Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic brought more than hoops to Newark
This past Saturday, the third annual Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic was held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey featuring HBCU men’s basketball programs Hampton University, Howard University, Grambling State University, and Jackson State University.
Before tip-off to start the day’s games, the North Carolina A&T Choir performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the national anthem.
In the opener, Grambling defeated JSU 70- 62. Grambling was led by Tra’Michael Moton’s 19 points. In the battle of the HUs, Hampton rallied from a 12-point deficit to defeat Howard in a nailbiter 63-61. Hampton’s Jerry Deng finished with 21 points.
“To say it’s an honor is an understatement,” said Howard’s junior guard and Brentwood, Long Island native Bryce Harris about the experience of taking part in the Legacy Classic.
“Being at an HBCU, you don’t get to play on a stage like this a lot of times. Not only that, but to see the stands filled up and see the turnout and the support, not only Grambling, Jackson State, Howard, and Hampton, but I’m talking about there are people in attendance from all other HBCUs. I saw Tuskegee here. I saw North Carolina A&T in the building. It is great because it shows togetherness. That type of support you can’t really describe in words.”
The Legacy Classic was created by actor/director/ entrepreneur Michael B. Jordan, in partnership with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, and Horizon Sports & Experiences.
Aired nationally on TNT, the showcase of HBCU culture included a welcome party hosted by Jordan and actor and television personality Terrence J, a kickoff concert featuring singer and songwriter Keri Hilson, a sports and entertainment summit, a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) college fair, and Boardroom x Legacy Classic Brunch with Kevin Durant’s media company Boardroom, which aims to connect 25 HBCU alumni with 25 senior executives across sports and entertainment.
Sports media personality Taylor Rooks moderated a conversation with former WNBA player and Atlanta Dream owner Renee Montgomery, Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington, CEO and founder of Bob Technologies Anthony Buchanan, and Invesco Head of Investment Due Diligence Donna Wilson. The panel shared insight and lessons on their respective industries.
The Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic donated $250,000 to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). Five local Newark high schools were awarded $10,000 scholarships to attend HBCUs in honor of their leadership activities and abilities by the TMCF. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was joined by Jordan and 29 TMCF Yard Ambassadors representing numerous HBCU institutions to present the awards to the students during the doubleheader.
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