On Friday, September 20, ESPN’s First Take kicked off its HBCU tour with its first stop at  Howard University. Sports journalists Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Molly Qerim were all present for this historic event. While First Take has visited HBCUs in the past—both Smith and Sharpe are proud alumni of Winston-Salem State University and Savannah State University, respectively—this marked a special moment at Howard.

The Howard University Royal Court made a grand appearance, alongside members of Divine Nine organizations, showcasing the full spectrum of Black excellence. From crowd surfing to strolling, students ensured that Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and host Molly Qerim felt the Howard energy. Anticipation grew as the university geared up for its fierce rivalry game against Hampton University—playfully referred to as Hampton Institute. 

First Take featured a live interview with both head coaches, Howard’s Larry Scott and Hampton’s Trent Boykin, providing a unique platform to spotlight the spirited competition. Reflecting on the rivalry’s significance to HBCU culture, Scott kept it simple by saying:

“There’s not a whole lot that needs to be said... it’s time to put the ball down and settle it on the field.”

Image via ESPN

A cultural moment for Howard University

Image via @kelsie.jarrett on Instagram 

Beyond the hype of being on national television, First Take’s visit created an unforgettable experience for students. A portion of the show allowed Howard students to directly engage with the cast, with journalism students Kelsie Jarrett and Harmony Bailey standing out as shining examples of Black women in sports and media.

Images via @kelsie.jarett on Instagram

Jarrett, a standout student-athlete on Howard’s softball team and a proud member of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., made her presence felt on the national stage. As a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan, Jarret made sure to share her passion not only with the viewers but also with Stephen A. Smith.

Jarrett was proud of this moment, saying, “My biggest goal in life is to represent. I want to show that athletes can be more than just athletes—you can excel academically, be involved in Greek life, and still embrace your identity as Black and beautiful.” 

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mage via @harmonylovemedia on Instagram

Image via @firsttake on Instagram.

Harmony Bailey, one of the other students who took the mic, is no stranger to the spotlight. Bailey has been in the journalism industry since the age of five interviewing numerous celebrities, including Stephen A. Smith. 

This time, Bailey seized the opportunity to ask him a meaningful question: “What advice do you have for Black broadcast journalism majors?” 

As Smith answered, Bailey reflected on the full-circle moment "I never would have imagined that 15 years after first interviewing Stephen A. Smith, I’d be doing it again on my campus while pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism," she shared. 

 Impact on HBCU Culture

The First Take Tour doesn’t just highlight Howard—it elevates HBCU culture on a national scale. 

Jaimon Washington, Mister College of Arts and Sciences, shared why this is so important saying, “Highlighting HBCU culture in the Black community is crucial because we're often overlooked in the media. Seeing First Take at Howard shows how integral HBCUs are to the larger narrative.”

Lauren Foley, Vice Coordinator for the 51st Undergraduate Student Assembly, expressed pride in being Howard's first stop on the tour. “It says something that we’re the first stop—especially with Howard being ranked #1 on Forbes’ list of HBCUs. This is a dream come true.”

Opportunities for aspiring media professionals

Images via @iampresidentbrock47 on Instagram.

First Take’s visit also provided students with hands-on experience in sports media. Student Brock Morgan had the chance to shadow producers and attend production meetings. 

“As someone who watches First Take regularly, both as an athlete and an aspiring media professional, this was an incredible opportunity. Seeing two HBCU grads like Stephen A. and Shannon Sharpe at the top of their game was beyond inspiring,” says Morgan.

Madison Firle, an ESPN Andscape Rhoden Fellow, also got involved, working on the promotional video for First Take’s visit. 

Firle says, “Filming the promotion was an honor. As a Black woman studying at Howard, it feels empowering to see so many students who look like me getting the chance to shine. Being part of this from start to finish was inspiring, and I hope to bring First Take back to The Mecca in the future.”

A Lasting Legacy

For Howard University students, this was more than just a TV show—it was an event that showcased the power of HBCU culture on a national stage. As Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim,  and Shannon Sharpe stood on the Yard, surrounded by students embracing their Blackness unapologetically, it became clear: Howard University is not just a school—it’s a legacy. And now, thanks to First Take, that legacy is shining brighter than ever.