Alabama A&M University scholars stood hand in hand as the final award was announced at the 2026 National HBCU Speech & Debate Championship. When the words “Alabama A&M University — First Place, Small School Sweepstakes” echoed through the debate room at Texas Southern University in Houston, silence gave way to cheers, embraces and tears.

2026-02-21T12:00:00-08:00Kelvin Edwards, sophomore, Mobile, Alabama; Uchenna Justin, junior, Abuja, Nigeria; Jordan Lee, sophomore, Mobile, Alabama; Jacob Adams, freshman, Springville, Alabama; Chance Williams, junior, Woodbridge, Virginia; Miracle Olatunji, junior, Nigeria, debate captain; Shanel White, sophomore, Raleigh, North Carolina; Chizitelu Justin, freshman, Abuja, Nigeria; Jailah Richie, freshman, Nashville, Tennessee; Jerryll Collins, sophomore, Birmingham, Alabama/_images/debatetrophylredit2.jpgBulldogs Earn Small School Sweepstakes Title as Team Reacts to Historic WinBulldogsEarn Small School Sweepstakes Title as Team Reacts to Historic Winhttps://www.aamu.edu/about/inside-aamu/news/bulldogs-earn-small-school-sweepstakes-title-as-team-reacts-to-historic-win.html