HBCU Archives - Tennis Panorama

A general view of fans as DJ Heat performs at HBCU Live at the Fountain Plaza Stage on Day Four of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 in Flushing, NY. (Photo by Tyler McFarland/USTA)

USTA-FLUSHING, N.Y., Wednesday, September 2, 2026 — The US Open’s sixth-annual HBCU Live returned Wednesday to the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, celebrating the culture, history and pride of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). By honoring the legacy of HBCUs and trailblazers like Althea Gibson, an HBCU graduate and the first Black Grand Slam champion, the event highlighted the pivotal role HBCUs play in diversifying and growing the game of tennis across all communities.

The HBCU Yard Experience once again brought Fountain Plaza to life with music and an upbeat vibe that captured the heart of the “yard”, with a performance by Morgan State University’s “The Magnificent Marching Machine”, and music provided by HBCU DJs: DJ Tay James (Hampton), DJ Money (Grambling), DJ Heat (Morgan State), DJ Flow (Morgan State), and DJ Stormy Monroe (Dillard).

Furthering the conversation on equity and access, the annual HBCU Live Equity Talk panel — “Black Excellence by Design: HBCUs and the Future of Culture” — brought together distinguished alumni across music, art, and fashion. Moderated by actress Ashley Monique Harper, the panel included hip hop artist/actor Common (FAMU), Olajuwon Ajanaku, Founder, Eastside Golf (Morehouse), and Melissa A. Mitchell, Founder, Abeille Creations (FAMU). The discussion underscored how HBCU institutions continue to inspire creative leadership and open doors for future generations.

FLUSHING, N.Y., August 28, 2024 — HBCU Live returned for its 4th year at the 2024 US Open, celebrating the culture, history and pride of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). These events were part of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) “Be Open” social responsibility campaign, which leverages the global stage of the US Open to promote and celebrate important messages of progress, positivity, equality, and inclusion on and off the tennis court.

The HBCU Yard Experience returned Wednesday to Fountain Plaza, and featured music, food and a fun, celebratory atmosphere that captured the spirit of the “yard” experience with a performance by Clark Atlanta’s “Mighty Marching Panthers” and music provided by HBCU alumni DJs: DJ Trauma (Clark Atlanta University), DJ Nyla (Florida A&M University), and Jae Murphy (Howard University).

The US Open also hosted the HBCU Equity Talk: The Future of Black Wealth, moderated by HBCU alumni, thought leaders and supporters across sports, business and entertainment. The panel discussion explored the unique barriers faced by the Black community, the role HBCUs have played in accelerating Black economic mobility, and how education, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy are helping to secure financial futures.

Panelists:

Terrence J, Actor & Entertainment Host; NC A&T University Alum
Troy Billings and Rashad Bilal, Earn Your Leisure
George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., President, Clark Atlanta University
Virginia Thornton, Co-Founder, Black Girls Tennis Club; Hampton University Alumna
Tiffany Taylor-Watson, Founding Partner, Franklin Morgan Private Equity Fund; Morgan State Alumna
Mya Pollard, Co-Head, Advancing Black Pathways, JP Morgan Chase

US Open Celebrates Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

US Open Celebrated the History and Culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities