Celebrating 30 Years of HBCU Excellence at the Freedom Classic Festival
The Freedom Classic Festival is set to make a grand return for its 30th edition on January 18, 2025, at Virginia State University's Multipurpose Center in Petersburg, Virginia. This beloved event celebrates the vibrant culture and historical contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and serves as a commemoration of the ongoing legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.
Initially launched in 1996, the festival has become a key fixture in the community, attracting thousands of attendees ranging from alumni and current students to basketball enthusiasts and families. Under the auspices of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the festival aims to foster unity, education, and celebration, with this year's theme strengthening connections to the HBCU community.
Virginia is for Lovers, the festival’s presenting sponsor, expresses a profound commitment to showcasing Virginia’s rich cultural heritage. "The Freedom Classic is a timeless tradition that honors the excellence of HBCUs and the spirit of progress," commented Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. This year’s event promises to embody these ideals while celebrating over three decades of HBCU culture.
One of the festival's major highlights is the exciting basketball matchups featuring the men's and women's teams from Virginia Union University and Virginia State University. Viewers can look forward to spirited competitions: the Women's Basketball Game will tip off at 1 PM, followed by the Men's Basketball Game at 3:30 PM. Beyond basketball, the festival hosts a plethora of activities designed to engage the whole family. There will be a College Fair, providing opportunities for students to interact with college representatives and explore various academic programs.
Attendees can also visit the Vendor Marketplace, showcasing local and regional businesses offering a variety of products and services. For those seeking a lively atmosphere, the festival promises entertainment, live music performances, interactive games, and other family-friendly activities to ensure a memorable experience for all.
Additionally, the festival emphasizes community engagement, allowing individuals to mix with influencers, alumni, and leaders devoted to celebrating and advancing HBCU history and impact. Dominion Energy proudly returns as the official Military Sponsor, emphasizing their commitment to creating spaces that honor military families and ensure their participation in the festivities.
Event details include: Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025; Time: Doors will open at noon; Location: VSU Multipurpose Center, 20809 2nd Ave., Petersburg, VA 23803; Admission: $25 for general admission is available for purchase at www.freedomclassicfestival.com.
As articulated by Event Manager Jennifer Williams, "For 30 years, the Freedom Classic has been more than just basketball games—it’s a movement." This event represents a beacon of history, inspiration, and community togetherness, making it an essential destination for anyone wishing to connect with the spirit of HBCUs and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. For more information and updates, visit the festival’s official website or reach out to Frances Burruss at 804-625-3457.
Initially launched in 1996, the festival has become a key fixture in the community, attracting thousands of attendees ranging from alumni and current students to basketball enthusiasts and families. Under the auspices of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the festival aims to foster unity, education, and celebration, with this year's theme strengthening connections to the HBCU community.
Virginia is for Lovers, the festival’s presenting sponsor, expresses a profound commitment to showcasing Virginia’s rich cultural heritage. "The Freedom Classic is a timeless tradition that honors the excellence of HBCUs and the spirit of progress," commented Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. This year’s event promises to embody these ideals while celebrating over three decades of HBCU culture.
One of the festival's major highlights is the exciting basketball matchups featuring the men's and women's teams from Virginia Union University and Virginia State University. Viewers can look forward to spirited competitions: the Women's Basketball Game will tip off at 1 PM, followed by the Men's Basketball Game at 3:30 PM. Beyond basketball, the festival hosts a plethora of activities designed to engage the whole family. There will be a College Fair, providing opportunities for students to interact with college representatives and explore various academic programs.
Attendees can also visit the Vendor Marketplace, showcasing local and regional businesses offering a variety of products and services. For those seeking a lively atmosphere, the festival promises entertainment, live music performances, interactive games, and other family-friendly activities to ensure a memorable experience for all.
Additionally, the festival emphasizes community engagement, allowing individuals to mix with influencers, alumni, and leaders devoted to celebrating and advancing HBCU history and impact. Dominion Energy proudly returns as the official Military Sponsor, emphasizing their commitment to creating spaces that honor military families and ensure their participation in the festivities.
Event details include: Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025; Time: Doors will open at noon; Location: VSU Multipurpose Center, 20809 2nd Ave., Petersburg, VA 23803; Admission: $25 for general admission is available for purchase at www.freedomclassicfestival.com.
As articulated by Event Manager Jennifer Williams, "For 30 years, the Freedom Classic has been more than just basketball games—it’s a movement." This event represents a beacon of history, inspiration, and community togetherness, making it an essential destination for anyone wishing to connect with the spirit of HBCUs and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. For more information and updates, visit the festival’s official website or reach out to Frances Burruss at 804-625-3457.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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