ATLANTA – The spotlight is set to shine once again on the vibrant world of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as the HBCU All-Stars LLC proudly unveils the highly anticipated second annual ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge. This thrilling sporting spectacle promises to showcase the cream of the crop from the nation’s HBCU student-athletes and coaches, hailing from the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC, and Atlanta Public Schools. The stage for this grand event will be the iconic Morehouse College Forbes Arena, where the action will unfold over two electrifying days, commencing on Friday, November 17, and culminating on the evening of Saturday, November 18.
Action on the hardcourt was fast and ferocious in the inaugural tournament. A return trip is another step toward building a sustainable event.
With a fervent commitment to excellence in the realm of Black College Basketball, the visionary behind this remarkable affair, Travis L. Williams, Founder/CEO of HBCU All-Stars, LLC and former HBCU Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Tennessee State and Fort Valley State Universities, declared, “We are on the brink of rewriting history once more in Atlanta, gearing up for yet another top-tier event featuring exceptional teams, standout players, and exemplary coaches. The dedication, talent, and unyielding spirit displayed by these individuals on the court mirror the essence of Black Excellence and the rich legacy of HBCUs. This occasion not only ushers in the 2023-24 basketball season but also symbolizes our unwavering support for academic scholarships, community initiatives, and the celebration of Black History and Cultural Excellence.”
Set against the backdrop of Atlanta, a city renowned for its ardor for sports and cultural diversity, the ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge will transpire within the hallowed grounds of the Morehouse College campus, specifically the illustrious Forbes Arena. The city’s stature as a dynamic sports hub, combined with its cultural tapestry, makes it an ideal host for this spectacle that transcends athletics, resonating with the heartbeats of the community.
Already garnering resolute backing from a multitude of quarters including local sports aficionados, governmental bodies, business entities, community leaders, and luminaries from various spheres, the event’s inaugural edition in 2022 drew an impressive crowd of over 3,000 fervent fans. Anticipation runs high that the 2023 rendition will replicate this fervor, with SIAC representatives Morehouse College, LeMoyne-Owen College, and Talladega College gearing up to lock horns with CIAA contenders Fayetteville State University, Shaw University, and Livingstone College. SWAC Regular Season Co-Champions Grambling State University is poised to ignite the stage in a showdown against MEAC’s Delaware State University on Friday, November 17, with additional Atlanta Public Schools showdowns like Mays High School taking on Therrell High School.
Beyond the courtside action, the ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge promises an immersive experience weaving together the worlds of basketball and culture. In the lead-up to the main event, a range of festivities including a Welcome Reception, College Admissions Fair, and Student-Athlete Empowerment Seminar will engage middle and high school students, enveloping them in the essence of the event. From thought-provoking Civil Rights Panel Discussions to vibrant Community Outreach Initiatives, the event transcends sports to celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry of the community.
On the day of the challenge, the ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge Game Day Experience Festival will elevate the excitement to unprecedented levels. From live music and DJs to spirited dance and cheer competitions, the festival will be a melting pot of enthusiasm and artistic expression. The stage will also be graced by the captivating Divine 9 Greeks competition and mesmerizing stroll-offs, embodying the rich cultural heritage.
Mark your calendars for the pinnacle of HBCU sports excellence, the 2023 ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge. The high-flying hoops action is set to unfold at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena on Friday, November 17, with a quartet of games commencing at 2 p.m. Eastern, followed by another four games on Saturday, November 18, beginning at 12 p.m. Eastern. The festivities will be set in motion with the Atlanta Public Schools game, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern.
In the heart of Atlanta, history is about to be made once again as the ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge prepares to captivate the world with its unique blend of athletic prowess, cultural resonance, and community spirit.
Tickets for the games are available on Eventbrite.com
Looking Forward
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 third annual HBCU All-Star Game on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, during the Final Four Weekend.
For more information, please contact 404-985-2693 or email info@HBCUAllStarsLLC.com