Prince George's County Black Chamber
announces PG Classic
August 11, 2006
OXON HILL, MD – The Prince George’s
Black Chamber of Commerce (PGBCC) will host
the Third Annual Prince George’s Classic,
a three day cultural extravaganza that celebrates
black college football, educational achievement,
tradition, community pride and unity. This
year’s Classic will pit the North Carolina
Central University Eagles (NCCU), led by head
coach Rod Broadway, against the Bowie State
University Bulldogs (BSU), led by head coach
Mike Lynn, Jr. The kickoff is scheduled for
2 p.m. at Bowie State University’s Bulldogs
Stadium on Saturday, September 30, 2006.
 Joining PGBCC President Hubert “Petey” Green
to make the official Classic announcement was
Congressman Al Wynn; Maryland Lieutenant Governor
Michael Steele; Maryland State Senator Ulysses
Currie; Prince George’s County Council
Member Douglas “J.J.” Peters; Dr.
John Deasy, CEO of the Prince George’s
County Public Schools; Dr. Calvin Lowe, president
emeritus of Bowie State University; Dr. Patricia
Pierce Ramsey, Bowie State University’s
interim president; Karen Price Ward, regional
manager for Southwest Airlines; and Jay “Sky” Walker,
former NFL quarterback.
“Although we have been hampered by rain
for the past two years, canceling the Prince
George’s Classic has never crossed my
mind,” stated PGBCC President Green. “I
know this is a great economic opportunity for
Prince George’s County, the State of
Maryland and the DC/Baltimore metropolitan
region.
A study conducted by RESI at Towson University,
an independent research and consulting institute,
indicates that a “classic” of this
caliber can generate an estimated $15-$20 million
for Prince George’s County and create
$6 million in labor income, which is equivalent
to nearly 300 jobs.
Also in attendance at the press conference
were Prince George’s County Council Member
Marilynn Bland; Stuart Simms, candidate for
attorney general; Bobby Henry, candidate for
Maryland state senator; as well as distinguished
partners and supporters of the Classic.
“The Prince George’s Classic weekend
is a celebration of cultural excellence and
educational achievement while showcasing the
most affluent African-American community in
the nation,” said Prince George’s
County Executive Jack B. Johnson. “We
are unwavering in our support for the Prince
George’s Classic and we extend a heartfelt
welcome to every fan, friend and alumni of
Bowie State University and North Carolina Central
University.”
The Third Annual Prince George’s Classic
features two of the top football teams in the
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
(CIAA), the nation's oldest black athletic
conference. A rematch of the 2005 CIAA football
championship game, this gridiron match-up should
prove to be highly competitive. BSU let a 17-0
halftime advantage slip away in the championship
game last year and lost 26-23 to North Carolina
Central. NCCU leads the series against BSU
with a 14-4-1 record since 1981.
“After a difficult selection process,
we are confident that we chose two outstanding
football programs at historically black colleges
and universities to participate in the Prince
George’s Classic this year,” stated
Mike Little, president of the Prince George’s
Classic. “We are looking forward to
a very exciting, action packed and competitive
football game, especially given the history
between these two teams.”
Congressman Wynn added, “The third annual
Classic will feature two top-notch teams in ‘Gorgeous
Prince George’s.’ The event will
showcase the County and generate tourism dollars,
mainly for small businesses. I am honored to
have an event of this caliber continue to come
to Prince George’s County.”
A number of exciting cultural and community
events throughout Prince George’s County
are also planned for the Classic. This year’s
festivities include the much anticipated Battle
of the Bands, Black College Showcase, a Welcome
Reception, Golf Tournament, Fashion Show, Comedy
Show, and will conclude with church services
at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington,
MD.
Tickets for the Third Annual Prince George’s
Classic football game went on sale August
1st.
For the most current updates, ticket sales
and additional information, please contact
the Prince George’s Classic office at
877-447-7878 or visit the Web site at www.princegeorgesclassic.com.
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