*Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe are taking their popular sports talk show “First Take” on the road for HBCU Homecomings.
ESPN’s morning debate show, cohosted by Molly Qerim, will kick off the first week of November with back-to-back roadshows at two historically black colleges and universities. “First Take’s” HBCU homecoming shows will bring Smith and Sharpe back to their alma maters, Winston-Salem State (Nov. 7) and Savannah State (Nov. 6), respectively, according to the network’s release.
“I’ve been a part of a whole bunch of exciting things throughout my years on First Take. But this may take the cake. To have back-to-back days at HBCUs – on campus, LIVE – providing Black Colleges with national television exposure is sensational within itself. But for the two universities to be the alma maters of Shannon Sharpe and myself…I just can’t express how excited I am,” said Smith in a statement.
He added, “Shannon can’t wait. Neither can I. This is going to be some of the greatest moments of my career. And I know Shannon feels the same. Buckle Up! Here we come!”
Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, added: “If somebody would have told me, when I stepped on to that Savannah State Campus, that I would one day return to my alma mater in this capacity, I would have laughed. This is incredible, and to be able to come back this way means so much to me and I am so very excited.”
.@stephenasmith and @ShannonSharpe talk about what it means to return to their alma maters for HBCU Homecoming 🏈@savannahstate | @WSSURAMS pic.twitter.com/U0P0gF9aQC
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 23, 2023
“I have to thank Stephen A. for making this happen, and I have to thank ESPN and Disney for making this possible. We get to be a part of showing the world how great HBCUs are, and that is very special. We’re coming home!” Sharpe continued.
David Roberts, ESPN head of event & studio production, said: “This is the latest example of First Take’s continued showcasing and celebration of HBCUs, led by Stephen A. with his deep commitment to his alma mater and HBCUs overall.”
The roadshows will be open to all students, faculty, and staff at the Tiger Arena at Savannah State on Nov. 6 and The Clarence E. Gaines Center at Winston-Salem State on Nov. 7.
“First Take” will welcome a full lineup of special guests at each location and feature giveaways for fans in attendance, according to the news release.
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