On Wednesday’s Marquee Sports Network game broadcast and Cubs Live! pregame show, leaders from the Chicago Cubs and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) joined the program to discuss the organization’s vast and long-lasting impact in providing increased access to education among minority students.

UNCF serves as the largest provider of minority scholarships in the country, providing funds for students to aid in their education and driving students to its network of 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU), which receive annual support to strengthen their academic programs and keep tuitions affordable.  

Cubs Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Julian Green spoke to the Cubs’ commitment to raising awareness and funds for UNCF and the HBCU community, which includes the organization previously serving as presenting sponsor of the UNCF’s “A Mind Is…” Gala as well as hosting an upcoming HBCU Day on September 18.

“We give a lot all across this city through our organization and Cubs Charities, but the most important contribution we can give as an organization is contributing to education, and then, in fact, making sure that’s diverse,” said Green. “It’s important to be involved with UNCF to give the opportunity for the young, African Americans to go to school.”

Green, an alum of HBCU school Alabama A&M, noted how HBCUs gave him a chance as a rising college student and how he wants to ensure future generations have the same support.

“I’m ready for any opportunity, I believe that anything is possible, that nothing is impossible, and I believe the kids that go there that are receiving these great scholarships to these institutions will also come out with this same passion and drive that anything is possible.”

Green was joined on Cubs Live! by a pair of UNCF executives as Fred Mitchell, UNCF VP of Development for the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, and Lisa Williams Rollins, UNCF Regional Workplace Director for the Midwest, also detailed their passion for the organization and how HBCU’s have positively impacted their own lives.

“[HBCU’s] are a wonderful nurturing experience that really prepares [students] for a life of success,” said Mitchell, who has been with UNCF for over 20 years. “We hope everyone will take the opportunity to support UNCF and help make sure we’re able to continue to build support for our member institutions and out students, and remembering that a mind is a terrible thing to waste and a wonderful thing to invest in.”

“We appreciate and thank Marquee and the Cubs for this wonderful opportunity, and we hope more viewers will learn about UNCF and support us more,” said Rollins.

For more on the impact of UNCF, Taylor McGregor caught up before the game with a pair of UNCF scholarship recipients: Trey White from Xavier University (La.) and Jasper Hagan from Morehouse College. 

To support UNCF, viewers can bid on unique Marquee Sports Network auction items, donate directly by texting UNCF2022 to 41444, or by joining the 2022 UNCF Chicago Walk for Education, taking place September 17 in Burnham Park.