By USTA
Photos: USTA
FLUSHING, N.Y., August 28, 2024 — HBCU Live returned for its 4th year at the 2024 US Open, celebrating the culture, history and pride of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). These events were part of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) “Be Open” social responsibility campaign, which leverages the global stage of the US Open to promote and celebrate important messages of progress, positivity, equality, and inclusion on and off the tennis court.
The HBCU Yard Experience returned Wednesday to Fountain Plaza, and featured music, food and a fun, celebratory atmosphere that captured the spirit of the “yard” experience with a performance by Clark Atlanta’s “Mighty Marching Panthers” and music provided by HBCU alumni DJs: DJ Trauma (Clark Atlanta University), DJ Nyla (Florida A&M University), and Jae Murphy (Howard University).
The US Open also hosted the HBCU Equity Talk: The Future of Black Wealth, moderated by HBCU alumni, thought leaders and supporters across sports, business and entertainment. The panel discussion explored the unique barriers faced by the Black community, the role HBCUs have played in accelerating Black economic mobility, and how education, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy are helping to secure financial futures.
Panelists:
- Terrence J, Actor & Entertainment Host; NC A&T University Alum
- Troy Billings and Rashad Bilal, Earn Your Leisure
- George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., President, Clark Atlanta University
- Virginia Thornton, Co-Founder, Black Girls Tennis Club; Hampton University Alumna
- Tiffany Taylor-Watson, Founding Partner, Franklin Morgan Private Equity Fund; Morgan State Alumna
- Mya Pollard, Co-Head, Advancing Black Pathways, JP Morgan Chase
