The Rich Heritage Foundation (RHF) is a non-profit organization with a clear and inspiring mission – to empower underrepresented students aged 11-24 with financial resources, technology, initiatives, and guidance. RHF was founded by Devin Green who is a former professional NBA player and played college basketball at the HBCU, Hampton University. Upon Hampton in 2005, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2005-2006 season.

The Rich Heritage Foundation is here to serve as a guiding light—illuminating the path of academic and athletic excellence for underrepresented students considering HBCUs.

The Rich Heritage Foundation is specifically tailored to the rich academic and cultural promises offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Founded on the principles of preserving the past, passing on legacies, and shaping a brighter future, the RHF plays a pivotal role in supporting student athletes and fostering a holistic black experience on and off the court. Founder Devin Green’s experience in the league combined with his philanthropic attitude— shifted his attention toward why more players were not only attending HBCUs, but they weren’t even on the board as options. As Green furthers his investigation, he realizes his own Alma mater had decent facilities, however they still lacked so many resources that go into helping an aspiring prospective pro-athlete. The RHF was established with the primary goal of supporting HBCUs/institutions that have played a crucial role in providing education and fostering resilience among the African American community. By offering scholarships, athletic clinics, and restoration initiatives, the foundation can aim to enhance the educational opportunities and overall experiences of students attending these esteemed institutions.

Scholarships being one of the core aspects of the RHF’s mission, the goal is to provide scholarships to athletes that are planning to attend HBCUs. Currently, the two scholarship programs that are being offered are a $6,000 Scholarship and a $1,000 Scholarship. Currently with the $6,000 scholarship it is available to high school basketball players who are committed to attending an HBCU and meet the application criteria. While our $1000 scholarship is awarded to basketball players who graduate from high schools within the state where the Rich Heritage Classic is hosted for the year. Similar to the first scholarship, recipients must be committed to attending an HBCU that meets the application criteria. With a strong emphasis on developing skills and nurturing young talent—the RHF will conduct basketball clinics for students aged 11-14. Through these one-day camps held over several different locations, aspiring players will get the opportunity to enhance their abilities while gaining insights into playing sports at HBCUs. These clinics not only focus on physical prowess, but also encourage a growth mindset and holistic development.

In addition to scholarship programs and athletic clinics, the RHF hopes to actively collaborate with HBCUs, vendors, and contractors to preserve and restore athletic facilities on campus—which is one of the biggest overall goals of the RHF. By earmarking funds specifically for restoration purposes, the foundation can ensure that the expenditures contributed will be towards enhancing the facilities and preserving the rich history of HBCUs. The Rich Heritage Foundation’s work is paramount as it fosters a support system for student athletes who seek equal opportunities to fulfill their dreams while attending HBCUs. By nurturing academic excellence, cultural heritage, and athletic talent, the RHF not only empowers individual students but also uplifts the entire HBCU community as a whole, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

The Rich Heritage Foundation is here to serve as a guiding light—illuminating the path of academic and athletic excellence for underrepresented students considering HBCUs. Through scholarships, athletic clinics, and restoration initiatives, the foundation leaves an indelible mark on the historical legacy of HBCUs while shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for aspiring scholars and athletes alike. The RHF’s dedication to the holistic black experience at HBCUs exemplifies the power of unity, education, and resilience in building a stronger society.