[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 109 (Friday, June 28, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAYOU CLASSIC SOUTHERN 
                  UNIVERSITY VS. GRAMBLING UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TROY A. CARTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 28, 2024

  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
50th Anniversary of the Bayou Classic, an annual football classic that 
honors the heritage and accomplishments of America's Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities, specifically between Grambling State 
University and Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical 
College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and, Grambling State 
University, a member of the University of Louisiana System Institution, 
is in Grambling, Louisiana. Southern University A&M College, a member 
of the Southern University System, is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
  The Bayou Classic has earned the distinction of being the No. 1 HBCU 
Classic in the Nation, with a storied history dating back to 1932, and 
has long promoted the importance of sportsmanship, musicianship, 
community, and traditions by representing the talents and achievements 
of students, staff, and alumni of Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities.
  The Bayou Classic brings together fans and alumni of Grambling State 
University and Southern University and A&M College from around the 
globe to New Orleans, creating a vibrant celebration of football, 
family, traditions, and pageantry surrounding Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities.
  The Bayou Classic's core audience primarily consists of students, 
alumni, military personnel, and leaders from Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities, with age demographics ranging from high 
school students, college students, university alumni, and football 
fanatics.
  The Bayou Classic attracts participants from all over the world, but 
has a dedicated national audience, including but not limited to 
Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and 
Texas.
  The Bayou Classic has consistently achieved record-breaking 
attendance, with projections of sustained future growth, particularly 
the Battle of the Bands & Greek Step Show, which draws an average 
attendance of 30,000 with sold out crowds for the past three years, and 
over 60,000-65,000 attendees for Game Day.
  The 44th Annual Bayou Classic in 2017 propelled the event to be 
recognized as the No. 1 HBCU Classic and the most attended football 
game in the FCS division, further solidifying its status as the No. 1 
HBCU Classic in the world since 2019.
  The Bayou Classic officially celebrated 50 years of HBCU football 
rivalry, in which Southern University defeated Grambling State 27-22, 
on November 25, 2023 in the City of New Orleans at the Caesars 
Superdome. The school's records are Southern 26 wins, Grambling 24 
wins.
  I am happy to recognize this event, held in Louisiana's Second 
Congressional District, and proclaim the Bayou Classic as an historic 
event that showcases the excellence, pride, and unity of Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities. I appreciate all attendees from around 
the country and beyond who joined us in celebrating this momentous 
occasion, and to recognize the enduring legacy of the Bayou Classic, as 
we celebrated the 50th Anniversary.

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