Howard University’s men’s basketball team will host Notre Dame on Martin Luther King Day in 2021 at Burr Gymnasium in Washington, DC. The Bison made the announcement Friday on Juneteenth Day.
It will be the Notre Dame’s first road game to an HBCU in program history.
“We are excited to host the University of Notre Dame men’s basketball team in what will certainly be a spirited competition that will energize the fans on both sides of the court,” Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick said in a statement. “As we witness the nation’s outcry for social justice and racial equality, this event will be a fitting demonstration of unity, collegiality and sportsmanship.”
According to HBCU Gameday, Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey has been pushing for other ACC schools to travel to HBCU’s on MLK Day.
How much influence he has to get other ACC programs to follow in Notre Dame’s footsteps remain to be seen. MLK Day comes at a time usually reserved for conference play throughout the NCAA.
But, the significance of Notre Dame’s decision is magnifying. HBCU programs have traveled to Power 5 schools for many years to play. They’re referenced as “money games” for both college football and basketball. Thus, having a Power 5 team such as Notre Dame travel to an HBCU is huge, let alone on MLK Day, a holiday that signifies the civil rights movement. Additionally, it’s a celebration of a Black leader, who sacrificed his life for civil rights.
Howard head coach Kenneth Blakeney and Brey both have ties to the DC area. The two played at DeMatha Catholic under legendary coach Morgan Wooten. Also, both Howard and Notre Dame each have apparel deals with Under Armour. Thus making the collaboration easier.
“We are honored to welcome Notre Dame to Howard University for our annual MLK Day game,” Blakeney stated. “Coach Mike Brey and I are brothers! We were both mentored by one of the best educators, Coach Morgan Wooten at DeMatha Catholic H.S., who considered himself a teacher first. We understand that this game is bigger than both universities and I feel that we have a social and civic responsibility to engage our programs in celebrating Dr. King’s birthday.”
Notre Dame beat Howard 79-50 in a November meeting last season in South Bend, Indiana.
DC area native Prentiss Hubb is Notre Dame’s returning leading scorer. He attended Gonzaga High School in Washington, DC.
Certainly the move is beneficial for both programs choosing to play on MLK Day. Pending broadcast, Howard will get the national attention. Notre Dame will get acknowledgment for the historic decision to travel to an HBCU on such a significant day.
“We have been looking for the best way to fulfill our game contract with Howard and this seemed like the perfect fit,” Brey said. “As our program searched for the best way to remain active participants in the push for social change, a visit to one of our nation’s top HBCUs on Martin Luther King Jr. Day will provide an incredible educational experience for our student-athletes, coaches, support staff and university.”
Top recruit Mikey Williams has proposed a game-changing move to commit to an HBCU. Following the social unrest stemming from the death of George Floyd, attention has shifted to influence of black athletes.
Power 5 programs have thrived off the Black athlete for decades. Notre Dame giving Howard a true home game could be groundbreaking. Hopefully, more Power 5 programs will follow in returning the favor in a small but significant measure.
