BET Should ‘Stream (All) Black Culture’ And Go Back to Airing HBCU Sports

With the popularity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), especially on the sports side, on the rise once again, thanks in part to Deion Sanders’ term at Jackson State – BET needs to be consistent with its slogan of ‘Stream Black Culture’ and go back to airing HBCU sports once again.

The last time it occurred was in the first half of the 2000s when the 2004 SWAC Championship Game was one of the last matches on the network. Alabama State won that game over Southern, in a 40-35 thriller. This was shortly after BET was acquired by Viacom (also owners of MTV and Nickelodeon). Shortly after, BET disbanded its sports division. This was when the MEAC and SWAC signed deals with networks such as ESPNU.

When BET aired HBCU football, they seemed to use halftime to showcase the battle of the bands – which made you feel like you were actually present at the games. Also, in addition to regular-season games, they aired various HBCU Classics, such as the Atlanta Classic (then held at the now-demolished Georgia Dome – home of the Atlanta Falcons from 1992-2016), the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis (then held at the Hoosier Dome/RCA Dome and since 2008, held at Lucas Oil Stadium – home of the Indianapolis Colts). BET also showcased the HBCU student-athletes in areas they wouldn’t be showcased on networks like ESPN, SportsChannel America/FOX Sports Net/Home Team Sports, etc. Plus, BET used the HBCU culture to showcase the unity, passion, and experience that the students and alumni show for their schools.

HBCU Sports, especially football, was definitely a staple on BET for over two decades and it seems like BET has neglected many parts of its culture, especially this one. Also, they can capitalize on this and be consistent with its slogan of “Stream Blck Culture,” they should air D1 and D2 HBCU sports. Especially when you see Phoenix Suns Guard and Winston-Salem State alum Chris Paul sporting HBCU paraphernalia.