Tuskegee’s return to Columbus, brings nostalgia, economic win

Tuskegee's return to Columbus, brings nostalgia, economic win

October 28, 2024

Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing
President Brown hoists the trophy.

The return of the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic to Columbus, Georgia restores decades-old connections that once were the heart and pride of a Black community.

For 84 years, the "Grand Daddy" of HBCU football classics battled at the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, then a neutral ground, half-way between the prestige of both schools.

Tuskegee's definitive win over Morehouse earlier this month, for some, celebrated the return of what started as entertainment for Black soldiers of Fort Benning and the citizens of Columbus and Phenix City.

"The game was created so Black soldiers had some place to go," said Doug Chambers, Special Assistant to the President. "It was a big thing for the culture. Women dressed in high heels and men put on their Sunday best. It was a grand occasion."

The County Fair was next to the arena, and many fans walked to the game afterwards, said Chambers. It grew to include a parade, with 150 cars, bands, and floats, then to concerts with big names - including the Commodores.

"We should commend them for receiving us as the prodigal son," said Chambers. "When we broke ties, they had to rebuild sponsors. The City of Columbus was very upset. We were very fortunate that it was all worked out for our return."

For three years, the Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic was played in Birmingham. The Columbus location is played in a stadium named after a co-founder, A.J. McClung. Mayor pro tem at the time, he and Col. Jim Jackson because co-chairs along with Henry Shavers, who represented Morehouse College.

Mayor McClung, who had been on the city council many years and his partners, watched the event grow into something that drew thousands of alumni from both schools to the area, before he died in the 1980s. The economic impact on the small town is well remembered by those of a certain generation and many of those energetic fans are looking forward to the benefits of a new generation of fans.

TU band in the stands.

"A lot of people were very happy for the game to return," said Chambers. "I was glad to see Col. Jackson at the game as well."

Tuskegee University President Dr. Mark A. Brown said the return to Columbus is special for many reasons.

"I really enjoyed being a part of the celebration," said Dr. Brown "The parade, the football game, it reminded me of what fun we had as students marching through Phenix City and Columbus as part of this celebration."

"Everyone I spoke with told me how glad they were that the game had returned to Columbus," he said. "But we are the ones who are grateful. The cultural connection between the two schools and our historical connection to this military community offers enduring ties that have been strengthened."

Dr. Brown said the local businesses, churches, government officials, corporate sponsors and others who supported the event should be acknowledged.

"These business and community leaders - including corporate donors like Aflac - understand the economic impact an event like this means," said Dr. Brown. "By standing with the organizers to make this event successful shows their ongoing commitment to the community."

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