On March 19, 2026, Howard University celebrated a historic milestone by winning its first-ever NCAA tournament game against UMBC, coinciding with Black Press Week 2026, which took place from March 16-20 in Washington D.C.
The theme of this year’s Black Press Week was ‘Truth, Trust, and Technology: Approaching 200 Years of the Black Press in a Transforming Information Age.’ This event highlighted the significant role of the Black press in preserving and advancing Black media history, with the Black Press Archive Digitization Project aiming to safeguard historical records.
Howard University, a historically Black, private research university founded in 1867, is located less than a 15-minute drive from Capitol Hill and the National Mall. The university’s men’s basketball team made its third trip to the NCAA tournament in four years, showcasing its growing prominence in collegiate sports.
The victory against UMBC not only marked a significant achievement for the team but also positioned Howard’s men’s team to potentially become the first HBCU to reach the third round of the NCAA tournament if they win their next game. Historically, Black colleges and universities were not initially included in the NCAA tournament, with Alcorn State University being the first HBCU to win a tournament game in 1980.
Brandon Nightingale, reflecting on the success of Black Press Week, stated, “The event was a tremendous success.” Meanwhile, Dr. Ingrid Sturgis emphasized the importance of transparency in media, saying, “You have to let your readers or users know exactly how you’re using it.”
Kameron Hayes, a participant in the events, remarked, “It’s history-making to say the least,” underscoring the significance of both the tournament win and the Black Press Week celebrations.
As Howard University continues to make strides in both athletics and media, the financial implications of their NCAA success are noteworthy. The NCAA tournament units can earn the university approximately $2 million per unit, with women’s NCAA tournament games generating around $113,000 per game.
Liam Allen, a student athlete, expressed his thoughts on the financial rewards, stating, “I think the money that they win should go to them.” This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the need to support student athletes and their contributions to the university’s legacy.
As the university moves forward, the implications of this victory extend beyond sports, reinforcing Howard’s commitment to excellence in all areas, including its historical role in Black media.
