Hard Rock Stadium hosts FAMU traditions and new milestones
PUBLISHED Sep 7, 2026, 6:57 AM ET
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Florida A&M University recently celebrated its enduring traditions and new leadership milestones during the annual Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The historic showcase brought together alumni, students, and first-time attendees to honor the deep cultural and community roots of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Among the highlights was a performance by the renowned Marching 100 band, which featured a musical tribute to Michael Jackson. The event also marked a new era for FAMU athletics under football coach Quinn Gray Sr. and men's basketball coach Charlie Ward, alongside the introduction of the James J.R.E. Lee III MVP Award. Longtime supporters and newcomers alike experienced the powerful legacy of South Florida education and leadership fostered by HBCUs. The gathering demonstrated how decades-old traditions continue to inspire new generations of students, supporters, and community leaders across the region.
By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 1887 — Florida A&M University was officially founded to serve students.
- 1933 — The Orange Blossom Classic was established by J.R.E. Lee Sr.
- 1980 — Kenneth Williams performed as a member of the Marching 100.
- 1988 — Kenneth Williams began his undergraduate enrollment at Florida A&M.
- 1994 — Kenneth Williams successfully completed his undergraduate studies at FAMU.
- 2024 — Sheneka Brown celebrated her younger sister graduating from nursing.
- 2025 — Quinn Gray Sr. assumed leadership of the football program.
- 2025 — Charlie Ward began his tenure as basketball head coach.
- Sunday — Hard Rock Stadium hosted the annual Orange Blossom Classic.
- Sunday — The Marching 100 performed Michael Jackson songs at halftime.
- Coming months will showcase the ongoing athletic performance of university teams.
- Coming years will expand the cultural reach of HBCU traditions.
News Intelligence
- Immediate US impact: Highlights HBCU cultural contributions and community leadership networks locally.
- Possible long-term US impact: Strengthens institutional legacies and expands nationwide awareness of HBCU programs.
- Most affected groups: HBCU alumni, students, sports fans, and South Florida communities.
- Reader priority: Prioritize verified event coverage and official university athletic announcements.
- Articles Published:
- 35
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 6
- Neutral:
- 28
- Distribution:
- Left 17%, Center 80%, Right 3%
Left: Emphasizes cultural heritage and community empowerment through historical HBCU traditions. Center: Reports factual event details focusing on attendance, sports, and institutional milestones. Right: Focuses on institutional growth, athletic leadership changes, and regional economic impacts.
Hard Rock Stadium hosted the annual Orange Blossom Classic on Sunday. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article-example-famu.html
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Marching 100 captivates audiences at Hard Rock Stadium opener
The Undefeated Mirror The New York Times The Grio Blavity Essence The Miami TimesFrom Center
Hard Rock Stadium hosts FAMU traditions and new milestones
Miami Herald Tallahassee Democrat Sports Illustrated Florida A&M Athletics Sun Sentinel ESPN Reuters Diverse Issues in Higher Education CBS Sports The Washington Post USA Today National Public Radio Orlando Sentinel The Hill On3 247Sports Bleacher Nation Yardbarker The Spun Athlon Sports Street & Smith's South Florida Sun-Sentinel WTVJ NBC 6 Miami The Famuan WDBO The Ledger Palm Beach Post Fort Myers News-PressFrom Right
College football classics drive regional economic and cultural engagement
The Wall Street Journal
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