We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luke Lawal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Luke, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

At HBCU Buzz, our mission is deeply personal to me. I started this platform because I saw a gap—HBCUs weren’t getting the visibility, recognition, or resources they deserved. As an HBCU graduate from Bowie State University, I know firsthand the power of these institutions. They don’t just educate; they uplift, empower, and create opportunities for Black students in ways that mainstream institutions often overlook.

Growing up, I watched how HBCUs shaped generations of Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. But I also saw how their stories were often left out of the broader narrative. That didn’t sit right with me. I knew that if we wanted to see real change, we needed a platform that would amplify our voices, celebrate our culture, and connect our community.

That’s why I created HBCU Buzz—not just as a media company, but as a movement. Our mission is to make sure HBCU students, alumni, and institutions are seen, heard, and celebrated. Every article we publish, every event we cover, and every partnership we build is driven by this purpose.

For me, this work isn’t just business—it’s personal. It’s about preserving the legacy of HBCUs, ensuring they thrive, and giving the next generation the representation and support they need to succeed. That’s why I do this. That’s why HBCU Buzz exists.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Luke Lawal Jr., the founder and CEO of HBCU Buzz, the leading platform dedicated to sharing news, culture, and achievements from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). My journey into this space started long before I launched HBCU Buzz—it started with my own experience as a student at Bowie State University.

During my time at Bowie, I saw the incredible impact that HBCUs had on their students and communities, but I also noticed a major gap—there weren’t enough mainstream platforms highlighting our culture, achievements, and the unique experiences that make HBCUs so special. That realization sparked a mission in me. I wanted to create a space that amplified our voices, connected our community, and gave HBCU students and alumni the visibility they deserved.

That’s how HBCU Buzz was born. Today, we provide a wide range of content and services, including:
– News & Storytelling – Covering everything from campus events and student success stories to alumni achievements and national issues impacting HBCUs.
– Marketing & Brand Partnerships – Helping companies and organizations connect authentically with the HBCU audience through targeted campaigns, influencer collaborations, and branded content.
– Events & Activations – From homecoming celebrations to career fairs and brand activations, we create experiences that engage, uplift, and empower the HBCU community.
– Culture & Entertainment – We highlight Black excellence in music, sports, business, and entertainment, making sure our culture is represented in mainstream media.

So what sets us apart? HBCU Buzz isn’t just a media company—it’s a movement. Unlike traditional media outlets, we aren’t just reporting on HBCUs from the outside looking in. We are HBCU graduates, students, and advocates who live and breathe this culture. We understand our audience because we are our audience. That authenticity and connection make all the difference.

We’ve also built relationships with top brands like Nike, AT&T, McDonald’s, and the NBA, helping them tap into the power of the HBCU market while making sure the partnerships benefit our community in meaningful ways.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I started HBCU Buzz, social media was the key to building our brand and connecting with the community. We didn’t have a huge budget, but we knew our audience—HBCU students, alumni, and supporters who wanted to see their culture represented. So, we focused on authentic content that celebrated HBCU life—homecomings, success stories, campus culture—things people actually cared about and wanted to share.

The biggest thing that worked for us? Engagement. We didn’t just post—we talked with our audience, reshared their content, and made them feel part of the brand. We also stayed consistent, collaborated with influencers and brands, and adapted our strategy for different platforms.

For anyone starting out, my advice is simple: Know your audience, engage with them, be consistent, and post content that actually adds value. Growth takes time, but if you stay authentic and keep showing up, your audience will come.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

At HBCU Buzz, staying connected with our audience and brand partners is everything. We don’t just work with clients—we build real relationships with them. Whether it’s through social media engagement, email newsletters, or in-person events, we make sure our community feels seen and valued.

For brand partners, we take a collaborative approach. We don’t just run campaigns—we work closely with brands to ensure their message truly resonates with the HBCU audience. Regular check-ins, strategy meetings, and authentic storytelling help us create lasting partnerships, not just one-time deals.

With our audience, it’s all about engagement and consistency. We listen, respond, and create content that speaks directly to them. Whether it’s through social media conversations, exclusive content, or real-world activations at HBCU events, we make sure our community feels like they’re part of something bigger.

At the end of the day, brand loyalty comes from trust, authenticity, and delivering real value—and that’s exactly what we focus on every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hbcubuzz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luke.lawal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbcubuzz
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukelawal/
• Twitter: https://x.com/hbcubuzz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HBCUBuzz
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/hbcubuzz

Image Credits

Aaron J. Thornton / Stringer – Getty Images
Paras Griffin / Contributor – Getty Images
Arturo Holmes / Staff – Getty Images
Aaron J. Thornton / Stringer – Getty Images