Black History Month Spotlight: the impact HBCUs have had on America

In honor of Black History Month, different leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Nashville speak on the rich history of how these institutions came to be. Many were established just after the Civil War era to give formerly enslaved Black people access to an education, independence, economic mobility, and freedom. Over the years, the HBCUs in Nashville and across America have provided pathways for so many brilliant minds, who have gone one to help shape our country into what it is today. From advancements in medicine and science to music and so many others, these HBCUs are so much more than institutions of higher education, they're cultural cornerstones of community.

On 1/31, we celebrated the fifth cohort of the Titans Construction Training Camp with a graduation ceremony. Participants received a graduation certificate and a digital literacy training certificate to mark their accomplishments. The 9 participants went through the 3.5 week training learning the skills necessary to begin a career in the construction industry.

To date, 48 participants graduated from the Titans Construction Training Camp across five cohorts. Of those who graduated, over 50% received a job post-training with others continuing their education. In partnership with the Tennessee Builders Alliance, the Tennessee Titans are committed to create a pathway of opportunity for those seeking a second career or chance within the construction industry.

Two years ago, the Tennessee Titans launched ONE Community with a mission to create lasting, generational change across the state of Tennessee. Let's take a look back at the progress we have made and celebrate the profound impact of ONE Community's programs, initiatives, and investments. Through these efforts, we've made a tangible difference in communities statewide, empowering individuals and families to help shape a brighter future.

Myles Gooch recently graduated from the Titans Construction Training Camp (TC2), a paid work experience training program that supports the construction of the New Nissan Stadium. Despite recent tragedy, Myles persevered, showing up day after day and discovering his interest in construction along the way. And his hard work didn't go unnoticed. At the Titans season finale, we celebrated our partnership with Nissan by gifting Myles a new Nissan Frontier, supporting his drive toward a bright future. Nissan U.S. Chief Marketing Officer Allyson Witherspoon presented him with the key to the vehicle.

Over the holiday season, Jeffery Simmons spent more time giving back to his community. He took six local high school seniors to Men's Warehouse, where they were fitted for new suits. Simmons helped and supported these young men as they shopped, spending time with them as a friend and mentor.

The Titans hosted a Christmas party for kids from Boys and Girls Club. Kids played Christmas themed games, arts and crafts, opened gifts, and received a special visit from Titans players Isaiah Iton and Kendell Brooks.

During a recent home game against the Bengals, the Titans announced Tennessee's High School Football Coach of the Year: Kyle Shoulders from Macon County High School. The Titans organization is a proud supporter of school athletics throughout Tennessee, helping coaches as they motivate and mentor their teams.

Tennessee Titans defensive back Jarvis Brownlee Jr. spent an afternoon with a class at Carter Lawrence Elementary, where they enjoyed learning football plays, dancing, and having fun.

The Titans partnered up with Meals of Hope for a Titans Together presented by Gallagher project. Titans players, staff, and Gallagher employees worked together to package 51,138 total meals for people in need during the holiday season.

Tyjae Spears teamed up with other Titans players and staff members for an afternoon at the Second Harvest Food Bank. Together, they put their heads down to load, label, and stack hundreds of boxes full of groceries for families in the community. This is just one of the many local initiatives that the Tennessee Titans have been part of this holiday season in an effort to lend a hand to those in need.

Titans defensive backs Gabe Jeudy-Lally and Daryl Worley visited Mrs. Dodd's class at Liberty Creek Elementary School for football themed arts and crafts and games.

The Tennessee Titans staff came together for their own version of the NFL initiative "My Cause, My Cleats." During the "My Cause My Sneaks" event, staff members created custom-drawn designs on a pair of Air Force 1's to support a local cause, nonprofit, or organization that's impacted them in some way. Each sneaker represents the personal hurdles and hardships these people have gone through and their hopes for a brighter tomorrow. The Titans Foundation is making a donation in the name of each participating staff member to the cause of their choice.

Jelly Roll took some of the Tennessee Titans to a place close to his heart (and the Nissan Stadium)—the Juvenile Justice Center, where he was incarcerated in his youth and now mentors kids to "help get them back on track." Together, coaches, players, and management spent time with with teen residents, bringing joy into their darker days. The group got a glimpse into daily life at the facility, shared stories over lunch, and gave these teens encouragement and hope for a second chance.

Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons is the team's nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for the second year in a row.

Considered one of the league's most prestigious honors, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field.

The Titans worked with Tennessee Kids Belong on their "I Belong Project". Titans players and staff joined together to uplift the stories of children in foster care, in hopes of helping them connect with loving and permanent families.

The Titans worked with The Bridge in Edgehill for a Thanksgiving service project. Titans players joined to serve hot meals, Thanksgiving groceries, and provide much-needed supplies for people in the Edgehill community.

Jeffery Simmons and his Give Em A Reason foundation teamed up with Backfield In Motion and Hattie B's to spread Thanksgiving cheer to middle and high schoolers in the Nashville community with the help of some of his Titans teammates.

In partnership with Nashville Tree Foundation, Titans staff and community members planted 82 trees around Nashville for ReLeafing Day.

In honor of Salute to Service month, the Titans traveled to USO Fort Campbell for a Warrior Wednesday on the Army base. Titans alumni Dexter McCluster and Marc Mariani joined to interact and hand out Titans swag, while Little Caesars provided lunch to the soldiers.

The Titans partnered with American Red Cross for a blood drive to help replenish the region's blood supply following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. A total of 53 pints of blood were collected and 159 potential lives were saved.

The Titans partnered with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to honor two fallen soldiers. During our Salute to Service game, the families of the honored service members were recognized, and Titans players wore special helmet decals to pay tribute to the American heroes.

As part of the NFL's Salute to Service Month, the Titans hosted the Tito's Military Bowl on November 12th, 2024. The Titans welcomed over a hundred soldiers from Fort Campbell to compete in a flag football tournament for the championship trophy. The event was held at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in the Titans indoor practice facility.

Titans players, staff, and family members visited Youth Villages to kick off their annual Holiday Heroes campaign. Volunteers helped unload, assemble, and organize gifts, as well as decorate with lights and décor to bring holiday joy to every child and young adult in the program.

To kick off Salute to Service month, the Titans teamed up with Hands On Nashville for a Titans Together presented by Gallagher project at Hillenglade Farms. Volunteers participated in various maintenance and construction projects around the farm, so veterans and first responders can relax and enjoy.

Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons visited Nashville Rescue Mission to interact and help serve lunch to over 200 men.