Latest news with #HistoricallyBlack
Miami Herald
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU fans offered direct flight for big Las Vegas game
Las Vegas is ready to welcome Jackson State fans in a big way for the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic-and now getting there just got easier. For those traveling from Mississippi, Southwest Airlines is offering nonstop flights from Jackson to Las Vegas to help Tiger fans represent at Allegiant Stadium. The inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic will feature a historic matchup between Jackson State and Grambling State on October 25, 2025. The game is presented by the Las Vegas Raiders and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). It will mark the 73rd all-time meeting between the two SWAC rivals, who have been foundational pillars of HBCU football for help fans get to the action, direct flights have been added from Jackson to Las Vegas. The outbound flight departs on October 23 at 11:00 AM and arrives in Las Vegas at 12:45 PM. The return trip departs Las Vegas on October 26 at 10:30 AM and arrives in Jackson at 3:55 PM. These exclusive nonstop flights ensure fans have ample time to enjoy the weekend's events. Those events include the game, pregame festivities, and performances from Jackson State's "Sonic Boom of the South" and Grambling's "World Famed" Tiger Marching Band. 'The Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium are proud to host the HBCU Classic, celebrating the rich legacy, talent, and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,' said Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan. She emphasized the franchise's long-standing ties to HBCU football and its enduring impact on the Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA, echoed those sentiments. "This game is more than just a competition-it's a celebration of culture, tradition, and community that resonates far beyond the field."With direct flights, a world-class venue, and two legendary HBCU programs, Jackson State fans have every reason to rep THEE Tigers in Las Vegas this October. The post HBCU fans offered direct flight for big Las Vegas game appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
HBCU Swingman Classic 2025: 'Our kids need to be seen,' says Ken Griffey Jr.
To Ken Griffey Jr., the picture – and the goal – is simple. 'If you look at what's going on in baseball, (there are) a lot of kids of color who are not playing baseball even though they may love the game of baseball,' Griffey told USA TODAY Sports by phone. 'They're not getting the recognition that they would like to advance to the next level.' That was the initial motivation to start the HBCU Swingman Classic, which brings together 50 Division I baseball players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Now in its third year, the 'Swingman' – named after Griffey – is a chance for the athletes to perform on a bigger stage as Major League Baseball begins its All-Star Week celebrations at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, on Friday, July 11 (7 p.m. ET, MLB Network). 'For me, it's just an opportunity to give some of these kids an opportunity to be seen,' said Griffey, who hit 630 career home runs and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. Sixteen HBCUs will be represented in the game. There will be a flavor of Black baseball and Atlanta throughout the festivities. Brian Jordan will manage the 'National League' squad, while fellow David Justice will lead the 'American League' team. Martin Luther King III will throw out the first pitch, while Emily Haydel, the granddaughter of Hank Aaron, will be a sideline reporter on the broadcast. But the Swingman goes beyond racial lines. Any player who attends a HBCU is eligible to play in the game. 'Because there are plenty of kids who are White and don't have money and they go to HBCUs and they want to continue to play,' Griffey said. 'Yes, you're going to see a few more Black people playing, but it's not about the color of your skin. It's the school that you go to.' With a more streamlined and tapped-in selection process thanks to expanding relationships with HBCU coaches, the talent pool at Swingman has only improved since its inception. Both MLB employees and MLB Players' Association officials are part of the selection panel for players who 'may have been overlooked.' Three players from the event were selected in the draft after the inaugural 2023 edition and two players were taken last year. Griffey thinks baseball has to take a page out of the pre-NIL college football recruiting manual that set up the championship programs such Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide or Dabo Swinney's Clemson Tigers. 'I think the sad part is that the scouting department has gone away from trying to find these diamonds in the rough,' Griffey said. Instead, scouts rely too much on data and other advanced metrics, in Griffey's opinion. It comes down to manpower and placing the scouts with the proper mindset in the applicable areas. As a senior adviser to commissioner Rob Manfred, it's a conversation Griffey is having in baseball's most powerful rooms. 'It has been discussed and it's getting to a point where it's coming around,' he said. 'It's just going to take some time. Back when my dad played, people went everywhere. Now, if it's not on a computer … they can't understand talent unless they see it. I sat there and watched. That eye test. That hearing test. 'What does it look like when it comes off the bat? What does it look like when he throws the ball?'' But the Swingman isn't about the eye test or advanced analytics. It's about opportunity, and it's why the game should be a staple as long as he has a voice in the league office. 'Our kids need to be seen,' Griffey said. 'Because they don't have the facilities where they can go in there and measure exit velo, spin rate. All these things cost money and they just don't have that type of money. 'You give a kid an opportunity to be successful, and that's all you ask for.'
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Tennessee State Hockey team on ice for now according to report
Tennessee State University's historic men's hockey program will delay its debut according to a published report. Originally set to make history as the first ice hockey team at a public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the 2025–26 season, the program will now reportedly aim for a 2026–27 launch. As reported by The Tennessean, the delay stems from a mix of financial and logistical challenges, including the lack of a home rink, limited fundraising, and broader uncertainty around the university's financial health. A source familiar with the situation confirmed the postponement, though no official announcement has been made. The men's hockey team was first unveiled at Bridgestone Arena in 2023 ahead of the NHL Draft, marking a groundbreaking step for HBCUs and the sport's diversification. However, the excitement has been tempered by concerns that have built over the past two years. Tennessee State has faced significant internal turmoil, including leadership turnover, declining enrollment, and budget deficits. Interim President Dwayne Tucker, who took office in December, warned earlier this year that the school would run out of funding without immediate intervention. In response, Tucker developed a five-year financial plan and negotiated with state officials for $96 million in funding, which was approved in June. That money, redirected from infrastructure reserves, is expected to stabilize the university's operations. It remains unclear if any of those funds will support athletics or the delayed hockey program. Despite the setbacks, supporters hope the program can regroup and make its long-awaited debut in 2026–27, keeping alive the vision of expanding hockey into new and more diverse communities. Reporting credit: The Tennessean The post Tennessee State Hockey team on ice for now according to report appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
HBCU stars shine on screen in BMF
The third season of Starz's critically acclaimed crime drama BMF continues to grip audiences with its fast-paced storytelling, complex characters, and compelling cultural backdrops. But this season, it's not just the drug wars or the rise of the Flenory empire that has fans buzzing-it's the unexpected romance between two younger characters: Werm and Nikki. Their dynamic has not only added emotional depth to the show but has also put a spotlight on two rising talents who proudly represent the legacy of their HBCU institutions. Introduced as a fresh face in Big Meech and Tee's Detroit circle, Werm (played by Dijon S. Means) quickly drew attention for his calculated street presence and unpredictable loyalty. But it wasn't until he locked eyes with Nikki (played by Laila D. Pruitt), the youngest Flenory sibling, that his character took a surprising turn. As Nikki begins to seek independence and push boundaries, her growing interest in Werm adds emotional and narrative weight to the season. Their chemistry is undeniable, drawing fans into a love story that feels both sweet and dangerous. Viewers have flooded social media with reactions to the couple's evolution-from playful flirtations to secret glances and finally a romantic bond that puts both of them at personal and familial risk. Adding another layer of realism, the storyline touches on Nikki's real-life connection to HBCU culture. In the show, her boyfriend has left Detroit for college at Clark Atlanta University, creating a long-distance challenge that mirrors the emotional tug-of-war between teenage love and new beginnings. What makes this on-screen relationship even more meaningful is the off-screen connection both actors have to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dijon S. Means is a 2020 graduate of Winston-Salem State University and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. His portrayal of Werm-a young man drawn into the drug trade to support his family and fund his education-echoes a story far too familiar in underserved communities. Means' own educational journey at an HBCU has helped ground his performance in authenticity and emotional nuance. Meanwhile, Laila D. Pruitt, who plays Nikki, is currently enrolled at the illustrious Howard University. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Pruitt brings not only talent but lived experience as a young woman balancing education, ambition, and identity-all of which inform Nikki's transformation from little sister to young adult seeking her own way. Their real-life affiliations with Black Greek-letter organizations and commitment to education aren't just fun facts-they're part of what makes this pairing so resonant for audiences who see themselves in these stories. The presence of Means and Pruitt on BMF is more than a casting win; it's a win for HBCU visibility in mainstream media. As Hollywood slowly embraces broader, more inclusive narratives, showcasing talented actors with roots in HBCUs ensures that Black excellence-especially the kind cultivated on historic campuses like WSSU and Howard-is no longer sidelined. By weaving real-world experience into fictional roles, these two young stars are redefining what it means to portray authentic Black stories. For fans of BMF, Werm and Nikki may be just a subplot-but for HBCU communities and aspiring actors alike, they represent the future The post HBCU stars shine on screen in BMF appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU Bluebloods to Meet at NBA All-Star Weekend
Two of the most storied programs in HBCU basketball history are going Hollywood. Hampton University and North Carolina A&T State University. Longtime rivals and current members of the Coastal Athletic Association will square off in the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T, part of NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. The official date, tip-off time, and broadcast details will be announced in the coming months, but the significance of this CAA showdown is already crystal clear. 'The CAA is excited to partner with the NBA in showcasing the Hampton and North Carolina A&T men's basketball programs in a conference matchup set to take place in the NBA HBCU Classic,' said CAA Commissioner Joe D'Antonio. 'The NBA has been a consistent supporter in bringing elevated exposure to HBCUs. We are eager to see two of our institutions shine at NBA All-Star 2026 in February.' The NBA HBCU Classic is the league's flagship showcase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the 2026 edition promises star power, history, and plenty of pride. Hampton and North Carolina A&T boast decades of competition, championship pedigree, and cultural impact. 'Both schools have produced quality student-athletes from Al Attles to Rick Mahorn and have shaped American history with such prominent figures as the A&T Four and Booker T. Washington, said A&T Athletic Director Earl M. Hilton III. Hampton is just as excited. 'This is not only a tremendous opportunity for two historic institutions to showcase the talent, tradition, and excellence of our student-athletes on a national stage. But also a celebration of the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Added Hampton AD Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. "Thank you to the NBA and the CAA for this unbelievable opportunity. We look forward to bringing Pirate pride to the West Coast and providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our student-athletes.' Since its inception, the NBA HBCU Classic has been a key pillar in the league's broader commitment to amplify Black institutions and athletes. It's not just about basketball-it's about opportunity, visibility, and legacy. For Hampton and A&T, this is more than a game. It's a platform. With NBA All-Star Weekend drawing global media attention and celebrity buzz. The 2026 HBCU Classic will elevate the programs, the players, and the powerful stories behind these two institutions. The lights of Los Angeles will be bright, but for two proud HBCUs, it'll feel just like home. The post HBCU Bluebloods to Meet at NBA All-Star Weekend appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
