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(BALTIMORE – March 2, 2025) – It was an absolute pleasure to witness the CIAA return to Baltimore once again. From Mayor Brandon Scott to Visit Baltimore’s Al Hutchinson to the incomparable Zack McDaniels, a dynamic mix of leaders and organizers came together to produce yet another spectacular event celebrating HBCUs. This all unfolded in the heart of downtown Baltimore over the past week.
Last year, the tournament generated over $32 million in economic impact, and this year’s numbers could be even higher. While Morgan State and Coppin State are not part of the CIAA, the event still honored the rich history and enduring legacy of HBCUs.
HBCUs have long been a sanctuary for African Americans seeking higher education. In today’s political climate, particularly given the developments at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, this event served as a potent reminder that no matter what America does—or fails to do—we will always have each other.
Special recognition is also due to Azikewe Deveaux and his Black Owned Restaurant Tour (BORT). His mission to highlight Black-owned businesses in a predominantly Black city ensures visitors experience the best of Baltimore’s Black culinary scene. Restaurants like Soul Food, Papi Cuisine, and other Black-owned establishments reap the benefits of Black tourism, reinforcing the power of economic circulation within our community.
Baltimore is set to host the CIAA for one more year, and hopefully, 2026 will be just as impactful. At the very least, this event has been a clear reminder of the strength of the Black dollar. On Friday, a nationwide call urged Black America to refrain from shopping at major retailers like Target and Walmart in response to the removal of DEI initiatives. It is disheartening that, in 2025, we are still battling racism as if it were 1955. Yet, in moments like these, I am reminded of a simple but powerful truth: “We’re all we got, and we’re all we need.”
