As always, the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation brought the community much more than a football game this past weekend with its 17th annual Classic.
With the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions taking on the Clark Atlanta Panthers on Staurday at the Edward Jones Dome, HBCU students, alumni, friends and family came from far and wide to celebrate the weekend.
“I have enjoyed today,” said Vanessa Woods, who was attending the Gateway Classic for the first time. “It was really fun.”
Woods said she now plans to attend every year since she enjoyed the game and the atmosphere.
Every year, legendary St. Louis comedian and activist Dick Gregory supports the Gateway Classic and founder Earl Wilson Jr. with a comedy show that opens the festivities.
“Everyone reach out and say, ‘Thank you.’ This is our week,” Gregory said to the crowd at the Casino Queen.
Gregory praised Wilson for creating this week for African Americans to enjoy themselves and raise funds for St. Louis-area students who may have challenges paying for college.
“What he’s doing is very important. He brings people into St. Louis and gives us a weekend,” Gregory said.
The streets of St. Louis were filled with people showing love to their particular college at the pep rally, which was held in front of the Edwards Jones Dome. People sang their school songs, and college football players yelled their chants.
Black Greek organizations tailgated during the weekend, and local and out-of-state high schools, drill teams and university bands performed up and down Market Street while the crowd jammed to the music.
Robert Jones, owner of Alpha One Greek and Promotional Items, came to show support after the parade and sell a few items of Greek paraphernalia.
“I like to show love to everyone,” Jones said.
The football game featured the rival bands playing in the stands with supporting fans on their sides, before the half-time show and the all-important Battle of the Bands.
The half-time show had fans dancing and singing along to Usher’s “OMG” and Bel Biv Devoe “Poision.” Local pop star Bradd Young sang the Negro national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and performed his hit song “Grown Man.”
While the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions beat the Clark Atlanta Panthers 35-19 in the game, Clark Atlanta’s Marching Panthers won the Battle of the Bands.
The St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation was founded by Wilson in 1994; earlier this year he stepped down and Richard Gray took over as president.
The organization commits to providing financial support to the community through scholarships and sports programs. Its annual football classic, featuring teams from two historically black colleges or universities, is its biggest fundraiser for young athletics, college scholarship programs and community activities.
“I think this type of thing is good because we’re supporting our children,” said Rosemary Cauele, an alumna of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
“The scholarships provide opportunities to kids that may not have an opportunity to pay tuition for college.”
For information on the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, visit www.gatewayclassic.org.
