HBCU ORIGINAL
Four-Time SWAC Coach of the Year Tomekia Reed Named Charlotte’s Ninth Women’s Basketball Head Coach
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Tomekia Reed has been named the ninth head women’s basketball coach for the Charlotte 49ers, Mike Hill, Director of Athletics, announced on Thursday, April 25. Reed, a three-time HBCU National Coach of the Year, comes to Charlotte following a highly successful six-year stint as head coach of the Jackson State Tigers.
“Tomekia Reed is a proven winner whose passion for developing young people through the game of basketball is inspiring,” said Hill. “Her enthusiasm is contagious and will translate into even more success for her on the recruiting trail and in the community. She shares our vision for greatness, and we are ecstatic to have her lead our program!”
Reed took the program to new heights by winning five consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) regular season titles and three SWAC tournament titles, including back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022.
UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber said: “Tomekia Reed is one of the most talented young coaches in college basketball today. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, both on and off the court. We are delighted to welcome Tomekia to Niner Nation.”
In making the program’s second straight appearance in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, and the first as a #14 seed, JSU led in the fourth quarter in nearly achieving a historic tournament win over #3 LSU. JSU made its return to the NCAA Tournament as a #14 seed again to face #3 UConn in 2024, where Reed won the respect of hall of fame coach Geno Auriemma.
Reed is a four-time SWAC Coach of The Year (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024). The 2020 championship was the first regular season crown for JSU since 2008, and the 2021 tournament championship earned the first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008.
“The Gold Standard: What a powerful slogan for a university on the rise,” said Reed. “I could not be more thrilled to become a Niner. I am inspired and excited to continue the standard of excellence that is this women’s basketball program. Mike, Ragean Hill, Chancellor Gaber, and the entire athletic department family made me feel welcome. Their enthusiasm and competitiveness is contagious. This leadership’s strategic comprehensive plan aligns with my standards and plans for sustained success at the highest level. I am more motivated than ever to capitalize on the opportunity at hand in leading a winning team for both our student-athletes and the great city of Charlotte. It is a great day to be a Niner!”
This year’s mark of 26 wins set a school record, including a historic 18-0 record in SWAC play. JSU won 21 consecutive games in the calendar year 2022, the longest streak in the nation entering the NCAA Tournament.
In April 2022, Ameshya Williams-Holliday was taken with the 25th overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever to become the first JSU player – and first from an HBCU – selected in the WNBA Draft. Angel Jackson, selected by the Las Vegas Aces with the 36th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is the second JSU player drafted during Reed’s tenure.
Reed began her collegiate playing career at Southern Miss, helping lead the program to a WNIT appearance before transferring to Hinds Community College for the 2000-01 season. At Hinds, Reed led the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) in rebounds per game and was second in the conference in scoring. She was chosen as an All-State first team selection. She earned an associate degree in sports medicine from Hinds in 2001 and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Georgia Southwestern in 2003.
As a head coach, Reed holds an overall record 125-54 including a 95-10 conference record, coming off three consecutive 20+ win seasons. Her JSU team has the fourth highest conference winning percentage over the last five seasons at 95.4%.
Her coaching career began in 2006 as JSU’s recruiting coordinator, serving in that role until 2009 before taking the same position for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. From 2010 until 2015, Reed had recruiting coordinator stops at Southern Mississippi, Louisiana Tech, and New Orleans. Her first head coaching opportunity came in 2015 at her alma mater, Hinds CC.
Charlotte women’s basketball is coming off their first season competing in the American Athletic Conference. The Niners won nine AAC games on their way to earning the sixth seed in the conference tournament.
An introductory press conference will be scheduled for Monday April 29 in the student-athlete lounge in Halton Arena at 2:00p.m.
🏈 2025 HBCU FOOTBALL HOMECOMING SCHEDULE
🎓 Grouped by Conference | 🔥 = Highlight Game
🟣 SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
| Date | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 4 | 🔥 Alabama State vs. Bethune‑Cookman | Classic Montgomery |
| Oct 11 | 🔥 Alabama A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State | Big in Huntsville |
| Oct 11 | 🔥 Grambling State vs. Texas Southern | Grambling Homecoming |
| Oct 18 | 🔥 Southern vs. Prairie View A&M | Baton Rouge rivalry |
| Oct 25 | Prairie View A&M vs. Lincoln (CA) | Celebratory crowd |
| Oct 11 | Jackson State vs. Alabama State | Mid-season showdown |
| Oct 18 | Mississippi Valley State vs. Lincoln (CA) | MVSU campus event |
| Oct 25 | Bethune‑Cookman vs. UAPB | Daytona Beach fun |
🔵 MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
| Date | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 4 | 🔥 NC Central vs. South Carolina State | GHOE season opener |
| Oct 11 | Delaware State vs. Southern Connecticut State | Dover celebration |
| Oct 25 | 🔥 Howard vs. Morgan State | D.C. showdown |
| Oct 25 | Norfolk State vs. South Carolina State | Norfolk tradition |
| Oct 25 | NC Central vs. Delaware State | Eagles finale crowd |
🔴 CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
| Date | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 11 | 🔥 Fayetteville State vs. Livingstone | CIAA main event |
| Oct 18 | Virginia Union vs. Lincoln (PA) | Home field energy |
| Oct 18 | Winston‑Salem State vs. Livingstone | WS buzz |
| Oct 18 | Shaw vs. Johnson C. Smith | Rivalry vibes |
🟠 SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
| Date | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 18 | 🔥 Morehouse vs. Lane College | Housecoming! |
| Oct 18 | Albany State vs. Tuskegee | Gold Rush feel |
| Oct 18 | Miles vs. Clark Atlanta | Birmingham-based joy |
| Oct 25 | Clark Atlanta vs. Edward Waters | Campus-heavy weekend |
| Oct 25 | Savannah State vs. Morehouse | Final home rally |
🟡 NAIA & Independents
| Date | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 27 | 🔥 Alcorn State vs. Arkansas–Pine Bluff | Southern Heritage Classic |
| Sept 27 | Virginia Union vs. Miles | Black College HOF Classic |
| Oct 18 | Florida Memorial vs. Warner | Florida energy |
| Oct 11 | Langston vs. Arkansas Baptist | OK homecoming energy |
| Oct 11 | Morgan State vs. Virginia–Lynchburg | Home city showcase |
| Oct 18 | Texas Southern vs. Virginia–Lynchburg |
Destinations
HBCU Festival 2025 at the Mann Center | TD Bank Presents One of the Nation’s Largest HBCU Events
PHILADELPHIA, PA | May 17, 2025 – The HBCU Festival presented by TD Bank returns to the Mann Center for the Performing Arts with a dynamic and inspiring event celebrating the culture, education, and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Over 30,000 attendees are expected as this free community festival features: 🎓 College Fair – 25+ HBCUs including Howard, Cheyney, Morgan State & Tuskegee 💼 Career Fair – Connect with local employers, trade unions, and apprenticeships 🎭 Live Performances – HBCU drumlines, choirs, cheer squads & more 🏥 Wellness Zone – Free health screenings & community resources 🎶 Master Classes – HBCU-led workshops for Philly high schoolers 🍴 Food, Fun & Family Activities – All-day experiences for everyone! Special Performers Include: The Aeolians of Oakwood University Howard University Gospel Choir Cold Steel Drumline & Cool Mist Dancers (NC A&T) Powerhouse of Red & White (Winston Salem State University) Jeremy Winston Chorale International Presented by: TD Bank Hosted at: The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Fairmount Park ⏰ Time: 11AM – 5PM 🎟 FREE Admission | Register at: https://manncenter.org/hbcu Let us know in the comments which performance or school you’re most excited about! 🎉 #HBCUFestival #HBCUPride #MannCenter2025
Destinations
🌸 Discover, Explore & Bloom: A Springtime Escape to Longwood Gardens! 🌿HBCU Students and Colleges!
Hey HBCU students and college scholars everywhere—looking for the perfect spring escape? Come explore the beauty, peace, and inspiration waiting for you at Longwood Gardens, one of the premier horticultural display gardens in the United States. Nestled in the Brandywine Creek Valley in Kennett Square, PA, Longwood spans over 1,100 acres of vibrant gardens, lush woodlands, and tranquil meadows. This season, new is in bloom—and you’re invited to be a part of it. 🌱 What’s Fresh This Spring? ✨ Brand-new Bonsai Courtyard – Discover the art of miniature trees in a stunning outdoor display. 🌼 Redesigned Idea Garden – A fresh space filled with creative planting concepts and seasonal color. 🌳 Gorgeous Outdoor Landscapes – Expanded beauty, perfect for strolls, study breaks, and photos. 🌺 Plant Lover’s Paradise With over 10,000 species and varieties representing 200 plant families, Longwood is a living classroom and breathtaking destination for anyone curious about nature, botany, or simply in need of a scenic recharge. Whether you’re here for inspiration, relaxation, or a weekend adventure, this is the place to bloom this spring. 📍 Visit Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, PA 📸 Don’t forget to tag us in your favorite photos: #HBCUOriginal #SpringIntoNew #LongwoodGardens Let’s grow, learn, and thrive—together.
Destinations
National Museum of African American History and Culture Tour | HBCU Original Explores Black History
“Join HBCU Original as we explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. 🌟 From the moving Slavery and Freedom exhibits to the vibrant galleries celebrating African American music, art, sports, and innovation, this museum showcases the resilience, brilliance, and culture of Black Americans throughout history. 📍 Located on the National Mall, this Smithsonian institution is a must-visit destination for everyone seeking to understand the full scope of American history. Plan your visit: National Museum of African American History and Culture Official Website ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more HBCU-inspired adventures and cultural insights. Stay original, stay proud! #NMAAHC #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackExcellence #HBCUOriginal #Smithsonian #BlackCulture #WashingtonDC #MuseumTour #AmericanHistory #CulturalHeritage
HBCU ORIGINAL
Morehouse and Clark Atlanta Receive New Helmets from Arthur M. Blank Foundation and Atlanta Falcons
ATLANTA — Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University Football Programs Receive New Helmets Through Arthur M. Blank Foundation Grant
Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University are kicking off the 2025 football season with a major boost to player safety. Thanks to a generous grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, both HBCU programs have received brand-new football helmets featuring cutting-edge technology designed to enhance student-athlete health and safety.
Chris Millman, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Sports Philanthropy at AMB Sports and Entertainment, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“We are proud to support the football programs at these historic institutions through this grant. Player health and safety is paramount at every level of the game, and the technological advancements in helmet design over the last five years have been remarkable. We’re pleased to help these teams prioritize the well-being of their student-athletes.”
Harold Ellis, Director of Athletics at Morehouse College, expressed deep appreciation for the gift:
“Morehouse Athletics is grateful for this opportunity. The new helmets will significantly enhance player safety and provide our Maroon Tigers with top-level protection as they take the field this season. We thank the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons for their generosity and for forming a meaningful partnership that supports our commitment to a safe and empowering student-athlete experience.”
Clark Atlanta University Head Coach Teddy Keaton also acknowledged the broader impact of the donation:
“This is more than just new gear—it’s an investment in the future and well-being of our young men. We are thankful to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons for recognizing the importance of protecting our players both on and off the field. These helmets symbolize progress, purpose, and the strength of partnership.”
About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Founded in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation works to transform lives and communities by bringing people together to address critical issues. The foundation has awarded over $1.5 billion to causes across its core focus areas: Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health & Well-Being, and Youth Development.
The foundation also supports essential Atlanta institutions such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Shepherd Center, along with founder-led initiatives focused on veterans, military families, and individuals who stutter. For more information, visit www.blankfoundation.org.
Photo Credit: David Collins, Morehouse College Office of Institutional Advancement.
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