The NCAA’s four HBCU conferences have officially formed a new association in unification of preserving HBCU athletics.

HBC4Us was created by the commissioners of the CIAA, MEAC, SWAC and SIAC at a leadership retreat Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The alliance is “dedicated to protecting the integrity, legacy, cultural value and competitiveness of HBCU athletic programs,” a released statement said.

The 4 commissioners/gatekeepers are:

* Sonja O. Stills, MEAC

* Jacqie McWilliams Parker, CIAA

* Charles McClelland, SWAC

* Anthony Holloman, SIAC

The six-prong mission of the HBC4Us Association is:

* Student-Athlete Leadership and Development: cultivating future leaders on and off the field through mentorship and holistic support programs.

* Preservation of Cultural Heritage: celebrating the rich history, traditions and contributions of HBCUs

* Competitive Excellence: strengthening HBCU athletic programs to thrive on regional and national stages.

* Financial Sustainability and Partnerships: securing joint sponsorships, multimedia opportunities and long-term funding strategies.

* Unified Advocacy: presenting a collective front on NCAA governance, student-athlete rights and public policy

* Holistic Student-Athlete Welfare: promoting mental health, academic success and career readiness initiatives.

“The formation of the HBC4Us Association marks a new era of collaboration,” the statement continued. “As stewards of our stories athletic programs, we are committed to honoring our legacy while creating opportunities that ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of HBCU athletics for generations to come.”