During an appearance on The Danza Project, social media star Charleston White, who is well-known for his factual and sometimes provocative opinions, recently took aim at historically Black Bethune-Cookman University (BCU). Although White’s remarks frequently provoke intense debate, his most recent remarks on Bethune-Cookman’s NFL heritage were not just contentious but also untrue. This essay will examine White’s claims, the real football activities of Bethune-Cookman players, and the general ramifications of his criticism of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
Charleston White’s Comments: Loud, Wrong, and Disparaging
Charleston White has become well-known as a public speaker and social media influencer who often addresses societal concerns moving the African American community. Though he is commended for his straightforward style, his propensity to express harsh criticisms and broad generalizations frequently leads to conflict. In a recent interview, White discussed Bethune-Cookman, an HBCU in Daytona Beach, Florida, casting doubt on the school’s ability to generate players who can play in the NFL.
He said:
“Bethune College resembles an HBCU for special education. Nobody from Bethune College’s past has ever made it to the NFL.”
White disregarded Bethune-Cookman’s contributions to professional football, saying that no athlete from the school has ever made it to the NFL, in addition to falsely referring to the university as “Bethune College”—a moniker the school has not used in decades. His comments were immediately rebutted by HBCU supporters, sports enthusiasts, and BCU alumni, demonstrating his glaring ignorance of the school’s illustrious football history.
The Truth: Bethune-Cookman Has a Strong NFL Legacy
White made false statements about some facts. Actually, according to Pro Football Reference, forty players from Bethune-Cookman have gone on to play in the NFL, with 32 of them being picked. White’s assertion that the university has no track record of turning out NFL players is refuted by these statistics. Larry Little, an offensive lineman who had a fantastic NFL career, most notably with the Miami Dolphins, is one of the most prominent Bethune-Cookman alumni. As one of the all-time greats in professional football, Larry Little is further cemented in his history with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The journey of Larry Little from Bethune-Cookman to NFL fame is a brilliant illustration of the possibilities that historically black colleges may offer student-athletes. Little has received recognition for his efforts to the football community and his hometown of Overtown, Miami, with a street devoted in his honor. His account refutes White’s assertions and highlights the important contributions made by HBCU players to the professional ranks of sports.
HBCUs and the NFL: A Long History of Success
Prominent athletes have historically been produced by HBCUs, particularly in the professional football league. Over the years, several universities, including Bethune-Cookman, Grambling State University, Jackson State University, and many more, have made a substantial contribution to the NFL talent pool. Numerous players, like Walter Payton from Jackson State University, Jerry Rice from Mississippi Valley State, and Larry Little from Lawrence Little, have gone on to have famous careers.
Historically, African American athletes had access to HBCUs during a period when many mostly white institutions (PWIs) would not accept them. This custom persists today, even though larger colleges are increasingly more modest with HBCUs for gifted student-athletes. Still, HBCUs continue to generate NFL stars and are a vital pathway for athletes hoping to play professionally.
Charleston White’s Pattern of HBCU Criticism
Charleston White has sparked controversy in the past over his views on HBCUs. When he made remarks on Deion Sanders’ transfer from Jackson State University to the University of Colorado, he previously caused a stir. In response to conflicting signals, Sanders—who gained notoriety for reviving Jackson State’s football program and drawing attention to HBCU sports nationwide—left for a more prominent coaching role.
White’s criticism of Sanders was in line with the belief that, despite their enormous cultural and social influence, HBCUs are frequently disregarded and undervalued. However, as seen by his recent misrepresentation of Bethune-Cookman’s NFL record, White frequently makes generalizations devoid of context or subtlety.
The Impact of Inaccurate Statements on HBCU Reputation
Charleston White’s comments highlight a bigger problem HBCUs face—parody and undervaluation of their contributions to society, especially in athletics—even if it’s possible they were made to spark conversation. Despite having a long history of turning out talented players who go on to achieve in the professional ranks, HBCUs are sometimes disregarded by the mainstream sports media. The idea that HBCU athletes are less skilled or competent than their counterparts at larger, predominately white universities is wired by this pattern.
Words like White’s have the power to spread these myths and harm HBCUs’ reputation, which is already severely hampered by issues with funding, enrollment, and public recognition. White might have wanted to start a discussion, but his false depiction of Bethune-Cookman just serves to reinforce the myths that many historically black colleges are still trying to dispel.
Why the Facts Matter: Celebrating HBCU Achievements
It is important to draw attention to the achievements of HBCUs as the discourse surrounding them develops, both on and off the field. Like many other HBCUs, Bethune-Cookman has a rich history of emerging leaders in the community and academics in addition to athletes.
Honoring the meaning HBCUs play in American sports and society means, among other things, celebrating the accomplishments of players like Larry Little and the many others who have thrived despite adversity. In addition to football players, HBCUs generate an enormous number of professionals, educators, and leaders who go on to have a big impact on the globe and their communities.
Conclusion: Charleston White Should Do His Homework
In addition to being incorrect, Charleston White’s recent remarks against Bethune-Cookman University were disparaging of the school’s illustrious athletic record. African American athletes have historically benefited from possibilities provided by HBCUs like Bethune-Cookman; several of these athletes have gone on to have prosperous NFL careers. White may be well-known for his contentious remarks, but it’s important to keep talks about HBCUs grounded in reality rather than myths.
HBCUs continue to play a significant role in American athletics, and their accomplishments—particularly in generating NFL talent—should be acknowledged rather than minimized. To ensure that White’s thoughts are well-informed and firmly rooted in fact, further investigation would be beneficial if he want to carry on addressing these significant subjects.
