Conversations of Black College Classics

How many people had fun at the Classic? That’s what I thought. It was “da bomb.” Please forgive the “ghettoism”, but I’m still ecstatic over that beautiful game. This semester undoubtly ended on a great note for the Jaguar Nation.
Okay, let me get on with my story. During the Battle of the Bands/Greek Show, I had the opportunity to chat with Orlando Jones. You know… the “7-Up Guy.” He is currently starring in Drumline, along with Nick Cannon from Nickelodeon. They were both emcees at the Friday night event.
A friendly, down to earth guy, Jones came and sat with me and one of my writers near the judges’ table during breaks in hosting duties. We had a nice little conversation on why he acted in Drumline, his attendance at the Bayou Classic and his support of HBCUs.
“People just don’t realize how important this tradition is,” he said of Black College Classics. “It’s more than college sports. It’s about being with people…about education. That’s the best part and why I wanted to be here.”
Jones is no neophyte to Classics. “My dad coached at South Carolina State. I grew up going to Classics,” he said of his childhood experiences.
Jones, known for his comedic roles in the past (Evolution), plays a very serious band director in Drumline. “So many of us (Black actors) get stuck in the comedy thing, it’s hard for us to get out. I wanted to do something different,” he said of his change in pace. “To do a movie like Drumline was off the chain. It not only gave me an opportunity to play a serious character, but it allowed me to be a part of the tradition of HBCU bands.”
It was a great time to be in New Orleans, Jags. On that note, have a safe holiday and let’s all look forward to another great year on the Yard.
Peace.