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| ESPN image |
Urban News Staff Reports
The Undefeated will present ‘HBCU Day’ this Saturday, May 23, to celebrate the Class of 2020 graduates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Utilizing the hashtag #UndefeatedHBCUDay, the virtual celebration will feature a collection of videos and written content shared all day across The Undefeated’s social accounts (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook) and curated on www.TheUndefeated.com.
The program will feature Deleware State University graduate Usman Tijani from Willingsboro, NJ. Tajini graduated on May 16 with a Bachelor of Science in Management/Marketing, will be among 22 HBCU valedictorians and ambassadors to deliver inspiring messages during the event.
“My message is how we beat the odds and the unforeseen circumstances,” Tijani said. “We have shown a remarkable ability to adapt through this pandemic.”
Former President Barack Obama headlines a list of prominent African Americans who will deliver congratulatory and inspirational messages to this year’s HBCU graduates. Others include Grammy Award-winning artist Toni Braxton, actor Omar Epps, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, The Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James, Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, and more.
HBCU Day marks the second time that The Undefeated has worked with Obama on a project. In October 2016, the 44th President headlined a first-of-its-kind conversation hosted by The Undefeated at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C. Obama’s #UndefeatedHBCU Day message will post at 1 p.m. ET.
“We are proud to present ‘HBCU Day,’ a celebration of the next generation of leaders who have been educated by our Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Kevin Merida, ESPN Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of The Undefeated. “The day is a reminder of the brilliance and potential of the 2020 graduating class, and of the role HBCUs continue to play in the development of this country.”
As part of The Undefeated’s HBCU Day, more than 20 valedictorians and ambassadors – nominated by their respective schools – will share inspirational and encouraging messages to their fellow graduates. Their messages will be shared across The Undefeated platforms on Saturday.