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® 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 2nd, 2023 with sign-ups open to all current HBCU students, now through September 8th 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.
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The post MTN DEW Fuels Diversity in Gaming with the Epic Return of MTN DEW Real Change Challenge Esports Tournament appeared first on The Source.
Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) football program is facing a temporary suspension of all football-related activities. The suspension was initiated by the head football coach, Willie Simmons, in response to a controversial rap music video filmed in the team’s locker room. The video, featuring rapper Real Boston Richey, raised concerns about its graphic content and unauthorized […]
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In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate race-based considerations in college admissions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are bracing for an anticipated rise in applicants. The ruling has spurred interest among prospective students who may feel more welcomed at these institutions. Interest in HBCUs Surges The Supreme Court’s ruling to end […]
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The sports media business ClutchPoints, which was founded by fans for fans, is starting a campaign to promote HBCU athletics. Together with video, social media, and podcast content, the program now has a new section devoted to HBCU sports coverage that is run by student journalists and athletes.
Students will get financial compensation, coaching, and practical work experience throughout the course of the program (in addition to scholarship opportunities). The company will offer students a one-year term with the possibility of extensions and/or full-time employment opportunities as they become available. While ClutchPoints will give HBCU students preference when hiring for the program, other talents may also be taken into consideration if they exhibit knowledge of and enthusiasm for HBCU sports.
The Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council has formally recognized ClutchPoints as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) as part of this initiative (SCMSDC). From its founding in 2015, the business has been independently owned and run, and it places a high priority on editorial diversity in sports as well as employee diversity.
With its new MBE accreditation, ClutchPoints will grow its business to concentrate on new projects and programming that speak to its vast audience while collaborating with brands and businesses whose values are anchored in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I).
“For us, the Minority Business Enterprise certification is more than a formality,” said Nish Patel, founder and CEO of ClutchPoints. “This is an opportunity to continue transforming the way sports are covered while building a framework to inspire other minority-owned media. I am excited for the new network this will allow us to engage with and the new experiences we will create for our fans.”
Visit ClutchPoints.com for more details on the company’s initiatives and dedication to diversity.
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The NBA Foundation has made its largest single contribution to date, totaling $3.6 million over three years, to the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). Through this collaboration, CDF will assist in the identification of candidates and program management for the NBA HBCU Fellowship Program. The Foundation’s Fellowship, which will be launched in 2022, will provide undergraduate and graduate students from historically Black schools and institutions with career development opportunities in the basketball business (HBCUs).
As part of the partnership, CDF will expand program participants’ learning and career development opportunities to include a robust orientation, a closing retreat at CDF’s historic Alex Haley Farm, and social justice education in collaboration with Fearless Dialogues, a grassroots organization dedicated to creating unique spaces for unlikely partners to engage in hard heartfelt conversations. The programmatic features will help students improve their professional competencies and confront the dynamics and problems of entering the workforce.
CDF envisions a country in which marginalized children thrive, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to secure their success. In December 2021, the NBA Foundation awarded the organization a grant to assist the Black Student Leadership Network, CDF’s yearlong fellowship program focused on civic education, civic engagement, and servant leadership development for Black students on college campuses. Through leadership training, mentorship with famous Black leaders, economic and career progress, and networking opportunities, the network promotes the professional development of Black adolescents. The curriculum also assists the next generation of leaders in identifying community organizing and social change as a realistic career path with room for advancement.
“We are excited about the expansion of our partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund to bolster the NBA HBCU Fellowship Program,” said NBA Foundation Executive Director Greg Taylor. “CDF’s legacy of social justice and unique approach to professional development for young people of color elevated them as the perfect collaborator and will help our program step into a new model centered on youth wellbeing.”
“Through leadership development and collaboration, Children’s Defense Fund helps young people activate their power and agency,” said CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson. “As an alumnus and cheerleader for HBCUs, I envy the hundreds of NBA HBCU Fellows who will benefit from this innovative effort the NBA Foundation, Fearless Dialogues, and our energized staff team are crafting together. We look forward to supporting them and following their lead.”
The NBA HBCU Fellowship Program runs from June to August and provides students with hands-on experience interning at the NBA league office and teams in areas such as marketing, human resources, community relations, basketball operations, corporate partnerships, and more. The first cohort included 60 students from 24 HBCUs. In keeping with the Foundation’s purpose of increasing economic opportunity for Black youth, the Fellowship is an extension of the NBA’s commitment to enhancing educational and employment prospects for students and alumni through engagement with HBCUs. Students interested in applying for the 2023 NBA HBCU Fellowship Program can do so online through February 20.
The NBA Foundation will offer a total of $12 million in awards to 31 nonprofit groups that have historically served the Black community this month. Twelve of the 31 organizations are getting grant renewals, while 19 are getting new grants to help with programming and capacity building.
You can visit hear to learn more about the Foundation’s eighth round of grant funding during Black History Month here.
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