Welcome to HBCU Original

Where HBCU Culture, Sports, History, and Excellence Take Center Stage.

HBCU Original is a digital media network dedicated to telling the stories, celebrating the achievements, and preserving the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Founded in 2018, our mission is to spotlight the people, moments, and movements that continue to shape HBCUs and the world around them.

From legendary athletes and rising stars to innovators, entrepreneurs, entertainers, educators, and community leaders, HBCU Original brings you the stories that deserve recognition. We cover the impact of HBCUs across sports, including the NCAA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and beyond, while also highlighting achievements in business, technology, science, entertainment, and culture.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to amplify HBCU excellence and create a platform where the voices, achievements, and stories of the HBCU community are seen, celebrated, and remembered.

HBCUs have produced some of the greatest leaders, athletes, creators, and changemakers in history. Through original storytelling, interviews, digital content, and community engagement, HBCU Original connects generations and showcases the impact these institutions continue to make.

What We Do

HBCU Original delivers dynamic coverage featuring:

• HBCU sports and athletic achievements
• Student-athlete stories and recruiting journeys
• Alumni success stories
• Campus culture and traditions
• Black excellence across entertainment, business, technology, and innovation
• Community initiatives and leaders creating change

Our platform is built to educate, inspire, and entertain while giving HBCU stories the national spotlight they deserve.

Why We Do It

For generations, HBCUs have been engines of opportunity, excellence, and transformation. Their contributions have shaped American history and continue to influence the future. HBCU Original exists to preserve that legacy while creating a modern platform that celebrates today’s trailblazers and tomorrow’s leaders.

Join the Movement

Whether you are a student, graduate, athlete, fan, supporter, or someone passionate about culture and excellence, HBCU Original invites you to be part of the movement.

This is more than a media platform.
This is a celebration of history.
This is a spotlight on greatness.
This is HBCU Original.

Celebrating the Legacy. Showcasing the Excellence. Telling the Story.

Vincent Bungy
Founder, HBCU Original Digital Network

Vincent Bungy is a proud graduate of Bowie State University, visionary creative, media entrepreneur, and community advocate dedicated to preserving culture, amplifying stories, and creating opportunities through digital storytelling. In 2018, Vincent founded HBCU Original Digital Network with a mission to celebrate the history, legacy, achievements, and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities while creating a platform to highlight the voices, talents, and accomplishments of the HBCU community.

Combining more than 25 years of experience in graphic design, media production, education, mentoring, and community engagement, Vincent uses creativity and storytelling to connect audiences with the rich culture and traditions of HBCUs. Through video production, digital media, marketing, and community initiatives, he has built HBCU Original into a growing platform dedicated to celebrating African American excellence and inspiring future generations.

As the vision and foundation behind HBCU Original, Vincent expanded the organization’s leadership by bringing on John L. Williams and Alonzo McDowell as co-founders, combining their expertise in motivation, youth empowerment, athletics, entrepreneurship, and media to strengthen the mission and reach of the organization. Together, they are building a movement focused on storytelling, education, opportunity, and the continued celebration of HBCU excellence.

Vincent is also the owner of The United Change, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization focused on mentorship, advocacy, and community empowerment. Through his leadership, creativity, and commitment to service, Vincent continues to use media as a powerful tool to inspire change, amplify overlooked stories, and create pathways for future generations.

TEAM:

John L. Williams
Co-Founder, HBCU Original | Founder/CEO, Save the Seed, Inc.

John L. Williams is an inspirational leader, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and community advocate dedicated to empowering individuals and transforming lives. Known as the “Minister of Motivation,” “Dean of Dreams,” and “Professor of Progression,” Mr. Williams has inspired countless people to overcome challenges and pursue their full potential. A graduate of William Penn High School and Delaware State University, he excelled as both a student and athlete, earning the opportunity to play professional basketball overseas in South America. After his athletic career, Mr. Williams returned home to focus on youth development and community impact. As the Founder and CEO of Save the Seed, Inc., he creates programs centered on mentorship, leadership, personal growth, and empowerment, delivering his powerful “YES YOU CAN” message to schools, organizations, and communities locally and internationally. Through his dedication to service, Mr. Williams continues to inspire young people and families to discover their purpose, overcome obstacles, and create positive change.

Alonzo McDowell
Founder, Under Recruited Athlete/Sports Show | Co-Founder, HBCU Original

Alonzo McDowell is a sports media entrepreneur, brand strategist, educator, and advocate dedicated to creating opportunities for athletes and amplifying stories that deserve to be seen. He holds a Master’s degree in Media Design and Innovative Entrepreneurship from Full Sail University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Saint Augustine’s University. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) program through Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management and a service-connected disabled veteran with experience as an Army intelligence and cyber analyst. A former football player at Hampton University and Montgomery College, Alonzo combines his athletic background with more than 18 years of varsity football coaching experience across Texas, Georgia, Maryland, and Virginia to mentor and support student-athletes. As the Founder of Under Recruited Athlete and Co-Founder of HBCU Original, he is committed to building platforms that highlight athletic talent, celebrate HBCU culture, promote African American excellence, and inspire future generations.

ManDeleon
Model | Actor | Voiceover Artist | Videographer | HBCU Original Contributor

ManDeleon is a multifaceted creative professional with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, media production, and storytelling. Beginning his career as a music producer in the late 1990s, he later expanded into video production, podcasting, and digital media. As the creator of Behind Closed Doors with ManDeleon and ManDeleon Straight with No Chaser, he has built a platform featuring authentic conversations with celebrities, authors, entertainers, and influential voices. In addition to his work as a model, actor, and voiceover artist, ManDeleon contributes to HBCU Original by covering HBCU sporting events and producing engaging content that highlights athletes, culture, and community stories. Through his creativity and passion for storytelling, he continues to inspire audiences across entertainment and media.