HBCU GO and UNCF Announce Groundbreaking Strategic Partnership with Launch of Video Content Series ‘HBCU Voices: Executive Leaders Unfiltered’
Media Contact
Roy Betts UNCF Communications 240.703.3384 roy.betts@uncf.org
New UNCF Original Series on HBCU GO Delivers National Visibility for HBCU Leadership, Innovation and Impact
In a powerful alignment of media, mission and movement, the Allen Media Group free-streaming digital platform and premier destination for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) sports and culture, HBCU GO and UNCF, the nation’s largest and most effective education organization for underrepresented students, are pleased to announce a groundbreaking strategic partnership designed to elevate the full HBCU experience to a national audience. Forged through a shared, long-term commitment to empowering Black excellence, this alliance unites the leading broadcasting platform for HBCU culture with the nation’s foremost advocate for equal access to higher education. Through cross-platform programming, the partnership will broadcast the academic, cultural and athletic triumphs of UNCF member institutions to millions of viewers worldwide.
The partnership just launched with the premiere of the new video content series HBCU VOICES: EXECUTIVE LEADERS UNFILTERED. More than a program launch, this series provides extraordinary visibility and reach for HBCUs. By leveraging UNCF’s 82 years of leadership in advancing HBCUs and education and HBCU GO’s expansive national distribution footprint, the partnership ensures that UNCF’s mission and the voices of its HBCU scholars and institutional leaders are seen in millions of homes. While HBCU GO is widely recognized for its sports broadcasting dominance, its collaboration with UNCF enables the network to make an even deeper investment in the entire campus ecosystem, spotlighting academic excellence, HBCU presidential leadership, alumni success, innovation and the economic engines driving these historic institutions. By placing UNCF institutions on a massive national stage, HBCU GO is not simply broadcasting stories; it is helping advance UNCF’s work to drive increased enrollment, attract corporate sponsorship, increase donor engagement and strengthen the economic sustainability of HBCUs nationwide.
Produced by video production and event management company 360 Media Management Group (360 MMG), HBCU Voices: Executive Leaders Unfiltered was created by UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building and explores the innovations, transformations and advancements taking place across historically Black colleges and universities, directly from the leaders driving that change. HBCU GO, UNCF and 360 MMG envision a multi-year partnership that reflects these organizations’ unwavering dedication to the culture, the students and the long-term vitality of Black education.
UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax, photo credit: UNCF
The premiere episode, CEO to CEO, features a powerful one-on-one conversation between HBCU GO President Curtis Symonds and UNCF President & CEO Dr. Michael Lomax. The 58-minute discussion examines the evolving higher education landscape, the state of HBCUs, and the urgency of sustaining Black institutional excellence in a rapidly shifting national climate.
Upcoming episodes include:
- Institutional Excellence – Women in Leadership (TRT – 15:00) featuring Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President of Benedict College, exploring executive leadership and growth strategies shaping the next era of HBCUs.
- AI, Tech and HBCUs (TRT – 28:00) with Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President of Huston-Tillotson University, examining how emerging technologies are positioning HBCUs at the forefront of innovation.
- Driving Systemic Change (TRT – 20:00) featuring Bill Moses of the Kresge Foundation, discussing scalable models for long-term institutional transformation.
- Revitalizing the Legacy (TRT – 20:00) with Anthony Davis, President of Livingstone College, focusing on alumni engagement, campus revitalization and sustainable growth.
Byron Allen, photo credit: AMG
“UNCF is an historic and excellent organization,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group, the parent company of HBCU GO. “The strategic alliance between HBCU GO and UNCF will continue to elevate and amplify the phenomenal leadership, innovation and impact of our historically Black colleges and universities.”
“As a proud graduate of Central State University, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of HBCUs and the invaluable lessons gained from mentors who have walked the same journey,” said Curtis Symonds, Co-Founder and President of HBCU GO. “I remain committed to empowering our youth, and this landmark partnership with UNCF reflects our shared belief that ‘A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste’ as well as our dedication to creating safe, inspiring spaces where young people can learn, grow, and succeed.”
“I am thrilled to announce the launch of the HBCU Voices series on HBCU GO in partnership with 360 MMG. This initiative is a celebration of the rich heritage and vibrant stories within our HBCU community. Through this series, we aim to amplify the voices of our students, alumni and educators, showcasing their achievements, challenges and contributions to our society. This exciting new series will inspire future generations and foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the impact of HBCUs on culture and innovation,” said Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., UNCF Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer.
“This visionary partnership between UNCF and HBCU GO requires world-class storytelling, and that is exactly what 360 MMG brings to the table,” added Curt Simmons of 360 MMG. “With more than 35 years of experience in television production, we are proud to produce the premium programming that will stream on the network and help bring this excellent content to millions of viewers.”
For program information and airtimes, visit @hbcugo.tv or download the HBCU GO app.