Off The Yard

Victory Lap: HBCU Talent and the WNBA

freewarren — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

With the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury being the final two teams in the WNBA Finals, you might be surprised to learn that there are only seven HBCU graduates who have ever been drafted to the WNBA. Not only that, but there are currently no HBCU alumni playing in the league. While some believe it’s due to lack of exposure, it honestly comes down to tight rosters with limited spots.

However, the WNBA recently announced the addition of three new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia beginning in 2028. This ultimately creates more opportunities for HBCU players to break through. As we patiently await that change, here are a few women who have already broken barriers and made it to the league.

Angel Jackson – Jackson State University

Hailing from Richmond, California, Angel Jackson had a stint at the University of Southern California before finishing her collegiate career at Jackson State University. She was drafted to the Las Vegas Aces in 2024 and was the second HBCU player in twenty years to do so. Despite her accomplishment, Jackson was one of the Aces’ final cuts and never had the opportunity to play a regular-season game. She eventually found herself playing overseas in Italy, but that didn’t last long. This year, Jackson became the first HBCU player to compete in the professional women’s basketball league, Athletes Unlimited (AU). While AU is structured differently, with only 40 players on 4 rotating teams each week, the 6-foot-5 star had a strong first season and scored over 2,000 points.

Denique Graves – Howard University

A Howard University alumna from Philly, Denique Graves was the first woman from an HBCU to be drafted to the WNBA. In fact, she remains the highest HBCU WNBA draft selection, going 15th overall. At HU, she’s the fifth all-time leading scorer and fourth all-time leading rebounder. Graves played for the Sacramento Monarchs for two seasons and eventually signed with the Orlando Miracles as a free agent in 2001. Beyond playing, she also coached internationally in China, Austria, and Sweden. With a degree in Health & Human Performance and a lengthy professional resume, Graves is now the owner of DMG Finances, where she consults and advises professional investors.

Ameshya Williams-Holliday – Jackson State University

BATON ROUGE, LA – MARCH 19: Jackson State Lady Tigers center Ameshya Williams-Holliday #4 shoots a free throw during the second half of the game between the LSU Tigers and the Jackson State Lady Tigers during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 19, 2022 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

BATON ROUGE, LA – MARCH 19: Jackson State Lady Tigers center Ameshya Williams-Holliday #4 shoots a free throw during the second half of the game between the LSU Tigers and the Jackson State Lady Tigers during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament held at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 19, 2022 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Also a Jackson State alumna, Ameshya Williams-Holliday met a fate similar to Angel Jackson. The Mississippi-bred player was drafted to the Indiana Fever in 2022, going 25th overall. She was the first player from an HBCU to be drafted in 20 years and is the second-highest drafted HBCU player in league history. Despite her accolades and multiple SWAC titles, Williams-Holliday was waived from the team before the season began. This would mark the end of her professional career, but she remains involved in basketball—organizing camps and coaching a girls’ youth team.

Andrea Gardner – Howard University

Andrea Gardner is a D.C. native and graduate of Howard University. During her college career, Gardner earned multiple MEAC titles, and in 2001, she led the entire nation in rebounding with 14.2 per game. Her skills and accomplishments led to her being drafted in the second round (27th overall) by the Utah Starzz in 2002. After her rookie season, the Starzz released her, and she went on to play overseas in ten different countries. Gardner eventually returned to the WNBA in 2008 to play for the Washington Mystics. After her playing career, she transitioned into coaching at both the professional and collegiate levels. She remains active in the sport and is currently enrolled in the 2025 NBA Coaching Development Program.

Candiace Dillard Bassett Says Her Mecca Mindset Fuels Every Move From Potomac To Plays

freewarren — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

When Candiace Dillard Bassett looks back on her time at Howard University, she doesn’t mince words: it shaped everything.

“Howard taught me how to move confidently in every space,” she told OffTheYard. “It was the first place I really felt the power of being surrounded by excellence that looked like me.”

As a broadcast journalism major with a minor in African American studies, the Bravolebrity/songstress soaked up the culture of the Mecca — the traditions, the professors, the peers who later became collaborators. One of those classmates, playwright Dennis Williams, is now the creative force behind I’ve Cried the Blues, the stage production that marks Bassett’s theatrical debut.

Set in the Jim Crow South, the play tells a story of resilience, faith, and survival through music. Bassett stars as Miss Lilly, an ambitious nightclub singer determined to become the first female headliner at the King Biscuit Times. “This is a full-circle Howard moment for me,” she said. “To bring a story like this to life with someone I went to school with — and to do it at this point in my life — feels like a blessing.”

For Bassett, Howard was a training ground. “Howard instills in you a sense of responsibility — that you’re not just working for yourself, you’re representing a legacy,” she explained. “It’s why I push myself in every lane I step into.”

And those lanes are plenty. The former Miss United States and Obama White House staffer has carved out a multifaceted career: starring on The Real Housewives of Potomac, releasing two Billboard-charting R&B projects, landing roles on BET and Netflix, and building her brand as an entrepreneur. In just the past year, she’s signed with UnitedMasters, released her single “How Do You Live?,” and prepped a holiday track for release.

But it’s Howard’s emphasis on community that resonates most with her today as a new mom. Her son, Jet, turns one this month. “Parenthood was never meant to be done alone,” she told OffTheYard. “That’s a lesson I learned at Howard, too — it’s always about the village. My classmates, my professors, the community there — they’ve been part of my village from day one.”

It’s why Bassett is always eager to pass wisdom along to current students. “Go confidently in the direction of your dream and live the life you have imagined,” she said. “That’s how I’ve lived my life since stepping foot on the Yard.”

With a stage debut, new music on the horizon, and even a role in the upcoming season of NBC’s The Traitors, Bassett continues to carry the Howard blueprint wherever she goes.

“Everything I do — whether it’s on stage, on camera, or as a mom — is about showing up fully and unapologetically,” she said. “That’s Howard through and through.”

Who You Reppin’?: HBCU College Classics

freewarren — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

With the weather slowly starting to break, football season is finally upon us! Tailgating, hearing the band play your favorite R&B classics, and reppin’ your alma mater is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to HBCU football culture. While HBCU homecomings are what many people look forward to, let’s not forget to mention the exciting games that happen in between. HBCU College Classics are more than just a football game; they’re a chance for rival HBCUs to come together and celebrate their institutions. With amazing halftime shows, unforgettable food vendors, and the competitive energy in the stands, there’s no doubt that HBCU Classics are just as memorable as Homecoming. Here’s a look into a few notable classics happening this season and what to expect!

HBCUNY Classic
What started in 2022 has now turned into a yearly, anticipated game that’s held toward the start of football season. Created by Sports Eleven05 and sponsored by Toyota, Howard University and Morehouse College come together to play at MetLife Stadium, and this year it’s going down on September 13th! Their rivalry is no secret, but this game is about more than just bragging rights. Each year, the game raises money for the HBCU “Tools for School” program. This foundation gives one student from each HBCU financial assistance and the necessary technology tools to enhance their educational success in college. Aside from the game, the classic also offers events the day before—like a professional panel discussion, a pep rally showcasing the schools’ bands, and a Greek Unity Night for D9 members.

Battle of the Real HU – Truth & Service Classic
We all know what the biggest HBCU debate is: What school is really the Real HU? To settle the debate, Howard and Hampton University battle it out in the Truth & Service Classic. This year, it’ll be held on September 20th at Audi Field in D.C. Established in 2021, some may be shocked to find out that this rivalry dates all the way back to their first game in 1908, where Hampton came out on top. This still holds true, as Hampton currently remains undefeated with a 3-0 record in the classic. Even when Howard played Harvard University in 2022 for the same classic, they still fell short with a score of 41–25. Let’s see if Hampton can keep their record and still hold the title of the Real HU!

Florida Classic
Since 1978, the Florida Classic has been the biggest HBCU rivalry game in the nation. Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University bring out the largest crowd for an HBCU game, surpassing over 2 million attendees since its inception. The highest attendance—73,358 attendees—was recorded in Orlando in 2003. This year, the game will be held on November 22nd at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Aside from the game, the weekend promises a Diversity Job Fair, the Battle of the Bands showcase at Kia Field, and a Fan Fest tailgate experience outside of the stadium on Saturday. Last year, FAMU took home the trophy in a 41–38 win and has been the reigning champ since 2021. Will they bring home the win for the fifth year in a row?

Battle of the Bay
Although this game isn’t considered a classic, the Battle of the Bay is just as exciting and competitive as the others. Norfolk State University and Hampton University, two Virginia HBCUs that are separated by the James River, go head-to-head at Hampton’s home stadium. Held on October 4th this year, the stands are sure to be packed as Michael Vick has made his debut as the head coach for NSU this season. During basketball season, the Battle of the Bay returns, and the same energy of rivalry and anticipation is evident. Last year, Hampton defeated Norfolk with a score of 37–7.

Bayou Classic
Thanksgiving weekend is an exciting time in New Orleans. Since 1974, Grambling State University and Jackson State University have battled it out at the Bayou Classic, a fun-filled weekend for students, alumni, and NOLA natives alike. A highlight of the weekend is the Battle of the Bands between Grambling’s band and Southern’s “Human Jukebox” band, where they compete in a musical showdown that celebrates the rich traditions of HBCU band culture. A Greek step show is also held that weekend, the Friday before the big game. Last year, Southern came out on top with a score of 24–14 and holds the all-time series lead of 27–24. This year’s showdown is scheduled for November 29th.

Pride & Progress: LGBTQ+ Inclusion at HBCUs

freewarren — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Pride Month is more than just rainbows, parades, and flamboyant gestures. It’s about inclusivity and feeling acknowledged in a world that still struggles to accept people for their preferences. A community that’s proud of who they are and treats everyone with the same love and respect that they desire. LGBTQ+ awareness and activism has been a topic of conversation and action for years. With the new generation being more woke and outspoken, we are now starting to see it trickle down to our school systems, even in our HBCU communities.

HBCUs are creating more spaces for their students to feel seen, heard, and accepted – not just in June, but all year long. From student-chartered organizations to student government leaders breaking the mold, it’s clear that advocating for full inclusion is being progressed by the students themselves.

Many organizations on our campuses have already hit the ground running when it comes to fostering inclusivity and is seeing great success. At Howard University, CASCADE (the Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality) is the oldest and longest standing LBBTQ+ org at any HBCU. It was initially co-founded by Chi Huhes in 1979 and was known as the Lamda Student Alliance (LSA). They are responsible for ensuring that HU acknowledges Pride Month and even oversaw the adoption of queer studies courses that were implemented in 2019. BLAQ at Clark Atlanta University celebrates and empowers the queer students on campus by hosting educational roundtables and social events to bridge the gap between communities at the school. For the first time this past school year, they even had their own royal court and were able to participate in CAU’s Coronation Ceremony during Homecoming!

Not only are we seeing action from the organizations, but there are also students becoming leaders at their schools to help break the status quo. Last year, Jay Jones became Howard University’s first transgender Student Association president. Coming from a conservative Christian household with strong beliefs about the LGBTQ+ community did not stop her from being who she really was and what she wanted to do. She detailed her experience by saying, “During the midst of that campaign season, I was in an internal kind of battle with members of my family not accepting me, not embracing me, calling me things like ‘embarrassment’ and not understanding the full height of what I was trying to do and who I was becoming.” With aspirations of working in politics, Jones hopes to find new ways to get young voters to the polls. Not only is she an inspiration, but she is proof that despite preferences and religious ideologies, queer people are just as qualified, educated, and passionate like everyone else.

All in all, one thing is certain: LGBTQ+ students at our institutions are done asking to be accepted and acknowledged. They are choosing to take up space and are demanding to be seen and heard. Creating safe spaces for Black people shouldn’t come with restrictions. So whether you’re an ally, out and proud, or still figuring it out, remember: It’s already tough being a minority due to skin color. Don’t make other people feel like they have to “pick a struggle.” Learn to accept people for who they are, and educate those who may not understand. Love is love!

From The Mecca To The Spotlight: How Carl Anthony Payne II Journeyed From Howard To Hollywood

freewarren — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:15:00 +0000

For decades, Carl Anthony Payne II has been a staple in entertainment, forever etched in pop culture as the lovable Cole Brown from Martin. But before the sitcom success and the laughs, Payne was shaped by something even more profound—his time at Howard University. The experience left an indelible mark on him, helping to shape not just his career but his identity, something he still cherishes today.

“My aunt was a professor there,” Payne told OffTheYard. “So I started going to Howard early in the summertime. Then they would have different summer programs that my sister and I would be involved in. Plus, my mother’s from D.C., and so I already had family here. And so when I got accepted to Juilliard, I think I made a choice to actually go to Howard because I wanted the HBCU experience.”

Payne describes his years at the Mecca as nothing short of transformative, a time that deepened his understanding of both himself and his roots.

“I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world because it was actually the first time that I learned more about who I was, not only as a person, but who we are as a people,” he explained. “All throughout my childhood and the regular school systems, they don’t teach you about yourself, right? All you get is Black History Month, but [at Howard] I was able to gain a sense of nationalism, a sense of self-pride, and a sense of empowerment. It just reinvigorated and reinforced what I was capable of as a Black man.”

Some of Payne’s most cherished memories from Howard revolve around the vibrant traditions and deep sense of camaraderie that define the HBCU experience.

“Man, the Quad,” he recalled to OffTheYard about Howard’s campus. “Walking across the lawn every day and watching young men and women pledge, and the different things that they had to go through during pledge season. And then, obviously, where everybody met to eat in the cafe, that was an experience in itself. [I also remember] the football team, the marching band, and school spirit. It was a sense of community.”

Post-Howard, Payne has continued evolving in the entertainment industry, now taking on the venture of directing Games Women Play, marking his first foray into theater direction with Vicarious Productions.

“It’s a comedy, which is something I think I know a little bit about,” he joked to OffTheYard. “It’s about something that’s universal to us all, which is relationships. So being able to look at all the different aspects of a relationship—from love to pain, to hurt, to figuring it out—through a comedic lens, but also being able to take you on a rollercoaster ride and give you the drama and the catharsis. I think all of that—that’s what drew me to it.”

Beyond directing, Payne is also starring in the play as Caleb, a successful attorney who finds his seemingly perfect life unraveling. “Caleb is successful in terms of his career, and he feels like he’s on top of the world. He’s got it all. He’s got a good woman, and he’s got a successful career. He is a junior partner at a law firm, and then all of a sudden, things take a left turn,” Payne told OffTheYard. “Sometimes we forget to prioritize correctly, and sometimes we live up to an image as opposed to just being ourselves. And that’s where the problems come in.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Carl Anthony Payne II attends the NAACP Image Awards Dinner at Hollywood Palladium on March 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images For NAACP)

Payne is also deeply invested in mentoring the next generation of actors, especially those studying at Howard University’s Chadwick Boseman School of Fine Arts. His advice for them is pragmatic and direct.

“First and foremost, you have to know the business side of everything,” he told OffTheYard. “You could be the best singer, and you could be the best actor. You can be all of these things, but if you don’t know what comes along with it….” he adds. “The word is show business, and business is the bigger part of that word.”

As Payne continues to build on his already impressive career, he remains deeply committed to both his craft and his community. With new film projects in the works and a stand-up special on the horizon, he shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m not pulling my head up yet. I’m in the mud right now,” he told OffTheYard with a laugh. “I’ll peek my head out when it’s time.”

Cole may have kept us laughing, but Payne’s passion for storytelling goes far beyond comedic relief. This Howard Bison remains dedicated to bringing fresh perspectives to the stage, screen, and beyond.

HBCUs Leading the Way for Autism Awareness and Inclusive Education

freewarren — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000

April is National Autism Acceptance Month, an important time to highlight the role Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in supporting students with varying abilities. Many HBCUs are implementing inclusive education initiatives, ensuring students of all abilities have access to resources that promote academic and social success.

Schools such as Howard University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College are at the forefront of these efforts, developing programs and partnerships aimed at fostering an inclusive learning environment. However, as the demand for autism support services continues to grow, there is a need for expanded accessibility and comprehensive resources across all HBCUs.

HBCUs Committed to Inclusive Education

Several HBCUs have taken significant strides in supporting neurodiverse students:

Howard University – Offers research programs in speech and language pathology and provides resources for students with disabilities.
Morehouse College – Partners with organizations to provide mentorship and support for students on the autism spectrum.
Spelman College – Provides inclusive education initiatives and collaborates with disability advocacy groups.
Alabama State University – Home to a nationally recognized Rehabilitation Studies program that supports individuals with disabilities.
Jackson State University – Features an Office of Disability Services dedicated to providing accommodations and support for neurodivergent students.
North Carolina A&T State University – Has programs designed to foster accessibility and inclusivity in higher education.

Howard University – Offers research programs in speech and language pathology and provides resources for students with disabilities.
Morehouse College – Partners with organizations to provide mentorship and support for students on the autism spectrum.
Spelman College – Provides inclusive education initiatives and collaborates with disability advocacy groups.
Alabama State University – Home to a nationally recognized Rehabilitation Studies program that supports individuals with disabilities.
Jackson State University – Features an Office of Disability Services dedicated to providing accommodations and support for neurodivergent students.
North Carolina A&T State University – Has programs designed to foster accessibility and inclusivity in higher education.

While these schools have made great progress, more can be done to ensure students with autism receive tailored support to help them thrive. Expanding scholarships, increasing autism-specific services, and fostering partnerships with advocacy groups are necessary steps toward a more inclusive future.

HBCU Alumni Supporting Autism Awareness

Beyond campus initiatives, HBCU alumni are making a national impact in the autism community. One standout example is Darius Thomas, M.S., CCC-SLP, a Howard University graduate and the CEO and Founder of Dynamic Therapy and Dynamic Cares, Inc. His work exemplifies the importance of culturally competent and accessible therapy services.

Dynamic Therapy provides speech and language services nationwide, while Dynamic Cares, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded to remove financial and social barriers to essential therapy services for underserved communities. Darius has dedicated his career to increasing diversity in speech pathology, an industry where only 9% of speech-language pathologists identify as Black or African American, and fewer than 5% are male (ASHA, 2021). Recognizing the need for inclusive care, he has made it his mission to ensure clients from marginalized communities feel valued and understood.

Autism Awareness in Action: The All-White Charity Brunch

To honor National Autism Acceptance Month, Darius is leading an effort to raise awareness and funding for autism support programs. On April 5, 2025, Dynamic Cares will host an All-White Charity Brunch fundraiser at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. This event will not only raise awareness about autism but will also fund scholarships for therapy, early intervention programs for infants, and critical resources for families in need.

Darius invites fellow speech-language pathologists, the HBCU community, and advocates to support this movement. Whether by attending the brunch, donating, or spreading awareness, community involvement is essential to ensuring quality care is accessible for all.

As we celebrate Autism Awareness Month, it is crucial to recognize and amplify the efforts of HBCUs and their alumni in fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. By advocating for expanded programs and supporting initiatives like Dynamic Cares, we can help ensure that students with autism have the opportunity to excel academically and socially, creating a future where inclusivity is the standard, not the exception.

HBCU Firsts: A Trip Down History Lane

freewarren — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Black History Month is here, and even though it happens to be during the shortest month of the year, it’s still important to recognize the role our HBCUs have contributed to our history. From us educating freed slaves back in the 1800s to producing the first female African American Vice President, there’s no doubt that our institutions have stood the test of time and continue to produce changemakers, trailblazers, and a plethora of opportunities. To commemorate our rich legacy, we will celebrate some of the “firsts” achieved by HBCU graduates and institutions.

First HBCUs

It would be remiss of me to not acknowledge the first and oldest HBCU in the United States, Cheyney University. Founded in 1837 in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, its initial name was the Institute for Colored Youth. It initially started out as a training hub for Black teachers, but the school eventually started issuing degrees in 1914. Lincoln University, established in 1854, was the first HBCU to grant degrees. Shortly after, Howard University School of Law, the first Black law school in the U.S., was founded in 1869. And of course, Spelman College, founded in 1881, was the first college established for Black women.

Athletics

There’s no doubt that HBCU athletics are constantly overlooked. Many of our athletes have made significant history and achievements as alumni, but never forget where their seeds were initially planted. Paul “Tank” Younger was the first HBCU player to be drafted to the NFL in 1949. He attended Grambling State University and signed to the Los Angeles Rams. His godfather, Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones, was actually Grambling’s president at the time, but he did not go easy on Younger. Tank had a mentor, Eddie Robinson, and he once said in an interview: “Eddie Robinson told me I had to make it. He told me if I failed, black college football would fail.” Doug Williams, another alumni of Grambling, was the first Black quarterback to be drafted in the first round. He also was the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl. Putting on for the women, Althea Gibson was the first Black woman to win a Grand Slam tennis title. Her alma mater, Florida A&M University, endowed the Althea Gibson Scholarship in 2005 with the help of her friend, Bill Cosby.

Politics

While we all know about the incredible milestone achieved by Kamala Harris, there are many other political pioneers that left their HBCUs and went on to impact our people and society. In 1870, Hiram Revels became the first Black Senator to serve in the U.S. Congress. After his time in office, Revels became the first president of Alcorn State University. Thurgood Marshall, the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice, is a 2x HBCU alum. Marshall attended Lincoln University for his undergraduate degree, and later attended Howard University School of Law where he graduated top of his class. Finally, Dr. Ralph J. Bunche was the first African American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as a United Nations mediator in the Middle East. Before this, Bunche was a professor at Howard University and the founding head of their Political Science department.

Arts & Sciences

Whether many know it or not, many of the cultural and scientific advancements made to society were backed by African Americans. While most aren’t HBCU grads, there are still a few schools and individuals that are paving the way for the future. For starters, Hampton University became the first HBCU to have its own satellite launched into space in 2007. Hampton’s Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere Program deputy at the time, Len McMaster, worked with NASA to achieve this for the students and school. George Alcorn, a masters and PhD graduate from Howard University, was the first to invent the x-ray spectrometer and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2015. Transitioning to the arts, Phylicia Rashad, another Howard University alum, became the first Black woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play in 2004. Alabama A&M’s Marching Maroon & White Band was the first HBCU band to lead the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023; a pivotal moment for HBCU history.

These “firsts” are more than just achievements and milestones. They are a testament to the legacy and excellence that is produced from our institutions. As HBCUs continue to expand and advance, these accomplishments are reminders that they are more than just schools. We are pillars of change, advancement, and a reminder that there is still more work to be done.