Essence HBCU Classic between Johnson C. Smith University, Morehouse College taking place at Harvard

A historic gridiron matchup is set to take place at Harvard Stadium on Saturday as Morehouse College and Johnson C Smith University go head to head in the Essence HBCU classic Morehouse College s Athletic Director Former NBA athlete Harold Ellis says his gang is excited for the big tournament to be held in Boston Specific of them have never even been north Ellis stated Like I m the only guy that loves Boston I don t know if I had my best NBA challenge in Boston Larry Bird was my favorite performer growing up I m a Boston fan So I m excited to get the experience for the boys and our college and our senior leadership are real excited about coming to Boston This weekend s match marks the first time in -years that two Historically Black Colleges and Universities HBCU will play against each other at Harvard The encounter caps off For the Way of life Week in Boston celebrating the city s black population and tradition Ellis says that sense of district is a part of what makes HBCUs so special I m not just talking about Morehouse College I m talking about all HBCUs in general Ellis announced It creates a sense of safety it creates a sense of pride A lot of times the HBCUs are the backbone of these students lives and I think that s really fundamental The excitement around the contest has brought more visibility to efforts to bring a HBCU satellite campus Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell says the move would only contribute to Boston s legacy as a hub for higher learning and beliefs I think when we re talking about the mecca of coaching right here in the city of Boston the presence of having a Historically Black College or University requirements to be in the mecca of instruction Worrell commented There s a multitude of different solutions and a great number of different pathways that we can take to have that presence but as we continue to develop and have these conversations we ll try to put together a limited different proposals on what those pathways can look like Ellis says he s already excited for the historic meeting and is proud to see that excitement reflected throughout the city as well I was walking down the street here in Boston and saw a sign that says the mayor is welcoming the football classic I was impressed to see Morehouse on the billboard I get excited Ellis stated It s gonna be big for your city it s gonna be big for your inner city The Essence HBCU Classic kicks off at p m on Saturday