The Legacy of Shaw University Football

Shaw University, a private historically Black university (HBCU) in Raleigh, North Carolina, boasts a rich history extending beyond its academic achievements. Founded on December 1, 1865, Shaw has consistently strived to provide educational opportunities for African Americans, and its athletic programs, including football, have played a vital role in fostering community and pride. The university's motto, "Pro Christo Et Humanitate" (For Christ and Humanity), encapsulates its mission of service and upliftment, reflected both in its academic and extracurricular endeavors.

Early History and Development

Originally named the Raleigh Theological Institute (1869-1870) and then Shaw Collegiate Institute (1870-1875), Shaw University owes its existence to the vision of Henry Martin Tupper. The institution's early years were marked by significant challenges, including financial constraints and racial prejudice. In 1870, the institution was renamed Shaw Collegiate Institute after Elijah Shaw donated $5,000 to partially fund the $13,000 necessary to purchase 12 acres of land and erect Shaw Hall. Despite these obstacles, Shaw persevered, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Black education in the South.

The campus itself has a storied past. In 1867, the school consisted of two buildings, a large two-story structure and one Antebellum cabin. The campus expanded to include Estey Hall, dedicated to training women in domestic and vocational skills. In 1879, the Greenleaf Building was erected, serving as a chapel and dining hall. The establishment of the Leonard Medical School and the Leonard School of Pharmacy in 1882 further solidified Shaw's commitment to providing comprehensive educational opportunities.

The Rise of Athletics

While specific details on the early history of Shaw University's football program are scarce, it is understood that athletics became an integral part of the university's identity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Like many HBCUs, Shaw recognized the importance of sports in promoting school spirit, fostering camaraderie, and providing a platform for Black athletes to showcase their talents.

Shaw University is a member and co-founder of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II's Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference.

Football's Re-emergence in the 21st Century

After a period of absence, Shaw University's football program was re-established in 2002 under the leadership of Clarence G. Newsome. This marked a new chapter for the Bears, signaling the university's renewed commitment to athletics and its desire to provide student-athletes with opportunities to excel on and off the field.

Durham County Memorial Stadium served as the home of the Shaw University Bears football team through the 2008 season. The Bears currently play at Durham County Stadium.

CIAA Dominance

The re-established football program quickly rose to prominence in the CIAA, achieving remarkable success in a short period. The Bears captured CIAA football championships in 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2010, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the conference.

Division II Playoffs

Shaw's success extended beyond the CIAA, as the football team earned berths in the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2007 and 2010. These appearances showcased the Bears' talent on a national stage and further elevated the program's profile.

A New Era with Lamar Manigo

Lamar Manigo took over as head coach of the Shaw University football team heading into the 2025 season.

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Rivalry and Homecoming

Alas, the rivalry series between Raleigh’s HBCUs - Shaw and St. Augustine’s - is on pause indefinitely. The Shaw Bears will host Bluefield State for homecoming on Oct. 31. 2026.

Key Players

Diggs,Fabian vs Bluefield St.
Rutledge,Christian vs Fayetteville St.
Marsh,Alexander vs Fayetteville St.
Marsh,Alexander vs Fayetteville St.
Marsh,Alexander vs Fayetteville St.
Marsh,Alexander vs Bluefield St.
Marsh,Alexander vs Bluefield St.
Powell,Keyshaun vs Bluefield St.
King Jr,Reggie vs Bluefield St.
King Jr,Reggie vs Bluefield St.
Lane,Jordan vs Johnson C.
Felix,Darry vs Johnson C.
Boyd,James vs Fayetteville St.
Richardson,keyshawn vs Bluefield St.
Durham,Kelvin vs Johnson C.
Durham,Kelvin vs Johnson C.
Koontz,Brice vs Bluefield St.
Lane,Brian vs Johnson C.
Proctor,Deandre vs Johnson C.
Smolen,Lukasz vs Johnson C.
Harris,Ja'Shawn vs Bluefield St.
Perry,Isaiah vs Johnson C.
Stanley,Cadricus vs Johnson C.
Jackson,Damarion vs Johnson C.
Haynes, Jr.,Kevin vs Johnson C.
Woodard,Joseph vs Fayetteville St.
Michaud,Cameron vs Bluefield St.
Monk,Keyshawn vs Fayetteville St.
Moss,Theniias vs Fayetteville St.
Riley,Zaire vs Bluefield St.

Facilities and Resources

As of July 2011, Durham County Stadium will remain the home of the Shaw University Bears football team until construction plans towards building a new facility on Shaw Farm (a 40-acre lot donated to the university under James Cheek's administration on Rock Quarry Rd. in Raleigh NC and the site of the National Alumni House) is completed and implemented.

Shaw University's Broader Athletic Success

Shaw University is a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Shaw University's Basketball team participates in the CIAA annual Basketball Tournament. Shaw fields 14 varsity athletic teams including teams in men's soccer, women's soccer, men's basketball, women's basketball, football, tennis, baseball, cheerleading, men's and women's track and field, volleyball, golf, and bowling. Also in 2011 both men's and women's teams won the CIAA Tournament making Shaw the last school since Norfolk State in 1975 to win the big three championships in the same year. Shaw's Lady Bears won the NCAA Division II Championship for the 2011-2012 season. The Shaw University Lady Bears have won the CIAA Tournament four years in a row twice (2003-2006) (2011-2014).

Academic Excellence and Notable Alumni

Shaw University consists of three academic schools: School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Professional Studies, and the School of Divinity. Shaw offers 21 arts and sciences majors for degrees in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Shaw also offers a non-degree teaching certificate.

Shaw is known for many significant historical achievements. It was the first university to offer a four-year medical school, the first to offer a school of pharmacy, and the first to offer a law school for freed slaves in the United States. The first building of higher education for African American women in the country was built and still resides on the campus of Shaw.

Shaw is the alma mater of one United Nations General Assembly President, three founders of other North Carolina HBCUs, and numerous entertainers, lawyers, politicians, and educators. Notable alumni include: Angie Brooks, Shirley Caesar, John O. Willie E. Gary, Gladys Knight, Peter Weddick Moore, and Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

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