VIRGINIA UNION PANTHERS VS. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY LIONS | ONE PHILLY HBCU WEEK

 

ONE PHILLY HBCU CLASSIC RETURNS WITH EXPANDED LINEUP AND COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES

 

Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The One Philly HBCU Classic returned to Lincoln Financial Field for its second year, bringing football, college recruitment opportunities and cultural celebrations to thousands of students as part of One Philly HBCU Week.

The event featured an expanded format with two football games, beginning Friday night with the Virginia Union University Panthers facing the Lincoln University Lions.

"This is the alma mater of Thurgood Marshall and the poet Langston Hughes. Just to see people lift the culture up," Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said of Lincoln University and the week of festivities.

More than 4,000 high school students from across Philadelphia were bused to the event, where they attended a college and career fair in addition to watching the game.

"We get a free football game. On top of that we get college opportunities and we get to see people in the Philly area," said Canaan Bey, a 12th grader.

Students said the event provided exposure to higher education options and direct access to college representatives.

"It's nice to see all the opportunities laid out in front of us. And the people from the colleges are very engaging," said Leila Ray, a 12th grader.

Some colleges offered on-the-spot admissions during the fair.

"I'm really interested in going to an HBCU. So seeing all the different HBCU and learning about them is really good," said Fiona Gaymon, a 12th grader.

"It's good seeing everybody in school. Trying to get to college you know. And it's amazing!" said Ginuwine Barfield, a 12th grader.

The event also included a step show competition designed to build excitement about college life.

"It definitely does make me excited for college and all the opportunities, especially being in here," said Sarah James, a 12th grader.

6abc's Christie Ileto served as one of the judges for the competition.

"I love seeing the high school kids here because it's giving them a lot of inspiration to really aim to go to higher learning, go to college," Ileto said.

School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington also participated as a judge.

"I was wishing for my college days back," Watlington said while talking about the enthusiastic atmosphere of the step show.

The festivities drew community members and notable guests, with rapper Ludacris performing during halftime.

Organizers said the classic continues to grow as a cultural event celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their traditions.

"Historically Black Colleges and Universities lifted up along with everything that comes with that culture," Parker said.

Activities will continue Saturday with a battle of the bands scheduled for 11 a.m. at Lincoln Financial Field.

Former Philadelphia Eagles players Michael Vick, now head coach at Norfolk State, and DeSean Jackson, now head coach at Delaware State, are also scheduled to return to the field before their teams face off at 3 p.m. Tickets are still available.

- TaRhonda Thomas

MEGAN THEE STALLION'S HBCU JOURNEY GETS NCAA SPOTLIGHT |

A recent NCAA broadcast involving Megan Thee Stallion sparked a debate about HBCU representation and Prairie View A&M. Commentators tried to bridge sports and pop culture. They named the rap star as a prominent alumna. This well-intentioned namedrop relied entirely on surface-level research.

Megan Thee Stallion’s academic journey 

The rapper did begin her college journey at Prairie View in 2013. She followed a deep family lineage of attendees. However, her academic path quickly took her elsewhere. She clashed with the administration over viral online videos. Eventually, she transferred to Texas Southern University.

In December 2021, Megan Thee Stallion officially graduated from TSU. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration. The broadcast completely omitted Texas Southern. This blurred the identities of two fierce Houston-area rivals. It also left out a verified basketball legend.

The HBCU has a basketball legend 

The commentators also bypassed actual athletic royalty. They failed to recognize Zelmo “Big Z” Beaty. He is a foundational pillar of Prairie View basketball. Beaty was a remarkably dominant center. He led the Panthers to the 1962 NAIA National Championship. Later, he enjoyed a Hall of Fame professional career. Overlooking Beaty erased historical athletic context for a quick pop-culture reference.

Prairie View faced tall task

On the court, the matchup underscored a massive resource gap. The Panthers faced a heavily funded Florida Gators squad. Florida boasted an imposing frontcourt featuring a 7-foot-9 center. Prairie View fought hard early but suffered a 114-55 blowout loss. The size mismatch was undeniably severe. Head coach Byron Smith gave a brutally honest assessment. He admitted his team needed “some help from the Lord.”

A lesson about HBCU legacy

Ultimately, the tournament spotlight proved Black colleges face unique storytelling hurdles. Megan Thee Stallion’s time on “The Hill” shaped her unapologetic persona. Yet, her true collegiate legacy belongs with both HBCUs. The rapper remains fiercely dedicated to her fellow alumni. She plans to open assisted living facilities using her wealth. Furthermore, she intends to hire recent TSU graduates to run them.

The rapper is also releasing an Amazon documentary. It will detail her vulnerable moments as a student. Fans will see exactly how she balanced fame and textbooks. She honors her specific collegiate roots with genuine investment. National media must put that same dedicated effort into their research. Their distinct histories shouldn’t be lumped together on national television.

- Steven J. Gaither

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY PA ALUMNI STILL REPRESENTING LIONS! | JB | DC ROCK & ROLL MARATHON