ClutchPoints Launches New Diversity Initiative ‘Empowered’ Through Acquisition of HBCU Pulse
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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! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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