Latest news with #DevinAllen
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Under Armour Doubles Down on HBCU Sports with CIAA Extension
In a move that reinforces its commitment to innovation, performance, and cultural impact in the HBCU community, the CIAA has extended its exclusive apparel partnership with Under Armour through 2029. The announcement comes on the heels of the CIAA Board of Directors meeting, where another major deal was also finalized: keeping the storied CIAA Basketball Tournament in Baltimore through the end of the decade. For the CIAA and its member institutions, it's more than just a jersey deal. 'Under Armour continues to be a powerful partner in our journey, elevating the look, feel, and performance of our student-athletes while reinforcing our identity across the national stage,' said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. 'We are proud to move forward together with a shared commitment to innovation and impact.' Under Armour's relationship with the CIAA began in 2018 after Russell Athletic exited the collegiate uniform space. Facilitated through BSN Sports, the deal gave CIAA programs exclusive access to UA uniforms, gear, footwear, and training equipment. It was a timely and strategic move, especially as other HBCU conferences were locking in similar partnerships. Since then, Under Armour has not just dressed athletes-they've leaned into storytelling. Their "Sisterhood in Style" campaign, launched earlier this year, spotlighted HBCU women and Black Greek life, featuring members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on the campuses of Bowie State University and Morgan State University. With imagery by Baltimore-based photographer and activist Devin Allen, the campaign tied fashion, culture, and pride together, all wrapped in UA's pink-and-green UA Echo sneaker. This brand of authenticity isn't accidental. Under Armour's headquarters are just minutes from downtown Baltimore, and its ties to the community run deep. Morgan State, a flagship HBCU in Baltimore, has long been a partner institution. The renewed CIAA deal only strengthens the city's connection to both the brand and HBCU sports and culture. So when the CIAA announced that its hoops tournament-an economic and cultural crown jewel for the conference-would stay in Baltimore through 2029, it wasn't just a win for the city. It was synergy in action. A Baltimore-based brand. A Baltimore-hosted HBCU tournament. And a renewed focus on showcasing Black excellence, both on the court and in community storytelling. Beyond the CIAA, Under Armour also outfits HBCUs like Hampton, Howard, and Edward Waters. But this extended commitment with the nation's oldest historically Black athletic conference signals something deeper-a long-term investment in legacy, innovation, and visibility. For the CIAA, the fit remains perfect-on the court, in the culture, and with the City of Baltimore. The post Under Armour Doubles Down on HBCU Sports with CIAA Extension appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
HBCU Greek Life celebrated in shoe campaign
Under Armour has launched a new HBCU-focused social media campaign, "Sisterhood in Style," to celebrate the Spring/Summer release of its latest lifestyle sneaker, the UA Echo. The campaign spotlights historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Greek life. Shot on the campuses of Bowie State University and Morgan State University, the series highlights the creative energy and cultural pride found at these Maryland-based institutions. Baltimore photographer Devin Allen led the visual production. His work captures members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.-the first Black Greek-letter sorority for college women-styled in bold and expressive outfits. These looks honor deep traditions while showcasing individual flair. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded at Howard University in 1908. The UA Echo sneaker features a striking pink and green colorway, inspired by the signature colors of AKA. It is now available for purchase online at $150. According to a news release from Under Armour, "Sisterhood in Style" goes beyond a product showcase. The campaign underscores the company's broader commitment to innovation, culture, and community. "This campaign empowers the next generation to show up boldly, break boundaries, and define their own style codes," Under Armour stated. Bowie State and Morgan State are long-standing HBCU partners with Under Armour. This initiative continues the brand's focus on inclusive design, cultural storytelling, and authentic campus engagement. Devin Allen is a Baltimore-based photographer and activist known for capturing powerful images that highlight Black life and social justice. He rose to national prominence in 2015 when his photo of the Baltimore protests after Freddie Gray's death appeared on the cover of Time magazine. Allen uses his lens to tell authentic stories of his community, blending art with activism. Committed to youth empowerment, Allen also founded "Through Their Eyes," a program teaching photography to Baltimore's inner-city youth. The post HBCU Greek Life celebrated in shoe campaign appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Under Armour highlights Maryland HBCUs in new sneaker launch
A new social media campaign from Under Armour highlights Greek life at two of Maryland's historically Black universities. For a launch of Under Armour's newest lifestyle sneaker, the UA Echo, Baltimore-based photographer Devin Allen shot the 'Sisterhood in Style' campaign on Bowie and Morgan state university campuses, according to a Monday news release from Under Armour. 'The campaign spotlights collegiate women from the nation's first Black Greek-letter sorority for college women, styled in bold, expressive looks that reflect both tradition and individuality,' it says. 'More than a product spotlight, Sisterhood in Style reflects UA's broader commitment to innovation and community, empowering the next generation to show up boldly, break boundaries, and define their own style codes,' the news release says. The UA Echo sneaker, now in a pink and green colorway, is on sale online for $150. This isn't Under Armour's only collaboration with local schools. The company donated to the athletic programs at Baltimore City College and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in October when it created new merchandise for the high schools. Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@ 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Under Armour highlights Maryland HBCUs in new sneaker launch
A new social media campaign from Under Armour highlights Greek life at two of Maryland's historically Black universities. For a launch of Under Armour's newest lifestyle sneaker, the UA Echo, Baltimore-based photographer Devin Allen shot the 'Sisterhood in Style' campaign on Bowie and Morgan state university campuses, according to a Monday news release from Under Armour. 'The campaign spotlights collegiate women from the nation's first Black Greek-letter sorority for college women, styled in bold, expressive looks that reflect both tradition and individuality,' it says. 'More than a product spotlight, Sisterhood in Style reflects UA's broader commitment to innovation and community, empowering the next generation to show up boldly, break boundaries, and define their own style codes,' the news release says. The UA Echo sneaker, now in a pink and green colorway, is on sale online for $150. This isn't Under Armour's only collaboration with local schools. The company donated to the athletic programs at Baltimore City College and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in October when it created new merchandise for the high schools. Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@ 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks.
