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Did You Know The First HBCU Football Game Was Played In North Carolina

Author Vonyetta
textured soccer game field with neon fog - center, midfield

Written by Intern: Jasmine Woosley

Did you know HBCU Football started right here in North Carolina? That’s right. 131 years ago, the first HBCU football game was played in Salisbury between Livingstone College and then Biddle College, now known as Johnson C. Smith University.

Back in 1892, the Golden Bulls took home the victory, and in 2023, history repeated itself. On Saturday, November 4, both schools met on the campus of JCSU for a day full of fun and friendly rivalry. During the morning, student government associations and royal courts from the two institutions battled it out on life for the Commemorative Classic giving challenge. As they played games of “finish the lyrics”, family feud, and even a mascot dance battle, both schools urged their supporters to donate as much as they could to see which school could reach $10,000 first.

Afterward, it was time for the moment we had all been waiting for. The big game wrapped up with a score of 38 – 17, with the Golden Bulls coming out on top. JCSU also won the giving challenge with a grand total of $11,133 raised before the end of the first quarter! While this was a sweet victory, it will be bittersweet for some graduating seniors like #9 wide receiver Reggie Bryant who finished his last game on the McGirt field with 151 yards receiving and a touchdown. This was the Golden Bulls first winning season since 2012 and what a season it was. Next year the Golden Bulls will travel to Livingstone College for the Commemorative Classic, continuing on a legacy much bigger than themselves.

 

Whether it's radio or TV, there is someone needed who can add the bang for the buck! Vonyetta is double that bang. Having held the spot as the #1 midday personality in the Charlotte market landed her awards for “Favorite Midday Personality” in 2014 and “Best Midday Show” in 2016 for the “Best In The City Awards.” Besides spending time with family, Vonyetta enjoys writing about things happening in the black community of Charlotte. From things going on in your neighborhoods to HBCU news, she keeps listeners engaged and informed.

North Carolina Ranks #3 In the U.S. for Most HBCUs

Fall is around the corner, and that means time for back to school. High school graduates around the country are packing up for college. And many planning to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) won’t have to go too far out of North Carolina to do so.  North Carolina has plenty of HBCUs to choose from.

According to the National Center For Education Statistics,  in 2021, 9% of Black students in the country went to an HBCU straight out of high school. As of 2020,  76% of Black students attended public HBCUs while 24% attended private nonprofit institutions. If you aren’t familiar with an HBCU, it is a staple in the black community.

HBCUs have a significant positive impact on the communities around their campuses and beyond. They generate skilled workers, jobs, and economic hubs. Between homecoming, Greek culture, and sports rivalry, an HBCU is one of the most positive outlets for education in the Black community. North Carolina ranks #3 for the most HBCUs in the country! The Tar Heel State is home to some of the most well-known schools, football teams, marching bands, and STEM programs.

Here is the list of the top 5 states with the most HBCUs:

  • 1. Alabama

    Alabama has 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities that range in private and public across the state. Those schools include Alabama State University, Talladega College, Miles college, Bishop State Community College, Trenholm State Community College, Alabama A&M University, Stillman College., Gadsen State Community College, Selma University, J.F. Drake State Community College, Tuskegee University, Oakwood University, Shelton State Community College and Concordia College Alabama.

    Black education in Alabama saw a surge when the federal government backed public black universities under the second Morrill Act in 1890. The 1890 act mandated that states that practiced segregation in their public colleges and universities would lose  federal funding unless they established agricultural and mechanical institutions for the black population. Meanwhile, the Morrill Act of 1862 provided federal land to fund and locate schools.

  • 2. Georgia

    The peachy state of Georgia is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Interdenominational theological center, Morehouse College, Morehouse school of medicine, Morris Brown college, Pain College, Savannah State University and Spelman College.

    The largest HBCU in Georgia is Albany State University. The oldest is Savannah State University which hosts the National Association of Student Professionals – Student Leadership Institution.  

  • 3. North Carolina

    North Carolina is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Shaw University (1865), Fayetteville State University (1867), Johnson C. Smith University (1867), St. Augustine’s University (1867), Bennet College (1873), Livingstone College (1879), Elizabeth City State University (1891), North Carolina Agricultural and state University (1891), Winston- Salem State University (1892) and North Carolina Central University (1910). 

    North Carolina is monumental when it comes to homecoming AND football. The first ever HBCU football game was played against Johnson C. Smith University and Livingstone College. There are 130 years of proud heritage that makes this game the most anticipated game of the year.  

  • 4. Mississippi

    Mississippi is home to 7 Historically Black colleges and Universities. Those of which include Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds County Community College, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College and Tugaloo Collage.

    Mississippi’s 7 historically black colleges and universities produce over $1 billion dollars in economic impact for the state! This state is bringing in out-of-state students like no other. This state also produces some of the best bands EVER!

  • 5. Louisiana

    The boot state has six HBCU’s that call it home. The culture is undeniable, and the bands are incredible. If you a wondering where to visit to experience an HBCU homecoming,  visit Louisiana.

    This is also where the HBCU Kings and Queens hold their annual conference. The HBCUs located in Louisiana include: Dillard university, Grambling State University, Southern University and A&M College, Southern University New Orleans, Southern University and Xavier University.  

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