HBCU Legends

Black Sports Broadcaster and Pioneer Fred Hickman Passes at 66

The death of black sports broadcaster and pioneer Fred Hickman was a significant loss.

Kyle T. Mosley

Journalism suffered a significant loss with the death of the pioneering sport anchor Fred Hickman.  

Before Stuart Scott's "Booyah" went viral, the ESPN anchor chair had smooth sports reports from Fred Hickman. 

Fred Hickman
Fred Hickman

According to Hickman's wife, Sheila Hickman, he was battling liver cancer and passed at 66 on Wednesday, November 9.  As a cancer survivor, I am saddened to learn he lost his battle.

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Fred Hickman and Nick Charles as CNN sports anchors

I appreciated his approach to the craft. In junior high, I recalled his CNN debut with Nick Charles as one of the first national black sports anchors on cable television. It was a proud moment for many black sports fans - he was always "clean" for the cameras and very professionally. That's 80's slang for how well he dressed.

It was when he would grace the ESPN cameras that Hickman was appreciated. Hickman's excellent delivery and spot-on analysis were entertaining and engaging for audiences. 

He was an excellent broadcaster who's legacy paved the way for Stuart Scott, Michael Wilbon, Stan Verrett, Steve Wyche, Jim Trotter, Jemele Hill, and others.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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