Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HB CUs) were at the center of the action this past weekend through Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game.
The Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society Choir performed an original rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” prior to tip-off Sunday and was introduced by three-time GRAMMY Award-winner and Florida A&M alumnus Common.
The game court for the game represented both the academic significance as well as the incredible pride and school spirit of HBCUs and their students. The colorful court design was created in collaboration with HBCU alumni from various schools, incorporating icons representing the best of HBCU academics, music and campus life.
Seven artists who currently attend Howard University, Albany State University and Florida A&M University had their custom artwork displayed in-arena, at the players’ hotel, on the broadcast and across NBA social platforms ahead of and during the game.
TNT opened its NBA All Star game broadcast with actor Michael B. Jordan interviewing Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard grad, about HBCUs, the benefits of Covid-19 vaccinations, and their favorite NBA teams.
The world-famous Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band band performed tunes virtually as Kevin Durant’s team was introduced. The equally famous Florida A&M University Marching 100 did likewise during the introduction of All-Star Lebron James’ team.
While Team LeBron defeated Team Durant 170-150 to win the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, the real winners of the night were HBCUs.
Team LeBron represented The Thurgood Marshall College Fund that supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public HBCUs, medical schools, and law schools. Team Durant played for the United Negro College Fund that funds scholarships for Black students and general scholarship funds for 37 private HBCUs. Both funds are non-profits
Thanks to their win, Team LeBron raised $1.25 million for the Thurgood Marshall Fund. Team Durant also raised $500,000 for The United Negro College Fund.
On Saturday, Stephanie Ready, a Coppin State graduate who made history as the first female assistant coach for a men’s team (at CSU) and who is now an NBA on TNT announcer, hosted a one-hour special of the award-winning Open Court series on NBA TV.
The special featured interviews with former HBCU and NBA standouts Rick Mahorn (Hampton), Ben Wallace (Virginia Union), Avery Johnson (Southern University and A&M), and Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State) where they examined the crucial role HBCUs played in shaping them and the next generation of students, the life-changing family atmosphere on HBCU campuses, why they chose to attend an HBCU and their favorite memories from college.