Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is speaking out after Tougaloo College, a historically Black college in Mississippi, received threatening calls following her keynote address at the school’s recent commencement ceremony.

According to a statement from Tougaloo College President Donzell Lee, the school is investigating “concerning calls” made after the May 2025 graduation ceremony. “We are not taking these occurrences lightly,” Lee wrote in a letter to the campus community. “Appropriate actions have been taken. Contact has been made with law enforcement authorities to ensure that safety protocols are in place, if needed.” He also urged students, staff, and faculty to report any suspicious behavior to campus authorities.

In response, Rep. Crockett condemned the threats and pointed to political motivations behind them. “No low is too low for MAGA,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Now explain to me why an institution would be receiving threats because of the commencement speech that I GAVE. This type of behavior is why I’m constantly having to be protected. Sadly, truth-telling in this country is a dangerous business—but college students don’t deserve this.”

Crockett, who received an honorary doctorate from fellow Congressmember and Tougaloo alum Rep. Bennie Thompson, was invited to speak about the legacy of civil rights at the university. In her speech, she highlighted the historic contributions of the Tougaloo Nine and iconic civil rights figures like Anne Moody and Memphis Norman. She also drew comparisons between the past and present struggles for justice, emphasizing that today’s students continue that fight by simply pursuing education in a polarized climate.

“To think that people have to be fearful of a sitting member of Congress speaking to graduates tells us that we still have a lot of work to do,” Crockett said during the speech. Still, she left the graduates with a message of encouragement: “Your moment is now. This country is relying on each and every one of you to walk into your purpose and to walk in greatness with your head held high. You absolutely belong.”

Tougaloo College, known for its role in the Civil Rights Movement, stands firm amid the controversy. “As always, your continuing safety is our primary concern,” President Lee said, reaffirming the school’s commitment to its students.

The incident highlights the ongoing tension surrounding race, politics, and free speech in America—even in spaces meant to celebrate achievement and legacy.

By HBCU Gameday Staff

One of the NFL’s most dominant forces off the edge just made his most meaningful move off the field—and it came straight from the heart.

Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, recently visited Hampton University not only as a football superstar but as a proud son returning to honor the legacy of family and education. Garrett’s connection to the Virginia-based HBCU runs deep: his mother, Audrey Garrett, was an All-American track athlete at Hampton and later built a successful career in education and law. Her journey began on this very campus.

To pay tribute to those roots, Garrett donated $25,000 to Hampton University. But for him, the gift was more than a monetary gesture—it was a reflection of legacy, gratitude, and a belief in the power of HBCU education to shape future leaders.

Garrett’s visit wasn’t just about writing a check. He also took part in a thought-provoking panel discussion alongside Brandon Martin, CEO of Johnson Energy Storage. Together, they encouraged students to pursue careers in STEM and explore passions beyond sports. Their message was clear: there is life beyond the game, and it’s filled with purpose and opportunity.

“Always continue to grow… Love what you do. Find what you are passionate about,” Garrett urged the students.

His words resonated—and so did his presence. A six-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick out of Texas A&M, Garrett has made a name for himself chasing quarterbacks. But at Hampton, he reminded everyone that true success includes giving back, lifting others, and honoring those who paved the way.

For HBCU students and fans alike, Garrett’s visit was a powerful reminder: greatness isn’t just built on stats—it’s built on legacy, leadership, and heart.

Let’s hear it for the PENN RELAYS Men’s High Jump Champion, Ja’Mari Manson from Delaware State University! 🏆🐝
With a jaw-dropping leap of 2.15 meters (7 feet, 0.5 inches), Ja’Mari soared into the history books, bringing home the gold and making his Hornet Nation proud! 💪🏾💛❤️

🔥 And let’s give love to the other HBCU athletes who showed up and showed out at the Penn Relays:

• Theodore Skinner of North Carolina Central University, grabbing 2nd place with a 2.10m jump! 🦅

• Jonathan Raijon-Koger, also repping N.C. Central, clearing 2.05m and putting in that work on the runway!

• Andrew Betton from Coppin State University, holding it down with a solid 1.95m jump. 🦅

💯 These HBCU athletes proved once again—we don’t just participate, we DOMINATE.

Salute to all the HBCU talent that continues to elevate the game, break records, and carry legacy with every stride and every jump. 🎓🔥

Friday’s 100m hurdles heats were fast, technical, and packed with powerhouse performances—but it was the HBCU excellence that made serious noise on the track. Two of our very own will be advancing to the Championship of America Final on Saturday at 3:30 PM.

🎯 Advancing to the Final:

🏃🏽‍♀️ Brooklyn Robinson – Norfolk State University
⏱ 13.25 | Heat 3 (2nd Place) | Qualifies by time (q)
Brooklyn Robinson came out strong, staying smooth between the hurdles and finishing with the second-fastest time overall. She showed poise and power representing Spartan Nation on the biggest collegiate relay stage. 🟢🟡

🏃🏽‍♀️ Marcia Sey – Howard University
⏱ 13.29 | Heat 1 (1st Place) | Automatic Qualifier (Q)
A dominant start and a clean flight over the hurdles secured Sey’s heat win. Her performance placed her among the top 3 hurdlers of the day and continues Howard’s incredible showing at this year’s Penn Relays. 🦬🔥

🔍 Other HBCU Highlights:

Jazmyn Wajd – Howard University
⏱ 13.86 | Heat 2 (6th Place)
A solid run in a competitive section, showing Howard’s depth in the hurdles. While she didn’t advance, she held her own with grace and grit.

Aisha Carrington – Lincoln University (PA)
⏱ 14.07 | Heat 1 (5th Place)
Representing the DII powerhouse, Carrington ran a clean race and continues to be a force for Lincoln’s growing sprint squad.

🏁 Final Word:

With two HBCU athletes advancing to the final — Norfolk State’s Brooklyn Robinson and Howard’s Marcia Sey — the message is loud and clear: our hurdlers are elite. Saturday’s final promises to be one to remember, and we’ll be watching as these queens take their place in the spotlight.

History and speed collided at Franklin Field as Howard University became the first HBCU to punch their ticket back to the College Women’s 4×100 Championship of America Final, clocking an impressive 44.21 in Heat 4!

Led by Ai’yana Gray-Williams, Marcia Sey, Kailei Collins, and Tiffani Rae Pittman, the Lady Bison stood strong among a loaded field and proved they’re built for the big stage. Their performance not only qualified them for Saturday’s final (1:50 PM), but also reasserted their place among the elite in collegiate sprinting.

Other top teams qualifying:

• 🏁 Texas A&M – 44.05

• 💨 TCU – 44.12

• ⚡ Georgia Southern – 44.19

Coppin State also held it down with 45.203 — just outside the auto-qualifiers — but still in striking distance for a spot depending on overall fastest times.

🏆 The top nine teams (heat winners + 5 fastest overall) advance to the Championship of America Final. Let’s rally behind these HBCU queens!

Among other HBCUs:

• Coppin State posted a strong 45.21, placing 10th overall — just shy of auto-qualifying but firmly in contention for a fastest-time spot.

• Norfolk State clocked in at 45.31, showing depth and determination in Heat 1.