A MOVEMENT OF REMEMBRANCE WE ONLY NEED ONE STOMP
109 REASONS. ONE POWERFUL REMEMBRANCE.

A silent movement honoring the lives, stories, and dreams that shaped generations. Together, we stand in unity, remembering the past while creating a stronger future for HBCUs.

The Silent Prayer Stomp brings people together through reflection, remembrance, and a shared commitment to honoring those who came before us.

WE STAND. WE REMEMBER. WE MOVE FORWARD.

EDUCATE
EMPOWER
ELEVATE
CHANGE

The Power of One HBCU “Silent Prayer STOMP”

The Meaning Behind “109”

The “109” connection reflects the 2026 launch of our campaign, which comes 109 years after the 1917 East St. Louis, Illinois massacre. After reading the local newspaper account, it was found that key information was missing and misleading. The complete story became clear only after locating the Black newspaper, “The Argus” — known today as the “St. Louis Argus.” For us, “109” honors Black history and points to the importance of accurate documentation and responsible reporting by Black media. It also underscores the vital connection between HBCUs and Black media, and why both must be supported to preserve and teach Black history accurately.

To honor the victims of the 1917 East St. Louis massacre, The Power of One HBCU “Silent Prayer STOMP” will take place at the close of Juneteenth week on Sunday, June 27th, 2027. In remembrance of the silent prayer held in 1917, we will begin with a silent prayer at 1:00 a.m., followed by a “STOMP” at exactly 1:09 a.m. The “STOMP” symbolizes the ringing of a church tower bell to warn the community of danger.

Will you join us in the “STOMP” to honor our lost brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, mothers, fathers, cousins, grandmothers, and grandfathers?

CHAPTER IV • BLACK HISTORY SILENT PRAYER STOMP

WE ONLY NEED ONE
THE POWER OF ONE HBCU
SILENT PRAYER STOMP

The Silent Prayer Stomp 2027 is a tribute to the victims of the 1917 East St. Louis, Illinois, massacre and all victims of massacres. This 1917 East St. Louis massacre remembrance honors the lives lost and recognizes the strength of communities that endured violence and loss. The event is planned for Sunday, June 27, 2027.

In remembrance of the silent prayer held days after the 1917 tragedy, we invite people everywhere to pause together in silent prayer. This East St. Louis 1917 tribute gives participants an opportunity to reflect on the past, honor those who suffered, and stand together in unity.

At exactly 1:09 a.m., a single STOMP will symbolize the alarm bell at the True Light Baptist Church Tower, which still stands and once warned the community of imminent danger.

This moment is at the heart of the movement: remembering the victims in a positive way while bringing people together through remembrance, uplift, unity, and the strength of one HBCU family of 108. It is also an opportunity to make Juneteenth remembrance meaningful by reflecting on Black history, honoring those who came before us, and strengthening our commitment to future generations.

ONE MOVEMENT. ONE PRAYER. ONE STOMP. ONE HBCU FAMILY.

1

1917

East St. Louis became a defining moment in Black history. In the face of violence and loss, a community endured, rebuilt, and refused to let its story disappear. Today, we remember those lives and honor the strength that carried future generations forward.

1960s

HBCU students became a powerful force for change. Through marches, sit-ins, organizing, and peaceful protest, young people stepped beyond their campuses and helped shape the Civil Rights Movement. Their courage showed what can happen when education, purpose, and collective action come together.

2

The Yard

HBCU campuses became spaces where culture, tradition, and community could thrive. Stepping grew into a powerful form of expression, bringing rhythm, precision, pride, brotherhood, and sisterhood together. The Divine Nine helped preserve and carry these traditions across generations.

3

4

Today

The Silent Prayer Stomp brings history, culture, and community into one shared moment. It honors those who came before us while reminding us of the responsibility we carry today.

At 1:09 a.m. on Sunday, June 27, 2027, one silent prayer and one STOMP will bring people together in remembrance, uplift, and unity as one HBCU family of 108. The Silent Prayer Stomp 2027 invites people to take part in a shared act of reflection and historical remembrance.

THE HISTORY

WE ONLY NEED ONE LEGACY
STRONGER PEOPLE. BRIGHTER POSSIBILITIES.

Discover the journey, legacy, and impact that shaped generations. Through resilience, innovation, and community, we continue building stronger people and creating brighter possibilities for the future. Our history reflects a commitment to empowering individuals, supporting education, and opening doors to new opportunities.

STUDENTS SUPPORTED

Expanding access, resources and opportunities for the next generation.

IN SCHOLARSHIPS

Investing in dreams and removing barriers to brighter futures.

HBCU PROGRAMS

Strengthening campuses and communities across the nation.

A LASTING LEGACY

Creating generational change through education, culture and unity.

BLACK MEDIA • CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

WE ONLY NEED ONE COMMUNITY
BUILDING IMPACT THROUGH UNITY.

Honoring the organizations that help inform, empower, and strengthen Black communities. From Black media and journalism to civil rights, advocacy, and community leadership, these organizations play an important role in preserving our stories, advancing opportunity, and building a stronger future together.

(NABJ)

National Association of Black Journalists

(NBMC)

National Black Media Coalition

(NBT)

National Black Television Media

(BPR)

Black Public Radio Network

(NABOB)

National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters

(Amg)

Allen Media Group

(CCB)

Circle City Broadcasting

(UO)

Urban One

(UE)

UP Entertainment

(NAACP)

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

(NBCC)

National Black Chambers of Commerce

(USBC)

U.S. Black Chambers

(NABA)

National Association of Black Accountants

(NBM)

National Black MBA

(NSBE)

National Society of Black Engineers

(UL)

The Urban League

(NCNW)

National Council of Negro Women

(BMA)

100 Black Men of America

OUR MISSION

WE ONLY NEED ONE GIFT
THREE WAYS TO BUILD A
STRONGER FUTURE.

01 STUDENTS

SUPPORT STUDENTS

Expand access, create opportunities, and help the next generation thrive.

02 INSTITUTIONS

STRENGTHEN HBCUs

Provide sustainable resources that help our institutions grow and innovate.

03 LEGACY

BUILD A LASTING LEGACY

Create an endowment that ensures HBCUs remain strong for generations.

OUR STORIES ✦ OUR MEDIA ✦ OUR POWER ✦ BLACK CULTURE ✦ HBCU LEGACY ✦ REPRESENTATION MATTERS ✦ OUR STORIES ✦ OUR MEDIA ✦ OUR POWER ✦ BLACK CULTURE ✦ HBCU LEGACY ✦ REPRESENTATION MATTERS ✦

1,000,000 DONORS — $109 EACH — 108 HBCUs — ONE SHARED FUTURE — GENERATIONS OF IMPACT — 1,000,000 DONORS — $109 EACH — 108 HBCUs — ONE SHARED FUTURE — GENERATIONS OF IMPACT —

JOIN THE MOVEMENT WE ONLY NEED ONE MORE BE ONE OF THE 109 MILLION.

Your support helps fuel scholarships, strengthen HBCUs, and ensure the next 109 years are even brighter.

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