Philadelphia showed up for HBCU culture with One Philly HBCU Week, which brought two days of football, bands, education, and celebration to Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The two day football showcase featured four Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Friday night, October 30, Lincoln University faced Virginia Union University. The game also featured a halftime performance by Grammy Award-winning artist and actor Ludacris, bringing his music and energy to the stadium.
On Saturday, October 31, Delaware State University faced Norfolk State University, with former Philadelphia Eagles players and head coaches DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick. Saturday’s halftime show included a Battle of the Bands, highlighting the marching band traditions and musical talent that are a big part of HBCU culture.
Virginia Union defeated Lincoln University 62–0 on Friday. Saturday’s game ended in a close finish, with Delaware State coming from behind to defeat Norfolk State 36–33 on a game winning field goal with just three seconds remaining.
REVIVE Media had the opportunity to be on the field at Lincoln Financial Field, capturing real time footage and speaking with both head coaches, DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick. Seeing these programs, athletes, and coaches take the field in a major NFL stadium proves that HBCU sports deserve this kind of visibility and recognition.
Mayor of Philadelphia Cherelle Parker spoke on how One Philly HBCU Week was about more than football. It gave Philadelphia residents and HBCU students, families, alums, and visitors a chance to experience HBCU traditions up close. From the college and career fair to the step show, Ludacris halftime performance, and Saturday’s Battle of the Bands, the week connected education, entertainment, and culture.
One Philly HBCU Week events like this matter. They give young people exposure to colleges and career opportunities while honoring institutions that have shaped generations of Black leaders, artists, educators, athletes, and professionals.
HBCU culture is bigger than the game. It is the bands, the music, the Greek organizations, the history, the community, and the possibilities that continue to move the next generation forward. One Philly HBCU Week brought all of that to the heart of the city and gave Philadelphia another reason to show up for Black excellence.