From the historically Black colleges and universities in the Caribbean U.S. Virgin Islands to the schools across mainland America, the focus of students and enthusiastic alumni will be on the multifaceted 2025 HBCU Showcase invitational track and field event coming to Manhattan’s Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory on Jan. 18.
Sponsored by the prestigious “Big 4” accounting firm KPMG, the HBCU Showcase is an extraordinary event featuring the scholastic Mayor’s Cup Relays, a HBCU college fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for high school students and their families, a flashy performance by the Howard University Showtime Marching Band, and a four-hour after-party affair following the track meet. More than 20 college teams are participating in the HBCU Showcase meet.
The confirmed HBCU teams include Bowie State University, Central State University, Chicago State University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Huston-Tillotson University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University, Miles College, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, Prairie View A&M University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of the District of Columbia, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, West Virginia State University, and Winston Salem State University.
“HBCU engagement is a core component of KPMG’s strategy rooted in growing and supporting a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment,” said Elena Richards, chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer for KPMG U.S., which has sponsored the HBCU Showcase since 2023.
“We are committed to building a larger, more diverse pipeline of future public accounting and professional services talent. We are honored to collaborate with The Armory Foundation for the third year in our shared mission to create access to rewarding career pathways and higher education for students,” she said.
Meet director Zakia Haywood, who also serves as The Armory’s director of College Track & Field and Special Projects, was happy with KPMG’s consistent sponsorship of the HBCU Showcase track meet and their support of the athletes’ careers after college.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with an incredible organization like KPMG. Their dedication to supporting HBCU students and setting them up for success post-graduation is invaluable,” she said. “Together with KPMG, we anticipate making this year’s HBCU Showcase another spectacular experience – on and off the track.” For tickets and information about the HBCU Showcase: bit.ly/KPMGHBCUShowcase2024.
Honoring Olympic stars
In a salute to some of the world’s smallest nations achieving some big victories at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Everybody’s magazine readers selected Eastern Caribbean athletes as the mag’s “Persons of the Year for 2024.” The honors go to gold medal sprinter Julien Alfred of St. Lucia; gold medal triple jumper Thea LaFond-Gadson of Dominica; decathlon athlete Lindon Victor, javelin thrower Anderson Peters, 400-meter runner Kirani James of Grenada; and 800-meter runner Shafiqua Maloney of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The issue also contains the 2025 Global Caribbean Calendar of international events. To purchase the Person of the Year/2025 Global Caribbean Calendar edition or to support this magazine visit everybodysmag.com.