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.

LSU Jayden Daniels Keeps Streak Alive, Becomes 4th Consecutive Black Heisman Trophy Winner

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After historic-winning season, LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels wins the 2023 Heisman Trophy. Daniels was announced as the winner this past Saturday over finalists Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix.

Daniels joins Joe Burrow (2019) and Billy Cannon (1959) as the third ever LSU Heisman winner and the second LSU quarterback recipient of the award.

“I want to dedicate this award to every boy or girl who has a dream. With faith and hard work, you never know what’s possible,” The Tigers quarterback said during his Saturday night acceptance speech.

“They said I was too skinny, so I added weight. They said I relied on my legs a little bit too much, so you know what? I went to work. I completed all those passes and had the season I had…they said I was too quiet, so I became more vocal and stepped out of my comfort zone, and now I’m here today.”

In addition to thanking his coach, trainers, and staffers, Daniels turned to his family and how they shaped him into a respectable football player.

“Dad, you put a football in my hands when I was young. I know you raised me to be a corner, but hopefully now the decision to play quarterback paid off.”

“You encouraged me to always better myself because you always believed in me no matter what. I graduated in three years because that’s something you pushed me to do. And here I am now on this stage. I love you, Mom.”

Daniels, who initially committed to Arizona State in 2018, led the Sun Devils to a 20-14 victory at the 2019 Sun Bowl and a 2-2 record in 2020. In 2022, Daniels transferred to LSU where he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in the 2023 season.

Over Daniels’ five-year college career, he amassed record breaking stats such as becoming the first player in FBS history with over 12,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards.

Daniels joins 37 African American winners to hold the prestigious honor.

Let’s Talk About Human Rights Day

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December is a widely known host to many celebrations. Still, no holiday compares to that of celebrating the basic rights of every human. This Human Rights Day, we commit to celebrate this year’s theme of freedom, equality, and justice for all. 

Human Rights Day is a world annual celebration observed on December 10th. The date is in honor of the adoption and proclamation of the United Nations General Assembly on December 10th, 1948. The holiday was formally established via The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, two years later on December 10th, 1950.            

Political activist, Eleanor Roosevelt who chaired the committee in 1946, was instrumental in drafting the Declaration to successful completion. Additional key figures include Hansa Mehta, Minerva Bernardino, and Evdokia Uralova. 

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a 30-article international document that preserves the freedoms of every individual. The declaration is recognized as one of the first major achievements of the UN, and the first global statement executed on human rights. 

In over 500 languages, The UDHR holds the Guinness World Record (next to the Bible), as the most translated document in history. 

Human Rights Day is normally commemorated by both political conferences and cultural events related to liberty and equality. 

Past key observances have included: 

  1. The 2004 Joint Press Release commending the European Union for their endorsement of protecting human rights.
  2. The 2014 Every Day is Human Rights Day campaign in 2014 to celebrate the Universal Declaration. 
  3. The 2019 Civil Front Rally organized in Hong Kong with a call to end “universal suffrage.”

2023 Theme: Freedom, Equality and Justice for All

Since its inception in 1948, The UDHR has since served as the establishment for an expanding system of human rights protection today that centers on vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and migrants.

With the new and ongoing world challenges of today, —pandemics, conflicts, inequalities, racism, climate change – the moral values, and rights encompassed in the UDHR provide enlightenment for our collective actions that commit to leave no one behind. 

The year-long Human Rights 75 initiative seeks to shift understanding and action towards greater knowledge of universality and activism.

The Universal Declaration turns 75!

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted and proclaimed on December 10th, 1948. In honor of this milestone, the United Nations launched a year long campaign in 2022 to highlight its focus on the declaration’s legacy, relevance, and activism. 

The initiative includes promoting universality, forging the future, and supporting engagement to help commemorate and strengthen more rights throughout the world. 

“Together, let’s rejuvenate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, demonstrate how it can meet the needs of our time AND advance its promise of freedom, equality and justice for all”.— United Nations of Human Rights, December 2022

Upcoming Events: 

This Human Rights Day, we urge you to get inspired, involved, and informed about your basic rights. The time is always now.

If you would like to learn more about The HR Initiative and organization, please visit: https://www.ohchr.org/en/human-rights-75/human-rights-75-countdown

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Allocates $152 Million to Four HBCUs in 24-25 Budget

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On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled his FY 2024-25 Focus on Florida’s Future budget proposal. In addition to the $152 million HBCU designation, the budget included a $10 million allocation to four HBCUs in support of “facility hardening needs.”

The four HBCUs named were: Florida A&M University, Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters University and Florida Memorial University.

With $4.6 million less from the current year’s budget, it’s evident DeSantis wants to save more next year. The expenses, while relevant to maintaining facility needs as the respective HBCUs, did not go far enough to address its security needs.

However, Gov. DeSantis’ budget did include $1 million for FSU’s bowl game snub.

Such security measure needs could be referenced to incidents like the August 2023 Dollar General shooting in Jacksonville, Florida. Three Black people were murdered after the shooter tried to enter Edward Waters University.

“While the Governor appropriately proposes measures to address Jewish student safety, I was struck by the conspicuous absence of protections for Historically Black Colleges and Universities as they face a troubling increase of campus threats,” Sen. Shervin Jones said.

“Our goal must be safety across the board – not just for some communities.”

DeSantis has yet to address the growing security concerns at HBCUs. However, he did note during his press conference on Tuesday that “key investments would be made toward subjects that really matter like “education, infrastructure, and transportation.”

“Florida’s success is proof positive that when you establish a foundation of governing on conservative principles, success will follow. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish over the next year.”

To read the full Focus on Florida’s Future budget, please visit the Florida Governor Newsroom.

Fisk University To Host Historic Gymnast Meet Led By Black Women Coaches

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On January 15th, 2024, Fisk University, the first HBCU with a gymnastics team, will host a historic meet in Nashville, Tennessee. The Black women gymnasts will face off against five other teams led by all Black women coaches.

“This will be the first event of this kind in the history of our sport,” said Corrine Tarver, FU’s Head Gymnasts Coach.

“There are some more exciting things that will be happening around it. Vanderbilt has been a great partner. We are glad that the Nashville MLK Day Committee is also a partner. We want the whole city to come out to watch.”

FU gymnasts will be led by Coach Corinne Tarver, the first Black gymnast to win the 1989 NCAA all-around title. Tarver was also named a U.S. National Team member during the 1985-1986 season. 

Participating schools include: Brown University, Iowa State University, Rutgers University, Talladega University, and William & Mary University. The event will be held at the Vanderbilt University’s Memorial Gymnasium.

The historic meet is now officially adopted as a annual event to celebrate African American inclusion in sports during Nashville’s MLK celebration week.

Last year, Fisk University forged a new path in gymnastics, becoming the first HBCU with a team in the field. Now the Tennessee HBCU will make history again with a first-of-its- kind competition.

For more information on the 2023-24 FU Gymnasts schedule or to purchase tickets, please visit Fisk University Athletics.

College Board Revamps Controversial 2024 AP Black History Course

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On Wednesday, College Board announced their revised framework for the AP African American Studies course set to launch in 2024. The course was updated amid intense public controversy in February 2023, when the course was initially announced.

The testing company received widespread backlash for engaging with conservatives, like Gov. Ron DeSantis regarding criticism of the course. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis blocked the course in Florida earlier this year, citing the course “pushing a political agenda.”

“In the state of Florida, our education standards not only don’t prevent, but they require teaching Black history, all the important things. We want education and not indoctrination.”

In response, College Board extended an invitation to experienced AP professionals and subject-matter experts to revisit the course.

“This course is a vibrant introduction to a dynamic field that offers a broader perspective. It invites students to develop analytical skills while examining African Americans’ wide-ranging experiences, contributions, and creativity, and the impact of the broader African diaspora on the world we live in,” said Dr. Brandi Waters, Senior Director for College Board AP Studies Program.

According to a 2022 report from The Pew Research Center, nearly nine-in-ten African Americans say they’re “less likely to be informed about Black history” from school or college. Many Black Americans cite “family and friends” as their primary source of knowledge.

This notable reality speaks to the growing concern of how well informed America in general should be regarding Black history.

The revamped course framework will represent more than 3 years of diligent development by nearly 300 African American scholars, teachers, and experts in the Advanced Placement program.

The revisions to the course framework will expand to include discourse on topics such as:

  • Tulsa Race Massacre
  • Housing discriminatory practices
  • Feminism and Intersectionality
  • African American impact on film, culture, and sports

The AP course will be available to all schools in the U.S. starting next year in 2024.

To learn more on the course framework, please visit The College Board Newsroom.