HBCU Direct, LLC (HD), a marketing collective specializing in HBCU relations, and former NBA superstar Tracy “T-Mac” McGrady announced the launch of the HBCU Give 105 fundraising initiative with a mission to build awareness of HBCUs and increase overall enrollment. McGrady’s donation of $105,000.00 helped fund the proprietary software, developed by Give.mobi, required for donations to all HBCU’s collectively or individual institutions. The goal of the program is to raise $105 million or $1 million per institution. The announcement was made during the first Tour stop of the Aspire Hoops-N-Hip Hop® Tour at Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL. Donations can be made at www.hbcugive105.org.
“The partnership provides a huge opportunity to use our voices to support the efforts of the nation’s 105 HBCUs to build awareness and attract talent,” said seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady. “HBCUs are a cornerstone of our community, having graduated some of the most notable African Americans across the spectrum including medicine, technology, the arts, sports and beyond. With more African Americans entering college today than ever before, it is imperative that we do all that we can to support HBCUs in every way as they continue to provide a high quality education.”
“This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission of servicing and creating positive awareness of HBCUs,” added Rod Chappell, CEO and Executive Director of HBCU Direct. “Collectively, HBCUs need more support in marketing and awareness to increase revenues through enrollment and fundraising. The statistics regarding increased college enrollment for African American students are encouraging, and we have to do all that we can to make sure that HBCUs are strong benefactors of this increase.” The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that among 2014 U.S. high school graduates, 70.9 percent of African American graduating high school seniors had enrolled in college by October, up from 59.3 percent college enrollment rate in 2013.
Through this partnership, the five-year-old HBCU Direct follows its mission of supporting the nation’s 100+ HBCUs through with partnerships to increase revenues and/or reduce expenses. For more information about HBCU Direct, visit www.hbcudirect.com.
ABOUT TRACY MCGRADY
Tracy “T-MAC” McGrady is an American professional basketball player who last played for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Quindao Eagles (China). He is a seven-time NBA All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection and a two-time NBA scoring champion (2003-2004). Tracy is also managing partner with Rodney Woods in Diversity In Promotions and Playbook Investors Network (PIN), members of the Multicultural Communications (MULTICOM) network.
ABOUT HBCU DIRECT (HD)
Founded in 2010, HBCU Direct is a private, Atlanta, GA-based company focused on connecting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with corporate and government business opportunities. The company uses aggregation of HBCUs to drive additional revenues or reduced costs. The company has a specialized niche in driving workforce development and job creation for HBCU students and alumni. HBCU Direct is a member of the Multicultural Communications (MULTICOM) network.
ABOUT THE ASPIRE HOOPS-N-HIP HOP® (AHHH)
The AHHH is a multi-campus Tour focused on showcasing talent on HBCU campuses including music, poetry, comedy, basketball and fashion. The platform also identifies student talent seeking careers in S.T.E.M. and other fields. The Tour features a social media community that allows for member “expression” with other like-minded individuals. Street Execs and rapper 2Chainz’ T.R.U. University label are music partners. The Hoops-N-Hip Hop® Touring programs launched on HBCU campuses and will extend to other U.S. communities, China, Japan, Germany, Brazil and Africa.
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