BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – SWAC Slaps Florida A&M with $10K Fine After PA System Gaffe

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is sending a strong message about respect and sportsmanship. Following inappropriate comments made over the public address system during Saturday’s football game against Alabama State University, Florida A&M University has been issued a public reprimand and a $10,000 fine.

The university’s public address announcer will also be sidelined for the next two football games. The announcer had referred to Alabama State’s plus-sized dance team, the Honey Beez, as “the new face of Ozempic,” a weight-loss drug—a remark widely criticized as body-shaming.

“Inappropriate conduct and invective language will always be met with strong action,” the SWAC said. “We take zero tolerance seriously, and this applies to all athletes, staff, and spectators—male or female.”

Florida A&M has apologized, emphasizing that the comment does not reflect the university’s values. The SWAC hopes this incident serves as a reminder that respect and sportsmanship are required across all competitions, including women’s sports.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced plans to reallocate nearly $500 million to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges, even as it makes sharp cuts to other minority-serving institutions.

The Department of Education detailed the shift on Sept. 15, saying the move reflects President Donald Trump’s push to fund his top education priorities. Alongside the new HBCU and tribal funding, the agency will dedicate $500 million to charter schools and invest over $160 million in American history and civics education programs. Officials cited recent reports of declining K-12 achievement as justification for the charter school boost.

“Today, the Department is making three massive investments—moving money away from ineffective, discriminatory programs and into those that actually support student success,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.

Funding reshuffle sparks controversy

The decision comes just days after the administration froze more than $350 million in grants for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), which include campuses serving Hispanic, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian students. The administration argues that awarding grants based on racial or ethnic enrollment is unconstitutional.

Trump, who has repeatedly called for eliminating the Education Department altogether, has already proposed a 15% budget cut for the agency in his 2026 plan.

With the latest reallocation, total federal investment in HBCUs for 2025 surpasses $1.34 billion, while tribal colleges will receive more than $108 million.

Praise and pushback

UNCF, a nonprofit that funds scholarships for Black students, applauded the decision. Lodriquez Murray, senior vice president for public policy, called it “nothing short of a godsend for HBCUs,” saying the money will support everything from facility upgrades and laboratory equipment to student and faculty support.

But many education leaders and Democrats criticized the move. Amanda Fuchs Miller, a former deputy assistant secretary under President Joe Biden, argued the administration had exceeded its authority. “Congress decides how money is spent,” she wrote. “The Department of Ed cannot just defund authorized programs and redirect that money for political reasons.”

Deborah Santiago of Excelencia in Education said the changes raise constitutional questions, while Mamie Voight of the Institute for Higher Education Policy warned they pit “resources for one community against resources for another,” creating long-term challenges for students—especially at Hispanic-serving institutions.

Political backdrop

Trump has made highly visible efforts to align himself with HBCUs, part of a broader strategy to appeal to Black voters. Earlier this year, he signed an executive order promoting “excellence and innovation” at HBCUs, though critics described it as mostly symbolic.

McMahon defended the funding overhaul: “We will use every available tool to meaningfully advance educational outcomes and ensure every American has the opportunity to succeed.”

The changes affect the current budget year, which expires Sept. 30 unless Congress passes a new spending bill or temporary funding measure.

ATLANTA, Ga. — Three different Eagles found the end zone on the ground Saturday night as North Carolina Central University opened the 2025 season with a commanding 31-14 win over Southern University in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off at Center Parc Stadium.

With the victory, the Eagles (1-0) captured their second straight win in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, while the MEAC improved to 12-7 all-time in the season-opening classic. HBCU Original was down on the field capturing every angle of the action, the fans, and the culture that made Atlanta the center of the HBCU football world.

First Half Fireworks

NCCU struck first, marching 80 yards on the opening drive and chewing nearly half the quarter before Arthur Rodgers, Jr. punched in a one-yard touchdown. Quarterback Walker Harris sparked the drive with an 18-yard scamper that set up the score.

Southern answered quickly when Cam’Ron McCoy broke free for a 69-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7 with just over six minutes left in the opening quarter.

After a 31-yard field goal from Kaleb Robison gave NCCU a 10-7 edge, Southern landed a big blow late in the half. Trey Holly sprinted 80 yards untouched to put the Jaguars ahead 14-10. But the lead was short-lived.

On the very next drive, Chris Mosley delivered a lightning strike of his own — a 49-yard touchdown run in just nine seconds. With Robison’s extra point, NCCU carried a 17-14 lead into halftime.

Eagles Take Control

The second half belonged to the Eagles. A quick three-and-out forced by the defense led to excellent field position, and Harris capitalized with his first touchdown pass of 2025 — a three-yard strike to Kyle Morgan, extending the lead to 24-14.

Later in the third quarter, Aleni Mageo powered in from six yards out, giving NCCU a 31-14 cushion. From there, the defense clamped down, holding Southern scoreless for the final 31:57 of the contest.

Stats That Tell the Story

• Total Offense: NCCU 414 yards (231 rushing, 183 passing)

• Chris Mosley: Career night with 174 rushing yards and a touchdown

• Walker Harris: 19 completions, 183 yards, 1 passing TD, plus 18 yards rushing

• Eagle Defense: Led by Thomas Johnson with 7 tackles, 2 TFLs, a QB hurry, a forced fumble, and a recovery

What’s Next

North Carolina Central returns home for its 2025 home opener on Saturday, Aug. 30, hosting New Hampshire at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

ATLANTA, Ga. – North Carolina Central University football kicks off its 2025 campaign on Saturday, August 30, in the 20th annual Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off, squaring off against Southern University at Center Parc Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with national coverage on ABC.

The Match-Up
This will mark only the second-ever meeting between NCCU and Southern. The Eagles claimed the first contest back on Sept. 23, 2006, when they forced five interceptions en route to a 27-20 road win in Baton Rouge while competing as a Division II program.

Eagles vs. the SWAC
Since rejoining the MEAC in 2010, NCCU holds a 4-3 record against SWAC opponents. Head coach Trei Oliver has fared even better, going 4-1 against the conference, including last year’s Orange Blossom Classic victory over Alabama State. In 2025, the Eagles face two SWAC foes: Southern this weekend and Florida A&M on Oct. 11.

Strong Starts
NCCU owns a 47-51-1 all-time record in season openers but is 4-1 under Oliver, with four straight opening wins. That streak includes last year’s 31-24 triumph over Alabama State. For the third time in four years, the Eagles open on a neutral field.

Back in the Challenge
The Eagles are making their third appearance in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge. They defeated Alcorn State 24-14 in 2021 and fell to Prairie View A&M in 2018, entering Saturday with a 1-1 Challenge record. Overall, the MEAC leads the series 11-7.

Atlanta Success
Atlanta has been a winning stage for NCCU. The Eagles claimed the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl in overtime against No. 5 Jackson State and previously beat Alcorn State in the 2021 Challenge, both at Center Parc Stadium.

Scouting Southern
The Jaguars, led by second-year head coach Terreance Graves, are the preseason pick to win the SWAC West. Southern finished 8-5 (7-1 SWAC) last year before falling in the conference title game. Five Jaguars earned Preseason All-SWAC honors, including Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Chelky Givens.

Coaching Ties
Oliver, assistant head coach Matt Leone, and offensive line coach Macander Dieudonne each spent time on Southern’s staff earlier in their careers. Oliver (2016–18) served as safeties coach and defensive coordinator, while Leone worked four seasons mentoring all-time passing leader Austin Howard and guiding high-powered Jaguar offenses. Dieudonne coached Southern’s tight ends in 2019.

Non-Conference Strength
The Eagles are 18-12 in non-conference play under Oliver, including a 15-4 record over the past two-plus seasons. Notable victories include wins over No. 25 Elon (2023), No. 25 New Hampshire (2022), and No. 5 Jackson State (2022). This year, NCCU will face opponents from the SWAC, CAA, Sun Belt, CIAA, and Southland, with Old Dominion representing the team’s lone FBS test.

Players to Watch
Three Eagles are on the Stats Perform HBCU Player of the Year Watchlist: QB Walker Harris, DB Malcolm Reed, and OL Trevon Humphrey. All three were selected Preseason First Team All-MEAC, with Reed also earning Stats Perform Preseason All-American recognition.

Offensive Line Continuity
The Eagles return starters at every offensive line position — a rarity in today’s FCS football. Anchored by Preseason All-MEAC selections Noah McKinney and Trevon Humphrey, the unit looks to provide stability for Harris and veteran tight end Luke Bracey.

For more information on NCCU athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.

By Tolly Carr – HBCU Gameday | Updated August 6, 2025

At just ten years old, Kendall Rae Johnson—Georgia’s youngest certified farmer—has earned a full scholarship to South Carolina State University (SC State), one of the nation’s leading HBCUs. The award honors her exceptional achievements in agriculture and reflects HBCUs’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of Black leaders.

A Campus Visit Turned Life-Changer

While touring 1890 land-grant HBCUs with her family, Kendall Rae visited SC State’s 300-acre Research & Demonstration Farm in Orangeburg, SC. There, she met SC State President Alexander Conyers, who surprised her with the 1890 Agriculture Innovation Scholarship—valued at $83,598—covering tuition, fees, and room and board.

President Conyers praised her dedication:

“We were blown away by Kendall Rae’s focus and maturity. She speaks with passion about crop cycles, soil health, and even longhorn cattle. Her future is bright.”

From Backyard Garden to Certified Farmer

Kendall Rae’s farming journey began at age 3 alongside her great-grandmother. By 6, she became Georgia’s youngest certified farmer. Now, she manages nearly an acre of land, growing strawberries, tomatoes, apples, okra, and more. Her accomplishments have drawn national attention, inspiring other young people to explore agriculture.

Leading Through Education and Advocacy

Kendall Rae founded Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, a nonprofit teaching children about farming, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. As a USDA National Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador, she champions food justice and agricultural education. Her father, Quentin Johnson, credits her for transforming their family’s lifestyle:

“She pulled me into this. Now we’re all growing together—literally.”

Big Goals for the Future

Kendall Rae dreams of owning at least 100 acres of farmland and raising longhorn cattle. She’s particularly excited about SC State’s international agriculture programs, including goat research in The Gambia.

During her visit, she told staff with a smile:

“I’ll be back in 10 years to see all the new buildings.”

With SC State investing over $250 million in campus development, her timing may be perfect.

The HBCU Impact

This scholarship is a testament to the role HBCUs play in identifying and supporting young Black innovators long before college. President Conyers believes Kendall Rae will make an enduring mark:

“Kendall Rae Johnson is exactly the kind of student we want to support. She’s a future leader—here at SC State and beyond.”