By Dr Javaune Adams-Gaston and Dr Tony Allen
Those of you who tune into the story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS) understand one simple truth about our institutions: We love Homecoming. For HBCUS, HomeComing is about past years, reunions of classmates, music from world-class marching bands, and never-ending tailgate music and food music.
But it is also much more.
We also remember our 101 US origin, which graduates more than 325,000 students each year. Born out of an awakened American history of legal segregation and abuse of black people, the material facts are clear: 1) HBCUS created the Black American Middle Class; 2) Before Tyler Perry or Ryan Coogler movies represented some small examples of the Black Dollar in the United States, HBCUS contributed more than $16 billion annually to America’s gross domestic product and continues to do so in very marginalized communities; and 3) HBCUS’s approximately 325,000 students and alumni each year represent the best and brightest Americans of color in science, technology, law, education, politics and more.
At HBCus, we do not “tolerate fools” who somehow believe that our students, staff, faculty, and alumni are inferior. These narratives reflect the systemic inequities that have often seen the growth of our institutions and our mindsets too often and sometimes too much. And it’s not just money. From our success America has a responsibility to harm us rather than help us to benefit us.
So, on a cold, rainy October day, think what it means to the 47,266 of us, 47,266, to attend a football game at the home of two legendary NFL players who understand both the great power and potential of HBCUs.
We are thankful for our head coaches, Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson. NFL teammates and themselves, the careers, personalities and profiles of Vick and Jackson brought something special to the Middle Eastern Sports Conference (MEAC), where both our schools proudly play. But their relationship said more. Each came to us not because of what they could do for us, but because of what we could do together. Because of these two fine men, it’s a second home for Norfolk State University and Delaware State University, a national stage for HBCUs who follow both of our schools at once, he said.
Former Philadelphia Eagles Stars Michael Vick, left, and DeSean Jackson address the media during the Eagles’ NFL football training camp on Aug. 12, 2025. Former teammates head football coaches for Norfolk State University and Delaware State University on Oct. 30, claiming Jackson won with his team. (Jose F. Moreno/Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, File)
A player, a community celebrating a proud legacy on the national stage, as is the jubilant attitude of homecoming that takes place in the stands and stadium around the game. Too often, especially during the season of house members, our institutions are threatened and undermined with deep glee by those whose sole purpose is to be disturbed. Needless to say, there are no random acts of violence, inappropriate behavior, or threats to life or safety.
We recently met with presidents and staff board commissioner Sonja to discuss coming together in all our schools to lean on each other for safety, protection, and prayer. On December 16, student affairs and public safety teams at meac schools, as well as representatives from many HBCUs across the country, will share best practices that try to divide us or undermine our security. We will make it clear that we are offended, that we are all offended, and this will not be tolerated. This is the Norfolk vs Delaware Matchup or who we are or who we are or who we are or the spirit of unity that must continue.
The approaching dawn of the 20th century, the great debate about the upliftment of black people in America, the Toskegee Institute and William Taft, both Witsiam Taft and former sociologist Dr. Web Du Bois is a graduate of Fisk University and earned a doctorate from Harvard. Their strategies seemed to be the opposite.
Booker T., independent technical and vocational education, separate from the American power structure, was the best way for black people to grow, build, and have their own financial and social value, cultural pride and individual integrity, the status of their white counterparts. On the other hand, he believed that black Americans demanded inclusion within the American power structure, including the pursuit of true opportunity at all costs, including scholarships and white-collar jobs. And this pursuit, he believed, should be led by educated Black American citizens who understood the task for themselves and their people.
On October 30th, both Booker T. and Du Bois and Lincoln would be at the game, sitting next to each other in finance, and we don’t mean the football game), loud and proud.
This moment of ours is a community that represents the “fourth and longer” generations, a faithful community of those who represent the “fourth and longer” wonder, alive and living, for ourselves, our communities and each other.
