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Third-Annual HBCU All-Star Game at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Was a Slam Dunk
Posted On 12 Apr 2024
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Chandler Vice Mayor O.D. Harris, HBCU All-Star Game Founder and CEO Travis L. Williams, and PhxSoul.com Owner Tremaine Jasper
The third-annual HBCU All-Star Game on April 7 in Phoenix started out as an an elite college basketball showcase featuring the nation’s most dynamic and talented basketball players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
However, it ended up being one of the greatest parties that the Valley of the Sun has even seen!
More than 7,000 fans bought tickets for the sold-out game at Global Credit Union Arena on the Grand Canyon University campus.
Throughout the exhibition, attendees danced to hip-hop and R&B music played by DJ Mal-Ski.
Fans were also entertained by the Morehouse Cheerleading Squad, Clark Atlanta University Mighty Marching Panthers, and Divine 9 organizations who performed a unity stroll at halftime.
In the end, Team Ben Wallace pulled out a 108-97 victory over Team Rick Mahorn, but Arizona was the real winner.
Alumni from numerous schools in the United States had a chance to fellowship, reminisce and celebrate the HBCU culture with their families and friends. In addition, thousands of dollars were raised for scholarships and Arizona residents were able to witness the great accomplishments that can happen for the Black community when we work together.
Travis L. Williams, Founder and CEO of the HBCU All-Star Game, said he was blown away by the support that he received in Arizona from national, state and local leaders including Governor Katie Hobbs, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton, attorney Ben Crump, sports icon Jerry Colangelo and Grand Canyon University leadership. Williams said he was also grateful for the many organizations, businesses, politicians and residents that unselfishly worked together to turn this vision into a triumphant reality.
Throughout the week leading up to the game, the HBCU All-Stars organization hosted an awards ceremony, social justice panel, networking event and a Grant Park renovation/Community Fun Day to give the community and players a chance to interact with other and to build excitement for the game on April 7.
Williams was especially proud to see that people of all races attended the HBCU All-Star Game at Global Credit Union Arena on the Grand Canyon University campus. Seeing all of the different nationalities in the stands proved that his organization’s outreach campaign worked like a charm.
“To really summarize (the success of the HBCU All-Star Game and experience), it was inclusive,” said Williams. “To do it in a state like Arizona, it was a truly God-driven moment. I was proud to see that our people showed up and showed out, but also when you looked in the crowd, it was all of us! Black, white, Hispanic, Asian, it was everybody. It wasn’t about skin color, it was about everybody coming together and celebrating a historic moment.”
Numerous HBCU graduates expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to attend the All-Star Game and to show Phoenix a snippet of what the HBCU culture is like.
“I am overwhelmingly proud of the Black community in Phoenix for showing up to support such a worthy cause,” said Tiffany N. Blakemore, Founder and CEO of Millennia Real Estate Consulting, and a 2009 graduate of Spelman. “I’ve heard Arizona students say they didn’t know that HBCUs existed, but the sold out all-star game is a step in the right direction toward ending that unfortunate norm. The amazing turnout on Sunday was a sign that Arizonans value the impact of HBCUs and their indelible contributions to society.”
“The 2024 HBCU All Star game in Phoenix was amazing,” said Benedict College graduate Victor Foggie. “Phoenicians and others from across the country had an opportunity to witness just a small taste of the HBCU experience. Anyone who is a HBCU graduate or has witnessed an HBCU basketball game or homecoming knows the experience is more than just the game. It’s the music, the step shows, the culture and the vibe that makes the HBCU experience like no other. Simply put, it’s like a family reunion on a college campus where everyone regardless of age, can let their hair down, reminisce and enjoy each other.”
“The HBCU game was an electric event that provided one of the best social outings of the Final Four weekend,” said Leslie Beatty, a 1998 graduate of North Carolina A&T State University. “I had an excellent time connecting with old and new friends, Aggie alum, etc. While the game was great to watch, the DJ and the crowd’s high engagement provided a small glimpse into the full exciting experience of attending a game at a HBCU. Most importantly, this was an excellent way to expose our young black children and teens to HBCU life!
For more information about the HBCU All-Star Game, please go to www.hbcuallstargame.com and www.hbcuallstargameexperience.org.
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