New Era, Same Pride 💫 The Culture Keeps Evolving

From Homecoming Highlights to tech breakthroughs — HBCU fam stays leveling up on every front.

November 03, 2025

In partnership with

👋🏾 Hey Fam,

New month, new daylight, same unstoppable energy. ☀️

November’s here — the clocks fell back ⏰ but HBCU excellence? Still way ahead of its time.

As we reset, refocus, and lean into these shorter days, our community keeps making long-lasting moves — from AI labs to Hollywood sets, from the yard to the global stage.

This week’s stories remind us that no matter how the seasons shift, the culture keeps glowing — steady, strong, and shining brighter than ever. 💫

Let’s get into it 👇🏾

🎭 So… a Conservative Group Showed Up at Yardfest 😬

When the Blexit Foundation pulled up to Howard’s Yardfest, let’s just say the vibes got… tense. But in true HBCU fashion, students turned conflict into conversation — showing that pride, respect, and purpose can all coexist.

🤖 AI on the Yard Is Giving “Next Level” Energy

A new Ellucian x UNCF report says HBCUs are actually leading the AI wave — even with limited resources. From smart tutoring systems to creative AI tools in class, our schools are innovating with what they have and making it mean something. 💻💡

🌍 What HBCU Greatness Looks Like After Graduation

We love a good homecoming, but the legacy doesn’t stop when the band packs up. From producers to public servants, these alumni are showing that HBCU pride hits just as hard beyond the yard. ✨

🎓 POV: It’s Your Last Homecoming as a Student 🥹

A Hampton University senior’s viral TikTok perfectly captured the joy, nostalgia, and bittersweet “this is my last one” energy. If you’ve ever screamed your school chant through tears, you get it. 💛

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🎬 TravQue’s Still Repping Lincoln U — But Now It’s Lights, Camera, Legacy

TravQue, the internet’s favorite prankster-turned-actor and Lincoln University (PA) alum, is taking his comedy and creativity straight to Hollywood. 🎥

He’s been grinding for years, but now his content is reaching new heights — still funny, still raw, and always rooted in that HBCU authenticity.

💭 “If I can make you laugh and think in the same breath — that’s the power of the culture.”

💡 Why It Matters: TravQue isn’t just building a career — he’s building a bridge. His journey is proof that staying true to your HBCU roots is the real cheat code for success. He’s reminding creators everywhere: authenticity always wins. 🌟

📰 Sports Journalism Intern (Spring 2026) – Nexstar Media Group

Love sports and storytelling? This internship with WKRG in Mobile lets you cover live games, interviews, and sports features.

  • 📍 Mobile, AL | 💰 Paid Internship

  • 🗓️ Spring 2026 Semester | ⏰ Deadline: Dec 1, 2025

🔗 Apply Now →

👉🏾 Visit our Career Hub for more job opportunities!

💰 Charles Cheesman Student Debt Reduction Scholarship

Because that degree shouldn’t come with a lifetime bill. The Charles Cheesman Foundation is helping recent grads pay down student debt — one scholarship at a time.

  • 📅 Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 | 💵 $1,000 Award

  • 🎓 Open To: Grads within the last 5 years

🔗 Apply Here →

👉🏾 Visit our Scholarships Page for more HBCU scholarships!

The New York Urban League is back with its legendary HBCU fair — 5,000+ attendees, 2,000+ app fees waived, and $2M+ in scholarships handed out on-site. 🙌🏾

  • 📅 Nov 15, 2025 (Saturday)

  • 📍 Riverbank State Park, NYC

  • 💰 Free Admission | 🏫 On-Site Admissions + Workshops

👑 From Miss CAU to Netflix Star: Shekinah Burden Is Playing to Win

Shekinah Burden, former Miss Clark Atlanta University, just joined the cast of Squid Game: The Challenge on Netflix — and she’s bringing all that CAU confidence with her.

She’s gone from campus royalty to reality TV competitor, showing that leadership, beauty, and bravery can coexist — and still rock red nails.

💭 “I’m adventurous, I’m not scared to get dirty — I’m a country girl at heart.”

💭 Her Vision: To show that HBCU women can lead in any space — from student government to global screens — without shrinking their shine.

💡 Her Impact: Shekinah’s story proves that we don’t just participate in culture, we create it. She’s bringing that Clark Atlanta elegance and energy to millions worldwide. ✨

📸 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.

🏆 DeSean Jackson vs. Michael Vick: The HBCU Showdown We Didn’t Know We Needed

Delaware State, led by DeSean Jackson, went head-to-head with Michael Vick’s Norfolk State in the first-ever Vick-Jackson Bowl — and it was everything.

DSU pulled off a 27–20 win with an explosive second-half comeback that had fans on their feet and alumni everywhere screaming “We up!” 🐝🔥

💡 Why It Matters: This was more than football — it was about legacy. Two NFL icons returning to pour into HBCUs, proving our programs belong on every sports network’s radar. 🙌🏾🏈

🎓 Harvard x HBCU Grads Virtual Info Session 👩🏾‍🎓💻

Harvard’s Graduate School of Education is opening its (virtual) doors to HBCU alumni for an exclusive info session on grad programs and scholarships.

  • 📅 Nov 13, 2025 | 6 PM EST

  • 📍 Online (Zoom) | 💰 Free to attend

  • 📧 Contact: [email protected]

🗣️ Let’s Hear It: How’d this week’s roundup hit?

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That’s the Roundup, fam. As we settle into this extra hour of daylight (and maybe an extra hour of rest 😌), let’s keep using the time we do have to build, create, and elevate.

Because even when the sun sets early, HBCU brilliance doesn’t clock out — it just keeps evolving. 🌅💚

— Team HBCU Lifestyle
#HBCULifestyle | #HBCUPride | #HBCUExcellence | #TheCultureKeepsEvolving