Angel Reese had been looking forward to the inaugural HBCU Awarefest since last year. When the moment finally arrived, Athlete Vanity released an outfit check video in which Reese explained why HBCUs truly matter to her.

"I am supporting Howard today at my HBCU event because, why not? I always wanted to go to Howard because… I always actually wanted to go to HBCU," Angel Reese said.

She continued, "But I also wanted to play in Power 5. So, tough decisions. But in my second life, I will be a HBCU alum, and I will be a Howard alum because I just know I want to go to Howard. It's close to home. I'm from Maryland, so it's close. "

The Awarefest brought together artists, executives, students, and changemakers through panels and performances, all focused on advancing Black education and economic mobility.

Reese took the stage and spoke with NFL star Ryan Clark, as the participation was part of her broader efforts during the WNBA offseason to support HBCU students and address the student loan debt crisis.

And while her presence at HBCU Awarefest made a strong statement, her connection to HBCU culture goes much deeper than just one event.

Angel Reese and HBCU - A Deep-Rooted Connection

When asked in 2023 about playing in HBCU venues like Coppin State and Morgan State, and the support from local communities, Angel Reese said, “I mean, honestly, I would have loved to go to HBCU."

Speaking after the win against Baltimore-based HBCU Coppin State, Reese shared how much she appreciated the atmosphere and culture, and how she wished she could be part of it.

She also acknowledged the disparity, wanting to give back to the community that helped shape her, including playing games against local HBCUs like Coppin State.

"Having the resources and opportunities they don't, they're not the same, of course. But one day, being able to give back to a community like this, and being able to, you know, we came here and we had to pay them to play us. So being able to do that," Angel Reese said.

She added, "Of course, I remember my experience playing against Poly at Morgan was just like this. And being able to have the whole city coming out and so many people coming out tonight and supporting us has just been amazing for me."

And while Angel Reese may not become an HBCU alum in the traditional sense, her influence and support could still make a meaningful impact on those programs and communities.

That being said, do you think Angel Reese would have made an even bigger impact if she had chosen an HBCU over a Power Five program? Let us know!

Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Arvind Rao