The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has reached an early milestone in its ambitious $50 million, 10-year scholarship commitment, announcing that more than $4.2 million has already been distributed to students attending Atlanta’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Launched in October 2025, the initiative is designed to provide critical “gap funding” to juniors and seniors who are closest to graduation but may be held back by remaining financial balances. The program focuses specifically on students in their final semesters, a period when financial pressure is often most intense and traditional aid options have been exhausted.

To date, the foundation has supported approximately 600 students across three major HBCUs in Atlanta: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College.

Breakdowns provided by the foundation show $1.45 million distributed to 290 students at Clark Atlanta, $1.24 million to 115 students at Morehouse, and $1.65 million to 189 students at Spelman.

Among the recipients is Kayla Drummond, a first-generation Clark Atlanta University student who is set to graduate this year. Drummond used the scholarship assistance to eliminate a remaining balance that had threatened her ability to complete her degree.

“From my first time stepping on Clark Atlanta’s campus I felt a sense of family and this is where I belong,” Drummond said. “This diploma isn’t just for me, it’s for my family, it’s for my friends, the love, the prayers, the support.”

Foundation leaders say the program is built to scale over the next decade, with the goal of supporting thousands of students while encouraging broader investment in HBCU student success nationwide.

“We’ve seen what’s possible when students get the support they need to cross the finish line,” said Margaret Connelly, managing director of Founder Initiatives at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “That’s what drives this work, and why we hope this initiative encourages others to invest in closing these gaps and helping more students achieve the futures they’ve worked so hard to reach.”

The initiative continues to position itself as one of the most significant private scholarship efforts supporting HBCU students in recent years.

Former HBCU basketball standout Xavier Mills is continuing to expand his presence in Hollywood, landing another notable role that further elevates his growing acting career.

Mills, a former player at Winston-Salem State University, appears in the new Amazon/MGM thriller Is God Is, sharing the screen with Emmy-winning actor Sterling K. Brown. In the film, Mills plays Brown’s son, marking one of his most high-profile roles to date.

The project adds another major credit to a résumé that is quickly gaining momentum across film and television. Adapted from Aleshea Harris’ award-winning stage play, Is God Is centers on a dark, revenge-driven narrative rooted in family trauma and emotional intensity, featuring a cast that also includes Vivica A. Fox and Erika Alexander.

For Mills, the opportunity represents more than just another acting job—it is another step in a transition from athlete to working actor on major productions.

The Greenville, North Carolina native has been steadily building his profile in the entertainment industry. Many audiences first became familiar with him through his role as football player Nishan Leonard in Hulu’s Chad Powers, with Mills also set to return for the show’s upcoming second season.

His athletic background remains a defining part of his on-screen identity. Mills has spoken about how his experience as a college athlete helps him bring authenticity to sports-related roles, emphasizing discipline, preparation, and mindset.

He has also appeared alongside Wanda Sykes in Undercard and is expected to feature in Netflix’s upcoming project Fight for 84, further broadening his portfolio across genres.

Working on Is God Is also gave Mills the chance to learn from seasoned performers like Sterling K. Brown, whom he has credited with teaching him the importance of preparation, presence, and composure on set.

As his career continues to evolve, Mills represents a growing wave of former HBCU athletes finding new lanes in entertainment while carrying their athletic discipline into creative spaces.

For Mills, the mission remains centered on growth, faith, and longevity—both on screen and beyond it.

Credit: Story originally reported by Steven J. Gaither, HBCU Gameday (via Kansas City Star / McClatchy distribution) | Updated May 25, 2026

New details have emerged regarding the death of former Virginia Union football standout William Davis, whose passing at the age of 22 shocked the HBCU football community earlier this month.

According to a report from TMZ, Davis died from gunshot wounds to the chest. Initial reports following his death did not disclose a cause, though authorities indicated the incident was being investigated as a possible suicide. Officials have stated that the investigation remains ongoing.

Davis built an impressive collegiate career during his time at Virginia Union University, where he developed into one of the program’s most impactful defensive playmakers. From 2022 through 2024, he appeared in 19 games and recorded 50 total tackles, including 37 solo stops. His defensive production also included 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, five interceptions, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Beyond his contributions on the field, Davis was recognized for his commitment to academics and leadership. Before entering the transfer portal, he earned a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial management while helping establish a winning culture within the Panthers football program.

Following his success at Virginia Union, Davis continued his football journey at West Virginia Mountaineers football, where he appeared in one game before later joining the Sam Houston Bearkats football program.

The news has prompted an outpouring of condolences from former teammates, coaches, classmates, and fans throughout the HBCU sports community. Many have remembered Davis not only for his athletic ability but also for the impact he made on those around him during his collegiate career.

HBCU Original extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, teammates, and loved ones of William Davis during this difficult time.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for immediate support.

The HBCU athletics community is mourning the loss of Livingstone College student-athlete Kendall Cook, who passed away at the age of 19.

Cook, a member of the Livingstone College women’s volleyball program, was remembered by teammates, coaches, classmates, and supporters across multiple communities that were touched by her life and athletic journey. The freshman student-athlete began her collegiate career at Clark Atlanta University before transferring to Livingstone College, where she competed as an outside hitter and middle blocker.

A 2025 graduate of Frankfort High School, Cook earned recognition for her accomplishments both on and off the court. School officials in Frankfort confirmed her passing this week, though no cause of death has been publicly released.

“Kendall was a beautiful, talented soul,” Frankfort Independent Schools Superintendent Sheri Satterly said in a statement. “She was a joy to know and be around,” whether in the classroom or during athletic competition.

The news has generated an outpouring of support throughout the HBCU sports landscape, where student-athletes often form lasting bonds that extend far beyond competition. Friends, classmates, and fellow athletes have shared tributes celebrating Cook’s kindness, competitive spirit, and positive impact on those around her.

Frankfort Independent Schools announced that grief counseling and mental health resources would be made available to students and members of Cook’s graduating class as the community processes the loss.

In addition to volleyball, Cook was also active in softball during her athletic career, demonstrating the versatility and dedication that defined her time as a student-athlete. Those who knew her described a young woman whose energy and character left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

For Livingstone College and the broader HBCU community, Cook’s passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder that the individuals representing institutions on the field, court, and track are far more than athletes. They are daughters, friends, classmates, teammates, and future leaders whose lives impact countless others.

HBCU Original extends its deepest condolences to Kendall Cook’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, the Livingstone College and Clark Atlanta University communities, and all those grieving this tremendous loss.

The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.

Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.

On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.

Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.