Carolina Panthers celebrate HBCU culture at NFL game
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Posted By: S. Moore on December 15, 2023 The Winston-Salem State University Powerhouse of Red and White cheerleaders will perform with the Carolina Panthers' TopCats at the Dec. 17 NFL game between the Panthers and Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Sunday’s Carolina Panthers-Atlanta Falcons game will highlight Black culture with a showcase of historically Black colleges and universities. Cheerleaders from Winston-Salem State, South Carolina State University’s dance troupe and North Carolina A&T State University’s marching band will perform at Bank of America Stadium. The performances are part of the Panthers’ Inspire Change game themed “Representation Matters: Celebrating Black Culture.” S.C. State’s Champagne Dancers will perform during the first half, while A&T’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine band will perform during halftime. WSSU’s Powerhouse of Red and White cheerleaders will perform with the Panthers’ TopCats in the second half. “This is a remarkable opportunity to showcase the wonderful talent of our cheerleaders and represent our university during this historical moment,” NeSheila Washington, Powerhouse’s head coach said in a statement. WSSU’s performance with the TopCats for between a CIAA school and NFL cheerleaders. Powerhouse’s “stomp and shake” style is prevalent among Black college cheer squads, while the TopCats’ routines are predominantly dance oriented. “By celebrating Black culture this season, we are not only recognizing the contributions of Black individuals to our community, but also fostering an environment where every fan can take pride in the diversity that makes us stronger together,” said Quentin DeBerry, director of Inclusion & Belonging at Tepper Sports & Entertainment, in a press release. “It’s about embracing our differences and finding common ground through the love of the game.” Three Powerhouse cheerleaders and three TopCats choreographed eight counts each for the routine and merged them, Washington said. The TopCats visited WSSU last week to practice, and Powerhouse will practice in Charlotte on Saturday along with a photo shoot. Powerhouse alumni Melvin Sutton and Diedre Cherry have cheered with the TopCats. Brandi Hopson is in her third season as a TopCat. WSSU’s cheerleaders are accustomed to the big stage. In 2021, they performed at the Chris Paul HBCU Tip Off basketball showcase in Uncasville, Connecticut; in 2022 they appeared in a video with recording artist Ciara. In February, they’ll perform at the NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana. SOURCE The Charlotte Post If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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