Michael B Jordan launches Hoops Dreams Classic to showcase HBCU Basketball in His Hometown

Hollywood Actor Michael B Jordan, who has been at forefront of Black Lives Matter movement in industry through #ChangeHollywood initiative, has w turned his sights on helping Black athletes and sportspersons. Just as 'Change Hollywood' initiative calls on film fraternity to invest in Black creators and more diverse storytelling, Jordan's new venture,   Hoops Dreams Classic, will aim to showcase talents of young HBCU basketball players in Jordan's hometown of Newark. one-day event will take place on December 18, 2021. 

Also Read | NBA Fans Dig Up Talen Horton-Tucker's Old Tweet About LeBron James-Delonte West Rumours

Michael B Jordan hometown to host HBCU Basketball tournament

With an increasing focus on racial injustice in US, Black celebrities have taken up challenge of ushering in changes in ir respective fields, be it Hollywood, Sports or Politics. After taking on Hollywood, actor Michael B Jordan has pledged his support to a new field: College Basketball. Black Panr actor has helped launch 'Hoops Dreams Classic' a basketball tournament geared towards showcasing talents of students from 'Historically Black Colleges and Universities' or (HBCUs). 

Also Read | NBA Season 2019-20 Review: Best Game-changing Moments From Orlando Bubble

"This past year has been tipping point for so many, including myself, in revving up support for Black people. As a Newark native, I am committed to bringing change to community and am houred to be able to present Hoops Dreams Classic as a way to celebrate value of community, education, and Black college experiences. Through our shared love of basketball, I look forward to bringing communal spirit of HBCUs to city that helped shape me into man I am today" Jordan said in a statement to Forbes.  

event aims to turn into an immersive experience that will include a battle of bands, live musical performances, film festivals, culinary events, and additional experiences to highlight HBCU culture according to a Forbes report. WME Sports co-head Jordan Bazant confirmed that while inaugural event will feature just men’s programs, future events will include both or alternate between Men's and Women's programs. Organizers will also donate some proceeds from event to HBCU support groups in Newark.

Also Read | Vanessa Bryant Changes One Line In Kobe's New Book Because Of Popular 'Mamba Mentality'

recent rise of HBCU Basketball culture 

20-year old Makur Maker's decision to play at Howard University, a Historically Black University (HBCU), over more lucrative choices of UCLA, with Kentucky and Memphis, marks a huge cultural shift in Black athletes, who are w preferring HBCU's over more traditional university choices. Maker, who was  . 18 player in 2020 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings, becomes highest-ranked basketball prospect since 2007 to commit to an HBCU. South Sudanese-Australian player took to Twitter to explain his move, writing “I need to make HBCU movement real so that ors will follow”.

Also Read | Giannis Antetokounmpo Signed Extension Because He Didn't Want Fans To Burn His Jersey

Im Credits: AP