North Carolina A&T Becomes 1st HBCU to Win National Cheer Title

The North Carolina A&T cheerleading team came back with a vengeance this season! The great state of North Carolina should be cheering as loud as possible because the cheerleading team at North Carolina A&T clinched first time ever, a historical win. I was scrolling social media of course, and I came across a POV (point of view) video. The opening shot is what caught my attention at first.

As you see in the preview of the above link, the camera pointed at the night sky is what caught my attention. As I'm watching, realize the video has the cheerleaders from North Carolina A&T in the video. The video was shot as the team heard they were the new 2024 NCA College National Champions in cheer in the intermediate small coed division.

If you know anything about dance and/or cheer, you know that there are many different divisions within the sport, but we have to really give credit where credit is due. Not only were they the first HBCU team to win this title, but they were also the first HBCU from North Carolina to win this title!

The school boasts this accomplishment with a full write up. Last year, the team missed the win by less than a point. This year, they went back and were sure to clinch the win making history for North Carolina and for historically black colleges and universities all over the country. This is something we are not talking about enough. Congrats! If you have not seen the video of their routine then you need to. This team gave a routine that showed strength, power, skills, and overall great performance. This year's college nationals in Daytona were truly a historic event overall with many great, black teams coming home with first time championships. Check out A&T's full report on its cheerleading team here.

Fall is around the corner, and that means time for back to school. High school graduates around the country are packing up for college. And many planning to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) won't have to go too far out of North Carolina to do so.  North Carolina has plenty of HBCUs to choose from.

According to the National Center For Education Statistics,  in 2021, 9% of Black students in the country went to an HBCU straight out of high school. As of 2020,  76% of Black students attended public HBCUs while 24% attended private nonprofit institutions. If you aren't familiar with an HBCU, it is a staple in the black community.

HBCUs have a significant positive impact on the communities around their campuses and beyond. They generate skilled workers, jobs, and economic hubs. Between homecoming, Greek culture, and sports rivalry, an HBCU is one of the most positive outlets for education in the Black community. North Carolina ranks #3 for the most HBCUs in the country! The Tar Heel State is home to some of the most well-known schools, football teams, marching bands, and STEM programs.

Alabama has 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities that range in private and public across the state. Those schools include Alabama State University, Talladega College, Miles college, Bishop State Community College, Trenholm State Community College, Alabama A&M University, Stillman College., Gadsen State Community College, Selma University, J.F. Drake State Community College, Tuskegee University, Oakwood University, Shelton State Community College and Concordia College Alabama.

Black education in Alabama saw a surge when the federal government backed public black universities under the second Morrill Act in 1890. The 1890 act mandated that states that practiced segregation in their public colleges and universities would lose  federal funding unless they established agricultural and mechanical institutions for the black population. Meanwhile, the Morrill Act of 1862 provided federal land to fund and locate schools.

The peachy state of Georgia is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Interdenominational theological center, Morehouse College, Morehouse school of medicine, Morris Brown college, Pain College, Savannah State University and Spelman College.

The largest HBCU in Georgia is Albany State University. The oldest is Savannah State University which hosts the National Association of Student Professionals – Student Leadership Institution.  

North Carolina is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Shaw University (1865), Fayetteville State University (1867), Johnson C. Smith University (1867), St. Augustine's University (1867), Bennet College (1873), Livingstone College (1879), Elizabeth City State University (1891), North Carolina Agricultural and state University (1891), Winston- Salem State University (1892) and North Carolina Central University (1910). 

North Carolina is monumental when it comes to homecoming AND football. The first ever HBCU football game was played against Johnson C. Smith University and Livingstone College. There are 130 years of proud heritage that makes this game the most anticipated game of the year.  

Mississippi is home to 7 Historically Black colleges and Universities. Those of which include Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds County Community College, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College and Tugaloo Collage.

Mississippi’s 7 historically black colleges and universities produce over $1 billion dollars in economic impact for the state! This state is bringing in out-of-state students like no other. This state also produces some of the best bands EVER!

The boot state has six HBCU's that call it home. The culture is undeniable, and the bands are incredible. If you a wondering where to visit to experience an HBCU homecoming,  visit Louisiana.

This is also where the HBCU Kings and Queens hold their annual conference. The HBCUs located in Louisiana include: Dillard university, Grambling State University, Southern University and A&M College, Southern University New Orleans, Southern University and Xavier University.