HBCU WSSU Powerhouse x NFL Panthers’ TopCats Unite To Celebrate Black Culture

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The Winston-Salem State University Powerhouse of Red and White Cheerleaders united with the Panthers’ TopCats during Carolina’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons last night.

The HBCU x NFL collaboration was apart of the Panthers’ Inspire Change game with the theme: “Representation Matters: Celebrating Black Culture.”

The partnered teams took to the field to cheer the Panthers to a win (9-7).

“This is a remarkable opportunity to showcase the wonderful talent of our cheerleaders and represent our university during this historical moment,” said NeSheila Washington, Head Coach of the Powerhouse cheerleaders.

“WSSU’s Powerhouse will make history this Sunday as the first CIAA cheer squad to perform with an NFL team’s professional cheerleaders.”

The Carolina Panthers announced the Inspire Change initiative early this December. In a press release statement, the organization highlighted their commitment to conversations and actions towards a more equal and just tomorrow.

“Inspire Change highlights how NFL players, clubs and the league are joining together to ensure that access to opportunity is a reality for all and to create progress in police-community relations, criminal justice reform, and education and economic advancement.“

WSSU is the first CIAA team to preform with NFL cheerleaders and includes a few Powerhouse alumni who’ve cheered with the TopCats. Brandi Hopson is in her third season with the TopCats’, and Melvin Sutton and Dedra Cherry are former members. Coach Washington is also a former WSSU Powerhouse cheerleader alumni.

With the HBCU stomp and shake of WSSU Powerhouse and the classic cheerleading style of the TopCats’, the performance was proven to be a top-tier sight to see.

“Three members of Powerhouse and three members of the TopCats choreographed eight counts each for the routine and merged them together,” Coach Washington said. “When we have these opportunities, we want to make our ‘Ramily” proud as well as dynamically represent HBCU stomp and shake cheer.”

“By celebrating Black culture this season, we are not only recognizing the contributions of Black individuals to our community, but also fostering an environment where every fan can take pride in the diversity that makes us stronger together,” said Quentin DeBerry, director of Inclusion & Belonging at Tepper Sports & Entertainment

In February 2024, WSSU Powerhouse will perform on their next national professional sports stage during the NBA HBCU Classic during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.

Let’s Talk About Victim Advocacy Awareness at HBCUs

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On November 17th, 2023, singer Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit against music mogul P.Diddy, accusing him of rape, sex trafficking, and physical abuse. The suit was filed in accordance with the New York Adult Survivors Act, which allows sexual abuse victims to file lawsuits after the statue of limitations has expired. 

Both parties eventually reached an agreement the following day and the lawsuit was dismissed. 

Although the case was settled, it compelled more victims to come forward against other high-profile celebrities and politicians such as Jamie Foxx and New York Mayor Eric Adams,  alleging similar instances of abuse. But more importantly, the incident also reignited conversations around victim advocacy and awareness. 

It is unfortunate that nearly every individual will fall victim to some form of crime or abuse in their lifetime. Acknowledgement around this reality can sometimes be obsolete. And for African Americans specifically, such victim awareness can be hard to come by at any rate. 

The recent discourse on adult victim survivors raises inquiry over prevalent concerns in the HBCU community.

These incidents may include, but are not limited to: 

  • Sexual Violence
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Mental Illnesses
  • Physical Attacks
  • Alcohol & Drug Abuse

College aged victims are most at risk for such incidents and find themselves at the center of a silent, but deadly victim survivor epidemic. 

Statistics About Victims on HBCU Campuses

These statistics provide a snapshot into the growing concern of our at-risk HBCU population. In order to improve the overall safety of the HBCU community, we have to openly address the many ways our students are disproportionately impacted in America. 

Be on the lookout for more information on victim awareness from HBCU Buzz in 2024. 

HBCU Buzz x 2023 Celebration Bowl Highlights

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Congrats are in order for Florida A&M University! The Rattlers are officially the 2023 HBCU Football National Champions, after their triumphant win (30-26) over HU Bison last Saturday.

After trailing HU for three quarters, FAMU QB, Jeremy Moussa threw two touchdown passes to Kevin Dean Jr. in the fourth quarter to take the lead.

FAMU cornerback Kendall Bohler intercepted HU QB Quinton Williams to seal their lead with less than five minutes left to play.

It has been a remarkable year for the FAMU Rattlers, who broke into the Top 100 National Public Universities at No.91 and No. 3 among all HBCUS, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, FAMU remains the top ranked public HBCU for the fifth consecutive year.

Kudos is also in order to Head Coach Willie Simmons on leading the Rattlers to a 12-1 overall record. The 2023 Celebration Bowl marked 45 years since the Rattlers won their FCS (I-AA) National Championship in 1978.

Coach Simmons has also witnessed his own share of historic wins, leading the only HBCU to have both SWAC and MEAC champ titles and marking his 45th win at FAMU, passing Rudy Hubbard for the most wins in their first five seasons.

“I know Coach Hubbard is smiling right now. I’m sure I have a text from him congratulating me. He’s been one of my biggest supporters…Just to be able to be mentioned in the same breath as Jake Gaither, Rudy Hubbard, Billy Joe, Ken Riley, or Joe Taylor, It’s truly special,” Coach Simmons said on Saturday.

Dec. 16, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida A&M Head Coach Willie Simmons kneels on the ground after the Cricket Celebration Bowl game between Florida A&M University and Howard University at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. FAMU defeated Howard 30-26. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Network

“The team’s on field accomplishments serve as a wonderful coda to all the other great things that happen every day at FAMU. It has been a great year. Many thanks to our students, faculty, staff, fans, and supporters who helped us in so many ways during the season,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D.

FAMU’s SWAC title is now recognized amongst their 16 Black college football championships, eight MEAC titles, and 29 SIAC titles.

Congratulations to the Florida A&M Rattlers for their outstanding 2023 football season!

First Art Museum Presents: Derek Fordjour x 2023 TSU Mural Exhibit

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The significance of Marching bands are one the most recognizable and celebrated institutions at Historically Black colleges and universities. Often at the center of legacy and culture, the marching band is the chief university brand ambassador and is central to the HBCU experience. 

The modern HBCU marching band experience dates back to 1946, when HBCUs such as Tennessee State University began birthing a tradition of excellence. It is this historical foundation that provides the artful makings of First Art Museum’s Exhibit: Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage, a Derek Fordjour x 2023 TSU collaboration. 

Meet The Artist: Derek Fordjour

Derek Fordjour (born 1974) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator from Memphis Tennessee. A Morehouse College graduate, Fordjour’s work has been exhibited in numerous venues, including the Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis (2020), Nasher Museum of Art (2019), and the Whitney Museum of Contemporary Art (2018–2019).

TSU has previously praised Fordjour for his ability to “grapple with art making on straightforwardly human terms, allowing his projects to communicate the widest array of emotions.”

Fordjour x 2023 TSU Mural Exhibit

Fordjour spoke to HBCU Buzz exclusively about developing the project and the essence of perfect timing: 

“This project came together through the vision of Senior Curator, Katie Delmez at the Frist Art Museum. The project was in conjunction with another groundbreaking show she curated that features the works of prominent African-American artists. Katie was familiar with my HBCU Band Series and with the grammy-winning TSU Aristocrat of Bands,” Fordjour states.

“It felt the timing was great and that this was a wonderful approach to audience development and creating access for TSU students.”  

Fordjour depicts HBCU Marching Bands in his textured collage painting murals and features the grammy winning TSU Aristocrat of Bands. In addition to the museum, the mural exhibit is also on display at TSU’s Strange Performing Arts Center of the campus.

Ultimately, Fordjour says he hopes this partnership will inspire more museum expansion and forging necessary relationships in the field. 

“I hope more museums around the country will take a page out of First Art Museum’s playbook and seek to forge relationships in unexpected places. I believe it will radically expand the mission of the museum.”

“The ways we have previously thought about audience development at museums in the past are antiquated. What we see with the museum and this project is the beginning of what dynamic partnership can look like.”  

The art exhibit which began this September, will be available through December 31, 2023. For more information on the collaboration exhibit, please visit The First Art Museum. 

Dr. Kareem Jordan Appointed New College Dean of Juvenile Justice at PVAMU

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Prairie View A&M University announced Dr. Kareem Jordan‘s appointment to College Dean of Juvenile Justice on Wednesday.

Dr. Jordan currently serves as Director of Diversity & Inclusion of Public Affairs at American University in Washington, DC. Before this role, he served as Graduate Director in the Department of Justice, Law, and Criminology. Dr. Jordan directed multiple programs, including the Ph.D. program and two criminology and homeland security master’s programs. 

With over 20 years of experience in leading higher education, Dr. Jordan has taught across a spectrum of criminal/juvenile justice courses, including corrections, systems, and policy. Dr. Jordan has experience partnering with juvenile and criminal justice agencies in multiple states, such as Florida, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maryland.

As a first-generation college student from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he has also worked with multiple federal agencies. When partnering with agencies, Dr. Jordan seeks to utilize research to help agency leaders determine if they are meeting their stated goals.

Dr. Jordan’s research focuses on juvenile justice and race/justice issues within the criminal justice system. He’s publishes several articles in the field’s top journals, including Race & Justice, Journal of Crime and Justice, and Crime & Delinquency.

He also serves on the editorial boards for leading journals: The Prison Journal, Journal of Crime and Justice, and Criminal Justice Policy Review.

Dr. Jordan shared his good news on Wednesday in a Twitter post.


PVAMU President Tomikia P. LeGrange also congratulated Dr. Jordan in an official statement on the university’s website.

“I’m pleased to announce Dr. Kareem Jordan has been named College Dean of Juvenile Justice (COJJ),” said President LeGrande. “He will visit the campus periodically during the spring semester to learn and work with stakeholders while developing strategic priorities. We look forward to all the COJJ will achieve under Dr. Jordan’s leadership.”

Dr. Jordan’s position will be effective June 1, 2024.

Introducing The Black College Football Hall Of Fame Class Of 2024!

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The Black College Football Hall Of Fame (BCFHOF) announced in its 15th year, the Class of 2024 Inductees Thursday afternoon. The class of seven, including six players and a head coach, beat out 21 finalists according to the Selection Committee.

The Class of 2024 Inductees are as follows:

  • Joe “747” Adams – Quarterback for Tennessee State University (1977-1980) 
  • Antoine Bethea – Defensive Back for Howard University (2002-2005)
  • Waymond Bryant – Linebacker for Tennessee State University (1970-1973)
  • Kevin Dent – Defensive Back for Jackson State University (1985-1988)
  • Richard Huntley – Running Back for Winston-Salem State University (1992-1995)
  • Lemar Parrish – Defensive Back for Lincoln University of Missouri (1966-1969)
  • Coach Eddie Hurt – Head Coach for Morgan State University (1929-1959)

The 9-member Selection Committee were comprised of prominent journalists, commentators, former NFL executives, and members of the BCFHOF.

“This Class of 2024 is a great showcase of the some of the incredible football talent that has been produced from Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Black College Football Hall of Fame Co-Founder Doug Williams.

“The BCFHOF serves to honor those who paved the way for the game today and these men did just that.”

The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American HBCU quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams. The organization was founded to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

The Class of 2024 will be honored at the 15th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons on June 8th, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

They will also be recognized at halftime of the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on February 24, 2024 at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, LA, which will be broadcast live on NFL Network (3:00pm CT).

For more information, please visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.

Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $20 Million In Grants To Support Research Development at Five HBCUs

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The U.S. Department of Education recently announced the Biden-Harris administration’s $93 Million in grants to support “research development” measures at HBCUs, TCCUs and MSIs, and Postsecondary Completion.

The grants, which will be provided under the Research and Development Infrastructure (RDI) and Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) programs, are expected to improve completion rates for underserved students.

“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the urgency of this moment in higher education and that creating opportunities for students of color and other underserved students to succeed in today’s most cutting-edge fields has never mattered more,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

“These grant awards will help many of our nation’s most inclusive and diverse colleges and universities expand their capacity to drive research and innovation, and propel more students to graduation day and fulfilling careers. This is how we Raise the Bar for college excellence and attainment in this country and close equity gaps in higher education that have no place in the 21st century.” 

More than $20 million in grants will be awarded to five HBCUs, and will support institutions in increasing their level of research activity to move from the Doctoral and Professional Universities (D/PU) classification toward the Doctoral Universities with High Research Activity (R2) classification. It will also increase their classification from the Doctoral Universities with High Research Activity (R2) toward the Doctoral Universities with Very High Research Activity (R1) category. 

The grant program recipients are:

  • Hampton University (Virginia) ($4,962,986): to progress and support establishment of an Interdisciplinary Climate Science Degree Program embedded in a National Center for Climate Modeling Research.
  • Southern University and A&M College (Louisiana) ($4,999,999): to progress and support establishing multidisciplinary research centers focused on advanced manufacturing and biological sciences and executing ambitious faculty hiring and development efforts.
  • University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Maryland) ($4,680,568): to progress and support the Futures Institute, which will recruit Ph.D. students, assistant professors, a proficient grant writer, and world-leading scientists to serve as research mentors for faculty and students
  • Texas Southern University (Texas) ($4,996,543): to progress and support increased research, expansion of graduate programs, recruiting, and establishing academic and industrial partnerships
  • Tennessee State University (Tennessee) ($4,946,573): to progress and support establishment of the Center of Biomedical Sciences to strengthen biomedical and behavioral research capacity and capabilities.

The new grant funding presents a vital resource for underserved, minority students and the HBCUs that play a central role in educating them. This initiative demonstrates the importance for HBCUs to excel in research that can positively impact funding, recruitment, and promote more diversity in grant funding worldwide.  

For more information on the Biden-Harris grant program and recipients, please visit The Department of Education.

Clark Atlanta University Forges New Path With First HBCU SMPTE Student Chapter

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CAU officially launched their SMPTE Student Chapter, the first-ever of its kind at an HBCU.

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), announced this past Wednesday that the chapter at CAU will give students the opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and trends, meet industry leaders and professionals, and to develop refine the skills they need to move into a workplace.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Dr. Michele Wright, an HBCU alum herself as a Tuskegee University grad, and the larger SMPTE team on dynamic projects to foster student success and professional sustainability,” said Dr. Brian Bentley, Assistant Professor & Dean at CAU.

“SMPTE is the gold standard for the industry, literally setting the standard with its color bars, time code, and so many others. A SMPTE Student Chapter at CAU will create fantastic possibilities for student and faculty development. In building this relationship with SMPTE and reaching this historic milestone, I believe we’ll also open up opportunities for other HBCUs.”

CAU was formed in 1988 with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College, both of which hold unique places in the annals of African American history.

Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Established four years later in 1869, Clark College was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. 

CAU will be home not just to the first SMPTE Student Chapter at an HBCU, but also to the 2024 Power of Color Symposium, a first-of-a-kind SMPTE event dedicated to the art and science of portraying aspects of color — diverse hues and human features — in film, TV, animation, and gaming.

More information about the new SMPTE chapter at CAU and the two-day symposium, Feb. 6-7 at CAU, is online at https://www.smpte.org/section-events/power-of-color-symposium.

Dr. Marcus H. Burgess Appointed Interim President Of Saint Augustine’s University

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Yesterday afternoon, The Board of Trustees announced Dr. Marcus H. Burgess as the new Interim President at Saint Augustine’s University.

Dr. Burgess recently served as VP for Institutional Advancement at Claflin University.

“I’m deeply honored to step into the role of Interim President at Saint Augustine’s University and am committed to advancing its mission of excellence in education,” said Dr. Burgess on Wednesday.

“I am committed to ushering in a new era of stability and growth for the university, ensuring its continued accreditation and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration. I stand with the dedicated faculty, staff, and students as we navigate these challenges and build a promising future for SAU.”  

Burgess also served several institutions in a leadership capacity, including York Technical College, Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens, FL, and Voorhees College as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement. 

The appointment comes days after former President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail was fired. In an interview with the News Observer Monday, McPhail stated she was informed Sunday that she was terminated for “unspecified reasons.” The firing came two days after the Southern Association of Colleges voted to strip SAU’s accreditation.

“I’m still trying to figure that out for myself,” she said.

Burgess is a native of Cades, South Carolina. He is a 1996 graduate of Claflin University, where he earned a BS in Elementary Education, a 2000 Graduate of The Citadel, earning an MS in Education Administration and Supervision, and a 2020 graduate of Vanderbilt University’s Peabody School of Education, earning a Doctorate of Education in Learning and Leadership in Organizations. 

He is married to Leandra Hayes-Burgess, Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Benedict College. They have three children: Marcus (Deuce), Mariana, and Tyler. 

Dr. Burgess’ interim appointment begins effective immediately.

Three HBCUs Receive Over $5 Million In Grants & Gifts

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According to a recent federal official report, HBCUs are underfunded by $12 billion. At least 16 states were found to have underfunded their HBCUs, but according to the U.S. Department of Education, the shortfall is more than $12 billion.

Despite this shortfall, significant strides have been made to ensure the financial success of our HBCU students. Such initiatives included fundraising and donations. These contributive efforts will present a vital financial resource to our students.

The following HBCU’s have recently announced they will receive the following:

Xavier University: To receive $5 million-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Innovation Program. Ouloide Yannick Goue, Physics assistant professor at Xavier, is the principal investigator for the university’s HERO-funded project.

“We are honored to be a part of the HERO project. This is a groundbreaking initiative that not only strengthens our community’s resilience but also paves the way for a more sustainable future,” said Dr. Sunda-Meya, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at XU.

Albany State University and Fort Valley State University: To receive grant from the Carol and Gene Ludwig Family Foundation via the The National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at GSU. The partner institutions will provide eligible students with modest financial support.

“We thank the Carol and Gene Ludwig Family Foundation for its support and partnership and appreciate their commitment to NISS’s mission of reducing barriers to student achievement and degree completion in higher education,” said Timothy Renick, executive director of the National Institute for Student Success.

Congratulations to all the HBCUs for these outstanding contributions!

Bowie State’s Myles Frost Makes Screen Debut In Ava DuVernay’s Film, “Origin”

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BSU student and Tony Award winning actor Myles Frost will make his first major film debut in Ava DuVernay’s “Origin.” Frost will play the role of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African American tragically killed in Sanford, Florida on February 26th, 2012.

The film is based on the book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson, and addresses the caste system of racial hierarchy and it’s impact in the United States.

“Trayvon Martin has never been portrayed this way on film before,” said Frost. “I try to show how much of a regular kid he was, show his personality, perseverance and strength in the best way. I’m just so blessed to be able to share that.”

Frost is a multi-talented actor, singer, songwriter, and dancer, who won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor for depicting Michael Jackson in “MJ: The Musical” on Broadway. The award winning actor will graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts this month.

“Myles Frost has given the word excellence an entire new meaning,” said Professor Tewodross M. Williams, BSU chairperson of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

“My first introduction to this amazing young man was through his work as an actor, producer and musician. He continues to surprise me with the depth of his talent. Myles is a shining star for our students, and an example of the dope talent coming out of Bowie State, our HBCUs and the DMV.”

Origin opened with a limited theater release in Los Angeles and New York on December 8. 

Since it’s premiere, the film has won two awards at the Virginia Film Festival and was nominated at the Venice International Film Festival, Hollywood Music in Media Awards and Washington, D.C. Area Film Critics Awards.

Other actors featured in “Origin” include Jon Bernthal, Aunjanue Ellis, Audra McDonald, Niecy Nash and Blair Underwood.

The film will release worldwide on January 19, 2024.

40th Annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball To Raise Funds & Awareness For HBCU Students

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The 2023 United Negro College Fund’s Mayor’s Masked Ball, set to take place this Saturday, December 16th at 6:00 PM is celebrating 40 years of raising awareness and fundraising for Black college education in Atlanta.

Since 1984, the fundraising gala for HBCU-seeking students has become an annual staple in Atlanta, —drawing large crowds and breaking million dollar marks several years in a row.

“Hank and Billye Aaron’s belief in our motto, ‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste,’ led them to co-found with former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, the first-ever Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball,” said Maurice Jenkins, UNCF’s Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer.

Because of its model success, the Mayor’s Masked Ball has been franchised across several other cities to help the UNCF raise funds for HBCU students.

The UNCF currently serves the following HBCU institutions:

Georgia

South Carolina

Tennessee

Past events have featured appearances from Reverend Raphael Warnock, Kandi Burruss, Young Jeezy, Jermaine Dupri, Babyface, Tyrese, and Morris Chestnut.

The 2023 gala will be hosted by newscaster Karyn Greer, with entertainment from Stephanie Mills, and will take place at The Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA.

Real Talk from BigFuture Gives Insight on Career and College Planning Paths for HBCU-Seeking Students

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According to a research report from College Board, nearly 90% of college-bound students prefer more career exploration in high school. 

With 70% of today’s jobs requiring some form of education beyond high school, helping students discover their options early can be a vital resource for their career exploration. 

It is here that Real Talk commits to stepping in for Black students, Black families, and our Black community.

What Is Real Talk?

Real Talk is a career and college exploration initiative led by College Board’s BigFuture®, a free planning guide helping students take the right first step after high school. Real Talk connects thousands of Black students with Black professionals and representatives from colleges and access organizations across the country. 

Ultimately, Real Talk empowers Black students to own their future, their way. 

Launched in 2020, Real Talk was developed to create a safe space for Black students to learn and engage, while addressing the range of possible options available to students pursuing a successful future. Real Talk hosts free, virtual events that students and families can attend live or view on demand at BigFuture.

Real Talk vows to meet every student wherever they may be on their college and career journey.

On Planning For The Future

“What do you want your experience to be? You have to sit down and think about what you’re looking for and ask, ‘What place am I going to get a good education and where I can thrive and grow.’” — Timothy Fields, Office of Admission-Undergraduate, Emory University

Real Talk provides Black students with free resources from BigFuture to help them take the right first steps after high school and encourages students by sharing how to:

Explore Careers: BigFuture connects students’ interests to career options via a 10-minute personalized career quiz based on their preferences.

Plan for College: Students can explore 4,400+ educational intuitions to find the right college for their career and college goals! The BigFuture College Search tool also features an HBCU filter to help HBCU-seeking students find the HBCU that best matches their future aspirations. View a sample search for colleges using HBCU on BigFuture, here.

Pay for College: A top concern for students is paying for college.  Real Talk demystifies this process by sharing opportunities to learn more about scholarships for Black students, financial aid, and the new FAFSA.

“What helped me was BigFuture. That was the reason I used BigFuture in the first place — I wanted scholarships specific to me. And I found myself completing all the objectives. I honestly didn’t think I was going to win. I was doing steps that would help me.”  — Justus Hadnot, Fort Scott Community College Sophomore, a $40,000 BigFuture Scholarship Winner

You can learn more about these efforts by attending free #RealTalkTuesday virtual events. Past #RealTalkTuesday events have featured guests such as an HBCU president, an Emmy award-winning art director and professional players from the NBA and NFL! 

This month, students and families can attend the upcoming #RealTalkTuesday event below:

Family members and educators are also encouraged to participate by signing up and attending future #RealTalkTuesday events!

To sign up and learn more about BigFuture’s Real Talk initiative, please visit https://bigfuture.org/realtalk.

Grambling State Women’s Basketball Defeats Wiley University 109-41

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Today was all game for Grambling State’s Lady Tigers (4-4) as they defeated The Wiley College Wildcats (0-1) this afternoon.

The starting five for today’s game included Douthshine Prien, Kaci Chairs, Arianna Mosley, Amanda Blake, and Demya Young, who’s shooting three took GSU over the century mark. The win comes after last week’s loss (103-69) during the anticipated matchup against University of Oklahoma.

However, The GSU Lady Tigers recently ranked No. 3 in NCAA Rebounds and No. 8 in Turnovers caused.

GSU will return this week on Wednesday, Dec 13th at noon to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Fans can watch the game on HBCUgo or follow GSU’s Twitter page for live stats.

NCAT Men & Women’s Indoor Track & Field Rank No. 1 In 60M Hurdle At Clemson Opener

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The North Carolina A&T University’s indoor track and field dominated the hurdle event this past Friday at the Clemson Opener in South Carolina. Four Aggies: Sophomore Jason Holmes, Senior Aveon Reid, Sophomore Thomas IV Smith, and Freshman Isaiah Taylor finished within the top-4 60-meter hurdle event.

In addition to ranking No.1 in the 60H, Holmes also had the fastest qualifying time, completing the preliminary event in 7.76.

The Aggies men and women came away with first-place finishes in the 60 hurdles. 

On the women’s side, Junior Lucheyona Weaver earned her second win of the season after running a personal best of 8.19 in the 60H. Freshman Serenity Brazell finished the 800M in 2:15.71, marking the first collegiate win of her career. Camille Herring also finished third behind Brazell at 2:21.90.

The win comes shortly after the men’s indoor track and field had an outstanding opening to the season catching the attention of the Coastal Athletic Association, selecting senior sprinter Caleb Jackson and junior thrower Carlos Alexander for CAA’s athletes of the week.

Last Friday’s event marked the last of the season. The Aggies will return January 13th, 2024 to compete at the Gamecock Open in South Carolina.

Women’s UAPB Basketball Celebrate 74-70 Win Over Arkansas Razorbacks

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The Women’s Arkansas Pine-Bluff scored a historic 74-70 win this past Saturday afternoon against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Lions who initially trailed by 12 points in the second half, made a dominant comeback effort in the end.

It was UAPB’s first defeat over the Razorbacks in rival history. UAPB Head Coach Dawn Thornton said she made sure her team (4-7) came into the game “believing they could pull it off.”

“We made history,” UAPB coach Dawn Thornton said. “I think anytime that you have an opportunity to do that, you have to celebrate it. Coach [Mike] Neighbors is a wonderful coach. He’s a legend. Never could I have imagined what that feels like to be able to beat Arkansas.”

UAPB graduate guard Zaay Green, scored a team-high of 21 points. Green, who previously plaed at Tennessee and Texas A&M, has been named the No. 10 prospect by ESPN HoopGurlz.

Game highlights include Coriah Beck shooting 4-of-12 in the second half for 11 points to power the Lady Lions forward after the break. Taliah Scott recorded 31 points and six rebounds, while Makayla Daniels contributed another 16 points

UAPB’s next game is December 21 at 1 p.m. against Ole Miss at the Clemmons Arena.