• The HBCU Roundup
  • Posts
  • ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿพ Breaking Barriers, Celebrating Icons & Honoring HBCU Excellence ๐ŸŽ“

๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿพ Breaking Barriers, Celebrating Icons & Honoring HBCU Excellence ๐ŸŽ“

Celebrate the spirit of HBCU pride from groundbreaking athletic programs to cultural milestones and legendary achievements!

๐Ÿ‘‹๐Ÿพ Hey HBCU Fam!

This is the HBCU Roundup, your newsletter celebrating the progress, achievements, and opportunities shaping the HBCU community. This week, we shine a spotlight on breaking barriers in sports, iconic cultural moments, and trailblazing achievements that continue to inspire. From rowing making its way to HBCUs to a legendary TV series returning to Netflix, this edition has something for everyone. Dive in and enjoy!

๐Ÿšฃ๐Ÿพโ€โ™‚๏ธ Opening the Door for HBCUs in Rowing

Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) is making waves by adding varsity co-ed rowing to its athletic programs, opening doors for more HBCU students to compete in the sport.

๐Ÿˆ Michael Vick Inducted Into Another
Hall of Fame

Legendary quarterback and Norfolk State Coach Michael Vick continues to make history as heโ€™s inducted into another prestigious Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the sports world.

๐ŸŽฌ Every Season of โ€˜A Different Worldโ€™ Coming to Netflix!

All six seasons of the iconic HBCU-centered TV series A Different World will start streaming on Netflix on February 7th, bringing back cherished moments of college life, cultural empowerment, and the HBCU experience.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR

๐ŸŽ Fanatics: Find the Perfect HBCU Gifts for Students and Alumni!

Looking for the ultimate way to show your HBCU pride? Fanatics has you covered with the freshest Black College gear thatโ€™s perfect for the season!

From cozy hoodies and sleek polos to game-day essentials, thereโ€™s something for every fan and alum to rep their school in style.

๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ Shop the best HBCU gear at Fanatics now  ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

โœŠ๐Ÿพ Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

Latasha Varnadoe-Iloabuchi, a proud graduate of Alabama State University and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, is a visionary entrepreneur and accomplished business professional. As the founder of The Varnadoe Group, she delivers innovative business solutions that empower clients to achieve remarkable success. Her passion for education shines through her advocacy for HBCUs, including organizing Lincoln, Nebraskaโ€™s first HBCU College Fair.

๐ŸŒŸ Why it matters: From co-founding The 1895 Project, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering BIPOC youth, to mentoring future leaders, Latashaโ€™s work is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and community service.

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Her message: "True leadership is about lifting others, creating opportunities, and building a legacy of empowerment and growth."

  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Internship Spotlight: Sony Music Summer 2025 Internship

    Sony Music is looking for passionate, creative, and driven students to join their Summer 2025 Internship Program. This exciting opportunity allows you to work alongside music industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to projects that shape the future of entertainment.

    ๐Ÿ”— Learn More & Apply

  • ๐ŸŽ“ Scholarship Opportunity: Creator Collective Fellowship

    Blavityโ€™s Creator Collective Fellowship is now accepting applications! This program is designed to empower Black content creators with resources, mentorship, and tools to amplify their platforms and make a lasting impact.

    ๐Ÿ“… Deadline: February 9, 2025

    ๐Ÿ”— Learn More & Apply

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Upcoming Event: HBCU Founders Initiative Spring Pre-Accelerator Program

    Got big business ideas? Ready to take your startup to the next level? The HBCU Founders Initiative (HBCUFI) Spring Pre-Accelerator program is here to give HBCU students and alumni the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to scale their startups.

    ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Deadline of registration: February 3, 2025 | ๐Ÿ“ Where: Virtual

    ๐Ÿ”— Learn More & Apply

๐Ÿ’ผ HBCU Student Jayden Williams Launches Campaign for Youngest Mayor in Georgia

Jayden Williams, a 21-year-old student from an HBCU, has made history by launching his bid to become the youngest mayor in Georgia. His bold decision reflects a commitment to shaping his communityโ€™s future and proving that age is no barrier to impactful leadership.

โœจ Why itโ€™s inspiring: Jayden's campaign is a powerful testament to the power of youth leadership and the endless possibilities for HBCU students in the political arena.

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ His advice: "Donโ€™t wait for the perfect timeโ€”create it. Your dreams are achievable, no matter how young or how challenging the road may seem."

๐Ÿ€ MLK Day Upset: Morehouse Beats
D1 HBCU Rival

Morehouse College stunned fans with an electrifying performance on MLK Day, defeating a Division 1 HBCU rival. This historic win adds another proud moment to the program's legacy, underscoring the competitive excellence of HBCU athletics.

  • ๐Ÿ† Highlight: The team showcased incredible teamwork and clutch plays, sealing their victory on this monumental day.

  • ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Next Game: January 28, 2025 | 7 PM EST

๐Ÿ”— Follow the Action

  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Networking Event: HBCUniverse Summit

    ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ When: February 8, 2025 | ๐Ÿ“ Where: Morgan State University, Student Center

    Join us at the HBCUniverse Summit at Morgan State University, the premier event for HBCU Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Innovators! Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, student, or professional, this summit will provide invaluable opportunities to learn, network, and grow.

    ๐Ÿ”— Register Here

๐Ÿ“ธ IG Reel of the Week

How did we do with this week's roundup?

Your feedback is gold, so hit us with your real feels!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

As we reflect on the values of unity, progress, and empowerment showcased in this weekโ€™s stories, letโ€™s continue to push boundaries and make a difference. From groundbreaking achievements in sports and entertainment to inspiring leadership and innovation, weโ€™re shaping the future together.

Catch you in the next edition,

Your HBCU Roundup Team โœŒ๐Ÿพ

P.S. Donโ€™t forget to like and follow our social media pages for even more updates, features, and exclusive content!