HBCU rivalries are sibling-like competitions between historically Black colleges and universities that allow for a year’s worth of boasting. These competitive, yet playful spats derive from things like Hampton and Howard University ’s ongoing Real HU battle  to Grambling State and Southern University ’s Bayou Classic , to even the playful teasing that comes along with the annual rankings of best HBCUs, that often sees Spelman College , Howard and Xavier University of Louisiana swapping top positions. These time-honored traditions are the stuff bragging rights are made of, but HBCU pride runs even deeper than annual showdowns and stats, it’s also notable alumni, being the first-ever at something as well as societal and historical contributions, among other flaunt-worthy things.  When it comes to being #HBCUProud, these six institutions, in no particular order, have all the bragging rights necessary to make their alumni among the proudest on the national yard .