@FAMU_FB CELEBRATING THEIR BIG WIN????????????‼️????️???? pic.twitter.com/2TEopzJCvH

— orangeblossomfc (@orangeblossomfc) September 3, 2023

RETURN OF A CLASSIC

Founded in 1933, the Orange Blossom Classic is truly the granddaddy of them all.

Before the arrival of contemporary HBCU classics that we’ve come to know today, the OBC was the first to provide a nationally-renowned platform for the best HBCU football programs, and the blueprint for future marquee match-ups in Black football culture. Inaugural festivities welcomed 2,000 fans to the “blacks-only” ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida, where Coach Ted Wright’s Rattlers defeated Howard 9-0 and successfully established the foundation of HBCU classics. From 1933 -1978, the Orange Blossom Classic served the premier HBCU event of the college football season.

Tragically, an interruption to the iconic classic would prove unavoidable, whether because of mismanagement or a lack of appreciation. Immediately before the suspension,

According to the organizers, the OBC was re-established to reinforce the presence of Historically Black Colleges & Universities’ in the enriched community of Miami Gardens. It promises to attract thousands of fans, alumni, school members, and family members from these respected communities, highlighting interest in HBCUs and their roles in educating aspiring professionals and developing our future leaders. With a goal to raise scholarship funds for the participating schools for years to come, the reinvigorated HBCU Football Classic will help to support the knowledge and experience offered by the discipline, commitment, and dedication it takes to be a Historically Black College & University student.

After a forty-three year long hiatus, the Orange Blossom Classic finally returned to Miami Gardens in 2021.

ANOTHER TRAGIC MISTAKE

Last year, FAMU arrived to the reborn Orange Blossom Classic, and immediately helped restore the feeling. On the path to their Celebration Bowl championship, Florida Classic win, and undefeated campaign, the Rattlers marched into Hard Rock Stadium with champion mindset.