ClutchPoints Launches New Diversity Initiative ‘Empowered’ Through Acquisition of HBCU Pulse
|
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on September 28, 2023 ClutchPoints, the sports media company created by fans for fans, has acquired media company HBCU Pulse, a publisher with dedicated coverage of HBCU related news, entertainment and sports. The acquisition is part of ClutchPoints’ overall commitment to amplifying HBCU sports, and HBCU Pulse will serve as a vehicle for a new diversity initiative titled “Empowered.” The “Empowered” program provides HBCU student journalists and athletes the opportunity to drive sports coverage for their respective institutions including video, social and podcast content. The content will live on the HBCU Pulse platform. Throughout the program, students will gain hands-on work experience, mentorship from ClutchPoints staff and financial compensation (in addition to scholarship opportunities). Students will sign on for a one-year term, with potential for extensions and/or full-time offers at the company as available. To further promote financial equity, students will also earn a revenue share from the content they produce. As part of the acquisition, HBCU Pulse’s founder, Randall Barnes, has joined ClutchPoints as Head of HBCU Culture, where he will oversee the program strategy. “I am excited to join the ClutchPoints family and have long admired its mission to disrupt the sports industry online,” said Randall Barnes. “Both companies were founded in a dorm room, so having the opportunity to provide these resources and access to HBCU students is full-circle.” ClutchPoints became a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) earlier this year via the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC). It has since developed new programming and initiatives reflective of its widespread audience, while partnering with brands whose values are rooted in pushing diversity, equity and inclusion forward. “ClutchPoints is rooted in creating authentic sports content for fans around the world, and working with HBCU talent allows us to amplify the culture from an authentic point of view,” said Chief Revenue Officer Jeetu Chawla. “Supporting underrepresented communities is a passion point for us, and this initiative is the first of more to come.” Twelve HBCU students have been selected for the inaugural “Empowered” cohort and attend Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Norfolk State University, Savannah State University, Southern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana. Applications will go live again during the Spring 2024 semester. ## ABOUT CLUTCHPOINTS ClutchPoints was founded to create a culture of community and accessibility in sports media and has revolutionized how sports is covered and consumed with its “by fans, for fans” approach. Its origin as a Facebook social media outlet for basketball fandom has since expanded to feature expert reporting, graphic design and original IP across a variety of sports leagues via ClutchPoints.com, all social media channels (@ClutchPoints) and the ClutchPoints app. Since its inception, ClutchPoints has aimed to close the gap between traditional news and social commentary while maintaining journalistic integrity. ClutchPoints is a Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council recognized Minority Business Enterprise. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
Comments
More From This Author
| Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Hosts 94th South Central Regional Conference in Shreveport, Louisiana |
| Register Now For This Upcoming Diagnostic Imaging Virtual Info Session and Q&A with Providence on April 16th |
Latest News
 |
Promote the Vote Fund: Ensuring Every Voice Is Heard in Michigan 28 April 2026
Promote the Vote Fund, a Ford grantee, is a coalition of partner organizations leading these efforts. The organization works across the ideological spectrum to support voting rights for Michiganders ...more
Hija Chang • 79 Views • May 3rd, 2026 |
 |
Temple to open medical campus in Atlantic CityBoth Temple and the Katz School of Medicine are guided by the belief that education and healthcare open doors and transform communities, and that is exactly what we have accomplished in Pennsylvania,” ...more
Hija Chang • 86 Views • May 3rd, 2026 |
 |
Apartheid’s legacy and the rise of xenophobia in South Africa todayPhoto: An image showing a South African township street with closed small shops owned by African migrants, police presence in the background, and community members walking past with tense expressions. ...more
Joel Savage • 319 Views • April 30th, 2026 |
 |
James Artissen, Big Gipp & DJ Burn One - Just Another DayAcclaimed Grammy-Nominated singer-songwriter James Artissen teams up with Southern hip-hop rapper Big Gipp, and respected producer DJ Burn One for their latest release, “Just Another Day.” The record ...more
Lenell Johnson • 204 Views • April 28th, 2026 |
 |
PROPEL Center Launches Future of Tech Innovation Challenge to Spotlight HBCU Talent & Shape the Next Generation of AI LeadersPROPEL Center, the global HBCU technology and innovation hub committed to strengthening the future Black talent pipeline, announced the launch of the Future of Tech Innovation Challenge, a national co ...more
Crystal Willis • 254 Views • April 27th, 2026 |
Popular News
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 108,200 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
