Center for Africana Futures
AI and Athletics: Understanding the Value of Historic Brand Association, Innovation, and Digital Media for Future Growth and Persistence
Hosted by the Center for Africana Futures at Texas Southern University as part of the HBCU Sports Ecosystem Symposium Series in partnership with the College of Education, Department of Health, Kinesiology & Sport Studies, and Department of Athletics
About the Symposium
This symposium celebrates the intersection of ancestral intelligence and artificial intelligence, spotlighting how HBCU sports, digital media, and entrepreneurship drive innovation in Black communities. Aligned with TSU's Research Week theme—'Innovation in Action'—it offers deep dives into digital transformation, brand building, NIL (Name, Image & Likeness), and leadership in college athletics.
Attendees will connect with commissioners, athletic directors, media influencers, and leading scholars, gaining vital insights on how HBCUs are shaping the digital sports economy.
This event is supported by our educational partners
Event Details
📍 Roderick R. Paige Building, Room 318 | 📅 April 24–25, 2025
Location
The symposium will be held at the Roderick R. Paige Building, Room 318 on the Texas Southern University campus.
Date and Time
The two-day event will take place on April 24–25, 2025, with sessions running from approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day.
Thursday, April 24, 2025 Schedule
9:00 – 10:40 AM
Arrival for Out-of-Town Speakers and Registration
10:45 – 11:00 AM
Welcome by Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil Professor & Interim Dean, College of Education; Research Developer, Center for Africana Futures
11:05 – 11:50 AM
Panel I: Commissioner's Chat – Breaking into the College Sports Industry
Guest
Dr. Charles McClelland, Commissioner of the NCAA DI Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
Moderated by
Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil
12:00 – 12:50 PM
Lunch Break
1:05 – 1:50 PM
Panel II: Commissioner's Chat – Thriving in the College Sports Industry
Guest
Dr. Anthony Holloman, Commissioner of the NCAA DII Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
Moderated by
Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil
2:00 PM
Closing of Day 1
Friday, April 25, 2025 Schedule
8:45 - 9:40 AM
Arrival for Out-of-Town Speakers & Breakfast
9:45 - 10:00 AM
Welcome by Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil Professor & Interim Dean, College of Education; Research Developer, Center for Africana Futures
10:05 – 10:50 AM
Panel III: Sports Influencers’ Roundtable - The Power of Unique Voices that Understand Brand Association Across Disciplines and Digital Media Platforms
with Dr. Wes Bellamy, Joshua Sims, Sr., Dr. Howard Henderson & David Dirks
Moderated by Professor Charles Bishop
11:05 – 11:50 AM
Panel IV: Athletic Directors and Sports Influencers’ Roundtable - Leaders in College Athletics Building Elite Brands within the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Collegiate Space
with Ashley Robinson, Marc Smith & Dr. Kevin Granger
Moderated by Dr. Deshun Dixon
12:00 – 12:50 PM
Lunch Keynote:
HBCU SPORTS EVENT Sector
Keynote by John Grant, Executive Director of MEAC - SWAC Challenge, Celebration Bowl & Band of the Year – Moderated by Michael Washington
1:05 – 1:50 PM
Panel V: Athletic Directors’ Roundtable - Athletic Administrators Creating Brand Assets and Innovation in Event Development in the Sports Industry Landscape
with Dr. Paul Bryant & Dr. Jason Cable
Moderated by Dr. Courtney Flowers
2:05 - 2:50 PM
Panel VI: Athletic Directors’ Roundtable - Sports Executives Accelerating Brand Value and Inventory utilizing AI in Intercollegiate Athletics
with Dr. Kevin Granger & Anton Goff
Moderated by Dr. Dwalah Fisher
3:00 PM
Closing Session with Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil
3:30 - 3:50 PM
Private Meeting
4:00 PM
Departure for Out-of-Town Speakers
Featured Commissioners
Dr. Charles McClelland
Commissioner, SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
Dr. McClelland brings extensive experience in athletic administration and will share insights on breaking into the college sports industry during Panel I on Thursday.
Dr. Anthony Holloman
Commissioner, SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
Dr. Holloman will lead Panel II on Thursday, discussing strategies for thriving in the competitive college sports industry landscape.
Featured Guests: Athletic Directors & Executives
Ashley Robinson
Athletic Director,
Jackson State University
David Dirks
NIL Consultant
Marc Smith
NIL Consultant
Dr. Kevin Granger
Athletic Director,
Texas Southern University
Anton Goff
Athletic Director,
Prairie View A&M University
Dr. Jason Cable
Athletic Director,
Delaware State University
Dr. Paul Bryant
Athletic Director,
Alabama A&M University
The symposium features prominent athletic directors and executives who will share their expertise across multiple panels.
These leaders will participate in panels focused on NIL opportunities, brand asset creation through innovation, and leveraging AI to accelerate brand value in the collegiate sports landscape.
Featured Guests: Influencers & Thought Leaders
Dr. Wes Bellamy
Political Analyst and CEO Black College Invitational Championship
Dr. Bellamy will participate in Panel III on Friday, discussing the power of unique voices in brand association. His political expertise provides valuable context for understanding the intersection of sports, media, and community influence.
Joshua Sims, Sr.
HBCU Digital Voice and COO Black College Invitational Championship
As a prominent digital voice in the HBCU community, Sims brings insights on leveraging digital platforms to amplify HBCU sports narratives. He joins the Influencers' Roundtable on Friday morning.
Dr. Howard Henderson
Policy Expert and Faculty Athletic Representative Texas Southern University
Dr. Henderson rounds out the Influencers' Roundtable with his policy expertise, offering perspectives on how policy frameworks impact HBCU athletics and digital innovation opportunities.
Greetings and Welcome from the Symposium Conveners
On behalf of Texas Southern University, we extend our warmest welcome to you for today’s symposium: "AI and Athletics: Understanding the Value of Historic Brand Association, Innovation, and Digital Media for Future Growth and Persistence."
This gathering represents a pivotal moment in the HBCU Sports Ecosystem Symposium Series, where tradition and innovation converge. We are proud to host this timely conversation through the Center for Africana Futures, in partnership with the College of Education, the Department of Health, Kinesiology & Sport Studies, and the Department of Athletics.
As we navigate an era where artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital storytelling shape how athletic programs thrive and are remembered, this symposium explores how HBCUs can both preserve and evolve their distinctive legacies. We believe our rich histories are not static—they are launchpads for new visions. This convening calls us to not only understand the historic brand power of HBCUs in sports but also to engage with the tools that will sustain and amplify that power in the digital age.
We are honored to bring together thought leaders, scholars, athletes, technologists, and creatives to forge a dialogue that centers the voices, values, and visions of our institutions. Together, let us reimagine the role of AI and digital media in shaping futures that honor our past and propel us forward.
Thank you for being a part of this important journey.
With respect and anticipation,
Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil
Professor & Interim Dean, College of Education
Research Developer, Center for Africana Futures
Dr. Toniesha L. Taylor
Professor, Communication Studies Department
Director, Center for Africana Futures