HBCU Fields of Dreams to Pro Football Fame
Victoria Gallery, 1st floor
Discover the stories behind the greatest HBCU football players, coaches, and contributors.
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) presents HBCU Fields of Dreams to Pro Football Fame, a special exhibition on view April 16–26, 2026, in conjunction with the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
This exhibition brings together historic artifacts and football memorabilia that highlight the enduring legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as foundational spaces for athletic excellence, cultural pride, and professional achievement.
Featuring objects on loan from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Black College Football Hall of Fame, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to encounter iconic items from legendary figures such as Walter Payton, Mel Blount, Shannon Sharpe, and pioneering scout Bill Nunn, the exhibition highlights the players and visionaries who transformed the game and expanded opportunities for generations to come.
Timed to coincide with one of the most high-profile moments in professional football, this exhibition invites local audiences and visitors from across the country to connect with the history, excellence, and ongoing influence of HBCU athletes.
This exhibition is curated by Kimberly Jacobs, Curator & Exhibitions Manager at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. All objects and images are courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.