The Toyota HBCU New York Classic returns to MetLife Stadium for its second installment on Saturday, September 16, 2023. This year’s epic contest will feature Morehouse College taking on Albany State University. The highly-anticipated halftime show will pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip hop along with surprise guests, and of course, the Battle of the Bands."
Known as "the world’s largest HBCU Homecoming" and the "unofficial kickoff event of HBCU Homecoming week", alumni and fans from each of the 107 HBCUs nationwide are expected to attend.
“We are thrilled by the fan support and excitement around the HBCU New York Classic. Football fans, alumni, and students come out to enjoy the action on the field and the unique experience and camaraderie of the world’s largest HBCU Homecoming,” Albert Williams, President & CEO of Sports Eleven05 says. “MetLife Stadium is the perfect venue for this one-of-a-kind event.”
Williams also shared how inspiring the HBCU New York Classic was and how he hopes that even more Black children will be a part of the experience.
“I'm originally from Jamaica, but I grew up in the Bronx, so I didn’t know much about HBCUs until my second year in corporate America,” Williams shared with EBONY. "What I saw last year, was amazing. I had probably had 200 of my closest friends and family at the game. The catch was that they had to bring a kid. I gave the kids all-access passes. They were able to experience something that I never did as a child. I'm fortunate enough to be able to go to a Giants game but seeing 35,000 of our own people in a stadium is a whole different dynamic. Right after the game, I was invited to homecoming at Morehouse and Howard. I've never experienced anything like that."
Last year, Howard University defeated Morehouse in the inaugural HBCU New York Classic. During half-time, Google awarded $210,000 in scholarships to 105 HBCU students. Through Google’s HBCU Tools for Schools Foundation, at least one recipient from each HBCU received a scholarship.
A full slate of performances and events will be announced in the coming weeks.
