April 4th 2024.
Lil Durk is known for his musical talent, but he is also making a difference in the HBCU community. Thanks to the partnership with Starry, a popular soft drink brand, Fizz Fest is offering scholarships to students who participate in their basketball skills competitions.
This year, Fizz Fest will be held at four HBCUs - Norfolk State, Hampton, Jackson State, and Morgan State. The students are gearing up to showcase their skills and compete for over $333,000 in scholarships and prizes, generously provided by Starry and the PepsiCo Foundation. Each university will have a deserving student receive $20,000 towards their academic future, courtesy of PepsiCo and Starry.
The competition will feature classic games like 3-point Knockout, as well as a unique version of H-O-R-S-E, renamed as S-T-A-R-R-Y. This game will challenge players to make specific shots in the quickest time on their campus. The festivities will kick off with Lil Durk making a special appearance at one of the schools.
In an exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Lil Durk shared his excitement about partnering with Starry for such a meaningful cause. "I'm thrilled to team up with Starry. I believe that sports is a great starting point," said the 31-year-old. "It's not just about what happens on the court, but also off the court, with the kids and HBCUs. I think it's a perfect match for me and who I am, especially coming from where I did."
Growing up in Chicago, a city known for producing NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Lil Durk has a personal connection to this basketball-focused initiative. "Apart from music, I feel like I could have been in the NBA. When I see kids playing basketball in the parks in Chicago, I see so much talent but not enough opportunities for them to grow. I always keep that in the back of my mind. I want to be there for them and help in any way I can. They can always count on me."
Lil Durk's main goal with this partnership is to create new opportunities for underserved communities. "I wanted to give back to the Black community as much as possible and give them the same opportunities that other colleges have. I want to spread my light and support them in any way I can."
As Lil Durk continues on his mission to uplift students, one lucky winner will also receive a Name, Image, and Likeness Deal with Starry. This is a rare opportunity usually reserved for top student-athletes. The winner will be featured on promotional materials for STARRY Fizz Fest 2.0. The first game took place at Norfolk State on March 29, and the final one will be at Morgan State on April 26. More information about the scholarship can be found on the event's website.
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