The Chicago Football Classic Scholarship Fund, Inc. and Christmas in the Wards presented the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. Chicago chapter with two $500 checks to go towards scholarships for students.
Larry Huggins and Everett Rand of the Chicago Football Classic attended the alumni chapter’s monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 1 at the Chicago Urban League, “Twenty-two years ago, we came up with the idea that Chicago, being the city it is, we needed a Chicago Football Classic,” said Huggins, owner of Riteway-Huggins Construction. “This game has really grown over the years. Jackson State is really near and dear to us.”
One $500 check was from Christmas in the Wards, an event with the mission of providing resources to help families celebrate Christmas. The other $500 check was from the Chicago Football Classic.
Huggins said Christmas in the Wards is celebrated in all 19 African-American wards, and the organization has raised more than $4 million for families.
“When you look at what we do as business leaders in Chicago, we always give back,” he said.
During the presentation, Rand noted more students from Chicago are attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He also said there is a large contingent of students from Chicago who attend Jackson State University (JSU).
“I really want to thank Chicago Football Classic, Starbucks Foundation and Jackson State alumni for their support and generous donation toward the scholarship for incoming and current students,” said Brendolyn Hart-Glover, president of JSU Chicago alumni chapter. “I hope this is the beginning of an everlasting relationship.”
Hart-Glover said the Chicago chapter of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. provides scholarship to students to cover whatever costs they incur.
“Developing the relationships and partnerships — that’s something we’ve been trying to build on,” she said.
There was also talk of Jackson State University returning to the Chicago Football Classic. The last time the university participated was 2001.
“Our goal is to get all the HBCUs to want to Chicago for the Football Classic,” Huggins said.
Cynthia Glenn-Cotton, second vice-president chair of public relations, said it was awesome that the organizations gave so generously.
“It’s overwhelming to get such support. This is what happens when hard work meets up with opportunity,” she said. “It definitely is helpful to what we’re trying to do. The potential [for] the future is another plus.”
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