A season-long process
The road to the game starts well before tip-off. Since November, Williams and his national scouting staff have tracked more than 100 players across the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, NSIAC, and independent schools including Tennessee State, Hampton, and North Carolina A&T. From that pool, 48 HBCUs will be represented in the game, with the nation’s top 24 players set to be announced on March 16.
“Our national scouts have done an amazing job watching these young men every week,” Williams said. “We’ve been able to recognize these outstanding players and coaches throughout the season with our weekly Player of the Week honors.”
More than a game
The week opened yesterday with the HBCU All-Stars Awards Ceremony and Reception at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, where student-athletes, coaches, and Indianapolis community leaders will all be honored. For Williams, the choice of venue was no accident.
“That name speaks loud,” he said. “That is intentionality about what it means to our culture and our community.”
Friday brings the HBCU All-Stars College Admissions and Scholarship Fair at Corteva Coliseum, where Williams is pushing to get 800 to 1,000 students through the doors between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. That same afternoon, Friday Fun Day takes over Sankofa School of Success with free food, youth basketball clinics, a health fair, and an Easter egg hunt. A second site at Windsor Village Park will receive food donations to address food insecurity in the area.
“We just don’t go into these communities and take,” Williams said. “It’s important for us to leave our legacy behind and give back.”
Saturday features a Social Justice and Civil Rights Luncheon and Panel Discussion back at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, centered on the intersection of sports, equity, and civic responsibility. Williams was direct about why it belongs on the schedule.
“These young men have a voice and a platform, and as you can see with the landscape across our country, their voice and their platform are needed more now than ever,” he said.
HBCU All-Star Game tips off Sunday
The main event takes place Sunday, April 5, at Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Doors open at 1 p.m. with a pregame Fan Fest featuring live music, band performances, and the Black Business Vendor Showcase, presented in partnership with the Indiana Black Chamber of Commerce. The game tips off at 2 p.m. Broadcast options include Wish TV, with an additional partner expected to be announced shortly.
For those who cannot attend, Williams encouraged fans to purchase a ticket and donate it to a young person or a nonprofit youth or senior citizen organization. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.
The foundation behind the platform
Off the court, the HBCU All-Stars Foundation continues to fund scholarships and financial aid for students pursuing or currently enrolled at HBCUs. To date, the foundation has distributed over $250,000 through scholarships and related initiatives.
“Everybody needs help along the way,” Williams said. “I raised my hand. I needed help.”
Donations can be made at hbcuallstarsfoundation.com. Tickets, vendor registration, and volunteer opportunities are available at hbcuallstargame.com.