CANTON ‒ The Road to the Classic and We All In are boosting the festivities leading up to this year's Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic, with the groups saying they want to raise awareness about historically Black colleges and universities. The annual Hall of Fame Classic is a celebration of HBCUs, with this year's football game featuring Albany State University and Johnson C. Smith University on Sept. 6 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. "We were in a series of meetings with the Black College Football Hall of Fame," organizer Marcus Bentley said. "The Divine Nine were having meetings about planning events and all of the events were adult-based. There was nothing for the youth," organizer Marcus Bentley said. "So, I inquired, 'What were we doing for the youth?' And then the idea came across to establish a series of events throughout the year that would lead up to the Classic." The organizations started last year with a pageant and parade in Canton from Highland Park to Cherry Road. Despite it being the organizations' first attempt, it received positive feedback. This year, the group has received the support of several statewide organizations and intends to ramp up the festivities with a downtown parade, festival, fundraiser and other activities — all with the hope of bringing the community together and publicizing HBCUs as an educational route for local youth.
"I think we're putting belief into the people. Last year was 'What they going do? What is this?' And when it happened, it was magical, so now people are riding the wave in the magic because of it. So they want to be a part of it," said Bentley, who lives in Akron. "But we don't want to lose the message, HBCUs are available." Bentley is not alone in running the events. He is joined by Ateira Ashley, a former Canton resident and HBCU alum, who is one of the creators of We All In. "I went to Massillon Washington High School," Ashley said. "I was never fully aware of what a historical Black college was. I attended Johnson C. Smith University and that experience allowed me to heighten my awareness about HBCUs. "So just giving that opportunity and bringing that back home and working with this group right here has really inspired me and hopefully it's inspiring others." As preparations continue, the excitement is growing. Myka Smith is the head dance coach for McKinley High School and founder of dance troupe Born to Dance 330. The kids in her troupe will be some of those marching in the upcoming parade. "They're excited about the parade. They're excited about the festival. They're excited about being the promo dances for it," said Smith, another member of We All In. "We have so many people that travel from Canton, Ohio; Cleveland, Ohio; just to train with us on a daily basis, just because our training is just so unique and it's so original and it's true to what God has placed in our heart." Though the idea of Road to the Classic and We All In derived from the Black College Football Hall of Fame, the organizers have been able to act independently and give the events a local feel. On top of that, the association has given all the participants free tickets to the game. Each event is sponsored by a nonprofit. For example, the Math-a-thon is sponsored by Students With a Goal (SWAG) of Akron. In addition, the Line Dance Showcase on Sept. 5 will also act as a fundraiser. All the funds raised will go to a scholarship for students whose parent or parents have died by suicide. "We All In is about unity, it's about community, it's about service. It doesn't matter truly about if it's a PWI (predominately White institution), it's about educating and allowing opportunity," Ashley said. "I come from a PWI high school ... but being able to leave and come back showed me a broader perspective of the world." Black College Hall of Fame Classic events Here are the Road to the Classic and We All In-related events leading up to the Black College Hall of Fame Classic game: Aug. 22 ∎ HBCU Classic Youth Football Showcase, 9 a.m. at Crenshaw Park, 1500 Sherrick Road SE, Canton Aug. 23 ∎ We All In Parade at 1 p.m. starting at Market Street in Canton ∎ We All In Festival from 2-4 p.m. at Centennial Plaza in Canton Aug. 28 ∎ HBCU Classic Spelling Bee, 6 p.m. at Nash Family Center, 2127 George Halas Drive NW, Canton Aug. 29 ∎ Adult Sneaker Ball, 7 p.m. at CommQuest Rooftop Ballroom, 601 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton Aug. 30 ∎ HBCU Math-A-Thon, 10 a.m. at Nash Family Center, 2127 George Halas Drive NW, Canton ∎ HBCU Time of Prayer for the Youth, 6 p.m. at Deliverance Baptist Temple, 2130 31st St. NW Canton Sept. 5 ∎ HBCU Classic: Line Dance Showcase, noon at Bulldog Center, 521 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton ∎ HBCU Classic Line Dance Showcase After Party, 9 p.m. at Special Occasions Venue, 220 Dueber Ave. SW, Canton Sept. 6 ∎ Black College Hall of Fame Classic game kickoff at 4 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton This article originally appeared on The Repository: Road to the Classic and We All In boost activities ahead of Black College HOF Classic