SANDY SPRINGS, GA | Morehouse College Athletics received a financial contribution from HBCU Change and Asbury Automotive Group during the City of Sandy Springs' annual Juneteenth Celebration at City Springs.
Morehouse Director of Athletics Harold Ellis accepted the ceremonial check on behalf of the department. The contribution reflects the organizations' shared commitment to supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and investing in the academic, athletic and personal development of their students.
"We are sincerely grateful to HBCU Change and Asbury Automotive Group for their investment in Morehouse Athletics and our student-athletes," Ellis said. "Their generosity strengthens our ability to provide the resources and experiences our young men need to excel in competition, in the classroom and throughout their lives."
The donation was presented as part of the Sandy Springs Juneteenth Celebration, a community-wide event honoring African American history, culture and achievement. The annual celebration draws more than 3,000 attendees from Sandy Springs and surrounding communities.
Ellis speaking to crowd (Atty. Justin Miller '99 far left)
The event featured live entertainment, speakers, food trucks, local vendors, art, children's activities and educational exhibits. Performances included the Sandy Springs-based Djoli Kelan dancers and drummers, who specialize in traditional West African dance and music.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free. The observance represents freedom, perseverance and the continued pursuit of equality while recognizing the lasting contributions of African Americans to the nation.
The Juneteenth setting added special significance to the contribution. Morehouse was founded in 1867, two years after the end of the Civil War, with a mission centered on educating Black men and preparing them to become leaders committed to scholarship, service and positive change.
"Receiving this contribution during a celebration of freedom, resilience and African American culture makes the moment even more meaningful," Ellis said. "Morehouse has always understood that education and opportunity can transform generations. This partnership is another example of what can happen when businesses, community organizations and HBCU supporters come together around that purpose."
HBCU Change is a financial technology and philanthropic engagement platform designed to establish sustainable funding streams for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Through its round-up technology, users can connect debit or credit cards and automatically round everyday purchases to the nearest dollar. The accumulated spare change is then directed toward scholarships, student-success initiatives, campus programs and other institutional priorities at participating HBCUs.
The platform allows alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and supporters to make small, recurring donations that collectively create a significant impact. By transforming routine purchases into opportunities to give, HBCU Change is helping institutions expand donor participation and establish long-term sources of financial support.
Since its inception, HBCU Change has distributed more than $4 million to 47 HBCUs. The organization also partners with colleges and universities to create institution-specific branded applications that allow schools to engage their supporters directly, cultivate future donors and generate unrestricted funding.
Asbury Automotive Group's partnership with HBCU Change creates opportunities for customers to support HBCUs through round-up donations during participating automotive service transactions. The collaboration combines corporate support, technology and community engagement to strengthen Black colleges and universities across the country.
The contribution will support Morehouse Athletics as the department continues advancing the College's mission of developing disciplined leaders who pursue excellence, serve their communities and lead lives of consequence. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.
