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HBCU ORIGINAL

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1 year ago

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CNN — 

After 35 years, the cast of “A Different World” has reunited on a tour of historically Black colleges and universities to promote enrollment and raise scholarship funding for current and future students.

“A Different World” was a spin-off of “The Cosby Show” that followed Denise Huxtable’s character, played by Lisa Bonet, as she attended Hillman College, a fictional HBCU in Virginia.

The “A Different World HBCU College Tour 2024” kicked off Thursday at the Atlanta University Center as the cast visited Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College.

Cast members on the tour include Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Glynn Turman, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown and Darryl Bell.

Bell, who played Ron Johnson on the sitcom, helped organize the tour. He told CNN he sees the campus visits as an opportunity to honor the legacy of the show and introduce a new generation to HBCUs.

“Not a day goes by, for all of us who were involved with the show, where someone doesn’t come up to us and say, ‘I went to an HBCU because I watched ‘A Different World,’” Bell said.

Bell told CNN it’s important for young Black students to consider attending HBCUs because they will not only get a great education, but there’s also a special sense of family.

“HBCUs have produced some of our greatest leaders, greatest minds and greatest thinkers,” Bell said, adding that at HBCUs “there’s an investment that is much more personal.”

Notable HBCU alumni include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Kamala Harris, Spike Lee, Oprah Winfrey, Thurgood Marshall, Samuel L. Jackson and Booker T. Washington.

After the cast visited Spelman, Helene Gayle, the president of the college, posted on X that “it was only fitting that they chose to kick off their HBCU College Tour at Spelman,” as several buildings on campus were used in the show to depict the fictional Hillman College.

“A Different World” was also known for tackling difficult and controversial subjects, and students had an opportunity to ask the cast about their experience filming the show during a Q&A session, according to CNN affiliate WXIA.

Kadeem Hardison, who played Dwayne Wayne in the show, recalled one of his favorite episodes, which tackled race relations.

“We got into kind of a racial tension argument, beef, with these White guys and they put us in jail,” Hardison told the audience. “And we had some good talks, some good listening and some good dialogue between all of us. And what it showed was that we’ll get much further if we listen — if you listen to people and you try and see it from their point of view, it will help you understand them better.”

Bell told CNN he’s amazed at the impact the show – and the fictional Hillman College – has had on influencing students to attend HBCUs.

“The only sad thing about ‘A Different World’ is the same frequency with which folks come up and say, I want to apply to Hillman. And I’m like, I’m sorry, that’s where we able to draw the line.  Hillman is not real; you cannot go to Hillman.  You could go to Hampton, you go to Howard, there’s some other choices. But Hillman is not in the cards,” Bell told CNN.

HBCU enrollment increased 26% between 1976 and 1994, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. But the agency noted, “virtually all of the increase occurred between 1986 and 1994.”

“A Different World” aired from 1987 until 1993.

In April, the tour will visit Howard University, Alabama State University and Tuskegee University. Throughout the tour, students will be invited to participate in seminars on financial literacy, career coaching and networking. The cast will also hold voter registration drives on campuses to increase civic participation ahead of the 2024 election.

“The need for Black, Brown and poor people to be registered to vote and have their voices heard is essential,” Bell told CNN.

He said the tour has received requests to visit some predominately White colleges and universities as well.

“Some of the largest schools, while not HBCUs, have large African American and Hispanic communities that want to be engaged with us in our content,” he said.

So far, the tour has raised $50,000 in scholarship funding and has set a goal to raise $1 million by the end of the tour.

But ultimately, Bell said, the tour is about inspiring future generations to keep the legacy of HBCUs – even fictional ones like Hillman College – alive.

“It’s about having an opportunity, about having a pathway to a career,” he said.

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HBCU ORIGINAL

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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Alumni Impact

NCCU’s Juan Velarde Named Finalist for Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award

HBCU ORIGINAL

Published

3 months ago

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October 30, 2024

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DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University’s Juan Velarde has secured his spot as one of 13 finalists for the prestigious Doris Robinson Award, presented by FedEx, which recognizes the top scholar-athlete in FCS football.

Velarde, who graduated in December 2023 with a degree in business administration with a focus on entrepreneurship, is now advancing his studies in NCCU’s MBA program while maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. A member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and NCCU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Velarde’s accomplishments extend beyond the classroom. He’s also part of the University Honors Program and serves on the North Carolina Governor’s Advisory Council for Hispanic and Latino Affairs, adding to his impressive résumé.

Known for his impact in the Durham community, Velarde dedicates time to volunteer at local schools, continuing his leadership and service beyond the field.

On the gridiron, Velarde has dominated as a two-time MEAC Specialist of the Week, ranking among the top punters nationwide with a 44.4-yard punt average. With eight of his 31 punts traveling over 50 yards and 11 landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, he’s helped shape the field position game for the Eagles. Velarde’s kicking is equally impressive, going 4-for-5 on field goals, including a 43-yard kick against Campbell.

If selected, Velarde would join former defensive lineman Jessie Malit, who won the Doris Robinson Award in 2020, as NCCU’s second honoree. Established in 2015, the Doris Robinson Award honors FCS student-athletes who demonstrate remarkable commitment to their team, academics, and community, upholding the legacy of Doris Robinson, the former schoolteacher and wife of the legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson.

In partnership with FedEx, the Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award reinforces a commitment to supporting student-athletes’ future success. FedEx further promotes this mission through the Career Expose – College Pathways Program, offering resources that prepare young leaders for life after college sports.

Finalists will be featured on The Analyst in November, with the award recipient announced on Dec. 10, followed by an awards ceremony at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas. The banquet will also highlight the Walter Payton, Buck Buchanan, Jerry Rice, Eddie Robinson, and the inaugural HBCU FCS Player of the Year Awards.

For all NCCU Athletics updates, check out NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.

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Alumni Impact

How to Watch Morehouse College vs. Howard University: TV, Live Stream Info, and Location for the 2024 HBCU NY Classic

HBCU ORIGINAL

Published

5 months ago

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September 13, 2024

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By Mary Omatiga

Published: September 12, 2024, 09:00 AM

This Saturday, September 14, Morehouse College takes on Howard University in the 3rd annual HBCU NY Classic, airing live on CNBC and streaming on Peacock. This highly anticipated matchup kicks off the start of HBCU Homecoming week, where fans, students, and alumni will gather at MetLife Stadium for the world’s largest HBCU Homecoming celebration.

Expect a day filled with exciting festivities, including a drumline showcase, step show, and a battle of the bands, all culminating in a halftime performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Sean Paul. Live coverage of the game begins at 3:00 PM ET. Find out how to tune in below.

How to Watch Morehouse College vs. Howard University:

  • Date: Saturday, September 14
  • Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
  • Time: 3:00 PM ET
  • TV Channel: CNBC
  • Live Stream: Peacock

Game Location:

The game will be held at MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Giants and Jets, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Head-to-Head Matchup:

The Morehouse Tigers and Howard Bison share a fierce rivalry dating back to the 1920s. Here are their most recent results:

  • September 10, 2011 – Howard 30, Morehouse 27
  • September 1, 2012 – Howard 30, Morehouse 29
  • September 7, 2013 – Howard 27, Morehouse 16
  • September 13, 2014 – Howard 35, Morehouse 17
  • September 9, 2023 – Howard 65, Morehouse 19

What Does HBCU Stand For?

HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, institutions founded with the mission of providing higher education opportunities to Black Americans.

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Alumni Spotlight

Forbes Names Howard University as the Top HBCU in the Nation

HBCU ORIGINAL

Published

5 months ago

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September 13, 2024

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WASHINGTON – Forbes magazine has recognized Howard University as the #1 historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the nation, according to its 2024-2025 America’s Top Colleges rankings.

The annual list showcases 500 schools producing “successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds, with less student debt.” The colleges were ranked based on return on investment, average student debt, and outcomes for graduates. The publication also considered freshman-to-sophomore retention rates, on-time graduation, and alumni salaries.

In addition to its ranking as the top HBCU, Howard was also ranked among the top 100 colleges in the northeast (#95). Other HBCUs on the Forbes list include Spelman College, Morehouse College, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Hampton University.

The Forbes ranking comes as Howard University continues to grow its groundbreaking programs amid a surge in enrollment. Last month, the University accepted a record-breaking $175 million gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies to support its College of Medicine, public health initiatives, and education of health professionals of color. The University is also home to the first U.S. Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Center at an HBCU, funded through a $90 million grant from the U.S. Air Force to conduct research on technological systems and artificial intelligence. Additional research centers have put the University at the forefront of thought leadership in fields including microchip design and validation, journalism, the humanities, disease research, data science and cybersecurity, nanotechnology, health and wellness, business, civil rights, and gender studies.

“Howard University’s top ranking among HBCUs adds momentum to our march into the upper tier of the nation’s research institutions,” said Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. “Howard’s singular influence at the nexus of intellectual discovery and global culture cannot be overstated, and we will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge to help the world solve its most pressing challenges.”

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Alumni Spotlight

Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Commits $6.5 Million To Refurbish Fields at Four Historically Black Colleges and Universities

HBCU ORIGINAL

Published

5 months ago

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August 29, 2024

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With support from the NFL Foundation, LISC oversaw the field preparations for the upcoming 2024 football season.

On August 20, 2024, it was announced that four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will unveil newly refurbished football fields this fall, thanks to grants exceeding $6.5 million from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

The HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program, an invitational grant initiative, was established to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of football fields for students and local community youth groups. Funded by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and supported by the NFL Foundation, this program targeted select HBCUs in Georgia and Alabama. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the nation’s leading community development support organization, managed the program. LISC, in partnership with the NFL, has refurbished hundreds of community football fields across the country over the past 25 years.

The grants were allocated as follows:

  • Albany State University (Albany, Georgia): Conversion of the natural grass football and soccer field at Albany State University Coliseum to turf.
  • Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, Georgia): Replacement of the current turf at Panther Stadium.
  • Miles College (Fairfield, Alabama): Conversion of the natural grass at the practice facility to turf.
  • Savannah State University (Savannah, Georgia): Replacement of the turf at Ted Wright Stadium’s football and soccer field.

The grant awards followed a competitive request for proposals process. Construction was managed by The Land Tek Group, Inc., a company with over 40 years of experience in sports facility development, in collaboration with local contractors engaged by the universities.

“The positive impact of athletics is a driving force across our business portfolio,” said Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment. “Arthur Blank and his Family Foundation prioritize community impact through sport, and supporting these historic institutions aligns with our values. We’re proud to partner with LISC, the NFL Foundation, and these universities to enhance their playing surfaces, with the shared goal of creating more opportunities for students and the surrounding communities.”

“This program is one of many ways the NFL is deepening its commitment to HBCUs,” said Alexia Gallagher, NFL VP of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. “We are thrilled to provide resources that allow student-athletes at these institutions to excel on the football field while fostering equal opportunities for all.”

“Thanks to the Arthur M. Blank Foundation and the NFL Foundation, we can provide capital and technical expertise to institutions that offer immense value to students but may not have the same financial resources as larger universities,” said Michael T. Pugh, LISC President and CEO. “With access to these flexible resources, the schools can make critical updates that benefit not only the institutions but also improve the health and well-being of students and community members.”

About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, established by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, in 1995, focuses on transforming lives and communities by bringing people together across differences to find common cause. The foundation has granted over $1 billion to various charitable causes, with collective giving areas including Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health and Well-Being, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.blankfoundation.org.

About LISC

LISC is one of the largest community development organizations in the U.S., dedicated to creating vibrant, resilient communities. Since 1979, LISC has invested $32 billion to develop affordable homes, community spaces, and employment opportunities, all while working to close systemic gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity and advance racial equity.

About the NFL Foundation

The NFL Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through football, supporting athletes at all levels and the communities that embrace the sport. The foundation, backed by the 32 NFL clubs, focuses on health, safety, and wellness, and has become a leading philanthropic entity, contributing to various causes across the U.S. and beyond. For more information, visit NFLFoundation.org.

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Alumni Spotlight

Jamarion Stubbs from Alabama State Shines at NCAA Outdoor Championships

HBCU ORIGINAL

Published

8 months ago

on

June 9, 2024

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Eugene, OR | June 5-8, 2024 – In a display of speed and determination, Jamarion Stubbs, a sophomore sprinter from Alabama State University, made waves at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, finishing 7th in the 200-meter dash with a remarkable time of 20.59 seconds.

HBCU Pride on National Stage

Stubbs, representing his Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Alabama State, brought pride and recognition to his institution with his stellar performance. Competing at Eugene’s iconic Hayward Field, Stubbs demonstrated the high caliber of talent emerging from HBCUs.

Race Highlights

The 200-meter final was fiercely contested, featuring some of the nation’s top sprinters. Stubbs, undeterred by the formidable competition, exploded out of the blocks, showcasing his incredible speed and athleticism. His powerful strides and focus carried him through the finish line, securing a commendable 7th place.

A Journey of Hard Work

Stubbs’ journey to the NCAA Championships has been one of relentless hard work and perseverance. Training under the guidance of Alabama State’s dedicated coaching staff, he has honed his skills and improved his times, culminating in this impressive performance on the national stage.

Alabama State’s Athletic Excellence

Alabama State University, known for its strong athletic programs, continues to produce exceptional athletes who excel at the highest levels. Stubbs’ success at the NCAA Championships is a testament to the university’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for student-athletes to shine.

Future Prospects

With his eyes set on even greater achievements, Stubbs is already preparing for future competitions. His performance in Eugene has undoubtedly set the stage for a promising career, and he is poised to continue making headlines in the world of track and field.

A Celebration of HBCU Talent

Stubbs’ accomplishment is a shining example of the talent and potential present in HBCUs. His success not only brings honor to Alabama State University but also highlights the important role HBCUs play in developing student-athletes who can compete on national and international stages.

In Conclusion

Jamarion Stubbs’ performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships is a source of immense pride for Alabama State University and the entire HBCU community. His journey and success serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, proving that with hard work, dedication, and the right support, anything is possible.

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