OAKLAND (KCBS RADIO) – The Oakland Arena buzzed Saturday with excitement as the HBCU Classic spotlighted two Historically Black colleges during a memorable All-Star Weekend celebration, blending tradition, talent, and community.
The matchup featured Morehouse College from Georgia and Tuskegee University from Alabama to Oakland for the fourth edition of the event.
“It felt good to see the Bay Area supporting the HBCU experience,” Tuskegee University alumnus Vaughn Boykin Jr. told KCBS Radio.
As fun as the matchup on the court was, it was also the off-court experience that mattered to many people taking in the event.
“It was nothing but love here, everyone dancing, networking, and having a good time,” Boykin added.
The party environment was fueled by a large turnout for the event.
“We wanted to bring the HBCU experience to the Bay Area, and the NBA initially projected selling 6,500 tickets,” Morehouse College Bay Area Alumni president Arvon Perteet explained. “But we actually sold 13,000 tickets and completely sold out this event, so this is a success.”
“My experience was fabulous,” Clark Atlanta University alumna Phyllis White shared. “It was great to see so many HBCU alumni and affiliates in the building. The crowd was electric; everyone appeared to be having a great time, and I’m glad that it was all done in HBCU love.”
“I enjoyed everything, seeing alums, reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in years,” Kelly Gooden, another Clark Atlanta University alumna, stated.
For Gooden, it was also a family affair, adding, “My sister is here as a Morehouse mom, and my nephew graduated from Morehouse, so I’m proud. It feels like a legacy continuing, and it’s a beautiful event.”
Tuskegee University would beat Morehouse College 68-55 in the game.
