Football | 2/3/2025 8:00:00 AM
The inaugural New York Urban League Classic football game in 1968 between Morgan State and Grambling took place against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent and transformational periods in American history. The nation was still grappling with the profound loss of two towering figures of hope and change—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy—both of whom had been assassinated earlier that year. Both men symbolized the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, and their assassinations earlier that year sent shockwaves through a divided country.
At the intersection of sports and activism, legendary football coaches Earl Banks of Morgan State and Eddie Robinson of Grambling State sought to honor Dr. King's legacy. In a poignant gesture, the contract to play the historic game was signed at Dr. King's funeral in Atlanta, imbuing the matchup with a significance far greater than the final score.
On September 28, 1968, the inaugural Morgan-Grambling game became more than just a contest between two historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)—it became a symbolic tribute to the ideals of equality and perseverance that Dr. King had championed. Held at the iconic Yankee Stadium in New York City, the game drew an electrifying, sold-out crowd of more than 60,000 fans for a nationally televised game, showcasing the vibrancy and excellence of HBCU football on a national stage. As the players took the field, they carried not only their team colors but also the weight of a movement hungry for change and progress. In a nail-biting finish, Morgan emerged victorious with a hard-fought 9-7 win, though, in truth, the celebration extended far beyond the scoreboard.
The importance of this game extended far beyond the field, as it propelled the careers of 31 players who went on to play professional football. The nation's largest media market amplified the visibility of these athletes, many of whom might not have received such widespread attention otherwise. This exposure was crucial in elevating HBCU football programs, proving that they were home to some of the most skilled and competitive talents in the country. Over time, the Morgan-Grambling game became a symbol of opportunity and pride for Black communities, blending sports with cultural empowerment and philanthropy. Its legacy continues to influence HBCU classics today, which serve as both a stage for athletic excellence and a celebration of the rich traditions, vibrancy, and resilience of HBCUs and their supporters.
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.