HBCU ORIGINAL
New HBCU on the Block!

Huston-Tillotson University Launches New HBCU Hub in California
Huston-Tillotson University, a prominent Historically Black College and University (HBCU) based in Austin, Texas, has made a groundbreaking move by establishing a new HBCU hub in California. This initiative aims to expand educational opportunities, foster innovation, and build a robust community network for students and alumni on the West Coast.
A Vision for Expansion
The new HBCU hub in California is designed to serve as a comprehensive center for education, research, and community engagement. By extending its reach beyond Texas, Huston-Tillotson University seeks to provide more students with access to its high-quality academic programs and resources, while also creating a space for cultural exchange and professional development.
“Expanding to California allows us to better serve our students and alumni to who are spread across the country,” said Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University. “This hub will enable us to offer more opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and community building, which are core to our mission.”
Programs and Initiatives
The California hub will host a variety of programs aimed at supporting students academically and professionally. Key initiatives include:
- Academic Support and Tutoring: Providing academic resources and tutoring services to help students excel in their studies.
- Career Development: Offering workshops, internships, and networking events to prepare students for successful careers in various fields.
- Community Engagement: Organizing cultural events, community service projects, and public lectures to foster a sense of community and social responsibility.
- Research and Innovation: Facilitating research projects and partnerships with local businesses and organizations to drive innovation and address regional challenges.
Strategic Location
California was chosen for the new hub due to its diverse population and strong economy, which offers ample opportunities for partnerships and growth. The state is home to a significant number of HBCU alumni and students, making it an ideal location for expanding Huston-Tillotson’s presence and impact.
The hub will be located in the Greater Los Angeles area, a strategic choice that provides easy access to major industries, cultural institutions, and other educational establishments. This location will enable Huston-Tillotson to build meaningful connections with local communities and stakeholders.
Strengthening the HBCU Network
The establishment of the California hub is part of a broader effort to strengthen the HBCU network across the United States. By creating additional hubs in key regions, Huston-Tillotson University and other HBCUs can collaborate more effectively, share resources, and amplify their collective impact.
“The creation of this hub is a testament to our commitment to expanding the reach and influence of HBCUs,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, President of Howard University. “By working together and supporting each other, we can ensure that our students receive the best possible education and opportunities, no matter where they are located.”
Community and Alumni Support
The response from the community and alumni has been overwhelmingly positive. Many see the new hub as a crucial step in providing more comprehensive support to current students and engaging alumni in meaningful ways.
“This hub is a game-changer for our alumni on the West Coast,” said Jacqueline Jones, a Huston-Tillotson alumna based in San Francisco. “It gives us a place to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the success of our alma mater and the next generation of students.”
Looking Ahead
As Huston-Tillotson University prepares to launch its new California hub, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. This initiative promises to bring new opportunities for students, foster innovation, and strengthen the sense of community among HBCUs.
The launch event, scheduled for later this year, will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking sessions, highlighting the hub’s mission and vision. This milestone marks a new chapter in the university’s history, underscoring its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.
HBCU ORIGINAL
HBCU Stars Shine in Eugene at NCAA 2025

🏅 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)
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Event: Men’s 400 m
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Final Placement: 3rd Place – 45.75 seconds
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Achievement: First Team All‑America
💪 Jarrett Gentles (Coppin State University)
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Event: Men’s 400 m Hurdles
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Final Placement: 9th Overall
🥉 Marcia Sey (Howard University)
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Event: Women’s 100 m Hurdles
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Final Placement: 3rd Place – 12.93 seconds
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Achievement: First Team All‑America and highest NCAA finish in Howard’s track history
🏃♀️ Howard Women’s 4×100 m Relay
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Team Members: Kailei Collins, Marcia Sey, Tiffani‑Rae Pittman, Aiyana Gray‑Williams
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Final Placement: 6th Place – 43.23 seconds
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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 |
Events
Breakdown: 26 Cities with Major Juneteenth Celebrations

📍 Breakdown: 26 Cities with Major Juneteenth Celebrations
Southeast:
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Atlanta, GA – Huge parade, live music, family zone
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Memphis, TN – Festival on the Mississippi + fireworks
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Orlando, FL – Juneteenth 5K & educational symposiums
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Charlotte, NC – Vendor village + youth storytelling
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New Orleans, LA – Food, music, culture by the bayou
Northeast:
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Philadelphia, PA – Historic AAMP exhibits & gospel showcase
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Baltimore, MD – Spoken word, storytelling & street festival
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New York, NY – Broadway block party + family market
Midwest:
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Chicago, IL – Annual Juneteenth Parade & picnic
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Detroit, MI – Wellness walks, cultural talks, food trucks
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Cleveland, OH – Outdoor movie night + music
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St. Louis, MO – Educational workshops + parade
South:
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Houston, TX – Celebrating at historic Emancipation Park
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Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum block party & poetry
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Birmingham, AL – Health & wealth expos
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Jackson, MS – Family freedom fest + Black-owned vendors
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Louisville, KY – Parade + Black Wall Street event
West Coast & Beyond:
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Los Angeles, CA – Grand Park celebration, Black culture exhibits
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Oakland, CA – Freedom Festival & economic empowerment fair
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San Francisco, CA – Parade across Fillmore
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Denver, CO – Street fair, live jazz, unity march
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Seattle, WA – Community rally & soul food
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Phoenix, AZ – HBCU alumni cookout & music
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Minneapolis, MN – Youth dance & spoken word
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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
Events
🖤 What is Juneteenth? Celebrating Black Freedom & Culture

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:
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Delayed justice, but not denied dignity.
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A collective awakening to freedom.
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The beginning of a new fight—for land, civil rights, and equity.
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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.
Events
Under Armour Celebrates Maryland HBCUs with “Sisterhood in Style” Sneaker Campaign
HBCU ORIGINAL
Florida A&M’s Kirk Dawkins Set to Compete at NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships

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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