THE ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC RETURNS: JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY VS. FAMU
The Orange Blossom Classic is returning to South Florida Labor Day weekend! The 47th Annual Orange Blossom Classic will occur at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fl. Kick-off will take place between Florida A&M University and Jackson State University.
Jackson State University’s head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders, also known as “Coach Prime,” is looking forward to restoring a historic HBCU annual tradition.
“There is no way that the next time the draft comes around there won’t be a single person from an HBCU school not drafted,” Sanders said last week during a press conference. “I promise you that will not happen. Not on our watch.” He continued, “This is not just a game. It’s a celebration. It’s an opportunity for us to put our players on stage.”
The Orange Blossom Classic was founded in 1933 by the son of Florida A&M University’s president, J.R.E. Lee Jr. Black people were allowed to sit in the main stands of the historic Orange Bowl Stadium for the first time during the event. It’s well known for being the Black National Championship.
This year’s Orange Blossom Classic is bringing an all-encompassing experience designed to enhance Historically Black Colleges & Universities’ exposure. The HBCU football event will highlight HBCU’s and their roles in educating and developing future leaders and raising scholarship funds for the participating schools for years to come.
There have been multiple initiatives for HBCUs in recent months, such as Chris Paul’s HBCU partnership with Live Nation. Although that’s a start, there’s more to be done. After a 43-year absence, Labor Day weekend will be full of exciting events starting with a Saturday night Pre-Party celebration event Hosted by Live Nation.
