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NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal Partners with HBCU’s Miles College for Campus Venture

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Miles College is honored to partner with Shaquille O’Neal and welcome him to our historic and beautiful campus,” Knight said in a statement. “Shaquille is a skilled investor, savvy entrepreneur, and marketing and branding genius. This partnership tells the world that this is Miles College’s day, and this is Miles College’s time to show America that HBCUs can join icons like Shaquille and launch business ventures like Papa John’s on our campuses,” Knight stated.

Published

5 years ago

October 19, 2019

Oakland Post

A part owner of the NBA's Sacramento Kings, O'Neal also owns a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts franchise in Atlanta. Previously, he owned 27 Five Guys Burgers and Fries franchises. O’Neal also is the founder and owner of Big Chicken, a fast-casual fried chicken restaurant in Las Vegas, and Shaquille's, a fine-dining eatery in Los Angeles.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

A new partnership between NBA great Shaquille O’Neal and Miles College will help bring a Papa John’s Pizzeria to every Historically Black College and University Campus in the nation.

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have paved the way for African Americans and people of other races to receive a quality education deservedly,” O’Neal said in a statement issued through the Purpose PR Firm in Birmingham.

“HBCUs have been pivotal in the development of young minds; influential in highlighting the history and culture of African Americans and effectively provided a means for academic success,” O’Neal stated.

“It is in these great halls of these wonderful institutions that students saw their potential magnified and exemplified.”

In a statement, Miles College President Bobbie Knight said she was excited about the new venture.

“Miles College is honored to partner with Shaquille O’Neal and welcome him to our historic and beautiful campus,” Knight said in a statement.

“Shaquille is a skilled investor, savvy entrepreneur, and marketing and branding genius. This partnership tells the world that this is Miles College’s day, and this is Miles College’s time to show America that HBCUs can join icons like Shaquille and launch business ventures like Papa John’s on our campuses,” Knight stated.

O’Neal and Knight plan to formally announce the HBCU initiative that will ultimately involve all HBCU’s at a noon press conference on the Campus of the Birmingham, Alabama school on October 26.

Founded in 1898, Miles College counts as a premier liberal arts institution located in metropolitan Birmingham within the corporate limits of the City of Fairfield. The institution’s founders saw educated leadership as the paramount need in the black community.

O’Neal is a 15-time NBA All-Star, who won 4 championships.

He became Papa John’s first African American board member when he inked a multi-million deal earlier this year and he has ownership stakes in at least nine different locations.

Plans also include a “Shaq” pizza with commercials featuring the towering basketball legend.

Before inking the deal with Papa John’s, O’Neal reportedly told the chain’s CEO, Steve Ritchie, that “the only way I would want to be involved is if you got some diversity in your leadership. He said, ‘I’ll take you up on that.'”

Not long after, O’Neal said, ‘How about a triple threat? Board member; I want to invest in stores to show you I’m serious, and, of course, I’ll be an ambassador to the brand.”

Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1972, O’Neill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from Louisiana State University. He earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and an Ed.D in Human Resources Development from Barry University.

As an investor, restaurant, and franchise owner, the retired basketball star and TNT broadcaster has established a strong business track record.

A part owner of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, O’Neal also owns a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts franchise in Atlanta.

Previously, he owned 27 Five Guys Burgers and Fries franchises.

O’Neal also is the founder and owner of Big Chicken, a fast-casual fried chicken restaurant in Las Vegas, and Shaquille’s, a fine-dining eatery in Los Angeles.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ‘If you want to move people, it has to be toward a vision that’s positive for them, that taps important values, that gets them something they desire and it has to be presented compellingly, so that they feel inspired to follow,'” O’Neal said.

“Today, I ask you to catch the same vision that the noble founders of HBCUs held in carving out a venue to education, independence, and success. Join President Bobbie Knight of the great Miles College and me as we move toward a business initiative that will open avenues of opportunities for our HBCUs. Today is our day! This is our time!” O’Neal declared.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org