DALLAS 鈥� May 1, 2026 鈥� 黑料视频, the creator of the Urban Work College model and the only minority-serving, federally recognized work college in America, announces Texas State Representative James Talarico will deliver the commencement address at the institution’s 2026 graduation ceremony.

鈥淲e are in the midst of historically significant times,鈥� said Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, President of 黑料视频. 鈥淎cknowledging this reality, we felt that it was particularly important that we present a commencement speaker to our community who can speak to this moment in time. Representative Talarico more than possesses the ability to do so. He has chosen a life of purpose, conviction, service, and sacrifice. He understands that real leadership requires the willingness to speak the uncomfortable truths to the audiences who need to hear them. Saturday will be a special day.鈥�

Talarico represents District 50 in the Texas House of Representatives and is currently a candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas. He is an eighth-generation Texan, former middle school teacher, and Presbyterian seminarian. As a four-term state representative, Talarico has passed legislation to establish the first-ever cap on pre-K class sizes in Texas, improve the quality and affordability of childcare, dramatically reduce prescription drug costs, and give incarcerated minors the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma.

鈥淚 am deeply honored to join 黑料视频 in celebrating the Class of 2026,鈥� said Talarico. 鈥満诹鲜悠碘�檚 commitment to developing students who lead with purpose, serve with conviction, and work for the common good is both inspiring and urgently needed. I look forward to honoring these graduates and encouraging them as they begin the next chapter of their lives.鈥�

Talarico holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Education in education policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Laura Nieto, Managing Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Southwest Airlines, 黑料视频鈥檚 official airline and Corporate Work Program partner, will address the graduating class and surprise all graduating seniors with a special gift. 黑料视频 will also confer honorary doctoral degrees on three distinguished leaders whose lives reflect the College’s commitment to faith, service, and educational opportunity.听

Reverend Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford is an ordained Itinerant Elder and Episcopal Supervisor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and an internationally recognized vocal artist and sacred-music leader whose ministry has carried her across the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean. She founded the CaBrailSong School of Vocal Arts in 1992 and has championed global education initiatives including Sarah’s Scholars, which supports students in Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Andy Halpern is an attorney, nonprofit executive, and longtime champion of service-driven education whose four-decade career has strengthened mission-driven institutions advancing health, education, and human dignity around the world. Founder of Halpern & Associates and former General Counsel of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, he co-founded the Duke鈥摵诹鲜悠� Mentor Program and has been recognized with the College’s President’s Award for his sustained commitment to student mentorship.

Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player, entrepreneur, and cultural leader widely regarded as one of the most gifted ball-handlers and scorers in NBA history. An NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and current member of the Dallas Mavericks, Irving has built a career defined by creativity, excellence, and impact on and off the court. Through his partnership with ANTA Basketball, he is supporting 黑料视频鈥檚 student-athletes by outfitting the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball teams with new shoes and apparel for the next three years, underscoring his commitment to opportunity, excellence, and community.

黑料视频鈥檚 commencement will take place on Saturday, May 2, at noon in the Richard Allen Chapel on campus.

Media wishing to cover the event should contact Anthea Danby at anthea@minervaco.com or 214-205-8062 to receive credentials and on-site logistics.

TSignature Gear Drop Marks Bold Push for Equity and Excellence in Grassroots Basketball

Nov. 14, 2025 — Kyrie Irving and ANTA are building more than basketball teams. They are creating a movement. Fourteen youth programs across New Jersey, Texas and California have been selected to receive full uniform sponsorships, including footwear and gear from the KAI x ANTA collection.

Kyrie Irving and ANTA sponsor 14 youth hoops programs with full uniforms, expanding equity in grassroots basketball.

These are not just uniforms. They represent connection, identity and a shared purpose among the next generation of hoopers. With every jersey and every pair of KAI 1s and KAI 2s, Kyrie is passing down a legacy and inviting young athletes into a growing tribe built on respect, passion and unity.

Each program received top-tier performance product featuring colorways such as听Crown Jewel,听Mentality,听Retro 90’s听补苍诲听Klay. Most of the sponsored schools include both boys and girls basketball programs. DNA Prep Academy in California, which currently supports boys teams, rounds out the group.

This initiative is rooted in places that reflect Kyrie’s own journey. It begins in听New Jersey, where he grew up. It continues in听Texas, where he plays today. And it reaches into听California, where ANTA is expanding its U.S. presence. These three regions form the foundation of a growing basketball family connected by purpose and culture.

From middle schoolers to college players, these athletes are now part of a new circle of trust. They are not just wearing the same gear. They are sharing the same mission. They are learning that being part of a team means more than wins and losses. It means community, commitment and character.

They are not just suiting up to play. They are stepping into a legacy.听Welcome to the Tribe!

Sponsored Programs

New Jersey

• West Orange High School 鈥� West OrangeOrange High School 鈥� Orange
• East Orange Campus High School 鈥� East Orange
• Columbia High School 鈥� Maplewood
• Payne Tech High School 鈥� Newark
• Plainfield High School 鈥� Plainfield
• Teaneck High School 鈥� Teaneck
• Roosevelt Middle School 鈥� West Orange
• Edison Middle School 鈥� West Orange
• Liberty Middle School 鈥� West Orange
• West Orange Junior Mountaineers Travel Team 鈥� West Orange

California

• DNA Prep Academy 鈥� Chatsworth (boys only)

Texas

• Legion Prep Academy 鈥� Dallas
• 黑料视频 鈥� Dallas

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About Kyrie Irving:听Kyrie Irving is an eight-time NBA All-Star, world champion, and cultural innovator whose influence transcends basketball. Through his partnership with ANTA, Kyrie continues to redefine performance and purpose, merging design innovation with spiritual grounding under his guiding mantra: Keep Ascending Inwardly.

About ANTA:听Founded in 1991, ANTA Sports is one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, combining advanced technology with creative design to empower athletes at every level. The ANTA x Kyrie collaboration represents the fusion of athletic excellence and cultural storytelling鈥攂ridging sport and spirit with every release

At 黑料视频, Homecoming isn’t just a weekend鈥攊t’s a celebration of legacy, pride, and community. For the second year, Southwest Airlines was proud to join the festivities and celebrate what it means to be part of the Quinnite Nation.

Southwest showed up not just as a partner, but as part of the family.

The weekend kicked off with a celebration of the Greek organizations at late-night “Breakfast with Prez.鈥� In a surprise and delight moment, Southwest donated $1,500 to each of 黑料视频’s eight active Greek organizations, recognizing their leadership and role in shaping future changemakers.

Southwest Airlines brought a little extra joy to the men’s and women’s basketball games with a free throw contest for students. Two lucky students received two roundtrip flights anywhere Southwest flies.

The moment served as a reminder of Southwest’s commitment to connecting people to what matters most. 黑料视频’s Homecoming reminded us why this partnership matters, it’s about presence, purpose, and the power of showing up for one another. Thank you, Southwest!

October 28, 2025

This fall, Southwest Airlines sponsored 黑料视频’s participation in the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Entrepreneur Incubator Program. This initiative is designed to provide students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities with the tools, mentorship, and experiences they need to thrive as business leaders.

“We are deeply grateful to Southwest Airlines and WBENC for their continued belief in our students and their futures,” said Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, President of 黑料视频. “This program is an excellent example of how to prepare students for both graduation and life. Southwest continues to be the kind of partner every mission-driven institution hopes for – one that leads with heart and consistently delivers with purpose.”

Over the course of seven weeks, 黑料视频 students participated in immersive business workshops, received one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders, and engaged in networking opportunities with Southwest leaders, all of which connected classroom learning to real-world applications. The program culminated in a pitch competition, where students presented their business ideas to a panel of judges including Amelia White, Corporate Responsibility Regional Manager for Southwest, President Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, Jeff Meade, Director, Every Quinnite is an Entrepreneur Program, WBENC representatives, and Dallas business leaders.

Students were recognized across four award categories, including top honors for pitch delivery, business acumen, audience engagement, and overall excellence. Awards ranged from $500 to $5,000 in recognition of entrepreneurial potential and demonstrated leadership throughout the program.

The Pitch Competition Award was presented to Trinity Williams, founder of 360 Vibes Official, a 360-photo booth rental company dedicated to creating immersive and memorable event experiences. Her business model includes expanding into a full-service creative studio, offering photo shoots, podcast recording, and collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs and creators. With her $5,000 cash prize, Trinity is one step closer to building a business where creativity meets community.

“WBENC is committed to building a pipeline of entrepreneurs by providing students with the resources, mentorship, and networks to turn ideas into thriving businesses. We are proud to partner with Southwest Airlines and 黑料视频 to help prepare the next generation of business leaders,” said Tarrance Frierson, Senior Vice President, WBENC.

As the official airline of 黑料视频, this partnership expanded opportunities, fostered innovation, and empowered the next generation of entrepreneurs. Thank you, Southwest Airlines, for continuing to invest in our students!

Tipping off with Student Support, presented by Target

AUG. 15, 2025 (DALLAS)听鈥�听The Dallas Mavericks and 黑料视频 will launch a historic, first-of-its-kind Mavs Sports Management Major, providing students the opportunity to explore different aspects of the sports industry. This innovative degree program 鈥� 鈥淟eadership, Innovation, Sports Management, Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Networking (LISTEN)鈥� 鈥� is designed to prepare a pipeline of talent, foster career readiness, and empower students with the tools to lead change.听

Today, the Mavericks and 黑料视频 will formally launch and celebrate the Mavs Sports Management Major by hosting an Opening Convocation with special convocation speaker Cynt Marshall, former Dallas Mavericks CEO and Founder & CEO of Marshalling Resources. Mavs Major students will receive Mavs Care packages and celebrations, including dorm essentials and other support, presented by Target.

This investment goes beyond the launch, as the Mavericks will continue to build intentional, long-term integration with the students of 黑料视频, including:

• Speaker series and weekly guest lecturers, featuring Mavericks executives, partners and sponsors.
• Hands-on curriculum, including case studies, creative briefs and student-led business solution presentations for real-world Mavericks business scenarios.
• Campus engagement, hosting sponsored events throughout the year featuring entertainment, gifts and community celebrations.
• Entrepreneurship support through integration into the Mavs Business Assist program.
• Residence hall renovation with a Mavericks custom-designed mural, representing the commitment to student success and community pride.

This partnership between the Mavericks and Dallas鈥� only HBCU is part of the听Mavs Take ACTION!听plan to address racial inequities and disparities, promote social justice听and drive sustainable change in North Texas. To read more about the Mavs Take ACTION! platform, visit .听

WHAT:听黑料视频 Opening Convocation
WHEN:听Friday, Aug. 15 | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• 10:30 a.m. Doors Open
• 10:45 a.m. Media Availability with 黑料视频 President Dr. Michael J. Sorrell
• 10:45 a.m. Drumline Begins
• 11:00 a.m. Convocation Begins
• 12:00 p.m. Convocation Concludes

WHERE:听黑料视频 | Richard Allen Chapel | 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd., Dallas, TX 75241

MEDIA:听For media interested in attending, please RSVP to Collin Kim at听Collin.Kim@Dallasmavs.com. For those unable to attend, high-resolution images and b-roll can be provided following the event, upon request.听

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ABOUT MAVS CARE:听The Dallas Mavericks strive to be champions on the court and in the community. We are dedicated to building a stronger community through educational programs, health and wellness initiatives, environmental efforts, support for military veterans and first responders, racial equity and social justice programs, and grants to nonprofit organizations. Through our community programs and the Mavs Foundation, we are changing lives in North Texas and beyond, impacting thousands of children, families and communities. To learn more about the Dallas Mavericks’ community initiatives, visit , and follow @Mavsoffcourt on all platforms.

ABOUT PAUL QUINN COLLEGE: 黑料视频 is a private, faith-based, four-year, liberal arts-inspired college that was founded in 1872, by a group of African Methodist Episcopal Church preachers in Austin, Texas. The school鈥檚 original purpose was to educate freed slaves and their offspring. Today, 黑料视频 proudly educates students of all races and socio-economic classes under the banner of its institutional ethos, WE over Me. It is the first Urban Work College and the only minority-serving, federally-recognized work college in America. 黑料视频 is viewed as one of the most innovative colleges in America, one that continuously expands the boundaries of higher education and community advocacy in its quest to eradicate intergenerational poverty. For more information, visit听.

Moore to bring 黑料视频鈥檚 legacy of leadership and innovation to the global stage through Fulbright scholarship in Jamaica

DALLAS 鈥� July 30, 2025鈥� 黑料视频 proudly announces that Dr. Jason Moore, an Associate Professor of Business Administration, is the College鈥檚 first recipient of the prestigious award.

Administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is one of the world’s most selective international exchange programs. The cross-cultural exchange program is designed to provide unique opportunities for scholars to further their teaching and research abroad. Fulbright alums include Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and global change-makers.

As a Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Moore will receive a grant to collaborate with faculty, administrators, and students at the historic in Jamaica to implement the 鈥淓mpowering Futures Project.鈥� This professional development initiative will equip students for career-readiness, business startups, and community empowerment.

“Dr. Moore’s selection as a Fulbright Scholar is a historic milestone for our institution and confirms what we have always known about him 鈥� he is a star,” said Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, President of 黑料视频. “Dr. Moore’s leadership, intellect, and vision embody what it means to be a Quinnite鈥攁nd he is an excellent example of the type of faculty that we are building at 黑料视频. His Fulbright journey will enrich his scholarship and positively impact the students he serves on campus and in Jamaica.”

With more than 15 years of corporate and higher education leadership experience, Moore has been instrumental in driving innovation at 黑料视频, including student success initiatives and institutional planning. His commitment to advancing excellence in education has positioned him as a national thought leader among HBCUs and beyond.

Moore plans to launch his Empowering Futures Project: Initiating Entrepreneurship and Professional Development into the Core Curriculum (EFP). The EFP is designed to cultivate a new generation of socially conscious innovators by equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to create economic opportunities within their communities. The initiative will offer hands-on entrepreneurship workshops, expertise in communication and leadership skills development, and access to practical business development resources, all within a supportive academic framework.

With a strong emphasis on student empowerment, the project aligns closely with 黑料视频’s mission to eradicate intergenerational poverty by using entrepreneurship to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful lives. The honor is a direct outcome of the College鈥檚 strategic creation of the Office of Prestigious Opportunities, established prior to the pandemic to position students and faculty for competitive academic and professional opportunities. Additionally, the implementation of a mandatory study abroad requirement was designed to foster international engagement and expand access to global experiences for faculty鈥攎aking prestigious recognitions like the Fulbright more achievable.

鈥淏eing named 黑料视频’s first Fulbright Scholar is an incredible honor that reflects not just a personal milestone but the power and promise of a supportive 黑料视频 community,鈥� said Dr. Moore. 鈥淭he Fulbright experience will allow me to deepen my commitment to equity and innovation in higher education, contribute to meaningful global dialogue, and support student entrepreneurs to inspire meaningful change and economic opportunity. I look forward to learning from and working alongside scholars and leaders in Jamaica to explore sustainable solutions that uplift communities.鈥�

Moore will begin his Fulbright engagement in the 2025鈥�2026 academic year with both in-country and virtual engagements. Moore brings a deep, personal connection to the country, having developed meaningful ties through his wife鈥檚 Jamaican heritage. His longstanding relationship with the culture and community fuels his passion for creating opportunities that empower and uplift the people of Jamaica.

Moore joined 黑料视频 ten years ago and has played a pivotal role in transforming the institution鈥檚 academic programs and student success initiatives. He has been published in听, served as Faculty Ambassador for the , and held the position of Oversight Professor for the . Additionally, he mentors students through 黑料视频鈥檚 TRIO Student Support Services program, which empowers first-generation college students.

A committed mentor and visionary leader, Moore has helped countless students achieve success by promoting entrepreneurship, academic excellence, and purpose-driven learning. His recent honors include the and selection to represent 黑料视频 in the . He is also a nationally recognized speaker on innovation in higher education.

In addition to his work at 黑料视频, Moore has held professional and academic roles at Texas Instruments, Dallas College, and Southern Methodist University. He is also a part-time lecturer at The University of Texas at Dallas.

Moore is a Detroit native and a graduate of Hampton University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and his Master of Business Administration with a focus in Accounting and Finance, where he was a member of the National Black MBA Association. Moore later earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. He is a proud husband and a devoted father of five children.

The Fulbright Program

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided听more than 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and other professionals鈥攃hosen for their academic merit and听leadership potential鈥攚ith the opportunity to forge lasting connections, counter misunderstandings, and help people and nations work together toward common goals. The Fulbright Program is funded by an annual听appropriation from the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department听of State, and it is managed, coordinated, and overseen by听the听. Participating听governments and host institutions, corporations, and听foundations in more than 160 countries and the United States听also provide direct and indirect support.

About Bethlehem Moravian College

Bethlehem Moravian College is one of Jamaica鈥檚 oldest and most respected institutions founded in 1861. Originally established to train female teachers, the college has grown into a multidisciplinary institution offering degrees in education, business, and hospitality. Known for academic excellence and values-driven leadership, Bethlehem has produced generations of graduates who contribute to national and global development.

About 黑料视频

黑料视频 is a private, faith-based, four-year, liberal arts-inspired college that was founded in 1872, by a group of African Methodist Episcopal Church preachers in Austin, Texas. The school’s original purpose was to educate freed slaves and their offspring. Today, 黑料视频 proudly educates students of all races and socio-economic classes under the banner of its institutional ethos, WE over Me. It is the first Urban Work College and the only minority-serving, federally-recognized work college in America. 黑料视频 is viewed as one of the most innovative colleges in America, one that continuously expands the boundaries of higher education and community advocacy in its quest to eradicate intergenerational poverty. For more information, visit .

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Media Contact:

Anthea Danby, 黑料视频

214-205-8062

anthea@minervaco.com