First Take to Make HBCU Stops
ESPN’s signature morning debate show First Take with featured commentator and executive producer, Winston-Salem State grad Stephen A. Smith and host Shae Cornette announced last week its annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) tour this fall.
The stops include trips to Virginia State University on Oct. 9 in Petersburg, Va. and Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Ala. on Nov. 6. HBCUs and dates are subject to change.
ESPN’s First Take HBCU Tour is an initiative the company has supported since 2019. Last year, Smith and team visited Norfolk State University, the Amazon Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola, Delaware State University and Bethune-Cookman University.
The show has traveled to Winston-Salem State University (2023) and to Florida A&M with comedian Kevin Hart and movie producer Will Packer (2021). The show also celebrated HBCU Week at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2022 and at 76ers Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Del. in 2019.
ESPN’s First Take airs weekdays from 10 a.m. – Noon ET on ESPN.
Tomlin to Keynote NC Central Tip-Off
Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Tomlin will serve as the keynote speaker at the North Carolina Central men’s basketball 2026 Tip-Off Banquet on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Sheraton Imperial at Research Triangle Park in Durham.
Tomlin was the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007-2025, finishing his tenure without a losing season. He recently joined NBC Sports’ broadcast team for Football Night in America ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
The event begins at 7 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the men’s basketball program. Tickets are $125 per person.
