With Vice President Kamala Harris, a graduate of Howard University, running for the presidency, an additional spotlight is on the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Those wanting to know more about these institutions, whose alumni include such as Michael Strahan, Taraji P. Henson, and Lionel Richie, can check out the series “HBCU 101,” which appears on AspireTV and AspireTV+, a network that celebrates and reflects Black culture, life, and style.
“I wanted to create a positive space that tells success stories of famous alumni, like a Will Packer and a Terrence J; also those who are in the community [who] are teachers, doctors, lawyers, who make an amazing impact.” said Jahliel Thurman, creator of “HBCU 101,” which is in season 10, and a graduate of Virginia State University.
Sports are a vital part of HBCU life. Many HBCU schools are known for their marching bands, which are an essential part of all football games. Basketball is also a vital community-builder. The CIAA, a Division II athletic conference made up of HBCU schools, holds its annual basketball tournament in Baltimore to great fanfare.
“Within our news segment, we’re definitely pushing sports stories,” said Thurman. “Also, my business partner is from a branding company called HBCU Gameday, and they cover anything and everything sports-related when it comes to HBCUs, so there’s always a way for us to keep that prominent.”
Kellie Wells-Brinkley, 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in the 100-meter hurdles and a Hampton University alumna, has appeared on “HBCU 101,” sharing her road to track and field success. Prominent football players with HBCU roots have also appeared.
“If there’s any way that we can highlight HBCU sports, we do,” said Thurman. “For us, there are always stories we like to tell from athletes who went to HBCUs because there are opportunities to go to an HBCU and be successful.”
Andres Martin, founder of HBCU Night, which has become an annual fixture at the Brooklyn Nets, has also appeared. “He’s brought a very dope element, in my personal opinion,” said Thurman, noting that there is a Divine 9 (five Black fraternities and four sororities) presence at all HBCU Night events. “Those different elements that you get at an HBCU, mixed in with NBA games.”