Alumni Impact
HBCU Broadcasting Icon Charlie Neal Has Died
Charlie Neal, the legendary broadcaster whose voice helped bring HBCU sports into national prominence, has died following an illness. He was 80 years old.
Neal spent decades building a career rooted in preparation, storytelling, and a deep respect for Black college athletics. Born on October 28, 1945, he became much more than a play-by-play announcer—he became one of the defining voices explaining why HBCU sports matter.
At a time when Black college football and basketball received little national coverage, Neal helped change that reality by helping build platforms that treated those games with professionalism and visibility. His work helped elevate HBCU athletics from overlooked competition to nationally recognized tradition.
A pioneer at BET and beyond
In 1980, Neal joined the founding of Black Entertainment Television (BET), where he became a key figure in establishing national coverage of HBCU sports. He served as lead play-by-play announcer and executive producer for sports programming, helping shape both the broadcast schedule and the presentation of games.
For many fans, Neal became the voice of Saturday afternoons in HBCU football and basketball, calling matchups across conferences including the MEAC, CIAA, SWAC, and SIAC.
A voice that preserved HBCU history
Neal was known for more than calling plays—he gave context and meaning to what viewers were watching. He frequently connected current athletes and teams to HBCU legends like Walter Payton and Jerry Rice, helping audiences understand the historical depth behind every game.
His broadcasts helped preserve the culture of HBCU athletics, highlighting not just competition, but marching bands, campus pride, coaching legacies, and community tradition.
He also formed a long-running broadcasting partnership with Hall of Famer Lem Barney, becoming one of the most recognizable duos in HBCU sports media.
Continued influence across networks
After BET moved away from sports coverage, Neal continued his career with major outlets including ESPN, where he called the first football game aired on ESPNU. In later years, he remained active with HBCU GO, continuing to lend his voice to the programs he helped elevate.
Honors and legacy
Neal’s impact was widely recognized across college sports. He was inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame, CIAA Hall of Fame, and Black College Football Hall of Fame. In 2023, he became the first HBCU representative to receive the Chris Schenkel Award, one of broadcasting’s highest honors.
Reflecting on his career, Neal once said, “I have been blessed… I have been able to do things some people can’t even dream of doing.”
Charlie Neal’s legacy is not only in the games he called, but in the visibility he helped create for generations of HBCU athletes and programs. He helped ensure that Black college sports were seen, heard, and remembered.
Alumni Impact
Magic Johnson Highlights Rare HBCU Commencement Honor After Speaking at Two Alabama Schools
Magic Johnson is reflecting on what he called a “rare privilege” after delivering two HBCU commencement speeches in a single day, addressing graduates at both Stillman College and Tuskegee University in Alabama.
The Basketball Hall of Famer and business executive spoke during a busy commencement season, noting that it is uncommon for a single speaker to be invited to multiple HBCU graduations—especially within the same state on the same day.
In a post shared after the events, Johnson thanked both institutions for the opportunity, highlighting his visits to Stillman College during its 150th anniversary celebration and Tuskegee University, one of the nation’s most historic HBCUs.
At Stillman, Johnson delivered remarks to graduates and also received an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration. He later spoke at Tuskegee University, where he addressed a large crowd in the stadium, with additional audiences gathered in overflow spaces.
Johnson’s message focused on leadership, discipline, and global ambition, encouraging graduates to be “bold, strategic, global, active, and intentional.” He also pointed to the impact of HBCUs in producing Black professionals across multiple fields, citing their outsized role in developing judges, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and CEOs.
HBCU commencement speakers delivering multiple addresses in the same season remains uncommon, placing Johnson alongside a small group of notable figures participating in similar dual engagements this year.
Other speakers this commencement season include Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, who have also addressed multiple HBCU graduating classes.
Johnson’s remarks centered on economic empowerment, personal branding, and preparing graduates for emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and global business.
Alumni Impact
HBCU$™ Launches to Bridge Billion-Dollar Funding Gap for Historically Black Colleges by Empowering Alumni and Student Entrepreneurs
Free Marketing Services Offered to Boost Business Growth and Alumni Giving
GAUTIER, Miss. – April 15, 2025 – HBCU$™, a new alumni giving and wealth-building network, is set to launch on May 1, 2025, with a bold mission: to help close the multi-billion-dollar public funding gap that has historically disadvantaged Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). By uplifting the entrepreneurs these institutions cultivate, HBCU$™ aims to turn business success into sustainable support for HBCUs.
Founded by Dorsey West, a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, HBCU$™ was inspired by a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The analysis revealed that between 1987 and 2020, HBCU land-grant colleges were underfunded by an estimated $12.6 billion compared to their non-HBCU counterparts—with Tennessee State alone shorted by over $2.1 billion.
“HBCUs are facing severe challenges as budget cuts at both the federal and state levels continue,” said West. “I created HBCU$™ to harness the power of alumni support and private-sector entrepreneurship to help fill that gap.”
The HBCU$™ model is simple yet powerful: it offers free online marketing services to alumni and student-owned businesses. In return, participating businesses donate a portion of their increased revenue to the HBCU of their choice—creating a win-win cycle of economic growth and educational reinvestment.
By spotlighting these businesses through video podcast interviews, member profiles, and an online directory, HBCU$™ not only strengthens the economic impact of HBCU entrepreneurs but also fosters a culture of giving back.
Consumers can join the HBCU$™ community today by signing up for exclusive offers and early access at https://hbcus.biz.
HBCU alumni and student business owners interested in joining the platform can email promote@hbcus.biz to be featured—at no cost.
About HBCU$™
Founded by Tennessee State University alumnus Dorsey West, HBCU$™ is an alumni giving and wealth-building network designed to generate consistent financial support for HBCUs through the success of their entrepreneurs. The platform offers free promotion for HBCU alumni and student-owned businesses, which in turn pledge a portion of revenue gains back to their chosen HBCU. Learn more at https://hbcus.biz.
As the second presidential inauguration of Donald Trump approaches, the event continues to spark mixed emotions across the country. Recently, an HBCU band found itself at the center of controversy after requesting public donations to cover expenses for performing at the inauguration.
Mississippi Valley State University’s renowned marching band, the “Mean Green Marching Machine,” was invited to play at the ceremony on January 20, an opportunity they eagerly embraced. Dr. Jerryl Briggs, President of Mississippi Valley State, described the occasion as a significant milestone:
“This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi. It is an opportunity to showcase our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future leaders of our community. This participation allows students to engage in the peaceful transition of power and gain global exposure while celebrating the university’s 75th anniversary.”
Despite the enthusiasm, the band’s decision to participate has drawn criticism from Trump detractors. The backlash intensified after the university launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $350,000 to cover expenses such as new uniforms, instruments, scholarships, and other essential resources.
The Mean Green Marching Machine has a rich history of political involvement, having performed at President Richard Nixon’s inauguration in 1969. Their participation in Trump’s inauguration, however, has sparked debate, with critics questioning the alignment of an HBCU band with the divisive political figure.
For the band, the event represents more than a political statement—it’s an opportunity to honor their legacy and foster educational growth. Whether or not their fundraising goal is met, the conversation surrounding their participation highlights the complexities of balancing tradition, representation, and contemporary politics.
DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University’s Juan Velarde has secured his spot as one of 13 finalists for the prestigious Doris Robinson Award, presented by FedEx, which recognizes the top scholar-athlete in FCS football.
Velarde, who graduated in December 2023 with a degree in business administration with a focus on entrepreneurship, is now advancing his studies in NCCU’s MBA program while maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. A member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and NCCU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Velarde’s accomplishments extend beyond the classroom. He’s also part of the University Honors Program and serves on the North Carolina Governor’s Advisory Council for Hispanic and Latino Affairs, adding to his impressive résumé.
Known for his impact in the Durham community, Velarde dedicates time to volunteer at local schools, continuing his leadership and service beyond the field.
On the gridiron, Velarde has dominated as a two-time MEAC Specialist of the Week, ranking among the top punters nationwide with a 44.4-yard punt average. With eight of his 31 punts traveling over 50 yards and 11 landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, he’s helped shape the field position game for the Eagles. Velarde’s kicking is equally impressive, going 4-for-5 on field goals, including a 43-yard kick against Campbell.
If selected, Velarde would join former defensive lineman Jessie Malit, who won the Doris Robinson Award in 2020, as NCCU’s second honoree. Established in 2015, the Doris Robinson Award honors FCS student-athletes who demonstrate remarkable commitment to their team, academics, and community, upholding the legacy of Doris Robinson, the former schoolteacher and wife of the legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson.
In partnership with FedEx, the Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award reinforces a commitment to supporting student-athletes’ future success. FedEx further promotes this mission through the Career Expose – College Pathways Program, offering resources that prepare young leaders for life after college sports.
Finalists will be featured on The Analyst in November, with the award recipient announced on Dec. 10, followed by an awards ceremony at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas. The banquet will also highlight the Walter Payton, Buck Buchanan, Jerry Rice, Eddie Robinson, and the inaugural HBCU FCS Player of the Year Awards.
For all NCCU Athletics updates, check out NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
Dallas, Texas – North Carolina Central University golfers Jamal Hutchison and Trinity Ahing have been selected to participate in the Southwest Airlines Showcase that will take place at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas.
The Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest is an All-Star Invitational celebrating the talents of the top college-aged golfers who are leaders in further diversifying the game of golf.
Hutchison, a sophomore from Fletcher, N.C., is one of the top golfers for the Eagles. In his first full tournament of the fall season, he finished 12 at the 39th Annual Thomas W. Dortch Jr. HBCU Golf Classic and sixth at the SAS HBCU Invitational, recording eight birdies and an eagle in three rounds. He is currently averaging a score of 75.4.
Ahing, a senior from New Bern, N.C., is off to a great start to the 2024-25 season. She has finished in the top five of the first two tournaments she has played in the fall. She finished third at the Elon Invitational and fourth at the 39th Annual Thomas W. Dortch Jr. HBCU Golf Classic. She finished sixth at the SAS HBCU Invitational and two shots from cracking the top five yet again. She is averaging a score of 78 and has recorded eight birdies in her last tournament.
Hutchison and Ahing’s invitation to this prestigious event continues the Eagles presence at that Southwest Showcase, with alumni Jalea Culliver participating last year in the inaugural event.
The event will be broadcast LIVE on GOLF Channel, Nov. 11-13 (1:30-4:30 p.m. CST); the celebration culminates with a 54-hole stroke play competition where the spotlight will shine brightly on the 21 male and 21 female LIFT (Leaders in a Future Together) award recipients.
The men and women will be in action this weekend. The women will be at the UNCG Fall Collegiate at Forest Oaks in Greensboro, N.C., while the men will be at the App State Invitational, which is not a team element and will have a field of 31 players. It will be played in Lenoir, N.C., at the Cedar Rock County Club on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
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