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Shaquille O'Neal, Miles College pledge to put Papa John's on 39 black college campuses

Photo: iStock

October 22, 2019

Papa John's board member and investor, former NBA star, Shaquille O'Neal told Black Enterprise that he is working with Alabama liberal arts school, Miles College, in a program that seeks to put a Papa John's on every U.S. historically black college and university (HBCU) campus.

"HBCUs have been pivotal in the development of young minds; influential in highlighting the history and culture of African Americans and effectively provided a means for academic success. ..." O'Neal said in a statement released to the publication Monday. 

"Martin Luther King, Jr. said, 'If you want to move people, it has to be toward a vision that's positive for them, that taps important values, that gets them something they desire and it has to be presented in a compelling way so that they feel inspired to follow.' Today, I ask you to catch the same vision that the noble founders of HBCUs held in carving out a venue to education, independence, and success. Join me and President Bobbie Knight of the great Miles College, as we move toward a business initiative that will open avenues of opportunities for our HBCUs."

All this, of course, follows the incidents that eventually led to O'Neal's affiliation with Papa John's after the brand's founder, John Schnatter, reportedly used a racial slur in media training with the company he has since resigned from. That followed much-publicized statements he made during one of the brand's earning calls slamming the actions some NFL players took to kneel during the national anthem at games. 

"Miles College is honored to partner with Shaquille and welcome him to our historic and beautiful campus. Shaquille is a skilled investor, savvy entrepreneur, and marketing and branding genius," Miles College President Bobbie Knight said in the report. "This partnership tells the world that this is Miles College's day, and this is Miles College's time; to show America that (HBCUs) Historically Black Colleges & Universities can join icons like Shaquille and launch business ventures on our campuses like a Papa John's."

The Fairfield, Alabama school is one of 39 HBCUs to have the designation of a United Negro College Fund institution, the report said.