South Florida’s HBCU Picnic: A Resounding Showcase of Black Excellence and Unity
Saturday marked the successful conclusion of the 7th Annual South Florida Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Picnic at Florida Memorial University. The event achieved record-breaking participation with nearly 6,000 registered attendees, doubling last year’s figures and becoming the largest gathering of Black Professionals in South Florida.
The picnic began in 2015 as the shared vision of former City of Opa-locka Mayor Matthew A. Pigatt, founder of the HBCU Scholarship Community Facebook Group and Car Accident and
Injury attorney Josh Jones, Esq. of Josh Jones Law, P.A., the event’s title sponsor, both proud HBCU graduates. They aimed to unite alumni from all HBCUs—the first picnic brought together alumni from 10 schools. Real estate agent Melody Miller, owner of Soulwork Innovations, LLC and another HBCU alumna, joined as the third co-founder during the inaugural event.
Eight years later, the picnic has grown into a significant cultural celebration for South Florida’s Black professionals, families, and friends. Representatives from 25 HBCUs and historically
Black fraternities and sororities came together for a day of unity, pride, and commitment to the future of their youth.
“We are not merely hosting a picnic,” Pigatt said. “We are creating a homecoming reunion for our HBCU community, showcasing our unity, celebrating our institutions, and preparing for the future of our youth.”
The event encouraged meaningful political discussions amidst the celebrations. Attendees discussed recent Supreme Court decisions on Affirmative Action and HBCUs; crucial role in
African American communities. “Regardless of America’s decisions, we are committed to producing the professionals our community needs” added Pigatt.
The picnic’s impact extended beyond the event with a book drive for The Children’s Trust and a donation appeal for a budding scholarship fund. The organizers emphasized their commitment
to enriching the lives and education of the next generation. & “We believe HBCUs are critical to our community’s future. As we grow, we look forward to bolstering the South Florida HBCU
Scholarship Fund, ensuring that the HBCU legacy continues for generations," said Jones.
One of the organization’s main goals is reconnecting Alumni with their respective colleges and universities. “We want to help HBCUs rebuild and strengthen their reach to their alumni, which is needed now more than ever” said Miller.
The 7th Annual South Florida HBCU Picnic has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. It continues to strengthen bonds between HBCU alumni, students, and supporters. The event has
become a significant celebration of Black culture, history, and community in South Florida.
For more information about the South Florida HBCU Picnic, visit www.sfhbcupicnic.com.
