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- From the Yard to the Big Stage: HBCUs Are Poppin’ 🏆
From the Yard to the Big Stage: HBCUs Are Poppin’ 🏆
Mielle x EBONY styling the yard, Benedict’s still undefeated, and your next big break might be one click away.
In partnership with
What’s good, family —
We’re back with a fresh drop of HBCU wins and reminders that Black excellence doesn’t clock out. This week’s Roundup is full of stories that hit different — from beauty industry shakeups to campus resilience and undefeated football squads.
So whether you’re deep in midterms or just came back from a homecoming tailgate, this is your moment to breathe in the pride and pass it on. Let’s run it.👇🏾
🎉 Homecoming Ain’t Just a Party — It’s a Whole Testimony
Step shows, tailgates, and barbecues are only half the story. Homecoming is resistance, legacy, and joy — even when the world’s trying to dim our shine.
🧠 Who’s Up Next? HBCU Innovators Are Already in the Room
From AI research to sneaker lines, HBCU students and alums are rewriting the rules across business, STEM, and fashion. This isn’t a trend — it’s a takeover.
🤑 Billionaires Are Finally Pulling Up — But Is It Too Late?
With new student loan caps hitting HBCUs hard, big donors like Arthur Blank and Robert F. Smith are stepping in. But can they fill the gap fast enough?
💇🏾♀️ EBONY x Mielle Just Crowned the Culture with Their New Cover
Mielle brought the beauty. EBONY brought the legacy. And eight HBCU student stylists are repping hard in this homecoming-ready celebration of curls, coils, and campus hustle.
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🦅 This NCCU Grad Student Took Her Research to Puerto Rico — And Brought the Community With Her
Kaya Peyton, an environmental science grad student at NCCU, spent her summer on the ground in Puerto Rico, collecting real stories after Hurricane Maria. She’s not just writing a paper — she’s helping map out a more resilient future.
📌 Why It Matters: HBCUs don’t just teach the material — we live the mission. And Kaya’s out here putting community care on the global map.
Internship Highlight: ESPN Rhoden Fellowship
Tell HBCU stories through sports, culture, and campus life — all while building your media rep.
🎥 Eligibility: HBCU sophomores, juniors, and seniors
🗓️ Internship runs: June 2026 – May 2027
📍 Term: Summer in Bristol, CT + Remote during school year
🔗 Apply Here →
👉🏾 Visit our Career Hub for more job opportunities!
Scholarship Spotlight: Hines Scholarship
For high school or college students with a 2.0+ GPA
🗓️ Deadline: Dec 1, 2025
✍🏾 Essay prompt: “What does going to college mean to you?”
🎓 Eligibility: Minority students encouraged to apply.
💰 Award: $1,500
🔗 Submit your essay →
👉🏾 Visit our Scholarships Page for more HBCU scholarships!
Upcoming Event: Port City Classic HBCU Summit
Get face time with HBCU admissions reps, test prep pros, and alumni mentors.
📅 Dates: November 14, 2025, 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Mobile, AL
💰 Eligibility: For high school juniors + seniors
💄 Melissa Butler Is Building a Beauty Empire — And Bringing HBCUs With Her
The Lip Bar founder and FAMU grad Melissa Butler has been shaking the table in beauty for years. Now she’s pulling up to Howard’s yard with her First Gen Beauty House — investing in the next class of creators and CEOs.
🗣️ “It’s not just about makeup—it’s about equity, ownership, and making space for us to win.” — Melissa Butler
💭 Her Vision: To redefine beauty standards and create space for Black women to lead, own, and innovate unapologetically.
💡 Her Impact: From Target shelves to national headlines, Melissa is keeping Black womanhood front and center — and HBCUs in the spotlight.
📸 IG Post of the Week
Straight from the Yard 👉🏾 Each week we’re pulling one of our favorite moments off IG to keep the culture in your inbox. Don’t just peek—make sure you’re following so you never miss a vibe.
🏈 Benedict’s Still Undefeated — And the SIAC Crown’s Up for Grabs
The Tigers pulled off a thriller against Edward Waters to stay perfect. Next stop: a heavyweight showdown with Albany State for first place in the SIAC.
✨ Why it matters: Benedict’s not just playing for the scoreboard — they’re setting the standard for Black college football at the DII level.
🎞️ HBCU First LOOK Film Festival
Masterclasses, career panels, and serious networking for the next wave of storytellers.
📅 Date: November 6-8, 2025, 9 A.M.
📍 Location: Howard University, Armour J. Blackburn University Center
✨ Featuring: Marsai Martin, Ryan Coogler, Loni Love, and more.
💰 Cost: $20 Students, $40 General Admission
🗣️ Let’s Hear It: How’d this week’s roundup hit? |
That’s the Roundup, fam.
Your reminder that no matter the headlines, we stay building. Whether it’s Melissa in makeup, Kaya in Puerto Rico, or Benedict on the field — HBCUs are leading with heart, hustle, and history.
Tag your crew, chase that bag, and show up proud. 🧡 Rooted in legacy. Rising on purpose.
— Team HBCU Lifestyle