WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 7, 2026) — Commissioners representing the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) athletic conferences gathered in Washington, D.C., for the HBC4Us Summer Meeting to reaffirm their collective commitment to strengthening HBCU athletics through collaboration, advocacy, and strategic leadership.
The meeting focused on identifying shared priorities that will enhance the student athlete experience, elevate the visibility of HBCU athletics, and ensure HBCU conferences maintain a strong voice in shaping the future of intercollegiate athletics.
"Our responsibility extends beyond managing championships and competition," said the HBC4Us Commissioners in a joint statement. "As commissioners, we serve as gatekeepers for HBCU athletics, ensuring our institutions, student athletes, and communities continue to thrive through intentional collaboration, advocacy, and leadership."
During the meeting, commissioners outlined several key initiatives that will guide the organization's work during the upcoming academic year, including:
Advancing the Mission of HBCU Athletics
The commissioners reaffirmed HBC4Us' mission to advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities while working collaboratively with conference memberships, governing boards, institutional leaders, and policymakers to protect and advance the interests of HBCU athletics.
Celebrating Student Athlete Excellence
HBC4Us will continue recognizing the outstanding achievements of HBCU student athletes by enhancing the HBCU Football Poll and related honors. The organization also announced plans to establish annual HBCU Athlete of the Year awards in both men's and women's categories to celebrate excellence in competition, academics, leadership, and community engagement.
Additionally, commissioners will collaborate with Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) leadership from across the conferences to develop shared HBCU student athlete priorities and strengthen the student athlete voice.
Expanding Professional and Educational Opportunities
The commissioners committed to leveraging existing partnerships with professional sports organizations and national stakeholders to create meaningful educational and career opportunities for HBCU students and institutions.
These partnerships include opportunities connected to initiatives such as the HBCU NBA All Star Experience, the Legacy Bowl, the Black College Football Hall of Fame Game, and other programs that provide national exposure while preparing students for careers in athletics and beyond.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
HBC4Us will continue identifying collaborative initiatives that enhance existing partnerships and generate new opportunities in areas including:
Advancing Women's Flag Football
Recognizing the NCAA's designation of women's flag football as an NCAA-sponsored championship sport beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, HBC4Us announced its commitment to advancing the sport across its member conferences.
Commissioners discussed the development of an HBCU Women's Flag Football initiative that will join together to showcase the sport while creating new competitive opportunities for female student athletes. The alliance will explore the creation of an annual HBC4Us Women's Flag Football event designed to highlight the growth of the sport, foster collaboration among member institutions, and position HBCUs as national leaders in women's flag football.
This initiative reflects HBC4Us' commitment to expanding opportunities for women in athletics while embracing one of the fastest growing sports in collegiate competition.
Showcasing HBCU Football
The commissioners emphasized the importance of beginning the football season by celebrating two of college football's premier HBCU events:
These nationally recognized contests continue to serve as signature showcases for HBCU football while highlighting the excellence and traditions of Black college athletics.
Strengthening National Representation
Recognizing the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics, HBC4Us reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining active representation within NCAA governance, national committees, and other influential organizations. Commissioners pledged to continue advocating for policies and decisions that best support HBCU conferences, institutions, and student athletes across all NCAA divisions.
As college athletics continues to evolve, HBC4Us remains united in its commitment to ensuring Historically Black Colleges and Universities are positioned for long term success through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for excellence.
Together, the commissioners reaffirmed that by working collectively, HBCU conferences can continue creating transformational opportunities for student athletes while preserving the rich legacy and future of Black college athletics.
Media Contact:
Matisse Lee | mlee@theciaa.com
Senior Associate Commissioner, Communications & Marketing
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
Cesley Tafoya | tafoyac@themeac.com
Associate Commissioner, Development & Partnership Strategy
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)
About HBC4Us
HBC4Us is a collaborative alliance of the nation's Historically Black College and University (HBCU) athletic conferences, comprised of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Together, these conferences represent the collective voice of HBCU intercollegiate athletics, working to advance opportunities for student athletes, strengthen member institutions, and preserve the rich legacy of Black college sports.
Through strategic partnerships, unified advocacy, and collaborative leadership, HBC4Us promotes competitive excellence, academic achievement, leadership development, and equitable opportunities while ensuring HBCUs have a strong and influential voice within the NCAA and the broader landscape of intercollegiate athletics.