CANTON, Ohio — Miles College and Virginia Union battled at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on Sunday for the annual “Clash at the Classic” as a part of this year’s Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic. 

What You Need To Know

The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton hosted the 6th Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic this weekend

The weekend included college and career fairs, a day of service, and other educational and outreach events

A major goal of the event is to honor players and coaches from historically black colleges and universities and increase exposure for HBCUs

Dwight Well graduated from Miles College and used to play for the Golden Bears. He says playing at the Hall of Fame is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these student athletes. 

“HBCUs collectively all over the country absolutely deserve venues like this to put on our talents and to showcase the young men and young women that are dedicating themselves to a better world,” Well said. 

The weekend honored football players, coaches and others from historically Black colleges and universities. Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, is the cofounder of the Black College Football Hall of Fame and says HBCUs have led to several legendary NFL careers. 

“The Black College Football Hall of Fame is the reason why they are in the NFL Hall of Fame because most of them got their starts at an HBCU; that’s the most important thing,” said Williams. 

The weekend also included a college fair, career fair, and other educational and outreach events. 

“I love the classic weekend; I love everything about it,” Pro Football Hall of Fame Chief Relationship Officer Adrian Allison said. “This is why we do these events — to uplift everybody and uplift these students.”

Besides football, fans enjoyed food, music, and more on Sunday. For Jerome Franklin, it was an opportunity to promote his business and the importance of HBCUs. 

“Thanks to the Hall of Fame for allowing me to be out here to showcase my business,” said Franklin. “We’re able to show what HBCUs are out there. Myself, growing up, I didn’t know how many there was. It’s really important. We want to get the word out. We need to get more recognition for HBCUs.” 

While there was certainly excitement on the field, Well says celebrating the tradition and heritage of HBCUs is the real purpose. 

“Actually highlight what we really do at an HBCU,” he said. “HBCUs have greatly impacted my life, my kids, my family, my wife. It’s absolutely wonderful.”