HBCU tradition without commitment is just noise I Opinion

The recent Orange Blossom Classic between Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Howard University was more than just a football game — it was supposed to be a celebration of HBCU pride, culture, and excellence.

Instead, it became a painful reminder of how far too many Black college graduates fail their alma maters. Despite months of heavy marketing, aggressive advertising, and widespread promotion, the turnout was pitiful. The stands were embarrassingly empty, a visual indictment of alumni apathy.

For two of the most historic Black institutions in the nation, the lack of support was nothing short of disgraceful.

If we can’t even show up to fill a stadium when our schools are on national display, how can we claim to support them in the ways that truly matter? The empty seats at the Orange Blossom Classic weren’t just about football — they symbolized a deeper issue: a troubling lack of loyalty and commitment from graduates who owe much of their success to these very institutions.

That indifference is reflected not only in attendance but also in alumni giving rates. Many HBCUs, including FAMU and Howard, suffer from dismal numbers, with participation languishing in the single digits. Contrast this with predominantly white institutions (PWIs) like Princeton and Notre Dame, where alumni giving rates often exceed 40 or even 50 percent. Those schools thrive because their graduates understand that financial support is not optional — it’s a duty. Meanwhile, HBCUs that have produced generations of Black leaders, professionals, and innovators struggle to raise even a fraction of what they deserve from their own alumni.

The consequences are devastating. Alumni dollars fund scholarships, attract top-tier faculty, and ensure state-of-the-art facilities. They sustain the pipeline of Black excellence and opportunity. When alumni fail to give, they weaken their alma maters, diminish the value of their degrees, and betray the legacy of those who came before them.

Some may argue that financial limitations make it harder for Black alumni to contribute at the same level. But giving back is not about the size of the check — it’s about participation. If every graduate gave even a modest amount, alumni giving rates would soar, and the collective impact would be transformative. The message would be clear: HBCUs matter, and we stand behind them.

The truth is uncomfortable, but it must be said: failing to show up at the Orange Blossom Classic, failing to give back financially, failing to demonstrate pride beyond wearing school colors or shouting fight songs — this is unacceptable.

If we are serious about sustaining Black excellence, we must commit to doing better. That means writing the checks, volunteering our time, mentoring students, and yes — filling every seat at events like the Orange Blossom Classic. Let next year’s game be a turning point, not another embarrassment. A much stronger showing is not just hoped for — it is expected.

Dexter A. Bridgeman is CEO & Publisher of M•I•A Media Group.

This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 2:27 PM.