LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – Lincoln University’s 2020 valedictorian will represent the institution during The Undefeated’s present ‘HBCU Day’ this Saturday, May 23, to celebrate the Class of 2020 graduates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Undefeated is ESPN’s content platform exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture.
“I am grateful for The Undefeated's acknowledgment of HBCUs across the country. Their highlighting of historical black colleges on a national platform is a shining example of a changing era that recognizes the unique value of our institutions,” said Jordyn Adams-Morris, a mass communications major and the 2020 valedictorian who will represent Lincoln University during The Undefeated's HBCU Day.
“Our university is central to the HBCU tradition and deserves to be in the conversation with other notable universities. I believe HBCU Day presents a perfect opportunity to bring LU back to the forefront. It means the world to me to advance the Lincoln Legacy, this is just my first effort as a new alumna.”
“I am so proud of Jordyn Adams-Morris,” said Dr. Mahpiua Deas, upperclassman dean, associate professor, department of languages & literature.
“Since I first taught her in freshmen composition, she has always valued the richness of the Black experience in the United States and across the diaspora. Indeed, her enthusiasm for learning, her commitment to academic excellence, and her desire to expand our understanding of the Black experience has motivated her to take on increasingly challenging projects within the field of Black studies.”
“All that she has accomplished and gained during her time at Lincoln University, will serve her well as she moves on to graduate school and into her professional life."
Jordyn Adams-Morris, Lincoln University’s 2020 valedictorian
Using the hashtag #UndefeatedHBCUDay, the virtual celebration will feature a collection of videos and written content shared all day across The Undefeated’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts and curated on www.TheUndefeated.com.
Former President Barack Obama headlines a list of prominent African Americans who will deliver congratulatory and inspirational messages to this year’s HBCU graduates. Others include Grammy Award-winning artist Toni Braxton, actor Omar Epps, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, The Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James, Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, and more.
“We are most grateful to The Undefeated for the invitation to participate in HBCU Day. In fact, we are jubilant,” said Dr. Lenetta Lee, dean of the college, vice president of student success.
As part of The Undefeated's HBCU Day, more than 20 valedictorians and ambassadors – nominated by their respective schools – will share inspirational and encouraging messages to their fellow graduates. Their messages will be shared across The Undefeated platforms on Saturday.
“We are proud to present ‘HBCU Day,’ a celebration of the next generation of leaders who have been educated by our Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Kevin Merida, ESPN senior vice president and editor-in-chief of The Undefeated. “The day is a reminder of the brilliance and potential of the 2020 graduating class, and of the role HBCUs continue to play in the development of this country.”
The Undefeated and HBCUs
The Undefeated is one of the leading media platforms providing insightful reporting and storytelling focused on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Stories about HBCUs are one of the featured content verticals on The Undefeated website. In addition, the ESPN sports, race and culture platform offers a Rhoden Fellowship, a one-year journalism internship program that identifies and trains aspiring African American journalists from HBCUs. During the academic year, the Fellows serve as correspondents covering sports and news at their respective campuses for The Undefeated’s HBCU vertical.
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lincoln University has postponed the in-person Commencement ceremony. University officials will announce the rescheduled date soon.
