JCSU in Boston | Johnson C. Smith University

Essence HBCU Classic

Golden Bulls players celebrate on the field

JCSU Golden Bulls Make History At Essence HBCU Classic In Boston

Johnson C. Smith University made history in Boston on Saturday, August 30, 2025 defeating Morehouse College 45–9 in the first HBCU football game played at Harvard Stadium since the 1970s. The matchup was the centerpiece of the Essence HBCU Classic Weekend, a celebration of culture, history, and community that drew approximately 12,000 students, alumni, and supporters from across the country, including an enthusiastic collective of JCSU alumni.

Game Recap on our Athletics Website

Photos from the Red Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates HBCU day Baseball Game

Dr. Kinloch, Dr. White and Tarji Caldwell at the baseball game

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Dr. Kinloch, Dr. White and Tarji Caldwell at the game

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Friday's Photos

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Dwanna Glover and Darlene Dorceus in Boston

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President Kinloch signs the agreement with Roxberry Community College

JCSU and Roxbury College Announce Historic Partnership at Worth Wealthcon in Boston

World leaders in entertainment, education, journalism and business took the stage at Wealthcon in Boston during Essence HBCU Classic Weekend! In a panoply of high-profile panels, community leaders - including Chief Content Officer of Essence Ventures, Michele Ghee, Valerie Mosley of BrightUp and Dr. Valerie Kinloch, 15th President of Johnson C. Smith University - tackled educational empowerment, financial literacy and community engagement. Leaders engaged in candid conversation about the transformative role of education in shaping opportunity, mobility, and leadership.

Coach Flowers speaking at the press conference in Boston before the Essence Classic

JCSU Football Heads To Harvard For Historic Matchup Against Morehouse

Johnson C. Smith University football is preparing for a history-making moment this weekend when the Golden Bulls face Morehouse College at Harvard University in the first-ever Essence Classic featuring two HBCUs on August 30, 2025.

Dr. Valerie Kinloch, JCSU's 15th President, sets the table for what's to come. "What you will see of our football program is nothing short of excellence," she said. This is a pinnacle moment for JCSU.

JCSU's Head Football Coach Maurice Flowers said the matchup is about more than football. “It’s history. Being a part of history. To be the first HBCU game played at this venue, on national television—we don’t take it lightly,” Flowers said. “We have an opportunity to show the best of Johnson C. Smith University.”

ESSENCH HBCU lassic Morehouse College SCORE YOUR SEATS VS. Johnson C. Smith University HARVARD STADIUM SATURDAY AUGUST 30 3:30 PM SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT: WWW.ESSENCEKICKOFF.COM

ESSENCE HBCU lassic Celebrate a Weekend of Unforgettable Events Thursday, August 28 The OpportuniTE Golf Classic 10 AM - 2 PM Braintree Municipal Golf Course Friday, August 29 WorthWealthCon 9 AM - 3 PM HBCU Kickoff Classic Pep Rally 4 PM - 5 PM Roxbury Community College City Hall Plaza Saturday, August 30 Fan Fest & Stroll Off 12 PM - 3 PM 79 N. Harvard Street Allston, MA 02134 The Essence HBCU Classic 3:30 PM - 6 PM 79 N. Harvard Street Allston, MA 02134 Sunday, August 31 25th Annual Gospel Fest 5 PM - 8