Latest news with #OrangeBlossomClassic
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Virginia Tech is reviewing claim that coach tried to lure NC Central player into transfer portal
FILE - NC Central running back J'Mari Taylor (4) is hit by from Alabama State safety Keane Lewis (23) during the second half of the Orange Blossom Classic NCAA college football game, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) RB flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
SNICKERS® Returns for Third Year as Official Chocolate Bar of the Orange Blossom Classic
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Orange Blossom Classic Committee is proud to announce the return of its partnership with Mars Wrigley, as SNICKERS® enters its third consecutive year as the Official Chocolate of the Orange Blossom Classic (OBC). The 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic will take place over Labor Day Weekend, culminating with the highly anticipated matchup between Howard University Bison and Florida A&M University Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. With this year's theme, "Built on History. Fueled by Pride", the event continues its tradition of celebrating HBCU excellence, heritage, and culture—with SNICKERS delivering an added layer of fan-favorite flavor and fun. This multi-year collaboration blends community, culture, and college football with the unmistakable satisfaction of SNICKERS, enhancing the game day experience for thousands of fans who gather to celebrate HBCU legacy and pride. "We are excited to welcome back SNICKERS for year three of this special partnership," said Kendra Bulluck-Major, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic Committee. "Their consistent commitment to enhancing the fan experience and supporting the HBCU community aligns perfectly with our mission to honor tradition, fuel scholarship, and celebrate culture. We look forward to another weekend of unforgettable energy—with a satisfying twist." From tailgates to Fan Fest to halftime celebrations, SNICKERS will once again bring moments of joy and indulgence to fans throughout the weekend, reaffirming Mars Wrigley's commitment to delivering everyday happiness through its beloved portfolio of brands. "The SNICKERS brand is delighted to be part of the Orange Blossom Classic for the third year in a row," said Gabrielle Wesley, Chief Marketing Officer, Mars Wrigley North America. "SNICKERS will show up to bring fans a delicious boost of satisfaction, especially during halftime, to keep the excitement going into the second half." Known for its iconic combination of caramel, peanuts, nougat, and milk chocolate, SNICKERS remains a crowd favorite. Whether enjoyed in the stands during halftime or shared as a post-game treat, SNICKERS will add a memorable flavor to every part of the OBC experience. As anticipation builds for this year's Classic, fans can expect more than just a football game—they'll enjoy a vibrant celebration of Black excellence, culture, and community. Join us in Miami Gardens for the 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic—where we're Built on History. Fueled by Pride. For details on tickets, hotels, and official events, visit Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter at @OrangeBlossomFB. To become an OBC sponsor, please contact info@ ABOUT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC Founded in 1933 by J.R.E. Lee Jr., son of Florida A&M University's president, the inaugural Orange Blossom Classic welcomed 2,000 fans to a "blacks-only" ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida—where FAMU defeated Howard 9-0, establishing the foundation of HBCU classics. After a 43-year hiatus, the Classic was re-established in 2021 with a mission to increase exposure and access for HBCUs. Now in its fifth year, the OBC draws thousands of fans, students, alumni, and families to South Florida, celebrating culture, competition, and the future of Black excellence. ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. For more information about Mars, please visit Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Media Contact:Derek Ross | 398209@ | 919.423.5617Orange Blossom Classic Media Relations View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Orange Blossom Classic Committee
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
ESPN TV schedule to showcase Jackson State and Southern heavily
The 2025 SWAC football television schedule has been officially released, with ESPN set to showcase some of the most high-profile HBCU matchups of the season. The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), one of the top conferences in Black college football, will have its games featured across ESPN's family of networks-highlighting fierce rivalries, iconic classics, and rising and Jackson State Lead the Way Two of the SWAC's marquee programs-Southern University and Jackson State-are at the forefront of this year's TV slate. Southern, the defending SWAC West Division champion, will kick off the HBCU football season in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge against North Carolina Central on August 23rd. The matchup will air nationally on ABC at 7:30 p.m. EST, setting the tone for an action-packed State, the 2024 SWAC champion with an undefeated conference record, is scheduled to appear in at least four ESPN games, in addition to its four games on HBCUGo. That includes major showdowns against Southern (Boom Box Classic), Florida A&M, Alabama State, and Alcorn State-all rivalries with deep SWAC roots. These games reflect Jackson State's status as a national draw in HBCU football. Classic Matchups Return to National SpotlightSeveral of HBCU football's most beloved classics return to the national spotlight: Orange Blossom Classic: Howard vs. Florida A&M (Aug. 30 on ESPNU)Magic City Classic: Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M (Oct. 25)Florida Classic: Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman (Nov. 22) These games bring not only on-field intensity but also cultural pageantry that defines HBCU football at its best. Full Coverage Across ESPN PlatformsThe schedule features games on ESPN+, ESPNU, ABC, and other platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage for fans across the country. The 2025 Pepsi SWAC Football Championship Game will air live on ESPN2 on Saturday, December 6, followed by the Cricket Celebration Bowl on ABC a week later, where the SWAC champion will face the MEAC A&M, Alabama State, Alcorn State, and Grambling State also appear multiple times, reinforcing the strength and balance across the conference. With ESPN's continued commitment to HBCU sports and the SWAC's growing national footprint, the 2025 football season is poised to be one of the most exciting yet. The post ESPN TV schedule to showcase Jackson State and Southern heavily appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Forbes
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Kendra Bulluck-Major Is Building An Empire With Legacy Sports
Still shot of Kendra Bulluck‑Major. When Kendra Bulluck-Major bought the rights to the Orange Blossom Classic, a legacy HBCU football game founded in 1933 by Florida A&M University, she was bringing back to life more than a sporting event. The acquisition held a special meaning to her, one that had been passed down through generations. In 2025, the game is entering a new chapter under a multi-year naming rights agreement as the Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic—a title partnership that reflects both a rebranding effort and commitment to empowering HBCU students. 'This is personal for me. My passion for the Orange Blossom Classic was born from my father's stories, his pride in Florida A&M University and the way the OBC represented more than just a football game' Bulluck-Major said. 'It was about culture, community and coming together during times when we weren't always seen. That legacy stayed with me, and when I had the opportunity to revive the Classic, I knew it had to be bigger than the field. It had to reflect who we are as a people, our excellence, our resilience and our joy.' Operating as the First Black Woman to Own an HBCU Sports Property As the first Black woman to own exclusive rights to a major HBCU sports property, Bulluck-Major has transformed the platform into a cultural enterprise. What began as a single-game tradition is now a full-scale ecosystem that spans sports, entrepreneurship and community. So far, the organization has already raised over $400,000 in scholarship funds for HBCU students. FAMU football player catching a football. 'Being the first Black woman to own exclusive rights to a major HBCU sports property is an honor, but it's also a responsibility I carry with care,' Bulluck-Major said. 'I lead with purpose because I understand the weight of legacy, not just for my children, but for the entire community that gathers around this moment every year. My leadership is rooted in honoring the past, serving the present and building something sustainable for the future.' While football remains the centerpiece, Bulluck-Major has expanded the event into something far more powerful, starting with a slate of programming that centers Black women unapologetically, one of which includes the Elevation Experience. The Elevation Experience, the official kickoff to this year's Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic, is a free, one-day leadership and empowerment event that convenes women leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs and change-makers from across Florida for a day of celebration and networking, with panels, brand activations and a headline performance by Grammy-nominated artist, Yo-Yo. 'I wanted every woman who walks through those doors to feel like she belongs, like this space was created with her in mind, not just as a professional, but as a whole person,' Bulluck-Major said. 'It's a place where you don't have to shrink, explain, or prove, you just get to be and be poured into. My hope is that women leave feeling more connected, more inspired, and more clear about the power they carry.' Equip, Align, Execute Presented by Bacardi Denny's Orange Blossom Classic. For those who assume women and football don't mix, Bulluck-Major sees it differently. 'Women love sports, and more importantly, women shape culture,' she said. 'The OBC honors that by designing experiences that reflect our full presence, whether in the boardroom, the tailgate or the 50-yard line.' At the heart of her mission is a desire to challenge outdated rules about who gets to lead, and how. 'I've broken through the idea that Black women can't lead in spaces traditionally dominated by men, money, and legacy institutions. I want to break the barrier that says we can't scale, that our ideas don't deserve capital, and that our culture is only valuable when it fits a stereotype,' Bulluck-Major said. 'I want to redefine what leadership looks like, not just for me, but for the next generation of Black women watching and building behind the scenes. And I'm not interested in just leaving a blueprint. I want to leave open doors, broken ceilings, and unapologetic examples of what's possible when we lead in our fullness.'
Miami Herald
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Iconic HBCU band names first woman as head drum major
The glass ceiling in the world of FAMU's Marching "100" drum majors has officially been shattered. Dr. Shelby Chipman, Director of Bands, announced Oluwamodupe Oloyede as the head drum major for the 2025–2026 HBCU band season. Known affectionately as "Dupe" (pronounced du-pay), she was previously the second-ever female drum major in the band's history. Cori Bostic, the first female drum major in the Marching "100," paved the way and has become one of Dupe's most vocal supporters. Their shared bond highlights the growing legacy of women leading at the highest levels in HBCU marching bands. A Natural Leader from the Start Dupe began her drum major journey at Southwest DeKalb High School, one of the largest feeder programs into the Marching "100." Her prior leadership experience made her a standout candidate when she joined the Marching "100" as a drum major last season. Although her primary instrument is the saxophone, it was her presence and poise on the field that caught attention. Staff and fellow members weren't surprised when she was named head drum major for the upcoming season. "I'm really excited for the season. I'm blessed and honored because I know what this role means-and how much work it requires," Oloyede said. "But with all the encouragement and support I'm getting, I feel ready." She added, "This year, coming off the Marching '100' being named ESPN's Band of the Year in 2024, we're coming in strong. I'm confident in my ability and in my squad's ability to take the season by force." Dr. Chipman shared his excitement about the HBCU band's leadership team during a private Zoom call with band alumni. This year's band is expected to hit the ground running with a high-profile start to the season. "We'll perform at the Pepsi Battle of the Bands in Texas, send a pep band to the U.S. Open in New York to honor Althea Gibson, and end that week in Miami at the Orange Blossom Classic," he said. As head drum major, Dupe represents not only excellence on the field but also off it. "We look for someone who exemplifies discipline, communication, and a deep understanding of our traditions," Chipman explained. From Blending In to Taking the Spotlight Last season, Dupe was proud that many couldn't distinguish her from the other drum majors-she wanted to be part of the team, not defined by gender. This year, however, she steps into a new spotlight. With media interest certain to grow, Dupe understands the gravity of her role. "There's no blending in when the band can't move until your whistle blows," she said. This August, the Marching "100" will perform in three different states. Oloyede knows the importance of being in mid-season form even before the football season officially starts. "Our strategy is to prepare early and work efficiently," she said. "The leadership corps, including the executive board and the new COO student leader, are focused on detailed planning before the season begins." Dupe doesn't take the weight of being "the first" lightly. "I know the pressures are real, but I use myself as my competition. If I focus on the odds, I'll fail. But if I focus on improving and understand the greater purpose, I'll do better," she said. She added, "Even if I didn't have the support, I'd still be amped. Last year I proved it's possible. This year, I'm here to dominate-and shut the haters up." Cori Bostic sees this moment as part of a larger HBCU band movement. "For the first time in Marching '100' history, the top three student leadership positions-Head Drum Major, Band President, and Assistant to the Band Director-are all held by women," Bostic noted. "Dr. Chipman's leadership has pushed the band into new territory." For Bostic, watching others soar is a reward in itself. "Traditions evolve. There's no better feeling than seeing those who come after you reach higher." Support has poured in from the FAMU Marching "100's" close-knit fraternity of former drum majors. One of them, Victor 'Batman' Gaines, praised Dupe's selection. "In a time when qualifications are questioned, Dupe has earned her spot. She's focused, inspiring to young girls, and backed by those who came before her," he said. This year, FAMU's Marching '100' will feature seven drum majors-two returning and five new. Dr. Chipman emphasized the importance of selecting leaders who embody the values of the HBCU program. "When I choose drum majors, I'm looking for someone who could speak on my behalf and represent the university well," he said. With 230 returning students and an energized leadership team, expectations for the Marching "100" are high. The band is poised for one of its most dynamic seasons yet. The post Iconic HBCU band names first woman as head drum major appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
