The Winston-Salem State College Powerhouse of Purple and White Cheerleaders united with the Panthers’ TopCats throughout Carolina’s matchup towards the Atlanta Falcons final night time.
The HBCU x NFL collaboration was aside of the Panthers’ Encourage Change sport with the theme: “Illustration Issues: Celebrating Black Tradition.”
The partnered groups took to the sector to cheer the Panthers to a win (9-7).
“This can be a exceptional alternative to showcase the fantastic expertise of our cheerleaders and characterize our college throughout this historic second,” stated NeSheila Washington, Head Coach of the Powerhouse cheerleaders.
“WSSU’s Powerhouse will make historical past this Sunday as the primary CIAA cheer squad to carry out with an NFL staff’s skilled cheerleaders.”
The Carolina Panthers introduced the Encourage Change initiative early this December. In a press launch assertion, the group highlighted their dedication to conversations and actions in direction of a extra equal and simply tomorrow.
“Encourage Change highlights how NFL gamers, golf equipment and the league are becoming a member of collectively to make sure that entry to alternative is a actuality for all and to create progress in police-community relations, felony justice reform, and schooling and financial development.“
WSSU is the primary CIAA staff to preform with NFL cheerleaders and features a few Powerhouse alumni who’ve cheered with the TopCats. Brandi Hopson is in her third season with the TopCats’, and Melvin Sutton and Dedra Cherry are former members. Coach Washington can also be a former WSSU Powerhouse cheerleader alumni.
With the HBCU stomp and shake of WSSU Powerhouse and the traditional cheerleading fashion of the TopCats’, the efficiency was confirmed to be a top-tier sight to see.
“Three members of Powerhouse and three members of the TopCats choreographed eight counts every for the routine and merged them collectively,” Coach Washington stated. “When we have now these alternatives, we wish to make our ‘Ramily” proud in addition to dynamically characterize HBCU stomp and shake cheer.”
“By celebrating Black tradition this season, we’re not solely recognizing the contributions of Black people to our group, but additionally fostering an setting the place each fan can take delight within the variety that makes us stronger collectively,” stated Quentin DeBerry, director of Inclusion & Belonging at Tepper Sports activities & Leisure
In February 2024, WSSU Powerhouse will carry out on their subsequent nationwide skilled sports activities stage through the NBA HBCU Basic through the NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.
