On Sunday, April 14, Atlanta United honored black excellence, culture, and the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Before and during half time of the match against the Philadelphia Union, multiple festivities took place for HBCU night, including a step dance and drumline performance by Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College bands.

Grammy Award winner, rapper and Morehouse alumni, Killer Mike, was the Golden Spike Hitter for the match, and the National Anthem was played by Atlanta native Trey Daniels.

But it was during halftime when the biggest surprise of the night took place. Atlanta United rewarded Clark Atlanta senior Jailyn Funn and Morehouse sophomore Sachi Russell scholarships to help with their student loans.

 “I was surprised, not going to lie,” said Funn when asked about how she felt hearing the news about the scholarships. “I thought we were just going to play on the field, and then I heard people calling my name.”

Russell also expressed her shock at the scholarship, saying that she was in a “state of confusion” when her name was announced for the honor.When asked about the importance of organizations partnering with HBCUs, both Funn and Russell acknowledged that opportunities like this help students and universities thrive.“I think it is important to promote HBCUs,” said Russell. “A lot of the time, schools are underfunded and HBCUs can partner up with big organizations or sports teams to promote the school. It is all a big family; promoting that and getting the money for it is important for the success of the universities.”As it is said on Atlanta United’s scarf of the month for February – “Black history is Atlanta History”. Atlanta United has always acknowledged and looked to push black culture forward through soccer and philanthropy.