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    Dr. Chato B. Hendrix, a graduate of Florida A&M University and Clark Atlanta University, is set to make HBCU history as the first representative from a historically Black college or university to be inducted into the 2026 National Football Cheerleaders Alumni Organization Hall of Fame.

    Hendrix’s cheerleading journey began at Florida A&M, where she cheered for three seasons and graduated a year early.

    “My school counselor attended FAMU, she cheered at FAMU, and she pledged Delta at FAMU, so I pretty much did all those things,” Hendrix said. “It was meant to be, clearly, and three of the best years of my life.”

    After earning her bachelor’s degree, Hendrix enrolled at Clark Atlanta University, where she pursued a master’s degree in school counseling while continuing her cheerleading career.

    During her first year in Atlanta, Hendrix stepped away from cheerleading before realizing how much she missed it.

    “In my first year in Atlanta, I didn’t cheer,” she said. “I just wanted to enjoy myself and take a break from cheerleading. But then I began missing it, and that’s when I auditioned for the Atlanta Falcons during my second year of graduate school.”

    Hendrix joined the Atlanta Falcons cheerleading squad in 1998, a historic season that culminated in the franchise’s first trip to the Super Bowl. The championship game was held in her home state of Florida.

    “It’s definitely a next-level experience,” Hendrix said. “There are expectations, and being a part of this program is structured so that you can pursue your career, continue your education, start a business and do all those things, but it also requires commitment and dedication.”

    Over six seasons with the Falcons, Hendrix served as a two-year line captain, led numerous team initiatives and earned the squad’s Community Service Award.

    Her impact on the organization extended far beyond her years on the field. Following a cheerleading career that spanned more than two decades, Hendrix has spent the past 20 years serving as director of cheerleading for the Atlanta Falcons.

    “They only perform at 10 home games,” Hendrix said. “The other 90% of the commitment is being in the community and serving as an ambassador for the organization.”

    Hendrix said the role of an NFL cheerleader is often misunderstood, emphasizing that professionalism and community engagement are central to the experience.

    “You have to be very professional. It’s very important,” she said. “No matter when and where you are, you’re representing yourself as an Atlanta Falcons cheerleader.

    The post “It Was Meant to Be, Clearly”: FAMU and Clark Atlanta Alum Set for Historic Hall of Fame Induction first appeared on Historically Black Since.

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