(Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Actor Michael B. Jordan is turning his efforts to sports by launching a basketball showcase that will feature Historically Black Colleges and Universities in late 2021.
The one-day doubleheader event, “Hoop Dreams Classic,” will involve four of the top men’s and women’s basketball teams from HBCUs. It’s scheduled to take place in December 2021 in Jordan’s hometown, Newark, New Jersey.
“This past year has been the tipping point for so many, including myself, in revving up support for Black people,” Jordan said, according to HBCU Buzz. “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.”
Hoop Dreams CEO Jessica Estrada will also guide the program.
“Michael and I share similar foundations and visions for our communities which is why I am thrilled to partner with him,” Estrada said.
Basketball won’t be the only component honored at the event. There will also be a battle of the bands, live performances, film festivals, and culinary events and college and career opportunities.
Partial proceeds from the event will go towards organizations to support HBCUs and the local Newark community.
“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,” Jordan said.
The Classic is scheduled for Dec. 18, 2021 at the Prudential Center in Newark.