SERENITY REYNOLDS
Multimedia Journalist
HBCU All-Star Game
Exciting performances, engaging music, and a great basketball game were all a part of the 3rd annual HBCU All-Star Game.
It was held at GCU Arena on Sunday, April 7th, and aired on CBS Sports. The game's location follows the NCAA Final Four as an added event for the city.
Fan and crowd involvement at the HBCU All-Star game. Fans danced and sang their hearts out.
The HBCU All-Star Game held at GCU Arena, filled with fans and HBCU lovers.
The players, coaches, band, cheerleaders, performers, and many members of the crowd came from Historically Black Colleges and Universities as the game highlights those talented individuals and provided a space for those with a common interest. Even if one didn’t attend an HBCU, the game welcomed anyone who wanted to have a great time.
@Serenity Reynolds
@Serenity Reynolds
@Serenity Reynolds
Historically, the HBCU All-Star Game started in 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was founded by CEO and Executive Director Travis L. Williams. Williams said in an interview that it was his "God-driven vision and purpose" to create the HBCU All-Star Game to highlight the talented individuals at Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation. Williams played football at Auburn University on the defensive line, which is where he developed his love of sports. He also was a basketball coach for Tennesee State and Fort Valley State University. Since then, he's worked on founding the HBCU All-Star company and has been the CEO of Academics & Athletics Consulting & chairman of the Travis L. Williams Foundation. Williams stated that he has a strong alliance with CBS Sports. Together, they have addressed the need for HBCU players in the NBA, G League, and other professional basketball leagues. The HBCU All-Star Game has quickly become a highly anticipated event, whether viewed in-person or on television, amonthe NCAA Final Four Weekend.
@CAU Band Instagram
Antonio Maffett Jr. at one of his band performances for Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University student, Antonio Maffet Jr. was one of the band members who played at the HBCU All-Star game. He is the lead baritone for the Clark Atlanta University band. He’s been involved with band since the early age of 6th grade and a member of the CAU band since his freshman year of college. In the podcast below, Maffett Jr. stated that the opportunity to play on national TV was monumental for the band and its publicity as they are often overlooked and underfunded. Additionally, the game brought him to Phoenix which he says he’ll want to come back to.
@CAU Band Instagram
To see more of the band and their performances, click the picture to the right to visit their Instagram or the video below to see their performance at the HBCU All-Star Game.