CHARLOTTE, NC/November 8, 2025 — Time stood still. The sun pierced the clouds over the Eddie McGirt Field at Johnson C. Smith University on November 8, 2025. In a thrilling turn of events, the Golden Bulls took down their 130 year old rival, Livingstone College, in a 26-21 photo finish. The Commemorative Classic victory sends the Golden Bulls straight to the CIAA Championships in Durham: JCSU vs. Virginia Union, November 15, 2025.
JCSU’s 15th President, Dr. Valerie Kinloch '96 celebrated the big win alongside Head Coach Maurice Flowers, Director of Athletics, Dr. Denisha Hendricks and the team. "I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of this moment and to lead Johnson C. Smith University into its next chapter."
The Commemorative Classic is more than just a football game — it’s a proud reminder of that very first HBCU vs. HBCU matchup back in 1892: Biddle College (now Johnson C. Smith University) vs. Livingstone College, the matchup that made history on the snow-covered lawn in Salisbury.
Now, more than a century later, President Kinloch captures the poetry of the moment.
“The Commemorative Classic is so special because it honors a powerful legacy,” Dr. Kinloch said. “In 1892, Johnson C. Smith and Livingstone made history. Today, we gather not only to remember that milestone but to celebrate the culture, community, and resilience that continue to define us.”
A vibrant force on the Golden Bulls sidelines, Dr. Kinloch absorbed the energy of the crowd. “When I look into the stands and see our people showing up — boots on the ground, energy high — it reminds me it's about more than a game. It’s about where we’ve come from and where we’re going,” she said.
Among the many voices celebrating the occasion was JCSU alumna and member of the JCSU Board of Trustees, Christy Bryant. She said the Commemorative Classic is about building bridges between generations.
“You see families, alumni, students — all here with pride,” Bryant said. “Events like this show our young people that they come from strength, and they belong to something bigger than themselves.” The game conjures nostalgia.
Just ask Class of 1971 alumnus, Tim Beamer, a member of the 1969 JCSU Championship team and who later played for the Buffalo Bills. Beamer said this year’s Commemorative Classic took him back to the late 1960s.
"I transferred to Johnson C. Smith from the University of Illinois and had to sit out a year,” Beamer recalled. “They already had an All-American running back named William Dusenbery, so I had to wait for him to graduate before I could play running back. During my senior year, I was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. We had 19 players from that team go to the pros — more than any college in America at that time.”
Beamer credited his coaches and teammates for shaping his discipline and drive. “Coach Eddie McGirt was the head coach. Charlie Cox handled defense, and Kenny Powell ran the offense. They treated me fairly and gave me a chance to play,” he said. “My best friend and mentor, Bernard Foster, taught me how to protect myself and read the game. That knowledge carried me to the pros.”
Standing on the field five and a half decades later, Beamer grinned with pride, his championship ring glistening under the open sky. “It feels awesome to be recognized today,” he said. “I left my mark here. I still have a couple of records. The people have always been great — from the beginning. Today, they treated me with a little bit of respect, and that means a lot.”
Beamer was honored during the 2025 Commemorative Classic, alongside the Commemorative Classic Hall-of-Famers and five other HBCU football legends who made it to the NFL. The legends, including Beamer, attended a range of HBCUs, a path first tread by the 1892 Biddle vs. Livingstone players in their leather helmets and hand-stitched knickers. Honorees included Terrence Warren (Seattle Seahawks), Dwayne Harper (Seattle Seahawks), Troy Pelshak (St. Louis Rams), Richard Huntly (Atlanta Falcons/Pittsburgh Steelers/Carolina Panthers), Ben Coates (New England Patriots/Baltimore Ravens).
For some, like Barry Harrison, the Classic also represents a personal connection to the University.
“The historical magnitude of the Commemorative Classic itself — it’s the biggest thing in the CIAA. It’s the biggest thing for Johnson C. Smith,” he said. “We’re just basically delighted to even have an opportunity to be here.”
Harrison returned to campus with his wife Cabrina and their daughter, Alexandra, a former JCSU student who is beloved by the JCSU community. Harrison reflected on how Alex attended JCSU 2014–2015, a sport medicine major with a passion for football. As a bright-eyed freshman, Alex joined the training staff of the football team. Her educational journey was cut short, however, due to a medical incident that Barry says occurred ten and a half years ago to the day. Now, Alex suffers from paralysis and other side effects of traumatic brain injury, yet her spirit is strong. Flanked by her supportive parents, Alex witnessed her team take the win.
“Whenever we have an opportunity — logistics and everything — we like to come back,” Barry Harrison said. “We always seem to enjoy being here back on campus.”
The Golden Bulls served as hospitable hosts. From the opening kickoff to the closing whistle, the 2025 Commemorative Classic delivered as promised: exciting play on the field, fellowship in the stands and a win for the record books!
