Imagn Images

Angel Reese Makes Heartfelt Admission During Atlanta’s Popular HBCUFest

Originally posted on TheSheGotGame
By Sauramita Debbarma | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 8:48 AM ET

Angel Reese had been looking forward to the inaugural HBCU Awarefest since last year. When the moment finally arrived, Athlete Vanity released an outfit check video in which Reese explained why HBCUs truly matter to her.

“I am supporting Howard today at my HBCU event because, why not? I always wanted to go to Howard because… I always actually wanted to go to HBCU,” Angel Reese said.

She continued, “But I also wanted to play in Power 5. So, tough decisions. But in my second life, I will be a HBCU alum, and I will be a Howard alum because I just know I want to go to Howard. It’s close to home. I’m from Maryland, so it’s close. “

‘In my second life, I would be a HBCU alum”- Angel Reese while speaking on her fit to the HBCUFest in Atlanta pic.twitter.com/Y1mKv3XmhT
— Athlete Vanity (@AthleteVanity) March 28, 2026

The Awarefest brought together artists, executives, students, and changemakers through panels and performances, all focused on advancing Black education and economic mobility.

Reese took the stage and spoke with NFL star Ryan Clark, as the participation was part of her broader efforts during the WNBA offseason to support HBCU students and address the student loan debt crisis.

And while her presence at HBCU Awarefest made a strong statement, her connection to HBCU culture goes much deeper than just one event.

Angel Reese and HBCU – A Deep-Rooted Connection

When asked in 2023 about playing in HBCU venues like Coppin State and Morgan State, and the support from local communities, Angel Reese said, “I mean, honestly, I would have loved to go to HBCU.”

Speaking after the win against Baltimore-based HBCU Coppin State, Reese shared how much she appreciated the atmosphere and culture, and how she wished she could be part of it.

This article first appeared on TheSheGotGame and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: