The U.S.Marines has been a co-sponsor of the State Farm Bayou Classic for the past fiveyears. They were participating tosupport the black community and promote the Marines.
“We are here topromote and show that we promote African Americans at colleges and high school,because the Marine Corps is about diversity,” said Ketesha Meurphy, a promoterfor the Marines.
The Marines isnot a monetary sponsor, but they do buy into the events for promotion.
AfricanAmericans make up for the largest number of minorities in the Marines.
“A large number(of students) come from HBCUs in ROTC or after they get out of college,” said Walter Gaskin, Brigadier General,USMC Commanding General.
Awards wereprovided by the Marines at the coaches luncheon, presidents reception, battleof the bands and the game. Theyrun the game ball 91-miles to Bayou Classic and present it to the refereebefore the game.
“They areproviding information that is productive for students and it can help them withtheir college careers,” said Edora Dabney, a 1982 graduate from SouthernUniversity in New Orleans.
