Olatunji and Williams Lead Alabama A&M to HBCU Debate Title in Birmingham

Alabama A&M University is celebrating a historic win after Honors Speech & Debate League scholars Miracle Olatunji, a junior psychology major from Lagos, Nigeria, and Chance Williams, a junior computer science major from Woodbridge, Virginia, captured the 2025 Penny Games HBCU Debate Invitational in Birmingham Friday morning. The victory earns the team a grand prize of $10,000.

The Penny Games, held October 1–3, brought together debate teams from eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation. Competitors faced off in a parliamentary-style format, debating the resolution: “The House believes that the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Gen Z and Gen Alpha will have an adverse effect on their economic landscape.”

Olatunji and Williams advanced through the tournament bracket in commanding fashion. On Tuesday, the AAMU duo defeated Morehouse College in Round 1, then overcame the legendary Wiley College, famously portrayed in the film “The Great Debaters,” in Round 2. Both wins came by unanimous judge decisions. Their final-round victory was Friday morning over Tennessee State University, which had previously eliminated Hampton and Howard. Watch the livestream.

The preliminary rounds were held at high schools across Birmingham and the championship round was held at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center.

The Penny Games is a signature youth initiative of The Penny Foundation, designed to showcase HBCU talent while connecting students to long-term academic and career opportunities. In addition to the debate competition, the three-day event included a college fair, esports finals, cultural tours and a career expo featuring more than 100 employers.

Carla Draper-Holloway, assistant director of the Honors Program and founder and coach of the AAMU Honors Speech & Debate League, praised her team’s achievement. “I’ve cried real tears today,” she said. “I’m just so very proud of their fantastic performance.”