Join us as We celebrate the 135th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act , Celebrating Legacy, Growing Opportunities, Inspiring Innovation and Uplifting Communities
About The Event
Join us as we celebrate the 135th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act with the theme: Celebrating Legacy, Growing Opportunities, Inspiring Innovation, and Uplifting Communities.
What Is the Second Morrill Act ?
The 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act marks a pivotal chapter in American higher education. This landmark legislation established the 1890 land-grant universities, across the southern United States, creating opportunities for students who had long been denied access to higher education. These institutions have become pillars of innovation, research, and community service, opening doors for those historically excluded from land-grant institutions. As we commemorate this milestone, we honor the vision and resilience of those who made it possible and reaffirm our commitment to expanding opportunity and excellence for generations to come.
This special gathering in Washington, D.C. brings together the 19 historically Black Land-grant universities, known as the “19-Strong,” along with students, educators, alumni, and partners from across the country.
Together, we’ll honor our shared history and spotlight the future with dynamic events like the inaugural 1890 Cyber + AI Games, where students tackle real-world challenges at the intersection of agriculture and technology. The celebration continues with a rooftop reception at the National 4-H Council, an evening for building new connections and reflecting on the ongoing impact of our institutions. This anniversary is a tribute to where we’ve been and a launchpad for the opportunities and innovations still to come.
Register Your Team
Register your Playcyber Team: (by August 1, 2025)
Innovation meets education on September 9th with the launch of the Cyber and AI Games for Agriculture. We are excited to launch the first-ever Playcyber Cyber and AI Capture the Flag during the 135th Anniversary Commemoration of the Second Morrill Act.
This dynamic, student-centered event will be held on Tuesday, September 9th at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and will feature 1890 University student teams competing in agriculture-focused AI and cybersecurity challenges. Each 1890 university is invited to send a team of six students, one faculty/staff coach and one volunteer. The competition will feature 25 food- and ag-related challenges, snacks, awards, and potentially some notable guest appearances. Most importantly, it offers students hands-on exposure to the intersection of agriculture, artificial intelligence, and cyber defense.
Be sure to access the Playcyber website link (above) and register your 1890 University Team:
- 6 student team members
- 1 team coach
- 1 volunteer
Steps for forming university teams
a. Identify your Student Team Members
Form a team of six students with an interest in AI, cybersecurity, or technology in agriculture. Students from outside of the Colleges of Agriculture may participate as team members. Students do not need to be subject-matter experts. Interest and enthusiasm are the most important qualifications! There will be opportunities for preparation and guidance ahead of the Playcyber event.
b. Appoint one coach
(i.e., a responsible adult) from your university to serve as the primary point of contact for your team. Identify 1 volunteer per university.
Coach Responsibilities:
- Ensure student registration is completed once the registration portal opens in early July.
- Coordinate team readiness, logistics, and arrival at UDC on September 9th.
- Serve as the liaison between the university team and Playcyber organizers.
- Participate in all preparatory activities, webinars, and communication updates.
Hotel Room Reminder for Coaches:
To reserve student hotel rooms, Coaches must first register their team using the Register Your Team link. Be sure to list student names and genders. After submitting the form, we will contact you directly to confirm and finalize student hotel reservations. Coaches can book their own rooms using the Hilton Room Block link
c. Select 1 volunteer per university
Volunteer Responsibilities:
Identify 1 volunteer per university
- Watchdogs (30) – technical skills preferred, some non-technical ok. The overall goal of the WatchDog role is to help ensure a smooth and successful competitor experience, by observing the assigned team and guiding them to appropriate help or support resources, communicating with the production, technical teams and jury, and reporting any suspicious activity or competitor conduct out of alignment with the rules/code of conduct.
- Help ensure a smooth and successful competitor experience by observing the assigned team and guiding them to appropriate help or support resources.
- Communicating with the production, technical teams, and jury, and reporting any suspicious activity.
- Registration table (4):
- Greet participants, issue badges/materials, answer questions, provide direction to various activities and amenities.
- Set-up (4) & Clean-up (4)
- Help with room set-up and clean-up
Team Preparation
University teams should come prepared with:
- Matching shirts that represent 1890 university pride
- A university flag (small to medium sized)
- Personal Laptop computer (1 for each student)
- Laptop Specs: For CTF participation, a modern laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended), and a 256GB SSD is generally sufficient. WIFI accessibility and/ or an ethernet port is critical. Chromebooks are not recommended for CTF as challenges may require file downloads.
- Notepads and pens will be provided
Ensure student participation in virtual team instructional webinars and practice sessions.
Two virtual practice sessions scheduled for:
- Friday, August 15, 2025
- Saturday, August 16, 2025
More detailed information on these sessions will be provided closer to the date.
Book Your Hotel
To ensure overnight accommodation for 1890 attendees and other out-of-town guests, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
Important Note: University Delegations will be limited to 15 members max (to include the Playcyber Games students, coach and volunteer)
Reserve your rooms now: The Washington Hilton has designated a room block specifically reserved for the 1890 Foundation’s 135th Anniversary event. To secure your room and receive the discounted group rate, please click this link:
Please avoid booking with the hotel directly, as the discounted group rate will not apply and attendees will pay the market hotel rate. Please note: the deadline date to reserve your hotel reservation via the link is Friday, August 8, 2025.
Hotel Information:
Washington Hilton Hotel
Address: 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-483-3000
Rate: $249 per night plus applicable taxes
Dates the discounted rate applies: September 8 – 11, 2025
Note: The hotel will hold a room deposit equal to one night's stay at the time of check-in
1890 Universities are encouraged to distribute this information to their delegations to determine anticipated need for overnight accommodations.
Swag Bag Submission
Amplifying the 1890 Story on Capitol Hill
The anniversary presents a timely opportunity to bring the 1890 story directly to members of Congress. University leaders are encouraged to schedule Capitol Hill visits with their delegations while in Washington, D.C. We encourage universities to bring important impact data from your state to be shared with your members on Capitol Hill.
Call for Financial Support
Despite strong momentum, securing funding for the anniversary events remains a top priority. We are emphasizing the urgent need for contributions, as delays in corporate giving have emerged due to shifting federal priorities. A lead sponsor remains committed, but funds have not yet been released.
A formal request for funding has been shared with our 1890 universities to help accelerate contributions to support 1890 university student programs and engagement and to help showcase the impacts of our 1890 universities.
Donations can be received via several payment options:
1.
Mail Check to 1890 Foundation:
1890 Universities Foundation
1220 L. St. NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005
2.
Pay via ACH to 1890 Universities Foundation:
Contact Natesha Johnson finance@1890foundation.org for payment information
3.
1890 Universities Donation
$100 processing surcharge applies to $7,500 donation
Coordinated Branding and Communications
A strong social media and visual storytelling campaign will accompany the commemoration. Communications leads from across the 1890 community are collaborating on consistent branding, event graphics, and video content to capture the energy and significance of the celebration.
Please click here for the 135th Celebration Campaign.
Key Contacts & Support
Universities are encouraged to continue advancing planning efforts, engaging students, and rallying support as we prepare to honor this powerful legacy and shape its future. For immediate questions, please contact:
PresidentJewelBronaugh@1890foundation.org
Thanks again for your effort to make our 135th Anniversary Commemoration as success!
Special Guests & Friends: How to Join the Celebration
You don’t need to be part of a university delegation to celebrate with us! Here’s how partners, supporters, alumni, and visitors can get involved.
Attend the PlayCyber Reception
- Reception: Monday, Sept 9, 6–7:30 p.m. | UDC (which room/area)
- RSVP link (TBA) *Registration Required
- Dress code: Business casual
- Food: Light hors d’oeuvres
Attend the 135th Second Morrill Act Commemoration Reception
- Reception: Sept 10, 5–7 p.m. | National 4-H Council Rooftop, 655 15th St NW Suite 220, Washington, DC 20005
- RSVP link (TBA) *Registration Required
- Dress code: Business casual
- Food: Light hors d’oeuvres
Book Your Hotel
Please avoid booking with the hotel directly, as the discounted group rate will not apply and attendees will pay the market hotel rate. Please note: the deadline date to reserve your hotel reservation via the link is Friday, August 22, 2025.
Hotel Information:
Washington Hilton Hotel
Address: 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-483-3000
Rate: $249 per night plus applicable taxes
Dates the discounted rate applies: September 8 – 11, 2025
Participate in Public Sessions & Events
Select panels, celebrations, and keynote events will be open to all
All donations help fund student opportunities and future programming
Contact for Guest Inquiries
Email: PresidentJewelBronaugh@1890foundation.org
Event Overview & Schedule
What to Expect
Two days of celebration, competitions, networking, and history-making moments for the 1890 community and friends
Key Dates
- September 9: Playcyber Games at UDC, Opening Events
- September 10: Capitol Hill visits, University Story Showcases, National 4-H Reception
Address
- 655 15th Street NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20005
Embedded Schedule
- TBD Graphic