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Howard University Cuts Ties with Sean “Puffy” Combs Amid Controversy!

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In a significant move, Howard University has officially severed its ties with renowned music mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs. This decision follows recent allegations of misconduct against Combs, marking a notable shift in the relationship between the university and one of its most high-profile supporters.

Howard University announced its decision to revoke the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree it awarded to Combs in 2014. This decision was not taken lightly, considering Combs’ long-standing relationship with the university and his substantial contributions to its community. The university also decided to return a $1 million donation made by Combs in 2022, which was intended to support scholarships and various university initiatives.

“The Diddler”

Sean Combs, also known by his stage names Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy, has been a significant figure in the music industry for decades. His connection to Howard University dates back to the late 1980s when he attended the university before leaving to pursue a career in music. Despite not completing his degree, Combs maintained a close relationship with Howard, often referring to it as the place where he “found himself” and laying the groundwork for his illustrious career.

The decision to cut ties comes in the wake of serious allegations against Combs. Several women have come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct, which have led to public scrutiny and legal action. Amid these allegations, security camera footage has surfaced showing Combs allegedly punching, kicking, and throwing objects at former artist and girlfriend Cassie. Combs has since issued a public apology, which was not well-received by Cassie’s attorney or fans. These allegations have not only tarnished Combs’ personal reputation but also posed a dilemma for institutions associated with him.

The Howard University’s Statement

In a statement, Howard University emphasized its commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for its students and staff. The university stated, “Howard University holds its students, faculty, and community to the highest standards of ethical conduct. The allegations against Mr. Combs are serious and, as an institution dedicated to the pursuit of truth and justice, we must take decisive action.”

The statement continued, “We have a responsibility to our community to ensure that our values are upheld. Therefore, we have decided to revoke the honorary degree awarded to Mr. Combs and return his donation. This decision reflects our commitment to maintaining the integrity and safety of our academic environment.”

What the People Think

As expected on Beyoncé’s internet, many people have strong opinions on this topic and how Howard University has handled these claims. While many applaud the university for taking a stand against alleged misconduct, others have expressed disappointment, citing Combs’ contributions and support over the years. This decision underscores the complex nature of navigating allegations of misconduct involving prominent figures. The move by Howard University is likely to influence other institutions and organizations associated with Combs, prompting them to reassess their affiliations and the potential implications of maintaining such relationships.

Moving Forward

As Howard University distances itself from Sean “Puffy” Combs, it reinforces its commitment to ethical standards and the well-being of its community. The university’s decisive action highlights the importance of accountability and the need for institutions to align their values with their actions, even when it involves high-profile supporters.

This development serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that institutions face in addressing allegations of misconduct and the necessity of making tough decisions to uphold their principles. Howard University’s decision to cut ties with Sean “Puffy” Combs marks a pivotal moment in its history, reflecting a broader societal shift towards accountability and ethical conduct in the face of serious allegations.

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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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Florida A&M’s Kirk Dawkins Set to Compete at NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships

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June 10, 2025 | Eugene, Oregon

Florida A&M’s standout middle-distance runner, Kirk Dawkins, is headed to the big stage as he prepares to compete in the 800-meter semifinals at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships this Wednesday. The race will take place at 8:58 p.m. EST at the legendary Hayward Field, located on the campus of the University of Oregon.

Catch the action live on ESPN.

Dawkins earned his spot at nationals by running a personal-best time of 1:46.62 at the NCAA East Regional quarterfinals—an impressive mark that solidifies his status among the elite in collegiate track.

This season has been a breakout year for the FAMU junior. He claimed the SWAC Outdoor Championship title in the 800 meters with a time of 1:50.2 and followed that up with a strong 1:48.01 showing at the East Coast Relays. His steady improvement and commitment to excellence are paying off as he heads into the national spotlight.

All eyes will be on Dawkins Wednesday night as he looks to continue his historic season and represent Florida A&M on the national stage.

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