Whether you’re repping your Greek letters, planning a student org trip, or making memories with your HBCU family—HBCU Original curated the top amusement parks across the country organized by region for easy trip planning!

🔹 SOUTHEAST REGION

Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi

🎡 1. Walt Disney World – Orlando, FL

• Nearby: FAMU, Bethune-Cookman, Edward Waters

🎬 2. Universal Orlando – Orlando, FL

• Nearby: Same as above

🌊 3. Myrtle Waves Water Park – Myrtle Beach, SC

• Nearby: South Carolina State, Claflin, Allen University

🎢 4. Six Flags Over Georgia – Atlanta, GA

• Nearby: Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, Fort Valley State

🎠 5. Wild Adventures – Valdosta, GA

• Nearby: Albany State, Savannah State

🌀 6. Island H2O Water Park – Kissimmee, FL

• Nearby: FAMU, BCU

💦 7. Geyser Falls – Choctaw, MS

• Nearby: Jackson State, Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley State

🔸 MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania

🎢 1. Six Flags America – Upper Marlboro, MD

• Nearby: Bowie State, Howard, Morgan State, Coppin State

🏰 2. Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, VA

• Nearby: Hampton University, Norfolk State

🎡 3. Kings Dominion – Doswell, VA

• Nearby: Virginia State, Virginia Union

🍫 4. Hersheypark – Hershey, PA

• Nearby: Cheyney University, Lincoln University (PA), Delaware State University

🔹 SOUTHWEST REGION

Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas

🎢 1. Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, TX

• Nearby: Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern, Huston-Tillotson

🎠 2. Kemah Boardwalk – Kemah, TX

• Nearby: Texas Southern University

🤠 3. Frontier City – Oklahoma City, OK

• Nearby: Langston University

🏖️ 4. Magic Springs Theme & Water Park – Hot Springs, AR

• Nearby: Philander Smith, Arkansas Baptist, UAPB

🔸 MIDWEST REGION

Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan

🎡 1. Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH

• Nearby: Central State, Wilberforce University

🎢 2. Six Flags St. Louis – Eureka, MO

• Nearby: Lincoln University (MO), Harris-Stowe State University

🔹 NORTHEAST REGION

New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts

🧀 1. Nickelodeon Universe – American Dream, East Rutherford, NJ

• Nearby: Lincoln (PA), Cheyney, Delaware State (road trip)

🎁 BONUS TRAVEL TIPS (from HBCU Original):

• 🎓 Look out for HBCU Day and College Nights at theme parks

• 🧳 Organize student group or alumni chapter rates early

• 📸 Don’t forget to tag your trip: #HBCUOriginalTravels #DivineNineOnTheMove #HBCUFamilyTrips

• 🎟️ Ask about Greek Discounts and Spring Break Specials

• 🚐 Perfect for student orgs, youth programs, and summer mentorship camps

By Mary Boyte | Mississippi Clarion Ledger | May 7, 2025

Jackson State University is once again facing leadership upheaval. President Marcus Thompson has officially resigned, becoming the second JSU president to step down in just two years.

The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) confirmed Thompson’s immediate resignation in a brief statement released Wednesday, May 7. No reason for his departure was given.

Thompson, the university’s ninth president in the past 15 years (including interim roles), leaves amid continued turbulence at Mississippi’s largest HBCU. His predecessor, Thomas K. Hudson, also resigned in 2023 following a faculty vote of no confidence and a period of administrative leave.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, has been appointed interim president.

A Controversial Appointment

Thompson’s path to the presidency sparked controversy from the beginning. Promoted internally by the IHL—where he previously served as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer—his appointment bypassed the national search process. This decision drew criticism from JSU faculty and alumni who favored Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, the acting president at the time.

During the November 2023 IHL board meeting, Thompson’s appointment was made behind closed doors, followed by unannounced applause. It was only later revealed that he had been named the university’s 13th permanent president, despite not being one of the 79 official applicants.

That same day, JSU Chief of Staff Debra Mays-Jackson filed a federal lawsuit alleging sex discrimination after being denied an interview. She later filed a second suit in May 2024, claiming Title VII violations and stating that the IHL’s internal hiring practices have only benefited male candidates.

Court filings also alleged misconduct involving former president Hudson, including that he sent an explicit image to a female staff member. Mays-Jackson claimed that Thompson—despite being friends with Hudson—led the investigation but failed to interview the employee involved.

Thompson’s Perspective

In a February 2024 interview with the Clarion Ledger, Thompson defended his internal promotion, stating, “Every time an internal promotion has occurred, great things have happened.” He expressed no concerns about the appointment process or bypassing a national search.

Thompson’s resignation comes just days after JSU’s spring commencement.

His departure is another reminder of the challenges facing the university and the IHL’s presidential appointment process. Denise Jones Gregory now steps into the interim role as JSU prepares for another search—and possibly more scrutiny.

We gathered 25 of the most powerful, hype, soul-filled HBCU marching bands. Now it’s YOUR turn:
👇 Tag your school. Rep your squad. Drop your vote!

1. 💜 Miles College – Purple Marching Machine
   @purplemarchingmachine

2. ❤️ Clark Atlanta University – CAU Bands
   @caubands

3. 🔥 Jackson State – Sonic Boom of the South
   @sonicboom_ots

4. 💥 Alcorn State – Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite
   @alcorn_soundsofdynomite

5. 🐾 Bethune-Cookman – Marching Wildcats
   @bcumarchingwildcats

6. 🟡 Southern University – Human Jukebox
   @su_humanjukebox

7. 💙 NC A&T – Blue & Gold Marching Machine
   @b_gmm

8. 🧡 Virginia State – Trojan Explosion
   @vsutrojanexplosion

9. 🔸 Lincoln University – Orange Crush Marching Band
   @lu_ocmb

10. 🐎 Fayetteville State – Marching Bronco Xpress
    @thembxpress

11. 🧡 Langston University – Marching Pride
    @lumarchingpride

12. 🔥 SC State – Marching 101
    @scsumarching101band

13. 💛 Bowie State – Symphony of Soul
    @bowiestate_sos

14. 💧 Texas Southern – Ocean of Soul
    @tsuoceanofsoul

15. 🐅 Grambling State – World Famed Tiger Band
    @gsu_worldfamedband

16. 💜 Edward Waters – Triple Threat Band
    @ewutriplethreat

17. 🐏 Albany State – Marching Rams Show Band
    @themarchingramshowband

18. 💚 Norfolk State – Spartan Legion
    @nsuspartanlegion

19. 🐎 Kentucky State – Mighty Marching Thorobreds
    @ksumightyband

20. 💚 Mississippi Valley – Mean Green Marching Machine
    @mvsubands

21. 🔴 Winston-Salem State – Red Sea of Sound
    @_redseaofsound

22. 🎩 Tennessee State – Aristocrat of Bands
    @tsuaristocratofbands

23. 🐍 Florida A&M – Marching 100
    @themarching100

24. 🌪️ Prairie View A&M – Marching Storm
    @themarchingstorm

25. 🐝 Alabama State – Mighty Marching Hornets
    @the.mighty.marching.hornets

💬 Drop a 🥁 if your squad made the list!
📣 Tell us why YOUR band should take the crown.
🔥 SHARE to rep your section.

#HBCUBands #BattleoftheBands #MarchingSeason #HBCUPride #HumanJukebox #Marching100 #SonicBoom #CAUBands #AristocratsOfBands

DOVER, DE – Delaware State University is making a bold move to transform its athletic programs, requesting a $125 million investment over the next four years to overhaul and modernize its sports facilities. In addition to this capital funding, the university is also seeking $10 million to support general operational costs.

The ambitious $125 million plan is structured into three key phases: a $25 million indoor fieldhouse, $10 million in stadium and downtown facility improvements, and a $90 million convocation center.

Tony Tucker, Senior Associate Vice President of Athletics and Director of Athletics, emphasized the transformative nature of the proposal.

“We’re at the beginning stages of a full athletic transformation—the first of its kind for Delaware State University. And the timing couldn’t be more important,” said Tucker.

He noted that the university’s existing athletic infrastructure is outdated, limiting competitiveness and recruitment potential.

“Our newest athletic building is the wellness and recreation center, completed around 1908. The stadium dates back to the 1970s,” Tucker added.

University officials presented the proposal to the Bond Committee last week as part of ongoing discussions surrounding the fiscal year 2026 budget. Alongside the $125 million request for capital improvements, they are asking for $10 million in additional funding for operational support.

While the proposal has drawn support, lawmakers remain cautious amid tight budget considerations.

“I’m not sure that that money will be available this year,” said Senator Trey Paradee (D-District 17), “but we really do need to bring DSU’s facilities up another level.”

The university’s request comes during a period of remarkable institutional growth. Anas Ben Addi, DSU’s Vice President of Finance, pointed to a 25% increase in student enrollment over the last five years and a 41% expansion in campus footprint, thanks in part to the Wesley College acquisition and a growing presence in Wilmington.

“This growth reflects the need for greater investment,” said Ben Addi.

Tucker also noted a surge in momentum and national attention following the recent hiring of NFL star DeSean Jackson as the Hornets’ new head football coach.

“That hire energized the university, the state, and even brought national eyes to DSU,” Tucker said. “It’s the right time to capitalize on that attention.”

The state’s fiscal year 2026 budget is expected to be finalized by June. Until then, DSU officials remain hopeful that their transformational vision for athletics will be backed by the necessary funding.

Story reported by Tiffani Amber, WBOC News.

Photo By: Julie Yarbrough

This past weekend, from March 28 to March 30, 2025, the Robert W. Woodruff Library buzzed with innovation and creativity as it hosted the third annual HBCU Game Jam. The highly anticipated 24-hour hackathon brought together Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students to develop their own video games and compete for industry-sponsored prizes. This year’s event marked a significant milestone— for the first time in its history, the HBCU Game Jam was planned entirely by students.

A Student-Driven Event

As students arrived, the excitement was palpable. The HBCU Game Jam has always been a beginner-friendly competition, welcoming participants with little to no game development experience. Hosted in collaboration with major industry players such as Zynga, Microsoft, Unity, CodeHouse, and Boeing, the event aimed to bridge the gap in the gaming industry, where Black professionals make up only 5% of the workforce, according to a survey by the International Game Developers Association.

To level the playing field, organizers provided free game development workshops and seminars ahead of the competition. These sessions served as a crash course in video game creation, ensuring that even first-time developers had the tools and confidence to compete.

Record-Breaking Participation

Building on the momentum of previous years, this year’s Game Jam saw participation from over 120 students representing six HBCUs. Remarkably, nearly 50% of these students had never created a video game before. Yet, through teamwork, mentorship, and perseverance, they conceptualized, designed, and built fully playable games within the 24-hour timeframe.

Industry-Sponsored Prizes and Opportunities

Beyond the thrill of competition, students had the opportunity to network with industry professionals and recruiters from leading gaming companies. The top teams received prestigious awards and exclusive mentorship opportunities with industry giants, paving the way for future careers in game development.

As the final games were presented, the room was filled with admiration for the creativity and ingenuity displayed by the students. The HBCU Game Jam continues to be a beacon of opportunity, breaking down barriers and fostering the next generation of Black game developers. With its first student-led planning committee proving to be a resounding success, the future of this groundbreaking event looks brighter than ever.