The 3rd annual Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic is all set to tip-off this Saturday, February 3rd at Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center, with Toyota also taking the floor once again as the event’s founding sponsor.
The annual event, co-created by director, actor and entrepreneur Michael B. Jordan and hosted in his hometown, features a unique double-header of HBCU men’s basketball games, this year pitting the Grambling State University Tigers vs. Jackson State University’s Tigers in the Classic’s first SWAC conference matchup. Also, continuing one of the oldest rivalries in HBCU sports, the Hampton University pirates will take on the Howard University bison in a thrilling cage battle, all scheduled to air on the TNT network and re-air post-event on HBCU-GO TV.
The Legacy Classic this year spotlights not just basketball, but also a multi-faceted HBCU experience with a business startup pitch competition, a “Battle of the Bands,” Greek organization step shows, college recruitment fair and even a sports & entertainment summit on tap, all part of an array of cultural elements showcasing the many distinct facets of HBCU culture and lifestyle. Toyota will be on-hand to amplify awareness of its support for HBCU’s by bringing its own “Nudge” ambassador, multimedia journalist and influencer Paulana Lamonier, center-court at the halftime of game one for an interview where she’ll encourage attendees to use their smartphones to press the Toyota nudge button daily.
Lamonier is the founder of New York-based Black People Will Swim, a company that aims to teach more people in the BIPOC community to swim, while also working to counter stereotypes. Her “Nudge” segment will air during game two, where she’ll also emphasize to fans the impact that a $300,000 donation from Toyota can have on America’s 107 HBCUs, fueling the excitement toward reaching Toyota’s goal. She’ll additionally mention the well received “After the Nudge” podcast series, and invite attendees to access the episodes online. Home viewers of the Classic via broadcast will share in the opportunity with the Nudge button also available via a QR code.
After honoring an inspiring group of deserving, noteworthy local grassroots organizations from across the U.S. with $10,000 grants in its first year, Toyota’s “Need a Nudge” program returned in 2023 with the follow-up campaign “After the Nudge.” The “Nudge Button” is an online tab that when activated prompts the company to contribute one dollar to America’s Black colleges. The button, at AftertheNudge.com, can be depressed as often as ten times per day, per individual, toward Toyota’s goal of donating $300,000 to these storied institutions. The companion national podcast series, co-hosted by noted, award-winning Black journalist Soledad O’Brien and former NBA athlete J.R. Smith was launched this past fall and focuses on how Toyota “nudged” grassroots community organizations with the micro-grants, and how site visitors now have a unique opportunity to join in Toyota’s efforts to support HBCU’s across the higher education ecosystem.