JCPenney is proud to announce the first and second place winners of our fourth annual #HBCUDesignChallenge, created to give full-time students enrolled at historically Black colleges and universities (#HBCUs) an opportunity to showcase their creativity across our stores and online platforms. Trajan Baker, a graduate student at Hampton University pursuing a master’s degree in architecture, is our first-place winner and will receive a scholarship, an all-expense paid visit to our Home Office to shadow the JCPenney design team, seven virtual mentoring sessions with JCPenney leaders and the opportunity for his design to be included in our 2024 Black History Month and/or Juneteenth #HopeAndWonder collections. Additionally, Trajan will receive a professional headshot photoshoot and the opportunity to be styled by and shadow the Michael Strahan Brand team. Second-place winner Dennis Samuel is a student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Dennis will also receive a scholarship, an all-expense paid visit to our Home Office to shadow the JCPenney design team and seven virtual mentoring sessions with JCPenney leaders. The winning designs will be unveiled in next year’s Black History Month and Juneteenth Hope & Wonder collections. Congratulations to Trajan and Dennis!
Somewhere Tom Joyner, of Dallas “ fly jock “ fame is very proud! JCP was partnering with Tom Joyner & his syndicated radio show, raising awareness & funds for HBCU schools, including Dallas’s own Paul Quinn College, before it was mainstreamed. #MakeItCount
Grateful for the opportunity to share my art with the JCPenney community and beyond 💫
Honored to be acknowledged by JCPenney and to connect with a broader audience. Deeply grateful for this opportunity!
I can’t wait to see the designs! #proudHBCUGrad #jcp
Visual Merchandising Manager
1moCongratulations on winning! Look forward to seeing the collection next year!