By: James Miles, Morehouse College Student
Grammy-nominated rapper, producer, and activist David Banner took center stage at State Farm Arena, where he performed during the halftime show at the Atlanta Hawks vs. Detroit Pistons game. Banner performed in honor of the Hawks’ annual “HBCU Night.”
Before his performance, Banner delivered a passionate message on leadership, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the role of self-sufficiency in the Black community. Speaking to journalist A.R. Shaw, Banner reflected on his time at Southern University, the importance of education, and his thoughts on the Atlanta Hawks.
Banner, a former Student Government Association (SGA) president at Southern University, credited his leadership experience at the school for shaping his perspective. He emphasized how his time in office prepared him for success.
“Southern gave me an opportunity to find my leadership qualities,” Banner said. “I believe God placed me there to learn these skills on a smaller scale, so when success came in a bigger way, I would be prepared.”
Banner stressed that his time as SGA president meant more to him than later accomplishments. He took the role seriously, saying he avoided abusing his power or taking advantage of students. Banner also made a personal statement by refusing to wear a tie, arguing that Black people had already suffered enough from having ropes around their necks.
Speaking to students from Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and other HBCUs in attendance, Banner urged them to embrace the current era as an opportunity rather than a setback.
“I think this is the best time in history because now we have to take care of ourselves,” he said. “We keep expecting people who historically haven’t cared about us to suddenly change. That makes no sense. We have to build our own.”
Banner argued that HBCUs should focus on restoring Black identity and self-sufficiency, rather than preparing students to assimilate into corporate spaces that may not have their best interests at heart.
“An HBCU is supposed to re-instill what you were before you were a slave,” he said. “We send our brightest students away to work for people who don’t invest back into our communities.”
He made it clear that his message was not about hate or division but about self-empowerment. “If you want freedom, the only way it’s going to come is if you give it to yourself,” he said. Switching topics, Banner shared his thoughts on the Atlanta Hawks, a team he feels should better reflect the energy of the city.
“This is a bright, vibrant city. The Hawks should reflect that,” he said. “Look at what happened when music and movies came to Atlanta. The team should be just as dynamic.”
Closing his speech, Banner emphasized the importance of integrity and purpose. “If you don’t know what you stand for, how can God bless you? Know your line. Know what you won’t compromise on. That’s the key to success,” he said.
His remarks resonated, leaving students and attendees with a powerful message on leadership, self-sufficiency, and the future of HBCUs.
James Miles, 29, is a Morehouse College student and indie filmmaker from Atlanta. Focused on social justice and documentary filmmaking, he uses storytelling to shed light on important issues and inspire change. Driven by a passion for helping others, his work aims to give a voice to underrepresented communities. Through film and journalism, he strives to create meaningful conversations and make a lasting impact.
