Super Bowl 59 was a big win for the HBCU community and the Divine Nine,
showcasing talent from these organizations. The matchup featured the Kansas City
Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles, with the Eagles emerging victorious. Jalen
Hurts, quarterback for the Eagles and a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc., led his team to victory, securing the Lombardi Trophy. His wife, also a member of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Southern University Band kicked off the pre-show with a performance alongside
rapper and mogul Master P, an outspoken advocate for HBCUs. The show continued
with Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Ledisi, who performed the Black
national anthem, receiving widespread praise for her rendition. Ledisi is also a proud
member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Samuel L. Jackson, a Morehouse College alum, joined Kendrick Lamar for an
unforgettable halftime performance named one of the most politically
significant in Super Bowl history. Known for his roles in Coach Carter, The Incredibles,
and Spider-Man, Jackson made a surprise cameo as “Uncle Sam,” the duo
delivered a performance addressing America’s diverse realities. Kendrick performed his
biggest hits, including “HUMBLE.” and “Alright,” before closing with his Grammy-
winning diss track, “Not Like Us.” The performance set records, drawing an impressive
133.5 million viewers.
The impact of HBCUs extended beyond the performances, as several members of the coaching
staff and players in Super Bowl LVIII have strong ties to these historic institutions.
Christian Parker, the Eagles’ passing game coordinator, began his coaching career at Virginia
State University before moving on to roles with the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals.
Eagles’ quarterbacks coach Roy Anderson is also an HBCU alum, having attended Howard
University in 1988.
On the player side, Kansas City Chiefs safety Brian Cook spent two seasons at Howard
University in 2017 before making his mark in the NFL. Additionally, Chiefs assistant defensive
line coach Terry Braden played three seasons at Howard before transferring to Tuskegee.
For many HBCU alumni and supporters, Super Bowl 59 was a moment of pride, as it
spotlighted the culture, success, and influence of HBCUs and the Divine Nine on one of
the world’s biggest stages.
