First Annual Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic Begins

Mayor Malik D. Evans was joined Wednesday, Aug. 7, by the President & CEO of Baldwin Richardson Foods, Erin Tolefree, and Rochester Police Department Deputy Chief Keith Stith to announce Rochester’s inaugural Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic Weekend of Hope.

"We're thrilled to bring an HBCU Football Classic to Rochester,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “This event is not just about football; it's about investing in our youth, celebrating the rich culture of HBCUs, and strengthening the bonds between our community and law enforcement. I can't wait to see our city come together for a weekend of fun, unity, and inspiration."

The football game, part of a full-day experience on Sat., Sept. 21, will feature Central State University (Ohio) Marauders facing off against the Albany State (Georgia) Rams. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. at the inaugural Frederick Douglass HBCU football classic at the Rochester Community Sports Complex, 460 Oak St.

Game day festivities, all included in the price of the game ticket, will begin at 9 a.m. with a tailgate event at the stadium. In addition, following the game, the “5th quarter” Battle of the Bands will feature Central State’s Invincible Marching Marauders and the Albany State Marching Rams Show Band.

The Weekend of Hope is being supported by numerous sponsors, most notably title sponsor Baldwin Richardson Foods. The event will officially be known as “Baldwin Richardson Foods Presents the Frederick Douglass HBCU Classic Weekend of Hope.”

“Baldwin Richardson Foods is dedicated to creating impact and removing barriers,” said Erin Tolefree, President & CEO, Baldwin Richardson Foods. “This sponsorship aligns with our commitment to providing children with opportunities and educational programs. And, as an HBCU alumna, I am thrilled to connect Rochester students to the unique opportunities HBCUs provide.”

The entire Weekend of Hope – Thurs., Sept. 19 through Sun., Sept. 22 – includes multiple invitation-only opportunities for City of Rochester high school students to engage with HBCU alumni, athletic staff, players, and marching bands. In addition, several public events will enable the entire community to become a part of the celebration.

Game-day tickets are $25 each and are available now. Public events, including the Alumni Mixer at Innovative Field and Taste of Rochester Classic Crawl highlighting Black businesses, do not require paid tickets. For more information, visit www.CityOfRochester.gov/HBCUclassic.