Chicago Football Classic Co-founder Larry Huggins with Rev. Jesse Jackson, flanked by Ald. Lamont Robinson (4th) (L), Co-founder Tim Rand and Brianna Moreland (R) (Photo Credit: Chicago Football Classic).
On Tuesday (July 16), The Chicago Football Classic hosted a press conference at Soldier Field to announce and promote the upcoming HBCU football showcase between the Morehouse Tigers and the Kentucky State Thorobreds on Sept. 21.
While many of us are familiar with the impressive history of the CFC, which has been a significant part of our community for nearly 30 years, it’s essential to revisit and celebrate that history.
Founders’ Vision: Encouraging African American Youth to Excel
Ald. Lamont Robinson (4th) flanked by Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) (L), Larry Huggins, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Brianna Moreland and Tim Rand (Photo Credit: Chicago Football Classic).
In 1997, a small group of dedicated African-American businessmen, Larry Huggins, Everett Rand and Tim Rand, founded the Chicago Football Classic as a nonprofit organization. Their mission was—and continues to be—to encourage African American youth to achieve their personal best in school and life.
The Chicago Football Classic is crucial in inspiring students to finish high school and pursue higher education at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Ald. Lamont Robinson (4th) opened the conference by stating how he is a living example of why HBCUs are so important.
“As a small business owner, educator, former nonprofit director, former state representative, and now a member of the Chicago City Council, I am proud to be here today. As the late Justice Eugene Pincham would say, the Chicago Football Classic has two main goals: to showcase scholarship recipients’ talents, potential and achievements and to support historically Black colleges and universities. It serves to inspire African American students and their families to aim for excellence, which, in turn, uplifts our entire community.”
City Officials Praise Event’s Cultural Significance
Rev. Jesse Jackson, also in attendance, will be honored at this year’s game. He graduated from North Carolina A&T, also an HBCU.
Moderator Brianna Moreland, a Chicago native and proud HBCU alumna from Texas Southern University, maintained the conference’s flow with her enthusiasm as an aspiring reporter and news anchor.
Clinée Hedspeth, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for the City of Chicago, made a statement on behalf of Mayor Johnson and all Chicagoans.
She thanked Huggins and the brothers Everett and Tim for creating an institution recognizing the Chicago Football Classic’s historical and cultural significance.
The Classic showcases HBCU brilliance and creates a space to celebrate deeply rooted cultural practices, including music, language and foodways. Hedspeth stated that the Classic is also an opportunity to transfer cultural knowledge.
Coaches and Athletic Directors Emphasize Opportunities for Student-Athletes
Kentucky State University Athletic Director Grant Stepp, Head Coach Felton Huggins and Morehouse College Athletic Director Harold Ellis were in attendance. Huggins said, “These opportunities offer access and exposure for our student-athletes, enabling our institutions to expand their reach and recruit the best and brightest students to our universities.”
Morehouse College Head Coach Terance Mathis attended and politely expressed their enthusiastic gratitude to the Chicago Football Classic for embodying the theme “More Than a Game,” which encompasses academics, arts, and athletics.
“This aligns perfectly with our vision for athletics at Morehouse,” Matthews said.
The CFC team often recalls past games. They recognize the game’s significant economic impact on the city of Chicago and take pride in the fact that African Americans drive it.
Moreover, because of this game, more students from Chicago are attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities than ever before, which is an even more remarkable achievement. Ultimately, it’s about what they, as businessmen, can do to give back to the beautiful city they live in. That’s why they do it.
A question was raised about students wanting to apply for scholarships and where they should use them, given that the funds benefit all participants. Unfortunately, the application window has closed for this year.
The awardees will be announced next week. Twenty outstanding young men and women have been selected to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The college fair typically attracts five to six thousand students, and approximately $1.5 million in on-site scholarships are awarded that day.
Every young man and woman aspiring to attend an HBCU is encouraged to participate on Sept. 21.
BMO Bank’s Longstanding Support and Financial Literacy Initiatives
BMO Bank has proudly sponsored the Chicago Football Classic for nearly 15 years. The event embodies BMO’s central values—community, diversity, education, and opportunity.
Beyond football, the highlight is the College & Career Fair. BMO engages with hundreds of students through financial literacy sessions, emphasizing the importance of personal finance skills for young adults.
In addition to supporting the Career Fair, BMO is dedicated to facilitating scholarships through the Classic.
Over the years, the event has awarded over a million dollars in scholarships. This year alone, BMO contributes over $300,000 towards scholarships, underscoring their commitment to education and opportunity.
Excitement Builds for The Big Game
During that weekend, family, friends, and fans can expect thunderous performances from high school and college bands, the roar of the football game crowd and the excitement of kids eagerly lining up for the college fair, where hopes and dreams are nurtured and realized.
For the young attendees, getting to experience Soldier Field for the first time is thrilling. They’ll witness all the excitement and spectacle the Chicago Football Classic brings to the city. It’s a memorable experience that they’ll cherish forever.
The Chicago Football Classic is truly a win for everyone involved.
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