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HBCU Homecomings: Can Trump Steal Young Black Voters from Harris?

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As fall approaches, homecoming season is about to kick off at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), bringing with it the excitement of football games, step shows, concerts, and deep-rooted traditions. But this year, the homecoming celebrations offer more than just a cultural reunion for alumni and students—they present a key political opportunity. With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are eyeing HBCU campuses as pivotal battlegrounds to gain the support of young Black voters.

The Importance of HBCU Homecomings

HBCUs have always played a significant role in shaping Black political thought and activism. Many prominent leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Rep. John Lewis, honed their leadership skills at HBCUs. Today, these institutions remain a vital hub for educating and empowering future leaders in the Black community.

Homecomings are the heartbeat of these institutions, attracting thousands of students, alumni, and influential figures from across the country. They’re also a reflection of the political and social pulse of Black America. With the 2024 election heating up, both parties recognize that capturing the attention of these communities—especially young voters—could make or break their campaigns.

Donald Trump’s Challenge: A New Approach

Former President Donald Trump has struggled with gaining support from Black voters, particularly during his first term. His administration’s policies, ranging from criminal justice reform to economic investments, were pitched as beneficial to the Black community, but many young voters remain skeptical of his leadership. However, Trump’s team sees HBCU homecomings as a strategic avenue to change the narrative.

During his presidency, Trump increased funding for HBCUs through the FUTURE Act and made permanent a $255 million annual funding allocation to these schools. His supporters argue that his contributions to HBCU financial stability are proof of his commitment to Black institutions, even if broader racial concerns and rhetoric have tainted his relationship with many young Black voters.

Trump’s approach for 2024 includes sending surrogates to these campuses during homecoming events, focusing on his record with HBCU funding and his efforts toward criminal justice reform with the First Step Act. The challenge will be convincing young Black voters that these policies outweigh the controversies surrounding race that defined his time in office.

Kamala Harris: Reclaiming the Base

On the other hand, Vice President Kamala Harris has deep connections to HBCUs. As an alumna of Howard University, she proudly represents the legacy of HBCU graduates in national politics. However, despite the excitement surrounding her historic election in 2020, Harris and the Biden administration have faced criticism from some younger Black voters who feel that their concerns, particularly on issues such as student loan debt and police reform, have not been fully addressed.

The Biden-Harris administration has made strides in student debt relief and invested in underserved communities, but lingering dissatisfaction remains. This homecoming season, Harris is expected to make her presence felt at several major HBCU campuses, rallying support and highlighting the administration’s achievements, including its recent decision to forgive billions in student loans, which directly benefits many Black graduates.

Her campaign hopes to use her HBCU connections and background as a former member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to galvanize students and alumni. The question remains: will young voters, especially those increasingly leaning toward progressive ideals, be swayed by her efforts, or will they opt for alternative candidates that better reflect their priorities?

Young Black Voters: Key to 2024

The stakes are high for both parties. The youth vote—especially among young Black voters—has been a critical swing factor in recent elections. In 2020, Black voter turnout played a significant role in securing President Joe Biden’s victory, especially in key states like Georgia and Pennsylvania. But a growing number of young Black voters are frustrated with the current political system, feeling that neither party has fully addressed issues like racial justice, economic inequality, and climate change.

HBCU homecomings offer Trump and Harris a chance to speak directly to this demographic and shift the momentum in their favor. Both candidates need to demonstrate that they understand the concerns of young Black voters and that their policies will create tangible change.

The Road Ahead: Can They Connect?

While HBCU homecomings are a time for celebration and community building, they are also an opportunity for young Black voters to engage politically. For Trump, the challenge will be overcoming his past rhetoric and convincing students that his administration’s policies were beneficial for their future. For Harris, the task is to reconnect with the HBCU base and prove that the Biden administration’s work is far from over.

As these candidates converge on campuses this fall, one thing is clear: HBCU homecomings will be a critical space for political engagement and could very well shape the direction of the 2024 election. With the clock ticking, both Trump and Harris are running out of time to secure the support of young Black voters—but they know homecoming season might just give them one last shot.

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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HBCU Athletic Conference Celebrates 988 Student-Athletes on 2025–26 Commissioner’s Honor Roll

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Alabama State Receives Reduced NCAA Infractions Ruling, Will Serve Three Years of Probation

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Alabama State University’s long-running NCAA infractions case ended with a reduced classification after the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions ruled the matter as a Level I Mitigated case instead of the more severe aggravated designation.

The decision carries the minimum financial penalty allowed for a Level I violation: a $30,000 fine plus one percent of the football program’s budget, along with three years of probation. University officials said they accept the ruling and will not file an appeal, though they remain convinced the case never warranted one of the NCAA’s highest classifications.

“This confirms what we have maintained from the outset — this case was improperly elevated,” Alabama State representative Dr. Jason Cable said. “The underlying conduct, tied to the former Sports Information Director and head coach, simply does not justify placement among the most severe cases in collegiate athletics.”

The case centered on the alteration of competition statistics for one student-athlete during the 2019 football season. Alabama State acknowledged that a former sports information director changed the athlete’s statistics on the school’s athletics website, allegedly at the direction of the former head football coach.

However, after a contested hearing, the NCAA Committee on Infractions determined there was not enough evidence to hold the former coach personally responsible for directing the changes. Alabama State said its acceptance of responsibility was based solely on the actions of its employee and not on any finding against the former coach.

University officials also emphasized that the NCAA found no lack of institutional control or failure to monitor within the athletics department.

Despite the reduced classification, Alabama State President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. questioned the consistency of the NCAA’s enforcement process.

“While today’s decision is a downgrade from the Level I aggravated classification, we still believe that the scope of the penalty does not reflect the university’s involvement, or lack thereof, in this matter,” Ross said.

Ross pointed to what he called a significant disparity between Alabama State’s penalties and those issued to the University of Arizona. According to the university, Arizona, which certified the student-athlete’s eligibility and benefited competitively, received a Level III violation and a $500 fine, while Alabama State was assessed a Level I violation despite not certifying the player’s eligibility or receiving a competitive advantage.

“We believe the standards should be applied consistently across all institutions,” Ross said. “This case underscores the importance of fairness and accountability throughout the NCAA governance process.”

Ross also credited Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and General Counsel Kenneth Thomas for helping secure a reduction in what could have been more severe sanctions.

To address the issues identified during the investigation, Alabama State said it has already implemented several compliance measures, including revised statistical reporting procedures, expanded auditing practices, enhanced postgame reviews, and additional NCAA compliance education for athletics staff.

The university said those measures will remain in place throughout its probationary period.

With the case now officially resolved, Alabama State plans to move forward without an appeal.

“The institution is ready to begin its probationary period, fulfill all associated obligations, and direct its full energy to its student-athletes, its programs, and its future,” the university said.

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Tuskegee University Introduces New Student Policies Focused on Professionalism and Career Readiness

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TUSKEGEE, Ala. Tuskegee University is introducing new student policies focused on professionalism, academic success, and career readiness as the university prepares to welcome its largest incoming class in 32 years.

In a message to parents of incoming students, President Dr. Mark A. Brown announced updated expectations covering student attire, classroom attendance, and cellphone use.

Under the new dress code, students will not be permitted to wear bonnets, du rags, bedroom shoes, or revealing clothing in classrooms, the university cafeteria, or during official campus events, including Convocation. Students attending business meetings and other professional events will also be expected to wear business attire with appropriate footwear.

Brown said the goal is to help students prepare for life after graduation, not to limit their college experience.

“The goal here is not meant to restrict students from enjoying the Tuskegee Experience, but to prepare them with a solid foundation for the workforce they will enter once they leave Tuskegee.”

The university is also strengthening its classroom expectations. Cellphones must remain off during class unless an instructor allows their use, and attendance will be monitored more closely to encourage academic success.

As part of its expanded career readiness initiative, students will be expected to complete internships, identify professional certifications related to their career goals, and build a professional resume before graduation. Tuskegee currently offers more than 30 professional certification opportunities at no additional cost.

The new policies have already sparked conversations throughout the HBCU community. Some believe the changes continue the long standing tradition of preparing students for professional careers, while others question whether banning items such as bonnets and du rags reinforces outdated views of professionalism.

Founded in 1881, Tuskegee University has built a legacy of developing leaders in business, education, science, engineering, the military, and public service. University leaders say these updated expectations are intended to strengthen that tradition while helping students transition successfully into the workforce.

As students return to campus this fall, many will be watching to see how the new policies shape the student experience and whether they become a model for other HBCUs across the country.

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Alumni Impact

Miles College Electrifies the Field by Welcoming Recent Graduate Daja Gratton as Steaming Flags Instructor

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The rhythm is about to get even hotter at Miles College as the institution proudly announces Class of 2025 powerhouse Daja Gratton as the newest instructor for the legendary Steaming Flags!

From 2021 through 2025, Gratton brought unmatched fire and precision to the field as a standout performer with both the Purple Marching Machine and the Steaming Flags. Throughout her dynamic collegiate career, she mastered the complex art of color guard performance while representing Miles College with fierce pride and undeniable excellence. Her journey stands as a testament to elite discipline, synchronized teamwork, and the gold standard of the university band program.

During her time as a student performer, Gratton was the heartbeat of one of the most thrilling traditions at Miles College. Her work with the Steaming Flags injected high energy, stunning visual artistry, and pure school spirit into halftime shows and competitions that mesmerized crowds and uplifted the entire campus community.

Now, she steps into a leadership role ready to ignite the next generation of performers! Gratton brings a deep passion for mentorship and coaching, transforming her direct field experience into powerful instruction. She is dedicated to building confidence, elite sportsmanship, and sharp technical skills in aspiring auxiliaries, proving her impact extends far beyond the stadium lights.

Miles College celebrates Daja Gratton for her phenomenal accomplishments and welcomes her back to lead the Steaming Flags into an unforgettable new era of excellence!

About the Miles College Steaming Flags

The Steaming Flags serve as the official color guard and visual auxiliary unit for the famous Miles College Purple Marching Machine in Fairfield, Alabama. They are widely celebrated as one of the most dynamic and visually captivating performance groups in collegiate marching band culture.

  • Visual Heartbeat of the Band: The Steaming Flags transform the musical power of the Purple Marching Machine into synchronized physical art. They add vibrant color, motion, and theatrical flare to every halftime show, parade, and stadium performance.

  • Dynamic Performance Style: In the celebrated tradition of historically Black colleges and universities, the Steaming Flags go far beyond standard flag spinning. Their routines blend intricate flag manipulation, rapid tosses, sharp marching techniques, and expressive dance choreography that matches the driving tempo of the band.

  • Elite Training and Tradition: Performing with this unit requires intense stamina, rhythm, technical precision, and flawless coordination. Members undergo rigorous conditioning to execute complex visual routines while maintaining peak energy and showmanship from the first beat to the final whistle.

  • Leadership and Pride: As premier ambassadors for Miles College, the flag line embodies school spirit and cultural pride. The unit fosters lifelong sisterhood and leadership development, making experienced alumni instructors like Daja Gratton essential for preserving their rich standards of excellence.

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Shaw University Divinity School Receives $1 Million Grant to Expand Digital Theological Education Across North Carolina

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Shaw University Divinity School is expanding access to theological education with the support of a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The five year grant will help the Divinity School create a statewide network of digital academies designed to bring graduate level theological education directly to churches and ministry leaders throughout North Carolina.

The funding comes through Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative and will support partnerships with more than 40 congregational associations to establish local digital learning communities. The program will provide church leaders with accessible opportunities for ministry training, leadership development, certificate programs, and congregational renewal.

Through an advanced online learning platform, participants will have access to live instruction, self paced courses, peer discussions, and practical resources while continuing to serve within their local congregations.

Over the next five years, the initiative is expected to engage between 800 and 1,000 church leaders while creating pathways for participants to continue their education through advanced graduate programs at Shaw University Divinity School.

“A localized digital academy approach to accessible theological training will help strengthen congregations as future learning communities,” said Dr. Mark G. Harden, dean of Shaw University Divinity School.

The initiative reflects Shaw’s continued commitment to preparing faith leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to serve evolving communities while expanding educational opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings.

Church and ministry leaders interested in participating in the program can contact Rev. Dr. Saundra Williams at saundra.williams@shawu.edu.

About Shaw University

Founded in 1865, Shaw University is the first Historically Black College and University established in the South. The university’s mission is to advance knowledge, support student achievement, strengthen spiritual and ethical values, and prepare a diverse community of learners to become future global leaders. Shaw University is led by President Dr. Paulette R. Dillard.

About Shaw University Divinity School

For more than 90 years, Shaw University Divinity School has prepared spiritual and ethical leaders for service in churches, nonprofit organizations, education, healthcare, business, and public life. The Divinity School offers the Master of Divinity, the Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry, and beginning in Spring 2027, the Doctor of Education in Artificial Intelligence and Moral Agency.

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