The Nike Yardrunners program was birthed in 2020, the brain child of Nike HBCU alumni with the goal of celebrating “the rich heritage, history, and contributions of HBCUs and their alumni on global sport and culture.”
The initial iteration put the spotlight on HBCU business owners and entrepreneurs, while the second focused on the oft over acheiving and chronically under-represented HBCU student-athlete. With this latest information of Yardrunners, zeroes in on “HBCU alumni who are forging a legacy that will inspire future generations.”
Introducing the 2022 Yardrunners Class
Brianna Baker (@_brie.b), Spelman College:
Founded ‘Justice for Black Girls,’ a social justice education space that serves Black girls’ needs for protection, safety, and belonging.
Faith Daniels (@walkbyfaaith), Grambling State University:
The 2021-2022 Miss GSU uses her platform to advocate for those who suffer from mental health illnesses in the African American community. She continues the legacy forged by her mother, who was the 1983-1984 Miss GSU.
Bilal Issifou(@thereallbilal), NC A&T University:
Native to Togo, West Africa, Bilal founded tech-based start-up Unchained Inc., which has helped hundreds of HBCU students and graduates get jobs and internships at Fortune 500 companies.
Brandon ‘Jinx’ Jenkins (@brandonjinx), Morehouse College:
Brandon is an accomplished journalist, TV host, award-winning podcast host, photographer, and DJ.
Amber Kuykendal (@amberkuykendall)l, Texas Southern University:
Now a pro golfer, Amber helped lead TSU to its first SWAC Women’s Golf Championship in team history in 2017.
Jae Murphy (@jaemurphy), Howard University:
International tour/nightclub DJ, executive music producer, songwriter, and actor who wants to continue to peacefully push the culture to break social barriers and unify all by creating a diverse, global sound of music for a timeless lifetime.
Chidi Okezie (@chidibangbang), Hampton University:
The 2015 Hampton University graduate anchored the Nigerian mixed 4×400-meter relay to an Olympic qualifying time and Nigerian national record of 3 minutes, 14.09 seconds.
Bilonda Tshimanga (@bilonda13), Prairie View University:
Created a fitness business in hopes of teaching women the importance of a healthy lifestyle, encouraging women to achieve their fitness goals.
