ESPN’s signature morning debate show First Take, featuring Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim, will return to HBCU Week on Friday, October 7th, taking place at Walt Disney World for the first time ever.
What’s Happening:
- The First Take set with Smith – the HBCU Week ambassador and Winston-Salem State alum – and Qerim will be at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and airing live from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET.
- The show will feature an appearance by Drum Major Mickey and performances by the Delaware State and Bethune-Cookman bands. Smith and Qerim will be joined by Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor and more throughout the show.
- Doors open for fans at 8:30 a.m. with free parking available in the Main Lot.
- The live airing of First Take will coincide with the HBCU Week College Fair (9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.). All college fair attendees will be able to view the show while visiting with all the schools in attendance.
- The event provides opportunities for on-the-spot acceptance and scholarship options. Since 2017, more than 3,500 on the spot acceptances and more than $23 million in scholarships have been offered.
- Full event details can be found at HBCUWeek.org.
What They’re Saying:
- Host Stephen A. Smith said: “As a proud graduate of an HBCU, Winston-Salem State University, 1991, and being the HBCU Week Ambassador since 2019, I’m extremely grateful to ESPN and the First Take crew for assisting me in promoting the academic excellence of HBCUs along with providing scholarship opportunities. I can’t wait to be live from Walt Disney World Resort helping to change lives at the HBCU Week College Fair, so please don’t miss it on TV or in person.”
- David Roberts, ESPN head of NBA & studio production, and recipient of HBCU Week’s Trailblazer Award in 2020, added: “We are very excited about the in-person return of First Take to HBCU Week and to once again underscore our commitment to showcasing Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country. From the live show to the college fair and full schedule of events, this will be another unforgettable week with an immeasurable impact that extends well beyond.”