Latest news with #Historically
USA Today
06-08-2025
- Business
- USA Today
How Hardy L Pelt and Todd F Brown are Rewriting Black-Owned Media Broadcasting with Urban Edge Network
In a media landscape still dominated by legacy networks and monopolized narratives, Urban Edge Network (UEN) is changing the channel, literally and figuratively. Co-founded by industry veterans Hardy L. Pelt and Todd F Brown, UEN is a Black-owned sports broadcasting and ad tech company on a transformational mission to amplify underrepresented voices, build real commercial equality, and most importantly, put live sports content from underserved institutions on the national and global stage. Together, Pelt and Brown have spearheaded the path for inclusion, while redefining what ownership, access, and innovation look like in sports media. 'We're a Black-owned media company, yes, and that's something we take great pride in,' says Pelt, a seasoned sports executive whose exciting career began in 1988 as a ball boy and equipment manager for the Orlando Magic. 'But we're also an ad-tech company. Everything we broadcast is free to watch. We're monetizing through advertisements, not subscriptions.' From his early experience in locker room access, Pelt rose to become Vice President of Corporate Sales and Services for the Golden State Warriors. His path has been driven by corporate expertise and community passion, especially for HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), which he realized were being left behind at a time when media pivoted to ad-driven tech. Witnessing this became the catalyst for UEN's genesis. 'What I found was that the HBCUs were still operating in a 1960s revenue model. Meanwhile, the ad industry has moved far beyond that,' Pelt exclaims. What began as a collective effort to empower Black institutions with greater media representation has grown into something much broader, and importantly, more powerful. UEN now holds broadcasting licenses across predominantly white institutions, along with partnerships with HBCUs and the Texas Legends in the NBA G League. 'The beauty of sports,' Pelt says, 'is that it transcends race, color, and creed. It's a great unifier. And as a media company, that belief has enabled us to look beyond those barriers and stand united.' But even with a strong vision and momentum, the path forward wasn't without friction. Pelt recalls the difficult early days, 'There were many hurdles along the way, and we often faced trouble connecting with people who couldn't see what we had to offer. But that wasn't going to stop me. I just needed a better way to reach out to them.' And quickly, everything began to shift when Pelt was introduced to Todd Brown. 'I didn't know him. Looked him up online, I spoke to him briefly, telling him about my visions, and almost immediately, he started finishing my sentences,' Pelt says. 'He was the first person I met who completely understood the problem and had the experience to help solve it. It was the perfect fit.' Much like Pelt, Brown also brings a formidable experience to the table. He was the former VP at a multinational media conglomerate, former Chairman of the American Diabetes Association, and co-creator of TheGrio, a news publication focusing on African American stories. With deep roots in television broadcasting and empowering black communities, Brown brought a layer of media strategy and infrastructure knowledge that matched Pelt's marketing and sales expertise. 'We complement each other,' says Pelt. 'I'm the facilitator, the one out there building relationships and knocking on doors. Todd's the counsel, I call him when I hit a wall, and he gives me the insight I need. That's why it works.' Together, they've built UEN into a thriving Black-owned streaming network in the country, delivering over 2,000 live and on-demand sporting events each year. And they're not stopping there. What began as a grassroots push for media equality in Black college athletics is on its way to becoming a global platform for underrepresented sports and stories. The company is now setting its sights on international expansion, starting with soccer in the Middle East. 'When I took the blinders off, I realized this isn't just about Black schools,' Pelt shares. 'It's about any athlete, any team, any community that's not being seen. That's the real market. That's where we're going.' Aside from offering sensational sports programming, UEN's model offers schools and conferences visibility with real economic return through advertising, branded content, and programmatic monetization. But its larger mission is just as vital, if not more. 'When you see UEN,' Pelt shares, 'I want you to see the best of a people, the best of a country, and hopefully the best that people can achieve. I want everyone, Black, white, whoever, to be proud of what two guys came together and built, and hopefully that motivates somebody to do what their vision is in life.'
Miami Herald
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Cleveland Browns add another HBCU product to its roster
The Cleveland Browns have signed cornerback Keenan Isaac, a former Alabama State University standout. His addition continues the team's growing investment in talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Isaac becomes the second former Alabama State player currently on the roster, joining wide receiver Kisean Johnson. Isaac (6-3, 190) is entering his second NFL season. He originally signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Last season, he appeared in five games with Tampa Bay. In spring 2025, he played for the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL. Isaac brings experience and size to Cleveland's secondary. He will wear No. 38. The Browns also added wide receiver Chase Cota from Oregon in the same transaction. Cota (6-4, 205) previously spent time with the Lions, Chiefs, and Texans. He'll wear No. 81 as he looks to compete for a roster spot. Another HBCU representative on the Browns roster is rookie offensive tackle Jason Ivey. Ivey played at North Carolina A&T and stands 6-foot-5, weighing 300 pounds. He wears No. 72 and is entering his first NFL camp. The Browns also drafted quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders began his college career at Jackson State, where he earned two SWAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. He later transferred to Colorado. Now, he joins a quarterback group in Cleveland that's drawing national attention. With Isaac, Johnson, Ivey, and Sanders all on the roster, Cleveland is becoming a notable destination for HBCU-developed talent. The Browns are also preparing for a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers, scheduled ahead of their upcoming preseason matchup. The joint sessions will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, and are expected to provide valuable reps for young players like Shedeur Sanders, Keenan Isaac, and Jason Ivey. These practices give coaches a chance to evaluate talent in a competitive but controlled environment. For players battling for roster spots, it's a key opportunity to make a strong impression. The Browns will face the Panthers in preseason action following the joint practices, giving both teams a final tune-up before roster cuts. The post Cleveland Browns add another HBCU product to its roster appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
WNBA expansion opens new doors for HBCU Hoopers
The WNBA is growing, and that's major news for the game-and for HBCU athletes aiming to break through to the professional ranks. On Monday, the WNBA announced it's adding three new franchises, bringing the league to a record 18 teams. Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit joins in 2029, and Philadelphia will tip off in 2030. This follows the addition of the Golden State Valkyries this season and two previously announced expansion teams set to launch next year in Toronto, Canada, and Portland, Oregon. The league's decision comes after its most successful season to date-shattering records for viewership, attendance, and merchandise sales. According to the WNBA, the cities were chosen based on factors like market strength, ownership commitment, fan support, corporate backing, and community investment. This expansion isn't just about adding teams-it's about creating space in a league where roster spots have historically been hard to come by. That's especially true for players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), who have often found their professional dreams blocked by the numbers game. Recent cases prove how tight the window has been. Norfolk State's Diamond Johnson, one of the most electrifying guards in the country, signed a training camp contract with the Minnesota Lynx after going undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Despite her talent, Johnson was waived before the season began. Zaay Green, a former UAPB standout who finished her college career at Alabama, was drafted 32nd overall by the Washington Mystics. Unfortunately, she didn't make the final roster. These stories aren't isolated-they're part of a long-standing challenge for HBCU athletes looking to enter the W. With more teams on the horizon, there's hope that the path to the pros will finally start to widen. HBCU programs like Jackson State, Norfolk State, and Howard have shown they can produce elite talent. Now, with the WNBA creating more opportunities, that talent may have more room to shine. As the league continues to grow-with MVP favorites like Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces leading the charge-the future looks bright not just for the WNBA, but for the next wave of HBCU hoopers ready to make their mark. The post WNBA expansion opens new doors for HBCU Hoopers appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Business Wire
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Wire
Tickets Now on Sale for the 5th Annual Jackson T. Stephens Cup at Shoreacres
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Jackson T. Stephens Cup ('The Stephens Cup'), the premier collegiate golf tournament, today announced that tickets are officially on sale and the opening of volunteer registration for the fifth annual event, to be held September 15–17, 2025, at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Named in honor of the late Jackson T. Stephens—former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and a lifelong champion of the sport—the tournament carries forward his enduring legacy of sportsmanship, excellence, and the belief in nurturing the next generation of golf's elite. The Stephens Cup serves as a national stage for the NCAA's top golf programs and stars to compete at one of the country's most prestigious and storied venues. An Elite Field at a Historic Venue The 2025 Stephens Cup will feature top-tier NCAA Division I programs, including rising talent from U.S. Service Academies and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) competing as individuals. This year's women's field is headlined by the 2025 NCAA Champion University of Northwestern, runner-up Stanford University, and third-place University of Oregon. Men's Field: University of Arizona, Louisiana State University, University of North Carolina, Northwestern University, Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas Women's Field: Northwestern University, University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, Stanford University, University of Texas and Wake Forest University Fans can now purchase daily grounds passes (Monday – Wednesday), week-long passes, and VIP hospitality packages. All tickets include access to general parking and are available online at Admission is free for fans under 17 when accompanied by a ticketed adult. To inquire about ticketing, including group or corporate packages, please contact: jtsc@ Volunteer registration is now available for the 2025 Jackson T. Stephens Cup. Community members are invited to participate as volunteers and play a vital role in bringing this nationally televised event to life. Volunteers will enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, special event perks, and the opportunity to be part of one of the most celebrated tournaments in college golf. Register today at or email jtsc@ with the subject line '2025 Volunteer Opportunities' to learn more. 2025 Tournament Schedule Sunday, Sep. 14, 2025: Official Practice Round (AM) & Collegiate-Am Event (PM) Monday, Sep. 15, 2025: Stroke Play (36 holes) Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025: Stroke Play (18 holes) Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025: Match Play Final Round by seed (1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4, etc.) The tournament will be broadcast live on GOLF Channel, offering national visibility and showcasing the next generation of golf's elite in a format built to honor the values and vision of Jackson T. Stephens. For more information, visit: About The Jackson T. Stephens Cup: The Jackson T. Stephens Cup is an annual collegiate golf tournament honoring the legacy of the late Jackson T. Stephens, former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and a lifelong advocate for the game. This premier three-day event features a combination of stroke play and match play, showcasing NCAA Division I National Championship-contending men's and women's teams, along with standout individuals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and U.S. Military Service Academies. This year marks a meaningful milestone as Miles and John Stephens, grandsons of the tournament's namesake, step into leadership roles as co-chairs—carrying forward their grandfather's legacy of sportsmanship, excellence, and the belief in nurturing the next generation of golf's elite. The Alotian Club in Roland, Arkansas, serves as the tournament's home course and will host the event every four to five years, in rotation with other top-tier venues across the country. For more information, visit and follow the tournament on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Brenda Elaine Donaldson, Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Ms. Brenda Elaine Donaldson, 71, of Youngstown, transitioned to eternal peace with the Lord on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Ms. Donaldson was born October 26, 1953, in Lyndhurst, Virginia, a daughter of George R. and Bernice F. Hodges Bell. Find obituaries from your high school She was a 1971 graduate of Stuart's Draft High School and later graduated from nursing school in Virginia where she received her LPN license. Brenda had been employed with Northside Hospital as a nurse for more than 25 years and later retired from Care Source as a Case Manager in 2019. She was a member of Mega Church in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as a co-lead intercessor, worked with the Children's Choir, and Women's Ministry. She also served on the intercessory team at the former New Life Church in Cortland, Ohio, and on the Praise and Worship Ministry and Youth Music Ministry at the former Evangel Assembly of God in Youngstown, Ohio. Brenda had worked as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America at Martin Luther Lutheran Church and the Parent Teacher Association at the former Sheridan Elementary School, both in Youngstown, Ohio. She was a member of the Nurses Secret Sisters, a union representative for Northside Hospital, the Southside Neighborhood Block Watch; and an usher at the DeYor Performing Arts Center. She was also supporter and donor to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In addition to her volunteer work, Brenda enjoyed canning, knitting and harvesting fruits and vegetables from local farms in Ohio and her hometown in Virginia. You knew Brenda loved your company if she ever gave you a jar of her strawberry jam, can of pickles or chow-chow, a hand-written card with a kind note, or if she gave you a blanket she knitted with your favorite colors. She leaves to cherish her memory and to celebrate her life and legacy, two children, Stanley (Nicole) Donaldson Jr. of Norfolk, Virginia, and Stacey Donaldson of Crofton, MD; two grandchildren, Savannah and Sadie Donaldson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and dear friends. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, George Russell 'Butch' Bell, Jr. and David Bell. Visitation will be Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Rising Star Baptist Church, 2943 Wardle Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio. A celebration of life service will follow at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brenda Elaine Donaldson, please visit our floral store. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
