The 2024 CIAA Tournament highlights Black culture, sports and the impact of HBCUs

Baltimore has long been the epicenter of black culture. Its roots in abolitionism, the advancement of jazz, and the civil rights movement, amongst others, only add to the city’s undeniable contributions to American history. As the world slowly recovered from the effects of the global pandemic in 2021, Charm City added one other layer to its wealthy history by introducing Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament to Maryland.

From February 26 to March 3, the famous tournament returned to Baltimore for a series of events going down at the newly renovated CFG Bank Arena. In addition to the range of activities participants can engage in, one of the most significant points of the CIAA weekend is that all of it takes place against the backdrop of this beautiful seaside city. “Baltimore is in the spotlight right now – our arts, culture, health and technology industries are tremendous assets that enhance our city’s attractiveness as a cultural center,” says Al Hutchinson, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “As for the CIAA, our entire community has truly embraced the tournament in a way that energizes our local businesses and brings great energy to CFG Bank Arena and beyond.”

It’s protected to say that now, greater than ever, is the perfect time to plan a visit to this iconic destination. To find out about the city’s history, visitors can go to places equivalent to Reginald F. Lewis Museumwhich houses works of art and artifacts dating back to 1784, or cultural centers equivalent to Maryland Center for History and Cultureor Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum. In terms of event chronology, 2024 is the fiftieth anniversary of NCAA Division II and the twentieth anniversary of the Mister and Miss CIAA scholarship competition and the Ball Girl/Ball Boy tournament program. Through these groundbreaking initiatives, CIAA continues to leverage its influence to influence the next generation of athletes and entrepreneurs.

In addition to the 26 games on this 12 months’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament, the CIAA once more hosted fan-favorite events for all ages, including Fan Fest, the Career Expo, the eighth annual Samaritans’ Feet “Shoes of Hope” initiative, the John B. McClendon Jr. exhibit. Hall of Fame Breakfast and other exciting events. CIAA has also partnered with Visit Baltimore to host its third annual series of town hall meetings and symposia. Here, fans enjoyed annual entertainment events held during tournament week equivalent to the CIAA Legends of Hip Hop Party, CIAA High School and Greek Step Shows, CIAA Alumni Party and more.

CIAA’s family-friendly environment makes it a destination for people from all walks of life, but especially graduates and students of historically black colleges and universities – higher often called HBCUs. These institutions of higher learning were created to serve African Americans in a time when our opportunities are limited. Now, people of color can advance their careers with a level from a prestigious HBCU. These universities have grown in popularity lately, and CIAA is using its resources to further highlight them.

“It’s great to see more emphasis on HBCUs and their importance in American society, especially in recent years, although I think it’s long overdue,” Hutchinson says. “HBCUs are critical institutions for society at large because they advance education and create opportunities for historically marginalized communities while promoting social equity and diversity. These institutions also serve as champions of culture and heritage, preserving and celebrating the rich history and contributions of African Americans to the broader American experience.”

With tons of of 1000’s of people flocking to Baltimore for CIAA, the city could showcase its unique cuisine to the masses. During the weekend, Black-owned restaurant tour in Baltimore began. The third edition of BORT was intentionally aligned with the tournament dates, creating a chance to highlight local Black-owned restaurants while basketball fans were on the town. Each night, a number of restaurants would host a special menu or event and feature venues equivalent to Rooted spit, City Oyster, Soul of the Diaspora, Papi’s Kitchenand more.

After games, parties and plenty of food, visitors had plenty of places to pick from to loosen up. Baltimore has long been home to a set of boutique properties which are Black-owned and/or operated by leaders who bring the city’s local culture and history to their locations. Hotel Revival is the city’s only boutique art hotel, The Ivy is Baltimore’s only black-owned luxury property, and Sagamore Pendry in Fell’s Point is a luxury resort with sweeping views of Baltimore’s inner harbor, a shocking waterfront pool, and a whiskey bar offering locally distilled Sagamore Rye.

For many, the CIAA weekend is a chance to reconnect with old friends, strengthen ties under the universal umbrella of sports, and find out about the history and culture of one of the largest cities in the country. The beautiful thing about this tournament is that it might provide much more to participants annually. “The CIAA Tournament is one of the largest and most prestigious basketball tournaments in the country and for anyone, whether you have played or not, this is a chance to come out and experience something incredibly special inside and outside the facility, but the venue is the best place to start this event by getting tickets and observing these young people and their talent,” says CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams in an interview with ESSENCE.

“I mean, there’s so much heritage that they’ll be able to have an experience right there, but when they’re gone, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy,” he continues. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can definitely be embedded in the CIAA family. And whether you went to an HBCU or not, it doesn’t matter. “It doesn’t matter if you are black, white, red or yellow, you will be a part of it if you come and experience something at this conference that I believe is greatness.”