Philadelphia is celebrating historically Black colleges and universities with six days of football, cultural events and opportunities for students as the city’s second annual HBCU Week brings together communities from across the region.
What began as a one-day event featuring a single football game in 2025 has grown into a six-day celebration featuring two football matchups, step shows, band competitions, a college and job fair, and other community events.
For Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, the week is about more than football.
“To me it’s about pride, it’s about dignity, it’s about putting people on a path to self-sufficiency,” Parker said.
Football remains a major attraction during HBCU Week, with two games highlighting this year’s celebration.
Lincoln University faces Virginia Union University on Friday night, followed by a Saturday matchup between Delaware State University and Norfolk State University.
The Delaware State-Norfolk State matchup was the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s inaugural HBCU celebration in 2025, drawing attention because both teams were led by former Philadelphia Eagles stars — DeSean Jackson at Delaware State and Michael Vick at Norfolk State.
This year, the celebration has expanded well beyond the football field.
Events throughout the week have included church services and band competitions, along with a college and job fair Friday afternoon.
Members of the Divine Nine, the historically Black fraternities and sororities, have also been part of the festivities, bringing their signature step performances and traditions to the celebration.
Beyond celebrating HBCU traditions, city leaders see the growing event as an opportunity to bring visitors and business to Philadelphia.
Parker said she welcomes the economic activity generated by people traveling to the city for the festivities.
“Am I excited about seeing these people eat in our restaurants, shopping in our stores, and thinking about the tax revenue it will generate as a result of the volume of people that are coming here, absolutely! Anyway, we can add value to our tax base, especially from visitors coming from out of town, I am all for it,” Parker said.
For students attending the events, HBCU Week offers a chance to explore educational opportunities and see what their futures could hold.
High school student Zaniyah Harvey said the celebration has helped her recognize her own potential.
“It’s shows me I can be something and that I can be smarter and be more than what other people think I am because everyone is showing you different things,” Harvey said.
The festivities have also brought together alumni, students and supporters who see HBCUs as an important source of pride, identity and community.
Tailgaters arrived hours before Friday night’s football game, eager to enjoy the atmosphere and celebrate the traditions surrounding historically Black colleges and universities.
But for many, the significance of HBCU Week goes far beyond the games.
“Knowing the skin I’m in, it means a whole lot. Especially in these times in this country. Where else as a black person will you get the love of self to keep going, keep striving,” Dr. Bonnee Breese Bentum said.
As Philadelphia’s HBCU Week continues to grow, the celebration is bringing together football, education and culture while highlighting the pride and traditions of historically Black colleges and universities.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.
