HBCU Classic brings family reunion atmosphere to Canton

Think back for a brief moment, when you can recall your favorite family reunion.

You know the one where everybody got along, and even Aunt Susie’s plastic-tasting macaroni and cheese didn't spoil the day, and Cousin Virgil graciously waited until everyone had eaten before he took off his shoes.

There were smiles, high fives, hugs and kisses as they and positive memories engulfed the moment. You remember that family reunion.

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The one where everybody was happy to see each other, where everyone seemed to understand the purpose of family, where everyone spoke of family achievements, acknowledged the elders and welcomed the newborns … and were grateful none of the babies looked like Cousin Elzora, bless her heart. And, that same family reunion where you talked of the future and how you were looking forward to the challenges and successes of the future.

Well, that is similar to the feeling I got at the last two Historically Black College and University Classics (HBCU), hosted by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and staged here in Canton.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has pledged to provide room within its building and other support for the Black College Football Hall of Fame, and this is the third year that it will host a game between two HBCU teams to help raise funds and awareness for the Black College Football Hall of Fame.

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The hall has hosted Alabama A&M, Morehouse College, Grambling State and Tennessee State. And this year the hall will host the game between Central State University and Winston-Salem University on Labor Day.

As chairman of the Community HBCU Volunteer Committee, I have been at the intersection of community volunteerism; business and corporate support; high school, college and pro football support; media support; faith community support; and support from many non-profit organizations, individuals and more.

There are plenty of reasons why folks should support the HBCU Classic.

This year, the Classic will involve education with "Reading the Playbook;" a college fair; "Let's Talk Art;" a minority business reception; an interfaith church service at Centennial Plaza; a gospel concert with nationally recognized singer Fred Hampton; and local social/community events, some supported by Visit Canton and ArtsinStark, and much more.

Our committee has raised these educational points, helped with community events and worked toward more unity in our entire community.

As I looked at those volunteers from our community who now total close to 90 people, the community is there, the unity is there and so is the education. There are many folks, after three years and COVID, who are buying in to the success of the Classic, and are working hard to make it a continuing success.

Adrian Allison, the Hall’s executive in charge of the Classic, said: "On the surface, it appears to be about football. In fact, football is the platform. If you go on the balcony, you will see more than a football game. You will see community, unity and education."

That is what motivates folks like Bob Belden, from the successful and famous brick family; Ed Roth, retired CEO of Aultman Health Foundation; Jerry Schroer from The Schroer Group; and other corporate leaders who believe in the mission of the Classic, and are working in tandem with our committee and the Hall to make the Classic a continuing success.

It is also one of the reasons that Jim Porter, the new leader of the Hall, has not only kept up the commitment to the classic, but is providing additional support to it. He wants to more closely merge the community’s involvement with that of the Hall and it is happening.

That translates to even more unity.

While the annual enshrinement and Hall of Fame game are the main focus for Porter — and should be for all of the community — he also stresses that the Hall is firmly in back of the Classic.

When our volunteer committee was first established several years ago, it was a pleasure to see families who may have had issues with others in the past buckle down, roll up their sleeves, and forget about past differences and join hands to make the Classic a success.

Kevin Shiplet, vice president of operations/facilities at the Hall, has said that he has participated in many events over the years, and the first thing he noticed during the first Classic was how the atmosphere was like a family reunion. He was impressed, and felt so proud of his community and the Hall’s involvement.

That same feeling has endured with many folks since that first Classic, and it is expected that the same will happen this year and subsequent years, as the Classic gains even more supporters.

So, on Sept. 4, when the game between Central State University and Winston-Salem University takes place, realize the hard work that went into conducting the game, but also realize the great benefits that come with the game: unity, community and education.

And, we promise that Cousin Virgil will once again wait graciously until everyone has eaten before he takes off his shoes.

Ron Ponder can be emailed at ronponder1@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: HBCU Black College Football Classic returns to Canton