HBCU ALL-STARS CHALLENGE FEATURING HOWARD, TENNESSEE STATE, CLARK ATLANTA, TUSKEGEE, SHAW, AND FAYETTEVILLE STATE
Wednesday, November 13 & Saturday, November 16
ATLANTA (Wednesday, September 18, 2024) HBCU All-Stars LLC has announced the third annual ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge Week from Monday, November 11th through Saturday, November 16th featuring six of the nation’s top NCAA Division I & II HBCU student-athletes and coaches from Howard, Tennessee State, Clark Atlanta, Tuskegee, Shaw, and Fayetteville State.
The 2024 ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge is a premier Black college basketball sports event highlighting the best HBCU players and coaches in the country from Howard and Tennessee State Universities and will be held at Georgia State University Convocation Center in Atlanta on Wednesday, November 13 starting at 7 p.m., EST, and Saturday, November 16, with two games, Tuskegee University vs. Fayetteville State starting at 3 p.m., and Clark Atlanta vs. Shaw University starting at 5:00 pm EST.
The ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge will feature the best talent from the four esteemed Historically Black Athletic Conferences, and many of the “Watch List” players for the fourth annual HBCU All-Star Game on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas during the Final Four Weekend.
Tickets are available to purchase on Ticketmaster for the Howard University vs. Tennessee State University game at the GSU Convocation Center.
Tuskegee University vs. Fayetteville State and Clark Atlanta University vs. Shaw University Games at Clark Atlanta University Epps Gym will be available on Ticket Return next week.
“We are making history once again with the HBCU All-Stars Basketball Movement and look forward to hosting another first-class event in two different locations, with some of the best HBCU basketball programs representing the MEAC, OVC, CIAA, and SIAC,” said Travis L. Williams, HBCU All-Stars, LLC Founder/CEO. “These outstanding games will have sell-out crowds, players, and coaches who have demonstrated a high level of talent, hard work, commitment, coaching, competition, and winning in college basketball. We have this premier local, regional, national platform and global stage to tip-off the 2024-25 basketball season in our great city of Atlanta and show the world HBCUs matter. In addition, there will be so many of our 2025 San Antonio HBCU All-Star Game during Final Four Weekend “watch list players” participating in this event and competing to be selected as one of the top 24 HBCU All-Stars.”
The ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge will continue magnifying community outreach and initiatives, financial commitment, resources, and love for HBCUs, prospective high school students interested in attending HBCUs, current students, student-athletes, and academic scholarships, and celebrate Black History, Black Excellence, and Black Cultural Experiences.
The two-time defending MEAC Champions, and back-to-back NCAA Tournament team Howard University will face off with Tennessee State University, one of the top teams in the OVC, coming off three consecutive 18-game winning seasons in the state-of-art Georgia State University Convocation Center.
“The ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge is a remarkable event that celebrates the rich legacy and historical significance of HBCUs,” said Kenneth Blakeney, Head Basketball Coach, Howard University. “Atlanta, a region pivotal to the civil rights movement, continues to produce leaders across all fields, with HBCUs at the forefront. Howard University, with its strong, prominent, and engaged alumni association, is proud to be part of this event. Competing against Tennessee State University, under the leadership of rising star Coach Penny Collins, not only prepares us for our conference season but also allows us to showcase the excellence of HBCU basketball on a national stage. This game is more than just a contest; it’s a celebration of the culture, history, and enduring impact of our institutions. We are deeply grateful to HBCU All-Stars and Travis Williams for providing this amazing platform for our student-athletes.”
“Over the last few seasons, the Howard University Men’s Basketball program has flourished, becoming one of the most successful programs not just in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, but amongst all HBCUs,” said Howard University Athletics Director Kery Davis. “We’re honored to be a part of the “ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All Stars Challenge” and excited to be taking on Tennessee State University in a game that truly celebrates the best in Black college basketball and recognizes the talent and skills our student athletes possess. We look forward to participating in this prestigious event and know that our very strong alumni base in Atlanta and the surrounding areas will be there in full force to cheer us on to victory.”
“Excited to be a part of this big-time event in the great city of Atlanta, said Brian “Penny” Collins, Head Basketball Coach at Tennessee State University. “To play against a historical program like Howard is a challenge we could not pass up. The history of our two proud HBCUs with our huge alumni bases is second to none. It will be a great college basketball environment and experience that our student-athletes will not forget. Thanks to Travis Williams and the HBCU All Stars for this opportunity.”
“We’re thrilled to face Howard University in the HBCU All-Stars Challenge. The deep heritage of our respected institutions and the strong alumni presence in Atlanta promise an exceptional experience for our student-athletes. We eagerly anticipate a fantastic college basketball event on November 13th, that will spotlight two distinguished HBCUs. Our sincere thanks to Travis Williams-CEO of HBCU All-Stars for this tremendous opportunity.” said Tennessee State University Athletics Director Dr. Mikki Allen.
Less than five miles away in the second location of the ATL HBCU All-Stars Challenge on the beautiful campus of Clark Atlanta University at Epps Gym, there will be some of the best teams in the SIAC versus the CIAA. Clark Atlanta University, the 2024 SIAC regular season and conference tournament champions are looking for a repeat and return as one of the top teams.
“We are really excited to be hosting such a prestigious event on our campus, said Alfred Jordan, Clark Atlanta Head Basketball Coach. “I’ve watched HBCU All-Stars Founder Travis Williams grow this idea and his vision into a global event. We are ready to compete at a very high level and to continue to grow the Clark Atlanta University Men’s Basketball brand.”
“We are thrilled to host the HBCU All-Stars event at Epps Gymnasium, a venue that has long been a cornerstone for NCAA and HBCU basketball, said Dr. Jerel Drew, Clark Atlanta University Director of Athletics. This event not only celebrates the rich tradition of our sport but also highlights the incredible talent within our HBCUs. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Travis Williams for his unwavering support of Clark Atlanta University and for his commitment to elevating HBCU athletics to new heights.”
Tuskegee University is led by one of the most respected coaches in college basketball and will compete this year for the SIAC regular season and conference tournament championship. “We are excited and proud to be participating in the 3rd Annual ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All Stars-Challenge in Atlanta,” head coach Benjy Taylor stated. “We face a very formidable opponent in Fayetteville State out of the CIAA. Our program was part of the first year of this challenge and we look forward to returning to this high-class event to compete and show our strong alumni base what is in store for Tuskegee men’s basketball this season.”
“We are thrilled and honored to be invited to the ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge,” Tuskegee Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin stated. “This prestigious event provides an incredible platform for our student-athletes to showcase their talents and compete at a high level. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we’re excited to represent Tuskegee University among such esteemed HBCUs. We look forward to the opportunity to engage with the community, connect with other programs, and demonstrate the spirit and excellence that define Tuskegee athletics.”
Fayetteville State University, one of the top championship teams in the CIAA, is back for a third-straight year. “I am excited for this opportunity to coach our Broncos in the third annual HBCU All-Stars Challenge,” said Head Men’s Basketball Coach Luke D’Alessio. “We are privileged to take part in this esteemed event and look forward to showcasing our talent to our dedicated and loyal Atlanta alumni base.”
“We are incredibly proud of our men’s basketball team’s selection to participate in the third annual HBCU All Star Classic,” said Fayetteville State University Athletics Director Todd Bennett. “It’s a tremendous honor for our program and a testament to the hard work and talent of our student-athletes. We look forward to representing our university and competing at the highest level in this prestigious event.”
Shaw University is also poised to have a breakout year this season in the CIAA.“Shaw University men’s basketball is honored and privileged to take part in the HBCU Challenge in Atlanta and compete against Clark-Atlanta University, said head men’s basketball coach Bobby Collins. “Our relationship with this organization over the past three seasons has been a very positive and rewarding experience and we look forward to continuing our partnership and gaining the top-level exposure is provides our program, University and all HBCUs across the country.”
“Participating in the HBCU All-Star Challenge is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our men’s basketball team,” said George Knox, Director of Athletics, Shaw University. “We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to showcase their talent on such a prestigious stage in Atlanta this November. It’s a moment that not only highlights their skill but also celebrates the rich legacy and spirit of Shaw University and the entire HBCU community.”
Atlanta, a true sports town, basketball hotbed, and among the most diverse cities in the world, is among the best places to live, work, and make a difference in communities. Atlanta is home to some of the most distinguished and exclusive HBCUs, influencers, alumni, ambassadors, faculty, staff, boosters, key stakeholders, and fans. The event already has the unwavering support from the local sports community, government, business, civic, church, community leaders, parks and recreation organizations, high schools, colleges, universities, alumni, fans, professional teams, radio and television stations, personalities, musicians, celebrities, and entertainers. In its inaugural 2022 and second annual 2023 years, more than 5,000 fans have attended these very high level, and competitive ATL HBCU All-Stars Challenge games in a two-day period, creating momentum for a full week full of HBCU basketball and ancillary events surrounding the games. Sell-out crowds in 2024 with Clark Atlanta and Tuskegee Universities representing the SIAC and competing against Fayetteville State University and Shaw Universities from the CIAA are expected.
The ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge experience is not just about basketball, but also the many cultural experiences surrounding the game. Leading up to the event, there will be a HBCU All-Stars Power of HBCU Sports Symposium, Welcome Reception, College Admissions Fair, and Student-Athlete Empowerment Seminar for middle and high school students, and student-athletes, Community Outreach, Initiatives, Civil Rights Panel Discussion, and much more. The ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge Game Day Experience Festival will have a big-time game atmosphere and include live music, DJ’s, vendors, battle of the bands, dance and cheer competition, Divine 9, Greeks competition and stroll-offs, activities, games, and much more.
For more information, please contact 404-985-2693 or email info@HBCUAllStarsLLC.com
ABOUT HBCU ALL-STARS, LLC
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., HBCU All-Stars, LLC has provided unbelievable exposure, access, recognition, opportunities, resources, and results for proud, prestigious, and tradition rich Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), hardworking, talented, ambitious, and deserving students, student-athletes and brilliant coaches through sports marketing, events, and media on a national and global stage. Along with its mission to advocate, educate, mentor, and invest in all HBCUs, students, and coaches in April 2022 (New Orleans), 2023 (Houston), and 2024 (Phoenix) the company made history the past three years and launched the annual HBCU All-Star Game and ancillary experiences surrounding the games. These historical endeavors and game changing events in New Orleans, Houston, and Phoenix during Final Four Weekend included HBCU All-Stars welcome affairs and mixers, awards and community leaders receptions, social justice and civil rights panel discussions, college admissions fairs, community outreach and engagement, legacy court dedication, youth basketball clinics, NBA, G-League, International pro day combine, internship programs, vendor and sponsorship opportunities supporting black owned businesses. Academic scholarship awards for prospective high school students interested in attending HBCUs, and current HBCU students in need of financial assistance have also been provided. In November 2022 and 2023, HBCU All-Stars LLC founded ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge at Morehouse College Forbes Arena featuring some of the best teams from the four premier black college conferences MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC. In June 2024, HBCU All-Stars launched the first ever HBCU All-Stars International Tour to Paris during the Olympics year and participated in the Quai 54, the world’s largest streetball tournament championship sponsored by the Jordan Brand, and friendly exhibition games and tournament.
Last modified: September 19, 2024
