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Curated Quarterly Newswire & Signature Events
New OVG-led Career Readiness Program Aims to Equip Underrepresented Students with Skills, Mentorship, and Real-world Experience in Sports, Entertainment, and Hospitality
DENVER, Dec. 04, 2024 – Oak View Group (OVG), a global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services, proudly announces the launch of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) program, Ascend, dedicated to enhancing career readiness for underrepresented talent. The Ascend program aims to bridge opportunity gaps in the sports, live entertainment, and hospitality sectors, offering participants exposure, training, and networking through targeted recruitment and experiential learning.
Ascend offers specialized tracks, including Ascend HBCU, dedicated to career readiness for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Ascend HSI, which recruits and provides career resources to students from Hispanic Serving Institutions; Ascend Women, focusing on women pursuing careers in sports and entertainment; Ascend Hospitality, for students from underrepresented groups in hospitality; and Ascend Backstage, for those interested in venue management. Each variation of the program is tailored to build valuable career skills amongst underrepresented groups.
To launch this initiative, OVG will host an Ascend Backstage and HBCU Night experience on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Baltimore's CFG Bank Arena from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., respectively. This event will provide 85 HBCU students from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia regions with exclusive access to a behind-the-scenes look at venue operations, including expert insights, industry panel discussions, and a networking mixer. The day will conclude with "Nick Cannon Presents: MTV Wild 'N Out Live" in the arena, fostering engagement and professional connections in a unique entertainment setting.
At HBCU Night, over 70 students will hear from OVG leaders, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Dr. Clara Ross Stamps - Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Dr. Tammira Lucas - CEO/Founder of The Cube, Cowork, Venture Growth Advisor for the Urban Business Innovation Initiative at TEDCO, and Professor at Coppin State University, Chanelle Reynolds - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs Lead at the Washington Commanders and Success Playbook Podcast Host with Revolt TV, and Nate Harris - General Manager of the Greater Richmond Convention Center, who will share insights on navigating a career in sports and entertainment and the unique value HBCU students bring to the workforce. Following the panel, a networking mixer will connect students with industry leaders before free admission to the show "Nick Cannon Presents: MTV Wild 'N Out Live." Additionally, Ascend Backstage will welcome up to 20 students for a day of shadowing CFG Bank Arena staff, providing hands-on experience.
In partnership with Fearless, Baltimore's largest minority-owned digital services integrator, the CFG Bank Arena experience will provide students invaluable insights into live event operations while building skills essential for future success. OVG will continue to expand Ascend initiatives across the U.S. to extend similar career opportunities to early talent from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Applications for the Ascend HBCU Internship Program open on Monday, January 6, and close on Monday, March 17, 2025. Selected students will secure paid internships across OVG's corporate offices and venues in fields such as marketing, partnerships/sales, finance, HR, communications, and hospitality. Interns will begin in late May and work through early August, engaging in:
"This program has the potential to revolutionize our talent pipelines and provide incredible opportunities for students seeking to enter the live entertainment industry," said Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus, VP, of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at OVG. "We're particularly excited to launch Ascend at HBCU Night at CFG Bank Arena, where promising students will have the unique opportunity to work the show, experience the excitement firsthand, network with industry leaders, and gain invaluable insights into how to succeed in our dynamic field. This is what real access looks like. Our goal is to not just open doors for these students, but to build ladders that lead to their success and advancement. Through experiential learning opportunities, mentorship, coaching, and internships, we're committed to providing the support and resources they need to thrive in their careers."
"My philosophy has always been that a building's employees should mirror the diversity of its community," said Frank Remesch, SVP and General Manager of CFG Bank Arena. "Baltimore is a diverse city, and the majority of our employees are Baltimore City residents, with 60% of upper management coming from diverse backgrounds. CFG Bank Arena is proud of our commitment to diversity and especially our minority-owned and women-owned enterprise programs. The natural next step is cultivating and incorporating the incredible talents of students attending and graduating from HBCUs."
Delali Dzirasa, CEO of Fearless, stated, "Events like this are one of the motivating drivers for establishing the Fearless Club. We want to leverage the space and our partnership with Oak View Group to provide students, entrepreneurs, and creatives with an inclusive community of mentors, advisors, and supporters, as part of the larger ecosystem in Baltimore."
Ascend is dedicated to empowering talent by providing transformative internships and early career opportunities in the dynamic industries of sports, entertainment, hospitality, and venue management. Through a combination of workshops, mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical experiences, participants will gain valuable insights and resources to navigate their career paths effectively. Ascend activities to include:
These initiatives will strengthen the readiness of underrepresented students entering these dynamic fields. For more information, please visit OakViewGroup.com.
About Fearless
Fearless is an impact-focused digital services integrator building software with a soul, while creating the conditions for organizations and their people to thrive. Through human-centered digital solutions and organizational transformation, Fearless unlocks the power of people, organizations, and tech, focused on making government more efficient, improving and preserving human life, and building a more equitable world. Fearless works with some of the biggest agencies in the federal government – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Small Business Administration (SBA), General Services Administration (GSA), National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Department of Human Services (DHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Veterans Administration (VA), National Security Agency (NSA), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Army and the U.S. Airforce – and with major private enterprises including the NFL, Exelon and Deloitte. For more information visit https://fearless.tech.
About CFG Bank Arena
CFG Bank Arena is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Baltimore. The Arena first opened in 1962, when it was known as the Baltimore Civic Center. Located at 201 W. Baltimore Street, the Arena has recently been transformed into a world-class facility by Oak View Group, now hosting world-class concerts, family shows, sporting events and more. The venue celebrated its grand opening weekend on April 7 & 8, 2023 with sold-out performances by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and the Eagles. The $250+ million world-class modern Arena accommodates 14,000 guests and serves as a key anchor on downtown Baltimore's west side, helping to drive further investment and development in the area. CFG Bank Arena was recently ranked #4 Worldwide as the highest grossing venue (10-15K capacity) by Billboard Magazine. Visit www.cfgbankarena.com, and follow us on socials @cfgbankarena.
About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
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The highly regarded event was attended by over 250 guests and supported by Visa, Comcast, Lennar Foundation, Louis Vuitton and Adidas
More than a half-million dollars will be awarded annually to seven cities with African American mayors to promote nutrition access, affordability and education
NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2024 – This past weekend, Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition, the non-profit organization funding and fueling underrepresented Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs, awarded more than $2.7 million to 30 trailblazing founders. Among the awards announced, the $1 Million grand prize was awarded to Dr. Monica Williams and Dana Roberts, Co-Founders of RedDrop, a brand of period kits for tweens with the mission of empowering, educating and supporting young girls.
Demo Day is the annual event celebrating the months-long journey that three thousand entrepreneurs embarked on this year in an attempt to win not only monetary prizes, but mentorship and educational opportunities with Pharrell and other top entrepreneurship experts and founders. The day was emceed by renowned actor and advocate, Hill Harper, and included pitches from 8 top finalists in the categories of AI, Consumer Products and Services, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment and Tech. The panel of four judges, which included, Lisa Price, Founder of Carol's Daughter; Pinky Cole, Founder of Slutty Vegan; Matt Story, Vice President, Global Brand Integrated Marketing at Visa; and Erik Moore, Founder & Managing Director, Base Ventures determined the top winners to an enthusiastic audience.
"I'm so inspired by what the future holds for these talented innovators and business leaders, and the role that Black Ambition will play in getting them to new heights of success - new corporate partnerships, retail opportunities, network building and more," said Black Ambition Founder, Pharrell Williams. "Hearing the stories and seeing their products as they pitched on Demo Day reaffirmed that Black Ambition is needed to create more opportunity and wealth for Black and Brown communities.
Thomas Fields, Founder and CEO of GRIND, a sports technology brand building products for children with the mission of pushing young inner-city kids to consider careers in engineering and technology, won the second place prize of $250,000. In sum, 30 dynamic founders received awards between $25,000 and $1,000,000. In addition to monetary prizes, founders will receive the following support over the next 6 months:
"We're beyond thrilled to be the grand prize winners of this year's Black Ambition Prize Competition! Having $1 million to invest in our business is life changing and will give us opportunities to grow and continue to impact our community," said Dr. Monica Williams of RedDrop. "And while the prize money is great, the mentorship and network provided by Black Ambition is priceless and will allow us to open doors that were previously closed and to start building our own table so we can invite others to have a seat."
Prior to the winner announcements, Founder Pharrell Williams and Black Ambition CEO Felecia Hatcher were joined by Co-Founder of investment firm Recognize and Former CEO of Infor, Charles Phillips, for a compelling onstage discussion. The three discussed community, entrepreneurship and the goals, future and importance of Black Ambition. At the end of the night, guests and winners were invited to attend an exclusive celebratory networking reception of VIPs and Black Ambition Founders complete with cocktails, small bites and music. Participating brand partners for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize Demo Day included Visa, Comcast, Louis Vuitton, Adidas and the Lennar Foundation. The night ended with gift bags curated full of founders and sponsors swag, including: a custom luggage tag from Louis Vuitton, CBD bath salts from Homebody, specialty chocolate from Luiji's Chocolates, a tote bag from Joopiter, and a water bottle from Adidas.
"Since launching four years ago, Black Ambition has been successful in our mission to support and empower Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. With amazing pitches from the next generation of successful businesses in AI, Tech, Consumer Products, Entertainment and Media companies,this year's Demo Day was another shining example of that," said Black Ambition CEO Felecia Hatcher. "With the conclusion of the 2024 Demo Day, we're excited to work along our next group of leaders as we plan to expand on the over $265 million in revenue generated by Black Ambition's network of companies, so far."
Black Ambition is dedicated to closing the opportunity and wealth gap by empowering Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Through its extensive virtual training initiatives and events, the organization has provided invaluable mentorship and support to over 1,000 founders since launching in 2020 and awarded approximately $13M in capital to 131 entrepreneurs. In four years, Black Ambition network founders have gone on to generate more than $265M in revenue.
Black Ambition has been recognized by Forbes, Essence, Bloomberg, and many more top media outlets for driving meaningful change. The nonprofit was the winner of Fast Company's 2021 World Changing Ideas award for Impact Investing. To watch the full event, see here. To connect and learn more about Black Ambition, please visit www.blackambitionprize.com. Follow us on Facebook (@blackambitionprize), X (@blackambitionpz) and Instagram (@blackambitionprize) to stay up to date with the Black Ambition community.
A list of the 30 Prize winners can be found below:
* National Prize Winners
AskSAMIE
Black Paper Party LLC
CPRWrap, Inc.
Farm to Flame Energy
GloveScaler
GRIND
Hire Ground
Homebody World
JustAir
Knowlej
LASARRUS Clinic and Research Center
Mela Vitamins Inc.
Purpose Connect
PUZZLES OF COLOR
RedDrop
SMARTCharts
Sparen
Spoonful - Functional Vegan Breakfast and Snacks
Springrose
TANTV
* HBCU Winners
Beebz
Forefront
Gamenite
LegacyHistoryPride
Mecca Made
Norn
Pluff
Recall Aid (Memory AI LLC)
The Felix Experience
Trameter
ABOUT BLACK AMBITION
Founded by Pharrell Williams in 2020, Black Ambition empowers Black and Hispanic innovators and communities to excel, uninterrupted. To date, Black Ambition has awarded approximately $13M to 131 innovative entrepreneurs. Black Ambition network founders have gone on to raise more than $280M collectively.
This endeavor has been recognized by Forbes, Essence, Complex, Real Leaders and many more for driving meaningful change. It also was the winner of Fast Company's 2021 World Changing Ideas award for Impact Investing.
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African American Mayors Association, American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America Partner to Award Grants to African American Mayors in Cities throughout the U.S.
More than a half-million dollars will be awarded annually to seven cities with African American mayors to promote nutrition access, affordability and education
WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 31, 2024 – As part of an ongoing partnership between the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA), seven cities with African American mayors will receive significant grants to advance essential programs that improve community health and address health disparities. Mayors will be able to apply the funds towards vital resources such as community gardens, mobile veggie and fruit stands and food security programs, and attract additional investments for the nutrition issues their cities are facing.
One-third of America’s biggest cities are led by African American mayors, leaders who seek to improve the health of their respective communities and find opportunities to improve access to high-quality, nutritious food choices.
“For the third year, we are proud to be able to offer these important grants to our member mayors as they work to eradicate health inequities and eliminate health disparities in their cities,” said Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of AAMA. “Our mayors want to give families the information that they need to make educated and informed choices to support their overall health and well-being.”
ABFHA and AAMA will award seven grants totaling $600,000 annually over a three-year period to seven cities. One $175,000 grant will be awarded to a large-sized city with a population of 250,000 or more. Two grants of $125,000 each will be given to mid-sized cities with populations between 100,000 and 250,000. Two grants of $75,000 each will be awarded to small-sized cities, and two grants of $12,500 will be given to cities/towns/villages with a population of 5,000 or less.
Funds from the program will go directly toward:
“When our cities utilize creativity and innovation to come up with solutions to bring about healthier outcomes for the most vulnerable in their cities, we all win,” said AAMA President and Mayor of Montgomery, Ala., Steven Reed. “Our mayors will use these grants to build stronger and more educated communities that make sound nutritional decisions for their families. I look forward to celebrating their successes.”
In addition to the grant program, America’s beverage companies are taking bold actions in support of consumers’ efforts to achieve balance. Through its national School Beverage Guidelines, the industry cut beverage calories in schools by 94% by voluntarily removing full-calorie soft drinks. Beverage companies are leveraging their strength in product innovation to offer more choices with less sugar, shifting consumers toward low- and zero-calorie beverages. Today, nearly 60% of beverages purchased have zero sugar.
“Mayors are the ones who get things done in our cities and towns, stepping up every day to improve the quality of community life from the local economy to education to public health. The hardworking people of the beverage industry have a track record of driving meaningful solutions. We’re proud to support our mayors who never rest in their devotion to getting the job done every day for their people,” said Kevin Keane, President and CEO of American Beverage.
“This grant program is our commitment to backing up the communities where our employees work and live and we look forward to the positive change it will have on peoples’ lives.”
Grant winners will be selected by a panel of judges composed of former mayors chosen by AAMA. The winning cities will be announced at the 2025 AAMA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
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The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.
The Nation's Premiere Celebration of HBCU Filmmakers and Hollywood Executives to Feature Projects from Andscape, NBC, Oxygen True Crime and TVOne
Conversations with Actors Including Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Keshia Knight Pulliam, E. Roger Mitchell, LaRoyce Hawkins, Comedians Loni Love, Kym Whitley, Grammy-Award Winner and Politician Shyne Barrow, TV Executive Jawn Murray, Oxygen's Faith Jenkins, Executive Producer Nkechi Okoro Carroll and Director David E. Talbert
WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 29, 2024 – The HBCU First Look Film Festival, dedicated to inspiring diversity within the next generation of film, TV and broadcasting, reveals their second annual screening, speaker and programming slate, taking place November 8-10, 2024, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
As the nation's only film festival honoring HBCU educated filmmakers, executives and content creators, the three-day festivities include celebrities and "I Aspire" honoree changemakers committed to building bridges with HBCU students to Hollywood in support of "A Celebration of Black Cinema x Activism."
AARP returns as a supporter of the festival's My HBCU Joy Awards Luncheon honoring Keshia Knight Pulliam, Stacy Milner (HBCU in L.A.) and TeeJ Mercer (Move-In Day Mafia) on Saturday, November 9th where three winners from the HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge will be announced.
New this year, #HowWeHBCYOU – P&G's national program supporting students attending HBCU's to and through graduation — presents Beyond the Lights Career and Vendor Lounge. The space serves to connect students to mentors and industry experts and is one of the ways P&G is delivering on its commitment to Widen the Screen. A content creation and partnership platform, Widen the Screen supports creators to share the full richness of their experiences in authentic ways. This in turn enables P&G and its brands to reach more people with relevant content that reflects their everyday lives.
The 2nd Annual HBCU First Look Film Festival Highlights include:
Informational sessions celebrating iconic Black films include:
– More programming to be announced –
For film enthusiasts and students, tickets can be purchased via www.hbcufirstlook.com and HBCU First LOOK Festival app. For more information, visit all social platforms @hbcufirstlook #hbcufirstlook #blackfilmmakers #myvoiceviewvote #IAspirechallenge.
Diageo's "Show Your HBCU Spirit" Initiative Announces Homecoming & Classic Activations and Continues its Ongoing Scholarship Distributions
NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2024 – Diageo North America continues to celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with unique and engaging activations at Homecomings and Classics throughout the 2024 fall season. Together with its brands Casamigos, Crown Royal and Guinness, Diageo is honoring HBCU culture and the longstanding traditions of Homecoming at Howard University in Washington, DC, and football Classics in Alabama and Louisiana.
"We are thrilled to continue our support of the HBCU community and its rich Homecomings and Classics traditions across many of our partner institutions," said Stephanie Childs, EVP, Corporate Relations, Diageo North America. "HBCU culture is thriving, with graduates from these esteemed establishments making impactful contributions to society and business. We are proud to celebrate the achievements and traditions again this season."
In addition to celebrating Homecoming and Classic season at HBCUs, Diageo's support via endowments at 29 HBCUs across the country continues to provide financial support to future leaders (unlike grants, endowments provide a permanent stream of interest capital for scholarships). In 2023, interest from these endowments generated over $400,000 in scholarship funds distributed to future leaders, supporting their academic journeys. This cycle will happen annually as interest accrues from the various endowments.
HOMECOMING & CLASSIC ACTIVATIONS
Festivities kick off in Washington, DC on Friday October 18th, where Diageo will salute Howard alumni and next generation changemakers at the black tie Alumni Bison Ball, hosted by the HBCU alumni collective, Homecoming at the Mecca. The celebration of Black excellence continues the following day at the "Off The Yard" tailgate festival, where Diageo will toast each honoree's impact and impressive achievements. More than a party, this is a chance to recognize decades of trailblazers committed to scholarship and service during a reunion that welcomes all Bisons back home.
On Friday October 25th, football fans and alumni will gather in Birmingham, Alabama for one of the largest HBCU classic football games in the country. As Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University prepare to face off, Diageo will proudly serve as an official Spirits Partner of "The Classic - Welcome to Birmingham" celebration.
Finally, on Saturday November 30th, Diageo and its brands will celebrate the rich HBCU traditions and culture of Grambling State University and Southern University in New Orleans, Louisiana at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic with a spirited game day tailgate. Through the "Show Your HBCU Spirit" initiative, HBCU football fans in select states can text "BAYOU" to 24272 to enter for a chance to win tickets to the Bayou Classic as well as the Greek Show & Battle of the Bands.
ADDITIONAL ENDEAVORS
In addition to HBCU Homecoming programming, Diageo North America's "Learning Skills for Life" program has provided employable skills and hospitality training at no cost to nearly 6,000 people over the past 10 years in underemployed communities and across HBCU alumni networks.
Diageo is committed to educating consumers in every community about safe alcohol consumption. In 2022, the company established the Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking (MCRD), a partnership with influential leaders from diverse community organizations, to increase awareness on the risks of alcohol-related harm and provide educational resources about moderation. Over the past two years, we've reached over 5 million people with messages of responsible consumption.
About Diageo North America
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, http://www.drinkiq.com/, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices. Follow on Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.
* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 21+. Ends 11/03/2024 @ 11:59:59 p.m. ET. TO ENTER W/O TEXT (& Official Rules), send an e-mail with first name, phone, date of birth, state/zip to promotionalsweepstakes@avidinc.com with DIA7044802W MULTIBRAND COLLEGE FOOTBALL SWEEPSTAKES in subject line. See Official Rules for participating states, prize description/restrictions & other details. By texting BAYOU to 24272, you agree you are of legal age to purchase beverage alcohol in U.S., legal U.S. resident, and to receive recurring marketing SMS and MMS messages, including text messages, using an automatic telephone dialing system from Diageo Americas, Inc. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP in reply to stop our messages. You may also text HELP to 24272 for more info. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Sponsor: Diageo Americas, Inc., New York, NY. Please Drink Responsibly. Diageo, New York, NY
Donation comes after this year's launch of mobile sports betting in the state and marks the fourth $1 million FanDuel donation to UNCF
NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2024 – FanDuel, the premier online gaming company in North America, today announced a fourth $1 million donation supporting the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) whose mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. The donation will financially support students at 11 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across North Carolina.
FanDuel is an Official Sports Betting Partner of the Carolina Panthers and made the donation to the UNCF on September 29 in the form of a check presentation at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, with UNCF and FanDuel executives taking part in the ceremony.
Through the donation, UNCF will provide direct support through its Emergency Student Aid program and help students at each of the institutions in a variety of areas, including technology, housing, food security, tuition and other education-related expenses.
"We are thrilled to extend our work with the UNCF to support the HBCU community across North Carolina," said Alison Kutler, Vice President, Responsible Gaming and Community Impact at FanDuel. "FanDuel is steadfast in its commitment to making a positive impact in the communities in which we operate our sportsbook, and we look forward to supporting hard-working students at institutions throughout the state."
"As a steadfast supporter of UNCF and HBCU students, FanDuel is setting an exemplary standard for other private entities to emulate in making investments in deserving students who need a helping hand to fulfill their goal of completing their college education. We commend FanDuel for its ongoing commitment and support as together we will continue empowering HBCUs and their students to flourish and to remain focused on their crucial mission in higher education," said Larry A. Griffith, executive vice president for programs and student services, UNCF.
The 11 institutions in North Carolina impacted by the donation include Barber-Scotia College, Bennett College, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, St. Augustine's University, Shaw University and Winston-Salem State University.
About FanDuel Group
FanDuel Group is the premier mobile gaming company in the United States. FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across mobile wagering including, America's #1 Sportsbook FanDuel Sportsbook, its leading iGaming platform FanDuel Casino, the industry's unquestioned leader in horse racing and advance-deposit wagering, FanDuel Racing and its daily fantasy sports product. In addition, FanDuel Group operates FanDuel TV, its broadly distributed linear cable television network and FanDuel TV+, its leading direct-to-consumer OTT platform. FanDuel Group has a presence across all 50 states with approximately 17 million customers and 25 retail locations. The company is based in New York with offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Jersey City, as well as in Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Romania and Australia. FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment plc, the world's largest sports betting and gaming operator with a portfolio of globally recognized brands and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: FLUT).
About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. During its 80-year existence, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion and helped more than 500,000 students not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 15% of bachelor's degrees, 5% of master's degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.
Speedo Partners With Howard University Swim and Dive Program, Embracing 'Go Full Speedo' Spirit and Championing Diversity and Access
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2024 – Speedo USA proudly announces its new partnership with Howard University's Swim and Diving Program, uniting the iconic brand's "Go Full Speedo" approach with the drive and ambition of the nation's only historically Black college or university (HBCU) with a swim program. As a trailblazer in collegiate swimming, Howard's team has been at the forefront of fostering achievement and breaking barriers in the sport, making this collaboration a celebration of both excellence and diversity in the water.
This partnership, which extends through 2027, underscores Speedo's commitment to ensuring diversity and inclusion in swimming by supporting Howard's Swim and Dive Program with 100% of their in-water needs, from Fastskin technology — swimwear engineered for the highest levels of performance, to practice suits and equipment. The relationship between Speedo and Howard will extend beyond gear, incorporating training support and mentorship to enhance athletes' performance and backing Howard's learn-to-swim programs, which provide free swim lessons to faculty and help undergraduate students meet a required swim test for graduation as well as supporting Howard's large-scale learn-to-swim initiatives in surrounding D.C. communities.
"'Go Full Speedo' is all about going all in—no holding back, no limits—and that's exactly what Howard University's Swim and Dive Program represents," said Simon Brecken, global senior vice president of Speedo. "Our partnership with Howard goes beyond providing performance gear. It's about creating opportunities, enhancing access, and fostering the next generation of champions from diverse backgrounds. Together, we're not only focused on winning in the pool but also on breaking down barriers to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience the water."
Howard University's swim team, led by head coach Nic Askew, has consistently pushed boundaries, challenging norms as the only HBCU swim program at the Division I level. The team has become a symbol of both athletic and social excellence, showing what is possible when athletes have access to the best training and equipment, as well as the support they need to succeed.
"Speedo's partnership with the Howard University Swim and Dive Program is a game-changer for our athletes and the broader mission of the program," said Askew. "This collaboration allows us to enhance our swimmers' training and competition experiences, but more importantly, it emphasizes the critical need for diversity and representation in swimming. Speedo's support helps break down historical barriers, ensuring that our athletes—and future generations—see themselves in spaces where diversity has been underrepresented."
The announcement of this partnership comes just ahead of the 3rd Annual Battle at the Burr, a competitive dual meet between Howard and Georgetown University, scheduled for October 5th. The event, which sold out in minutes, is expected to draw over 1,000 spectators and will feature appearances by Speedo athletes Cullen Jones and Josh Liendo.
"Go Full Speedo" is not just about performance but about fully embracing and pushing the boundaries of what's possible, both in the pool and in life. By partnering with Howard University, Speedo is reaffirming its dedication to promoting inclusion and ensuring that swimming is a sport accessible to all, regardless of background.
About Speedo®:
The world's leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations, and supports swimming from grassroots through to the elite level. In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world's first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefined swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. 2011 saw Speedo unveil another world first with the Fastskin Racing System – a cap, goggle and suit designed to work together as one. Speedo is distributed in over 170 countries around the world. Speedo's registered trade marks are owned by Speedo Holdings B.V. To find out more visit: www.speedo.com
420 Expo: New Jersey’s Largest Consumer Cannabis Convention Ends the Summer Season with 3-Days of Industry “Edutainment”; Announces Winners of the First-Ever Legal Statewide Cannabis Cup
Receive Early Alerts For The 420 Expo in 2025 at https://420expo.com
EDISON, N.J. – October 1, 2024 – The 420 Expo (https://www.420expo.com/) recently concluded its third annual three-day event series with over 14,000 cannabis enthusiasts making their way to the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, in Edison, September 13-15, 2024.
Presented by Wakit Grinders (https://wakitgrinders.com), the B.Y.O.C. (bring your own cannabis) public event featured access to a large variety of cannabis-friendly vendors and dispensaries, cultivators, CBD businesses, accessories, and beverages, clothing and apparel, jewelry, art, food trucks, celebrity guests, glass blowers and lots of other brands and products. Guests had the opportunity to attend a variety of seminars and engage with canna-focused nonprofits and advocacy groups, as well as learn more about expungements, cannabis industry employment opportunities, and much more. Attendees were also able to experience a massive outdoor consumption area, music, and numerous curated food trucks.
The event also featured the inaugural 420 Expo Cannabis Cup, produced by High End Events. The 420 Expo Cannabis Cup was the first statewide compliant cannabis competition. Some of the state’s premier cultivators entered their favorite strains and products in six different categories. The judge’s kits were available for a limited time at both HoneyGrove Dispensary and NJ Leaf in Freehold to consumers to purchase and then vote on their favorites. The results were revealed on the main stage at an awards ceremony Saturday.
Your inaugural 420 Expo Cannabis Cup winners are:
Indica
· 1st, Full Tilt Frost – Donkey
· 2nd, Garden Greens – Blueberry Cruffin
Hybrid
· 1st, Garden Greens – Grape Junky
· 2nd, Brighterside Farms – Free Mac
Sativa
· 1st, Clade 9 – J1
· 2nd, Garden Greens Super – Lemon Haze
Non-Infused Pre-Roll
· 1st, Hillview Farms – White Truffle
· 2nd, Hamilton Farms – Night Charmer
Infused Pre-Roll
· 1st, Mudd Bros – Melon Bomb x KW #11
· 2nd, Acreage/Superflux – Red Carpet Runtz
Vapes
· 1st, Timeless – Jungle Punch
· 2nd, MPX – Marmalade Ro
“As a community effort, our vision became a reality through the tireless efforts of the area’s cannabis industry thought-leaders and influencers,” says J. Handy, Director of Three Expo Events and co-creator of the 420 Expo. “Our team appreciates all of the hard work done by the High End Events team of Bobby and Bailey Nuggz of High End Events, along with 420 Expo Cup participating dispensaries NJ Leaf and HoneyGrove. We made lots of new friends over the weekend and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
“Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy a special weekend filled with music, munchies, and Mary Jane,” says Dan Davis, Director of Operations for Three Expo Events and co-creator of the 420 Expo. “The feedback and love from both attendees and exhibitors is overwhelming, to say the least. We’re proud to produce this event for the Jersey market and we will continue to do our part to remove the stigma against marijuana by promoting information and legal products that advance this growing industry.”
Notable guest appearances included stars from “The Sopranos,” Vincent Pastore (“Big Pussy”), Federico Castelluccio (“Furio”) and director and reality tv guest Danny Provenzano at the Bada Bloom booth, as well as Clerksstar Brian O’Halloran; former WWE champion and UFC fighter, the “Super King of Bros,” Matt Riddle; and “Real Housewives of Jersey” personality, Frank Catania, Sr. at the Dispensaries of New Jersey booth.
Attendees were also able to take advantage of a full schedule of seminars featuring top educators and speakers from around the country, a slate of entertainment featuring stellar musicians on the main stage, daily “Paint & Puff” and “Craft & Chill” sessions from NJ Garden State of Mind, Anja Dispensary and Meesh’s Goods, silent disco, “Joint Rolling” competitions, stoner karaoke and nightly after parties featuring top DJ’s such as Drewski (Hot97 and “Love & Hip Hop New York”).
The 420 Expo is scheduled to return to New Jersey, September 12-14, 2025.
Brands, products, and services targeting medicinal and recreational cannabis users can inquire early about exhibitor/vendor opportunities and secure coveted placements in front of thousands, by requesting a sales kit at https://420expo.com/exhibit. For additional information visit https://420expo.com.
Follow “420 Expo” on Instagram, X/Twitter and Facebook @the420expos.
ABOUT 420 EXPO:
420 Expo is the largest consumer-based cannabis event in New Jersey. Presented by Wakit Grinders, the third annual event series took place on September 13-15, 2024, and featured over 100 cannabis-related vendors, food trucks, celebrity appearances, live music, seminars, B.Y.O.C. (bring your own cannabis), interactive and immersive experiences, and more. The 420 Expo, the “Ultimate Smoke Sesh,” will return to New Jersey in 2025, September 12-14.
On-site sales of any sort of marijuana or THC is not permitted. In accordance with New Jersey state and local laws, attendees are able to legally consume their own stash in a dedicated outdoor consumption area.
Cannabis industry brands and services, as well as vendors with appealing and ancillary products can inquire about exhibitor/sponsorship opportunities and placement in front of thousands by requesting a sales kit at sales@3xevents.com.
Follow “420 Expo” on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Facebook @the420expos.
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