October 22, 2025 • 28 mins
On today's episode we talk with Piper Overstreet-White, Senior Vice President of Government & Community Relations for the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Still broadcasting from the Civic Cipher Studios. This is the
QR code where we share perspective, seek understanding, and shape outcomes.
The man you are about to hear from is a
man with no end when it comes to resources. He
is the unequivocal, the great, the illustrious Q in the
QR code. He goes by the name of q Ward.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
The voice you just heard be using some tricky words sometimes,
and that's because he got all some degrees over there.
I'm from the Detroit Public School System. I don't know
what Rams has just said. He is the R in
the QR code. I just told you his name.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
And we needed to stick around. We are going to
be having a conversation that we're very much looking forward
to with the one the only Piper over Street White
to discuss the Raiders' role in bringing the inaugural Proctor
and Gamble Las Vegas HBCU Classic to the city's allegiant stadium.
I'm really excited to get into what it is she's doing,
(01:02):
what it is her team is doing out there in Vegas,
and really what this event means, you know, for all
of us, even if you didn't attend at HBCU to
be clear, I didn't attend an HBC, but really excited
on what is to come there. But right now we
are going to have a truncated but still necessary Qwards
clap back where he talks to us about an incident
(01:24):
where live fire was used at a military demonstration near
San Diego. Q.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Competence matters when lives are at stake. And the unfortunate
thing about this administration is that when it comes to
our government and the services it's supposed to provide, be
that education, be that health and human services, be that
(01:51):
all type of social programs that dictate, you know, how
medicine is used, what is allowed to be put into food,
the Department of Education, as I spoke of the Department
of Health. All these things are being run by like
cronies of the president, most of which have no experience
(02:14):
in the field that they're supposed to be working in,
let alone the departments that they're supposed to be running.
So it's an interesting thing, man, But let's talk about leadership, accountability,
and basic competence when lives are on the line. Because
this week, as you've probably heard, Marine Corps Artillerary Shales
(02:35):
or a Marine Corps artillery shale detonated over Interstate five
in California during a live fire exercise. As you can imagine,
both of those things are abnormal. Not on a closed range,
not in a war zone, but over a major American highway.
(02:57):
Once again, folks, this is not normal. Shrapnail from one
of the shells, from the shell, I'm sorry struck a
patrol car. No civilians were hurt, But that's luck. Like literally,
we're just lucky that no one was hurt. That's not
a safety measure. Live fire training is supposed to be
(03:18):
air tight, airspace cleared, perimeters, locked down. These protocols exist
precisely to keep civilians out of harm's way. If an
explosive shell ended up detonating over I five, that means
something and the chain failed. And when it comes to
live ordinance, failure is not acceptable. Or in a moment
(03:41):
where military imagery and power displays are being amplified for
political theater, So when something like this happens, it lands differently.
It's not just an operational mistake, it's a breach of trust,
and trust is already fragile. This isn't about disrespecting the
people that serve This is about demanding that charge are
competent because civilians shouldn't ever be in a blast radius.
(04:07):
Patriotism isn't silence. Holding leadership accountable doesn't weaken the military.
It protects the people and the institution. If they can't
control their weapons in training, why should anyone trust their
judgment and crisis. This was a dangerous mistake with real stakes,
and it deserves answers, not spin. Here's where we clap back.
(04:29):
Respect for the service is not a free pass for incompetence.
What happened on nine to five was not routine. It
was a warning. Competence matters, especially when the weapons are
real and the people below them are us.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Piper Overstreet White has been with the Las Vegas Raiders
for three seasons. As Senior Vice President of Government and
Community Relations, Piper operates at the intersection of policy, sports
and community. She leads the club's legislative fa everts at
the local and state levels, advancing initiatives that engage stakeholders
around the organization's strategic business priorities. Piper also oversees the
(05:09):
Raiders community outreach efforts, philanthropic giving, and football development initiatives,
and now to discuss the Raider's role in bringing the
inaugural Procter and Gamble Las Vegas HBCU Classic to the
city's Allegiance Stadium. We have our special guest, herself, Piper
over Streaked White. You know, I have had the pleasure
(05:30):
of doing a little bit of reading about you. You know,
I think that you're an impressive person. There's a lot
of impressive women in the equation out there in Las
Vegas who have been instrumental, not just in terms of
the Raiders organization, but with respect to the stadium out
(05:51):
there and with respect to you know, bringing this HBCU
Classic event in manifestation. So I suspect that Q is
going to do a lot more talking here because I
famously am the least proficient when it comes to discussing
(06:12):
things that you know, relate to sports. But this is
this is definitely an exciting event. So how about this
for people like me that maybe we don't follow sports
too closely, but we do care indeed about HBCUs and
growth and optics and all that sort of stuff. Talk
to us a little bit about maybe what the HBCU
Classic is, what all it entails, and why people should
(06:33):
be excited about it.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
So there are many HBCU Classics that take place throughout
the season around the country in different areas of the country,
but most concentrated in the areas of the country where
you'll find a concentration of HBCU institutions and alumni. So
to be able to host an HBCU Classic in a
(06:58):
city like Las Vegas, the sports and entertainment capital of
the world, at a venue that is ranked number one
by Billboard, the number one stadium in the US, is.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
It's incredible.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
It provides visibility, it provides a platform, and what you
can expect with any HBCU Classic is a lot of fun,
great football.
Speaker 3 (07:21):
We're hosting the inaugural.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
HPCDU Classic here in Las Vegas, is hosting two really
well respected programs in Jackson State and Grambling State. Two
wonderful HBCU bands top rank the world Fame Marching Tigers
and the Sonic Boom of the South. So when you
talk about HBCDU Classics, you're not even talking about good football,
(07:44):
but you're talking about fun, battle of the bands, cultural celebration, music, dancing,
and the whole bit. And we'll get to experience that
here in Las Vegas. Comes Saturday.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Now, Piper, I won't pretend that we're strangers. You and
I actually got to meet doing some really good work
for the community out there before the Super Bowl, and
then I was able to connect with Sondra during Super
Bowl Week and she's been on the show and we've
done all we can to continue to amplify the work
that you guys are doing there collectively. As far back
(08:18):
as the Super Bowl, I heard her already wanting to
do something like this, you know, way before it came
to fruition. Tell us a little bit how it went
from ideation to reality, so you know.
Speaker 4 (08:32):
We were approached, and listen, I'll start a little bit
with a Raider's history if I can. I think this,
you know, hosting an HBC Classic at Allegiance Stadium really
is a continuation of a legacy, a legacy between the
Raiders and HBCUs dating back to the sixties when the
previous owner, Al Davis, who was succeeded in ownership by
(08:54):
his son Mark Davis.
Speaker 3 (08:55):
Our current owner, Al Davis was a maverick. He broke barriers.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
He was one of the first owners to draft talent
from HBCUs. The Raiders were the first NFL organization and
then modern NFL era to hire a black head coach
in Artshell who came out of Maryland Eastern Shore HBCU.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
So really this is a continuation of a legacy.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
So when folks reached out to gauge our interests in
hosting this at Allegiance, it was a no brainer.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
I mean, I don't even think.
Speaker 4 (09:30):
Sandra could you know, finish her sentence to Mark before
you said, let's do it, get it done.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
You know, whatever it takes, let's let's do.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
This for people who have not experienced HBCUs. You and
I famously went to predominantly white institutions, but we are
very familiar connected, not just with HBCUs, but with the
Divine Nine. Tell people a little bit about what that
experience is like, because you mentioned it before. It's not
just the game. There's the bands, there's the fraternities, there's
(09:56):
the stepping, there's the strolling. Tell people a little bit
about what they can expect with an HBCU classic coming
to like you said, the sports and entertainment mecca of
the world.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
Yeah, so you know when you talk about HBCUs, that
are higher education institutions that have provided generations or produced
generations of Black professionals, athletes, leaders. So in that educational foundation,
there was also a place for culture to flourish, and
(10:28):
for Black identity to flourish, and for certain genres to
be incubated and develop and you know, be permeate throughout
the world. So for everybody to experience Black culture, but
a lot of it was incubated on the campuses of HBCUs.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Not only that, but advocacy and political movements. So HBCUs
mean a.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
Lot more than just education, are just sports, They're really
a cultural celebration. That's what HBCU classics are all about, right,
It is celebrating that legacy in the future that holds
for you know, hopefully generations of graduates to come.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
I'm a h My.
Speaker 4 (11:06):
Mother was a graduate of Central State. My undergrad was
at Hampton, so I'm very familiar with it personally. But
I think, you know, we're we're seeing a resurgence. And
I say resurgence because I you know, as far as
our culture is concerned, it never went away. But you
remember back when a Different World was on TV, which
is what inspired my application in Hampton, which you know,
(11:28):
everybody says Hillman was modeled after Hampton.
Speaker 3 (11:31):
There might be some arguing.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
Going on, but I know that it was modeled after Hillman,
and so I think, you know, now with the advent
of social media and you know, the the Internet and
these different platforms, including yours, that more people are being
exposed and there's interest that it's peaked and going to HBCU,
(11:53):
so we can continue that legacy for generations to come.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Now, this is an interesting time I'm in our country,
especially to do something that's you know, centered on black culture.
Is it difficult to make decisions like this when you
know the country seems to be at odds with things
like DEI, with things like you know, affirmative action, with
things that support minorities and to give platform to minority initiatives.
(12:22):
Is it a difficult time to even pull off something
like this when it seems to be at odds with
the administration of the country.
Speaker 4 (12:30):
So difficult for some, not for us, not for the
Raiders organization. We have never been afraid of doing what's right,
even when.
Speaker 3 (12:37):
It's not popular.
Speaker 4 (12:39):
And so you know, we've been asked, not that particular question,
but questions just to kind of about where we stand,
and we say it's it's in our DNA.
Speaker 3 (12:47):
It's part of the foundation.
Speaker 4 (12:48):
Social justice is part of the foundation of the Raiders,
and it's reflected in everything we do, including hosting this game.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
We it's kind of the three of us and Sondra
included because we've had these conversations with her on and
off Mike. It's kind of in our DNA to do
things like this and to amplify things like this. In
your opinion, why is it important to host events like
this and why at Allegiance Stadium? Like why was this
(13:18):
something that you guys took so personally, Like you said,
she couldn't even finish her sentence before Mark was like, yes,
let's do it. Why do you think that permeates throughout
the organization? Why is doing something like this at the
number one stadium in the country such an important thing
to do.
Speaker 4 (13:34):
I think it was a tone that was set by
al Davis and it's never it just continued to strengthen
through you know, Mark's legacy, through Sandra and Ramsis had mentioned,
you know, some of the leadership that we have at
the organization, between having you know, the first black woman
to be an NFL president on our executive team, you
(13:56):
have me. You have our Chief Sales Officer, Kiava Martina Is.
You have our CFO Michael Chrome. So we're all well
represented through the organization, through all the ranks and all
the levels. We have a very active employer resource We
have very active employee resource groups, but we also have
a very active employee resource group called BASE, which is
(14:17):
our Black employee Resource group. And we just never shied
away from celebrating black culture and Black history.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Ramses, you and I spoke about, you know, the kind
of crossover between sports and culture, and the reason why
I thought this conversation was so important, Piper, is because
a lot of people, especially those that are familiar, we'll
see PNG Las Vegas, HBCU Classic and just think maybe football,
maybe Battle of the Bands. But this kind of rings
(14:49):
more loudly and more pronounced today because the temperature in
the country is so different. Do you guys foresee any
any like strang blowback from the community out there, Like,
how have things felt on the ground out in Las
Vegas as you guys are wrapping.
Speaker 3 (15:05):
Up for this, No, people are excited.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
People really are excited, and maybe you know, I don't know,
maybe it's a if you don't know you don't know,
and those those who do are all about it and
are really gearing up for an exciting weekend. And you know,
we we're not in a place where we want to give,
you know, any sort of credence or attention to negativity
(15:31):
or divisiveness, because that's not what this organization is about.
And we'll continue to celebrate not all cultures, but Black
culture and in particular as the organization is always done.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
I mean, this is really about platforming you know, talent
from HBCUs.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
You know, uh, you saw what happened with the program
at Jackson State when Coach Sanders was there, and just
bringing more visibility so we can continue to support our
organizations now more than ever, you know, whether it's a
threat you know, of continued funding or not. We have
to keep student enrollment up, and a way to do
(16:13):
that is through hosting classics and getting you know, incoming.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
College students excited about attending HBCUs.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Can Can I ask a question?
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Please? No?
Speaker 3 (16:27):
Please?
Speaker 1 (16:28):
Okay, now now I wanted. The reason I'm saying please
is because I recognize that these questions might be they
might sound silly. I hope they don't sound silly. But
now You've painted a really great picture of what an
HBCU Classic is, right, So my hat's off too for that.
It sounds like an exciting time.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
Is it?
Speaker 1 (16:48):
Is it somehow connected to like like, do you know
how at the end of a football season there's like
a rose bul in California. They used to have this
thing called the Rose Bull and it wasn't the Super Bowl,
but it's like a big deal and it was like
almost like a championship game. Is this the same thing?
It's like a championship game. There's two teams that are
going to play. Or is it like all the teams
(17:09):
come and they play for a long time, or like,
can you this is the first one? So maybe that's
an okay question to ask or maybe you know, I.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Think it's a great question, I asked. So, No, it's not.
I wouldn't say the championship. Yes, they're two schools.
Speaker 4 (17:24):
There's there's football teams on the field playing each other
for bragging rights, you know, being the winner of the
inaugural p and g Las Vegas HBCU Classic. But this
has mid season, so for the programs, it wouldn't be
a championship, but it's just a chance to play on
a on a bigger stage.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Okay, do do the two teams? Do they are? Is
it like a lottery that you pick the two teams?
Or how are the teams selected?
Speaker 4 (17:54):
So it depends. In this instance, I think it was
you know, the swack Southwestern Athletic Conference, which is members
of so it sort of goes through that process. And
I don't have a direct insight into exactly.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
How how they were chosen.
Speaker 4 (18:11):
They in grammy state were chosen for this because those
two teams were chosen by the time you know that
the idea came forward.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
Sure, sure, okay, then how about this? And I hope
this is still okay? And for our listeners, I mean,
you know me well enough. I don't know a lot
about this, but I think this is fascinating. So how
about this. Do you expect an influx of perhaps students
and alumni from these two schools or is this meant
(18:41):
to be something that is like people that are connected
in some way or another two HBCUs coming out? In
other words, in other words, let's say there is a
Super Bowl, right, some people will go to the Super
Bowl because well, how about this? People will go to
a regular game because they like to see their team play.
(19:01):
But most everybody will go to a super Bowl because
it's such a big deal. It doesn't matter what team
is playing. The super Bowl is the big deal. So
is it like that sort of a thing where hey,
it's just a big party. We got these two teams.
It's a reason to come and celebrate and bask in
kind of the legacy and the history and the culture
of these HBCUs. Everybody's welcome, doesn't matter school you went to. Everybody,
come out, let's have a good time in Vegas. Tell
(19:22):
me a little bit more about the thinking of the
person that attends this sort of thing.
Speaker 4 (19:27):
Yeah, so some of it, I would say the local
interest is just that of saying, hey, we have an
opportunity to celebrate HBCUs and attend a classic in our city.
I don't have to buy a plane ticket or a
bus ticket. Okay, cool, right across the country. But what
you're getting at, I think, and this is true in
(19:49):
any sport, but I'll tell you football. You know, NFL
collegiate there are teams that are fan bases that are
known to travel well, meaning that they're going to show
up wherever that game might be.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
And these are two programs that have a traveling fan base.
Speaker 4 (20:04):
And I can tell you for for Grammling especially, there's
a local chapter of a Groundling alumni association and we
work I personally have worked with the presidents of both
both schools national alumni associations. On this weekend, there's an
official alumni mixer that is occurring on Friday at seven
pm at a local black homeed bar restaurant called Mariposa.
(20:29):
And I worked with those national alumni presidents because they
have so many people coming and they're like, Okay, James, on.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
Saturday, what are we doing Friday? What do we do
on Sunday?
Speaker 4 (20:39):
I can tell you that there definitely will be folks
who are who are traveling in And I'd be remiss
if while we're talking about alumni, I'd be remiss if
I didn't also shout out Raiders alumn So.
Speaker 3 (20:54):
Over the course of Raiders history, over.
Speaker 4 (20:58):
Eighty players who have worn the Silver and Black come
from HBCUs. Grambling is one of the schools where we
have a lot of connection to. We have we have
Raiders alumni and or or their families that will be
attending the Las Vegas HBCU Classic who are Raiders alum
(21:19):
but also alums of Grambling or Jackson, Jackson State, So
you also have that connective tissue that's there, you know,
that's that's part of the excitement. And and I want
to make sure I pay respect to you know, all
the alumnill he'll be in attendants as well.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
Okay, last thing I'll say, and then I'll I'll keep back,
get back to listening. But I think it's so uh
fitting because you mentioned rightfully so that we're in a
climate now that I don't think many of us is
expected to be in politically speaking. And to see a
(21:56):
lot of people who were once allies a strong allies
in supportive and more inclusive and a more equitable future
for historically marginalized communities. To see all of that allyship
dissolve because of a four year presidency was very disheartening.
(22:20):
But to know that this is indeed called the I'm
going to get this right. I'm going to get it right,
hang on the inaugural Procter and Gamble Las Vegas HBCU Classic.
To know that Procter and Gamble is involved is a
big deal because Q and I famously work very closely
with the Black Information Network, and they're one of the
(22:42):
founding partners of the Black Information Network. So I just
wanted to make sure that I said that because it
you know, that's kind of one of those things where
you know a handful of company. I'm very, very strategic
with how I spend my money. I don't want to
invest in an economy that gets credited to someone who
is actively oppressing my people. But I will spend my
(23:06):
money with Procter and Gamble, no problem. So I just
wanted to make sure I shouted that out.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
R Q.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
I'm sorry about that and just thank you for letting
me ask a couple of questions. But you did.
Speaker 4 (23:14):
That's important to talk about, right, I think you know
the power of the power of the person making sure
that we as a collective. You have a belief system,
you have a value system, and you want to make
sure that you're investing, whether it be your your your time,
or resources, in companies and organizations that have a shared
(23:36):
value system the same as you. So I I understand
that and respected the great deal, and I also want
to shout out it's so.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
It's a very long name.
Speaker 4 (23:44):
It's it's a P and G Las Vegas HBC Classic
presented by it's been Lacky family of Companies.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
So even Lacky and Q.
Speaker 4 (23:53):
I don't know if you've had a chance to meet him,
because he's he's got a presence here locally, but he
is is a businessman. They own, you know, several companies
because of philanthropists and you know, if he reached out
and said, hey, I want to be a part of
this hawk and I helped make this happen. So that
is how you have the name, the official name of
the game being P and G Las Vegas HBCU Classic
(24:16):
presented by the Stephen Lackey Family of Companies.
Speaker 2 (24:19):
I haven't had the opportunity to yet, but as you
can imagine, I've heard the name, and I'm familiar with
the work that they're doing and we would love to
if we can ever amplify or bring attention to more
attention to the work that they're doing in the family
of companies, Please make that connection for us and Ramses
don't apologize, man, like I know it seems like I
always try to remind you everyone doesn't know everything about sports.
(24:42):
You're not the only person that has never been to
an HBCU Classic. It doesn't know what that entails, so
it's important to ask those questions. Thank you that someone
like Piper can give answers to people who have the
same questions as you but don't have the opportunity to ask.
Thank you know that the Classic brings both of those crowds.
There are some people that will go to an HBCU
Classic because it's an HBCU Classic, and they just would go.
(25:05):
They just want to be, you know, around. But just
like Piper said, alumni for those schools in particular, they travel,
they show up, they party, they show out like it's
going to be an experience in Las Vegas. Piper leave
us with something awesome, like what are you feeling? You
know it's coming up. People are excited. I know you
(25:26):
guys are excited. When I saw the press release for this,
you have no idea because, like I said, having conversations
with Sondra about something like this years ago. To see
it come to fruition, to see it go from ideation
to reality, my heart feels proud. Like I know I
wasn't on the team, but I feel like it, you
know what I mean. Like seeing the work that you
guys have always done always made me so proud. You
(25:48):
always have a brother hearing me and now in ramses,
tell us how you feel now like it's almost here.
Speaker 3 (25:56):
Oh my gosh.
Speaker 4 (25:56):
There's a few things. So I will say this back
to Ramsa's point about you know, you all know a
thing about football to come to an HBCU Classic and
have a good time. And I'm gonna tell you that
a battle of the bands is what you're gonna see
at the halftime show.
Speaker 3 (26:13):
And part of me, I'm excited. It doesn't matter. I'm
excited all around. But I wonder if we're gonna hear
a little DiAngelo.
Speaker 2 (26:21):
That would be very appropriate, that would be amazing.
Speaker 4 (26:26):
But I'll say this, if I could just do a
quick plug for people who are looking for more information
on the HBC Classic, which is Saturday, October twenty fifth
and Allegient Stadium kickoff this three p m. For more
information on ticket purchase or all of the ancillary events,
follow at l V HBCU Classic on ig at l
(26:48):
V HBCU Classic on IG or you can also follow
at Raiders Impact Raiders Impact Will We've been amplifying what
they've been posting on the classic channels, but we also
amplify a lot of the work that we're doing here
in the local community. But you know, as you mentioned earlier,
Q and what I've talked about, a lot of the
work that we do throughout the community, including social justice work,
(27:11):
is amplified on that channel as well. So encourage your
listeners to follow. But yes, I mean still time. Folks
can still get tickets, you know, especially if you're somewhere
in close proximity Southern California, Arizona. It's a quick car drive,
you know, get your chickens to come on out and
have a good time.
Speaker 2 (27:29):
Ladies and gentlemen, the illustrious, the wonderful, the regal Piper Overstreet,
White Piper, thank you for making so much time for us.
We're very excited for you. We're very proud of you.
Please know it does not have to be an HBCU
classic going on for you to have these microphones turned
on and amplify any work that you guys are doing.
It's very very important to us to make sure that
(27:51):
you have that support and that we share this platform
with you. Thank you for making time for us, and
can't wait to see and talk to you again.
Speaker 4 (27:59):
Thank you so much, and thanks thank you for the
continued work and the continued platform and the voice, the
voices that you both bring to a needed conversation.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
That's going to do it for us here on the
QR Code. Today's show, as always, was produced by Chris Thompson.
If you have any thoughts you'd like to share, do
us a favorite. Use the red microphone talk back feature
on the iHeartRadio app, and while you're there, be sure
to hit subscribe and download all of our episodes. Also,
be sure to check us out on all social media
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(28:30):
and subscribe, so all three of those would help us.
We are doing this work for you, and you helping
us on our way would mean a lot to us.
You can also find me on all social media at
ramses Ja.
Speaker 2 (28:45):
I am qward is how to find me on all
social media as well, and.
Speaker 1 (28:50):
Do us a favorite. Join us next time as we
share our news with our voice from our perspective right
here on the QR Code. And until then, peace,
Still broadcasting from the Civic Cipher Studios. This is the
QR code where we share perspective, seek understanding, and shape outcomes.
The man you are about to hear from is a
man with no end when it comes to resources. He
is the unequivocal, the great, the illustrious Q in the
QR code. He goes by the name of q Ward.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
The voice you just heard be using some tricky words sometimes,
and that's because he got all some degrees over there.
I'm from the Detroit Public School System. I don't know
what Rams has just said. He is the R in
the QR code. I just told you his name.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
And we needed to stick around. We are going to
be having a conversation that we're very much looking forward
to with the one the only Piper over Street White
to discuss the Raiders' role in bringing the inaugural Proctor
and Gamble Las Vegas HBCU Classic to the city's allegiant stadium.
I'm really excited to get into what it is she's doing,
(01:02):
what it is her team is doing out there in Vegas,
and really what this event means, you know, for all
of us, even if you didn't attend at HBCU to
be clear, I didn't attend an HBC, but really excited
on what is to come there. But right now we
are going to have a truncated but still necessary Qwards
clap back where he talks to us about an incident
(01:24):
where live fire was used at a military demonstration near
San Diego. Q.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Competence matters when lives are at stake. And the unfortunate
thing about this administration is that when it comes to
our government and the services it's supposed to provide, be
that education, be that health and human services, be that
(01:51):
all type of social programs that dictate, you know, how
medicine is used, what is allowed to be put into food,
the Department of Education, as I spoke of the Department
of Health. All these things are being run by like
cronies of the president, most of which have no experience
(02:14):
in the field that they're supposed to be working in,
let alone the departments that they're supposed to be running.
So it's an interesting thing, man, But let's talk about leadership, accountability,
and basic competence when lives are on the line. Because
this week, as you've probably heard, Marine Corps Artillerary Shales
(02:35):
or a Marine Corps artillery shale detonated over Interstate five
in California during a live fire exercise. As you can imagine,
both of those things are abnormal. Not on a closed range,
not in a war zone, but over a major American highway.
(02:57):
Once again, folks, this is not normal. Shrapnail from one
of the shells, from the shell, I'm sorry struck a
patrol car. No civilians were hurt, But that's luck. Like literally,
we're just lucky that no one was hurt. That's not
a safety measure. Live fire training is supposed to be
(03:18):
air tight, airspace cleared, perimeters, locked down. These protocols exist
precisely to keep civilians out of harm's way. If an
explosive shell ended up detonating over I five, that means
something and the chain failed. And when it comes to
live ordinance, failure is not acceptable. Or in a moment
(03:41):
where military imagery and power displays are being amplified for
political theater, So when something like this happens, it lands differently.
It's not just an operational mistake, it's a breach of trust,
and trust is already fragile. This isn't about disrespecting the
people that serve This is about demanding that charge are
competent because civilians shouldn't ever be in a blast radius.
(04:07):
Patriotism isn't silence. Holding leadership accountable doesn't weaken the military.
It protects the people and the institution. If they can't
control their weapons in training, why should anyone trust their
judgment and crisis. This was a dangerous mistake with real stakes,
and it deserves answers, not spin. Here's where we clap back.
(04:29):
Respect for the service is not a free pass for incompetence.
What happened on nine to five was not routine. It
was a warning. Competence matters, especially when the weapons are
real and the people below them are us.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Piper Overstreet White has been with the Las Vegas Raiders
for three seasons. As Senior Vice President of Government and
Community Relations, Piper operates at the intersection of policy, sports
and community. She leads the club's legislative fa everts at
the local and state levels, advancing initiatives that engage stakeholders
around the organization's strategic business priorities. Piper also oversees the
(05:09):
Raiders community outreach efforts, philanthropic giving, and football development initiatives,
and now to discuss the Raider's role in bringing the
inaugural Procter and Gamble Las Vegas HBCU Classic to the
city's Allegiance Stadium. We have our special guest, herself, Piper
over Streaked White. You know, I have had the pleasure
(05:30):
of doing a little bit of reading about you. You know,
I think that you're an impressive person. There's a lot
of impressive women in the equation out there in Las
Vegas who have been instrumental, not just in terms of
the Raiders organization, but with respect to the stadium out
(05:51):
there and with respect to you know, bringing this HBCU
Classic event in manifestation. So I suspect that Q is
going to do a lot more talking here because I
famously am the least proficient when it comes to discussing
(06:12):
things that you know, relate to sports. But this is
this is definitely an exciting event. So how about this
for people like me that maybe we don't follow sports
too closely, but we do care indeed about HBCUs and
growth and optics and all that sort of stuff. Talk
to us a little bit about maybe what the HBCU
Classic is, what all it entails, and why people should
(06:33):
be excited about it.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
So there are many HBCU Classics that take place throughout
the season around the country in different areas of the country,
but most concentrated in the areas of the country where
you'll find a concentration of HBCU institutions and alumni. So
to be able to host an HBCU Classic in a
(06:58):
city like Las Vegas, the sports and entertainment capital of
the world, at a venue that is ranked number one
by Billboard, the number one stadium in the US, is.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
It's incredible.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
It provides visibility, it provides a platform, and what you
can expect with any HBCU Classic is a lot of fun,
great football.
Speaker 3 (07:21):
We're hosting the inaugural.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
HPCDU Classic here in Las Vegas, is hosting two really
well respected programs in Jackson State and Grambling State. Two
wonderful HBCU bands top rank the world Fame Marching Tigers
and the Sonic Boom of the South. So when you
talk about HBCDU Classics, you're not even talking about good football,
(07:44):
but you're talking about fun, battle of the bands, cultural celebration, music, dancing,
and the whole bit. And we'll get to experience that
here in Las Vegas. Comes Saturday.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Now, Piper, I won't pretend that we're strangers. You and
I actually got to meet doing some really good work
for the community out there before the Super Bowl, and
then I was able to connect with Sondra during Super
Bowl Week and she's been on the show and we've
done all we can to continue to amplify the work
that you guys are doing there collectively. As far back
(08:18):
as the Super Bowl, I heard her already wanting to
do something like this, you know, way before it came
to fruition. Tell us a little bit how it went
from ideation to reality, so you know.
Speaker 4 (08:32):
We were approached, and listen, I'll start a little bit
with a Raider's history if I can. I think this,
you know, hosting an HBC Classic at Allegiance Stadium really
is a continuation of a legacy, a legacy between the
Raiders and HBCUs dating back to the sixties when the
previous owner, Al Davis, who was succeeded in ownership by
(08:54):
his son Mark Davis.
Speaker 3 (08:55):
Our current owner, Al Davis was a maverick. He broke barriers.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
He was one of the first owners to draft talent
from HBCUs. The Raiders were the first NFL organization and
then modern NFL era to hire a black head coach
in Artshell who came out of Maryland Eastern Shore HBCU.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
So really this is a continuation of a legacy.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
So when folks reached out to gauge our interests in
hosting this at Allegiance, it was a no brainer.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
I mean, I don't even think.
Speaker 4 (09:30):
Sandra could you know, finish her sentence to Mark before
you said, let's do it, get it done.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
You know, whatever it takes, let's let's do.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
This for people who have not experienced HBCUs. You and
I famously went to predominantly white institutions, but we are
very familiar connected, not just with HBCUs, but with the
Divine Nine. Tell people a little bit about what that
experience is like, because you mentioned it before. It's not
just the game. There's the bands, there's the fraternities, there's
(09:56):
the stepping, there's the strolling. Tell people a little bit
about what they can expect with an HBCU classic coming
to like you said, the sports and entertainment mecca of
the world.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
Yeah, so you know when you talk about HBCUs, that
are higher education institutions that have provided generations or produced
generations of Black professionals, athletes, leaders. So in that educational foundation,
there was also a place for culture to flourish, and
(10:28):
for Black identity to flourish, and for certain genres to
be incubated and develop and you know, be permeate throughout
the world. So for everybody to experience Black culture, but
a lot of it was incubated on the campuses of HBCUs.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Not only that, but advocacy and political movements. So HBCUs
mean a.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
Lot more than just education, are just sports, They're really
a cultural celebration. That's what HBCU classics are all about, right,
It is celebrating that legacy in the future that holds
for you know, hopefully generations of graduates to come.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
I'm a h My.
Speaker 4 (11:06):
Mother was a graduate of Central State. My undergrad was
at Hampton, so I'm very familiar with it personally. But
I think, you know, we're we're seeing a resurgence. And
I say resurgence because I you know, as far as
our culture is concerned, it never went away. But you
remember back when a Different World was on TV, which
is what inspired my application in Hampton, which you know,
(11:28):
everybody says Hillman was modeled after Hampton.
Speaker 3 (11:31):
There might be some arguing.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
Going on, but I know that it was modeled after Hillman,
and so I think, you know, now with the advent
of social media and you know, the the Internet and
these different platforms, including yours, that more people are being
exposed and there's interest that it's peaked and going to HBCU,
(11:53):
so we can continue that legacy for generations to come.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Now, this is an interesting time I'm in our country,
especially to do something that's you know, centered on black culture.
Is it difficult to make decisions like this when you
know the country seems to be at odds with things
like DEI, with things like you know, affirmative action, with
things that support minorities and to give platform to minority initiatives.
(12:22):
Is it a difficult time to even pull off something
like this when it seems to be at odds with
the administration of the country.
Speaker 4 (12:30):
So difficult for some, not for us, not for the
Raiders organization. We have never been afraid of doing what's right,
even when.
Speaker 3 (12:37):
It's not popular.
Speaker 4 (12:39):
And so you know, we've been asked, not that particular question,
but questions just to kind of about where we stand,
and we say it's it's in our DNA.
Speaker 3 (12:47):
It's part of the foundation.
Speaker 4 (12:48):
Social justice is part of the foundation of the Raiders,
and it's reflected in everything we do, including hosting this game.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
We it's kind of the three of us and Sondra
included because we've had these conversations with her on and
off Mike. It's kind of in our DNA to do
things like this and to amplify things like this. In
your opinion, why is it important to host events like
this and why at Allegiance Stadium? Like why was this
(13:18):
something that you guys took so personally, Like you said,
she couldn't even finish her sentence before Mark was like, yes,
let's do it. Why do you think that permeates throughout
the organization? Why is doing something like this at the
number one stadium in the country such an important thing
to do.
Speaker 4 (13:34):
I think it was a tone that was set by
al Davis and it's never it just continued to strengthen
through you know, Mark's legacy, through Sandra and Ramsis had mentioned,
you know, some of the leadership that we have at
the organization, between having you know, the first black woman
to be an NFL president on our executive team, you
(13:56):
have me. You have our Chief Sales Officer, Kiava Martina Is.
You have our CFO Michael Chrome. So we're all well
represented through the organization, through all the ranks and all
the levels. We have a very active employer resource We
have very active employee resource groups, but we also have
a very active employee resource group called BASE, which is
(14:17):
our Black employee Resource group. And we just never shied
away from celebrating black culture and Black history.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Ramses, you and I spoke about, you know, the kind
of crossover between sports and culture, and the reason why
I thought this conversation was so important, Piper, is because
a lot of people, especially those that are familiar, we'll
see PNG Las Vegas, HBCU Classic and just think maybe football,
maybe Battle of the Bands. But this kind of rings
(14:49):
more loudly and more pronounced today because the temperature in
the country is so different. Do you guys foresee any
any like strang blowback from the community out there, Like,
how have things felt on the ground out in Las
Vegas as you guys are wrapping.
Speaker 3 (15:05):
Up for this, No, people are excited.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
People really are excited, and maybe you know, I don't know,
maybe it's a if you don't know you don't know,
and those those who do are all about it and
are really gearing up for an exciting weekend. And you know,
we we're not in a place where we want to give,
you know, any sort of credence or attention to negativity
(15:31):
or divisiveness, because that's not what this organization is about.
And we'll continue to celebrate not all cultures, but Black
culture and in particular as the organization is always done.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
I mean, this is really about platforming you know, talent
from HBCUs.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
You know, uh, you saw what happened with the program
at Jackson State when Coach Sanders was there, and just
bringing more visibility so we can continue to support our
organizations now more than ever, you know, whether it's a
threat you know, of continued funding or not. We have
to keep student enrollment up, and a way to do
(16:13):
that is through hosting classics and getting you know, incoming.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
College students excited about attending HBCUs.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Can Can I ask a question?
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Please? No?
Speaker 3 (16:27):
Please?
Speaker 1 (16:28):
Okay, now now I wanted. The reason I'm saying please
is because I recognize that these questions might be they
might sound silly. I hope they don't sound silly. But
now You've painted a really great picture of what an
HBCU Classic is, right, So my hat's off too for that.
It sounds like an exciting time.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
Is it?
Speaker 1 (16:48):
Is it somehow connected to like like, do you know
how at the end of a football season there's like
a rose bul in California. They used to have this
thing called the Rose Bull and it wasn't the Super Bowl,
but it's like a big deal and it was like
almost like a championship game. Is this the same thing?
It's like a championship game. There's two teams that are
going to play. Or is it like all the teams
(17:09):
come and they play for a long time, or like,
can you this is the first one? So maybe that's
an okay question to ask or maybe you know, I.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Think it's a great question, I asked. So, No, it's not.
I wouldn't say the championship. Yes, they're two schools.
Speaker 4 (17:24):
There's there's football teams on the field playing each other
for bragging rights, you know, being the winner of the
inaugural p and g Las Vegas HBCU Classic. But this
has mid season, so for the programs, it wouldn't be
a championship, but it's just a chance to play on
a on a bigger stage.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Okay, do do the two teams? Do they are? Is
it like a lottery that you pick the two teams?
Or how are the teams selected?
Speaker 4 (17:54):
So it depends. In this instance, I think it was
you know, the swack Southwestern Athletic Conference, which is members
of so it sort of goes through that process. And
I don't have a direct insight into exactly.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
How how they were chosen.
Speaker 4 (18:11):
They in grammy state were chosen for this because those
two teams were chosen by the time you know that
the idea came forward.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
Sure, sure, okay, then how about this? And I hope
this is still okay? And for our listeners, I mean,
you know me well enough. I don't know a lot
about this, but I think this is fascinating. So how
about this. Do you expect an influx of perhaps students
and alumni from these two schools or is this meant
(18:41):
to be something that is like people that are connected
in some way or another two HBCUs coming out? In
other words, in other words, let's say there is a
Super Bowl, right, some people will go to the Super
Bowl because well, how about this? People will go to
a regular game because they like to see their team play.
(19:01):
But most everybody will go to a super Bowl because
it's such a big deal. It doesn't matter what team
is playing. The super Bowl is the big deal. So
is it like that sort of a thing where hey,
it's just a big party. We got these two teams.
It's a reason to come and celebrate and bask in
kind of the legacy and the history and the culture
of these HBCUs. Everybody's welcome, doesn't matter school you went to. Everybody,
come out, let's have a good time in Vegas. Tell
(19:22):
me a little bit more about the thinking of the
person that attends this sort of thing.
Speaker 4 (19:27):
Yeah, so some of it, I would say the local
interest is just that of saying, hey, we have an
opportunity to celebrate HBCUs and attend a classic in our city.
I don't have to buy a plane ticket or a
bus ticket. Okay, cool, right across the country. But what
you're getting at, I think, and this is true in
(19:49):
any sport, but I'll tell you football. You know, NFL
collegiate there are teams that are fan bases that are
known to travel well, meaning that they're going to show
up wherever that game might be.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
And these are two programs that have a traveling fan base.
Speaker 4 (20:04):
And I can tell you for for Grammling especially, there's
a local chapter of a Groundling alumni association and we
work I personally have worked with the presidents of both
both schools national alumni associations. On this weekend, there's an
official alumni mixer that is occurring on Friday at seven
pm at a local black homeed bar restaurant called Mariposa.
(20:29):
And I worked with those national alumni presidents because they
have so many people coming and they're like, Okay, James, on.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
Saturday, what are we doing Friday? What do we do
on Sunday?
Speaker 4 (20:39):
I can tell you that there definitely will be folks
who are who are traveling in And I'd be remiss
if while we're talking about alumni, I'd be remiss if
I didn't also shout out Raiders alumn So.
Speaker 3 (20:54):
Over the course of Raiders history, over.
Speaker 4 (20:58):
Eighty players who have worn the Silver and Black come
from HBCUs. Grambling is one of the schools where we
have a lot of connection to. We have we have
Raiders alumni and or or their families that will be
attending the Las Vegas HBCU Classic who are Raiders alum
(21:19):
but also alums of Grambling or Jackson, Jackson State, So
you also have that connective tissue that's there, you know,
that's that's part of the excitement. And and I want
to make sure I pay respect to you know, all
the alumnill he'll be in attendants as well.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
Okay, last thing I'll say, and then I'll I'll keep back,
get back to listening. But I think it's so uh
fitting because you mentioned rightfully so that we're in a
climate now that I don't think many of us is
expected to be in politically speaking. And to see a
(21:56):
lot of people who were once allies a strong allies
in supportive and more inclusive and a more equitable future
for historically marginalized communities. To see all of that allyship
dissolve because of a four year presidency was very disheartening.
(22:20):
But to know that this is indeed called the I'm
going to get this right. I'm going to get it right,
hang on the inaugural Procter and Gamble Las Vegas HBCU Classic.
To know that Procter and Gamble is involved is a
big deal because Q and I famously work very closely
with the Black Information Network, and they're one of the
(22:42):
founding partners of the Black Information Network. So I just
wanted to make sure that I said that because it
you know, that's kind of one of those things where
you know a handful of company. I'm very, very strategic
with how I spend my money. I don't want to
invest in an economy that gets credited to someone who
is actively oppressing my people. But I will spend my
(23:06):
money with Procter and Gamble, no problem. So I just
wanted to make sure I shouted that out.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
R Q.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
I'm sorry about that and just thank you for letting
me ask a couple of questions. But you did.
Speaker 4 (23:14):
That's important to talk about, right, I think you know
the power of the power of the person making sure
that we as a collective. You have a belief system,
you have a value system, and you want to make
sure that you're investing, whether it be your your your time,
or resources, in companies and organizations that have a shared
(23:36):
value system the same as you. So I I understand
that and respected the great deal, and I also want
to shout out it's so.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
It's a very long name.
Speaker 4 (23:44):
It's it's a P and G Las Vegas HBC Classic
presented by it's been Lacky family of Companies.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
So even Lacky and Q.
Speaker 4 (23:53):
I don't know if you've had a chance to meet him,
because he's he's got a presence here locally, but he
is is a businessman. They own, you know, several companies
because of philanthropists and you know, if he reached out
and said, hey, I want to be a part of
this hawk and I helped make this happen. So that
is how you have the name, the official name of
the game being P and G Las Vegas HBCU Classic
(24:16):
presented by the Stephen Lackey Family of Companies.
Speaker 2 (24:19):
I haven't had the opportunity to yet, but as you
can imagine, I've heard the name, and I'm familiar with
the work that they're doing and we would love to
if we can ever amplify or bring attention to more
attention to the work that they're doing in the family
of companies, Please make that connection for us and Ramses
don't apologize, man, like I know it seems like I
always try to remind you everyone doesn't know everything about sports.
(24:42):
You're not the only person that has never been to
an HBCU Classic. It doesn't know what that entails, so
it's important to ask those questions. Thank you that someone
like Piper can give answers to people who have the
same questions as you but don't have the opportunity to ask.
Thank you know that the Classic brings both of those crowds.
There are some people that will go to an HBCU
Classic because it's an HBCU Classic, and they just would go.
(25:05):
They just want to be, you know, around. But just
like Piper said, alumni for those schools in particular, they travel,
they show up, they party, they show out like it's
going to be an experience in Las Vegas. Piper leave
us with something awesome, like what are you feeling? You
know it's coming up. People are excited. I know you
(25:26):
guys are excited. When I saw the press release for this,
you have no idea because, like I said, having conversations
with Sondra about something like this years ago. To see
it come to fruition, to see it go from ideation
to reality, my heart feels proud. Like I know I
wasn't on the team, but I feel like it, you
know what I mean. Like seeing the work that you
guys have always done always made me so proud. You
(25:48):
always have a brother hearing me and now in ramses,
tell us how you feel now like it's almost here.
Speaker 3 (25:56):
Oh my gosh.
Speaker 4 (25:56):
There's a few things. So I will say this back
to Ramsa's point about you know, you all know a
thing about football to come to an HBCU Classic and
have a good time. And I'm gonna tell you that
a battle of the bands is what you're gonna see
at the halftime show.
Speaker 3 (26:13):
And part of me, I'm excited. It doesn't matter. I'm
excited all around. But I wonder if we're gonna hear
a little DiAngelo.
Speaker 2 (26:21):
That would be very appropriate, that would be amazing.
Speaker 4 (26:26):
But I'll say this, if I could just do a
quick plug for people who are looking for more information
on the HBC Classic, which is Saturday, October twenty fifth
and Allegient Stadium kickoff this three p m. For more
information on ticket purchase or all of the ancillary events,
follow at l V HBCU Classic on ig at l
(26:48):
V HBCU Classic on IG or you can also follow
at Raiders Impact Raiders Impact Will We've been amplifying what
they've been posting on the classic channels, but we also
amplify a lot of the work that we're doing here
in the local community. But you know, as you mentioned earlier,
Q and what I've talked about, a lot of the
work that we do throughout the community, including social justice work,
(27:11):
is amplified on that channel as well. So encourage your
listeners to follow. But yes, I mean still time. Folks
can still get tickets, you know, especially if you're somewhere
in close proximity Southern California, Arizona. It's a quick car drive,
you know, get your chickens to come on out and
have a good time.
Speaker 2 (27:29):
Ladies and gentlemen, the illustrious, the wonderful, the regal Piper Overstreet,
White Piper, thank you for making so much time for us.
We're very excited for you. We're very proud of you.
Please know it does not have to be an HBCU
classic going on for you to have these microphones turned
on and amplify any work that you guys are doing.
It's very very important to us to make sure that
(27:51):
you have that support and that we share this platform
with you. Thank you for making time for us, and
can't wait to see and talk to you again.
Speaker 4 (27:59):
Thank you so much, and thanks thank you for the
continued work and the continued platform and the voice, the
voices that you both bring to a needed conversation.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
That's going to do it for us here on the
QR Code. Today's show, as always, was produced by Chris Thompson.
If you have any thoughts you'd like to share, do
us a favorite. Use the red microphone talk back feature
on the iHeartRadio app, and while you're there, be sure
to hit subscribe and download all of our episodes. Also,
be sure to check us out on all social media
at Civic Cipher. We could use your subscription they say, like, comment,
(28:30):
and subscribe, so all three of those would help us.
We are doing this work for you, and you helping
us on our way would mean a lot to us.
You can also find me on all social media at
ramses Ja.
Speaker 2 (28:45):
I am qward is how to find me on all
social media as well, and.
Speaker 1 (28:50):
Do us a favorite. Join us next time as we
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