Are you ready for some football?
More specifically, are you ready for some Black college football?
I certainly am.
Every year during Circle City Classic I am reminded of my time at Jackson State University. There is something truly awesome about the Black college experience … it’s a feeling that is hard to put into words and generally, unless you’ve visited or attended a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), you probably can’t fully understand the emotion.
This is why in its truest form; Circle City Classic is such a significant event for not only Indiana, but also our Midwestern neighbors in other states. Classic allows people to experience Black college football, those one-of-a-kind halftime shows, and even the fun and entertaining Greek step shows that feature Black fraternities and sororities. But above all things, Classic week promotes scholastic achievement with the organization’s various scholarships as well as the Indianapolis Black Alumni Council’s popular college fair that showcases HBCUs from around the country.
My parents attended Alcorn State University and Knoxville College, so I’ve always been exposed to Black colleges, but many people are not, which adds to the significance of Circle City Classic’s various festivities. Quite simply, classic fills a void in this region of the country.
As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the organization, we should pay homage to the late Charles Williams for his vision and insight as well as that of the other city leaders in the community who contributed to the formation of Circle City Classic. And despite some of the recent challenges that the organization has seemed to be plagued with, we should also honor current Classic staff and volunteers for their service. It can not be an easy task organizing such an event, so although many improvements need to be made, I think it is appropriate to positively recognize the efforts of Tanya Bell and her team during such a momentous occasion that signifies 30 years of an important movement.
My feel-good approach to Classic as the weekend festivities kick-off extends also to optimism about Martin University, Indiana’s only predominately Black college.
Last month, the Recorder reported that former Indianapolis Public School Superintendent Dr. Eugene White was selected to serve as interim president of Martin. I have complete confidence that White can turn the struggling Martin University around.
Throughout his career as an educator – be it his time in Fort Wayne, or even while serving Washington Township and then IPS – White has demonstrated his ability to reform and lead schools in a positive manner. And while some people have questioned White’s capacity to perform, I have always supported many of his initiatives and perspectives on the best ways to build stronger schools. One may not always agree with White’s personality or even his sometimes unpopular methodologies, but no one should question his skill set or his passion and commitment to education.
Martin University’s board of directors and other advisers made a wise choice to select White as the school’s interim leader. And if they are as smart as they were in making that decision, they should also seriously consider him as a permanent replacement as the schools president.
Martin is not a traditional institution and the challenges it has experienced are not as rudimentary as some may assume. Because of the current delicate state of Martin as well as the passion instilled by its founder the late Father Boniface Hardin, the approach to “fix” Martin has to be well thought out. Perhaps a person familiar with Martin’s history and who has lived through its struggles locally is better equipped to usher the university forward. Maybe getting outside people to fix a problem that is deeply rooted in this community was an error of the past, though the intentions were good.
White’s knowledge, passion, community presence and no-nonsense personality are exactly the characteristics that are needed to transform Martin University. I can only hope that under White’s guidance, Martin will not only survive for years to come, but it will also thrive.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
