BET will present its third annual “Black College Tour” on the Hill for the second year in a row.
The cable network, along with other sponsors like Procter& Gamble, will host interactive activities, live performances and giveaways at the intramural field today from noon to 4 p.m.
The tour is a part of BET’s effort to support HBCUs.
At 12:15 p.m., BET will kick off the event with the “jump-off.” Then the U.S. Air Force will present a singer’s spotlight at 12:30 p.m., which will be immediately followed by a concert, sponsored by a Universal Motown Records group. At 2:15 p.m., a 3-point shootout will precede a 2-on-2 hoops competition sponsored by Foot Locker.
There will also be a beauty expo, BET prize wheel, PlayStation game challenge and a football toss going on all day.
Scheduling events, music, games and performances for college campuses was an exciting but challenging event for some of BET’s staff.
“I’m not sure what we look forward to most; recreating all the exciting things we bring to the schools, or pushing ahead with new elements of the project,” said Michelle Garner, BET’s vice president of advertising sales, special projects and event marketing.
Many students who attended past tours look forward to seeing BET come to their school.
“[I] like the fact that they come to the black colleges. A lot of people don’t recognize us,” said Shaun Trapp, a graphic design student from Oxin Hill, Md.
There will also be an on-site career center.
“Hopefully, students will get the chance to earn a job or internship through the [on-site] career center,” said Catherine Jefferson, senior University Union program specialist.
Students interested in receiving an internship, should bring a resume and cover letter.
Another feature of the tour will be product information and giveaways from the tour’s sponsors, including: Crest, Pantene, Southwest Airlines, PlayStation 2, Pontiac, Pepsi Co. and Verizon.
“It’s a fantastic brand-building opportunity for us,” said Susan Mboya, associate director of African American marketing for Procter & Gamble.
The Viacom subsidiary said a Top 10 Countdown was added to the tour.
FAMU is the fourth stop on the tour.
Contact Raven A. Davis at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com.