The Tribune

THE countdown has begun for the first Bahamas HBCUX Classic, an American college football game to be held at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium in Nassau September 12-14.

Thousands of persons, including celebrities, sports legends, football players and fans are expected to attend the weekend festivities being hosted by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and HBCUX Network, a new digital media network formed to showcase the unique and diverse experience at historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s).

The planned activities include a NCAA Division One Football game between Central State University (CSU) and Texas Southern University (TSU), a star-studded tailgate concert featuring The Bahamas’ hottest recording artists as well as other internationally known Caribbean and American soca, calypso, hip hop and R&B musicians.

CSU’s Invincible Marching Marauders band and TSU’s, Ocean of Soul Band and some of The Bahamas’ award-winning bands will compete in a “battle of the bands” contest, while a freestyle Greek step show will culminate the tailgate experience.

In addition, HBCUX Network will host a celebrity golf challenge at the magnificent Ocean Club Golf course on Paradise Island.

Immediately following, the first HBCUX Classic awards will be presented to NFL legends and distinguished alumni of the respective HBCU’s. A Classic old-school party at the spectacular Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, and a college career fair and empowerment workshop with recruiters and representatives from CSU and TSU will round out the weekend activities.

Both CSU and TSU have each awarded three, full four-year academic scholarships including tuition, room and board, at their respective universities to deserving Bahamians.

The Bahamas HBCUX Classic is designed to promote academics, education, sports and entertainment, through the cultural integration and diversity of signature events between the government of the Bahamas and historically black colleges and universities.

It is estimated that more than 400,000 students are enrolled annually at 105 HBCU’s within the United States, comprising an alumni of seven million people.

The Bahamas, known for its crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches and diverse culture, shares a rich heritage with African-American diaspora and many of its high school students receive their college-level education from HBCU’s.