Austin Urban League Tips Off New Basketball Tradition
The Austin Area Urban League’s (AAUL) inaugural AAUL HBCU Basketball Invitational is taking over the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park in Cedar Park, Texas, on Nov. 23 and 24. The two-day tournament, created to enhance the visibility of HBCU athletic and academic programs, will feature Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, TX), Wiley College (Wiley, TX), Talladega College (Talladega, AL), and Langston University (Langston, OK). These schools will compete for the throne of the AAUL HBCU Basketball Invitational champion in the first-ever AAUL event of its kind.
“We’re excited to have our program participate in the inaugural AAUL HBCU Basketball Invitational. This is more than a basketball game for us, as we celebrate and educate our culture, legacy, and history that will provide invaluable exposure to Huston-Tillotson University and an opportunity for our athletes to showcase their talent,” said Thomas Henderson, Huston Tillotson’s Men’s Basketball Coach in a statement.
The AAUL HBCU Basketball Invitational seeks to elevate HBCU sports as a key driver of sports entertainment, but its impact extends beyond the court.
We are committed to creating programs that make a discernible change in our community
“This invitational is the first of the exciting programming we want to develop as part of the AAUL HBCU Live Xperience,” said Quincy Dunlap, President, and CEO, of Austin Area Urban League. “We are committed to creating programs that make a discernible change in our community and continue to drive support to HBCU academic and sporting programs.”
In addition to the games, the AAUL will host a Full Court Prep for Success youth program, College Fair and Career Expo. The youth development initiative will provide personal development skills for underserved boys and girls, ages 10-16, in cities across Central Texas. The college and career fair will feature a host of colleges and universities to engage with prospective students and top employers who are interested in diverse recruitment opportunities. These efforts will bring together various employers, experienced professionals, community-based organizations, and job seekers under one roof to deliver a best-in-class experience.
“While one team may walk away with the top prize, it’s our hope that everyone who attends, participates, or supports the tournament walks away feeling like a champion,” said Mario Davis, Special Initiatives Coordinator for the Urban League. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this entertaining, cause-worthy event that is expected to have a resounding effect on the HBCU community.”
Special ticket pricing for current students and alumni of participating organizations of the Invitational is available. Qualifying patrons should contact Mario Davis. General Public tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
