Celebrating Excellence in HBCU Athletics and Education
Indianapolis Recorder Op-Ed
“College Basketball’s Biggest Weekend” in Indianapolis
By Travis L. Williams, CEO & HBCU All-Stars LLC
February 25, 2026
Why the HBCU All-Star Game Experience Matters
In October 2019, after 17 years of coaching, I felt a calling I couldn’t ignore. Everywhere I went, talent showed up early — disciplined, prepared, and ready — while opportunity showed up late, if at all.
This was bigger than basketball. This was about whether HBCU student-athletes and coaches would be talked about or truly invested in, seen, and valued.
The evidence was undeniable.
There are over 450 players in the NBA and 150 in the WNBA. For years, there was zero representation of women HBCU players on WNBA rosters.
Robert Covington, who I coached at Tennessee State, carried the HBCU culture during his 10-year NBA career. Until this season, there wasn’t a single active HBCU All-Star alum on an NBA roster.
“The problem is not talent — it’s visibility, access and opportunity.”
That reality is why we built HBCU All-Stars — a Black-owned sports marketing, events, and media company guided by exposure, access, recognition, opportunities, resources and results. That’s the bar our HBCUs and their gifted student-athletes and coaches have always deserved.
This mission is personal. My wife Kya serves as co-founder and CFO, and our children are ambassadors for the work. We made it a family commitment because the goal was never to create a moment — it was to build a pathway for future generations.
HBCU All-Star Game founder Travis Williams (center) with members of CBS Sports and the United Negro College Fund in 2023, in Houston, Texas. (Photo provided/HBCU All-Star Game)
This season marked a breakthrough. Javonte Cooke of Winston-Salem State University, who competed in our 2022 game, signed with the Portland Trail Blazers. Out of more than 450 NBA players, he’s the first active HBCU All-Star alum on a roster. That’s progress — but it’s also perspective.
When I talk about equity, I’m not talking about handouts. I’m talking about standards — facilities and resources that match the talent, coaching infrastructure and essentials young adults need to thrive. The talent has never been the question. The investment has.
At its core, the HBCU All-Star Game Experience exists to elevate HBCU athletics on a stage where opportunity has been uneven.
“The lack of professional representation doesn’t signal a weak pipeline — it signals an invisible one.”
HBCU All-Star Game founder Travis Williams giving back to the community. (Photo provided/HBCU All-Star Game)
On Sunday, April 5, 2026, College Basketball’s Biggest Weekend & Men’s Championships alignment is intentional. Placing HBCU talent in the spotlight challenges outdated narratives about where excellence resides.
The weekend includes a Pro Day Combine mirroring NBA standards. In 2025, scouts from 25 of 30 franchises attended. Our goal: all 30 teams in the building.
The weekend culminates Easter Sunday at Corteva Coliseum. But this isn’t just a game. It’s a four-day experience including a college admissions fair, awards ceremony, social justice luncheon, youth programming, basketball clinic, and conversations connecting education, culture, sports and career pathways.
“The hardwood is the stage — opportunity is the mission.”
Invest in a platform connecting people, sports, education, and economic impact — ensuring talent and opportunity finally meet on time.
The hardwood is the stage — opportunity is the mission. A sold-out arena sends a clear message: HBCU excellence matters and deserves investment. Hotels fill rooms, restaurants serve visitors, and local organizations become part of a nationally visible experience. This compliments College Basketball’s Biggest Weekend, ensuring the nation invests in talent too often overlooked.
Indianapolis has the chance to lead. Buy a ticket. Bring a young person. Donate one if you can’t attend. Support us as a sponsor or partner. Invest in a platform connecting people, sports, education, and economic impact — ensuring talent and opportunity finally meet on time.
Because when a city shows up for HBCU excellence, the return extends far beyond the final buzzer — and the world has no choice but to pay attention.
Travis L. Williams is the founder and CEO of HBCU All Stars.
ABOUT THE HBCU ALL STAR GAME
The HBCU All-Star Game is more than just a sporting event—it’s a movement that celebrates the rich heritage, culture, and athletic prowess of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Founded with a mission to shine a spotlight on the outstanding student-athletes who represent these institutions, the HBCU All-Star Game showcases the best talent from across the nation while promoting educational excellence, sportsmanship, and community empowerment.
OUR MISSION
At the heart of the HBCU All-Star Game is a commitment to uplift and support HBCU students and athletes.
We aim to:
Highlight athletic achievement at the highest levels of college basketball.
Elevate the visibility of HBCUs in the broader sports and academic communities.
Inspire future generations to pursue education and athletics through representation and role models.
Give back through scholarships, mentorship, and community programs that benefit the next wave of HBCU scholars and athletes.
The HBCU All Star Game Staff
Travis L. Williams
CEO
Travis Williams is the visionary founder of the HBCU All-Star Game, dedicated to showcasing the immense talent of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) student-athletes. With a passion for uplifting the HBCU community, Williams has committed his career to fostering opportunities for young athletes to excel both on and off the court.
Kya Williams
CFO
Kya Williams serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the HBCU All-Star Game, where she expertly oversees the organization’s financial strategy and operations. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to financial integrity, Kya ensures the continued growth and sustainability of the platform that celebrates and uplifts HBCU student-athletes.
Felicia Hall Allen
Director of business affairs
Felicia Hall Allen, Director of Business Affairs for the HBCU All-Star Game, brings a wealth of expertise in leadership, team building, and sports management. As CEO of Felicia Hall Allen & Associates and a former executive with NIKE and the WNBA, she excels in organizational development and strategic business initiatives. A dynamic speaker and recognized leader, Felicia is passionate about empowering others and driving impactful change within the sports and business communities.
Shayon Green
CHIEF OF STAFF
Shayon Green serves as the Chief of Staff for the HBCU All-Star Game, overseeing strategic operations and organizational alignment across departments. With a strong background in leadership, team coordination, and operational management, Shayon ensures that the organization runs efficiently and effectively. His commitment to excellence and collaborative approach help drive the HBCU All-Star Game’s mission forward, supporting its vision of celebrating and elevating HBCU talent on a national stage.
Derrick Clark
Director of Videography
Derrick Clark is the Director of Videography for HBCU All-Stars, LLC, where he is responsible for capturing and producing high-quality visual content that highlights the talent and stories of HBCU athletes. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Derrick ensures that each video piece reflects the excellence and dynamic energy of the HBCU community. His expertise in videography plays a key role in showcasing the impact and success of the HBCU All-Star Game and its participants.
Tyshiba Maxie
Director of College Admissions
Tyshiba Maxie is the Director of College Admissions & Scholarship Fairs for HBCU All-Stars, LLC. With over 23 years of experience in education, Tyshiba is driven by her passions for youth advocacy, creative arts, and personal resilience. She holds dual master’s degrees and is a school counseling specialist in Metro Atlanta. As a survivor of child abuse and domestic violence, she empowers students to “turn wounds into wisdom.” A proud mother and Delta Sigma Theta member, Tyshiba is committed to helping students achieve academic success and personal growth.
Tim Thorn
Director of Game Day Programs
Tim Thorn, Director of Game Day Programs for HBCU All-Stars, LLC, is a retired military veteran from Houston, Texas, and a proud alumnus of Prairie View A&M University. Since joining the organization in 2022, Tim has been instrumental in designing the HBCU All-Star game’s gameday programs and supporting the daily operations of the organization. His background as a small business owner and his passion for HBCU culture contribute to the success of HBCU All-Star events.
Chris Mumford
IT & Digital Marketing
Chris Mumford is the IT, Digital Marketing, and Merchandising Lead for HBCU All-Stars, LLC. With a strong background in technology and digital marketing, Chris ensures the organization’s digital presence is cutting-edge while overseeing the development of merchandise that celebrates HBCU pride. His expertise in IT and marketing plays a key role in driving the success of both online and event-related operations for the HBCU All-Star Game.
Mawuli Davis
Social Justice Ambassador
Mawuli Davis serves as the Social Justice & Civil Rights Ambassador for HBCU All-Stars, LLC. A seasoned attorney and civil rights advocate, Davis is committed to fighting for equality and justice in underrepresented communities. With extensive experience in community organizing, legal advocacy, and public speaking, he empowers others to take action against social injustices. Davis leverages his legal expertise to champion civil rights and inspire positive change through education and activism.
A Tradition of Excellence
HBCUs have a proud legacy of developing not only top-tier athletes but also leaders, innovators, and trailblazers in every field. The HBCU All-Star Game brings together elite athletes from both Division I and Division II programs, showcasing their skills on a national stage and offering them the chance to further their athletic careers.
More Than a Game
The HBCU All-Star Game is also about community. We honor the past, present, and future of HBCUs by recognizing the impact these institutions have on the broader African-American community. Through partnerships with national organizations, sponsors, and alumni networks, we are committed to making a positive difference—on and off the court.
Whether you’re an HBCU graduate, student, or supporter, we invite you to join us in celebrating this rich tradition. Together, we can continue to raise awareness for HBCUs and their vital role in shaping future generations.
