The Revival
Our History
Founded by J.R.E. Lee Jr., a business administrator and the son of Florida A&M University's (FAMU) president.
Became an annual event in Miami. The first time black fans were allowed to sit in the main stands at the Orange Bowl Stadium was during the Orange Blossom Classic.
Held a record attendance number of over 47,000 spectators at the Orange Bowl Stadium.
Legendary Hall of Fame coach Alonzo "Jake" Gaither led the Rattlers to 11 victories from 1947-69.
1978 - Recognized as the unofficial "Black National Championship" game. Had developed a reputation for attracting pro scouts who often signed professional football contracts after watching athletes play. Secured a legacy as the most important annual sporting event and the largest annual gathering of any kind for African Americans.
Was set to return with a Gridiron Showdown between Florida A&M University & Albany State University After it's 41-year hiatus.
Olly the Orange, the official mascot of the Orange Blossom Classic was born.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision from Albany State to cancel the football season, the 2020 Orange Blossom Classic was canceled.
The Orange Blossom Classic returns with a matchup between FAMU and JSU!
The Home of the OBC
Miami Gardens, the third-largest city in Miami-Dade County, is home to The Orange Blossom Classic. Located in the county’s North-Central region, Miami Gardens is an ideal location for this historic yearly event, known to attract thousands of fans, alumni, school members, and family members from surrounding areas and across the globe.
With the support of the enriched community of Miami Gardens, football fans, alumni, school members, and family members, the Orange Blossom Classic supports the knowledge and experience offered by the discipline, commitment, and dedication it takes to be a Historically Black College & University student.
OBC Community Efforts
1. Business Unite
Business Unite is a vital part of the Orange Blossom Classic impact effort. As a special event production supplier diversity initiative, in partnership with the City of Miami Gardens, the Orange Blossom Classic Business Unite program fosters business growth by direct links with local, diverse businesses in key special event markets.
We are proud to drive Business Unite’s efforts in creating lucrative opportunities for minority, women, LGBTQIA, and veteran-owned businesses to compete for contracts with Orange Blossom Classic contractors.
Business Unite builds direct links with local, diverse businesses in key special event markets.
Businesses in the following categories may be eligible to participate in the Business Unite program: Audio Visual, Bleachers, Concierge, Event Coordinators, Event Designers, Fencing, Florists, Janitorial Services, Lighting, Novelties, Photography, Portable Restrooms, Printing, Pyrotechnics, Restaurants/Catering, Security Tents, and Tables, Transportation.
2. Scholarships / education
The Orange Blossom Football Classic Association, Inc. will award financial scholarships of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars USD ($1,500) each to graduating high school seniors in the South Florida area with a minimum 2.5 GPA, who have been accepted to an accredited historically black college or university.
Through strategic partnerships, the organization and presentation of an annual collegiate football game, donations and innovative programs, the Association seeks to award financial assistance to outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, dedication and commitment to their local community. This scholarship is not determined by financial need.
The purpose of the scholarship is to:
- Provide financial assistance to qualifying graduating seniors from the South Florida area.
- Identify and adequately equip students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities who have displayed significant scholastic and community leadership potential.
- Foster a new generation of entrepreneurially and globally-minded, HBCU student and alumni leaders.
For more information regarding the scholarship program, please email scholarships@orangeblossomclassic.com.
3. DONATE TO THE OBC
It is only through the work of our volunteers, strategic partnerships, and our sponsors and donors’ generous support that we can carry the legacy of the Orange Blossom Classic into a new era.
From awarding scholarships and driving initiatives to grow small businesses to covering venue costs, technology rentals, media expenses, and providing volunteer thank-you packages, your generous donations make the Orange Blossom Classic possible!
On behalf of The Orange Blossom Classic, The Orange Blossom Committee is honored to accept your charitable donations as a 5013C organization.
Orange Blossom Football Classic Association, Inc
6625 Miami Lakes Drive, Suite 428, Miami Lakes, FL 33014
Executive Director
Kendra N. Bulluck-Major
Kendra N. Bulluck-Major, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic, is a serial entrepreneur and business professional with over 18 years of experience in business development, acquisition, and management. In 2018, Kendra furthered her mission of helping youth by obtaining the rights to the once prominent and highly attended Orange Blossom Classic.
Under Kendra’s leadership, the game is being revived in 2021 on September 5th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami between Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Jackson State University (JSU). The purpose of the game is to celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ accomplishments and raise scholarship funds for youth interested in pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Kendra is one of few women to own the exclusive rights to a sports property. Professionally, Kendra purchased her first company, All Secured Insurance Services, in 2000, which she still owns today.
Board of Directors
Dr. Clarence Jones, Chairman
Dr. Clarence Jones, Jr., is a native Miamian and the second of eight children born to the late Clarence Jones Sr. and Myrtle Veronica Wells Jones. Scholarship, leadership, and perseverance formed the trilogy that has defined every positive endeavor in Clarence’s life. He attended the public schools of Miami-Dade County, where he received his high school diploma from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Military and served his country honorably for 3 1/2 years, receiving an honorable discharge in December 1968.
In 1970, Clarence began his pursuit of higher education at Memphis State University in Memphis, Tennessee receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1974.
Ernest Dubose
As a University of Florida Gators Football Player (RB/FB: 1993-1996), Ernie won four Southeastern Conference Championships and a National Championship while going to 3 Sugar Bowls and a Fiesta Bowl as a player.
Upon graduating from UF with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Construction, Ernie began his construction career with Centex, one of the nation’s largest construction companies, in Dallas, TX. During his 9+ year tenure with Centex, he would hold the positions of Project Manager, Purchasing Manager, and Division Vice President of Construction while working in Texas, New Mexico, and Florida.
Larry Kennedy, Jr.
Larry Kennedy, Jr. is the Riddell Sports National Elite Player Liaison and NFL/NCAA Key Account Manager (Atlantic Coast). He’s been a proud member of the Riddell family for the past 21 years.
With over 23 years of experience working in the athletic industry, Larry has been a devoted athletics enthusiast. Larry’s experience in athletics is expansive. He has been a football player, high school coach, camps/combines participant, sports consultant, league commissioner, All-American games state director, keynote speaker, co-host “Primetime with The Packman” Charlotte’s #1 rated sports talk show, IFL team president, minority owner of the Carolina Speed and President of Diamond Sports Group.
Rod Mack
Rod Mack is a well-respected native of Miami. As an honorable graduate of Monsignor Edward Pace High School, Rod continued his education at the University of Miami on a full football scholarship. During his tenure at the university that locals affectionately call “The U,” Rod was a starting linebacker and 4-year letterman.
During his matriculation at the University of Miami, Rod earned an undergraduate degree in BS Business Management. Additionally, he went on to earn a second degree in BS Finance. Through his course, he developed a passionate interest in finance.
Freddie Woodson
Mr. Freddie Woodson has devoted 38 years to Miami-Dade County Public Schools. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Florida A & M University in 1965. He then received his Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Nova Southeastern University in 1979.
Mr. Freddie Woodson has worn many hats as he supported himself and his family and helped the community in which he lives. Early in his career, he played professional football for the Miami Dolphins and was a stockbroker and an insurance agent. For fifteen years, he ran a Summer Sports Camp for underprivileged youngsters from the inner city.
Meet the Orange Blossom Classic Team
Kendra Bullock-Major
Executive Director
Keith Tribble
Executive Consultant
Kenisha Brown-Alexander
Senior Director of Operations and Special Projects
Stefanie White
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director/ Ticket Operations Manager
Rashad Thomas:
Community Liaison and Special Projects
Sandra Pierre-Paul
Director of Ancillary Events (OBC)
Melissa McRae
Event Coordinator, Happily Ever After Event Planners & Design
Shannon Thomas
Vendor Program Manager
Aaron Malave
Corporate Partnership and Sponsorship Fulfillment Manager
Denise Stewart
Business Unite / Community Outreach Coordinator
Trenyce McCoy
Vendor Program Coordinator
Get Your Tickets
GET INTO THE GAME
Join us Labor Day weekend for the 47th Annual Orange Blossom Classic, featuring Florida A&M University’s inaugural season in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) against Jackson State University.
Contact Us
Complete the form below or send us an email directly at info@orangeblossomclassic.com