Chicago Football Classic Set For September 21st

Fourth Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson was joined by CFC Co- Founder Larry Huggins, the athletic directors and coaches of both schools’ football teams and other elected officials during a recent press conference announcing the 2024 Chicago Football Classic event set for September 21st at Soldier Field. PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES.
Fourth Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson was joined by CFC Co- Founder Larry Huggins, the athletic directors and coaches of both schools’ football teams and other elected officials during a recent press conference announcing the 2024 Chicago Football Classic event set for September 21st at Soldier Field. PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES.

Chicago Football Classic Set For September 21st

By Tia Carol Jones

The Morehouse College Tigers and Kentucky State University Thoroughbreds will hit the grid iron going head-to-head in the Chicago Football Classic Annual Game which is set for Saturday, Sept. 21st, at Soldier Field.

During a press conference on Tuesday, July 16th, elected officials joined the Chicago Football Classic Co-Founder Larry Huggins and the athletic directors and coaches of both schools’ football teams.

“This is our 26th year,” said Mr. Huggins and we want to take this game to another level.  We are bringing storied Morehouse back to Chicago, along with Kentucky State.

The Chicago Football Classic has been around since 1997. The goal of the event is to encourage Black students to pursue post-secondary education, with the hope they will choose to matriculate to a Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU). This is the second year the Chicago Football Classic will take place since taking a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the game, a Golf Outing and Luncheon will take place on Sept. 19th at the Flossmoor Golf Club; a Pep Rally will take place on Sept. 20th at Daley Plaza; and a College & Career Fair will take place on Sept. 21st at Soldier Field. The Battle of the High School Bands also will take place on Game Day.

“I am absolutely thrilled for this year's Chicago Classic! Morehouse and Kentucky State will be here, as well as the Step Shows, College fair, and the epic Battle of the Bands at Halftime. Don't miss out on the fun - bring the kids along and have a blast at the game!,” said 8th Ward Alderman Michelle Harris.

Lamont Robinson, 4th Ward Alderman, said that the Chicago Football Classic empowers students to complete high school and attend HBCUs, where they are known to graduate from in higher rates than other colleges and universities.

“I am an example of why HBCUs are important. I’m a small business owner, educator, former nonprofit director, former State rep and now a member of the Chicago City Council,” said Robinson who graduated from Clark Atlanta University.

Robinson said the Chicago Football Classic showcases the talents, potential and accomplishments of its scholarship recipients, as well as being a benefit to HBCUs. It also encourages African American students and their families to strive for excellence and achievement, which lifts all communities. He said it is important for communities to support young people and HBCUs and continue to make history.

“I want to thank the Rands and the Huggins for their continued support of our young people and all they do for the city of Chicago 365 days a year,” he said.

During the press conference, Huggins talked about Reverend Jesse L. Jackson and his legacy in the civil rights movement and said he wanted to honor him during the Sept. 21st Chicago Football Classic.

“He is truly a civil rights icon and just happens to live here in Chicago. When you look at what Rev. Jackson has meant to this country, and to the world, I think it’s truly something that we have to do,” he said.   

Huggins added it is significant that there are more African American students that are attending HBCUs from Chicago and from Illinois. He said it is important to continue to expose young people to opportunities for higher education and encourage them to seek higher education. It is his goal to make the Chicago Football Classic an institution in Chicago.

“Whether myself, Tim and Everett are still here, this game should go on forever,” Huggins said.

For more information about the Chicago Football Classic, visit chicagofootballclassic.org.

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