LITTLE ROCK, AR – The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) stands in support of the NAACP and its called for Black athletes and fans to reconsider economic investments in public institutions and systems within states actively pursuing legislation and policies that undermine Black voting rights and equitable access to democracy.

At a time when attacks on voting rights, diversity initiatives, and Black history education continue to emerge across the nation, HCF believes that communities must intentionally invest in institutions that have historically protected, educated, and empowered Black Americans. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have long served as safe havens of opportunity, leadership development, civic engagement, and social mobility despite decades of chronic underfunding and inequitable treatment.

“HBCUs were founded during a time when Black Americans were denied access to education, representation, and equal participation in society. Today, as we witness renewed efforts to suppress Black voices and voting power, we must also recognize the power of economic redirection and intentional investment. Supporting HBCUs is not only an investment in education; it is an investment in democracy, leadership, empowerment, and the future of our communities.

— said Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, HCF

The NAACP encourages Black athletes, alumni, corporate partners, fans, and supporters to consider withholding their athletic and financial support from public universities in states that have moved to limit, weaken, or erase Black voting representation in the wake of the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in Louisiana V. Callais. The organization is calling for a redirection of financial support, sponsorships, recruitment visibility, athletic participation, philanthropy, tourism, and consumer spending toward HBCUs and MSIs that continue to serve students with limited resources while producing leaders across every sector of society.

The NAACP’s “Out of Bounds” campaign calls on top football and basketball recruits currently actively recruited by target programs to withhold their commitments until the states in question restore fair congressional maps and meaningful Black representation. The campaign also calls on current college athletes participation as well, you can learn more and sign the pledge here.

HCF notes that HBCU consistently generate Black doctors, lawyers, judges, educators, engineers, entrepreneurs, public servants, and civic leaders at disproportionate rates relative to their size. Yet many institutions continue to face disparities in state funding, infrastructure investment, research opportunities, and athletic resources.

“As conversations continue surrounding equity and justice, we cannot separate economics from advocacy,” Johnson continued. “Every dollar spent is a statement of values. Redirecting support toward HBCUs helps strengthen institutions that have always stood on the frontlines for Black advancement and educational access.”

HCF remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for HBCUs, PBIs, community colleges, and underserved students through scholarships, awareness initiatives, educational programming, and the Annual HBCU Football and Recruitment Tour program.

For more information about HCF and its initiatives, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.

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About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) is an educational non-profit and advocacy organization dedicated to supporting HBCUs and MSIs. Founded in 2012, its core mission focuses on raising funds for student scholarships, developing campus programming, and advocating for higher education equity. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.