Every year, Labor Day weekend in South Florida gets a major dose of Black excellence thanks to the Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) —and at the heart of it all is Kendra Bullock. As the founder of the reimagined OBC, Bullock has transformed what was once just a football game into a powerful cultural movement, one that celebrates HBCU pride, community empowerment, and economic opportunity. In a recent interview with Hy-Lo News, Bullock gave us a deep dive into what’s coming up for this year’s Classic, including signature events, powerhouse guest appearances, and the values that fuel it all.

“This year is really special,” Bullock shared, pointing out that the 2024 Orange Blossom Classic will feature a historic matchup between Florida A&M University and Howard University. “The very first Orange Blossom Classic that was played in 1933 featured these two institutions…. So we’re commemorating that moment and celebrating the return of FAMU.”

The two teams last faced off in the 2023 Celebration Bowl, where FAMU came out on top, and now the rematch is one of the most anticipated events in Black college football.

But as Bullock emphasized, “The football game is like the icing on the cake.” The OBC is about so much more than what happens on the field. It’s about intentionally building a multi-county experience that puts South Florida’s diverse Black communities at the center. The festivities kick off with The Elevation Experience on July 11th in Pembroke Pines—an all-day empowerment event specifically for women in sports, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and corporate spaces. This free gathering features breakout workshops, vendor shopping, and a powerhouse panel including Pretty Vee, Yo-Yo, and Erica J.

“I want women to leave not just empowered but equipped,” Bullock said. “They should walk away with real, practical skills they can use to elevate their lives.”

The OBC weekend itself is stacked with high-energy and purpose-filled events. Things get rolling with a Career Fair and Sports & Entertainment Symposium at Florida Memorial University. On Friday, the Commissioners’ Welcome Reception and Luncheon—hosted by FAMU alum Rashan Ali and headlined by Howard alum Wendy Raquel Robinson—brings together South Florida leadership, HBCU advocates, and community changemakers at Jungle Island. That same night, OBC keeps the energy high with the Denim Party hosted by Lance Gross, back in Broward at the King’s Room in Hallandale Beach.

Then it’s game day: Sunday, September 1st, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Before kickoff at 4 PM, fans can hit Fan Fest, where Ball Greezy will perform live.

“We’re bringing the vibes and the eye candy,” Bullock joked, “because if you’re going to watch football, you may as well do it right.”

But beyond the parties and performances, Bullock is deeply intentional about making OBC a platform for economic and educational impact. Ticket sales, hotel partnerships, and community event participation all feed back into support for HBCUs.

“Everyone who attends these events—you’re not just fans, you’re donors,” she said. “Your support helps us give back to these schools and inspire more students to attend HBCUs.”

That connection to community is personal for Bullock. She recalled the long process of bringing the Orange Blossom Classic back, working with then Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert– who’s now a Miami-Dade Commissioner– and navigating delays due to the pandemic.

“People think these things happen overnight,” she said. “But this took years of planning and a lot of intention.”

Her persistence paid off when the 2021 game relaunched with a national ESPN partnership and Jackson State’s Deion Sanders on the sidelines.

What makes Bullock’s leadership stand out is her commitment to showing up beyond the big stage.

“We say OBC stands for One Big Community,” she said. “We’re at Jazz in the Gardens, West Fest, local picnics, and neighborhood pop-ups. This event is for the people, and we want to be in the places they are.”

That’s also why she prioritizes partnerships with Black-owned media like Hy-Lo News.

“If others won’t do it, we will. We created these platforms, so we have to support them,” she said.

Whether you’re a die-hard Rattler, a proud Bison, or just someone who loves a good time rooted in purpose and culture, Bullock said Orange Blossom Classic is the place to be.

“This isn’t just a football game,” Bullock said. “It’s a movement.”

Tickets and event info are available now at orangeblossomclassic.com.

Watch our full interview with Kendra Bullock.

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