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Florida A&M Receives Record $237 Million Gift During Commencement

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Florida A&M University has received a $237.75 million gift from the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust and Gregory Gerami, the founder and CEO of Batterson Farms Corp, a Texas-based industrial hemp business.

The gift, the largest in Florida A&M’s 136-year history, was presented to FAMU President Larry Robinson at one of the university’s commencement ceremonies on May 4. You can watch the moment the gift was made here.

FAMU said it will use the gift to support various academic initiatives, student success programs and its athletics program. It is almost double the size of the university’s current endowment of $121 million.


With an enrollment of about 10,000 students, Florida A&M, located in Tallahassee, Florida, is one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The new gift would appear to also be the largest donation ever made to an HBCU, eclipsing the prior record established in January when Spelman College announced receiving a $100 million gift.

“This gift is breathtaking in its generosity and its scope,” said Robinson in a news release. “It changes the narrative about what is possible for FAMU. I cannot thank Gregory Gerami and the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust enough. Their names are now etched into the annals of Florida A&M University in perpetuity.”

According to the university, Gerami reached out to FAMU officials last fall to discuss the possibility of making a sizable donation. Gerami believed that FAMU’s mission and research capabilities, especially in the area of hemp production, were strongly aligned with his own company’s emphasis and direction.

“FAMU has become like a family to our Trust, our company and to me. Our morals and our mission are in line with FAMU and FAMU’s mission,” said Gerami, in the press release. He emphasized his commitment to the university’s sustainability and growth. “It’s also about making sure that we set FAMU on the path to being the top HBCU in this country.”

Gregory Gerami achieved his business success despite a childhood of adversity, including being born with opiate addiction. After starting a small lawn care business, he eventually branched out and founded the Batterson Farms Corp, a hydroponic farming and hemp plastic company, in 2021.

In recognition of Gerami’s history of physical and health challenges, which are detailed in a biography on the Batterson Farms website, Florida A&M will use a portion of his gift to enhance its Center for Disability Access and Resources, which serves about 700 students. Center director Deborah Sullivan said the donation would increase the center’s ability to offer more programs and services on campus.

“The impact is just tremendous because we are not a department that often gets gifts like this. Alumni tend to give to their school or to athletics, but the Office of Disability Services doesn’t necessarily get recognized with monetary gifts like this and, especially, this magnitude,” said Sullivan.

As expected, some individuals in the public are and will continue researching Mr. Gerami. Please know that FAMU has done its due diligence when it comes to this matter. Additionally, Mr. Gerami has and continues to do his own due diligence on things that have been and are happening at FAMU.

While a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) we signed prevents us from disclosing many details, as was reported on May 4 – Mr. Gerami transferred $237,750,000 worth of stocks into our account last month. Mr. Gerami’s $237,750,000 stock transfer was received in the same manner in which we have accepted all other stocks donated to the University through the FAMU Foundation Inc. As with any non-cash gift received, such as cryptocurrency, real estate, and stocks, it will be converted to cash and recorded appropriately.

Gerami is quoted in the May 7 Tallahassee Democrat as saying, “The stocks have been held by the university for over a month now, so I don’t know where the confusion or the skepticism would be since it’s already in a financial account with the university.”

But the doubts still linger even within the FAMU community. On May 7, in a highly unusual move, Deveron Gibbons, the vice chair of FAMU’s Board of Trustees, called for a public “emergency meeting” of the board so it could give more scrutiny to the gift, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. “A donation of this nature requires the highest degree of transparency and inquiry, and to this point that has not occurred,” Gibbons is reported to have said in a statement.

 

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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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Jadakiss Takes Philly by Storm for Elevation Project’s 10th Anniversary Nice Guy Festival

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On June 21st, Philadelphia’s Parkside neighborhood was buzzing with energy, community, and celebration as Elevation Project 215 marked a major milestone — their 10th Anniversary — with the 4th Annual Nice Guy Community Festival. This wasn’t just any festival; it was a vibrant, free event packed with resources, culture, and one unforgettable headline performance.

Founded by LaTrista T. Webb, a proud Southern University at New Orleans alumna, and James Smith, a respected entrepreneur and reentry advocate, Elevation Project has dedicated a decade to empowering Philly’s communities through outreach, mentorship, and uplifting programming. The Nice Guy Festival is the perfect reflection of their mission — bringing people together to celebrate resilience, brotherhood, and healing.

The festival featured a host of free services including a market stocked with essentials, wellness and self-care stations specially designed for men, and an array of local food trucks and vendors serving delicious eats. Many talented local artists also took part, showcasing Philly’s rich creative spirit and adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The spirit of giving back was palpable, with community members connecting, supporting one another, and embracing a day of unity.

The highlight of the event was the live concert featuring hip-hop legend Jadakiss, who brought the heat with a powerful set, reminding everyone why he’s not only a rap icon but also a successful businessman behind brands like Kiss Cafe Coffee and Juices for Life. His performance was a call to uplift culture and community, perfectly aligning with the spirit of Elevation Project.

This festival showed that true community empowerment comes from consistent effort, authentic connection, and bold celebration. Elevation Project’s 10 years of impact were on full display — and with leaders like LaTrista and James at the helm, the future looks brighter than ever.

Stay tuned for more events, stories, and ways to get involved with Elevation Project 215. Philly is rising — and the Nice Guy Festival is leading the way.

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HBCU Stars Shine in Eugene at NCAA 2025

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🏅 HBCU Stars Shine in Eugene at NCAA 2025

The 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships brought the best of the best to Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon—and HBCU athletes rose to the occasion. Here’s how they placed in the finals:


🥉 Jordan Pierre (University of Arkansas‑Pine Bluff)

  • Event: Men’s 400 m

  • Final Placement: 3rd Place – 45.75 seconds

  • Achievement: First Team All‑America


💪 Jarrett Gentles (Coppin State University)

  • Event: Men’s 400 m Hurdles

  • Final Placement: 9th Overall


🥉 Marcia Sey (Howard University)

  • Event: Women’s 100 m Hurdles

  • Final Placement: 3rd Place – 12.93 seconds

  • Achievement: First Team All‑America and highest NCAA finish in Howard’s track history


🏃‍♀️ Howard Women’s 4×100 m Relay

  • Team Members: Kailei Collins, Marcia Sey, Tiffani‑Rae Pittman, Aiyana Gray‑Williams

  • Final Placement: 6th Place – 43.23 seconds

  • Achievement: First Team All‑America


📊 Quick Recap

Athlete / Team Event Final Result Honors
Jordan Pierre (UAPB) 400 m 🥉 3rd Place First Team All-America
Jarrett Gentles (Coppin State) 400 m Hurdles 9th Place
Marcia Sey (Howard) 100 m Hurdles 🥉 3rd Place – 12.93s First Team All-America
Howard 4×100 Relay 4×100 m 6th Place – 43.23s First Team All-America
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Breakdown: 26 Cities with Major Juneteenth Celebrations

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📍 Breakdown: 26 Cities with Major Juneteenth Celebrations

Southeast:

  • Atlanta, GA – Huge parade, live music, family zone

  • Memphis, TN – Festival on the Mississippi + fireworks

  • Orlando, FL – Juneteenth 5K & educational symposiums

  • Charlotte, NC – Vendor village + youth storytelling

  • New Orleans, LA – Food, music, culture by the bayou

Northeast:

  • Philadelphia, PA – Historic AAMP exhibits & gospel showcase

  • Baltimore, MD – Spoken word, storytelling & street festival

  • New York, NY – Broadway block party + family market

Midwest:

  • Chicago, IL – Annual Juneteenth Parade & picnic

  • Detroit, MI – Wellness walks, cultural talks, food trucks

  • Cleveland, OH – Outdoor movie night + music

  • St. Louis, MO – Educational workshops + parade

South:

  • Houston, TX – Celebrating at historic Emancipation Park

  • Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum block party & poetry

  • Birmingham, AL – Health & wealth expos

  • Jackson, MS – Family freedom fest + Black-owned vendors

  • Louisville, KY – Parade + Black Wall Street event

West Coast & Beyond:

  • Los Angeles, CA – Grand Park celebration, Black culture exhibits

  • Oakland, CA – Freedom Festival & economic empowerment fair

  • San Francisco, CA – Parade across Fillmore

  • Denver, CO – Street fair, live jazz, unity march

  • Seattle, WA – Community rally & soul food

  • Phoenix, AZ – HBCU alumni cookout & music

  • Minneapolis, MN – Youth dance & spoken word

  • Columbus, OH – Citywide Juneteenth march


🎓 HBCUs at the Center

Many of these celebrations include HBCU marching bands, alumni chapters, student orgs, and vendor booths. From performances to education panels, HBCUs continue to be pillars in preserving the legacy of Juneteenth.


🔗 Join the Movement

📷 Tag @THEHBCUORIGINAL
🏷️ Hashtags: #HBCUJuneteenth #Juneteenth2025 #BlackFreedom

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🖤 What is Juneteenth? Celebrating Black Freedom & Culture

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Juneteenth—short for June Nineteenth—is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with federal troops and issued General Order No. 3, announcing that all enslaved people were free.

For the estimated 250,000 Black people still enslaved in Texas, this was the first time they were told of their freedom. While freedom had been the law since January 1, 1863, it wasn’t enforced in remote Confederate states like Texas until Union troops physically arrived.

But Juneteenth is more than a date.
It’s a spiritual and cultural milestone. It represents:

  • Delayed justice, but not denied dignity.

  • A collective awakening to freedom.

  • The beginning of a new fight—for land, civil rights, and equity.

  • The power of Black resilience, community, and culture.

Since its origin, Juneteenth has evolved from small family cookouts and church gatherings into nationwide celebrations filled with festivals, education, music, and activism. In 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday, a testament to generations of Black voices demanding that America remember and respect this part of its history.

Juneteenth and Slavery in Texas
In Texas, slavery had continued as the state experienced no large-scale fighting or significant presence of Union troops. Many enslavers from outside the Lone Star State had moved there, as they viewed it as a safe haven for slavery.

After the war came to a close in the spring of 1865, General Granger’s arrival in Galveston that June signaled freedom for Texas’s 250,000 enslaved people. Although emancipation didn’t happen overnight for everyone—in some cases, enslavers withheld the information until after harvest season—celebrations broke out among newly freed Black people, and Juneteenth was born. That December, slavery in America was formally abolished with the adoption of the 13th Amendment.

The year following 1865, freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became the annual celebration of “Jubilee Day” on June 19. In the ensuing decades, Juneteenth commemorations featured music, barbecues, prayer services and other activities, and as Black people migrated from Texas to other parts of the country the Juneteenth tradition spread.

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Under Armour Celebrates Maryland HBCUs with “Sisterhood in Style” Sneaker Campaign

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Published by HBCU Original | June 13, 2025

Under Armour is giving HBCU pride a fashionable step forward with its latest sneaker drop and campaign celebrating Black sisterhood, Greek life, and the vibrant legacy of Maryland’s historically Black colleges.

For the launch of its newest lifestyle sneaker, the UA Echo, Under Armour partnered with Baltimore native and award-winning photographer Devin Allen to shoot the “Sisterhood in Style” campaign. The powerful visuals were brought to life on the campuses of Bowie State University and Morgan State University, spotlighting women from the first Black Greek-letter sorority in bold, expressive styles.

More than a simple product release, “Sisterhood in Style” tells a deeper story—one of culture, community, and representation. The campaign highlights tradition and individuality, showing how today’s HBCU students are redefining style on their own terms.

“More than a product spotlight, Sisterhood in Style reflects UA’s broader commitment to innovation and community—empowering the next generation to show up boldly, break boundaries, and define their own style codes,” Under Armour shared in a press release.

The new UA Echo sneaker, designed in a striking pink and green colorway, is now available online for $150—a clear nod to the heritage of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

This campaign continues Under Armour’s connection to local education institutions. Last fall, the brand also gave back to Baltimore City College and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute by donating to their athletic programs and creating custom school merchandise.

With “Sisterhood in Style,” Under Armour isn’t just releasing a sneaker—it’s recognizing the beauty, strength, and cultural impact of Black women at HBCUs. And that’s a story worth walking in.

#HBCUOriginal #SisterhoodInStyle #BowieState #MorganState #UnderArmour #BlackExcellence #GreekLife

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