In 2023, LeBron James Jr. will make his decision about which college he’ll attend and the world of basketball will be watching with bated breath. They know that the school he chooses will be spotlighted, bring in new sponsorships, and attract a whole new base of fans…all possible from that one decision. 

Over the years arguments about opportunity and exposure have pushed top high school athletes like Kayvon Thibodeaux to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), but ultimately decide on a Predominantly White Institute (PWI). After visiting Florida A&M University, Thibodeaux chose to attend Oregon State stating, “Nobody wants to eat McDonald’s when you can get filet mignon.” 

In Jemele Hill’s 2019 article for The Atlantic, she espouses that Black players need to recognize that they are the talent, which attracts the exposure and opportunity no matter where they go. Not the other way around. And that when the majority of Black athletes choose HBCUs, the impact could be a tidal wave of change.

As 2020 rewrites the rules of ‘business as usual’, so too should we re-examine the longstanding debate between HBCUs and PWIs. What is the impact of choosing one over the other?

Joining the Conversation:

Tamica Smith Jones | Director of Intercollegiate Athletics (AD) for the University of California, Riverside  Edwin Moses, PhD | Track & Field Olympic Gold Medalist, Chairman of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.                                                                                                                                                    Victoria Jackson, PhD | Arizona State University clinical assistant professor of history, specializing in sport, and former NCAA champ and retired professional track and field athlete.                                                 Ron Thomas | Director of the Journalism & Sports Program at Morehouse College

Moderated by:

William C. Rhoden | Award-winning Author & Journalist