Johnson C. Smith University Participating in Florida Beach Bowl

Johnson C. Smith is not new when it comes to anything inaugural.  The first and only Black College in Charlotte also has the first Black college football team to hit the gridiron in 1892 against Livingstone College.  And of course, the Golden Bulls won.  Well Johnson C. Smith is at it again making history, representing the CIAA as they become one of two teams to participate in the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl. Recently, the Golden Bulls beat Livingstone College to end the season with a 7-3 record and claim the commemorative classic game, to solidify bowl eligibility.

It was announced on November 13, 2023, that the Golden Bulls will take on the Fort Valley Wildcats.  JCSU finished the season with a 7-3 overall record, 6-2 in conference play. The only losses of the season came from Walsh University, Shaw University, and Fayetteville State University, with a combined average of 7.6 points in lost games.  The Golden Bulls also recognized a few CIAA 1^st and 2^nd team players for their performance.  Benari Black was recognized as the 1^st CIAA linebacker recording 81 tackles and 3 sacks.  Jack Smith was recognized as the CIAA 2^nd team at linebackers as well as punt returner Dick Cureton.  Lastly, Tynan Tucker was recognized as the Defensive All-CIAA Rookie Team.

The Fort Valley Wildcats of the SIAC are looking to spoil the Golden Bulls' plans of winning the Florida Beach Bowl.  Number 7 Wildcats also finished the season with a 7-3 record, losing to Tuskegee University, Allen University, and Number 1 ranked, Benedict College.

The Inaugural Florida Beach Bowl will spotlight teams from the SIAC and CIAA that have earned 6 or more wins during the regular season and also have to be in good academic standing with their prospective conference.  The Bowl game will take place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Wednesday, December 13^th at the DRV PNK Stadium.

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Fall is around the corner, and that means time for back to school. High school graduates around the country are packing up for college. And many planning to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) won't have to go too far out of North Carolina to do so.  North Carolina has plenty of HBCUs to choose from.

According to the National Center For Education Statistics,  in 2021, 9% of Black students in the country went to an HBCU straight out of high school. As of 2020,  76% of Black students attended public HBCUs while 24% attended private nonprofit institutions. If you aren't familiar with an HBCU, it is a staple in the black community.

HBCUs have a significant positive impact on the communities around their campuses and beyond. They generate skilled workers, jobs, and economic hubs. Between homecoming, Greek culture, and sports rivalry, an HBCU is one of the most positive outlets for education in the Black community. North Carolina ranks #3 for the most HBCUs in the country! The Tar Heel State is home to some of the most well-known schools, football teams, marching bands, and STEM programs.

Alabama has 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities that range in private and public across the state. Those schools include Alabama State University, Talladega College, Miles college, Bishop State Community College, Trenholm State Community College, Alabama A&M University, Stillman College., Gadsen State Community College, Selma University, J.F. Drake State Community College, Tuskegee University, Oakwood University, Shelton State Community College and Concordia College Alabama.

Black education in Alabama saw a surge when the federal government backed public black universities under the second Morrill Act in 1890. The 1890 act mandated that states that practiced segregation in their public colleges and universities would lose  federal funding unless they established agricultural and mechanical institutions for the black population. Meanwhile, the Morrill Act of 1862 provided federal land to fund and locate schools.

The peachy state of Georgia is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Interdenominational theological center, Morehouse College, Morehouse school of medicine, Morris Brown college, Pain College, Savannah State University and Spelman College.

The largest HBCU in Georgia is Albany State University. The oldest is Savannah State University which hosts the National Association of Student Professionals – Student Leadership Institution.  

North Carolina is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Shaw University (1865), Fayetteville State University (1867), Johnson C. Smith University (1867), St. Augustine's University (1867), Bennet College (1873), Livingstone College (1879), Elizabeth City State University (1891), North Carolina Agricultural and state University (1891), Winston- Salem State University (1892) and North Carolina Central University (1910). 

North Carolina is monumental when it comes to homecoming AND football. The first ever HBCU football game was played against Johnson C. Smith University and Livingstone College. There are 130 years of proud heritage that makes this game the most anticipated game of the year.  

Mississippi is home to 7 Historically Black colleges and Universities. Those of which include Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds County Community College, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College and Tugaloo Collage.

Mississippi’s 7 historically black colleges and universities produce over $1 billion dollars in economic impact for the state! This state is bringing in out-of-state students like no other. This state also produces some of the best bands EVER!

The boot state has six HBCU's that call it home. The culture is undeniable, and the bands are incredible. If you a wondering where to visit to experience an HBCU homecoming,  visit Louisiana.

This is also where the HBCU Kings and Queens hold their annual conference. The HBCUs located in Louisiana include: Dillard university, Grambling State University, Southern University and A&M College, Southern University New Orleans, Southern University and Xavier University.