Alcorn State Braves Logo PNG
At first glance, the Alcorn State Braves logo is blocky. It symbolizes leadership, high aspirations, and inaccessibility to competitors. The large serifs harmoniously connected to the bottom part embody the sports organization’s stability and steadfastness in achieving victories.
The Alcorn State Braves emerged in 1871 with the founding of Alcorn State University in Mississippi, one of the oldest HBCU institutions created to provide higher education for African Americans during the Reconstruction era. Sport developed alongside this mission as part of community building.
The Braves’ name reflected resilience, while purple and gold became the program’s permanent colors. During segregation, Alcorn competed within the HBCU system, separate from predominantly white institutions, which shaped its competitive environment and talent pipeline.
A defining figure was Steve McNair, who played from 1991 to 1994. He recorded over 16,000 passing yards and 5,000 rushing yards, finished third in the 1994 Heisman voting, and was selected third overall in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers before becoming NFL MVP in 2003.
The football program competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, facing rivals such as Grambling State and Jackson State. These matchups remain central within HBCU football culture.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Alcorn State won multiple SWAC titles, while basketball programs also claimed conference championships and reached NCAA qualifying rounds.
The move to NCAA Division I in 1992 expanded competition and visibility but required higher institutional investment. Through the 2000s and 2010s, the Braves continued to compete within the SWAC, with football remaining the core program.
Meaning and History
The first and modern logos look almost identical. They demonstrate the teams’ confidence and adherence to sports principles. In the 1996 version, there is a single uppercase letter “A” in a classic serif font. Instead of a crossbar, the word “Alcorn” is used. It extends beyond the sign, dividing it into two parts.
After a redesign in 2004, the logo acquired a 3D effect. The effect is created by highlighting the large letter and shading the right side of the word “Alcorn,” which is done in uppercase. Following another update (2017), the emblem’s color was intensified: beige was replaced with gold, and purple with dark purple.
What is Alcorn State Braves?
Alcorn State Braves is an athletic association comprising 15 student teams at Alcorn State University. They are located in Lorman, Mississippi, are members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and compete in NCAA Division I.
1996 – 2003
2004 – 2016
2017 – today
Alcorn State Braves Football
The football team was formed in 1921. It competes in the NCAA Division I football championship. It is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The team has made it to the I-AA/FCS playoffs three times.
Alcorn State Braves Basketball
The university has two basketball teams: men’s and women’s. Both compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Home games are held at the Davey Whitney Complex.