Join the Fight: Save Fisk University’s Groundbreaking HBCU Gymnastics Program Before It Ends in 2026!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In 2023, Fisk University made history as the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to start a gymnastics program. However, just three years later, the university has announced that the program will end after Spring 2026.

The gymnastics team quickly gained attention, breaking records and inspiring many. Former gymnast Naimah Muhammad shared her surprise at the program’s popularity. “At first, I didn’t realize we were making history. By the end of our meets, we were signing autographs and meeting fans. It felt amazing,” she said.

After graduating in May, Muhammad was hopeful about mentoring the team, but she was shocked to learn it was ending. “I never thought this would happen. We had so much support from students, faculty, and alumni,” she added.

Fisk cited the lack of HBCU Athletic Conference sanctioning as a key issue, which made it hard to schedule meets and recruit gymnasts. "While we are proud of the history made, we need to focus on our conference-affiliated teams," said Valencia Jordan, the Director of Athletics at Fisk.

Muhammad expressed her disappointment, saying, “It was a real shock. It made me upset.” She and other alumni are now pushing to save the gymnastics program. They’ve initiated a petition to raise awareness.

Despite the uncertainty, Muhammad is proud of what the team achieved. “No one can erase the history we’ve made in three years that inspired so many,” she said.

Since Fisk’s landmark move, two other HBCUs launched gymnastics programs, but only Wilberforce University in Ohio will remain active after Fisk’s closure. Talladega College in Alabama started its program in 2023 but ended it the following year due to financial issues.

Muhammad plans to support Wilberforce if Fisk’s program cannot be saved. The rise and fall of these programs highlight both the challenges and triumphs faced by HBCUs in expanding athletic opportunities.

With the growing interest in gymnastics among students, it raises questions about how these institutions can better support such programs in the future. The conversation around this topic is alive on social media, where athletes and fans share their thoughts on the importance of gymnastics in the HBCU community.

As the gymnastics landscape evolves, it’s a reminder of the challenges that accompany growth, especially in areas like funding and support. The future may still hold promise for HBCU gymnastics, even if that future looks different than before.

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