America has a fixation and obsession when it comes to
football. It is without much debate that we can say football
is in our front mirror all year round.
Each August, our proclamations and predictions turn to
football. We cannot wait for our favorite team to take the
field. Some of us have more than one favorite team so we
are constantly on edge. We have our football gear ready to
wear.
Football at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and
Universities) is back for another exciting season. Each of
the HBCU conferences has an exciting lineup of games
and of course, homecoming games as well.
Attending an HBCU football game means having fun and a
good time. It’s not only the game itself, but it’s the
fellowship as well. When I was an undergraduate student
at Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU located in
Charlotte NC, football Saturdays were a big deal. Some of
the players were our roommates so that gave us an extra
reason to cheer.
Upon reflection, the football team was a part of us. We ate
together in the same cafeteria, went to the same chapel
services, attended the same lyceum programs and went to
the same dances.
The football coaches were also a part of our daily campus
life. They were our teachers and our advisers. Wearing the
title coach meant being totally invested in the life of the
college.
Historical records show that the first HBCU football game
was played on December 27, 1892, between Biddle
College, now Johnson C. Smith University and Livingstone
College located in Salisbury NC. These schools compete
today in the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic
Association).
Back in the day, HBCU games were not televised. Today
they are. Just recently, Florida A&M University played
Norfolk State University on ABC television. There will be
more HBCU games on television over the season.
Beginning August 31 st , HBCU Go Sports started to televise
games from the SWAC, CIAA and SIAC each Saturday.
For example, on August 31 st , Virginia Union University
competed against Kentucky State University in Frankfort
KY. Another match-up on September 7 th saw Tuskegee
University taking on Grambling State University in
Grambling LA.
The Allen Media Group says there will be 8 games from
the CIAA, 9 games from the SIAC and 14 games from the
SWAC. This will include the Southern Heritage Classic, 6
homecoming games and the CIAA Football
Championship.
Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of HBCU parent
company, Allen Media Group says, “As we enter HBCU
Go’s third football season, we are proud to showcase the
very best HBCU match-ups. Now is the time for HBCUs,
and HBCU Go is the true destination for coverage of Black
college sports and culture.”
If you want to see some fantastic college football, check
out the entire HBCU Go line up. Many of us travel to these
games and tailgate with our family and friends. They will
have your favorite chicken, ribs, potato salad, mac and
cheese. Don’t forget the chocolate cake and bread
pudding.
I believe it is vitally important that we support this media
outlet as much as possible. Never have we had this kind
of exposure for Black College sports. The era of Black
College sports is growing each year. We are receiving the
applause and the acclaim that is long overdue. We have
writers that are tuned in to Black College sports. Be sure
to read columns by Kyle T. Mosley and Steven Gaither as
you will see their in-depth analysis and interviews. Listen
to sports announcers like Charlie Neal who is the first
African American to receive the National Football
Foundation Chris Schenkel Award. His commentary will
make you feel like you are in the stands.
I know you are ready for some football so get ready for
some first downs and some touchdowns. HBCU football
will bring it all to you.
Dr. James B. Ewers Jr. is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith
University, an HBCU in Charlotte NC. He is a member of
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a life member of the
NAACP.
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