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Black America Web
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
HBCU Pride & Tradition: The Orange Blossom Classic's Executive Director Kendra Bullock-Major Talks FAMU & Howard's Historic Showdown [Exclusive]
This Labor Day weekend, Miami will transform into more than a sun-soaked city and become the beating heart of a historic HBCU tradition; The Orange Blossom Classic. Source: Orange Blossom Classic Nearly a century old, the Classic stands as a testament to resilience, culture, and community, bringing Florida A&M University and Howard University back to the national stage for a rivalry steeped in legacy and Black excellence. Born in 1933, the Classic was a beacon during segregation, a rare stage where Black colleges could showcase athletic prowess and cultural pride. For decades, the event was revered as the Black National Championship, drawing thousands to celebrate sportsmanship and spirit. After a pause in 1978, the Classic slipped from view—until a passionate revival effort by Executive Director Kendra Bullock-Major resurrected it in 2021, breathing new life into this storied showdown. Source: Orange Blossom Classic 'The Orange Blossom Classic has a very, very rich history,' Bullock-Major told BOSSIP. 'It was an opportunity for historically Black colleges and universities to showcase their talent on the field because, of course, due to segregation, we were not able to attend or play other universities.' Its comeback, which happened in 2021, was perfectly timed amid a cultural renaissance, coinciding with social movements and the rise of new HBCU stars like Deion Sanders at Jackson State. Today, the classic serves as a weeklong celebration, filled with career fairs, symposiums on sports and entertainment, women's conferences, and vibrant community outreach that stretches far beyond the gridiron. Source: Howard University The significance of this moment holds a personal meaning for Bullock-Major, whose family heritage is deeply intertwined with HBCU culture. Growing up in North Carolina, she was surrounded by relatives who proudly attended historically Black colleges—her mother is a Shaw University alumna, her sister graduated from North Carolina Central, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins share the same bond. 'It was just a matter of, okay, which classic are we going to this week? Whose homecoming are we going to support this year?' Although she did not attend Florida A&M, Bullock-Major has maintained a strong connection to the university. 'My dad is a huge FAMU Marching 100 fan. My younger sister went to FAMU. I told my dad, 'I didn't go to FAMU, but I'm going to bring FAMU to you.'' Source: FAMU This deep-rooted family tradition helped fuel Bullock-Major's passion to bring the Orange Blossom Classic back to life. The 2025 Classic is particularly special as it revives the inaugural matchup between Florida A&M and Howard, two powerhouse HBCUs with rich academic and athletic legacies. Source: Orange Blossom Classic 'It's a rematch of the 2023 National Championship,' Bullock-Major explained to BOSSIP. 'Even if you take football out of it, both of them being the number one public and the number one private school HBCUs in the country—it's just really special.' She continued, 'This was well over 10 years in the making. I've always told my children, you finish what you start. This wasn't easy. But they were my motivation to keep going.' With that perseverance fueling the Classic's growth, the event now provides student-athletes with rare visibility on a national stage. Played in an NFL stadium and broadcast on ESPN, it's a platform few will experience, and one that opens doors beyond football. Admissions teams from visiting schools also seize the opportunity to recruit from a region they might not otherwise reach. Yet, the Classic's magic extends well beyond sport. This year, the event partners with Florida International University Athletics for One Big Community Weekend: Two Games. One Weekend. All Vibes. The collaboration launches on August 29, as FIU hosts Bethune-Cookman University, before Saturday's highlight: the Orange Blossom Classic showdown at Hard Rock Stadium. The weekend pulses with energy: from discounted tickets to a spirited OBC Tailgate Pep Rally featuring drumlines representing all four schools, to mascot crossovers and a welcome reception with actress Wendy Raquel Robinson as keynote speaker. FIU's F1RST NIGHT celebration even offers OBC internship and volunteer opportunities for students, deepening the event's educational reach. Three Florida-rooted head coaches — Willie Simmons of FIU, James Colzie III of FAMU, and Larry Scott of Howard — bring hometown pride and passion to the field, amplifying the weekend's sense of homegrown excellence. For Kendra Bullock-Major, the Classic is more than an event, it's a decade-long dream and a legacy she's determined to pass on. Source: Orange Blossom Classic 'I didn't really set out to be one of the few,' she says. 'I just wanted to bring this back so kids could experience the culture and excitement of HBCU football.' Her words echo a broader message of persistence, representation, and community, a call for future generations to carry the torch. As the Orange Blossom Classic continues to bloom, it remains a vibrant reminder of history and hope — a celebration where the past meets the present, and where Black excellence is on full display in Miami's spotlight. For those interested in attending the Orange Blossom Classic or learning more, information and tickets are available at and updates can be followed on social media @OrangeBlossomFC. The post HBCU Pride & Tradition: The Orange Blossom Classic's Executive Director Kendra Bullock-Major Talks FAMU & Howard's Historic Showdown [Exclusive] appeared first on Bossip. SEE ALSO HBCU Pride & Tradition: The Orange Blossom Classic's Executive Director Kendra Bullock-Major Talks FAMU & Howard's Historic Showdown [Exclusive] was originally published on
Miami Herald
02-08-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Marva Johnson officially takes over as FAMU President
Marva Brown Johnson, J.D., began her term as the 13th president of Florida A&M University on Saturday. Her first day in office coincided with the university's Summer Commencement Ceremony. Johnson addressed the Class of 2025 during the event. Her remarks focused on reflection, perseverance, and the university's mission to serve future generations. "Let me begin by congratulating the Summer Graduating Class of 2025," Johnson said. "As you cross that stage, take it all in… your triumph reminds us why FAMU exists: to open doors, to transform lives, and to light the path for generations of dreamers and doers." She also recognized the contributions of Interim President Timothy Beard. She thanked him for what she described as leadership marked by calm, credibility, and care. Johnson said she approaches her role with "an open mind, a full heart," and a strong commitment to the university's future. She stated that her focus will include honoring FAMU's legacy while adapting to a changing higher education environment. She referenced the university's founding in 1887 by two professors and 15 students. Today, FAMU is recognized as a leading public HBCU. Johnson described that journey as a reflection of resilience and growth. As president, she said she intends to listen, lead, and collaborate. She also expressed a goal of staying accessible and engaged with the campus community. "My door will be open," Johnson said. "You'll find me on campus, in classrooms, at events, and in the heart of this vibrant community." Marva Johnson closed by encouraging graduates to carry the legacy of Florida A&M into the future. She described the university as a place that helps light the path forward. The post Marva Johnson officially takes over as FAMU President appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAMU football 2025 season: 5 new stars who will rise for the Rattlers this year
The 2025 football season is a little over a month away. That means new stars will soon be born for Florida A&M during its 12-game regular season schedule, which starts with the Howard Bison at Miami's Orange Blossom Classic on Saturday, Aug. 30. The Rattlers have players that've never gotten any preseason or postseason Southwestern Athletic Conference recognition, but have the potential to shine this year. Here are some FAMU football players who could become fan favorites and top players for the Rattlers. Levontai 'Bo' Summersett, Running Back, Redshirt Sophomore Bo Summersett was FAMU's second-leading rusher last season behind Preseason All-SWAC First Team running back Thad Franklin Jr. In 2024, Summersett had 66 carries for 497 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The rising redshirt sophomore averaged an impressive 7.5 yards per carry last year. Since Franklin is returning, Summersett may not be the Rattlers' leading ball carrier this season. However, he could continue to cement himself as the next FAMU star running back for when he becomes an upperclassman in 2026. Goldie Lawrence, Wide Receiver, Sophomore Entering this season, FAMU lost its top three receivers in Jamari Gassett to graduate, and Quan Lee and Koby Gross to the NCAA Transfer Portal. Goldie Lawrence was fourth in receiving production for the Rattlers last year, with 21 catches for 251 yards and a touchdown in 11 games after transferring to FAMU from Florida State. Lawrence, at 6-foot, 190 pounds, is the most game-experienced receiver on the FAMU roster, and will likely command attention from opposing defenses. Antonio Camon, Defensive Lineman, Redshirt Sophomore Antonio Camon didn't get much playing time with the Rattlers last season after transferring from the Power Four ranks at Pitt. But big things are expected for the rising redshirt sophomore. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound pass rusher performed well during spring practice and earned a starting spot on the Rattlers' ever-changing depth chart. Furthermore, Camon collected a few sacks during FAMU football's Orange and Green Spring this April. Nick Dimitris, Defensive Lineman, Redshirt Senior Nick Dimitris could play a prominent role in replacing FAMU's former All-SWAC defensive tackle James Ash, who transferred to Auburn. At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, Dimitris didn't get much run last season after joining the Rattlers from the UNLV Runnin' Rebels. However, his measurables and offseason progression could place him in a prominent role for the Rattlers as they look to correct their run defense this season. Brian Norris Jr., Linebacker, Graduate Student Brian Norris Jr. was one of FAMU football's biggest gets out of the transfer portal last season. But after suffering a season-ending injury during training camp, the former South Florida Bulls linebacker never got an opportunity to play in 2024. Norris has returned to the field and participated in FAMU's spring practice this year. Norris isn't the typical FBS-to-FCS transfer. He got some playing time at USF, tallying 47 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in 34 games from 2019 to 2023. Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 7 p.m., SWAC TV Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 4 p.m., SWAC TV Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC), 5 p.m., SWAC TV Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m., ESPN Network Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium) Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary) Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game at Nashville's FirstBank Stadium (If Necessary)This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football 2025 season: Goldie Lawrence, others on track to stardom
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAMU football picked to miss HBCU postseason in 2025 SWAC Predicted Order of Finish
Florida A&M football is expected to have a similar season to the one it had last year. In the Southwestern Athletic Conference's predicted order of finish, the Rattlers were picked to finish second in the East division behind the defending league and Black College Football Champions, Jackson State. Last year, FAMU went 7-5 and tied for second in the SWAC East under first-year head coach James Colzie III. The Rattlers earned 99 total points with three first-place votes in the SWAC predictions. Led by Jackson State, with 126 points and 16 first-place votes, the SWAC East preseason rankings are FAMU, Alabama State (91 points, two first-place votes), Alabama A&M (62 points), Bethune-Cookman (45 points, one first-place vote), and Mississippi Valley State (24 points). Southern leads the SWAC West with 120 points and 17 first-place votes, followed by Alcorn State (90 points, two first-place votes), Prairie View A&M (72 points, one first-place vote), Texas Southern (60 points), Grambling State (55 points), and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (28 points, one first-place vote). FAMU finishing second in the SWAC East means it would not qualify for the HBCU football postseason, as the league places the East and West divisions' regular season winners versus each other for the championship game in December. The SWAC champion faces the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title holder in December's Celebration Bowl, the de facto Black College Football National Championship game. If they don't make the HBCU playoff, the Rattlers' challenging schedule this season could earn them an at-large bid to the Football Championship Subdivision tournament, which begins in late November. The Rattlers' 2025 season kicks off in the Orange Blossom Classic versus the Howard Bison on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. SWAC Predicted Order of Finish SWAC East Jackson State ― 126 points (16) Florida A&M ― 99 points (3) Alabama State ― 91 points (2) Alabama A&M ― 62 points Bethune-Cookman ― 45 points (1) Mississippi Valley State ― 24 points SWAC West Southern ― 120 points (17) Alcorn State ― 90 points (2) Prairie View A&M ― 72 points (1) Texas Southern ― 60 points Grambling State ― 55 points Arkansas-Pine Bluff ― 28 points (1) First place votes listed in parenthesis ( ) Preseason All-SWAC Honorees Offensive Player of the Year: Jacobian Morgan, Jackson State Defensive Player of the Year: Ckelby Givens, Southern All-SWAC First Team Offense Quarterback: Jacobian Morgan, Jackson State Running Back: Jacorian Sewell, Alcorn StateOffensive Lineman: D'Andre Townes-Blue, Jackson State Offensive Lineman: Ronald Brown, Alcorn State Offensive Lineman: Desmond Daniels, Alabama State Wide Receiver: Nate Rembert, Jackson State Wide Receiver: Joanes Fortilien, Jackson State Tight End: Marvin Landy, Jackson State All-SWAC First Team Defense Defensive Lineman: Ckelby Givens, Southern Defensive Lineman: Jeremiah Williams, Jackson State Defensive Lineman: Bryce Cage, Grambling StateLinebacker: Stemarion Edwards, Alcorn State Linebacker: Vincent Paige Jr., SouthernDefensive Back: Keane Lewis, Alabama State Defensive Back: Antwone Watts, Bethune-CookmanDefensive Back: Horacio Johnson, Southern All-SWAC First Team Specialist Place Kicker: Gerardo Baeza, Jackson State Punter: Johnny Schifano, Grambling State Return Specialist: Travis Terrell Jr., Jackson State All-SWAC Second Team Offense Quarterback: Cam Ransom, Bethune-Cookman Running Back: Lamagea McDowell, Prairie View A&M Running Back: BJ Curry, Arkansas-Pine Bluff Offensive Lineman: Quaveon Davis, Jackson State Offensive Lineman: Cameron Smith, Alabama State Offensive Lineman: Tahj Martin, Grambling State Offensive Lineman: Dezmond Penn, Alabama State Offensive Lineman: Tyrell Lawrence, Alabama A&M Wide Receiver: Maleek Huggins, Bethune-Cookman Wide Receiver: Trenton Leary, Texas Southern Tight End: Dupree Fuller, Southern All-SWAC Second Team Defense Defensive Lineman: Damarcus Thompson, Texas Southern Defensive Lineman: Adrian Hall, Bethune-CookmanDefensive Lineman: Nick Glenn, Alabama A&M Linebacker: Reid Pulliam, Jackson State Linebacker: Ashton Taylor, Jackson State Linebacker: Malik Stinnett, Bethune-Cookman Defensive Back: Shamar Hawkins, Jackson State Defensive Back: Blake Davis, Grambling State Defensive Back: Herman Brister III, SouthernAll-SWAC Second Team Specialist Place Kicker: Trey Glymph, Arkansas-Pine Bluff Punter: Jeremy Ramirez, Texas Southern Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 7 p.m. Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 4 p.m. Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m. Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m. Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC) Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m. Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium) Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary) Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game at Nashville's FirstBank Stadium (If Necessary)This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football predicted to finish behind Jackson State in SWAC poll
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAMU football 2025 training camp primer: What to know for when the Rattlers take the field
Florida A&M football is set to begin preseason training camp practice on Friday, Aug. 1. Rattler players reported to Tallahassee on Wednesday, July 30, and had preliminary training camp meetings with coaches before the team's first practice. The Rattlers, head coached by James Colzie III, are returning from posting a 7-5 record during the 2024 season. Last year, FAMU had signature victories over Black College Football National Champion runners-up South Carolina State and beat Bethune-Cookman in the Florida Classic for the fourth consecutive season. However, the Rattlers were upset at Southwestern Athletic Conference's worst team, Mississippi Valley State, to end their 23-game home winning streak and lost to Black College Football National Champions Jackson State. FAMU opens its 12-game regular season schedule on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m. versus Howard in the Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium. Year two could be Colzie's and the Rattlers' biggest leap. And now, FAMU football is preparing to do the groundwork to rebound from last season, starting with Friday's opening practice. How many preseason training camp practices will FAMU football have in 2025? The Rattlers will practice 20 times, including two scrimmages from Friday, Aug. 1, until Saturday, Aug. 23, leading into the season opener versus the Howard Bison. FAMU football's 2025 preseason training camp the prelude to a bounce-back season? The Rattlers went 7-5 last season in Colzie's first year as head coach. It was a season removed from when FAMU football, then led by current Florida International coach Willie Simmons, defeated Howard in the Celebration Bowl to claim the program's 16th Black College National Championship. Seven wins are FAMU's lowest win total since the 2018 season, when the Rattlers finished 6-5. The SWAC picked the Rattlers to finish second in the East division behind the defending league and HBCU football champions, Jackson State. The prediction means FAMU is expected to have a similar season to last year. FAMU football has many returning starters, SWAC honorees at 2025 training camp FAMU has eight preseason All-SWAC selections on the team this year. Thad Franklin Jr., running back, headlines the Rattlers on offense on the Preseason All-SWAC First Team. His blockers, Charles Davis and Ashton Grable, join him on the first team. Edge rusher Davion Westmoreland, linebacker Nay'Ron Jenkins, and cornerback TJ Huggins made the SWAC's preseason defensive first team. Defensive lineman James Gardner Jr. and defensive back Jameel Sanders round out the Rattlers' preseason SWAC picks as defensive second teamers. FAMU football's 2025 preseason training camp will have some heated position battles FAMU's quarterback competition will headline the Rattlers' preseason training camp this year. The Rattlers have a handful of quarterbacks entering practices, including transfers Tyler Jefferson from Central Michigan, RJ Johnson III out of Toledo, and former Long Beach City College signal caller Jett Petty. FAMU also has Lawrence Wright IV, a reserve quarterback from the Florida Gators, but he is also listed as an athlete, meaning he could play multiple positions. The Rattlers' returning quarterbacks are Traven Green and Bryson Martin, who sat behind last year's starter Daniel Richardson. Newly promoted offensive coordinator Henry Burris, who's also the quarterbacks coach, will closely watch the battle to help determine FAMU's 2025 starting signal caller. Other spots up for grabs during the Rattlers' camp could be the top wide receiver, the defensive end spot opposite from Westmoreland, cornerback, and kicker. Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 7 p.m., SWAC TV Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 4 p.m., SWAC TV Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC), 5 p.m., SWAC TV Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m., ESPN Network Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium) Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary) Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game at Nashville's FirstBank Stadium (If Necessary)This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football 2025 training camp: Position battles, roster intel, more
