powered message. Johnson’s site says she does not take corporate PAC money, and the press backgrounder repeats that point while framing her run as a challenge to institutional politics in the district. That is one reason her campaign language sounds more movement-based than traditional. It is trying to speak to working families, union spaces, and younger voters who want a sharper edge from Democratic representation. In a district where her own backgrounder says more than 22% of working adults are employed by the federal government, that message is aimed at voters who are likely watching public-sector instability, layoffs, and cost-of-living pressure very closely. (Jakeya Johnson for Congress)

The history angle is real, but the numbers show the challenge ahead

The biggest obstacle for Johnson is not the story. It is the math. Federal Election Commission records show that through March 31, 2026, Johnson had raised $20,631.49 and ended the period with $3,610.83 cash on hand. Ivey, by comparison, had raised $562,697.55 and reported $452,980.65 cash on hand over the same reporting window. That does not make the race unwinnable, but it shows how steep the climb is for any challenger trying to unseat an incumbent member of Congress in a safe Democratic district.

Still, Johnson’s campaign is built to argue that biography, issue record, and urgency can matter even when fundraising does not line up. That is where the historic angle comes back into view. If she were to win the seat, her campaign says she would become the youngest Black woman ever elected to Congress. That would place a Bowie State University alumna into a national conversation about Black political leadership, generational change, and the pipeline from HBCUs into federal office. It would also add another HBCU name to the larger story around Black representation in Congress and the kind of leadership often associated with spaces like the Congressional Black Caucus.

For now, the next test is simple. Johnson has to turn a compelling story into enough votes to survive a competitive June 23 primary. The official ballot is set. The district already has an incumbent. The fundraising gap is real. But Johnson has something campaigns spend a long time trying to build from scratch: a clear narrative, a recognizable issue lane, and an HBCU connection that feels tied to the work, not added on after the fact. If her run gains more traction over the next stretch, this could become one of the more watched HBCU-adjacent political stories of the summer.

Politics

Spelman Alumna Miracle Rankin Runs for Georgia Supreme Court

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 18, 2026

Miracle Rankin runs for Georgia Supreme Court in one of the more notable statewide races Georgia voters will see this spring. The Spelman College alum is challenging incumbent Justice Charlie Bethel in the May 19 nonpartisan election, bringing an HBCU name into a high-level legal contest that could draw more attention as Election Day gets closer. The race puts Rankin, a trial attorney and former president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, on the ballot for one of the seats on the state’s highest court.

Miracle Rankin runs for Georgia Supreme Court after years in Georgia law

Rankin’s path into this race started long before campaign season. She attended Spelman from 2002 to 2006 and earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature before going on to receive her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. Since then, she has built a legal career in civil litigation, with her campaign biography saying she has represented clients in cases involving catastrophic truck wrecks, wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and corporate negligence. Her campaign also says she has secured eight-figure resolutions for clients and built her work around representing people who feel outmatched by larger systems and institutions.

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That background matters in a race like this because judicial campaigns often turn on experience, judgment, and public trust rather than the kind of flashy momentum seen in other statewide contests. Rankin is presenting herself as a lawyer who has spent years in hard cases involving real harm and real families. In her campaign launch materials, she said Georgia’s highest court should remain a place where the Constitution protects the people and not the powerful. In another statement, she said the role of the Supreme Court is to uphold the Constitution and make sure every person who comes before the court receives equal justice under the law.

A Spelman alum steps into a statewide judicial race

For HBCU readers, the Spelman connection is a big part of why this story stands out. Spelman has long been known for producing graduates who move into leadership across law, business, public service, and culture. Rankin now adds to that tradition by stepping into a statewide judicial race that sits at the center of Georgia law and policy. Her candidacy is another reminder that HBCU alumni are not only entering powerful rooms. They are running for the seats that help shape how those rooms operate.

Rankin is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and her campaign says she remains active in community service through the Alpha Alpha Psi Omega Chapter. That detail fits the larger picture of how many HBCU graduates build public-facing careers. The path is often not just about title or résumé. It is also about service, visibility, and staying rooted in the communities that shaped them.

Her résumé adds more weight to the moment. Along with leading the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys as its 40th president, Rankin’s campaign says she has received recognition from the National Bar Association and has been honored for community service. Those details help explain why she is not entering the race as an unknown figure. She is entering it as a lawyer with standing in Georgia’s legal community and with a public record that stretches beyond one election cycle.

What this Georgia Supreme Court race looks like

The May 19 ballot shows Rankin directly opposite Bethel in the race for the seat “to succeed Charlie Bethel.” Bethel was appointed to the Georgia Supreme Court in 2018 and later won election to a full six-year term in 2020. Georgia Recorder reported in February that Rankin and former state senator Jen Jordan launched campaigns challenging two justices who were originally appointed by former Republican Gov. Nathan Deal, making these races unusual for a court that does not always draw serious opposition.

That matters because Georgia Supreme Court elections are technically nonpartisan, but they still carry major meaning. The court handles questions that can affect rights, state law, and how the Georgia Constitution is interpreted. Even when candidates do not run with party labels next to their names, the races can still become major tests of legal philosophy, public mood, and voter interest. Rankin’s entry into the field helps make this one of the more watched judicial matchups on the ballot.

Rankin’s campaign has focused on equal justice, public safety, access to healthcare, and reproductive freedom. Those issues reflect the broader debate around what voters want from a state supreme court and how much judicial races should connect to everyday life. Rankin has framed her message around independence, careful judgment, and access to justice, arguing that the court should remain open and fair to ordinary people.

Why this race matters for HBCU audiences

This story lands because it shows another lane where HBCU graduates are stepping into major public roles. HBCU success stories are often reduced to sports, entertainment, or viral campus moments. But legal power matters too. Court seats matter. Statewide judicial races matter. When a Spelman alum enters a contest like this, it expands the public picture of where HBCU excellence shows up and how Black women continue to move through systems that were not always built with them in mind.

It also matters because students and young alumni need to see that the pipeline from HBCU campus life to statewide leadership is real. Rankin’s story will connect with readers who understand what it means to move from a Black college environment into high-stakes professional spaces without losing the values that shaped you. Her campaign is not just about one seat. It also reflects the larger reach of HBCU graduates in law, policy, and public life.

With the election set for May 19, Rankin now has a chance to turn her legal résumé, HBCU background, and statewide message into votes. For now, her candidacy already marks a notable moment: a Spelman alum has stepped into one of Georgia’s biggest judicial races, and the HBCU community has another name to watch on the statewide stage.