Actor Michael B. Jordan is launching the “Hoop Dreams Classic,” a basketball showcase for historically black colleges and universities.
The “Black Panther” star is partnering with WME Sports and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment to hold the inaugural event at the Prudential Center on Dec. 18, 2021. It will feature four of the top Division I HBCU men’s and women’s programs.
The showcase will also highlight elements of HBCU culture including live musical performances, a culinary event, film festivals and career opportunities. Partial proceeds will go to supporting local Newark organizations that advance HBCUs.
“This past year has been the tipping point for so many, including myself, in revving up support for Black people,” Jordan said. “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’s showcase is the latest in a string of sports initiatives to amplify HBCUs:
- August 2019: Steph Curry donates more than $1 million to Howard University to fund six years of a Division I golf program
- July: Twitch partners with gaming nonprofit Cxmmunity to launch an HBCU esports league
- November: Peloton announces a multi-year content partnership with Beyoncé with elements that pay homage to HBCU traditions, and “The Match III” raised $4.4 million for HBCUs
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