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SWAC Basketball Tournament Takes Over Atlanta

The 2025 Starry SWAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament Presented by Buick brought more than just basketball to Atlanta, Georgia—it delivered a weeklong celebration of HBCU excellence, culture, and community empowerment. With thrilling on-court competition at Gateway Center Arena, high-energy entertainment, and impactful community initiatives, SWAC Week cemented itself as a premier destination event blending sports, culture, and social responsibility.

A Look Back at SWAC Week’s Cultural Moments

SWAC Championship Tournament 

The highly anticipated tournament showcased elite HBCU basketball talent, culminating in Alabama State claiming the Men’s Championship Title and Southern University securing the Women’s Championship Title. The sold-out Gateway Center Arena crowd witnessed nail-biting matchups, buzzer-beater victories, and championship moments, as both teams secured their spots in the NCAA Tournament.

SWAC Serves Community Giveback

The week kicked off with SWAC Serves, a community-focused initiative held at the Housing Authority of the City of College Park. This impactful event provided free health screenings, mental health resources, pharmaceutical discounts, and refreshments, demonstrating SWAC’s commitment to wellness and community engagement beyond the court. 

GameChangHER Brunch & Awards

 This exclusive awards brunch honored women making an impact in sports, business, and public service, with ESPN’s Tiffany Greene hosting the prestigious event. Notable honorees included President Tomikia P. Le Grande (Prairie View A&M), Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie (City of College Park), Coach Margaret Richards (Women’s Basketball, Jackson State University), Kalia Walker (Women’s Basketball Player, Alabama A&M University), Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie (City of College Park), Dr. Genese A. Lavalais (Chief of Staff & Senior Associate AD, Alabama State University), Ms. Erika Mitchell (VP of Business Development, Chance Light Education), Ms. Terri Lee (President & CEO, Atlanta Housing Authority), Ms Lalia Brock (Senior VP, Community Impact & Strategic Partnerships, Atlanta Dream), Ms. Adeenah Pooler (Chief Operating Officer, SWAC), and Senator Sonya Halpern (State of Georgia). Funds raised supported scholarships for HBCU students majoring in health sciences, reinforcing SWAC’s commitment to education and equity. The GameChangHER event concept is by Insights Marketing and sponsored by Smart Tyme Agency.

HBCU Block Party

The two-day cultural festival at Gateway Arena Skylot brought together alumni, fans, and Atlanta locals for celebrity appearances, live performances, food trucks, brand activations, giveaways, and DJs. The vibrant atmosphere reflected the spirit and energy of HBCU culture, making it a highlight of the weekend. 

Official SWAC Day & Night Parties

 Insights Marketing curated a lineup of signature nightlife events, including the Welcome to Atlanta Kickoff at Suite Lounge, the HBCU Alumni Reunion at Opium, and the HBCU Dayz Party. 

SWAC in Atlanta: More Than Just a Tournament

With its perfect blend of sports, entertainment, and community engagement, SWAC Week 2025 was a massive success. The legacy of HBCU excellence was on full display, from championship basketball to industry-leading panel discussions, celebrity-filled cultural activations, and impactful community outreach.

As Atlanta continues to serve as a hub for Black culture and collegiate sports, the success of SWAC Week sets the stage for bigger and bolder editions in the future.

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