“BLACKOPOLY” in Action: 2025 HBCU Think Tank explores culture, power and people

Students from across North Carolina gathered at Elizabeth City State University for the 11th Annual HBCU Think Tank, hosted by the North Carolina Black Alliance. This year’s theme, BLACKOPOLY: The Currency of Culture, Power, & People, connected students with organizers and professionals to explore how Black history, legacy, civic engagement, economics, and leadership intersect and impact our future. Across four days of immersive experiences, the Think Tank reimagined leadership, ownership, and community through the lens of social responsibility, policy, economics, education, justice, and social infrastructure.

Setting the tone: Values-based budgeting and economic justice

The Pre-Conference Day was led by Terrence Rouse, a student at North Carolina A&T State University, who served as a fiscal lookout volunteer through a grant-supported initiative with the Concord Coalition. His mission was to educate peers about the federal budget and spark critical conversations around fiscal priorities. In collaboration with the NC Budget & Tax Center, Terrence presented Our Moral Documents: Budgets and Tax Codes, an interactive workshop that explored how government budgets are reflections of a nation’s values.

Students participated in a budget simulation where they served as members of Congress, tasked with making challenging decisions around defense spending, education, tax policy, and social programs. The session challenged participants to confront the real-world tensions between personal values, equity, and public funding. It set the tone for the rest of the conference by grounding students in the financial realities that influence every issue they care about, from housing and healthcare to education and environmental justice.

Honoring legacy, building the future

Day One began with a powerful journey through history and heritage. Students traveled to Jarvisburg Colored School and the Pea Island Lifesaving Station, exploring the rich legacy of Black educators, lifesavers, and coastal communities who paved the way for today’s movements. A bus ride video by John McCann helped frame the day’s theme: understanding where we’ve been to envision where we’re going.

During lunch, students were welcomed by the town and Ms. Betty Shelby, the first Black candidate for mayor of Manteo, NC. She shared her story, her campaign journey, and her vision for inclusive local leadership. Lunch turned into an inspiring moment of intergenerational dialogue, linking student civic action with real-time, local political change.

In the afternoon, gathered students on the shores of Jeanette’s Pier, where they engaged in reflection, storytelling, and community networking. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic, this session helped students build new connections and ground themselves in the purpose of the Think Tank. The day’s mix of history, hospitality, and healing set the tone for the impactful work that followed.

“The trail and the beach gave me peace while also teaching me the depth of our people’s survival.”

Power in the game

Day two brought on a full day of power-building. Kicking off the morning with a dynamic keynote speaker, William Clayton. Followed by an afternoon of invigorating and thought-provoking discussions with Dawn Blagrove (Emancipate NC) and Jeremy Collins (Providence Omnistructure). Coupled with breakout sessions facilitated by the North Carolina Black Alliance’s program team (Alana Petifer, Brandon Stafford, Crystal Biles, Karida Giddings, Hasani Mitchell, Yolanda Taylor, and Dr. Jovita Lee) and Dr. Denise Powell’s Rooted in Legacy, students walked away able to define their role in dismantling oppressive systems and stacking the deck in their communities’ favor.

“Dawn Blagrove’s energy and message felt like tough love from an auntie. I needed that.”

“The oppression part felt the most realistic… it reminded me that power is earned, not given.”

Additionally, students participated in the NCBA version of the BLACKOPOLY Game, where they negotiated, strategized, and debated how power, policy, and privilege operate in real life. The night ended with food, fellowship, and cultural celebration through games and music.

People are power

On the final day, students focused on action and accountability. Facilitators, Hasani Mitchell, Shakeyla Ingram (Campus Vote Project), and Tiffany Seawright (NCBA) led sessions on collective impact, democratic participation, and institutional power.

Students developed personal commitment plans and reflected on how to turn moments into movements. The event closed with a call to action: invest in your people, protect your culture, and use your power to reshape what’s possible.

Survey says: Best yet

Based on post-event surveys, 95% of participants said this was the most engaging civic education event they’ve attended, with several returning students declaring it even stronger than the previous year’s Sneaker Ball.  One hundred percent of respondents rated it 4 or 5 out of 5, calling it “very impactful” and “eye-opening.” Attendees praised the mix of history, simulation, and cultural relevance, with students saying they left not just inspired but equipped.

 “inspired, empowered, and ready to lead change.”

“We aren’t just pieces on a board, we’re players changing the game”

Special Thanks

This year’s Think Tank would not have been possible without the Planning Team, including campus coordinators, advisors, logistics leads, speakers, and volunteers. A special thank you to Elizabeth City State University for hosting and helping bring the Think Tank to life.