Washington, D.C. (July 30, 2025) — In a powerful and unprecedented move, the commissioners of the four NCAA conferences composed primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have officially formed a strategic alliance known as the HBCU4Us Association. This historic collaboration, launched during a leadership retreat at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C., marks a transformative moment in the landscape of Black college athletics.
The HBCU4Us Association brings together the leadership of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) to establish a unified front focused on the advancement, protection, and celebration of HBCU sports.
Founding Commissioners of the HBCU4Us Association:
- Sonja O. Stills, Commissioner, MEAC
- Charles McClelland, Commissioner, SWAC
- Jacqie McWilliams Parker, Commissioner, CIAA
- Anthony Holloman, Commissioner, SIAC
Together, these trailblazing leaders aim to serve as the guardians of HBCU athletics, providing strategic direction, shared resources, and collaborative advocacy in an era where collegiate sports are undergoing massive change.
A Vision for the Future
The mission of the HBCU4Us Association is rooted in five core pillars:
- Student-Athlete Leadership and Development: Investing in holistic support systems that empower student-athletes to become leaders on and off the field.
- Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Upholding the historic traditions and social contributions of HBCUs to American culture and sports.
- Competitive Excellence: Enhancing the competitiveness of HBCU programs at both the regional and national levels through shared resources and innovation.
- Financial Sustainability and Partnerships: Pursuing collective sponsorships, media rights deals, and funding strategies to sustain long-term growth.
- Unified Advocacy and Student Welfare: Presenting a coordinated stance on NCAA policy, public affairs, and comprehensive well-being initiatives for student-athletes.
A Joint Statement from the HBCU4Us Commissioners
“The formation of the HBCU4Us Association marks a new era of collaboration,” the commissioners said in a joint statement. “As stewards of our storied athletic programs, we are committed to honoring our legacy while creating opportunities that ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of HBCU athletics for generations to come.”
About the HBCU4Us Association
The HBCU4Us Association represents a historic partnership among the four primary NCAA conferences rooted in Historically Black Colleges and Universities: the CIAA, MEAC, SIAC, and SWAC. Through shared leadership and united strategy, the association is committed to amplifying the HBCU brand, preserving its cultural legacy, and advancing student-athlete success on and beyond the playing field.
As the collegiate athletics landscape continues to evolve, the HBCU4Us Association stands as a bold and necessary initiative, redefining what it means to protect, promote, and propel the excellence of HBCU sports.
