By Laurie Willis
Livingstone College
Mention storied black college football programs, and Grambling University, Alcorn State and Southern University come to mind.
But there’s a well-kept secret right here in our backyard: Livingstone College and Johnson C. Smith University played in the inaugural black college football game on Dec. 27, 1892. Smith was called Biddle Institute then, and their Golden Bulls won the game, played on a snowy day on Livingstone’s front lawn, 5-0.
On Saturday, the two teams played at Livingstone, and the Golden Bears won 30-15.
But far more significant than the game’s score is the fact that both schools have pledged to make The Commemorative Classic an annual event that becomes a staple among black college football.
Livingstone President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr. and Johnson C. Smith University President Dr. Ronald L. Carter vow to make The Commemorative Classic a game that fans from other black colleges ń as well as fans from majority schools ówant to attend.
“When you think of the vision of our forefathers who came up with this idea to bring these two schools together, they recognized it wasn’t just about the football game but also that it was about opportunity,” Jenkins said before kickoff. “So because they were visionaries, I believe that in their dreams they visualized that if done right this first contest could be the beginning of black college football in America … and that it could become an event to celebrate higher education opportunities.”
Given his sentiments, it’s no wonder Jenkins contacted Carter about making the contest between the two teams a memorable event.
“It was an easy and emphatic ‘yes’ because I really feel we need to give a microphone, a stage, a podium or whatever to the fact that this is where black college football started,” Carter said.
Both men pledge to ensure The Commemorative Classic grows in stature and prestige.
Charlotte Memorial Stadium will be the permanent home of The Commemorative Classic, Jenkins said. Renovations prevented the teams from playing there this year.
Of course, you can’t celebrate such a historic event without a little pageantry.
At 10 a.m. yesterday a ceremony was held at the site of a granite marker, donated to Livingstone College by members of the class of 1956, commemorating the 1892 game.
Jenkins and Carter spoke briefly, and students from both schools read several proclamations, including one from Gov. Beverly Perdue, Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., and Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz.
The ceremony also featured a re-enactment by Michael Connor, dean of theater arts at Livingstone, who portrayed Dr. William J. Trent, the last surviving member of either team. In his skit Connor recalled what would have been the game-winning touchdown that was ruled no good by officials.
After the marker ceremony, several Johnson C. Smith University students arrived on Livingstone’s campus in a horse-drawn carriage, significant because it took Smith’s players two days to arrive by horse and buggy back in 1892.
“I wanted the pageantry of it all,” Jenkins said. “If you don’t use imagination you’re not going to cause people to be attracted to it. The Bible says where there is no vision, the people perish.”
The Commemorative Classic was also marked by a very spirited crowd on both sides, particularly the home team. Junior LeCounte Nedab II, senior Chad Mitchell and sophomore Sammy Jacobs led students in a variety of cheers, chants and the wave. Livingstone’s marching band, which led the horse-drawn carriage from Price Drive to Alumni Memorial Stadium, played the theme song from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and other songs that pumped up the crowd.
Friday night, The Commemorative Classic officially kicked off with a dinner in Grimes Lounge at Johnson C. Smith University. Jenkins and Carter teased each other at the dinner, with Carter bragging about the first game’s outcome and Jenkins countering that had it not been for the controversial call, Livingstone would have been victorious.
Donnie Shell, who won four Super Bowls with The Pittsburgh Steelers and starred in football and baseball at South Carolina State University, was the keynote speaker.
During the dinner, a trophy for the game’s winner was unveiled. It bears both schools’ mascots, The Commemorative Classic logo and a football.
Shell told the students to put God first, never lose sight of why they’re in school and listen their coaches. He challenged coaches to remember their important role in players’ lives. And he spoke about the role historically black colleges and universities play.
After the game, officials gathered for a reception.
The Commemorative Classic was a success, but Jenkins and Carter say it can only get better.
“The burden to make this become a truly significant event rests on our shoulders,” Jenkins said. “It was visionary to begin with, and we need to run with it. If we don’t make this a national event, we’re missing our calling.”
Laurie D. Willis is assistant director of public relations at Livingstone College.