Empty seats at the Orange Blossom Classic and dismal alumni giving rates reveal a painful truth: without real support from graduates, our HBCUs cannot thrive.
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.
_____________________________________________________
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M•I•A MEDIA GROUP LLC. Any content provided by our contributors is their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or entity.
6 thoughts on “HBCU Tradition Without Commitment Is Just Noise”
Well done. I say again if we do not support one another. Why should others support our institutions
And I thought it was just me…
I attended the game and was startled by the size of the crowd, or the lack thereof. I believe that we are in a pivotal time in our history and if we don’t take a stand now, then when? HBCU’s legacy is at a turning point and if we fail our institutions, we cannot blame anyone but ourselves!
Agreed!!
It is not only the duty of alumni to support but, of all black people to support our historical educational institutions. Even for those who were not fortunate enough to attend an HBCU, there is still an obligation to support.
FACT! Mr. Dexter, What a compelling POV. Thank you for speaking the TRUTH! HBCUs lack sufficient financial support and low endowment levels compared to non-HBCUs. For many Alums it’s about bragging rights, who has the best Football team and the best band. Even within our Greek organizations the scholarship giving is so low-even though every little bit counts, its often times not enough to sustain student enrollment.
As an HBCU alum, (BCU) I find it amazing that we play against the University of Miami (UM) every year. While I admire UM and appreciate their community, it’s disheartening to see so many of us wearing UM jerseys and rooting for them without understanding the significance of supporting HBCUs.
We had two excellent HBCUs in this match, yet we struggle to fill the stadium for that game, while we can easily pack it for a predominantly white institution (PWI) and wear their jerseys with pride. It’s crucial for us to support our own institutions.
Giving back is important, and as you mentioned, it’s not solely about the amount. We may not all be able to contribute at the same financial level, but we can volunteer our time, provide support, and show up for our schools.
As a non HBCU school attendee, I can only say that this problem is not just an HBCU problem, it is a BLACK SOCIETY problem.
We as a people forget where we came from once we believe we have reach the “American dream’” we forget the nightmare that our pass generations and some current brothers and sisters are and have lived so that we can have a better life.
So I guess the answer to the above problem is to stand up for the BLACK COMMUNITY by supporting our HBCUs and our people before we loose all the achievements and liberties we have WON.
If we don’t control our destiny we will give it away!
Comments are closed.