HBCUs made the 2026 NCAA Tournament field in historic numbers for the first time since 1994, with five programs earning wins and sparking a conversation about long-overdue recognition.
Sports
Local and national sports reporting and commentary by the state’s leading African American sportswriters, including award-winning columnists Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, with a special emphasis on the local prep scene and disparities in sports administration and media coverage.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Chaska Totino-Grace capture state titles
2026 state boys basketball tournament Sensational Seven photos highlight champions and top players from Classes 4A and 3A.
Posted inOdds and Ends
‘Court Queens’ Gives women’s basketball its due
Court Queens by Jordan Robinson and Emma Baccellieri celebrates more than 130 years of women’s basketball history with Black women prominently featured throughout.
Posted inSports
Ashley Moore: Changing the game on and off Camera
Ashley Moore joins KARE 11 as the station’s first Black female sports journalist, ready to cover the Lynx, tell community stories and bring new energy to Twin Cities sports.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Talented players representing in state tournament
Meet five standout 2026 Minnesota state boys basketball tournament players representing Minneapolis South, Tartan, Richfield and Totino-Grace.
Posted inAnother View
More than a game at The Barn
Minnesota advances to the Sweet 16 after a historic NCAA matchup against Ole Miss highlighting Black representation and leadership.
Posted inCoaching while Black
A wave of firings raises questions about equity in college coaching
Recent firings of Black college coaches highlight ongoing disparities in opportunity and job security in college basketball.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Minnesota connections highlight SWAC’s March Madness run
Minnesota athletes continue to shine across the SWAC and NCAA, highlighted by Ariel Bland and Nina Thorson.
Posted inAnother View
SWAC hoops put on a show in Atlanta, seeding debate remains
The SWAC basketball tournament highlights the strength of HBCU programs and their path to the NCAA tournament.
Posted inSports
Charles Hallman’s March Madness Tour Spotlights HBCU Hoops and Black Talent
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder sports journalist Charles Hallman took his annual March Madness coverage on the road, traveling to Tuscaloosa, Alabama (HBCUAC) and Atlanta, Georgia (SWAC) to highlight HBCU basketball and the impact of Black athletes. In between, Hallman stopped at Bethel University in Arden Hills to watch the Millsaps College women’s basketball team, which featured the […]
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Rosemount, Benilde-St. Margaret’s capture state titles
Rosemount and Benilde-St. Margaret’s won championships at the Minnesota girls basketball state tournament at Williams Arena.
Posted inVikings/NFL
Kyler Murray joins Vikings legacy of Black quarterbacks
Kyler Murray becomes the latest in the long legacy of Black quarterbacks Minnesota Vikings have trusted to lead their offense.
Posted inOdds and Ends
D3 March Madness ends, but Millsaps leaves its mark
The Millsaps women’s basketball NCAA tournament run ended with an 81–73 loss to Bethel after winning the Southern Athletic Association championship.
Posted inAnother View
Barnes building a conference, future leaders
Kiki Baker Barnes HBCUAC commissioner reflects on conference expansion, media partnerships and mentoring the next generation of Black women leaders.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Millsaps College represents in NCAA tournament
Bethel University defeated Millsaps College 81–73 in the first round of the NCAA Division III women’s basketball tournament.
Posted inBlack College Sports Report
Only one in the pool: Howard swim keeps HBCU legacy alive
Howard University swimming teams made history by winning the Northeast Conference championships, with both the men’s and women’s squads claiming titles.
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Minneapolis North Polars Hold Off Roosevelt Teddies, 64–60
The Minneapolis North Community Polars defeated the Roosevelt Teddies 64–60 in a competitive Minneapolis conference boys basketball matchup.
Posted inAnother View
March Madness: A look at HBCU basketball’s intensity and spirit
The HBCUAC basketball championship in Tuscaloosa highlighted NAIA HBCU talent as Rust College and SUNO captured conference titles.
Posted inGophers/College
Back to softball
Sophomore outfielder Jae Cosgriff is looking to build on her freshman season as Minnesota softball begins the 2026 campaign.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
South wins Twin City Title
Minneapolis South defeated St. Paul Central 80–77 to win the TC Championship, securing its first Twin City title since 1962.