Photo caption: On February 13, 2023, Chicago Football Classic founders Everett Rand, Timothy Rand and Larry Huggins were joined by Kevicia Brown, Athletic Director, and Kevin Porter, Head Coach, from Central State University and Hakim McClellan, Athletic Director, and Kendrick Wade, Head Coach of Mississippi Valley State University and a host of Chicago area business professionals to announce the return of the game and all the festivities that go with it. (Photo by CG Palmer)
After a three year absence, the Chicago Football Classic (CFC) will return to Soldier Field on Saturday, September 2, to kick-off its 25th season and play the historical HBCU football game. The game was on a three year break due to the pandemic according to the CFC.
The group’s goal is to connect Chicagoland students with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) through direct scholarships, HBCU College and Career Fairs along with the Financial Empowerment Summit, all sponsored by BMO Harris Bank.
Chicago Football Classic founders Everett Rand, Timothy Rand and Larry Huggins joined representatives from Central State University, Mississippi Valley State University and fellow business professionals on Tuesday, February 13, to announce the return of the game. During the game’s absence, corporate leaders throughout the Chicagoland area continued to partner with CFC to award $5,000 scholarships to area students annually. “Over the last four years alone, the Chicago Football Classic Scholarship Fund, Inc. has provided a platform where nearly $4 million dollars have been awarded to students attending HBCUs,” said CFC via press release.
“In 2023, we are committed to doing more with the return of the Chicago Football Classic Game.” The CFC’s passion and mission is to serve as many students as possible in the Chicagoland area, according to the organization. The group thrives off the commitment and generosity of on-going presenting sponsors.
Sponsors of CFC included Sherman Dodge, BMO Harris Bank and NBC5 Chicago, along with other longstanding sponsors such as the Chicago CUBS, Walgreens, Amazon, ComEd, Peoples Gas, and Eastlake Management.
The group will also feature their Annual HBCU Softball Game and Reunion, Annual Golf Outing, President’s Reception, HBCU College and Career Fair for all, Teen Fest and Battle of the High School Bands culminating with the exciting Half Time Battle, because: “It’s More Than A Game.”
“CFC is excited to continue their mission to support the educational goals of disadvantaged youth and ensure that those deserving scholars are not deprived of the opportunity to receive a higher education from Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said the CFC.
“By recognizing scholarship recipients, CFC is encouraging them in their education, as well as planting a seed that could someday develop into great leadership talent and encourage the students to give back in hopes that they will support the on-going efforts of The Chicago Football Classic. The game is a celebration of HBCUs and the funding arm of the scholarship program.”
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago.
