The Penny Games 2026 HBCU Debate Competition (September 30 – October 3)

The Penny Games 2026 brings students from HBCUs across the country to Birmingham for several days of competition featuring debate, esports, cybersecurity and business strategy.

As part of the Games, the HBCU Debate Competition will take place Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 3, with students debating timely issues involving data centers, investment in historically marginalized communities, charitable giving, social justice, faith and nonviolence.

The debates are FREE and open to the public, making this a great opportunity for HBCU alumni, future college students, parents, educators and fans of HBCUs to come out and support these talented students. Prospective students can also get an up-close look at HBCU excellence while learning more about schools from across the country.

Participating institutions include Texas Southern University, Tennessee State University, Howard University, Wiley College, Livingstone College, Virginia State University, Alabama A&M University, Hampton University, Bethune-Cookman University, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Fisk University.

Thursday, October 1

Times: 10:00–11:30 AM, 1:00–2:30 PM and 3:00–5:00 PM
Location: Forum Conference Center & BJCC South Meeting Rooms

Resolution: The economic benefits of hyperscale data centers outweigh their environmental costs.

Friday, October 2

Times: 10:00–11:30 AM and 1:00–2:30 PM
Location: Forum Conference Center & BJCC South Meeting Rooms

Students will debate resolutions examining institutional investment versus private charity and whether charitable giving alone can resolve systemic disparities affecting communities of color.

Saturday, October 3 — Debate Finals

Time: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: 16th Street Baptist Church

The finals will focus on resolutions exploring faith, nonviolence, social movements and lasting social change.

Admission & Registration

The HBCU debates are FREE and open to the public, but registration is required. Free tickets are available at ThePennyGames.com.

A special opportunity to have lunch with the debate teams is available Thursday and Friday for $50.

Event: The Penny Games 2026 HBCU Debate Competition
Dates: October 1–3, 2026
City: Birmingham, Alabama
Admission: FREE — Registration Required
Website: ThePennyGames.com