The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball tournament is a highly-anticipated event that draws teams and spectators from across the country to Baltimore. The tournament has a rich history dating back to 1946 and has become a major event in college basketball. Not only does this tournament showcase talented athletes, but it also highlights the historical significance of black colleges and universities.
In January, during a kickoff event held at the Druid Hill Y, CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams’ team and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s team competed in a free throw showdown, adding to the excitement of the upcoming tournament. McWilliams expressed her pride in returning to Baltimore in February, which is also Black History Month. “Baltimore has been instrumental to help us bring back the focus. It felt like being at home, felt like the game was the most important thing about why we do what we do,†she said.
Baltimore is known for hosting diverse and exciting events, and the CIAA tournament is just one of many. If you’re looking to party in Baltimore during the CIAA weekend, look no further. Check out these websites — www.star23enterprise.com, www.stadayium.com, http://www.baltimore.org — and check out the lineup. Our top weekend lineup kicks off the tournament on Thursday, February 23, with “” party featuring DJ Tanz, the Governor’s DJ, and DJ Technics at Safari Lounge Baltimore. Our pick for a Friday day party is the 10th annual “Chicken-n-Beer Day Party,†featuring vibes provided by Fantasia Barrino’s Tour DJ, DJ Shaun NYCE, DJ Crimson Cookie, DJ Drew Que, and the Mary J. Blige Tribute Band. Our pick for Friday night is the “Safari Blackout,†hosted by Power 105.1’s DJ Self at Safari Lounge Baltimore, with a live radio broadcast from Magic 95.9. The “Love & Hip Hop†alum will also host the biggest day party on Saturday, February 25, at the annual HBCU Brunch & Day Party Reunion, along with DJ Gemini from 93.9 WKYS | DMV, at the Guilford Hall Brewery.
