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SNIPES Pay It Forward initiative is a nationwide campaign to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The initiative is part of SNIPES’ commitment to giving back to the community and investing in the future of HBCUs and their graduates. Through this program, SNIPES aims to provide opportunities for underrepresented communities and empower the next generation of leaders by supporting education and creating a platform for important conversations.

SNIPES Pay It Forward partnered with the Mann x HBCU Festival is the first of its kind for the Philadelphia region. This FREE festival was an all-day community event celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their vibrant culture. As an interactive college fair featuring representatives from national and regional HBCUs, the festival served to engage and inspire the next generation of students while celebrating the rich and varied performing arts that are integral to HBCU culture.

The festival included performances by guests such as Terrance J, as well as live HBCU choirs The Howard Gospel Choir and Jeremy Winston Chorale (HBCU Student/Alum Combined Choir), marching bands (The Blue Pride Marching Band of Stillman College), majorettes (Cheyney University Blue Majorettes and Stillman College Majorettes), and cheer squads. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a masterclass by Xclusive Percussion, who is the #1 Drumline from Atlanta, GA.

There were plenty of family-friendly activities, including Snipes USA human Claw Machine where each person was attached to a harness, able to grab a special prize from each mysterious box. Awaiting next to our claw machine were some of the leaders from the Snipes teams, Gabrielle Golden from Talents and Acquisitions, Parker Hargens from the Marketing Digital team and Katrina Merritt, a district manager for retail locations.