Kentucky State University Football is set to return to the Chicago Football Classic on September 21, facing the Morehouse Maroon Tigers at the historic Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. This game marks the relocation of KSU’s September 21 home contest against Morehouse College to the prestigious NFL venue for the 2024 Chicago Football Classic.
“This is a great opportunity for KSU’s football team. We are proud of our players and the amazing job they do. I support the guidance of our athletic director, Mr. Stepp, and KSU’s Chicago Alumni Chapter as they take part in the annual Chicago Football Classic,” said Kentucky State University President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo.
“We are excited to compete in the 25th annual Chicago Football Classic, allowing our student-athletes to compete in a historic NFL venue like Soldier Field. I can’t wait to join our amazing alumni fans in cheering our Thorobreds to victory!” added Athletic Director Grant Stepp.
The last encounter between these two programs took place on October 28 in Atlanta, Georgia, where Kentucky State narrowly defeated Morehouse 23-21. The upcoming game at Soldier Field promises to be a memorable event.
The Chicago Football Classic celebrates Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and promotes their rich history and culture. The matchup, held annually at Soldier Field, was paused from 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will return this year on September 21.
The athletic directors and head coaches of Morehouse and Kentucky State universities gathered outside Soldier Field on Tuesday, with Rev. Jesse Jackson in attendance, to promote the game. Rev. Jackson, a North Carolina A&T graduate, will be honored during this year’s event.
“Reverend, when we look at the things that you have done, we can help, at September 21, to honor you for the impact that you had—not only on the people in Chicago, but people all across the world,” said Chicago Football Classic co-founder Larry Huggins.
The Chicago Football Classic game will cap off a long weekend of events, including a college and career fair. Founded in 1997 by African American businessmen Larry Huggins, Everett Rand, and Tim Rand, the Chicago Football Classic encourages African American youth to achieve their best in high school and college.
Alderman Lamont Robinson (4th) highlighted the importance of HBCUs, sharing his personal experiences as a testament to their impact. “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.”
Moderator Brianna Moreland, an HBCU alumna from Texas Southern University, and Clineé Hedspeth, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for the City of Chicago, emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the event. The Classic provides a platform for showcasing HBCU brilliance and transferring cultural knowledge.
Kentucky State University Athletic Director Grant Stepp, Head Coach Felton Huggins, and Morehouse College Athletic Director Harold Ellis expressed their enthusiasm for the event. Huggins stated, “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 praised the event for embodying the theme “More Than a Game,” aligning with their vision for athletics.
The Chicago Football Classic has had a significant economic impact on the city of Chicago and has increased the number of students attending HBCUs. The event is a testament to the dedication of African American businessmen to give back to their community.
Students interested in scholarships should note that the application window has closed for this year. Awardees will be announced soon, with 20 outstanding students selected to attend HBCUs. The college fair typically attracts thousands of students, with approximately $1.5 million in on-site scholarships awarded.
BMO Bank, a longstanding supporter, has sponsored the Chicago Football Classic for nearly 15 years. The bank emphasizes community, diversity, education, and opportunity through financial literacy sessions and scholarships. This year, BMO is contributing over $300,000 towards scholarships.
The Chicago Football Classic promises an exciting weekend, with performances from high school and college bands, the thrill of the football game, and the college fair where dreams are realized. For many young attendees, the experience of Soldier Field and the Classic will be unforgettable.