Esports and Gaming Programs and JCSU & Livingstone to Compete in Esports Commemorative Classic Match Friday
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on November 07, 2024 The first game of Black collegiate football took place on December 27, 1892, between Livingstone College (LC) and Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), which was known then as Biddle College at that time. Now 132 years later, the rivalry between these two institutions remains formidable to this day. To commemorate this milestone match-up, the Esports Clubs at both JCSU and LC are planning to converge on the electronic gridiron in an esports version of the “Commemorative Classic,” featuring Madden ’25, a highly popular video game published by Electronic Arts. On Feb. 22, 2024, the two schools met in JCSU’s Esports Lab, the first at an HBCU, for a match up in NBA 2K. JCSU won that tournament, just like it won the first HBCU football game in 1892, and is planning to win the tournament on Nov. 8, which is being held in Salisbury, N.C., at Livingstone College, one day prior to the Commemorative Classic football game, which is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. In 2020, JCSU became the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to offer an Esports and Gaming Trifecta: an Esports and Gaming Management academic program, an Esports Lab, and a highly competitive Esports Club. There are now over sixty-seven HBCUs that offer an on-campus esports presence: academic program, Esports Lab, and/or Esports Club. Livingstone College is continuing to grow its esports endeavors. Considering the magnitude of the historic rivalry between JCSU and Livingstone College, as well as the collective esports fan base that both teams have garnered throughout the nation, this Esports Commemorative Classic, will provide a phenomenal opportunity for the Esports Clubs at both institutions to pay homage to their 132-year rivalry, while also enabling all HBCUs to celebrate the history of HBCU football and the advancement of esports on their campuses! “It is always exciting to witness our esports athletes showcasing their prowess against viable collegiate contenders on the electronic gridiron. However, this tournament is monumental as it commemorates the rich history that we share with Livingstone College, while also providing our gamer-scholars with the opportunity to engage in meaningful experiential learning opportunities that will prepare them to excel beyond their controllers,” said Dr. BerNadette Lawson-Williams, Founder/Coordinator of JCSU’s Esports and Gaming Trifecta, which is housed in the College of Business and Professional Studies. “I am thankful to see our program, curriculum and game play, being recognized and supported by our growing list of industry partners. In addition, to date eleven esports and gaming industry guest speakers have shared their time, insights, and career networking support with our students. Guess who is next up? Yes, EA Sports! We are in conversation with their associates regarding our program and opportunities for future partnership. They love what we are leveraging with the property” said Professor John Cash, Instructor of Esports and Gaming at JCSU, as well as the first HBCU faculty member to teach an esports/gaming course. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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