Charlotte hosting the first-ever BCIC tournament at Bojangles Coliseum
As the NCAA Tournament grabs headlines, Charlotte is getting ready for something new — the first-ever Black College Invitational Championship (BCIC), a four-day basketball tournament spotlighting historically Black colleges and universities.
Starting Thursday at Bojangles Coliseum, 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams — including local school Johnson C. Smith University — will battle for the title.
“This is HBCU March Madness,” said Dr. Wes Bellamy, the event’s organizer. He chose Charlotte on purpose, calling it “the hotbed” for college basketball and a city hungry for more HBCU action.
The tournament isn’t just about basketball. It’s expected to boost Charlotte’s economy by drawing in fans and families. Wanda Durant, mother of NBA star Kevin Durant, also backed the effort, saying it’s about continuing to support HBCUs and helping the event grow.
Bellamy says this is just the beginning — but future tournaments depend on turnout. “We are building this table, but we have to build it collectively together,” he said.
Games start Thursday at noon.
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