ATLANTA, GA – HBCU Original was on the ground in Atlanta as the 2025 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge lit up Center Parc Stadium with a clash between North Carolina Central University and Southern University. The night kicked off with pure HBCU energy — fans tailgating, bands filling the air with music, and both fan bases turning Atlanta into a showcase of maroon, gray, gold, and blue. On the field, the action matched the atmosphere. North Carolina Central’s Eagles, led by quarterback Walker Harris, leaned on their experienced offensive line to set the tone early. Southern’s defense, anchored by Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Chelky Givens, fought to keep the Jaguars in striking distance. The game brought momentum swings, big defensive plays, and highlight-worthy moments — everything HBCU football is known for. Whether it was NCCU showing poise in critical drives or Southern firing back with big plays to energize Jaguar Nation, the battle lived up to the hype of being a season-opening showcase on ABC. But this matchup wasn’t just about football — it was about culture. The fans never stopped cheering, the bands battled in the stands, and Atlanta once again became the stage where HBCU pride took center stage. HBCU Original was proud to be there, capturing the sights, sounds, and spirit that make the MEAC/SWAC Challenge more than just a game — it’s a celebration of HBCU tradition and excellence.
💬 Which fan base do you think brought the most energy — Eagle Nation or Jaguar Nation?
#HBCUOriginal #MEACSWACChallenge #NCCUEagles #SouthernJaguars #HBCUFootball

Sunday, August 17, Lincoln University hosted its Football Media Day, and HBCU Original, Runway to Purpose, and Under Recruited Athletes were on the ground covering every moment.
📸 From team and class photos on the field, to headshots, action shots, and interviews inside the Wellness Center, the event highlighted the pride and preparation of Lincoln University Football.

🎥 Featured media stations included: HBCU Original Interviews Inside the Den (Student Media Club) TikTok & Social Media Content Behind-the-scenes with players and coaches. This event showed not just the talent on the field, but the culture, passion, and representation of HBCUs that make days like this special.

💡 Question for the audience: What’s your favorite part of Football Media Day—photos, interviews, or behind-the-scenes content?
Drop your thoughts in the comments ⬇️

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(EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. – August 26, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University alumnus Jason Johnson has been named the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional school leadership across the state.

Johnson, who is serving a second term as principal of Orange High School in Hillsborough, North Carolina, was selected for his outstanding leadership, commitment to student success and transformative impact on public education. Sponsored by Wells Fargo and administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), the award celebrates principals who demonstrate visionary leadership, foster academic excellence and build inclusive school cultures.

As part of the recognition, Johnson will serve during the 2025-26 academic year as a statewide ambassador for more than 2,500 principals, participate in national leadership programs and hold a seat on the State Board of Education.

Johnson’s journey began at N.C. A&T, where he earned a degree in office administration in 1997 from what is now the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics. He said he hadn’t considered college until an A&T recruiter visited Durham’s Hillside High School and encouraged him to apply.

“Several of my friends and I rented a van and went to a football game there for prospective students. That visit to A&T changed everything,” Johnson said. “It introduced me to student life, a rigorous academic environment and a place where I could take pride in being Black.”

While at A&T, Johnson discovered his passion for education through a practicum at Foust Elementary School in Greensboro. That experience inspired him to pursue advanced degrees in school administration and dedicate his career to empowering students and educators alike.

Throughout his career, Johnson has held leadership roles in Chatham, Guilford and Orange counties in North Carolina, as well as at NCDPI. His tenure at Orange High School has been marked by academic growth, improved performance and a culture of collaboration. Under his leadership, the school exceeded growth expectations, improved its letter grade and increased proficiency across all racial groups.

Johnson attributes his leadership philosophy — “leading with love” — to his upbringing. Raised by his mother, Zeathea Massiah, an immigrant from Barbados, he learned the values of hard work, cultural pride and resilience.

Education remains a family affair. His wife, Heather Johnson, is a literacy coach and interventionist at A.L. Stanback Middle School in Hillsborough. Their son is preparing to become a teacher and their three daughters are in middle and elementary school.

“I love what I do and I’m excited to go to school every day,” said Johnson. “A&T gave me the foundation, and now I get to pay it forward. Best job in the world.”

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About North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically Black university, as well one of the top 25 “Most Innovative” universities in America (U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2024). North Carolina A&T is a land-grant, doctoral research university and a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. An exponential university, A&T is recognized widely for its national leadership in graduating African American students in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was established in 1891 as only the second land-grant college created under the second Morrill Act and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.