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NBA’s HBCU Fellowship Program to Empower Students for Third Consecutive Year

January 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

NBA's HBCU Fellowship Program Empowers Students for Third Consecutive Year

In its third year, the NBA’s HBCU Fellowship Program is set to provide career development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The paid 10-week summer internship initiative, running from June to August, places fellows in NBA teams and the league office across diverse departments, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, IT, social responsibility, and marketing.

Last year’s cohort saw participation from 24 HBCUs, contributing to 60 roles spread across all 30 NBA teams. The program, powered by the NBA Foundation in collaboration with the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and Fearless Dialogues, aims to foster skills and experiences in the business of basketball.

CDF, selected by the NBA Foundation, manages the program in a three-year partnership initiated in January 2023. This year’s expanded initiative, in collaboration with CDF and Fearless Dialogues, involves the education of 72 HBCU students on social justice concerns and servant leadership. The program incorporates virtual and in-person gatherings at CDF’s Alex Haley Farm in Clinton, TN, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for the participants employed by all 30 NBA teams and their league offices.

Those interested in the Fellowship Program can apply here. The deadline to apply is this Sunday, Jan. 7 at 11:59 pm PT.

The post NBA’s HBCU Fellowship Program to Empower Students for Third Consecutive Year first appeared on The Source.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Former HBCU Baseballer Brandon Rembert Hopes To Inspire Others With Career In MLB

December 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Brandon Rembert, born and raised in Pensacola, FL, is a former standout college baseball player for HBCU Alcorn State University. Located in Lorman, Mississippi, Alcorn State was the college home to noteworthy individuals such as the late former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and the late Academy Award-nominated actor Michal Clarke Duncan. Brandon Rembert has hopes to humbly add his name to the list of notable Alcorn alumnus that have brought notoriety and honor to the university, but by way of a professional baseball career. However, his career won’t be on the baseball diamond as an athlete as some might assume, but actually on the other side of the industry.

Rembert has served the last 2 years as a Minor League Baseball Operations Assistant for the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization of Major League Baseball, working in the Coaching and Player Development department. His first year with the organization was spent in the Dominican Republic at the Pirates’ Dominican Academy and his second working with the Pirates’ low-A affiliate in Bradenton, FL. Brandon got his big break with the Pirates in February of 2022, after a college baseball career that was filled with twists and turns. Rembert previously yearned for a career in professional baseball as an athlete, but a series of events set him onto a different pathway into professional baseball. Rembert was fortunate enough to have a taste of athletic success, being named to the Pre-season All-Conference 1^st Team in 2020 and 2021, while also being named a top 10 HBCU MLB Draft Prospect by Black College Nines.

Rembert had big dreams of playing at the next level and felt like those goals were finally within reach, that is until he suffered a significant injury in the pre-season of 2021, which sidelined him for most of his final baseball season. His dream of being in professional baseball was resurrected when the Pittsburgh Pirates came knocking at Rembert’s door in 2022 and offered him a job.

Now, finishing up his second season with the Pirates, Brandon Rembert hopes to be of encouragement to others that one’s route to their dream may not always look how they drew it up to be, but will work out if they stay the course. He also wants to serve as inspiration to other HBCU students and African Americans that want to work within the professional sports industry as well. Rembert wants his journey to be a spark plug for others to see that they are ultimately capable of achieving their dreams, whatever they may be. He wants individuals to know that people from any school, background, or ethnicity can see their dreams come to fruition if they put in the work. Rembert will now be transitioning into the Amateur Scouting Department as a Development Scout and hopes to continue his climb within professional baseball. He hopes to set the standard of what an HBCU grad can ultimately achieve.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Former HBCU Baseballer Brandon Rembert Hopes To Inspire Others With Career In MLB first appeared on The Source.

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Ongoing HBCU Tragedy Continues At Prairie View A&M University

November 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Prairie View A&M University, one of the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), was struck by tragedy when an employee was shot and killed by a former co-worker. A police officer was also critically wounded in a shooting at Virginia State University, another HBCU. The violence that has plagued HBCU campuses in recent times is a distressing reality that demands attention.

Another HBCU Tragedy

On Monday, Nov. 13, at Prairie View A&M University, an employee was tragically shot and killed by a former co-worker on the university’s farm, Governor Bill and Vera Daniels Farm. Following the incident, a shelter-in-place order was issued, urging people to stay inside, and later lifted at 1 p.m.

Fortunately, no students were injured in the incident. The university has confirmed that a suspect has been detained and is in custody, while the Prairie View A&M University Police Department conducts the investigation. As a precautionary measure, all classes for the rest of the day were canceled.

Police Officer Shot At VSU

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing campus violence at HBCUs.

Just a day before the Prairie View shooting, Virginia State University experienced a similar tragedy. A police officer was critically wounded in a shooting on November 12, and the suspect involved remains at large, leading the campus to go on lockdown.

Ongoing Violence In HBCU Campuses

The violence on HBCU campuses is unfortunately not an isolated occurrence. In early August 2023, several HBCUs, including Norfolk State University, Morehouse College, and Virginia State University, mourned the loss of multiple students.

Norfolk State University faced the loss of 20-year-old Jahari George, who fell victim to gun violence in an off-campus shooting near the NSU campus. Morehouse College mourns the deaths of Hugh Douglas and Christion Files Jr., who tragically lost their lives in a fatal car accident. Virginia State University grieved the loss of 20-year-old Adrionna Brooks, who was fatally shot.

Bomb Threats Against 13 HBCUs

Ensuring the safety of HBCU campuses and their neighboring areas is of utmost importance. HBCUs have faced not only physical violence but also bomb threats, disrupting the learning environment for students. These threats have led to school closures and a shift to remote classes as a precautionary measure. The ongoing challenges faced by HBCUs call for an urgent collective effort to protect these institutions and create safe spaces for students to thrive and pursue their education.

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NBA Announces Virginia Union University vs. Winston-Salem State University for 2024 HBCU Classic

November 8, 2023 by newhiphopnews

NBA Announces Exciting Lineup for 2024 HBCU Classic

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has officially revealed the exciting lineup for the 2024 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T. The highly anticipated event will feature the Virginia Union University Panthers (VUU) and the Winston-Salem State University Rams (WSSU) men’s basketball programs, creating a thrilling Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) matchup. This showdown is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the prestigious Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, as part of the NBA All-Star 2024 festivities.

“We’re excited to bring these two storied programs and conference rivals together to compete in our third HBCU Classic as part of NBA All-Star 2024,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum. “The level of competition during the previous two Classic games set a high standard and showcased the tremendous pride of the HBCU community. We look forward to celebrating Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University on one of the NBA’s marquee stages.”

The 2024 NBA HBCU Classic, now in its third year, will be a nationwide spectacle, with fans able to catch all the action through simulcasts on TNT, ESPN2, and NBA TV. The selection of these two HBCU teams was made in close collaboration with the CIAA, underscoring the NBA’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational, career, and economic opportunities in partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) while championing HBCU athletics.

“We are thrilled the CIAA will be represented during this year’s NBA All-Star weekend,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “This is an amazing opportunity to give expanded exposure for our DII student-athletes, our member institutions and the HBCU Community. We look forward to bringing the talent, culture, and excellence of the CIAA to the grandest stage of the game.”

“We are very excited about the invitation to participate in the 2024 NBA HBCU Classic. Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University boast strong winning traditions and have produced multiple NBA players and Hall of Famers,” said Virginia Union University Vice President for intercollegiate athletics Joseph Taylor. “This opportunity given by the NBA truly strengthens both the school’s brand and also highlights our HBCU culture. Virginia Union Athletics thanks the NBA for this opportunity to highlight and showcase our student-athletes and performers.”

“Thank you to the CIAA and the NBA for selecting the WSSU Men’s Basketball team under the leadership of Cleo Hill Jr. to represent the Southern Division of the CIAA in this prestigious event,” said Winston-Salem State University Athletic Director Etienne Thomas. “This opportunity provides visibility for our student-athletes to showcase their athletic ability on the biggest stage available to professional athletes, which many of them aspire to be in the future, while also celebrating who they are as Division II student-athletes achieving academic and championship success, as we prepare them to graduate as champions and depart WSSU to serve their communities. We have a legacy and tradition of excellence and championships at WSSU with a program that includes the Legendary CE “Big House” Gaines, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Cleo Hill Sr, and many others who laid the Championship foundation for our current student-athletes to follow. We look forward to painting the City Red with our Championship team, world-renowned Powerhouse Cheerleaders, and the #1 ESPN College band-the Red Sea of Sound (RSOS).”

This announcement follows a series of initiatives aimed at supporting HBCUs, including the HBCU Event Intern Program, which provided 13 students with valuable paid internships in various NBA departments during NBA All-Star 2023 in Utah. Additionally, the NBA HBCU Fellowship program allowed 74 students to gain career development opportunities in the business of basketball over the summer. The NBA, through its partnerships with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and other academic institutions, continues to provide scholarships, mentorship, networking, and business case competitions to support HBCUs.

The upcoming face-off between the Virginia Union Panthers and the Winston-Salem State Rams will be an afternoon filled with thrilling on-court action and vibrant band performances celebrating HBCU pride. Stay tuned for more details about additional programming to support HBCUs at NBA All-Star 2024. Tickets for the 2024 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T are already on sale, promising a memorable basketball experience.

The post NBA Announces Virginia Union University vs. Winston-Salem State University for 2024 HBCU Classic first appeared on The Source.

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Shannon Sharpe Turns Up Upon Return To Savannah State

November 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Shannon Sharpe is easily one of the most famous athletes to ever attend an HBCU. Although he has been tough on the HBCU circuit, he acknowledges that it is how he got into the NFL. For those who don’t know, Sharpe attended Savannah State University. While there, he was a standout tight end who went on to win three Super Bowls in the NFL. Furthermore, he changed the tight end position forever while also becoming one of the greatest to ever play his position.

Now, Sharpe is one of the co-hosts on First Take with Stephen A. Smith. Overall, this is great news for a lot of fans. He and Stephen A. Smith have a ton of chemistry and they are always heavy on the banter. This week is especially special as they are visiting various HBCUs. One of the ones they went to just so happens to be Savannah State. Of course, Shannon was ready to tag along for that as he was going to visit his alma mater. In the video below, you can see just how warm the reception was.

Shannon Sharpe Is Back Home

Shannon appeared to be exceptionally excited while walking through the parade of students who were there to greet him. He was turning up, and it was truly awesome to see. At the end of the day, Sharpe is one of the school’s biggest legends. For the football players there, he is someone who is revered and will continue to be for many years to come. As for the episode of First Take that ensued, it was a great one as there were many big topics to cover. For the students, it must have been a treat to watch live.

Let us know what you think of Sharpe going back to Savannah State, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world. We will continue to bring you all of the latest updates on your favorite athletes.

The post Shannon Sharpe Turns Up Upon Return To Savannah State appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“First Take” Heading To The Alma Maters Of Stephen A. Smith And Shannon Sharpe

October 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

First Take is headed on the road to kick off November. ESPN has announced that the show will do back-to-back live tapings from Savannah State and Winston-Salem State on November 6 and 7. Additionally, the HBCUs are the alma maters of Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith respectively. “I’ve been a part of a whole bunch of exciting things throughout my years on First Take. But this may take the cake. To have back-to-back days at HBCUs – on campus, LIVE – providing Black Colleges with national television exposure is sensational within itself. But for the two universities to be the alma maters of Shannon Sharpe and myself…I just can’t express how excited I am. Shannon can’t wait. Neither can I. This is going to be some of the greatest moments of my career. And I know Shannon feels the same. Buckle Up! Here we come!” said Smith.

“If somebody would have told me, when I stepped onto that Savannah State Campus, that I would one day return to my alma mater in this capacity, I would have laughed. This is incredible, and to be able to come back this way means so much to me and I am so very excited. I have to thank Stephen A. for making this happen, and I have to thank ESPN and Disney for making this possible. We get to be a part of showing the world how great HBCUs are, and that is very special. We’re coming home!” added Sharpe.

Stephen A. Smith Goes After Jada Pinkett Smith

However, elsewhere, Stephen A. had less complimentary things to say about actress Jada Pinkett Smith amid her recent book tour. “What’s the dude’s name? August? I don’t know who he is. I know he’s the friend of your son, who’s 21 years younger than you. What you do is your business. Any woman who wants to be a cougar with a dude of legal age that is your business. But, the operative words are ‘your business’,” Smith began, referring to Pinkett-Smith’s confession of an affair with singer August Alsina. “”Did you have to go and tell everybody? Go ahead and do it. Why does everybody have to know? Why? Why did everybody have to know? You didn’t tell everybody what you did while you were doing it?” Smith continued.

Furthermore, the ESPN host continued to ramp up his attack. “There wasn’t no porn movie. Wasn’t no X-rated movie. Why? Because it was none of our business. So, why talk about it? Keep it to yourself. And you keep it to yourself, not just because it’s yourself, but because there’s a man who loves you. Who married you. He deserve that? Seriously, he deserve that? Somebody gotta say that to Jada, plain and simple,” he said.

[via]

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Mary J. Blige & PepsiCo Team Up To Award $30K Scholarship To Women At Hampton University

October 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Mary J. Blige significantly impacts education by establishing a groundbreaking scholarship for women at Hampton University. Named “Strength Of A Woman,” this scholarship is exclusively for college sophomores and aims to empower women to pursue higher education. In a partnership with PepsiCo, the scholarship program has already gathered a remarkable $200,000 in donations, with Hampton […]

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HBCUs Mourn Four Students Killed Over Labor Day Weekend

September 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

In response to the tragic murder of Norfolk State University student Jahari George, recent reports reveal that the university has implemented new safety measures. While the investigation into the incident is ongoing, the school is not able to comment further. Norfolk State University Implements Safety Measures To Ensure Campus Security After Tragic Murder Of Student […]

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Jahari George: GoFundMe Set Up For Family Of Late Norfolk State Student

September 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Morehouse College, Norfolk State University, and Virginia State University are grieving the loss of multiple students over the Labor Day weekend. Tragedy struck and four students from three historically black colleges tragically passed away. The devastating news has left the HBCU community in mourning and searching for ways to honor the legacies of these bright […]

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MTN DEW Fuels Diversity in Gaming with the Epic Return of MTN DEW Real Change Challenge Esports Tournament

July 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

MTN DEW® is doubling down on its commitment to uplift diverse gamers with the return of the MTN DEW Real Change Challenge in 2023. This year, the challenge focuses on promoting representation in esports and gaming, supporting HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) student gamers. The nationwide tournament will feature Mortal Kombat 1, the latest installment in the renowned Mortal Kombat franchise.

“Following the success of the MTN DEW Real Change Challenge last year we’re pleased to continue this initiative once again in 2023,” said JP Bittencourt, VP of Marketing, MTN DEW. “Mortal Kombat is one of the most iconic game franchises of all time, and being able to partner with them for the MTN DEW Real Change Challenge is truly an honor.”

Teaming up with Cxmmunity Media, a champion of diversity and equity in gaming and creators of the HBCU Esports League, the Real Change Challenge will be open to all current HBCU students. Contestants will compete for a share of the impressive $500,000 prize pool, coaching, and exposure to esports professionals. The tournament will kick-off October 2^nd, 2023 with sign-ups open to all current HBCU students, now through September 8^th at hbcuesports.co/realchange.

“Cxmmunity Media is proud to partner again with MTN DEW to further our mission of future-proofing diversity and equity in gaming,” says Ryan Johnson, CEO of Cxmmunity Media. “Access and representation are key factors in attracting and maintaining diverse talent in the gaming industry. We look forward to doing more programming with brands like MTN DEW to serve as a pipeline for more gamers of color to tap into the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.”

To mark the launch of the Real Change Challenge, MTN DEW will collaborate with RDCWorld at Dream Con, a gaming and anime convention in Austin, TX. The event will celebrate the return of the challenge, featuring Mortal Kombat 11 Amateur and Celebrity tournaments, and The Faces of Real Change in Gaming panel, discussing representation in the esports industry.

“RDCWorld as a whole is very excited to be teaming up with MTN DEW to support the MTN DEW Real Change Challenge,” said Johnathan Newton, Chief Operating Officer of Dream Con. “A lot of people are unaware that our brand RDCWorld stands for “Real Dreams Change the World” and that’s a position we’ve maintained from day one that we would accomplish through entertainment. So, when MTN DEW hit us up and told us about its vision for the Real Change platform it really was a no brainer to team up! Gaming has had a huge impact on every part of our lives and as minorities we’ve personally felt the lack of representation in this space. That’s why RDCWorld is planning on being heavily involved in the creative process and we’re bringing our community and fans along for the ride.”

The tournament kicks off on October 2nd, with 64 players competing in a 1v1 bracket style format. The Live Championship in Atlanta on October 28th will see the top two players battling it out for the grand prize of $45,000. Fans can follow the journey of the HBCU gamers through broadcasts on Cxmmunity Media’s Twitch Channel.

For more information on the MTN DEW Real Change Challenge and how to participate, visit mountaindew.com/real-change and follow @MTNDEWGaming on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

The post MTN DEW Fuels Diversity in Gaming with the Epic Return of MTN DEW Real Change Challenge Esports Tournament first appeared on The Source.

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