Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic Week Kicks Off Citywide Celebration of Culture, Education and Community


Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic Week 

Kicks Off Citywide Celebration of Culture, Education and Community

 

Chicago officially launched the inaugural Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic Week, a multi-day, citywide celebration of culture, education, economic opportunity and community engagement, taking place April 26 through May 3. Mayor Brandon Johnson marked the occasion with an official proclamation recognizing the significance of the event for the city.

 

The week will culminate in the historic Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic at Wrigley Field on May 2, where for the first time in history, two Historically Black Colleges and Universities — Prairie View A&M University and Alabama A&M University — will compete at the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs. Wrigley Field remains the only Major League ballpark where Jackie Robinson played that is still in use today.

 

Presented in partnership with the Chicago Cubs and the City of Chicago, the Classic and its surrounding events are designed to expand opportunity, inspire the next generation and celebrate the enduring impact of HBCUs.

 

“Today’s proclamation underscores the significance of this moment for our city,” said Earnest Horton, CEO of Black Baseball Media. “This is more than a game — it’s a citywide movement that brings together culture, education and opportunity while creating lasting impact across Chicago.”

 

Throughout the week, events will take place across multiple neighborhoods and include:

•             Alumni Softball Game, April 26th

•             College & Career Readiness Pavilion for students (Grades 6–12), April 28th

•             Financial Education & Small Business Seminar supporting local entrepreneurs April 28th

•             Youth baseball showcases and tournament, April 30th

•             Cultural activations celebrating HBCU tradition and excellence

 

The programming is intentionally designed to be inclusive of the entire city, connecting students, families, alumni and businesses to meaningful opportunities beyond the field.

“The Chicago Cubs are proud to partner in bringing this historic event to Wrigley Field,” said Tom Ricketts, Executive Chairman of the Chicago Cubs. “This is an opportunity to honor the legacy of the game while helping to expand access and inspire the next generation of players and leaders.”

 

The Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic represents a new tradition for the city — one that brings together sport, culture and community on one of baseball’s most historic stages.

 

Tickets for the game at Wrigley Field have seen overwhelming demand, with initial allotments fully claimed. Organizers are working to explore additional opportunities to accommodate students and community groups.

 

For more information and updates, visit hbcubaseballclassic.org or follow @hbcubaseballclassic


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