Today’s edition is brought to you by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) — championing the aspirations of HBCU students through generous scholarships. GBHEM is dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders from UMC-affiliated HBCUs with scholarships of up to $5,000.

🎓 Apply for Your Scholarship Today!

Hey, Fam! This is The HBCU Roundup, your newsletter dishing out top black college vibes and victories weekly!

Back from winter break with a fresh makeover – your first 2024 dose of HBCU awesomeness has arrived! 🌟

🌟 This Week's Highlight Reel: The Best of 2023 HBCU Style! 
We've dug deep and brought up the treasures of the past year. Relive the biggest wins, the most inspiring stories, and the unforgettable moments that defined our HBCU journey in 2023.

👀 Sneak Peek:

• 🏆 Top 5 HBCU Excellence Moment of 2023

• 🎓 Graduation Inspiration Alert

• 🏈 HBCU Herstory on the Football Field

• 🎨 Tones of Melanin Rocks Shark Tank

• 🏫 HBCU Spotlight of the Week: Paine College

1. Alabama A&M Breaks the Internet at Macy’s Parade! 🥁
   Ya'll, Alabama A&M’s MMW band didn’t just march at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – they OWNED it. First HBCU band to lead? Check. Nationally televised swag? Double check. Talk about stepping into history with style!

2. TSU’s Aristocrats of Bands Snags a Grammy! 🎵
   When your school band is so lit, they bring home a Grammy – that's TSU for you! The Aristocrats of Bands turned up the heat and wrote their names in the stars. Who said band life is just about halftime shows?

3. VSU Hosting Presidential Debate: Mic Drop! 🎤
   Virginia State stepped into the political arena big time – making history as the first HBCU to host a U.S. Presidential Debate. Talk about moving from the classroom to the national stage! Debate night just got a whole lot cooler.

4. Fisk University Flips Into NCAA Gymnastics! 🤸🏽‍♀️
   Fisk University is not just playing the game; they’re changing it! Diving headfirst into NCAA gymnastics and flipping the script. Gymnastics at an HBCU? Yes, please. Watch out world, here they come!

5. Texas Southern Cheers to the Top! 📣
   And the cheer goes wild! Texas Southern University didn’t just cheer; they soared, clinching the first-ever national cheerleading title for an HBCU. That's right, they brought the moves and took the crown!

🔥 That's a wrap on the epic wins of 2023! Got a favorite? Hit reply and tell us which moment had you cheering the loudest! 📢

🎓 Graduation Inspiration Alert: Pearl McKnight's Triumph at TSU

Get ready to cheer, HBCU fam! 🎉 We've got a tale that'll have you believing in miracles.

Meet Pearl McKnight: A warrior in true sense who turned the impossible into 'I'm possible.' Diagnosed with Cryptococcal Meningitis in 2010, Pearl was left paralyzed from the waist down on her right side. But guess what? She didn’t just overcome, she redefined overcoming!

Flash forward to 2023, and here's the jaw-dropping twist – Pearl didn't need her wheelchair to claim her victory. That’s right, at Tennessee State University's commencement, she walked across the stage, all smiles and strength, to receive her doctorate in educational leadership. Talk about a standing ovation moment! 👏🏾

This 59-year-young scholar, a mom and wife, backed by her rock-solid partner Kenneth, turned her graduation walk into a runway of resilience. “God has me here for a reason,” she says. And we couldn't agree more!

Pearl's journey is more than just academic success; it's a blockbuster story of faith, grit, and sheer willpower.

So, next time you're facing a mountain, think of Pearl McKnight. Remember, impossible is just an opinion, not a fact. Pearl, you’re not just walking – you’re soaring! 🌟

💌 Got an inspiring HBCU story of your own? Hit reply – we're all ears for tales of triumph and tenacity!

Hold up, sports fans! 📣 It's time to spotlight some groundbreaking gridiron glory.

Meet Leilani Armenta & India Pulphus: Two phenomenal athletes who didn't just play the game, they chaned it.

Leilani Armenta of Jackson State kicked off her way into the record books on September 23. How? She stepped onto the football field and became the first woman in Division I HBCU football history to appear in a game. But she didn't stop there – Armenta kicked it up a notch, becoming the first woman to score in a D-1 game during a victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on October 28. Talk about goal-setting and scoring! ⚽🏈

And then there's India Pulphus of Shaw University, who made her mark in Division II. Scoring in a game against Virginia State on October 3, she showed the world that when it comes to football, it's not just a man's game. It's anyone's game who's got the skill and the will.

These kickers aren't just making points; they're making herstory. They're not just breaking records; they're shattering stereotypes. So, next time you’re watching HBCU football, remember these trailblazers who kicked the glass ceiling right out of the stadium!

👟💥 Ready to cheer on more HBCU heroes? Keep your eyes on the field – the game is changing, and we're here for every moment of it!

Get ready to add some swag to your wardrobe, HBCU fam! 🛍️

Spotlight on Ashley Jones & Tones of Melanin: A brand that's all about flaunting HBCU pride with a fashion-forward twist. Founded in 2017 by the uber-talented Norfolk State alum, Ashley Jones, Tones of Melanin has been turning heads and warming hearts with its unique blend of streetwear, vintage, and collegiate styles.

Shark Tank Debut: When Ashley stepped onto the Shark Tank stage, she didn't just pitch a brand; she showcased a movement. Tones of Melanin isn't just clothing; it's a celebration of HBCU culture, history, and achievements, all stitched into every piece of apparel.

The Deal That Made Waves: With a pitch as bold as her designs, Ashley wowed the Sharks, especially Mark Cuban, who jumped in with a $300k offer for 12% equity. Valuation? A cool $2.5 million. 🦈💰

Why It Matters: Tones of Melanin is more than just a success story; it's proof of the power of HBCU spirit and entrepreneurship. Ashley's journey from a college startup to a million-dollar brand is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and staying true to your roots.

So, next time you rock a Tones of Melanin piece, remember, you're not just wearing a brand; you're wearing a legacy. And who knows? Maybe you’re the next HBCU entrepreneur to make a splash in the Shark Tank!

🌟 Inspired by Ashley's story? Got your own entrepreneurial journey to share? We're all ears – hit reply and tell us your tale!

• Talladega Tunes in London! 🎺 Talladega College Great Tornado Band rocked the London New Year's Day Parade with their electrifying beats, making international waves with HBCU flair!

• Accreditation: A Must for HBCUs 📜 The loss of accreditation can be dire, as shown by Morris Brown's 20-year journey to reclaim it. St. Augustine’s University now faces this challenge – a reminder of the fragile lifeline accreditation represents.

• Planner for the Culture by Brittny James 📅 An HBCU grad's visionary planner blends cultural pride with strategic goal-setting, proving to be the entrepreneur's new best friend.

• Endowment Economics: HBCU Edition 💼 Fiscal fluctuations hit HBCU endowments, highlighting the need for strategic financial management and robust fundraising efforts.

• Allen University Wrestles with Success 🤼 In its inaugural year, Allen University’s women's wrestling team grapples towards greatness, setting the mat for future champions.

• Ja Morant's Sneaker Slam Dunk with Miles College 🏀 NBA's Ja Morant steps up the game for Miles College hoops by hooking them up with his signature Nike Ja 1s – talk about stepping out in style!

This week, we're shining our spotlight on a beacon of educational brilliance – Paine College! Nestled in the heart of Augusta, Georgia, Paine has been illuminating minds since 1882.

Why Paine's the Mane (See what we did there? 😄):

• Academic Excellence: Known for empowering students through a liberal arts education that's both rigorous and transformative.

• Cultural Hub: Home to the HEAL Complex, Paine is a central figure in hosting cultural, educational, and entertainment events.

• Athletic Pride: The Lions' roar is heard loud and clear across sports, with teams excelling in NCAA Division II athletics.

• Community Strong: Paine takes pride in its community outreach, fostering a bond between the campus and the Augusta area.

Whether it's academics, service, or sports, Paine College is all about nurturing the leaders of tomorrow with a strong sense of heritage and purpose. 🦁

Got Paine pride or memories? Share them with us and let's celebrate the HBCU that's painting a brighter future for all its students.

📝 Rate Today's Edition

Join the celebration where over 15,000 subscribers are vibing to the HBCU beat, and your brand could be the guest of honor!

Imagine tapping into a network of passionate, smart, and engaged HBCU students, alumni, and supporters who are shaping the future.

Your Brand + Our HBCU Family = An Unbeatable Team. Let's collaborate to make some noise and spread the word.

Interested in sponsoring the HBCU Roundup? Get in touch and let's get this party started!

👉🏾 Don’t Miss Out: Stay tuned for next week's roundup where we spill the tea on upcoming events and opportunities you don't want to miss!

Catch you next Monday for more HBCU greatness! ✌🏾

Stay awesome,
Your HBCU Roundup Team

P.S. Connect with us on social platforms for daily snippets of the HBCU Lifestyle!