Harvard Stadium hosted the first-ever Essence HBCU Classic football game Aug. 30, where the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers faced the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls. The game marked the first time in over 50 years that two historically Black colleges competed in Boston. 

The Bulls maintained the lead for the entire game and defeated the Tigers 45-9. But beyond the game, the event shone a broader cultural spotlight on Boston, celebrating and elevating Black American culture.

“It highlights that there’s a really strong and vibrant Black community in Boston that often isn’t showcased in media,” said recent Harvard graduate Trey Sullivan.

Sullivan said his father being a Morehouse alum influenced his decision to attend. 

“I grew up around a lot of Morehouse men going to Homecoming when I was younger, so I [came] for that,” he said. “I figured it’d be fun.”

Historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, have nationally-televised football games — a staple in Southern cities such as Atlanta, New Orleans and Montgomery, where many other games took place this year.

Now Boston, which is not home to any HBCUs like the rest of New England, is getting a glimpse into what makes HBCU culture so distinctive.

The HBCU Classic began when the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment was asked to partner in this event. Director John Borders IV said the goal was to “create an atmosphere in Boston where celebration is paramount,” highlighting the importance of community and “giving the people the opportunity to be grounded in excellence across the board.”

The event draws strength not only from its approximately 12,000 attendees, but also the organizations and sponsors planning it, such as CashApp, Visa and Essence — all of which share the goal of supporting HBCUs.

Borders said hosting a historically Black college football game brings together layers of significance — the history and rich traditions, the “essence” and culture of Black people and the role of higher education in advancing the community. 

“This is the type of energy we’re bringing to this conversation, to this city,” he said.

A Morehouse alum and Dorchester native, Borders said HBCUs have long shaped Black culture in ways Boston hasn’t always experienced. In Atlanta, Borders explained, it’s normal to see classrooms full of Black students taught by Black professors, which is not as present in the Northeast. 

Still, Boston has its own deep legacy of Black history — from Crispus Attucks in the Revolutionary War to the 54th Regiment and communities built in places like Martha’s Vineyard — Borders noted. 

“The turnout, everything, the whole camaraderie, it really, really did good, and it really gave Boston a good look to support an event like this,” said William Dulin, a former football player and coach at JCSU.

However, HBCU football games are not just known for the action on the field.

During halftime, the schools’ marching bands took the field, leading to an exciting “Battle of the Bands” — a tradition seen at many HBCU football games. 

The day’s festivities included food trucks, emcees, vendors representing Black-owned businesses and a “stroll-off” competition between members of historic Black fraternities and sororities, which make up the Divine Nine.

Mayor Michelle Wu also made an announcement, declaring Aug. 30 as “New Edition Day” to honor the legendary Boston R&B group New Edition. 

“[Mayor Wu] has been doing a lot to … uphold the voices that are usually the minority in certain areas,” said attendee Briana Scott.