Top News

Chicago Football Classic Draws Thousands

Event Showcases Education For African-American Students

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Football fans are cheering at Soldier Field Saturday night, but it's not for the Bears. It's for the 11th Annual "Chicago Football Classic" – a game that celebrated the history of Black colleges and universities.

The event also helps show students some of the culture Black schools offer. CBS 2's Pamela Jones reports.

Thousands of fans are expected to pack Soldier Field as West Virginia State University takes on Central State University.

The rivalry on the field brings graduates from schools across the country to what supporters call the biggest Black college reunion in the area.

The men of Phi Beta Sigma stepped their way into Soldier Field bringing a spirit all their own as they helped kick off this year's Chicago Football Classic. And high school bands also got a chance to showcase their skills.

But the event was founded by area businessmen with education for African-American students in mind and highlights unique features of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

"It's more going home to your roots; going somewhere where they want you there -- somewhere you want to be where you can grow and learn," said Central State graduate Menzo Battle.

Both schools playing will award full scholarships to deserving students.

"Central State University is here today to award 10 scholarships. West Virginia State is here today to award five scholarships," said Chicago Football Classic Founder Everett Rand. "These are academic. So what we're trying to do is bump the schools up academically and educationally."

Before the game, organizers also hosted reps from some 25 Black colleges to attract prospective students.

"There are so many different avenues of employment besides sports," Rand said. "So we're trying to showcase these historical black colleges give you that helping hand."

"So many of our students do not even consider going out of the state of Illinois to go to school. Our demographics are such that we have 49 percent African-American students and to expose them to the Historically Black Colleges, the legacy and what they do, really makes this work," said Rufus Williams, president of the Chicago Board of Education.

Young students sat in on discussions about life on Black college campuses.

High school graduate Terrance Aranda asked about the education at Historical Black Colleges, since he admits, 'because education is important to me.'

It's important enough for the father of two young sons, and help the oldest understand this aspect of African-American history.

"I want him to know that there was a time when we had no other choices. And these colleges were there for us and they're still there for us," said father Kamal Muhammad.

Event supporters encourage more parents, especially families without college graduates to bring their children to events such as this. The hope is that those children will see something here that encourages them to continue their education.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---