Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports to host largest HBCU Week

 Found out about this on our local ABC affiliate. So I decided to google it to find out more via ClickOrlando.com:

Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex is set to host HBCU Week for the first time beginning next month.

HBCU Week’s mission is to encourage high-school aged students to enroll into historically Black colleges and universities.

Beginning Oct. 6, an estimated 5,000 students and their families will get the chance to check out an exciting college fair, concerts and comedy shows, an epic “Battle of the Bands” event and enjoy a parade at Magic Kingdom. This is the first time in its five-year history that the HBCU Week Foundation is hosting its annual event at Walt Disney World Resort, which is expanding the foundation’s ability to stage new and more high-profile activities for its attendees.

“We are pleased to share in the mission to highlight the rich history and cultural significance of HBCUs, creating educational and, ultimately, career opportunities for students,” said HBCU Week Founder and CEO Ashley Christopher. “Hosting this national event at Walt Disney World Resort helps amplify the mission of HBCU Week, attracting more parents and students throughout the country to our events and helps make an even greater impact in fostering opportunities for thousands of students.”

I'd say if done for the right reasons, this isn't a bad trend. Perhaps other corporations could host events such as this in the future. 

Today's Chicago Football Classic

[VIDEO] I wanted to do a more extensive post on the Chicago Football Classic that takes place today at Soldier Field. According to the clock for the official website by the time I post this it will be at least one hour (kickoff 3:30 P.M.) before today's game. This year is between Virginia's Hampton University & D.C.'s Howard University.

Over the years this classic is played is often between two of this nation's Historically Black College's such as Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Jackson State University (alma mater of the late Walter Payton), Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Grambling University, etc. Often there will be a college fair for high school seniors before this event.

I would like to update you on the game when I find out about the results.

CPS Students Traveling To Memphis #MLK50 #HarlanFalcons

[VIDEO] I'm sorry I missed this from last month. A group of CPS students from three high schools including Harlan (Go Falcons) & Hirsch High Schools observed the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's assassination paying a visit to Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Martin Luther King on April 3, 1968 died at the Lorraine Hotel which is now the National Civil Rights museum.

These students will also visit four historically Black colleges where according to Harlan Principal Ramona Outlaw:

“There’s a nurturing that goes on at those campuses that is indeed unmatched. The students, I want them to feel like they’ve come home and that place that they will call home for the next four years is something that they will be proud of.”

I sincerely hope these young people soak in the importance of that journey from last month.

3M Explorers Club Testimonial "My Block, My Hood, My City

[VIDEO] I could fully support this, getting young people out of their element in their neighborhoods and seeing how big this city truly is. Whereever you're from people in other parts of the city aren't living like you. Young people could learn this as much as anyone else.

You may live in a depressed low-income community but you should see how more middle-class or working-class people live. Better yet see how much more wealthier people live. Basic idea, perhaps you can see yourself heading up such households.

Better yet, this young person Noah had his eyes opened being exposed to different parts of the city it's allowed him to go away to Prairie State A & M University in Texas where he's studying marketing. He discusses the impact of Jahmal Cole's Explorer's Club on him. So apparently Cole has had two go to college, hopefully we might see more success as the years go by.

Hopefully we'll see further activities by the Explorer's Club. BTW, it's about time I buy some apparel as well. It will support these activities.