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.
Events
Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament Returns: Celebrating HBCU Excellence and Cultivating Sports and Gaming Talent
HBCU ORIGINAL
Delaware State University Falls to University of Delaware in High-Scoring Rivalry Match
NEWARK, Del. — HBCU Original was on-site for the intense Battle of Delaware, where Delaware State University fell short in a high-energy showdown against the University of Delaware, 93-80, on Tuesday night.
Despite a standout performance from Robert Smith, who dropped a game-high 22 points, and a strong second-half effort, the Hornets (3-6) couldn’t overcome the Blue Hens’ dominant first half. Martez Robinson added 19 points for Delaware State, and Corey Perkins chipped in with eight, but the team’s halftime deficit proved insurmountable.
“We came alive in the second half, but we’ve got to play with that intensity from the tip,” said Delaware State head coach Stan Waterman.
The University of Delaware (5-3) leaned on a balanced offensive attack, led by Cavan Reilly, who finished with 20 points, including 14 in the second half. Erik Timko delivered 18 points, highlighted by three three-pointers, while John Camden added 13 points, shooting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.
The Blue Hens set the tone early, heading into the break with a 42-27 lead, thanks to Timko’s 13 first-half points. Delaware State outscored their rivals in the second half but couldn’t close the gap as Reilly and the Blue Hens held firm.
“This is what rivalry games are all about,” Reilly said after the win. “We knew Delaware State would come out swinging, but we stuck together and finished strong.”
Key Stats:
- Delaware State University: Smith (22 pts), Robinson (19 pts), Perkins (8 pts).
- University of Delaware: Reilly (20 pts, 5 reb), Timko (18 pts, 3-6 3PT), Camden (13 pts).
HBCU Original’s Take:
This annual rivalry highlights the intensity and pride of collegiate basketball in Delaware. Delaware State University, an esteemed HBCU, showed heart and resilience but will look to regroup as they prepare to face Morgan State.
Catch more HBCU sports coverage and highlights at HBCU Original—your home for HBCU pride and excellence.
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HBCU ORIGINAL
Football’s Growing Problem: Brawls and Unsportsmanship Across the Gridiron—From the NFL to HBCUs
A week of explosive clashes on the football field has captured the attention of sports fans and analysts alike, sparking a growing concern over the state of sportsmanship in the game. From the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills showdown to FCS Towson vs. North Carolina A&T to HBCU FCS rivalries like Jackson State vs. Alabama State and HBCU D2 rivalries like Virginia Union vs. Virginia State, every level of football is witnessing an alarming uptick in brawls. The college scene isn’t immune either, as even Nebraska‘s FBS matchup with USC saw its heated moments, adding to the growing list of incidents. For HBCUs, there were even more concerns with Howard vs. NCCU and Florida A&M vs. Prairie View, all ending with brawls. It’s time to talk about what is going on with football, the rising aggression, and the growing question of unsportsmanlike conduct taking over the game.
The Week of Chaos: From the NFL to HBCUs:
The week was marked by multiple altercations on the field that have left fans, coaches, and administrators reeling. In the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs faced the Buffalo Bills in a hard-fought contest that boiled over into a series of fights. It wasn’t just a few pushes or trash talk—full-blown brawls resulted in player suspensions and calls for more decisive disciplinary action. But it wasn’t just the pros where tempers flared. In the FCS, North Carolina A&T took on Towson in a fierce game where multiple players threw punches. At the same time, Jackson State and Alabama State—with Jackson State clinching the SWAC conference will head to the upcoming Black College Championship against South Carolina State with a few suspensions. The MEAC, SWAC, and CIAA have all condemned the actions strongly, with calls to disqualify players and implement suspensions after reviewing game footage.
The Impact on HBCU Football:
HBCUs have long been revered for their history, culture, and the pride they bring to their communities. The idea of football brawls tarnishing the tradition of HBCU football is deeply troubling to many who value the integrity and discipline in these programs. In a time when HBCUs are pushing for greater exposure and recognition, mainly through televised games and streaming platforms, incidents like these jeopardize the positive momentum these programs have built.
The SWAC, MEAC, and CIAA are united in their stance against this growing problem. After reviewing the incidents, officials from these conferences have announced their intention to suspend and possibly disqualify players involved in fights. This level of condemnation is unprecedented, signaling how seriously these conferences are taking the issue of unsportsmanlike behavior. These aren’t just isolated incidents; they are part of a troubling trend creeping into every level of football, threatening the foundation of what has always been considered the essence of the game.
The Professional and College Landscape: A Growing Concern:
At the professional level, the NFL has long grappled with players who let their emotions get the best of them, but what’s disturbing is that this behavior is increasingly spilling into college football. What used to be a rare occurrence is now becoming a norm. The question is, why? Is it the pressure of the game? The influence of social media? Or is it simply a breakdown in teaching discipline and respect for the game?
What is clear is that football is becoming more than just a physical battle—it’s an emotional one. As fans and players watch each other on screens, an increasing sense of competition goes beyond the scoreboard. The rise of trash talk, taunting, and heightened aggression has shifted the focus from athleticism and strategy to spectacle and showmanship. While some argue that the intensity of the game is what makes it exciting, others are concerned that this fiery atmosphere is spilling over into dangerous territory.
Can Football Survive This Storm?
With major networks and streaming platforms showcasing these games, the eyes of the world are on football like never before. However, this newfound visibility is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a stage for athletes to showcase their skills. On the other hand, it amplifies negative moments, making brawls and unsportsmanlike conduct more visible and challenging to ignore.
The question is: Can football at every level prevent these incidents from becoming the new normal? Will disciplinary actions by the HBCUs, the NFL, and other football organizations curb this troubling trend? Or will this behavior continue to escalate until the very integrity of the sport is threatened?
As football continues to grow in popularity and reach, it’s time for a serious conversation about the direction of the sport. While the intensity and passion of the game should always be celebrated, there needs to be a renewed focus on discipline, respect, and sportsmanship. The brawls seen across the NFL, FBS, FCS, and HBCUs this week are a warning sign that cannot be ignored. It’s time for football to reclaim its honor—before it loses its soul.
Events
Florida Beach Bowl on Hold: HBCU Division II Clash Paused in 2024 Amid Funding Challenges
One year after bursting onto the HBCU football scene as a potential long-term fixture, the Florida Beach Bowl — the anticipated matchup between the CIAA and SIAC, two historic HBCU Division II conferences — will not occur in 2024. Sources from both conferences confirmed the news to HBCU Gameday, citing funding challenges as the primary reason the bowl game has been temporarily shelved.
The inaugural Florida Beach Bowl took place last December at Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium. Fort Valley State from the SIAC defeated Johnson C. Smith from the CIAA with a 23-10 score. That game streamed on the HBCU Plus Platform, drew an impressive 720,000 viewers, signaling a strong interest in the game and a national audience eager for more HBCU football coverage.
The Florida Beach Bowl had been positioned to revive and expand the legacy of the Pioneer Bowl, the original postseason event for Division II HBCU teams. Established in 1997, the Pioneer Bowl allowed champions or top contenders from the CIAA and SIAC to square off, providing HBCU athletes with a rare bowl stage to showcase their talent, often overlooked by larger college football media coverage. While the game was typically held in the South, with several games taking place in Atlanta, it carried significant weight for HBCU football fans and players alike, celebrating the regional rivalries and athleticism that characterize HBCU sports.
Like its Division I counterpart, the Celebration Bowl — which since 2015 has served as a de facto national championship game for HBCU football at the FCS level — the Florida Beach Bowl aimed to provide the same level of national exposure to Division II HBCU programs. The Celebration Bowl has spotlighted the best of HBCU Division I football, drawing in fans from across the country and significantly elevating the profile of MEAC and SWAC champions in a nationally televised showdown. Similarly, the Florida Beach Bowl was designed to elevate Division II HBCU football, giving fans, athletes, and supporters an equivalent stage to experience the thrill and camaraderie of HBCU postseason competition.
The Pioneer Bowl created countless unforgettable moments, generating support and recognition for Division II HBCU football and helping players gain exposure to scouts, media, and a growing fan base. However, the game faced periodic financial hurdles, leading to intermittent cancellations until it ceased entirely after its 2012 matchup. The Florida Beach Bowl was viewed as the next chapter in this storied history, bringing a new generation of HBCU football to the forefront, with a commitment to both celebrating tradition and expanding the visibility of HBCU athletes nationwide.
While the cancellation of this year’s Florida Beach Bowl has left many disappointed, the vision for the event remains. Both the CIAA and SIAC have expressed continued interest in ensuring Division II HBCU teams have a championship-level platform, knowing that the passion and talent within HBCU football deserve recognition on a national scale.
For now, fans will have to wait as organizers seek solutions to make this game sustainable for the long term. The commitment to honoring the history and achievements of HBCU athletes remains, with hopes that future seasons will see the Florida Beach Bowl restored as a highlight of the HBCU football calendar — a celebration of athletic excellence and community legacy.
Campus
From Slavery to Scholarship: The Role of Food in the Birth of HBCUs and Cultural Resilience
The story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is one of resilience, creativity, and empowerment. Long before the first HBCU campuses were built, enslaved African Americans created a culture rooted in survival, community, and hope—a culture often centered around food. From plantation kitchens to family recipes handed down through generations, food was much more than nourishment. It was a lifeline, a way to connect with African heritage, and ultimately, a bridge to a future of education and self-determination.
When slavery ended, the desire for education and a better life ignited the formation of HBCUs, places where Black people could learn freely, come together, and build their futures. And food, as it turns out, played a major role in making that dream a reality.
Food as Resistance and Connection
In the kitchens and fields of plantations, enslaved people transformed food into a powerful act of resistance. Despite harsh conditions, they held onto African traditions by growing, cooking, and even adapting native foods into something uniquely their own. Ingredients like okra, rice, black-eyed peas, and yams weren’t just foods—they were pieces of home, representing a heritage they fought to keep alive.
Through shared meals and passed-down recipes, enslaved families built a sense of community, a reminder that they could find strength in each other, even in the worst of times. The resilience they showed in creating meals from scraps is a legacy that remains in Black cuisine today, where dishes like gumbo, collard greens, and sweet potato pie tell stories of survival, culture, and unity.
The First HBCUs: Feeding the Mind and the Body
When freedom finally came, the African American community knew that education was the key to building a brighter future. HBCUs were founded as places of learning, empowerment, and safety, where the next generation could prepare for careers and leadership. Food continued to play a vital role, as early HBCUs emphasized practical skills, including farming and cooking, to help students achieve independence.
At schools like Tuskegee University, founded in 1881, students learned agriculture, culinary skills, and home economics, alongside academics. These programs weren’t just about feeding students; they were about building self-sufficiency and passing down skills that would help entire communities. Many students at HBCUs learned not only how to grow food but also how to cook it in ways that honored their heritage and strengthened their community.
From Cooking Classes to Culinary Justice
Today, food remains central to the mission of HBCUs. Students learn about food science, nutrition, and agriculture to address issues like food deserts, where it’s hard for communities to access fresh, affordable food. Many HBCUs are also involved in “culinary justice”—a movement that honors the contributions of Black farmers, cooks, and foodways, while working toward food security and health equity.
This idea of “culinary justice” means ensuring that Black communities not only celebrate their culinary heritage but also have the resources to thrive. Whether it’s through starting community gardens, running food programs, or promoting local agriculture, HBCU students are keeping the legacy of self-sufficiency alive and using food to address challenges like chronic health conditions and access to nutritious food.
Why Food Matters to HBCUs (and to Us All)
The food we eat today has traveled a long journey, much like the story of HBCUs themselves. Every recipe passed down, every family meal shared, and every vegetable grown reminds us of the journey from survival to scholarship. For students at HBCUs, food is a powerful connection to history—a way to remember the resilience of those who came before, while building a healthier future for themselves and their communities.
As we celebrate the history and future of HBCUs, let’s remember the role of food as both a symbol of survival and a tool for success. Food has always been more than just something on a plate—it’s a story, a tradition, and a path forward. And like the HBCUs that continue to inspire generations, food remains a powerful link between the past, present, and future, nourishing not just bodies, but minds, communities, and dreams.
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