Nothing compares to HBCU sports. The pride, traditions, and family dynamic among students, alums, and staff are truly unique. Sporting events at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) bring generations back to campus to celebrate a time that significantly shaped their lives and potentially influenced the foundation of their success.
In particular, HBCU football “classics” such as The Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic are annual games rich in tradition and historical significance.
The OBC boasts a history that spans nearly a century, making it one of the oldest matchups in HBCU football.
History, Hiatus & Revival
J.R.E. Lee Jr., the son of Florida A&M University’s president, founded the Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) in 1933. The inaugural game occurred at a “Blacks-only” ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida, where Florida A&M University (FAMU) defeated Howard University. As the game grew in popularity and reputation, it moved to Miami, Florida, in 1947 and was recognized as the unofficial “Black National Championship.”
Despite enjoying decades of success, the game went on hiatus in 1978. After a 43-year break, it was revived on September 5, 2021, under the leadership of serial entrepreneur Kendra N. Bulluck-Major. Under Bulluck’s direction, the revived Orange Blossom Classic quickly regained its status as a significant event in the lineup of HBCU sporting events.
This year’s classic events significantly boosted the tourism and economy of South Florida for over a week, from August 25 to September 1. During this time, fans witnessed the North Carolina Central University Eagles face off against the Alabama State University Hornets at Hard Rock Stadium.
The weekend featured esteemed sports commentator and television personality Stephen A. Smith being honored, Attorney Ben Crump delivering a keynote speech, Grammy Award-winning artist Raheem DeVaughn performing a special performance, and various celebrities and special guests appearing.
The Future of The Orange Blossom Classic
This year also marked the fourth consecutive occasion that Denny’s served as the title sponsor, leading the way in providing scholarship and funding opportunities for current and future students.
As we approach the end of the HBCU homecoming and classic season, our focus can gradually shift from the exciting halftime shows and glamorous dance uniforms to celebrating HBCUs’ vital role in American higher education.
The Black Wall Street Times spoke with Bulluck to discuss the Orange Blossom Classic’s renewed mission to enhance the exposure of HBCUs and its vital role in developing future leaders and building community.
The Black Wall Street Times: What inspired you to revive the Orange Blossom Classic after its 40+-year hiatus?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: The Orange Blossom Classic originally ran from 1933 to 1978, providing a platform for HBCU talent to showcase their skills on the football field and celebrate a week-long series of events, including parades and community gatherings. The Classic ended in 1978 as more HBCU athletes began attending other institutions. However, after years of planning and dedication, we successfully revived the Classic in 2021.
Growing up in North Carolina, I was surrounded by HBCU traditions like the Down East Classic and the Battle of the I-40.HBCU culture was a significant part of my upbringing.
When I moved to Miami, I quickly realized there was only one HBCU—Florida Memorial University, which didn’t have a football program at the time. I felt like a fish out of water, celebrating homecoming around basketball instead of football in January.
I recognized a gap in the community and saw an opportunity to revive the Orange Blossom Classic. My goal was to reintroduce this rich tradition to Miami so that the younger generation could experience the same HBCU culture and pride I grew up with. This would preserve the Classic’s legacy and help future students make informed decisions about attending HBCUs.
The Black Wall Street Times: How does the revival of the OBC contribute to preserving and celebrating HBCU history and culture?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: Reviving the OBC is more than just bringing back a football game; it’s about re-establishing a tradition that showcases the rich history and culture of HBCUs. The Classic serves as a platform for celebrating HBCU excellence, from the pageantry of the bands to the pride of alumni and the community. It preserves the legacy of these institutions and fosters a sense of unity and pride within the community, ensuring that the cultural significance of HBCUs is passed down to future generations.
The Black Wall Street Times: The OBC has raised over $400,000 for aspiring HBCU students. What was the experience of raising that money while simultaneously reviving the OBC? How do you see this scholarship fundraising effort growing in the future?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: Raising over $400,000 while reviving the Orange Blossom Classic has been challenging and rewarding. It was a monumental task to bring back such a historic event while ensuring it had a meaningful impact on HBCU students. Our scholarship funds have helped many students achieve their educational goals, which we’re incredibly proud of. Moving forward, we aim to expand our fundraising efforts, engaging more sponsors and alumni to increase the number of scholarships we can offer. Our goal is to create more opportunities for students to attend HBCUs and continue the legacy of excellence.
The Black Wall Street Times: What economic impact does the OBC have on small businesses in South Florida, especially black-owned businesses?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: The OBC significantly impacts South Florida, particularly for small and Black-owned businesses. The influx of visitors during the Classic weekend drives increased traffic to local hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.
Additionally, we make a conscious effort to support Black-owned businesses by featuring them in our events, from catering to merchandising; this boosts their revenue and gives them greater visibility in the community.
The Black Wall Street Times: As one of the few women to own exclusive rights to a sports property, what challenges and opportunities have you encountered in this role?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: Owning exclusive rights to a sports property as a woman presents its unique challenges, including breaking into a male-dominated industry and ensuring my voice is heard. However, it has also opened up tremendous opportunities. I’ve created a platform that celebrates HBCU culture and empowers women and minorities. This role has allowed me to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the sports industry and to use the Orange Blossom Classic as a vehicle for change.
The Black Wall Street Times: How does the OBC aim to educate attendees and the community about the value and reach of HBCUs?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: The OBC provides an immersive experience that showcases the value and reach of HBCUs through various events, such as panel discussions, career fairs, and cultural exhibitions. We highlight the achievements of HBCU alumni and faculty and provide a platform for students to learn about the opportunities available at these institutions. By engaging the community in these events, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of HBCUs in shaping future leaders.
The Black Wall Street Times: Can you discuss the process of selecting participating teams for this year’s Classic?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: Selecting the participating teams for the Orange Blossom Classic is a process. We consider the teams’ history, rivalry, and current standings to create a matchup that will excite fans and bring attention to the event. For the 2024 game, we chose the Alabama State University Hornets and North Carolina Central University Eagles because both teams have shown exceptional performance and are ranked highly in their respective conferences. This creates a compelling matchup that draws significant interest and viewership.
The Black Wall Street Times: What long-term goals do you have for the OBC regarding its impact on HBCU football and the broader HBCU community?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: Our long-term goals for the OBC include expanding its reach and impact within the HBCU community. We aim to grow the Classic into a premier event that attracts national attention, provides substantial scholarship funds, and continues to support economic growth in the South Florida region. We also want to use the platform to advocate for HBCU athletics and ensure these institutions receive the recognition and resources they deserve.
The Black Wall Street Times: How does the Classic’s mission of bridging history, community impact, and scholarship fundraising manifest in the event’s programming?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: The OBC’s mission is reflected in every aspect of the event’s programming. We bridge history and community impact through events celebrating HBCU traditions, such as the Battle of the Bands. Our scholarship fundraising efforts are integrated into these events, allowing attendees to contribute directly to the educational futures of HBCU students while receiving contributions from our sponsors and community partners. Combining these elements creates a comprehensive experience that honors the past while building a brighter future.
The Black Wall Street Times: In what ways does the Classic provide a unique HBCU experience for students and attendees?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: The OBC offers a unique HBCU experience by combining the excitement of a top-tier football game with cultural celebrations, educational opportunities, and community engagement. Students and attendees can participate in career fairs, panel discussions, and networking events while enjoying the rich traditions of the HBCU experience. The Classic provides a space where the HBCU community can come together, celebrate its achievements, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
The Black Wall Street Times: How do you balance the event’s historical significance with the need to appeal to modern audiences and create a contemporary sports experience?
Kendra Bulluck-Major: Balancing the historical significance of the OBC with the need to appeal to modern audiences is a delicate task. We honor the Classic’s rich history by maintaining traditional elements, such as the Battle of the Bands and cultural celebrations. At the same time, we incorporate modern technology, social media engagement, and contemporary entertainment to ensure that the event resonates with today’s audience. This approach allows us to preserve the legacy of the OBC while keeping it relevant and exciting for new generations.
Leave a comment