Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan is giving back to the Black community in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, by launching the inaugural Hoop Dreams Classic.
The 33-year-old actor has partnered with WME Sports, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), and Scout Sports and Entertainment/Horizon Media (Scout) for the event, an Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) showcase.
“This past year has been the tipping point for so many, including myself, in revving up support for Black people,” Jordan said in a statement obtained by Life & Style. “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 Friday Night Lights alum added, “Through our shared love of basketball, I look forward to bringing the communal spirit of HBCUs to the city that helped shape me into the man I am today.”
The one-day showcase, which takes place on Friday, will be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and feature four of the top Division I HBCU men’s and women’s basketball programs.
The event will also include an immersive cultural experience with culinary events, live musical performances, film festivals, a Battle of the Bands that highlight life at HBCU, in addition to career and college opportunities for the community.
Part of the proceeds from the event will go toward supporting organizations that are focused on advancing historically Black colleges and universities and the local Newark community.
By George Costantino
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