October 10th 2023.
LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and their team at UNINTERRUPTED are taking The Shop on the road for a homecoming tour of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The tour will make stops at Tennessee State University, Hampton University, and North Carolina A&T University during the fall.
Paul Rivera, the co-creator of The Shop, explained the reason for selecting these three universities. According to Rivera, they were chosen for their impact and how they empower their students. He cited Tennessee State's launch of the first HBCU hockey program, North Carolina A&T being the largest HBCU that graduates the most Black engineers, and Hampton's rich history with housing the oldest museum of the African diaspora in the U.S.
The tour kicks off at Tennessee State University on October 13th, where Rivera will be joined by actor/comedian Kevin Fredericks, music producer/songwriter Key Wane, and actress/television producer Crystal Renee. The other stops have only confirmed Rivera as a host, with guests to be announced at a later date.
Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover expressed her enthusiasm in partnering with the show. "We are pleased to be a part of The Shop's HBCU tour and to kick off the initiative that will bring awareness to our institutions," Glover said. "TSU has an amazing history, outstanding students, and distinguished alumni, and we are excited to share this with the world, especially during our homecoming celebration."
The Shop will also partner with AT&T to bring a Dream In Black Rising Future Makers Showcase to campus, along with Twix giveaways and a showroom model of the Toyota Grand Highlander for students to interact with.
North Carolina A&T Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. believes that the homecoming season is the perfect time to showcase not just his university but all HBCUs. Martin expressed his excitement, saying, "We’re excited about this project and all the great work that UNINTERRUPTED and LeBron James are doing to share HBCU excellence more significantly on a national stage. Having them here during the Greatest Homecoming on Earth will give America a chance to see what makes this celebration and our university so special."
Rivera believes that the common thread uniting barbershops and HBCUs in the Black imagination will be evident when the show and its crew make their way to the chosen campuses. He hopes that the show will remind students that no one is an overnight success and that it takes hard work and some good fortune to reach one's destination. He also believes in the power of HBCUs in shaping brilliant minds, saying, "HBCUs are increasingly becoming the first choice for some of the nation’s most sought-after talents. Barbershops and HBCUs hold important roles within Black and Brown communities. Both are cornerstones in cultivating and educating the next generation of Black and Brown thought leaders."
The Shop HBCU Tour is an exciting initiative that will bring much-needed visibility to HBCUs. With the help of AT&T, Twix, and Toyota, the tour will bring awareness and showcase the excellence of HBCUs to the world. It promises to be an event to remember.
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