Essence Classic Brings HBCU Culture to an American Landmark

Author: Wali Pitt

(Source: HBCU GAMEDAY)

    The echoes of history rang through concrete arches as Johnson C. Smith (JCSU) and Morehouse took the field at Harvard Stadium for the inaugural Essence HBCU Kickoff Classic. The 118-year-old arena — often called “America’s Colosseum” — became the unlikely stage for a cultural collision: HBCU football meeting Ivy League tradition in a packed house that felt more like a homecoming than an out-of-conference season opener.

“It really was a great experience for our program to travel to Boston and be a part of the first Essence Classic,” JCSU head coach Maurice Flowers said. “So much history at Harvard University and then no HBCU game in that area for more than 50 years.”

An Atmosphere Like Homecoming

For Flowers and JCSU, the atmosphere at the HBCU Kickoff Classic was unlike anything they’d expected. Fans filtered through the gates in waves, filling the stands with color, sound, and spirit.

“The atmosphere was homecoming-like in some ways,” Flowers explained. “You had to walk through all the vendors to get to the locker room, which could be a distraction. I’m so proud of our team because we leaned on our experience.”

He said one of his favorite parts was watching the stadium gradually come alive. “It was something to watch the stands just continue to fill up,” Flowers said. “By the time we kicked off, the place felt like a true HBCU homecoming.”

The Morehouse band’s booming sound helped set the tone. Fans arrived early and stayed loud, their energy transforming Harvard Yard into something rarely seen in New England — an HBCU game day celebration.