Under his leadership, Morehouse College captured three consecutive SIAC East Division Regular Season titles from 2022 through 2024. Whittler developed standout talent, including Kerry Richardson, Cedric Taylor III—who earned both Freshman of the Year and First Team All-SIAC honors—and Brandon Peters, a 2024-25 All-Freshman selection. The 2023-24 team also held the title of the nation’s top defensive squad in NCAA Division II by field goal percentage.

With a 76-40 overall record (.655) and 59-21 conference mark (.734), Whittler holds the highest win total of any Morehouse coach in their first four seasons, and the second-highest winning percentage in program history.

As Morehouse begins a national search for new leadership, this transition marks the end of a significant chapter in HBCU basketball. Whittler’s departure leaves behind a legacy of excellence, both on and off the court, that has helped Morehouse stay amongst the elite in the SIAC and HBCU basketball at the Division II level. 

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SIAC coaches and sports information directors voted on the players selected for each team as well as the league’s Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year.

Miles College guard Alvin Miles was named the SIAC Player of the Year while Golden Bears head coach Fred Watson earned Coach of the Year honors. Fort Valley State forward Hassane Diallo earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, Lane guard Elijah Greer Dawson received Newcomer of the Year, Edward Waters forward Myles Hosten notched Freshman of the Year honors while Morehouse guard Cedric Taylor III earned Elite 16 honors.

Miles, a native of Memphis, Tenn., was one of the SIAC’s top 10 scorers this season, averaging 15.9 points per game (10th in the conference). He became the first player in program to earn the league’s top player award since Avery Brown accomplished the feat in 2020. Miles was the only SIAC player this season to score 400 points, grab 100 rebounds and notch 100 assists. He finished with double-figure production in 22 of the Golden Bears’ 26 contests while recording seven games of 20 or more points.

Diallo registered 177 rebounds with 120 coming on the defensive side of the ball in 28 games this season. He also finished second in the league in blocked shots (42) while registering 22 steals and averaging 10.5 points per contest.

Dawson averaged 16.8 points while shooting 44.4% from the field, dishing 3.0 assists and connecting on 76.9% from the free throw line per game in 18 contests this season. Beyond his scoring, Dawson averaged 4.1 rebounds per game while tallying a total of 39 steals and six blocks on defense.

Hosten averaged 8.0 points while shooting 38.8% from the floor and notched 4.8 rebounds in 13 games this season.

Watson registered his third Coach of the Year honors at Miles and the ninth of his career. He led Miles to a SIAC-best 23-3 mark that includes a 19-1 record in conference play and a perfect 12-0 mark at home, the Golden Bears best record inside Knox-Windham Gymnasium in program history.

Player of the Year

Alvin Miles

Defensive Player of the Year

Hassane Diallo

Newcomer of the Year

Elijah Greer Dawson

Freshman of the Year

Coach of the Year

Myles Hosten

The complete listing of the SIAC all-conference selections and individual awards winners can be found below.

All-SIAC First Team

• Shakur Poteat, Albany State
• Alvin Miles, Miles
• Walter Peggs, Jr., Miles
• Cedric Taylor III, Morehouse
• Lavar Miller Jr., Kentucky State

All-SIAC Second Team

• Kevin Sesberry, Tuskegee
• Jalen Williams, Clark Atlanta
• Prince Davies III, Edward Waters
• Kusamae Draper, Tuskegee
• Blaise Wallace, Albany State

All-SIAC Third Team

• Steven Lyles, Spring Hill
• Shemani Fuller, Clark Atlanta
• Corey Trotter, Miles
• Aziel Blackwell, Kentucky State
• Khalil Genwright, LeMoyne-Owen

All-SIAC Freshman Team

• Myles Hosten, Edward Waters
• Rocco Lamuno, Spring Hill
• Abdoul Sacko, LeMoyne-Owen
• Brandon Peters, Morehouse
• Christian Gary, Albany State

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MACON, GA | On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Terance Mathis, one of Georgia’s most accomplished athletes, was officially inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Macon. Mathis, currently the head HBCU football coach at Morehouse College, has built a legacy of excellence from his high school days to his professional and coaching careers.

Mathis’ journey to football greatness began at Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. As a standout multi-sport athlete, he excelled in football, showcasing the talent that would later define his career. His high school performance earned him a scholarship to the University of New Mexico, where he became one of the most dominant receivers in NCAA history.

During his time at New Mexico, Mathis shattered multiple NCAA records, finishing his collegiate career with 263 receptions and 4,254 receiving yards. His dominance on the field earned him consensus All-American honors in 1989, and in recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Following his college success, Mathis entered the NFL in 1990, drafted by the New York Jets. He played four seasons with the team before joining the Atlanta Falcons in 1994, where he became a franchise legend. That year, Mathis made history with 111 receptions, making him just the eighth player in NFL history to surpass 100 catches in a single season. Over his eight seasons with the Falcons, Mathis amassed 573 receptions, 7,349 receiving yards, and 57 touchdowns—ranking third in franchise history for both receiving yards and touchdown receptions. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 1994.

After retiring as a player, Mathis transitioned into coaching, beginning as the offensive coordinator at Savannah State University in 2011. He later became the head coach at Pinecrest Academy in Georgia, focusing on player development and community engagement. In February 2024, Mathis was named head football coach at Atlanta-based HBCU Morehouse College, where he continues to inspire and mentor young athletes.

Mathis’ induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame marks yet another milestone in his storied career, honoring his contributions to sports in the state. He was recognized alongside fellow inductees such as Marquis Grisson (brother of current Morehouse Head Baseball Coach Antonio Grissom), Tim Hudson, Leo Mazzone, and Dennis Scott during the 69th Annual Induction Ceremony in Macon.

Reflecting on the honor, Mathis expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, and the Atlanta Falcons organization, which celebrated his achievement on social media. “Georgia sports legend, @coachmathis81. Congratulations on your @GAsportsHOF induction!” the Falcons tweeted.

Now leading Morehouse College’s HBCU football program, Terance Mathis continues to shape the future of the sport. His induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, along with his previous inductions into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame, highlights his incredible impact on the game. It is a testament to his dedication, skill, and lasting legacy in football.  For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.

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Morehouse started strong, leading early in the first half, but Tuskegee took command before halftime and never looked back. Morehouse’s Sincere Key led his team with 15 points, but the Maroon Tigers struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 21.7% from three-point range. Despite solid efforts from Cedric Taylor III and Amahn Decker, Morehouse couldn’t overcome their shooting woes against Tuskegee’s disciplined defense.

The NBA’s involvement in hosting HBCU showcase games like this one highlights the growing recognition of Black college athletics on a national scale. Events like the HBCU NBA Classic provide student-athletes with major exposure while celebrating the rich culture and history of HBCUs.

In its fourth edition, the HBCU NBA Classic proved once again why these games are an essential part of the basketball landscape. Both Morehouse and Tuskegee showcased the best of HBCU basketball, leaving fans excited for future matchups on the NBA stage.

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OAKLAND, CA | The upcoming matchup between the Tuskegee Golden Tigers and the Morehouse Maroon Tigers is set to be a highlight of the NBA All-Star Weekend. Scheduled for February 15, 2025, at the Oakland Arena, this game is part of the NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T.

The Maroon Tigers, with their season’s momentum and recent significant victories, aim to showcase their growth and team cohesion. The Maroon Tigers have won four of their past five games, heading into the weekend.  

On the other hand, the Tuskegee Golden Tigers have lost four of their prior six games, as they have been preparing diligently for this marquee event. Their season has been characterized by strategic plays and a focus on defense. 

The NBA HBCU Classic not only highlights the athletic talents of these institutions but also celebrates HBCU culture and the longstanding rivalry between these two teams. Fans can anticipate a game filled with intensity, strategic plays, and a showcase of collegiate basketball excellence.

Morehouse Maroon Tigers

The Maroon Tigers have demonstrated a solid season, with a notable victory over Howard University on January 20, 2025, marking their first win against Howard in three seasons.

• Offense: The Maroon Tigers average 72.2 points per game, with a field goal percentage of 40.1%. Their three-point shooting stands at 29.0%, indicating room for improvement in perimeter scoring.
• Defense: Defensively, they allow an average of 66.5 points per game, showcasing a solid defense. They average 8.8 steals per game, reflecting their ability to force turnovers.

Tuskegee Golden Tigers

The Tuskegee Golden Tigers have a balanced offensive attack, with four players averaging double figures in scoring.

• Offense: In the game against Winston-Salem State, the Golden Tigers scored 71 points, with a field goal percentage of 54.2%, indicating efficient shooting.
• Defense: The Golden Tigers have held two opponents to 50 points or less this season.

Review of the Morehouse Maroon Tigers 2024-25 Basketball Season

Under the leadership of Head Coach Douglas Whittler, the team has navigated challenges and celebrated significant victories.

A highlight of the season was the historic win against Howard University on January 20, 2025. This victory was particularly momentous as it marked Morehouse’s first triumph over Howard in the past three seasons. Transfer student Sincere Key made a notable breakout game, contributing 15 points by the middle of the second half.  Jayen Gray led the way with a career-high 22 points.  The team’s preparation and defense were pivotal in countering Howard’s strong three-point shooting, ultimately leading to a final score of 79-76 in favor of Morehouse.

Earlier in the season, the Maroon Tigers secured a victory against Valdosta State Blazers, with a close score of 84-80. 

Senior Amahn Decker highlighted has anchored the post, while sharp-shooters Omar Rowe and Sincere Key provide outside shooting.  Transfer JerMontae Hill has been versatile, playing four positions throughout the season. Cedric Taylor III ranks in the top 10 in the conference in points, rebounds, field goal percentage, and blocked shots.  Mid-season addition, Dre Watson, has been a force defensively and on the boards.

As the season progressed, the Maroon Tigers continued to demonstrate their commitment to excellence, setting their sights on championship aspirations. Coach Whittler has emphasized the importance of sacrifice and teamwork, aiming to guide the team toward achieving their ultimate goals.

As both teams take the national stage at NBA All-Star Weekend, this matchup serves as an opportunity to honor their histories and display the high level of competition within HBCU basketball. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, NBA TV, and TruTV.

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Rich Freeman served as the head football coach at Morehouse College for over 16 years, leaving a significant impact on the institution’s athletic community. During his tenure, Freeman achieved a balanced overall record of 75-75 and led the team to an appearance in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. His exemplary leadership at the prestigous HBCU earned him the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Coach of the Year award in 2018.

In November 2022, Freeman announced his resignation from Morehouse College. Expressing gratitude, he stated, “Kimm and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Morehouse Community for embracing and partnering with us to help develop men, while raising our own children on its historic campus for the last 16 years!!”

Following Freeman’s departure, Morehouse College sought new leadership for its football program.In February 2023, the institution announced the hiring of alumnus Gerard Wilcher, an assistant coach from Rice University, as the new head coach. Wilcher, a four-year football letterman at Morehouse, lasted one season and won one game. He was replaced by Terance Mathis, who won one game his first season in 2024.

Freeman’s legacy at Morehouse is characterized by his dedication to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.His commitment to excellence left its mark at that HBCU. 

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The Maroon Tigers (9-8) delivered a near-flawless performance, highlighted by sharp three-point shooting and clutch defense. Howard, the MEAC leader, suffered its second-consecutive loss to a Division II HBCU in less than a week, following a defeat to Bowie State.

First Half Dominance

Morehouse set the tone early, silencing the home crowd with an efficient offense led by sophomore guard Sincere Key, who drained two quick three-pointers. Forward Cedric Taylor III added another from beyond the arc, and the Maroon Tigers surged to a double-digit lead with a high-flying dunk by Omar Rowe off a lob from JerMontae Hill. By halftime, Morehouse led 40-28, thanks to 57% shooting from three-point range and stifling defense that forced seven turnovers.

Howard’s Rally Falls Short

Howard clawed back in the second half, using a 12-2 run to trim the deficit to two. But Morehouse responded with timely three-pointers from Key and Jaden Gray, who led all scorers with 22 points. With under three minutes remaining, the teams traded leads before Taylor III buried a 25-foot three-pointer to put Morehouse ahead for good.

In the final seconds, Gray’s two free throws extended the lead to 79-76. Howard had one last chance, but a potential game-tying three-pointer fell short, sending Morehouse into celebration.

Key Stats and Performers

The Maroon Tigers shot 44% from three-point range, with Taylor III and Key combining for eight triples. Amahn Decker anchored the defense with pivotal stops and rebounds, while Gray’s clutch performance solidified the historic upset.

This MLK Day victory solidifies Morehouse’s spot as a consistently high performing HBCU basketball program and fuels momentum for its upcoming SIAC schedule.

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“We are thrilled to have Morehouse College and Tuskegee University compete in the fourth NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2025,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum. 

“The HBCU Classic has become a staple event within our All-Star festivities, and we look forward to both programs showcasing their talents during the game, as well as celebrating HBCU culture throughout the weekend.”

The teams were selected in collaboration with the SIAC conference due to their rich traditions, on-court rivalry and commitment to excellence.  The 2025 game continues the league’s commitment to increasing support and awareness for HBCU athletics and advancing educational, career and economic opportunities in partnership with HBCUs.

“The SIAC is ecstatic that the NBA selected our conference to represent HBCUs during this year’s All-Star Weekend,” said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman.  “The NBA has been a longtime supporter of HBCUs, and we are excited that two of our institutions will headline the Classic, bringing elevated exposure on a national stage and a once in a lifetime experience for our student-athletes.”

“We are honored that the NBA and the SIAC Conference chose these two historic institutions to participate in this event,” said Morehouse Director of Athletics Harold Ellis.  “This is an outstanding opportunity for our student-athletes to showcase their skills in front of a national audience.  As someone who played in the NBA, it thrills me even more to see the partnership between NBA and HBCUs.  We are looking forward to this enhanced student-athlete experience.”

“We are incredibly excited for the opportunity to showcase our men’s basketball program on such a grand stage in the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star Weekend,” said Tuskegee Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin.  “Playing in the Bay Area is a tremendous honor for our student-athletes and university, and we are thankful to the NBA and its partners for making this event possible.  This experience will provide our university and student-athletes with invaluable exposure and memories that will last a lifetime.  We look forward to showing the talent of the SIAC to such a large audience.”

During All-Star 2024 in Indiana, in addition to the HBCU Classic matchup featuring Winston-Salem State University and Virginia Union University that featured a HBCU Classic record 9,691 in attendance, HBCU events and celebrations included pep rallies, career development sessions, a student art design showcase and the All-Star HBCU Event Intern Program. Additional details on HBCU events and opportunities at NBA All-Star 2025 will be shared at a later date. Since 2021, when the league expanded its commitment of HBCUs, the NBA family has contributed more than $5 million to HBCU institutions, partners and scholarships.

Tickets for the 2025 HBCU Classic presented by AT&T are on sale now.  Visit here to purchase while tickets last.  To learn more about the NBA’s commitment to HBCUs, visit https://www.nba.com/hbcus.  

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“Our time playing on the Morehouse golf team was an incredibly formative and rewarding experience for us, and set the groundwork for where we are today. We know firsthand the challenges facing many collegiate golf programs, especially in the HBCU world, whether that’s lack of funding, access to practice courses, uniforms or transportation,” said Olajuwon Ajanaku, founder and Creative Director of Eastside Golf. “Our intent with our sponsor State Farm in hosting the Eastside Golf Collegiate Invitational is to create an unparalleled experience and tournament environment with all the bells and whistles at one of the top courses in the nation. We hope to be able to build this event to attract other D1 & DII colleges and universities to compete against HBCUs in the future making this a sought-after event for years to come.”

State Farm has been helping people protect what matters most for more than 100 years. We are committed to building stronger, safer and better-educated communities to create a better today and tomorrow. Through our support of HBCUs, we help people find success, reach their potential, and realize their dreams.

“We believe few things in today’s world capture our attention, ignite our passion, and connect our communities like sports,” said Kristyn Cook, Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer, State Farm. “We’re excited to help launch the first-ever Eastside Golf Collegiate Invitational, presented by State Farm, to support these HBCU athletes and give fans a venue to see their hard work and talent on display.”

From November 2nd – 4th, four men’s and four women’s teams from HBCU collegiate programs will play 54 holes at the renowned Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Frisco, TX: home of the PGA of America Headquarters. The top team finishers from each division will be rewarded withone-of-a-kind championship Red Jackets, designed exclusively for the Invitational by Eastside Golf and State Farm. Taking inspiration from professional golf’s prestigious green jacket, the Eastside Golf Red Jacket is poised to become the ultimate signifier for collegiate golf talent.

Teams participating in the inaugural Eastside Golf Collegiate Invitational presented by State Farm are:

Men’s Division

Florida A&M University
Morehouse College
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical
Southern University

Women’s Division

Alabama State
Delaware State
Howard University
Prairie View A&M University

Earl Cooper, co-founder and CEO of Eastside Golf said, “The largest collegiate golf programs see this type of event as the norm. They’re playing on top-tier resort courses withfancy locker rooms and all the amenities, while the majority of programs have much different experiences. At the end of the day, we all have the same, authentic love for the game, but it’s time we give HBCU programs the recognition and elevated experiences they deserve. We hope this year’s Eastside Golf Collegiate Invitational with our sponsor State Farm is the first of many for years to come.”

As part of the experience, Eastside Golf and State Farm are supporting each team with travel stipends, lodging, meals and transportation as part of their participation. Teams will also receive exclusive Eastside Golf Collegiate Invitational merchandise. The event will kick off with a celebrity Pro-Am, featuring supporters of the Eastside Golf mission of changing the perception of golf to make it a game for anyone and everyone.

The Eastside Golf Collegiate Invitational further bolsters Eastside Golf’s longstanding efforts to support and promote HBCU golf programs. Eastside Golf founder Olajuwon Ajanaku and co-founder Earl Cooper won a national title in 2010 during their tenure on the Morehouse College team, and since founding the company in 2019, have contributed nearly $300,000 to the program.

Launched in 2019, Eastside Golf is actively transforming perceptions of the game through its apparel which has been embraced by golf professionals, celebrities, fashion influencers, and professional athletes including NBA stars Chris Paul and Jayson Tatum, NFL greats Patrick Mahomes and Victor Cruz, musician DJ Khaled and President Barack Obama. Its signature swingman logo, a young Black man dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans with a gold chain around his neck and a club in mid-backswing, is a depiction of Ajanaku, and is meant to convey that you can bring your authentic self to the game of golf, with full confidence.

Eastside Golf boasts notable relationships with global brands including Mitchell & Ness, seven collaborations with Jordan Brand, and strategic partnerships and licensing deals with major entities such as the NBA, MLB, Mitchell & Ness, Bridgestone and Mercedes-Benz USA. The brand was profiled in Hulu’s “Grails: When Sneakers Change the Game,” a six-episode docuseries on how Ajanaku and Cooper are driving social and cultural change in golf.

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First Half Control

Howard wasted no time asserting themselves on offense, opening the game with a balanced attack. On their first drive, wide receiver Kasey Hawthorne powered his way into the end zone on a 3-yard run to put the Bison up 7-0 with 9:43 remaining in the first quarter.

Minutes later, Howard struck again. Tolbert connected with wideout Se’Quan Osborne for a 12-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0 by the 5:49 mark of the first quarter.

Morehouse responded in the second quarter as quarterback Miles Scott found wide receiver Ajani Williams for a 16-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 14-7. However, Howard countered just before halftime when Tolbert threw a deep 33-yard strike to Ke’Untae Mosley, giving the Bison a 21-7 advantage at the break.

Tolbert Shines in the Second Half

In the third quarter, Tolbert continued his aerial dominance, linking up with Richie Ilarraza for a 20-yard touchdown pass at the 9:11 mark, pushing Howard’s lead to 28-7.

The Bison extended their advantage early in the fourth quarter when Tolbert found Isiah Williams for another 20-yard touchdown pass, making the score 35-7. Tolbert finished the game with 267 passing yards, completing 23 of 41 attempts with four touchdowns and one interception.

Morehouse’s Late Rally

Despite trailing by 28 points, Morehouse showed resilience late in the game. Scott connected with Williams again for a 21-yard touchdown with 8:33 remaining, narrowing the gap to 35-14. Scott then found Kamrin Brunson for a 27-yard score with just under two minutes left, bringing the Maroon Tigers within 14 points, but the effort fell short as Howard held on for the 35-21 win.

Offensive and Defensive Standouts

Howard’s rushing attack, led by Jarett Hunter (92 yards) and Hawthorne (48 yards, 1 touchdown), provided solid support for Tolbert’s passing game. On the receiving end, Ilarraza had 7 catches for 77 yards and a score, while Mosley, Williams, and Osborne each added touchdown receptions.

Morehouse’s passing game showed promise, as Scott completed 17 of 31 passes for 209 yards and 3 touchdowns without any interceptions. Williams was his top target, pulling in 6 receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

Turnovers and Special Teams

While Howard committed two fumbles, they managed to recover both. Morehouse, on the other hand, struggled with ball security, losing two fumbles. On special teams, Howard’s Anthony Reagan Jr. impressed with a 40-yard kick return, while Morehouse’s Khasen Kirkland was perfect on all three extra-point attempts.

HBCU rivalries continue

Howard’s efficient passing game and stout defense proved to be the difference, as the Bison never allowed Morehouse to establish a consistent ground game. Morehouse finished with just 18 rushing attempts for -36 yards, largely due to Scott being sacked multiple times.

With this victory, Howard continues to build momentum heading into next weekend’s big HBCU rivalry game with Hampton. Morehouse will look to bounce back in their next contest, a neutral site matchup against winless Kentucky State.

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When asked if the team was preparing for a leap to Division I, Mathis responded, “Yes, there has been talk about moving up, and we’re preparing ourselves for that. If that is the future of this program, we’ll be ready when it happens.”

While rumors are flying on social media about Morehouse possibly joining the MEAC, Mathis kept the focus on his team’s current progress. He spoke about the deeper changes happening within the program. “These young men, they play for each other. They run through fire for each other. They won’t quit, no matter the score,” Mathis said. “They truly love each other, and we talk about loving and trusting each other.”

If Morehouse College moves to Division 1, it would be a huge moment for the school and HBCU sports. However, Mathis made it clear that his job is to prepare the team for the future, no matter what happens. “We always talk about being one body. If someone in that body isn’t on the same page, we won’t succeed,” he said.

For Terance Mathis, the program’s success isn’t just about moving divisions—it’s about building a strong bond between the players, coaches, and staff. “Everyone has to speak the same language, move in the same direction, and work together for this to be successful,” he explained.

Though there’s plenty of talk about Morehouse joining the MEAC, no official announcement has been made. For now, Mathis is focused on making sure his team is ready for whatever comes next. “My job is to make this program better for the future, and if moving to Division 1 is part of that, we’ll be ready,” he said.

If Morehouse does join the MEAC, it would renew the Black Ivy League rivalry with Howard University, another one of the most celebrated HBCUs in the country. Whether or not Morehouse joins the MEAC or another Division I conference, Coach Mathis is building a program that’s unified and ready for the challenges ahead.

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One player drawing attention is Howard’s running back Eden James. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the son of NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James. Eden is stepping out of his father’s shadow and making a name for himself, especially after scoring a touchdown earlier this season against Rutgers. Coach Larry Scott has praised his work ethic on the weekly MEAC coach’s call, saying, “Eden’s not just riding on his last name—he’s putting in the work every day.”

His performance will be crucial as Howard looks to establish its running game and control the tempo against Morehouse.

For Howard to win again, it needs to dominate in the trenches. Morehouse College has struggled to stop the run, and Howard’s offensive line has a prime opportunity to take control. If Howard can establish the ground game and wear down Morehouse’s defense by keeping the ball in their hands, it’ll give the Bison a huge advantage.

On defense, Howard must put pressure on Morehouse’s quarterback and prevent big plays. Keeping Morehouse’s passing attack in check will be key, and the Bison defense has shown it can step up in big moments.

This game goes beyond just the score—it’s a celebration of HBCU pride. As the reigning MEAC champs, Howard is carrying the flag for HBCU athletics and looking to continue its winning ways while showcasing the strength and talent within the HBCU football landscape on a national platform. While Morehouse comes in as the underdog team of one of the biggest brands in the culture.

The HBCU NY Classic will be broadcast live, on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. ET on CNBC and Peacock.

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The Peacock series is laden with HBCU alums both in front of and behind the camera. Samuel L. Jackson, Morehouse, and Taraji P. Henson, Howard, deliver their standard level of excellence in their roles. Jackson in my opinion really delivered a memorable performance in his role of Frank Moten, a black mafia leader. The strength and power of his character was poignantly characterized as much through mannerisms as it was dialogue. David Banner, Southern University, expanded his artistic expression in the role of Missouri Slim, a character that eventually finds himself at odds with other mafia members. Banner talked about the feeling of disappearing into the character.

“We look just like our parents. So once they put the right makeup on, the right hair on. And we put those clothes on. It felt like we literally were our parents. I’ve never been touched that way. It almost shook me out of my character. It was so dope. I was like, we are so beautiful.”

“And that is something that I have to give. And I have to thank Will for this. Is that something that Eddie Murphy did in his time is to make sure that the revolutionary aspect of this film is the fact that we made black people look great, right,” Banner said during a recent HBCU screening of the series in Atlanta.

Several HBCU students along with members of HBCU related press entities were invited for a screening of the first episode.

There was significant representation of HBCU alums behind the camera as well. Dianne Ashford is a producer on the series. Both she and Packer are Florida A&M alums, although they didn’t know one another until later in life. Ashford connected with Packer 25 years ago, when she was looking to get away from her corporate job.

“I graduated with a degree in computer information systems, and I went to work at AT&T. I worked there for six years, and then I said, I want to change careers. I took a 30 day leave of absence from my corporate job to intern for this man on a project. I didn’t get paid, I wasn’t getting paid for my corporate job, and I wasn’t getting paid from him. And this was my first opportunity. I finished that project. I went back, I quit my corporate job and I moved back home (Atlanta). I moved back home and been going ever since for the last 23 years,” Ashford said.

Ashford has been a producer on 33 projects to date according to her IMBD profile, most recently including Tyler Perry’s latest film Divorce in the Black.

While Packer loves showcasing black excellence from HBCUs on both sides of the camera, he insists that the excellence must come first.

“You talk about folks here that have these HBCU connections. We wanted the best. Make no mistake, we wanted the best. Period. And what happens and what other people miss sometimes is that when you talk about diversity, you talk about making sure that you’re being inclusionary. They forget that there is an opportunity to have the best people who happen to also be diverse.

Not saying oh you went to FAMU, you went to Clark Atlanta, Howard, let me hook you up over somebody who’s better than you. No no no. This is high quality, this is the biggest project on this platform all year. Right? So it has to be top notch. The people that we’re answering to, the financiers, the studios, all they want is the best. We deliver the best. And it happened to look like the room,” Packer said.

The leading actors in Fight Night are: Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, and Dexter Darden. This star-studded series was created and written by Shaye Ogbonna, a Howard University alum.

Peacock is a streaming service from NBCUniversal. With tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, current NBC & Bravo hits, and LIVE Sports including Sunday Night Football and Premier League

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Morehouse College has received a $20 million anonymous gift to expand academic programs and professorships at the College, the only liberal arts institution in the nation dedicated to the education and development of Black men. The contribution–the largest gift ever designated for faculty positions at Morehouse–will be used to fund six endowed professorships that will enhance innovation and research in several academic areas.

The professorships will be added to the Division of Business and Economics, the Division of Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, and the Arts (HSSMA), and the Division of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, including the Office of Health Professions.

“Our faculty are the heartbeat of this institution. They lead our academic programs, develop the intellect of our students, and challenge them to go out in the world and be great. They have fueled the success of thousands of Morehouse Men,” said David A. Thomas, Ph.D., President of Morehouse College. “This transformational $20 million gift will allow us to increase the ranks of our esteemed and talented professors so that we can uphold the legacy of excellence in our classrooms as our as veteran faculty retire.”

Morehouse, which educates more than 2,300 students annually, has world-class academic programs that have been especially successful at cultivating men of distinction who rise as leaders in every field, including the U.S. Congress; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General; the Olympics; as well as the recipients’ platforms of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Academy Awards. The College is the top producer of Black men who go on to receive doctorates, and is the top-feeder school for Black men entering top-ranked MBA programs as well as managerial and executive positions in business.

The anonymous $20 million gift was contributed to the “Making Men of Consequence” Campaign, the largest fundraising initiative in Morehouse’s 157-year history. The goals of the $500 million campaign are to expand Morehouse’s ability to offer scholarship support to any deserving student, recruit new faculty at the top of their fields, invest in innovative academic programs, and to fund campus improvements. 

Specifically, the donation falls under the campaign’s “Inquiry with Distinction” pillar, which focuses on expanding investment in academics, including distinguished faculty positions, curricular and academic programming, and evidence-based research. The fundraising goal for that pillar is $100 million.Currently, Morehouse employs more than 300 full-and-part-time faculty.

“Investing in Morehouse College’s talented faculty is critical to maintaining the College’s reputation and relevance as a world-class institution of higher learning,” said Provost Kendrick Brown, Ph.D. “At Morehouse, we are developing men with integrity and intellect to become 21st-century leaders and innovators. That takes resources–not only funds for technology and classroom materials, but also a significant investment in attracting accomplished professors to Morehouse who will continue to elevate our profile in all academic areas.”

With the addition of the anonymous gift, nearly $290 million has been generated for the “Making Men of Consequence” Campaign to date.

“We are grateful to the anonymous donor for this generous investment in our faculty,” said Hodan Hassan, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “This significant gift fuels our ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education and our ability to offer students transformative academic experiences that help them to reach their full potential.”

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CHICAGO, IL — Kentucky State University Football returns to the Chicago Football Classic on September 21 against the Morehouse Maroon Tigers in Chicago, Illinois. the Frankfort, KY HBCU moves its September 21 home contest against Morehouse College to the historic Soldier Field for the 2024 Chicago Football Classic in Chicago, Illinois. 
 
“This is a great opportunity for KSU’s football team. We are proud of our players and the amazing job they do. I support the guidance of our athletic director, Mr. Stepp, and KSU’s Chicago Alumni Chapter as they take part in the annual Chicago Football Classic.” Kentucky State University President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo said.
  
“We are excited to compete in the 25th annual Chicago Football Classic allowing our student-athletes to compete in an historic NFL venue like Soldier Field. I can’t wait to join our amazing alumni fans in cheering our Thorobreds to victory!” Athletic Director Grant Stepp said. 
  
The two HBCU programs met last season on Oct. 28 in Atlanta, Ga., with Kentucky State defeating Morehouse College 23-21.
  
For more information tickets for the Chicago Football Classic will be on sale soon and for more information on the classic visit chicagofootballclassic.org.  

 
About Kentucky State University 

Kentucky State University is a public, comprehensive, HBCU committed to advancing the Commonwealth of Kentucky, enhancing society, and impacting individuals by providing quality teaching with a foundation in liberal studies, scholarly research, and public service to enable productive lives within the diverse global economy. The cornerstone of Student Health Services’ mission is to support optimal mental, emotional, and physical health of students to achieve excellence in learning.

About the Chicago Classic

The Chicago Football Classic, Inc (CFC) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire African-American high school and college students through support for programs, initiatives, and events that increase awareness of opportunities to achieve educational excellence. CFC events influence students and parents to consider the rich academic and cultural opportunities offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

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“Record-breaking” defines Thomas’s tenure at the College. Its innovative and impactful work has garnered international attention and partnerships with various notable institutions, corporations, and individuals; applications from high-achieving students have soared to an all-time high; substantial infrastructure investments have been completed and are in progress; and — in his seven years of service — the most funds have been raised among any president in Morehouse’s 157-year history. With over 30 years in higher education informing his vision, Dr. Thomas’s time in office has positioned Morehouse to exert even more profound influence in the 21st Century. After a period of rest, travel, and time with his family, he will join the Morehouse faculty and aid in the completion of the $500 million capital campaign, which has far surpassed the halfway mark since its launch in Fall 2021.

“In my inaugural address, I promised to do the absolute best I could for Morehouse, and I have since risen each day dedicated to delivering on that promise,” said Thomas. “Serving as president of Morehouse has been the honor of a lifetime. The best moment for a leadership transition is when an institution is strong, and the building blocks are in place to achieve its vision. I believe that time is now, and new leadership can bring fresh eyes, energy, and perspective to address challenges and discover new opportunities.”

Since 2018, Morehouse has transitioned from structural deficits to funding significant campus projects, enhancing its technology infrastructure, and paying employees competitively. Guided by a strategic plan, substantial investments in the campus’s physical infrastructure have been realized, including renovating the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, B.T. Harvey Stadium football field, Edwin C. Moses Track & Field, and several on-campus classrooms, labs, and lecture halls. This month, the College will break ground on a new residence hall, and a new student center will follow in the next few years, heralding in a new era for the on-campus residential experience.

The strategic theme of “Morehouse Beyond Borders” has included milestone successes such as the launch of the globally accessible Morehouse Online undergraduate degree completion program, leadership in virtual reality as a pedagogical tool, the creation of the Center for Black Entrepreneurship with the Black Economic Alliance and Spelman College, the establishment of the Black Men’s Research Institute, and the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership’s Higher Education in Prisons program.

Willie Woods, chair of the Morehouse College Board of Trustees, expressed his gratitude for Thomas’s leadership. “It has been a privilege to work with and serve alongside David. His commitment to the betterment and excellence of Morehouse — my alma mater — has been unwavering. I deeply appreciate his bold leadership and contributions and am excited to see what his final year will bring.”

Morehouse College has launched a national search for its 13th president, led by trustee and alumnus Fred Humphries, who will chair the presidential search committee currently being assembled.

Thomas affirms, “I will forever remain committed to supporting Morehouse in its pursuit of excellence and delivering on its mission. I look forward to the upcoming school year and making it the best of my tenure.”

For more information, please contact Morehouse College at news@morehouse.edu and visit morehouse.edu. 

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Last month, the Puma American Track League hosted the event in honor of the Morehouse alum and Olympic gold medal winner.

“It’s fantastic to have a true world-class track meet with world-class athletes and the possibility of running their best times for the world this year,” Moses said. 

Track and field athletes from all corners of the globe, united by their love for the sport, competed on the Edwin C. Moses Track at B.T. Harvey Stadium Football Field. Their performances were a preview of the excitement and talent that awaits us at the 2024 Olympics in Paris later this summer, a testament to the global reach and appeal of track and field. 

Past Olympians on hand

Notable stars of the sport included 400-meter hurdler and 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, middle distance runners Matthew Boling and Angel Piccirillo, and 400-meter hurdler Khallifah Rosser.

Moses remembers when the school didn’t have a track for him to practice on when he was a student of the all-male HBCU in the 1970s. He had to resort to jumping fences instead of actual hurdles.

The original track was resurfaced for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, but little to no upkeep was given, resulting in disrepair. 

In 2014, Moses had a vision for restoring and updating the track, which took almost ten years to complete. 

“My vision back in 2014 was to get the track built and to bring events into the stadium,” Moses said. 

Vision of Edwin Moses comes to life with some help

With the help of Morehouse and donors like Billie Aaron, wife of baseball legend Hank Aaron, the vision came to life last year.

Edwin Moses won the gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles in the 1976 and 1984 Olympics, where he set the world record for the event four times. His last record of 47.02 seconds in that event is still the fastest to this day. 

“We have somebody who was very instrumental in the sport, especially for me being a hurdler, so meeting him was so big in doing what he did during his time to be able to bring everything full circle makes it big, and I’m glad to be part of it just like I’m sure the rest of the athletes are,” Rosser said. 

“At this time of the sport when this has been impossible, a lot of it is due to Edwin’s success and all of the work he’s done at Morehouse,” Piccirillo said. 

Historic moment in Track and Field

For McLaughlin-Levrone, the meet is a historic moment for the sport. 

She said, “Edwin has done an amazing job in our sport; being a representative of the Black community has been at the top of the sport, and being able to come back now and bring it back here for us to be a part of that, I want to perform to the best of my ability to be able to showcase how far our sport has come and be able to continue that in the future.” 

Moses hopes that the track will continue to bring more events to his alma mater and recruit for the Maroon Tigers track team.

“I hope the track is able to put us in a position to begin to recruit top quality guys and maybe come to Morehouse, get an Ivy League school education, and run track too,” Moses said. 

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He announced an additional $16 billion in funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Sunday, emphasizing their critical role in the nation’s educational and social landscape.

Biden acknowledged the unique and transformative legacy of Morehouse College, the only all-male historically black college in the country.

“In addition to the original $7 billion investment in HBCUs, I’m investing 16 billion more dollars because you’re vital to our nation,” Biden said.

This substantial financial commitment aims to address the financial disparities that many HBCUs face compared to other higher education institutions.

President Joe Biden also highlighted the necessity of modern resources for HBCUs to remain competitive and continue producing exceptional graduates.

“Most HBCUs don’t have the endowments. The jobs of the future require sophisticated laboratories, sophisticated opportunities on campus,” he noted. 

This investment is intended to help HBCUs to develop state-of-the-art facilities and expand opportunities for their students.

The President also tied this investment to broader efforts to ensure economic and social justice. By enhancing the capabilities of HBCUs, Biden believes these institutions can play a crucial role in creating generational wealth and leadership within Black communities.

“We’re opening doors so you can walk into a life of generational wealth, to be providers and leaders for your families and communities,” Biden told the Morehouse College crowd.

Biden also gave a nod to his Vice President, Kamala Harris, in a playful way that hit differently on an HBCU campus. 

“I have no doubt that a Morehouse man will be president one day, just after an AKA from Howard,” Biden said to laughter and applause. “She’s tough, guys.”

Artificial intelligence was used for a portion of this content.

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In addition to presenting an honorary doctorate to Biden, the college will also award Dr. Michael Lomax, a Morehouse alum, with an honorary doctorate as well. Lomax is the president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), who is celebrating 20 years of service to the organization. Lomax is a 1968 graduate of Morehouse.

The speech at Morehouse will be one of two that Biden delivers in the month of May. He’ll also speak at the commencement for the United States Military Academy at West Point on May 25, according to the White House. Biden is no stranger to HBCU commencements, most recently he delivered the address to Howard University at its 2023 spring commencement. Howard has had five presidential commencement speeches throughout history, the most of any HBCU. Then vice president Biden also delivered the 141st Commencement Address at Morgan State University and received an honorary doctor of public service degree on May 20, 2017.

Morehouse also plans to celebrate milestone alumni anniversaries during commencement week including Spike Lee and Martin Luther King III, both 1979 graduates. Actor Brian Tyree Henry, a 1999 graduate, will be celebrated as well.

In 2013, Barack Obama was the first sitting president to deliver a commencement address at Morehouse College.

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“We are in a season of change and enhancement within Morehouse Athletics,” said Morehouse AD Harold Ellis, who joined his alma mater last August. “The College is known for producing some of the most skilled and gifted professionals across all industries, and that same spirit of excellence must be established within our athletic programs. I’m excited to welcome Coach Mathis to The House and look forward to partnering with him in taking the football program to the next level.”

Drafted in 1990 by the New York Jets, Mathis played the majority of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. He last played in the NFL in 2002 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and then retired in 2004. 

Terance Mathis played for the New York Jets from 1990-94. During his career there, he was used as a punt and kick returner and wide receiver. In 1991, he led the team in kickoff returns with 599 yards. He also had 28 receptions for 329 yards.

He began his stellar career with the Atlanta Falcons in 1994. He caught 111 passes and was ranked third in the NFL in touchdown receptions in his first season in Atlanta. Mathis was selected to the Pro Bowl that season. In 1998, he made his first post-season appearance playing in Super Bowl XXXIII for the Atlanta Falcons. In the Super Bowl, he led the Falcons in receptions with seven for 85 yards along with a three-yard touchdown catch. While with the Falcons, Mathis became the team’s all-time touchdowns and receptions leader. He had a one-year stint with the Pittsburg Steelers before retiring in 2004. 

Mathis replaces Gerard Wilcher, who was fired after one season at the helm in 2023. Morehouse College is coming off back-to-back 1-9 seasons. 

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Jackson has spent the last two seasons at Grambling State, guiding the team to an 8-14 record. He was fired following a 5-6 performance in 2023. After being fired, Jackson acknowledged that HBCUs had their issues, but also stated he would be fine coaching at another one.

“I think we all know programs can’t be turned around in two years at instutions where funding is extremely inadequate,” Jackson said. “Facilities, equipment and training support are insignificant dispair. Institutional support is limited and opportunities are derailed at every turn. I think we all know that. But again, the lack of transparency, coordination and collaboration, in my opinion, will continue to plague the HBCUs.”

Morehouse College is coming off back-to-back 1-9 seasons. The program hasn’t won an SIAC title since 1991. 

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Significant contributions from freshman guard and wing players Damion Mitchell and Cedric Taylor III led the team to the big win over Benedict College. Mitchell ended the game with 14 points, three assists, and seven rebounds, while Taylor contributed 17 points and six rebounds. 

“They’ve been playing a lot of minutes early, so I told them about four games ago, ‘You all are not freshmen anymore.’ We knew what type of players they were and knew they could step in and play at this level,” said Coach Whittler. 

“I wouldn’t call it nervous, but it’s a lot of pressure. I just stay humble and keep my head down and work through it,” said Mitchell when asked about playing big minutes as a freshman. 

Morehouse also won the rebounding battle 39-29 on the night to overcome their shooting struggles, shooting 20 percent from three and 39 percent from the field.

Benedict’s explosive offense kept the game close for most of the night. The Maroon Tigers’ biggest lead was only eight points with six minutes to play in the first half. There was also a total of 10 lead changes throughout the game. 

Benedict had three double-figure scorers: Asanti Price scored 19 points, Tim Moore scored 18, and Marshaun West scored 12. Back-to-back big dunks from Price and Moore caused a quick momentum shift that would not last long before Morehouse regained its composure. 

“I just let them know it isn’t worth more than two points,” said coach Whittler. 

The big week for Morehouse College should give them some momentum as they continue their four-game road stretch into the stretch of SIAC play. 

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Jackson State leads the SWAC with nearly 30k. That’s an impressive number, but it is a significant drop from its 2022 number. Norfolk State got a slight bump as it led the MEAC. North Carolina A&T got another sellout it’s first season in the CAA.

Here are the numbers of attendance at each HBCU homecoming game. All numbers were taken from official box scores from each school’s athletic website.

MEAC

Norfolk State-24,976

South Carolina State-22,269

North Carolina Central-13,626

Howard-7,684

Delaware State-6,300

Morgan State-Canceled

SWAC

Jackson State-30,947

Alabama A&M-26,391

Florida A&M-22,338

Southern-21,492

Alcorn State-21,012

Alabama State-17,995

Prairie View A&M-14,224

Arkansas-Pine Bluff-13,469

Bethune-Cookman-9,458

Mississippi Valley State-8,752

Grambling State-8,657

Texas Southern-6,352

CAA

North Carolina A&T-21,500

Hampton-13,811

CIAA

Winston-Salem State-8,200

Virginia Union-5,250

Shaw-5,022

Livingstone – 4,501

Bowie State-4,395

St. Augustine’s-3,719

Fayetteville State-3,680

Elizabeth City State-3,579

Johnson C. Smith-3,452

Virginia State-3,409

Lincoln (PA)-2,117

Bluefield State-N/A

SIAC

Tuskegee-31,726

Clark Atlanta-19,597

Savannah State-12,723

Fort Valley State-12,113

Morehouse-10,213

Benedict-8,589

Albany State-8,371

Kentucky State-2,898

Edward Waters-2,472

Lane-1,753

Allen-905

Central State-N/A

Miles-N/A

Other

Tennessee State-13,975

West Virginia State-3,954

Lincoln (MO)-3,333

Virginia University-Lynchburg-1,753

Florida Memorial-1,200

Langston-N/A

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After a hard fought 8 months, my time has come to an end at my Alma Mater, Morehouse College.

Please know that I tried every-day to uplift my beloved Morehouse. Statistically, we improved in almost every category. We played a challenging schedule with only 2 home games and even though we asked numerous times, we were not given the resources to have a strength and conditioning program.

I was hired after the recruiting season and had no recruiting budget. However, the College has made the decision to no longer retain me rather than give us the support and resources we need in order to be successful.

Overall, I would like to thank my team who fought through so many adversities and never wavered in their belief.

And although we were underfunded in scholarships, we were still able to retain the Big Cat Trophy with a 35-21 win over Clark Atlanta University.

“Dear Old Morehouse, Dear Old Morehouse, we have pledged our lives to thee; and will ever, yea ever yea forever give ourselves in Loyalty.

This news comes a week after sources indicated that Wilcher was on the hot seat. He denied it at the time.

“I’m not leaving, and I refuse to resign. I will make them publicly fire me, if they want me out,” Wilcher told HBCU Gameday. “I know there are some people that aren’t happy that we haven’t been able to get it done, but I have not even been approached about leaving.”

A Morehouse College alumnus, Wilcher took over the program this spring after Rich Freeman was let go. The program went 1-9 in 2022 and hasn’t won a conference title in over 30 years. He was on the job for just over eight months. 

Morehouse College defeated Clark Atlanta 35-21 for its first win since beating CAU in the season finale back in 2022. 

Gerard Wilcher tweeted a photo with a statement looking towards the next season.

“Great finish to a tough 2023 and a great look into 2024!”

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Following its loss on Oct 28 in its homecoming game, Wilcher was asked how difficult it would be to keep the energy up moving forward.   

“Is it when you lose homecoming,” Wilcher asked rhetorically, “or when you lose nine in a row?”

Morehouse College spent the first six weeks of their season on the road, starting with two non-conference games against Virginia Union University and Howard University. Meanwhile, Clark Atlanta University was able to schedule four home games, including the Battle for the AUC on Nov. 4th. 

Neither team has been able to conjure up many highlights this season, CAU even fired head coach Willie Slater after a Week Five loss to Lane College. Slater has been temporarily replaced by interim head coach, Richard Moncrief. 

“I’m going to do everything that’s required of me to return as head coach. Once again, I love it here at CAU,” Moncrief told HBCU Gameday. “We’re sitting on a goldmine, this is a hidden gem. We’re the only school with “Atlanta” in the name, I think that is huge and something we should look to capitalize on in the future.”

Earlier in the rivalry week Wilcher also responded to rumors of an eventual departure of his own. 

“I’m not leaving, and I refuse to resign. I will make them publicly fire me, if they want me out,” Wilcher told HBCU Gameday. “I know there are some people that aren’t happy that we haven’t been able to get it done, but I have not even been approached about leaving.”

Looking forward, each coach understands the importance of winning the Battle for the AUC. Wilcher compared this game to his time at Lehigh University and the importance of beating Lafayette. 

Moncrief’s comparisons were to other major sporting events.

 “This is the Super Bowl, this is Game Seven of the NBA finals,” he told HBCU Gameday. “This is the AUC national championship.” 

The pressure will be on each coach tomorrow as each school’s administration will surely be looking at the product that each coach puts on the field. Students will pack the stands looking for AUC bragging rights. Morehouse College will look to defend its three game win streak against Clark Atlanta, as well as get its  first win of the season. CAU will look to defend its home turf, while also gaining its first win of the season.

– Story by Kobe Scales

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Gerard Wilcher denied rumors floating around the AUC that he is on his way out after just eight months.

“I’m not leaving, and I refuse to resign. I will make them publicly fire me, if they want me out,” Wilcher told HBCU Gameday. “I know there are some people that aren’t happy that we haven’t been able to get it done, but I have not even been approached about leaving.”

A Morehouse College alumnus, Wilcher took over the program this spring after Rich Freeman was let go. The program went 1-9 in 2022 and hasn’t won a conference title in over 30 years.

Morehouse is set to close the season against neighboring Clark Atlanta University on Saturday. Both programs are 0-9 this season heading into the rivalry matchup. Saturday’s loss to Kentucky State was by two points, MC’s closest game to a win so far.

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The club reaches out to all students within the Atlanta University Center to teach the fundamentals of boxing and create a community for them to grow. 

“When it comes to boxing, everyone is the same. We all meet and check on each other 24/7. That’s what we do,” said Jacoby Bell, a Senior at Morehouse College. 

Bell and his classmate, Bryce, created the club in 2021 to share their passion for boxing.

Since he was in the ninth grade, Bell started boxing in his hometown of Covington, Ga., which became a way to help him destress and keep his cool under pressure. His sparring partners and coaches became his second family, and he wanted to recreate that feeling at his soon-to-be alma mater.  

“With Morehouse having that family and brotherhood culture, I was looking for people interested in boxing, and so we threw a fight night on accident,” Bell said.

The “accident” started when he sent out texts and posts on his group chats for everyone to come to Purdue Hall and spar in the lobby. Over 100 people showed up for the unauthorized event but got in trouble for breaking the COVID-19 rules restricting large gatherings on school grounds. The group broke the rules, but the administrators saw a need to help the students interact with each other. 

“[The school] reached out to us and said ‘y’all won’t be in trouble if you start a club, and we will help you start it,’” Bell said. 

Forming the AUC Boxing Club through Morehouse College, they decided to focus the club on teaching boxing, tools to help their mental health, and building a close-knit family away from family while meeting at different locations throughout the AUC like Morehouse’s tennis courts or the promenade on Clark Atlanta University’s campus. 

“We’re teaching freshmen to build their confidence and give them a family within the boxing club and connect with different people,” Bell said.

Bell told HBCU Gameday that he and his volunteer coaches from boxing gyms around the Atlanta metro area teach the students foundational boxing skills like basic footwork, positioning their hands for defense, and throwing punches. 

“We teach the defense first because we’re never trying to start a fight or altercation,” Bell said.

The club is also planning classes for female students in the AUC to teach them self-defense techniques and scheduling study sessions when it’s time for midterms and final exams. 

What Bell says he gets out of the club the most is being able to mentor other students in the AUC and creating a safe space for them to get help when they need it. 

“It’s not always easy to go to counseling or the doctor,” Bell said, “but it’s not hard to come and sit on the tennis court and workout for a little bit or just talk.”

The club’s hard work and skills will be put to the test as they host a fight night at Morehouse’s Walter E. Massey Leadership Center on Nov. 2. 

The live event will feature several matches between the AUC Boxing Club members and the Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University clubs. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $5. 
Click Here to purchase tickets.

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Quinton Williams‘ dual-threat ability was on full display to lead Howard. He put up 205 yards through the air and 52 on the ground to keep Morehouse’s defense guessing. The Bison also found help from pass-catcher Kasey Hawthorne, who collected two receptions for 21 yards as Williams’ favorite target on the evening. The team’s potent offense accumulated an impressive 613 total yards.

Photo Courtesy: David Sierra/Howard Athletics

Morehouse was led by quarterback Derrach West. He completed 5-of-15 passes for 23 yards. Zion Bouie added 112 yards rushing on 19 carries.

Key Metrics to Victory: Howard

• Play selection – recorded a fairly even pass-run split with 35 passing attempts and 33 rushing attempts
• Possession – controlled the ball for 25:56 (45% of the game)
• Third down success – converted on 67% of third downs (8-12) while Morehouse converted just 31% (5-16)

Both teams face their next test on Sept. 16. Howard has a neutral site clash with Hampton, while Morehouse faces an Albany St. (GA) squad recovering from a loss of its own. The Bison will look to keep their momentum rolling and earn another win. On the other side, the Maroon Tigers will take another shot at their first win.

Gameday AI content is produced using Artificial Intelligence technology powered by Boost Sport before being approved and published by HBCU Gameday.

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Morehouse College put out a release announcing the passing of the two students early Tuesday morning, describing each of the young men who passed away. 

Hugh Douglas was an exceptional student who displayed immense dedication and promise in pursuing a business administration degree with a concentration in finance. He was a member of the Morehouse Business Association, an AltFinance Fellow, and a Goldman Sachs Fellow, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in his field. Over the summer, he interned at Ares Management Corporation in Los Angeles.

Christion Files Jr. was a remarkable young man who made his mark academically and in extracurricular activities. He was a business administration major with a concentration in marketing. His leadership qualities were evident through his role as the co-captain of the Morehouse Track & Field team, media chair for the Junior Class Council, and as a dedicated member of the Morehouse Business Association. Beyond these achievements, Christion was known for his photography and videography skills, which he used to create high-quality content for students, campus organizations, Morehouse Athletics, and the College’s marketing office.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Douglas and Files’ families in their time of need. 

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The AI in Basketball course aims to harness the promise of AI in sports for the benefit of HBCU students. The for-credit class, which launches this fall on Morehouse’s campus, will welcome students from Morehouse, Spelman College, and Clark University who have chosen majors in the areas of math, physics, and engineering. Dr. Patrick Lucey will teach the course, Chief Scientist at Stats Perform, working in connection with Morehouse faculty. “Stats Perform has been the pioneer of AI in the basketball space for well over a decade, not only with our computer vision systems to collect player and ball tracking data, but also with our predictive models using machine learning,” explains Dr. Lucey. “We are excited to show the students some of the many ways AI can take basketball to new levels for teams, players, media organizations, fans, and others, and see it as the perfect vehicle for students to get a deep understanding on how AI can be used across many fields.”

“As this specific corporate-academic partnership with Stats Perform was being designed, we collectively agreed to be very intentional,” said Dr. Alfred R. Watkins, Department Chair for Computer Science, at Morehouse College. “We sought a long-term industry partner, the inclusion of all three HBCUs in the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), and specific learning and career opportunities within high-demand, high-growth sectors of the economy for our students.”

As the leading provider in sports data collection and predictive analysis–and as a portfolio company of Vista Equity Partners, whose Chairman and CEO Robert F. Smith paid off the student debt for the Morehouse graduating class of 2019–Stats Perform was a natural fit. Stats Perform’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion played a key role as well.

CEO Carl Mergele commented, “At Stats Perform, we recognize the immense impact of DEI efforts on our communities, and on our own success and growth. Representation plays a vital role in fostering innovation and driving our collective potential to new heights. Stats Perform is thrilled to establish this partnership with the Atlanta University Center Consortium and the Student Freedom Initiative, and we look forward to driving change and hopefully creating a model for this type of program that others can follow,” said Mergele.

Employment opportunities will form an important part of the new partnership. Students who complete the AI in Basketball course will be able to apply for a limited number of internships with Stats Perform, with the potential for these internships to transition into full-time employment.

“Targeted, strategic public-private partnerships that include measurable outcomes between Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and innovative companies like Stats Perform will continue to be the accelerant to transformative change,” according to Keith B. Shoates, Chief Operating Officer, Student Freedom Initiative. “We are hopeful that other firms continue to make similar long-term investments in our MSIs and their students.”

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Demetrius Calip II started his career at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2020 where he played in two games. 

From there he went back to the West Coast where he spent a season with East Los Angeles College, which was chronicled in the second season of “Last Chance U: Basketball.” Calip averaged 8.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists over 13.4 minutes in 26 games. He shot better than 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from the 3-point line to help the team to a 27-4 record. 

He now joins a Morehouse College program that went 18-10 last season and 14-7 in SIAC play. 

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The aurora on the Morehouse campus for the camp was indescribable. No matter where you were on campus there were reminders of the hallowed pipeline of great black leaders that once walked the same steps you were taking.

Saturday’s camp consisted of three different position groups, LB/RB, QB/WR/DB, and OL/DL. Multiple offers were given out to a handful of standout players that attended the camp from across the nation.

With Morehouse College being the host school for one of the biggest HBCU Mega Camps in the country, Tiger head coach, Gerald Wilcher and the Maroon faithful hope that they can recruit a bevy of talent to Westview Drive SW to propel their football program back to winning ways.

HBCU MEGA CAMP STANDOUTS

WR – Jaylin Watts #399 Watts is a class of 2024 wide receiver who currently attends Douglas County High School. He is a 6-foot-2 physical receiver that excels at making catches in traffic as well as making the catch at the apex. Watts acquired two offers from Morehouse College and Albany State University Saturday. 

OL – Roy Caldwell #633Caldwell is a class of 2025 offensive guard who currently attends Upson-Lee High School. The OG is 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds who has strong hands at the strike, solid feet, and overall displayed solid technique in his pass pro. 

DL – #545 the young defensive had a solid showing winning multiple reps; having a good balance of speed and strength while displaying great bend. DL #545 drew interest from multiple coaches and was seen talking with Johnson C. Smith on multiple occasions.  

HBCU Gameday also caught up with Coach Kevon Fly, defensive line coach at Johnson C. Smith University at the Mega Camp, so we decided to mic him up. You can see the whole mic’d up with Coach Fly in our HBCU Mega Camp video.

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Brewer has been announced as part of the Detroit Pistons’ Summer League squad last week. 

Brewer spent last season with Alabama A&M after starting his career at Morehouse College. He is the son of the late Grady Brewer, who coached at Morehouse College for two decades before his untimely death at the age of 63. 

The 6’9 forward played a supporting role at Morehouse as a freshman in the 2018-19 season, averaging 2.5 points per game in eight minutes per contest. He shot 42 percent from the 3-point line that season. His playing time increased the following season as he averaged nine points per game in 20.3 minutes per game during the 2019-20 season, his father’s last as head coach. 

The 2021-2022 season resulted in similar production as he averaged seven points and 4.4 rebounds per game. He entered the transfer portal following the season and landed in the SWAC with Alabama A&M. 

Brewer averaged 2.7 points per game and 2.2 rebounds per game in 32 contests for AAMU.  Those weren’t All-SWAC numbers by any stretch, but it appears Brewer’s combination of size (6’9, 215) and pedigree has helped him earn a shot at the next level. Now he will participate in the NBA Summer League with 2023 NBA Draft picks and young players looking to make their marks in the NBA. 

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I stand with you deeply disappointed, yet not surprised, by the United States Supreme Court’s decision to reject race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions. This is a disservice to our nation and its commitment to equity and equality. Affirmative action has long been an essential tool in the fight against systemic inequalities experienced by marginalized communities and has expanded access to educational opportunities that contribute to creating a more just society. At Morehouse College, we hold diversity as a fundamental principle that enriches the educational experience for all students, and we are steadfast in our belief that every individual should have an equal chance to succeed and thrive regardless of their background or circumstances. 

As a top feeder school for Black men entering prestigious graduate schools and MBA programs, this decision presents additional challenges for our students. At my alma mater, Yale University, the impact of this decision is already estimated to result in a 40% reduction in Black students. Attendance at selective predominately White colleges and universities too often over-determines the likelihood of gaining access to powerful and influential positions; one needs only to examine the resumes of our Supreme Court Justices and their clerks over the last 40 years to see the evidence. We can also find it by reviewing the educational pedigrees of those politicians applauding the decision. However, historically Black colleges and universities such as Morehouse College are unparalleled in their track records of producing individuals who have gone on to lead in every sector of our society.  

For those wondering, “What do we do now?” in the face of this decision, it is not about creating new programs or organizations but scaling and adequately resourcing those that have a legacy and proven track record of providing solutions to inequality and increasing diversity in every sector of national life. The question we must answer is whether the philanthropists, foundations, and corporations that declared a commitment to address racial equity will invest at the highest levels to scale and resource HBCUs such as Morehouse in ways comparable to what is frequently done for predominantly White institutions. Morehouse and schools such as Yale and Harvard have much in common, judging by the contributions and achievements of their graduates. The primary differences can be attributed to the size of their endowments and unrestricted giving.

At Morehouse, this ruling compels us to redouble our efforts in programming and partnerships that advance social justice and equal access to education and opportunity. We remain resolute in our mission, guided by our 156-year legacy, and driven by our unwavering belief in the transformative power of education and equitable access: 

• We will continue cultivating the current and next generation of business leaders from the Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center. 
• We will continue to develop Black male educators and administrators through our Center for Excellence in Education. 
• We will continue developing the next STEM leaders in our Center for Broadening Participation in Computing. 
• We will continue offering training on race and biases for for-profit and non-profit companies and organizations through our National Training Institute on Race and Equity. 
• We will continue to provide pathways to a college degree for men who started their higher education journeys but could not finish due to life’s circumstances through Morehouse Online. 
• We will continue to send our young men on domestic and international educational and service trips through the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership. 

As a nation, we must not only engage in thoughtful and constructive conversations about creating inclusive pathways for all individuals seeking higher education but also take action with our time and our wallets to ensure our discussions become sustainable realities with real impact. Morehouse College is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that prepares its students to become leaders who will address the complex challenges of our time. We remain uncompromising in our dedication to providing educational opportunities to talented young minds from all walks of life while ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to excel academically in a space specifically designed for their development into men with disciplined minds who live lives of leadership and service. 

Morehouse, as an institution and a community, will continue to carry its torch and “be the light” by harnessing the potential of education to dismantle barriers, bridge divides, and forge a future where equal opportunity prevails for all. We welcome you to join us in this endeavor.

Et Facta Est Lux, 

President David A. Thomas, Ph.D.
Morehouse College

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“My name is Jalen Brown and I am the FIRST person to receive a Journalism degree in Morehouse College’s 156-year history,” Brown tweeted on Sunday, accompanying a photo how himself adorned in his graduation cap.

That simple, straightforward tweet, has nearly 14 million views in a day. Many people, including media personality Roland S. Martin were stunned at the proclamation.

“Say what?” Martin tweeted on Sunday afternoon. 

Nicole F. Carr, an Emmy-award winning journalist and professor at Morehouse College, confirmed that Brown’s tweet was factual on Twitter. Although Morehouse has produced many prominent journalists, until recently, the Atlanta-based school for men did not grant degrees in journalism. Carr clarified that Morehouse expanded from a Sports Journalism minor into a Journalism in Sports,Culture & Social Justice major in 2021. That was kick-started (or maybe was should say “jump-started” by Michael Jordan.

The program began in 2021 with a one-million dollar gift from MJ and The Jordan Brand as part of their Black Community Commitment. 

The Black Community Commitment is an initiative by Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand to directly impact the fight against systemic racism by focusing on social justice, economic justice, and race education and awareness. Morehouse joined the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Ida B. Wells Society in receiving gifts due to their roles in cultivating the Black Experience to the wider public. 

“Education is crucial for understanding the Black experience today,” Michael Jordan said at the time of his gift to Morehouse College. “We want to help people understand the truth of our past, and help tell the stories that will shape our future.”

Brown was the first to receive his journalism degree at Morehouse College. But he won’t be the last. 

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NEW YORK (March 29, 2023) — Following an incredible first year with over 35,000 fans in attendance, the Toyota HBCU New York Classic Presented by Walmart returns to MetLife Stadium on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Celebrating all the tradition and pageantry of the HBCU game day experience, the event culminates with an epic match-up between Morehouse College and Albany State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. The HBCU NY Classic game will be broadcasted live on CNBC and simultaneously streamed on the Peacock Network and the NBC Sports App. Tickets go on sale April 10, 2023 at www.hbcunyclassic.com.

“MetLife Stadium is honored to host the second annual HBCU New York Classic,” said Ron VanDeVeen, President and CEO of MetLife Stadium. “HBCU New York Classic is an outstanding event and we look forward to welcoming Morehouse College, Albany State University and thousands of HBCU alumni and fans to our stadium this September.”

Known as the world’s largest HBCU Homecoming and the unofficial kickoff event of HBCU Homecoming week, fans and alumni from the 107 HBCUs across the country are expected to attend. The game’s halftime show will include a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop featuring surprise guests, plus spectacular drumline performances and a battle of the bands between participating schools. Additional performances and a full schedule of events will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We are thrilled by the fan support and excitement around the HBCU New York Classic. Football fans, alumni and students come out to enjoy the action on the field, and the unique experience and camaraderie of the world’s largest HBCU Homecoming,” said President & CEO of Sports Eleven05 Albert Williams. 

“MetLife Stadium is the perfect venue for this one-of-a-kind event.”

Van Wagner is the exclusive sponsorship sales partner for the Toyota HBCU New York Classic presented by Walmart. For the latest details and ticket information, go to hbcunyclassic.com or follow along on Instagram and Twitter.

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Morehouse led 41-28 at halftime as it hit eight of its 17 attempts from 3-point range in the game’s first 20 minutes. It continued to shoot well from the field – hitting 55 percent in the second half – and Clark Atlanta failed to climb out of the hole resulting in the final score. 

Kerry Richardson led the way with 17 points and Robin White Jr. chipped in 12.

Jalen Williams led Clark Atlanta with 20 points, hitting four of his eight 3-point attempts. 

Morehouse College is now 15-8 on the season after falling to 7-8 following a loss to Clark Atlanta last month.

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A four-year football letter winner at Morehouse College football team, Wilcher earned a bachelor’s in Business Administration from the school in 1992.

Wilcher currently coaches cornerbacks at Rice, where he’s coached for the last five years. He came there from Delaware State where he served for two years as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

His longest tenure was as an assistant coach at Lehigh University, where he stayed for 10 years. He was the defensive backs coach as well as co-defensive coordinator in the last two seasons, helping guide the Mountain Hawks to a 26-7 record over those two years.

Wilcher served four seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts, where he helped lead the Minutemen to the 1998 Division I-AA National Championship, as well as another appearance in the national quarterfinals.

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Virginia Union will enter 2023 looking to build off a season that saw it reach the top 10 in Division II football in 2022 as it went 9-1 during the regular season and earned a bid to the NCAA playoffs. VUU is set to return running back Jada Byers, who broke the school and CIAA all-time rushing marks by rushing for 1,920 yards on the season – earning HBCU Gameday/Protect Your Skull Offensive Player of the Year at the Division I level. VUU was rewarded for its solid regular season with a bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs where it fell to Wingate.

Morehouse will be coming into the 2023 season looking to turn the page from a regrettable 2022 season that saw it go 1-9. It will be making its debut under a new head football coach as chose not to bring back Rich Freeman as head coach after a decade-and-a-half.

The 2023 Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic appearance will be a return to the game for Morehouse, which played in the inaugural contest against Alabama A&M of the SWAC back in 2019. The game did not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second edition of the game was an all FCS contest featuring Grambling State and Tennessee State. The 2022 game was another CIAA/SIAC matchup, with Central State University coming out on top of Winston-Salem State University. 

Tickets for the game are available online starting at $25.

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Fayetteville State guard Cress Worthy would finish the game with 16 points, three rebounds and one steal.

Andrew Stewart would lead all scorers in the game with 22 points, two steals and three assists.

The Maroon Tigers will be back in action on Monday, Nov 28, as they travel to Miles College. Tip-off at 7pm.

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The first-ever ATL Has Got Something to Say HBCU Challenge tips off Friday at 1 p.m. and will feature four games between SIAC and CIAA men’s teams.

The play picks up Saturday at 10 a.m. with a local Atlanta high school game followed by five HBCU games. A clash between teams from the SWAC and MEAC is an added feature of Saturday’s line-up.

HBCU Challenge: The teams

The CIAA teams — Virginia Union University, Shaw University, Fayetteville State University and Livingstone College — will square off against SIAC squads from Albany State University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Tuskegee University and host Morehouse on Friday.

The CIAA and SIAC teams will switch opponents for the cross-conference competition on Saturday. Norfolk State University of the MEAC will meet Alabama A&M University of the SWAC in the 6 p.m. Div. I match up Saturday.

Showcasing HBCUs

Bringing teams together in one venue from all four HBCU conferences — the NCAA Div. II CIAA and SIAC and NCAA Div. I MEAC and SWAC — was pulled off by Travis L. Williams. His HBCU All-Stars LLC promotional group is also the outfit that put together the first-ever HBCU All-Star Game at this year’s Final Four in New Orleans. The game was carried live on CBS.

The Challenge is another way for the former head men’s basketball coach at Tennessee State and Fort Valley State to showcase HBCU hoops programs.   

HBCU Challenge: The schedule

Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, NOV. 18

Albany State vs. Virginia Union — 1 p.m.

LeMoyne-Owen vs. Shaw — 3 p.m.

Tuskegee vs. Fayetteville State — 5 p.m.

Morehouse vs. Livingstone — 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, Nov. 19

Booker T. Washington HS vs. Maynard H. Jackson HS — 10 a.m.

Virginia Union vs. LeMoyne-Owen — 12 noon

Livingstone vs. Albany State — 2 p.m.

Shaw vs. Tuskegee — 4 p.m.

Norfolk State vs. Alabama A&M — 6 p.m.

Morehouse vs. Fayetteville State — 8 pm.

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Kimm and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Morehouse Community for embracing and partnering with us to help develop men, while raising our own children on its historic campus for the last 16 years!! The memories, lessons and experiences that we shared together are invaluable!

All the best to the Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Board of Trustees, and Community, for both Morehouse and Spelman College, for allowing us to steward the mighty brand of both institutions! Our treatment here has been nothing short of first-class.

And finally, to the current and former players; you have, and will always be our “Why”. The very reason we chose the coaching profession is to be the inspiration to you that we always longed to have for ourselves and further, to empty what the good Lord poured into us into vou.

We love you more than words can express.

Morehouse went 1-9 on the season and hasn’t had a winning record since going 7-3 in the 2018 season. 

UPDATE:

Morehouse has released a statement confirming that Rich Freeman has resigned his post as head coach.

“Coach Freeman has left an indelible mark on our athletic community. I would like to thank Rich for his hard work and dedication to the football program and his loyalty to Morehouse College,” Morehouse AD Curtis Campbell said in a statement. “We all wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Freeman earned a 75-75 overall record, went 0-1 in NCAA Division 2 Playoffs, and was honored as the 2018 SIAC Coach of the Year.

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The basketball tournament scheduled for November 6th at Forbes Arena, featuring the Donda Doves and The Skill Factory, has been canceled. We welcome the students and families to visit the campus and encourage them to learn more about how Morehouse singularly prepares men of color for lives of leadership and service by empowering young men who are trustworthy and hold themselves and each other accountable to act with compassion, honesty, and integrity as they build community with civility.

Throughout its history, Morehouse College, perhaps more than any other institution, has stood for social discourse which advances equity and healing, particularly in areas involving race, culture, and socioeconomic disparities. We therefore cannot condone, in perception or implication, the recent divisive and unproductive statements by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.

The Donda Doves is a basketball team for West’s private school. Morehouse is following several other entities who cut ties with the controversial rapper following his anti-Semitic statements in a recent interview.  

The decision to cancel games is one that Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who recently left West’s sports agency following his controversial commentary, disagrees with.

“This can’t negatively impact these student-athletes,” Brown said. “We all must ensure they complete their senior yr both academically & athletically.”

Brown had been supporting the event prior to its cancelation. 

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Chris Evans runs a program designed to develop young Black kids into good baseball players through fundamentals, community and family, but the Morehouse alum says he has a higher goal than grooming future major leaguers.

“We want to build the excitement about baseball, but at no time do I stress the major leagues to the kids,” Evans says. “If some of them blossom and get there, that’s one thing. But for me, it’s the experience leading up and giving them a structure through elementary school, junior high, high school, giving them some type of foundation.”

Evans is the founder and executive director of I Am King Foundation, a Kansas City organization which provides opportunities for baseball and to teach life skills. It exists in a time during which fewer Black baseball players are on MLB rosters, and in the midst of the 2022 World Series, where there will be no American-born Black players in the dugout for either the Philadelphia Phillies or the Houston Astros.

THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED

Not since 1950, three years after Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and broke baseball’s color barrier, has there been a World Series without any U.S.-born Black players. The upcoming Series will have some diversity in that both teams have a number of Latin-born players.

Both teams have storied histories that include Black players, such as Dick Allen, Garry Maddox and Gary Matthews, to name a few Phillies. There were Jim Wynn, Joe Morgan and J.R. Richard with the Astros, and all the names course through the ’60’s, ’70’s, and ’80’s.

The Associated Press reported that the Phillies had no Black players on their opening roster this year for the first time since 1959. Roman Quinn, a Black backup outfielder, played 23 games before being released. Power-hitting rookie Darick Hall made his debut in late June and played 41 games – his mother is white and his father is Black and white, and he identifies as multiracial. Hall wasn’t on the Phillies’ roster for any of the first three rounds this postseason and isn’t expected to be on the World Series roster.

Houston lost in the World Series last year with Michael Brantley, a Black outfielder, on the roster. Brantley is out for the season this year because of a shoulder injury. Relief pitcher Josh James is also Black and on the team’s 40-man roster, but he had arm surgery in early October, the AP reported.

STUDY SHOWS STEADY DECLINE

According to a University of Central Florida study in 2011, more minorities and women are running Major League Baseball and its teams, but the number of African-Americans playing the sport continues to drop. The annual report card issued by Richard Lapchick, director of UCF’s Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, showed that African-American players made up 8.5% of that season’s opening day rosters, a decline from 10 percent in the previous season and the third-lowest percentage in decades.

In the latest study, Lapchick said Black players made up 7.2% of opening day rosters this season, falling from 7.6% last year. It marks the lowest percentage since the initial study in 1991, when 18% of MLB players were Black.

The dwindling number of Black players was not lost on one of Evans’ sons as they watched the hometown Royals, in their 2015 run to the World Series. He was 10 years old at the time and noticed that while players were being interviewed, something was missing.

“And my son said to me, he was like, ‘Daddy, he doesn’t speak English, either.’ No, none of the Black players speak English. And he was crushed, Evans says. “Like, he’s been watching what he thought were Black players. You know, he wasn’t really thinking about their names. We thought these guys were like him. And then they have an interpreter or they barely speak English. Like I can see a piece of him crushed.”

Given the demographic of this year’s World Series, Evans isn’t banking on Black kids tuning in to any of the games.

I imagine, it may not even be a big enough number to register, but the numbers will be low of Black kids watching the World Series. When Mookie Betts did more for the World Series, and they definitely give him credit, everybody’s watching just to watch Mookie,” Evans says.”And there is Mookie Betts was the MVP. Like, how did he not get it?”

In 2020, Betts was the only U.S.-born Black player in the World Series. Teammate Corey Seager won the MVP award.

I AM KING TAKES OFF

Evans says I Am King began as a game of T-ball for his two sons, and notes that he had too beg parents to join him in his venture. Two years later, he had two T-ball teams and two 8-year-old teams. Baseball was the focus, but Evans, who didn’t play baseball at Morehouse, had different motivations.

“And so, we use baseball as a platform to teach them to be community leaders. So we pretty much work with them year-round. We have some special programs.”

Evans is borrowing from his time at Morehouse to sculpt his program.

“Same mentality of the Brotherhood,” he says.”But that’s kind of the mentality that I raised them all with, you know, having some community service, making sure you stay on top of your books, making sure you’re respectful and you understand how have a healthy relationship with women or with your mom. I don’t know if it’s coaching, but it’s not coaching. But you really care about the kids.

One of the programs involves working with the Kansas City Police Department in a one-day camp where Black kids interact with officers at various stations. There’s also a classroom session in which kids describe different scenarios which have involved police, Evans says.

Their biggest fundraiser, he says, is Mother-Son Days, when 13- and 14-year-old put on suits and ties and their moms get into evening gowns for a night of dinner and dancing. Evans has also taken an all-Black team to Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

“But it’s like a rite of passage for 12-year-olds that are into baseball. So doing that, everybody was blown away,” he says. “People have managed Cooperstown, the umpire like ‘Wow, how did you come together and bring an all-Black team?”

Being the sole Black team in a tournament is also a teaching moment, according to Evans.

“I think that putting young Black boys, young Black men, in all-white environments, in their confident in their comfortable is a huge life lesson,” he says. “You know, whether it’s the board room, the bank, wherever it is that they’ll go in life, and they’re the only one, they’ll still have that baseball confidence of, ‘Hey, I belong here.'”

NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY

Evans is making his appeal to kids who could easily be lured to football or basketball with the idea that they’ll make it to the National Football League or the National Basketball Association. He says one factor that siphons kids away is that they move from playing with friends with the foundation to a new group they might not know.

“Because it’s been fun, and it;”s been competitive. But now, I’m playing with a bunch of strangers,” he says. “And that’s what I’m seeing happening as these kids get to high school is the brand of baseball that they’ve played growing up is non-existent.”

Then, there’s the money. Playing baseball isn’t cheap, as opposed to simply buying a pair of basketball shoes or football cleats. Evans says he hasn’t lost anyone because of the cost, but the reason he has lost parents is a little disheartening.

“We’ve had people leave, not because it was too expensive. We’ve had people leave because that fear of ‘I don’t really trust that Black people are doing it right,'” he says. “Even though we’ve had success up to this point. In order to make that leap, I gotta go play for the teams that society tells me I gotta play for it, because they’re the most expensive.”

THE WORLD SERIES IS AN OPTION, OR A DREAM

Until recently, John Randle was switching between football and fall baseball. He had a Friday night football game followed by a baseball game the next day. But he’s decided that he will focus on baseball with an eye on going to the majors and playing in a World Series, and he thinks more Black kids should follow that path.

“But I want to be a positive role model for the younger Black kids. I volunteered and I helped coach and I love being the only Black coach there because I never had a Black coach to look over me and coach me when I’m playing,” he says, adding that he’s got friends who have said they will join him in the spring. “So being a positive role model for them is hopefully allowing them to get a love for the game and enjoy it.”

Kia Richardson says her son is aware that the majors aren’t crowded with Blacks, much like there aren’t many who look like him in high school. .

“He notices, and it matters to him,” Richardson says of the lack of Blacks in Major League Baseball and even on the teams he faces. “We’ve had some racial incidents while he was playing, but he’s not discouraged. He still loves the game and he’s still determined to continue playing to the highest level that he can play.”

Randal Bigelow, who is a big Mookie Betts fan, has already enrolled at Belmont Abbey College, just west of Charlotte. During part of his youth baseball career and much of his high school games in Durham, North Carolina, Bigelow had Black players around him. Going to the majors would be nice, says his mother, Andrea Bigelow, but it’s not his biggest goal.

“I guess a lot of kids who like baseball, their dream is to go to the MLB,” she says. “But I don’t think he would be opposed to coaching at other levels, high school, college or what have you. But he’s all in. He wants baseball to be his career, whether that means playing, coaching, whatever baseball is.”

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Drake’s appearance wasn’t expected. 21 Savage was the headliner, but the two united to perform “Jimmy Cooks” from Drake’s “Honestly, Nevermind” album.

“Along with OVO, I really live this 4L s**t,” Drake told the crowd as he was onstage. “By the way, I didn’t get invited to this show. Nobody from Morehouse asked me to perform. My brother brought me here, so make some noise for 21 Savage.”

The pair also performed “Knife Talk” off the Certified Lover Boy before the Canadian rapper performed “Nonstop” as well. Other performers included “Lil Yachty” and “King Combs.”

This isn’t the first time Drake has shown up at an HBCU homecoming concert. A decade ago the rapper appeared in Washington D.C. at Howard University’s homecoming – which is also going on this week. He was just a few years into his now legendary career, but photos of the event still pop up in conversation and on social media to this very day. 

Now Spelhouse Homecoming has its own Drake performance moment, captured in 4k.

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Attendance at the HBCU NYC Classic came in 35,052 for the game, which took place at MeLife Field.

The game was a defensive stalemate throughout the first half into the third quarter as the game was scoreless until Aaron Bickert put HU on the board with a field goal with 9:08 remaining in the period.

Antoine Murray led the Howard attack through the air with 116 receiving yards and two touchdown catches. HU put an emphasis on valuing the ball, as it did not commit any turnovers all game. On top of that, Howard’s secondary locked in. It held Morehouse to just 3.6 yards per pass attempt.

Morehouse’s pass defense was a key component to its struggles against HU. It allowed 8.0 yards per pass attempt. In addition, the O-line was not in sync, allowing four sacks. Earnest Davis led the rushing attack for Morehouse with 81 yards.

This win snaps a three-game losing skid and finally gives fans of Howard University something to cheer about. With a bye coming up on the schedule, they’ll have an extra week of preparation for their next game against Yale on Oct. 1. For Morehouse, Saturday’s loss drops their record to 0-2. It will look to rebound in its next game against Savannah State on Sept. 24.

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Tigers vs. Tigers at Southern Heritage Classic

Both Jackson State and Tennessee State were impressive in Week One — JSU in a win and TSU in a loss.

The JSU Tigers (1-0) apparently took heed to coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ message to ‘dominate’ as they totally demolished Florida A&M, 59-3 Sunday at the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens, Florida. 

Eddie George’s TSU Tigers (0-1) gave up a late fourth-quarter touchdown in falling 36-29 on the road in Cheney, Wa. to nationally-ranked Eastern Washington. EWU is ranked 11th nationally (up from 12th) in the AFCA FCS poll.

TSU will see if they can slow down JSU and quarterback Shedeur Sanders who carved up FAMU (29 of 33) for 323 passing yards and five TDs. They meet in Memphis Saturday (6 p.m. CT, ESPN+) in a big HBCU FCS match up at the 33rd Southern Heritage Classic.

Many considered FAMU the second-best HBCU team to JSU entering the season. If so, Sunday’s decision shows a wide gap between JSU and the rest of the field. Sanders’ Tigers are up from 17th to 15th in this week’s American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) FCS poll.

FCS match up: TSU no slouch

But let’s not crown Jackson State so fast. Eddie George’s TSU Tigers may have something to say about that.

George’s squad outgained EWU in total yardage 547-474. The Tigers rushed for 290 yards led by a career-high 207 yards in 25 carries by all-OVC running back Devon Starling. Starling had a 43-yard scoring run vs. EWU.

Austin Peay transfer quarterback Draylen Ellis also had a good outing. The fellow all-OVC selection threw for 257 yards (17 of 27) and two touchdowns with one interception. Ellis and Starling were OVC co-freshmen of the year in the 2020-21 season.

While Sanders has been loudly touting his J-State squad George has quietly assembled a T-State team that may challenge JSU.

Perhaps adding to the intensity of this rivalry is that JSU is pulling out of the classic after this season. Sanders says his only reason for going to Memphis is to ‘dominate’ TSU.

We’ll see.

HBCU Football: NC A&T looks to rebound

NC A&T (0-1) fell to NC Central 28-13 Saturday at the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte, N.C. It was the first loss for the Aggies in the last six games vs. the rival Eagles.

Rebounding will be tough as they travel to Fargo, North Dakota Saturday (1:30 p.m. DT, ABC ND, ESPN+) to face the Bison of North Dakota State.    

The Bison (1-0), ranked first in the AFCA FCS poll, have won nine of the last 11 FCS national championships. They went 14-1 a year ago and captured the FCS title in a 38-10 win over Montana State in the championship game.

This game was on the 2020 schedule but was called off when A&T did not play that season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was to be billed as the ‘FCS best’ vs. the ‘HBCU football best’ as the Aggies were coming off two straight Celebration Bowl wins and HBCU national championships.

A lot has changed since then. NDSU has continued to roll while the Aggies struggled to a 5-6 finish a year ago, their first losing season in 12 years.

FCS match ups vs. FBS

HBCU FCS teams took it on the chin facing FBS opponents last week. ACC FBS Miami thrashed Bethune-Cookman 70-13, UAB shut out Alabama A&M 59-0 and Marshall had its way with Norfolk State 55-3. Defending MEAC champion South Carolina State was humbled by Central Florida, 56-10.

The FCS vs. FBS match-ups continue this Saturday as Alabama State and new head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. take their 2-0 record out to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California Saturday (2 p.m. PT, PAC-12 Network) to take on UCLA. It is Alabama State’s first game in California and the first time UCLA has played an HBCU in football.

UCLA Athletics Director Martin Jarmond’s late mother Virginia is a NC Central graduate while his father is an NC A&T alum. UCLA will entertain NC Central in football in the 2023 season.

Southern (1-0), after an 86-0 win over Florida Memorial last week, travels 11 miles down the road in Baton Rouge, La to face LSU (1-0) Saturday (6:30 p.m. CT, SEC Network). Howard (0-2) plays at South Florida (7 p.m. ET, ESPN+). 

James Madison (1-0), who has moved up to the FBS from the FCS, entertains Norfolk State (0-1) in Harrisonburg, Va. (4 p.m. ET). Alabama A&M (0-1) is at Troy (6 p.m. CT, ESPN3) and Alcorn State (0-1) is at Tulane (6 p.m. CT, ESPN+).

Div. II HBCU Football match ups

Defending SIAC champion Albany State started its season on the right foot with a 28-14 win over Mississippi College.

It will be interesting to see how FAMU and head coach Willie Simmons respond after the beating it took from Jackson State when the Rattlers (0-2) entertain the Golden Rams (1-0) and head coach Gabe Gardina Saturday in Tallahassee (6 p.m. ET). Albany State is up from 18th to 15th in the AFCA Div. II poll. It is the first game of the season to be shown on HBCUGo TV.

Virginia Union (1-0) will have to come down from its 77-0 dismantling of Virginia-Lynchburg as it goes on the road Saturday (5 p.m. ET) to face AFCA Div. II No. 3 Valdosta State (1-0).

Three-time defending CIAA champ Bowie State (1-0), ninth in the AFCA D2 poll, travels to Saginaw Valley State for a 1 p.m. contest Saturday. This will be the second HBCU Celebration Game after the UNC/FAMU game that opened the season. SVSU was impressive in a 72-0 shellacking of West Virginia Wesleyan to open the season Saturday. 

West Georgia is tenth in the D2 poll and plays at Morehouse Saturday (6 p.m. ET).

NC Central (1-0) has another backyard brawl as it hosts former CIAA rival Winston-Salem State Saturday (6 p.m. ET, ESPN+). Hampton is hosting Tuskegee Saturday (6 p.m. ET, FloSports) in what could be called the ‘Booker T. Washington Classic’ as the legendary figure was instrumental in the founding of both institutions.

GAMES THIS WEEK

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The artist, who enjoyed the bulk of his fame in the early 2000s, announced on Friday his intention to spread the wealth amongst a handful of schools.

Ja Rule is pledging support to Hampton, Morgan State, Spelman, Morehouse and Jackson State according to his Instagram post. Deion Sanders, Jackson State’s head coach, acknowledged the gesture on social media on Friday.

“I wanna thank my brother Ja Rule for hitting me up and including our program in his heart along with several other HBCUs. My brother I’ve always admired and applauded u from a far but this is a TRUE blessing for our TEAM. All his proceeds allocated to us will go directly to the Jackson State FOOTBALL PROGRAM because we certainly have needs. God bless u my brother!!!,” said the Jackson State head coach.

Ja Rule says that he’ll have 1000 1 of 1 NFTs dropping on July 14.

The week started off with a bang on Sunday night when Sean Combs promised one million dollars each to Jackson State and Howard University at the BET Awards.

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Johnson played collegiately at Indiana University — Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) before going on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Hampton University in 2015. 

Johnson spent three years in Tampa, Florida where she coached at Tampa Elite for two seasons and then opened her own club, Volleystar VBC. During that time, she was also head volleyball coach at Robinson High School where she was the winningest coach in school history with a 25-8 record in 2017. She also took the Lady Knights to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s 6A Final Four in 2017.

Last season Dr. Johnson’s CAU squad went 13-11 overall, 8-7 in the SIAC. Now she will look to get the Morehouse College men’s volleyball program on solid footing.

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“We always have students interested in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, and this is an additional avenue,” said Dr. Digna Forbes, the interim dean of the school of medicine at Meharry. “The more opportunities we have for these sub specialties, it will increase diversity in those. This is important.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase our medical students, they have been going all over for these sub specialties, but with the NFL being so high profile, and to diversify the (medical) positions in the NFL, it would be great that the doctors treating them are also diverse.”

Sixteen students will participate in the inaugural program, two students from each HBCU at eight of the participating NFL clubs: the Falcons, Bengals, Chargers, Rams, Giants, 49ers, Titans and Commanders.

Students will work directly with and under the supervision of the orthopedic team physicians, primary care team physicians and athletic trainers to gain basic medical knowledge and exposure to patient care in sports medicine. 

“On the whole, a day would consist of a mixture of time with the athletic training staff, observing treatments and assessments and rehabilitation care,” said Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer. “They would also spend time with team physicians and learn how they diagnose and treat injury rehab. Perhaps they would attend a surgical procedure that involves an athlete. And then they would be attending a team practice.

“All of those elements allow them to appreciate what the entire athletic training staff does, how the medical team works together.”

Selected students will learn return-to-play guidelines and on-field treatments for players. The opportunity to be on the sideline for observation during games is being considered.

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