Bayou Classic: A Tradition and a Legacy

When most people think the of Bayou Classic, they think of Grambling versus Southern, the Superdome, theWaterford crystal trophy or even Bourbon Street. But for many, the Classic is more than the football game. It is a place of memories, first time experiences, fun and family tradition.
For Roselyn Lewis and her sister Cynthia Lemelle, both alumni and current employees at Grambling, the Bayou Classic is like a family reunion. Ever since they can remember, the family has attended the game. They have relatives that attend both Southern and Grambling.
“We have a few people who unfortunately went the wrong way and went to Southern. And we have a lot of Gramblinites. So we always get together for Bayou Classic and enjoy ourselves, and fight through the whole game,” said Lewis.
One memory that stood out for Lewis was watching from the sidelines, as her sister, who was a GSU cheerleader, cheered at the games.
“Rickey McCall who was one of our very dear friends used to always sneak me from sideline pass so being able to go down there and get pictures with him has always been great memories for me,” said Lewis.
Another fond memory Lewis has is seeing her nephew Martin Lemelle, who was SGA president 2004-2005 in the Bayou Classic program.
Lewis and her family have kept the Bayou Classic tradition alive, making sure the children of the family get to enjoy the event as well.
“It’s the opportunity to be around a lot of people who are graduates of historically black colleges see historically black colleges in action. We take the kids to the Battle of the Bands and attend every event we can think of.”
For Marvin Davis, owner of Reali-Tees store in the village, the Classic is about reuniting with old friends and alumni.
“It’s like a second homecoming for both schools,” said Davis. “You see people you haven’t seen in 20 or 30 years, who might not go to homecoming, but will go the Classic. Everything is great- until you get your hotel bill.”
Davis, an alum of Grambling, reflected on the first Bayou Classic he attended with his family during the late 80s.
“It was exciting,” said Davis. “It was my first time in New Orleans and it was a wonderful experience.”
Although the Bayou Classic still holds significant meaning to students and alumni, Davis thinks that the people the game attracts has changed.
“It’s more of a tourist attraction now, than an alumni gathering, especially since some people choose to stay at home and watch it on TV,” said Davis.
For Terrance Giles Jr., a senior at Grambling the Classic is a mixture of memories from childhood into adulthood.
As a child, Giles remembers attending the game, Battle of the Bands, and other festivities with his parents.
“My first Bayou Classic, I was too small to walk on Bourbon Street. I remember my dad would put me up on his shoulders and I got to see everybody,” said Giles.
As an adult, Giles said his experiences at Bayou Classic as an adult have been quite different. Some things he has experienced as an adult include the parties, Greek Step Show, and other festivities.
Giles said he also enjoys being able to meet his older fraternity brothers (in Kappa Alpha Psi). This year will be Giles first time stepping in the Greek step show.
For some students who never heard of the Bayou Classic until attending college, the Classic is a new experience filled with unique events.
Brittney King, a junior from Richmond, California said the Classic meant nothing to until she attended Grambling.
“I thought it was just a game. I didn’t care that much. I knew it was a game that was on CBS, but it wasn’t that important.
King had her first Classic experience last year, when the game was relocated to Houston because of Hurricane Katrina.
“I had fun,” said King. I went to the Step Show and a couple of parties.”
The Bayou Classic is one of the first and biggest black college football games.
“It’s the ultimate rivalry of two of the best HBCUs in the nation,” said Lewis.
Giles said that the Classic is something everyone, including those who may not attend Grambling or Southern should experience.
” If you haven’t been, you need to go at least once,” said Giles. It’s more than just football. It’s a good experience.