New Initiative Taps HBCU and Divine 9 Creativity Ahead of the 2026 CIAA Basketball Tournament

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is teaming up with the Marcus Graham Project (MGP) to launch an innovative creative competition that celebrates the intersection of culture, sports, and storytelling.

The new initiative — “D9 Campaign Clash: A Battle of the Brands” — invites college students and recent graduates who are members of the Divine 9 fraternities and sororities to bring their creativity to the court. Participants will design marketing campaigns highlighting “Greek Night” at the upcoming 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournament, taking place February 25–March 1, 2026.

Applications open Wednesday, November 5, 2025, and close November 21, 2025.

Blending Culture, Creativity & Career Experience

The CIAA, the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference, has long been a champion for education, leadership, and cultural pride. Partnering with MGP — a national network that develops diverse professionals in marketing, media, and entertainment — adds a new dimension: connecting classroom learning with real-world brand storytelling.

“This program underscores the CIAA Youth Leadership Academy’s mission to educate and empower our student-athletes,” said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “We’re building a bridge between the classroom, the court, and the community by nurturing young talent to lead with purpose and creativity.”

Through a series of virtual workshops and mentorship sessions, students will collaborate with MGP mentors and industry experts to create social-media campaigns that reflect the unique energy of HBCU life and Divine 9 culture.

From Greek Pride to Brand Innovation

Teams representing each fraternity and sorority will produce digital campaigns to promote the CIAA’s Greek Night. The winning team will earn a scholarship donation for their CIAA Panhellenic chapter and VIP recognition during Greek Night, along with exposure on CIAA and MGP platforms.

“This initiative is designed to elevate Black creative talent and provide a unique opportunity to learn and grow through mentorship,” said MGP Co-Founder & Chief Development Officer Larry Yarrell II. “As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., I understand the legacy we carry and the responsibility to open doors for those coming behind us. We’re giving our community’s creative minds the tools, the access, and the confidence to lead both the industry and the culture forward.”

Celebrating Legacy During CIAA Greek Night

Greek Night has become a cornerstone of the CIAA Tournament experience — a high-energy celebration of leadership, legacy, and unity among Divine 9 organizations. This year’s Greek Night will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, during the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Tournament. The presentation of the “D9 Campaign Clash” winning team will be featured that evening.

For tickets, travel packages, and tournament updates, visit CIAATournament.org or follow the CIAA on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

How to Apply

Eligible Divine 9 members can apply starting November 5 and must submit their applications by November 21, 2025. Applications may be accessed directly here: https://jobs.lever.co/marcusgrahamproject/73ab6785-0bd6-40a2-891c-1567d89b7a45

About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the CIAA is the first and longest-running African American athletic conference in the U.S. It conducts 14 championships and draws more than 150,000 fans annually. Member institutions include Bowie State University, Bluefield State, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University (PA), Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.

About the Marcus Graham Project
The Marcus Graham Project is a national network of diverse professionals in advertising, media, and entertainment. Its mission is to identify, train, and develop the next generation of diverse leaders in the industry through immersive programs and workshops.