On Wednesday, New York Giants President and CEO John Mara became one of the six people honored with the first-ever HBCU Impact Award for their contributions to the success of the inaugural HBCU NY Classic in 2022.
The award acknowledges the individual’s positive impact on HBCUs, diversity, inclusion, and justice. Since Mara was not able to attend last year’s event, he recently met with event President & CEO Albert Williams to accept his 2022 HBCU Impact Award in person.
“I am humbled to be a recipient of the HBCU Impact Award,” said Mara. “The Giants are committed to continuing our involvement in initiatives that help promote diversity and inclusion in our community and beyond.”
Mara was recognized for his trailblazing legacy and extraordinary contributions to the African American community, urban culture, and the world.
The other 2022 HBCU Impact Award recipients include Vice President Kamala Harris, Spike Lee, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, and Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Known as the world’s largest HBCU Homecoming, the HBCU New York Classic is a multi-day celebration of HBCU culture and community activities culminating with two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) football teams facing off at MetLife Stadium, according to Fan Nation. Each year, the parent company of the Classic, Sports Eleven 05, LLC, and its Board of Directors, select a group of distinguished individuals and corporations to receive the HBCU Impact Award for the work they have accomplished in support of HBCUs.
Five of the six 2023 HBCU Impact Award recipients will be announced in the coming weeks. The sixth and final “People’s Choice” recipient will be chosen by fans this summer from ten nominees who will be revealed next month.
