Essence HBCU Classic Football Game Boston Kickoff
A New Classic: HBCU Football tradition Takes Root in Historic Harvard Stadium
Boston, MA - A new chapter in HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) football is being written this Labor Day weekend, not on a sun-drenched Southern field, but on teh hallowed grounds of Harvard Stadium. The inaugural Essence HBCU Classic, a brainchild of Campus Rise, promises to be more than just a game; it’s a cultural festivity designed to amplify the excellence and rich heritage of HBCUs.This Saturday, the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers will face off against the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls in a historic matchup. But according to Derek Brown, co-founder of the Essence HBCU Classic, the game is merely “the appetizer.” The main course is a four-day extravaganza, mirroring the vibrant atmosphere of an HBCU homecoming. Think pep rallies, spirited tailgates, electrifying battles of the bands, and captivating step shows.
“we are trying to amplify HBCUs and the amazing folks that go to those schools,” emphasizes Michele Ghee, chief content officer of Essence, the event’s title sponsor. “What an amazing opportunity to say, ‘Yes, HBCUs are producing great students just like Harvard.'”
the choice of Boston and Harvard Stadium is intentional. Organizers recognized the critically important presence of HBCU alumni in the Boston area and sought a venue steeped in history. The stadium previously hosted a game between Howard University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 1971, organized by the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.
John Borders IV, a Morehouse graduate and head of the boston Office of Sports, Tourism and entertainment, highlights the city’s commitment to progress. “Boston is actively working to shape a new narrative,” he says, noting Mayor Michelle wu’s efforts to distance the city from its past racial tensions. “Boston has a rich Black history. While people may have one perception about Boston historically, there is a different dimension.”
For Morehouse and Johnson C.Smith, the Essence HBCU Classic presents a unique opportunity to broaden their reach and showcase their unique value proposition. “It’s really an opportunity to have that broader exposure and to bring the product of Morehouse, the product of the pride of HBCUs on the road to showcase,” says F. Dubois Bowman, president of morehouse.
Valerie kinloch, president of Johnson C.Smith, echoes this sentiment. “When we talk about traversing different types of spaces, we have to understand how historically Black colleges and universities have a wide impact, and that also includes an impact on spaces that we usually would not be represented in.”
Beyond Essence, the event has garnered significant support from sponsors like DraftKings and Cash App, a subsidiary of Block. “This partnership reflects who we are and what we stand for,” said Zack Ashley, global head of brand partnerships at Cash App, in a statement. “We’re honored to help bring the ESSENCE HBCU Classic to Boston and to celebrate the excellence, pride, and history of these institutions.”
The Essence HBCU Classic is more than just a football game; it’s a powerful statement about the enduring legacy and vibrant future of HBCUs, taking center stage in a city striving for a more inclusive tomorrow. It’s a celebration of culture,community,and the unwavering spirit of excellence that defines these vital institutions.