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🎓 New Moves, Big Headlines & HBCU Wins You Don’t Wanna Miss

From Beyoncé’s hometown gift to Howard’s NBA rise and a “Different World” reboot, this edition is packed with culture, opportunity, and celebration.

Author

Garrick Gibson
June 30, 2025

In partnership with

đŸ‘‹đŸŸ Hey HBCU Fam!

Summer might be heating up—but so are the HBCU wins. This week, we’re talking surprise donations, history-making contracts, digital innovation, and legendary comebacks. Whether you're chasing new career goals or just soaking in the culture, this roundup is full of stories to inspire your next move.

Let’s get into it. đŸŽŻđŸ”„

🌐 eHBCU Goes Live—Bringing HBCU Vibes Online

HBCU excellence just went digital. The new eHBCU platform—backed by schools like Delaware State, Southern, Alabama State, and Pensole Lewis—is breaking barriers with flexible degree programs, mentorship, and a virtual community that feels like the Yard.

đŸŽș BeyoncĂ© Blesses TSU’s Ocean of Soul with $100K

BeyoncĂ© just showed big love to her hometown HBCU, donating $100K to Texas Southern’s Ocean of Soul band. The gift follows their epic collab during last year’s “BeyoncĂ© Bowl” halftime show—and it’s all about helping the band keep marching strong.

đŸ“ș â€œA Different World” Sequel Starts Filming at Clark Atlanta

It’s a Hillman legacy reboot! Netflix is filming a pilot for the “A Different World” sequel—and they’re doing it right on Clark Atlanta’s campus. The story follows Whitley and Dwayne’s daughter as she begins her own HBCU journey.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR

Culture Clarity Without the Clickbait

Lifelong learners deserve more than clickbait lists. 1440’s Society & Culture brief takes you beneath the buzzwords to reveal the forces shaping our shared experience—technological shifts, artistic movements, demographic trends. In about five minutes, gain a clear, evidence-based perspective that sparks conversation and fuels deeper exploration. No lofty jargon, no spin—just intellectually honest storytelling that turns curiosity into genuine understanding.

đŸŽ¶ Alabama A&M Band Director Brings HBCU Sound to Alaska

Carlton Wright, Director of Bands at Alabama A&M, traveled over 3,500 miles to help lead the first-ever HBCU Summer Band Camp in Anchorage. Hosted by Umoja Coworking, the three-day experience gave Alaska students a deep dive into HBCU band culture—and ended with a Juneteenth performance they’ll never forget.

🌟 Why it matters: From marching drills to midnight sunshine, this was more than music—it was mentorship, outreach, and HBCU pride in action.

  • đŸ’Œ Internship Opportunity: Active Minds Fall 2025 Passionate about mental health and ready to make a real impact? Active Minds is looking for college students and recent grads for its Fall 2025 remote internship program. This is your chance to gain hands-on nonprofit experience and support student mental health nationwide.
    📍Location: Remote
    đŸ—“ïž Deadline: July 9, 2025
    🔗 Apply to Be the Change

  • 🎓 Scholarship Spotlight: McMillan Family Foundation Laptop Giveaway Starting college this fall? Don’t miss your shot to score a free laptop through the McMillan Family Foundation Laptop Scholarship! Three students will be selected to receive a brand-new MacBook or PC to help power their academic journey.
    đŸ—“ïž Deadline: July 14, 2025
    🎁 What’s Covered: One free laptop (Mac or PC)
    🔗 Apply Now at themcmillanfamilyfoundation.org

  • đŸ„ Event Spotlight: HBCU Labor Day Classic – Battle of the Bands The HBCU Labor Day Classic is coming to Jackson, MS for the first time—and it’s about to be a showdown of epic sound. Ten top HBCU bands, including JSU, Southern, and Grambling, will light up Veterans Memorial Stadium in a high-energy clash of rhythm and tradition.
    đŸ—“ïž When: Saturday, August 31, 2025
    📍 Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium – Jackson, MS 🎉 Fan Fest starts at noon | Battle kicks off at 6 PM
    🔗 Grab Your Tickets Now

🎓 Derrick Stanfield: From Eagle to Harvard Law

NCCU alum Derrick Stanfield ’22 is heading to Harvard Law—and his journey is nothing short of legendary. From SGA President to McNair Scholar, from renaming a campus hall to advising Durham’s mayor, Derrick’s been putting in work since day one. Now he’s taking that HBCU grit to the Ivy League.

🌟 His Message: â€œTell your story. Show your impact. Aim high—and apply anyway.”

đŸ—Łïž His Impact: From the yard to the courtroom, he’s proof that HBCU excellence opens every door.

🏀 From The Mecca to Miami: Steve Settle III Signs with the Heat

Steve Settle III, former Howard University standout, just signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Miami Heat, making moves from Burr Gymnasium to the big leagues. After racking up over 1,000 points at HU and finishing strong at Temple, Settle’s story is another win for HBCU hoops.

đŸ”„ Why it matters: HBCU talent is NBA-ready—and Settle’s path proves the scouts are watching.

  • đŸ›Ąïž Get Connected: AI & Cybersecurity Career Webinar Want a career that’s high-paying and high-impact? Join Lincoln University and Fusion Cyber for a free live webinar: Shaping the Future: AI & Cybersecurity on Wednesday, July 2 at 5:30 PM EST. Learn how to break into this booming field, hear real success stories, and get the scoop on scholarship options.
    📅 When: July 2, 2025 | 5:30 PM EST
    đŸ’» Where: Online (Live Webinar)
    🔗 Register Now

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From Anchorage to ATL, the Yard is everywhere. Whether it’s tech, law, music, or sports—HBCUs are leading with impact, legacy, and style. Keep dreaming big, applying boldly, and repping your HBCU pride wherever you go.

See you in the next drop,
Your HBCU Roundup Team đŸ’›đŸ–€