Gaming U: Four HBCUs Shaping The Esports Space

Written By: Ryan Shepard

For more than a century, historically Black colleges and universities across the nation have played an integral role in the development of American society and global development. Over the years, inuential leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Vice President Kamala Harris have earned degrees at HBCUs. In the world of entertainment, HBCUs have produced iconic gures like Chadwick Boseman, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Spike Lee. Not to be forgotten, former New York Mayor David Dinkins, Walgreens CEO Rosalind Brewer, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and countless others have made their way across the graduate stage at Howard University, Spelman College and Winston Salem State University. Having impacted nearly every industry imaginable, historically Black colleges and universities are now looking for new frontiers to explore.

In an increasingly digital world, esports continues to grow and expand. By 2030, the global esports industry is expected to generate more than $12 billion. Looking toward the future, several historically Black colleges and universities are looking to give their students a leg up on the competition. While there are more HBCUs diving into the esports space than can be t into one article, here are ve esports programs popping up at Black colleges and universities that you should keep your eye on.

Benedict College

(Benedict College)

Founded: 1870

Location: Columbia, SC

Student Population: 1,700

When Benedict College ofcially opened its doors, it was intended to exist as a teachers’ college. Over time, it expanded to include various liberal arts academic programs. Now, it is working to become a power in the esports space. In August 2022, the Columbia institution unveiled its plans to launch an esports-focused degree. Additionally, the college has partnered with Blaze Fire to start an esports club and host various gaming tournaments. With esports rising to the level of Olympic consideration, Benedict College aims to recruit some of the best esports athletes around.

Howard University

(Howard University)

Founded: 1867

Location: Washington, D.C.

Student Population: 9,689

There is gaming going down in the nation’s capital. In November 2022, Howard University received a $10,000 grant from Verizon Foundation and Cxmmunity to advance its esports efforts. A major portion of the school’s commitment to its esports program will include the development of an esports lab on campus. In addition, Verizon has launched the Game Forward Scholarship to help ve women pursuing technology-related degrees. The Howard University Esports Association has also brought in Grammy-nominated recording artist Cordae to learn more about their work and the club recently wrapped up its latest Madden NFL tournament. If Howard University tackles the esports world in the way it has approached its other academic programs, the university will quickly make an impact in the gaming sphere.

Morehouse College

(Morehouse College)

Founded: 1867

Location: Atlanta, GA

Student Population: 2,206

Long ago, Morehouse College graduate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. let the world know about his dream for the future of the world at large. In the years that have passed, the university has produced world leaders that have worked to make King Jr.’s dream a reality. Now, the prestigious institution is looking into producing a new group of esports leaders that will attempt to bring positive change to the world through tech advancements and the evolution of gaming. Over the last two years, Morehouse College has played a pivotal role in the development of The Yard HBCU Esports Alliance, the Twitch-supported esports league and various other HBCU gaming-related ventures.

North Carolina Central University

(North Carolina Central University)

Founded: 1910

Location: Durham, NC

Student Population: 8,207

North Carolina Central University was one of the rst historically Black universities to enter the esports space. In 2016, students in Durham formed a gaming-focused club on campus. Just a few years later, the university launched its rst gaming degree program. Not only is NCCU looking to develop esports athletes, but it is also working to assist students interested in becoming gaming developers.

“Our goal is to produce students who are ready to go work in any studio,” North Carolina Central University Associate Professor Kwame Hawkins told ABC 11.

“So that if they have the ability to work on a triple A title they have the skills to do so, and to apply for those jobs.”

Article in Partnership with Def Pen