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Michael B. Jordan launches “Hoop Dreams Classic” to showcase HBCU athletes

image-by-Stephen-Lovekin-BEI-Shutterstock

Image by Stephen-Lovekin BEI-Shutterstock

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Actor Michael B. Jordan is working to promote HBCUs around the country with the student-athletes benefits from them. The “Hoop Dreams Classic” will be a basketball showcase featuring the nation’s top Division 1 HBCU men’s and women’s basketball teams. 

Jordan plans to launch the program December 18th in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey at the Prudential Center. A portion of the earnings from the event will be donated to groups in the Newark region that support HBCUs.

“As a Newark native, I am committed to bringing change to the community and am honored to be able to present The Hoop Dreams Classic as a way to celebrate the value of community, education, and Black college experiences. Through our shared love of basketball, I look forward to bringing the communal spirit of HBCUs to the city that helped shape me into the man I am today.” Jordan stated. 

To amplify HBCUs and their student-athletes, Jordan will produce a one-day event where a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to organizations working to advance HBCUs in the Newark area.

HBCU Gameday reported that the event will include two games featuring two of the biggest rivalries in HBCU basketball: North Carolina A&T versus Howard, and North Carolina Central versus Hampton. 

Jordan was motivated to implement the event after the increased attention of the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and others who have suffered at the hands of police officers.

The event will not only be for student-athletes, it will also highlight the unique HBCU culture and tradition with live performances, a Battle of the Bands competition, film festivals, and educational resources for students to learn about other HBCUs and career opportunities.

Jordan continues to amplify Black voices by giving them a platform to tell their story.

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