Michael B. Jordan is the latest Black celebrity to donate resources to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The actor and producer announced Wednesday his new partnership with WME Sports, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Scout/Horizon Media to launch the Hoop Dreams Classic, according to Forbes Magazine.
The HBCU college basketball showcase is slated to begin on December 18, 2021, and the inaugural game will be held at the Prudential Center in Jordan's hometown of Newark, New Jersey.
The endeavor has been on his to-do list for quite some time, the Black Panther star told Forbes. He also discussed how Black people inspired his activism.
“This past year has been the tipping point for so many, including myself, in revving up support for Black people,” Jordan explained. “As a Newark native, I am committed to bringing change to the community and am honored to be able to present The Hoop Dreams Classic as a way to celebrate the value of community, education, and Black college experiences.”
The event will be a one-day tournament that will highlight the top four Division I men and women’s basketball teams from different HBCUs. The doubleheader games will also include HBCU staples such as the battle of the bands and live performances. The publication also reported the event would feature an immersive film festival, culinary events, and college and career opportunities.
Hoop Dreams CEO Jessica Estrada lauded Jordan’s dedication and enthusiasm regarding the classic competition.
“After seeing firsthand the lack of resources and information available to basketball players, I was determined to make Hoop Dreams the vehicle that could provide the tools these kids need to be successful in life beyond the game,” Estrada told Forbes. “Michael and I share similar foundations and visions for our communities, which is why I am thrilled to partner with him.”
Jordan has spent a good part of 2020 pursuing philanthropic pursuits.
In November, he announced plans to launch an OnlyFans account with proceeds going to struggling barbers affected by the pandemic, as Blavity previously reported.
In September, in collaboration with GOAT, Jordan raffled five pairs of sneakers to help raise funds for GirlTrek.
“I’ve loved sneakers since I was a kid, and there are so many people in the sneaker community that inspire me. Coming up at a time where I couldn’t afford all these kicks, I would use my imagination to think about what my sneaker would look like if I had a chance to build it,” Blavity previously reported.
"More importantly, I’m excited to help bring awareness to the health movement amongst African American women, a cause that’s close to me and my family,” he added.
For his latest project, Jordan expressed to Forbes the significance of the tournament launching in his hometown.
“I look forward to bringing the communal spirit of HBCUs to the city that helped shape me into the man I am today," he said.
