More than 2,000 local high school and middle school students got to experience the power and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities at the Brooklyn Nets’ HBCU Night last week. There was a college fair with representatives of 20 HBCUs and a panel discussion that featured several high profile individuals who reflected on HBCU culture and academic excellence.
“The momentum around this night, the number of lives that we’re able to impact, has grown,” said Jackie Wilson II, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for BSE Global, parent company of the Brooklyn Nets. Last year, there were about 1,000 students in attendance. That number more than doubled this year.
“They were eager, excited, engaged, participating in the panel, participating with the admissions officers,” said Wilson. “If we can continue to use our platform to educate and provide access to opportunities, it’s inspiring both to me and the organization.”
A group of high school students and their chaperone meet a representative of Delaware State University at the college fair (Brooklyn Nets photos)
Caitlyn Davis, founder and CEO of HBCU Yearbook and an HBCU graduate, collaborated with the Nets on special merch inspired by HBCUs. There was representation from all of the Divine Nine, a group of Black fraternities and sororities, who performed at halftime. Dre Martin, founder and executive director of HBCU Night, a nonprofit organization that creates awareness around HBCUs, gave a shout out to Criscia Long, senior director of entertainment at BSE Global, who oversaw the on-court presentations and performed with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.
“It means a lot to create something for the students, and also being able to provide a resource for the parents to be able to pass along to their kids,” said Martin. “There’s a lot of historical context and reference. I wanted to bring that intersection with the Brooklyn community, communities all over, to come to Barclays Center and enjoy this experience that’s educational and fun.”
Martin said some of the kids just came to see the Nets play, but they became engrossed in the HBCU component. Watching them listen more and more intently as the afternoon and evening progressed was incredible, he said, and felt fulfilling.
“HBCUs provide more than just your traditional education,” said Wilson. “They provide a sense of community, a sense of self and belonging. HBCUs change the way that young Black students see themselves.”