Charlotte, N.C./December 8, 2025 - The Charlotte City Council delivered a powerful tribute Monday, December 8, 2025 to the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls, recognizing their 2025 CIAA Football Championship—a victory 56 years in the making. City leaders celebrated a season defined by excellence on the field, in the classroom, and across the Queen City.
Mayor Vi Lyles opened the meeting. Next, Councilman Malcolm Graham ’85, a proud JCSU alumnus, launched a heartfelt tribute to the victorious Johnson C. Smith University football team and the ever-popular Luv-a-Bulls!
“It is my privilege to welcome the 2025 CIAA Football Champions—the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls—to the chamber, along with the incomparable Luv-A-Bulls cheerleaders.”
Graham acknowledged the magnitude of the win, noting that it was the University’s first CIAA title since 1969. He then introduced a rich highlight reel that gave the chamber a vivid look at the strategy and grit that jettisoned the Golden Bulls to victory.
In recounting the team’s achievements, Graham said the Golden Bulls “didn’t just win—they made history.” He recounted some of the standout accomplishments:
- Defeated two-time defending champions Virginia Union, 45–21
- First CIAA championship appearance since 1972
- First national Division II playoff appearance in school history
- Highest season win total ever: 10 victories
- National ranking of No. 11 in Division II
- Multiple All-CIAA honorees and several emerging pro prospects
- Team GPA between 3.16 and 3.18, showcasing academic excellence
Graham emphasized how the championship win energized the entire community, highlighting the power and potential of the Historic West End.
“When Johnson C. Smith won, you could feel the joy across Charlotte. Alumni celebrated, students celebrated, neighborhoods celebrated," he said.
JCSU President Dr. Valerie Kinloch delivered remarks from the big screen that underscored the cultural significance of the moment.
“This is not just about football,” she said. “It is about building the type of culture and climate where our young people can survive and thrive—where they are nurtured, where they can see success, work toward success, and be successful themselves.”
President Kinloch offered heartfelt thanks to Head Coach Maurice Flowers, now a two-time CIAA Coach of the Year, Director of Athletics Dr. Denisha Hendricks, Mayor Vi Lyles, and the City Council. President Kinloch also honored the students who are leading JCSU into what she calls a “New Era of Excellence.”
“Our students are competing fiercely on the field, and in the classroom they maintain a team GPA above a 3.1. How could I not love that?”
With a celebratory tilt of her championship hat, Kinloch assessed the colossal impact of the moment.
“We are building a culture. We are building a climate. We are building a community dedicated to the work we’re doing at JCSU - CIAA champions!”
Head Coach Maurice Flowers expressed pride in his athletes for their discipline and unflappable focus.
“The players are taking it all in,” he said. “This is what they came to JCSU for. They bought into the vision that we would win a championship, compete for championships, and go to the D2 playoffs. They believed in it. They came here for this—and they’re ready for more.”
Flowers also extended gratitude to the City of Charlotte for the support and recognition.
"We represent our University and the city with tremendous pride. We will continue to represent JCSU and Charlotte in the best way possible. Go Golden Bulls!”
Councilman Graham, Mayor Lyles and local Jetts Pizza owner, Todd Martinez, hosted a pizza party for the team prior to the official recognition. During the official event, council members and attendees described the win as a milestone that transcends sports and symbolizes an enlightened moment for the Queen City.
