Philadelphia 76ers’ Post

In a concerning trend for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the NFL Draft of 2024 closed without any HBCU prospects being selected. This absence marks the second occurrence in the past four years, mirroring the 2021 draft, sparking concerns over the visibility and evaluation of talent from these institutions. The recurring oversight has catalyzed the establishment of platforms like the HBCU Legacy Bowl and the NFL-backed HBCU Combine, aimed at amplifying exposure for HBCU talents. Despite these efforts, the draft outcomes have shown only a marginal increase in the selection of HBCU players. After the 2021 draft’s disappointment, Deion Sanders, the then-head coach at Jackson State, expressed his frustration on social media, advocating for greater recognition of the deserving athletes at HBCUs. The 2022 draft saw a slight improvement with four HBCU athletes picked, but this number dwindled again by 2023. Last year, Jackson State’s cornerback Isaiah Bolden was the sole HBCU player drafted, selected 245th overall by the New England Patriots. Over the past five drafts, HBCU representation has been minimal, with just eight players drafted, highlighting a significant underrepresentation. This year, players like Virginia State’s cornerback Willie Reed and Howard University’s left tackle Anim Dankwah, standing at an impressive 6-foot-8, were on draft radars but ultimately overlooked. This ongoing issue raises critical questions about the evaluation processes and the need for enhanced mechanisms to ensure that HBCU athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they rightfully deserve. #HBCU #NFLDraft2024 #BlackCollegeFootball #HBCULegacy #SportsEquality #UnderrepresentedAthletes #BlackExcellence #CollegeSports

NCAA D1 - Football teams in Texas 🇺🇸🏈🤠 "In the American football culture, there’s nothing that can replace college football. Yes, the US has the NFL and the NBA, and even Major League Baseball. These have a global presence. However, if we stop to consider the audience for college football leagues and the level of excitement these matches bring, well, college football is unmatched. College football is part of American culture. It’s played a big role in the history of civil rights in the country. In the 1960s, the football teams in colleges were the first institutions to integrate white and black players. In the past, there were all-white or all-black teams. Sports have the power to unite people, and college football is proof of that." More at: https://lnkd.in/gQFRawJv

In a concerning trend for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the NFL Draft of 2024 closed without any HBCU prospects being selected. This absence marks the second occurrence in the past four years, mirroring the 2021 draft, sparking concerns over the visibility and evaluation of talent from these institutions. The recurring oversight has catalyzed the establishment of platforms like the HBCU Legacy Bowl and the NFL-backed HBCU Combine, aimed at amplifying exposure for HBCU talents. Despite these efforts, the draft outcomes have shown only a marginal increase in the selection of HBCU players. After the 2021 draft’s disappointment, Deion Sanders, the then-head coach at Jackson State, expressed his frustration on social media, advocating for greater recognition of the deserving athletes at HBCUs. The 2022 draft saw a slight improvement with four HBCU athletes picked, but this number dwindled again by 2023. Last year, Jackson State’s cornerback Isaiah Bolden was the sole HBCU player drafted, selected 245th overall by the New England Patriots. Over the past five drafts, HBCU representation has been minimal, with just eight players drafted, highlighting a significant underrepresentation. This year, players like Virginia State’s cornerback Willie Reed and Howard University’s left tackle Anim Dankwah, standing at an impressive 6-foot-8, were on draft radars but ultimately overlooked. This ongoing issue raises critical questions about the evaluation processes and the need for enhanced mechanisms to ensure that HBCU athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they rightfully deserve. #HBCU #NFLDraft2024 #BlackCollegeFootball #HBCULegacy #SportsEquality #UnderrepresentedAthletes #BlackExcellence #CollegeSports

Check out my article on the Dartmouth Basketball unionization effort on our Employer Defense Report blog! #sportslaw #NLRB #NLRA #laborandemployment #unionization

Empowerment through Sports Programs in Predominantly Black High Schools In many predominantly Black high schools in the United States, sports programs play a pivotal role in youth development and empowerment. Among these, basketball and football stand out as the two sports that not only draw significant interest but also offer substantial opportunities for young Black athletes to excel. These sports are often viewed as pathways for personal and professional advancement, providing a means for talented individuals to secure college scholarships, enhance their educational opportunities, and ultimately improve their life circumstances. The deep cultural ties and the visibility of successful athletes in these fields serve as powerful motivators for young athletes in these communities. Basketball courts and football fields are more than just facilities; they are stages where talent is nurtured and dreams are pursued. These sports offer an escape from challenging environments, known colloquially as “the hood,” and serve as a vehicle for life-changing opportunities. Moreover, the structured environment of these sports programs helps instill discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic in the participants. The community support is immense, with school games often acting as focal points that bring together families, friends, and neighbors in celebration of their young athletes’ achievements. Through their involvement in sports, many young Black men find not only a route out of difficult circumstances but also a platform for building a brighter future.

Elevating Opportunities: Celebrating the Impact of HBCU Initiatives At Winston-Salem State University and beyond, HBCU graduates like Stephen A. Smith exemplify diverse paths to success. Today, initiatives like the Forbes HBCU Scholars program stand as beacons of opportunity, paving the way for students of color to enter industries like journalism. -Empowering Talent: The Forbes HBCU Scholars program, launched in partnership with Morehouse College, provides invaluable opportunities for HBCU students and graduates. By placing them in the Forbes newsroom each summer, this initiative creates a vital pipeline for diverse voices in journalism. - Impact on Business Education: For HBCU Business schools, programs like these underscore the importance of fostering talent and expanding horizons. By supporting initiatives that bridge academia with industry, we equip students to make meaningful contributions and drive innovation across sectors. - Community Commitment: Through partnerships and initiatives, HBCU students and institutions demonstrate a steadfast commitment to their communities. These efforts not only uplift individual careers but also contribute to the broader economic and cultural fabric of our society. Let's celebrate the transformative impact of initiatives like the Forbes HBCU Scholars program and continue to support avenues that empower diverse talent to thrive. Together, we build a future where every student has the opportunity to excel and make a difference. #HBCU #HigherEducation #ForbesHBCUScholars

As college searches are beginning and commencing, have you considered the importance of attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU )? These institutions have a rich history of providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students of color, and they continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of our society. Many HBCUs face significant challenges when it comes to endowment. Unfortunately, these institutions often have limited financial resources, impacting their ability to provide the same academic and extracurricular opportunities as their non-HBCU/PWI counterparts 😥 . Here's the thing: YOUR CHOICE to attend an HBCU can make a real difference! You're not only investing in your own education, but you're also supporting the institution and its mission to provide opportunities for future generations. Here are just a few of my reasons why you should attend: 🔹Diverse and inclusive community: HBCUs provide a supportive and inclusive environment where you can connect with students from different backgrounds and cultures. 🔹 Networking opportunities: HBCUs have a strong network of alumni and industry connections, providing you with opportunities to build valuable relationships that can help launch your career. 🔹 Unique cultural experiences: HBCUs offer a rich cultural experience, immersing you in the history and culture of the African American community. Attending an HBCU is not just about getting a quality education; it's about being part of a legacy that has shaped our society. As a graduate of THEE Alabama State University 🐝 , I can attest that by attending an HBCU, you're investing in yours and our community's future.  #HBCU #BlackExcellence #CollegeBound #InvestInYourFuture #AlabamaState #BamaState

🔥 Let's challenge stereotypes and celebrate the truth! 🎓 "The perception that Black players were not smart enough to play in the major league was particularly ironic given that more Negro League players had a college education than Major Leaguers." 💡 An estimated 40 percent of Negro League players had college educations, with many hailing from historically Black colleges and universities. 📚 Let's acknowledge the resilience, intellect, and talent that powered the Negro Leagues, paving the way for equality in sports and beyond. 💪🏾 #NegroLeagues #BlackExcellence #EducationMatters 🌟 Link to article: https://lnkd.in/g9Zjiz5b

Hi everyone! I'm excited to share my latest article on how the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals is transforming the college basketball landscape and contributing to the closure of the NBA G League Ignite. In this piece, I explore how NIL deals have incentivized players to stay in college longer, develop their skills, and build their personal brands. This shift has led to a more experienced and competitive March Madness, with upperclassmen now leading the charge. This is evident in the Final Four, which features veteran talent, particularly in the two prominent big men, DJ Burns and Zach Edey, both of whom are seniors. I also examine how the increased opportunities for players in college have diminished the appeal of the G League Ignite, ultimately leading to its shutdown. Key points: NIL deals have given players a reason to stay in college and monetize their brands. More experienced players are now dominating March Madness and finding incentives to avoid a fast paced track to the NBA. The G League Ignite's relevance has diminished with the rise of NIL, leading to its closure. Please check out the full article and share your thoughts!

⭐️Elevating Women's Sports⭐️ 🏈 Introducing Connecticut's First High School Flag Football League: In a groundbreaking move, we've set up the state's first-ever league where high school girls can compete in flag football. This is more than just a game; it's a celebration of talent, determination, and dreams coming true. The league is an NFL Flag League. Thanks to the incredible leadership at RCX dreams are coming true! 🌍 Nationwide Impact: Recognizing the power of opportunity, we've brought in college coaches from across the country to Connecticut. Our aim? To open doors to scholarships and higher education for these aspiring athletes. It's about building futures, on and off the field. 💪 Let's Kick Glass: 32 sports is on a mission to create a world where girls and women see no limits to what they can achieve. This is more than a comeback; it's a revolution in women's sports .