“The Shop UNINTERRUPTED HBCU Tour” to Visit A&T during Homecoming

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 9, 2022) – This fall, The Shop, the marquee franchise from The SpringHill Company, will launch “The Shop UNINTERRUPTED HBCU Tour” supported by AT&T Dream In Black, Taco Bell, Toyota and Twix and open the doors of The Shop on HBCU (Historically Black College and University) campuses for the first time to cultivate conversations among the next generation of Black innovators.

As alumni, faculty, current students and local communities gather to celebrate Homecoming Season, The Shop has teamed up with select brand partners to bring the shop chairs, celebrity guests and candid conversations to three HBCU campuses – including North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University – for an unforgettable experience centered around the power of community and collaboration.

“We’re excited about this project and all the great work that UNINTERRUPTED and LeBron James are doing to share HBCU excellence more significantly on a national stage,” said North Carolina A&T Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. “Having them here during the Greatest Homecoming on Earth will give America a chance to see what makes this celebration and our university so special.”

Doubling down on The Shop’s mission to bring people together through conversations, products and experiences, The Shop UNINTERRUPTED HBCU Tour supported by AT&T Dream In Black, Taco Bell, Toyota and Twix is free to the general public (18 and older).

The third stop of the tour will be at N.C. A&T on Thursday, Nov. 2, with activation from 4 to 7 p.m. and live taping from 7 to 8 p.m.:

• EXPERIENCE THE SHOP LIVE: The Shop co-creator Paul Rivera and co-host Maverick Carter will be joined by special guests for an exclusive live taping of the multi-award-winning series The Shop UNINTERRUPTED.
• AT&T DREAM IN BLACK: The AT&T Dream In Black Rising Future Makers (RFM) Showcase activation will lean into the vintage barbershop vibe found at The Shop and feature a photo activation, as well a kiosk for HBCU students to submit their application to become a part of the 2023 Rising Future Makers Class. The RFM Showcase is a contest for HBCU students, to enter for the chance to receive $5,000, technology, and access to industry experts in support of their dreams. The space will also highlight inspirational quotes and images from previous RFM winners.
• TOYOTA: Toyota will be on-site creating an impactful presence and experience, including an accessible display of the new Toyota Grand Highlander and a photo booth enabling students to capture their unique homecoming moments. There will also be DJs on-hand spinning music live in The Shop HBCU booth, a lounge for anyone wanting to pause and relax amid the festivities, Toyota gift bag giveaways and more.
• TWIX: TWIX is an “and” in a world of “or’s” and during The Shop UNINTERRUPTED HBCU Tour, the brand will lean into the duality of TWIX. There will be a special photo moment for attendees to showcase their own unique dualities. To add an extra layer of sweetness, there will also be candy stations with TWIX bars and Mars products.
• UNFORGETTABLE FAN MOMENTS: From interactive photo moments that will provide ample selfie opportunities to the DJ creating the vibes throughout the day, there is something for everyone.

“Barbershops and HBCUs hold important roles within Black and Brown communities and are cornerstones in cultivating and educating the next generation of Black and Brown thought leaders,” said Paul Rivera, co-creator of The Shop and Chief Brand Officer at The SpringHill Company. “As we continue to highlight the communities that we started in, bringing The Shop to HBCU campuses was a top priority.

“This tour enables us to highlight aspirational talent through meaningful conversation that can inspire students to dream beyond the classroom during one of Black culture’s most notable moments — homecoming.”