Category: HBCU Achievements

Filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper isn’t just making movies about Black women; she’s creating films that place them at the absolute center, telling stories that the industry has historically overlooked. Her latest project, “Flipped,” is a powerful sports documentary that dives deep into the groundbreaking journey of the first HBCU women’s collegiate gymnastics team at Fisk University.

Centering Underrepresented Narratives

“Flipped” chronicles the historic launch of Fisk University’s gymnastics program in 2023 and follows its trajectory through its bittersweet conclusion just three seasons later. Draper, who co-originated the project with Baller Alert Films CEO Robin Lyon back in 2023, brings her signature approach to storytelling. Her production company, Coffee Bluff Pictures, is dedicated to highlighting characters of color and expanding the African American narrative across all media platforms.

Draper’s impressive filmography speaks volumes about her commitment. Works like “Versailles 73: American Runway Revolution,” which celebrated Black models’ impact on fashion, and the NAACP Image Award-nominated “Olympic Pride, American Prejudice,” about the 1936 Berlin Games Olympians, showcase her dedication to uncovering and amplifying crucial historical stories. Her docuseries “The Legacy of Black Wall Street” also became a landmark project for Discovery+ and OWN.

Why “Flipped” Resonated with Draper

Draper connected with the Fisk story long before it gained widespread attention. She recognized it not just as a feel-good headline, but as a vital blueprint for equity and access within a sport that has historically marginalized Black women. “This is the most aspirational coming of age sports story of the year,” Draper stated when the project was first announced in 2023. “My work as a filmmaker has always and will always be about unpacking and centering stories of extraordinary Black women as they navigate the intersection of race, gender, and class.”

She spent three years immersed in the team’s journey, gaining unparalleled access to their sacrifices, breakthroughs, and quiet moments. This intimate perspective allowed her to capture the profound impact of the program’s eventual shutdown, something that eluded other sports media outlets.

A Celebration of Brilliance and Resilience

Released on BET on April 7, 2026, “Flipped” is described by Draper as “a celebration of brilliance, resilience, and the power of possibility.” The film highlights Fisk University’s gymnastics team as another testament to Black excellence, where grace meets grit and discipline meets destiny. By bringing their story to the screen, Draper expands the narrative of American history and reminds us of the power of sharing our stories fearlessly.

The documentary centers on five remarkable athletes: Naimah Muhammad, Ziya Coleman, Jordan Cromartie, Morgan Price, and Kiara Richmond. Draper’s signature style shines through, allowing each athlete to share their unique perspective with minimal narration or over-production, emphasizing access, trust, and truth.

Baller Alert Films’ Bold Debut

For Baller Alert Films, “Flipped” marks a significant debut project. Partnering with a director of Deborah Riley Draper’s caliber, known for her impactful work on Black history and culture, signals a strong commitment to the documentary space. Draper, represented by CAA and other leading agencies, continues her mission to bring overlooked stories from our culture into the mainstream.

Get ready to celebrate some incredible talent! Students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) recently showcased their sharp financial minds at the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF’s) sixth annual HBCU Stock Pitch Competition. This year, the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) team emerged victorious, clinching the top spot and earning over $12,000 in prizes!

Putting Financial Skills to the Test

Held at Acadian Asset Management’s headquarters in Boston, the competition provided a crucial platform for HBCU students to hone their investment decision-making skills in a real-world setting. It’s more than just a contest; it’s an opportunity for students to connect with seasoned industry professionals, receive valuable mentorship, and put their financial analysis prowess to the ultimate test through live presentations.

During the intense final round on April 10th, teams were rigorously evaluated. Judges looked for the strength of their investment thesis, the depth of their financial research, and the accuracy of their company valuations. Equally important were their presentation skills, including how clearly they articulated potential risks and catalysts, and their ability to handle a live Q&A session with a distinguished panel of experts.

A Pathway to Professional Success

The judges included prominent figures from the finance world, such as Brendan Bradley (Chief Investment Officer at Acadian Asset Management), Tim Codrington (Managing Director of Research at Fidelity Investments), Phill Gross (Co-founder and Managing Director at Adage Capital Management), Anne Malone (Head of U.S. Equity Research at Citi), and Marjorie Winfrey (Equity Research Analyst at Wellington Management). Their expertise ensured a high standard for the competition.

Experiences like the HBCU Stock Pitch Competition activate students as professionals, not just learners. By integrating real investment work, mentorship, and evaluation into the student experience, we are creating pathways that prepare students to contribute immediately to complex institutional environments. — Dr. Shawn Thomas, UNCF Director of Investment Leadership Programs

Dr. Inger M. Daniels-Hollar, the faculty advisor for the winning FAMU team, highlighted the competition’s value. “Participating in the UNCF Stock Pitch Competition helps our students understand the quantitative, analytical, and presentation skills required of professionals in the asset management industry,” she stated. “We are excited for our first-place win. We believe it is reflective of the long hours and deep research the students dedicated to their pitch, and of the standards we uphold at Florida A&M University School of Business and Industry.”

Recognizing Top Talent

The FAMU team members were Aldous Blackwell, Ramona Copeland, Chandler Destra, and Micah Askew. Howard University secured the runner-up position, while Morehouse College and Spelman College shared third place. Other participating institutions included Clark Atlanta University, Hampton University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.

This competition is part of UNCF’s broader commitment to fostering talent in the investment management sector. Initiatives like the Lighted Pathways Program, which helps students secure internships, and Project ACCLAIM, designed to develop the next generation of asset managers, underscore UNCF’s dedication to creating wealth-building opportunities for HBCU students.