The smell of macaroni and cheese, fried chicken and sweet potatoes waft beneath your nostrils as your ears listen to the sounds of soul music coursing throughout the yard in front of Fresno State’s North Gym building. The tents are decorated with vibrant flags displaying the colors of red, yellow, black and green as friends and family embrace each other with hugs and conversations.
For the first time in history, Southern University, a historically Black university, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, brought its soulful traditions and vibrant culture to battle against the Bulldogs at Valley Children’s Stadium.
“It’s one thing to be able to be your own authentic self with your own people and I’m lucky to be representing that today here at the tailgate,” said Elisha Henderson, president of the Fresno State Alumni Association. “Even though Fresno State is not an HBCU, we are stronger together. When we get together, Black alumni and the Divine Nine, it’s a strong presence of culture and Fresno will feel it. This is truly a historical opportunity.”
Spotlighting the energy of an historically Black university on a West Coast stage, like Valley Children’s Stadium, is an unforgettable moment for alumni, students and the Black community at both Fresno State and Southern University.
Although nervous to take on the Bulldogs, the Jaguars were excited in bringing a special culture and energy that audience members won’t forget. They seized the night with their captivating performances by the Human Jukebox and dance team.
“I got a lot of family tradition here from Southern University,” said Arthur Jack, alumni and director of advancement for the College of Sciences and Engineering at Southern University. “One of my cousins was the first Dancing Dolls and years ago I had nephews that were in the band at Southern, two played drums and one played trumpet.”
“Being able to come here to Fresno State and have our culture exposed before everyone, that’s what I see as powerful,” Jack said.
For many HBCUs, Greek life holds an incredibly powerful and important role. It serves as the backbone of celebrating Black community, leadership and keeping traditions alive and thriving throughout universities like Southern. The impact of Greek life was on full display at the tailgate the night of the Bulldogs vs. Jaguars.
“What you’ll see here at the tailgate is a big collaboration of all the Black Greek organizations, and there are nine of us coming together,” said Daren Miller, Alpha Phi Alpha alumnus of Fresno State. “Its a foundation that most college educated African Americans are built on, particularly in the south so that’s what we’re trying to replicate here at the tailgate.”
At Southern University, both historically Black fraternities and sororities are known as the “Divine Nine,” and they play an essential role in cultural expression and campus life for students.
The nine organizations consist of the following: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.
At the tailgate, their presence is hard to miss. Hundreds of tents proudly display Greek letters, music blasts from giant speakers accompanied by a DJ and members stroll, step and chant, all in celebration of HBCU pride.
The unified energy radiates throughout the event and connects all generations of both alumni and students.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated moments for both Fresno State and Southern University is the electrifying performance by the world-renowned and beloved Human Jukebox marching band. Recognized for their power, precision and showmanship, the band turned Valley Children’s stadium into their own stage while delivering a high-energy performance and flawless choreography.
“The Human Jukebox is very diverse when it comes to music and I know they travel a lot to different places so they try to pick up whatever the culture is where they are at,” said Tiffany Veal, Southern University alumna. “So they’ll get songs that the crowd is going to be familiar with. My seats are right next to the band so I am very excited and curious to see what they play tonight.”
Unlike regular tailgates, HBCU tailgating is an experience and is more than just a pre-game tradition. HBCU tailgating brings together things like community, food, music, fashion and deep-rooted pride that echoes throughout their football team conquering the field.
“At HBCU tailgates we just have a great time and there’s no true separation, it’s just a constant flow and everybody has their little thing,” said Taylor Ashby, Central Valley National Pan-Hellenic president. “We bring an entirely different energy and vibe. That family and that camaraderie, fellowship and connectivity is what it’s truly all about.”
The tailgates are a special place to re-connect with old friends, family and fraternity and sorority brothers and sisters.
Beyond the festivities and cultural celebrations, Southern University brings talent to the field with several standout players like No. 65 Christian Garcia and No. 62 Juan Gonzales, both of Hispanic descent. Although HBCUs were founded to serve the African American community, all types of students, fans and supporters from any background are welcome.
“HBCUs typically get a bad rap from people thinking that it’s only for Black people, but it’s not,” Miller said. “There are all types of students of different ethnicities that go and attend these kinds of schools.”
More than just a game and a competition, sports play a vital role in keeping the heartbeat strong throughout HBCU culture. Athletics at HBCUs are a source of deep-rooted pride and identity which showcases talent, sportsmanship and Black excellence.
“The importance of sports representation in HBCUs is important period,” said Shawn Wills, president of the Phi Beta Sigma Epsilon Delta Sigma chapter. “I played football at UCLA and it teaches you so many different lessons that you can use not only in sports but in life when you get into the workforce. So it really is an important part at HBCUs.”
Amongst the many tents displaying Greek life and traditions, the tent of the Black Students of California United (BSCU) organization was displayed at the tailgate, connecting the significance of Southern University’s visit to Fresno State. With a mission to empower and uplift Black students across the state, BSCU sees events like this as more than just a football game, but an opportunity to display cultural pride and educate students. 
“Our young students were adamant that they wanted to be a part of this game and tailgate even though it’s so adult-driven it was still important to them to come out here,” said Angelia Barmield, executive director for BSCU, and graduate of HBCU college Clark Atlantic.
Generous amounts of young Black students from Fresno State and the BSCU were adamant in making the tailgate happen in honor of HBCUs.
“So, to see this crowd out here today it’s like, all right young people, you did a really good job,” Barmield said. “You made this happen for the community. Hosting our guests here and letting everyone know who we are really means a lot, so I am glad we did this.”
BSCU’s involvement in both the tailgate events and game helps in promoting California’s Black student population, encouraging awareness and pride.
From the soulful energy felt at the tailgate to the deep sense of community fostered by alums and students, organizations like the BSCU and the Divine Nine have left a lasting impression on the students at Fresno State.
With a constant reminder that HBCU culture is inclusive, impactful and undeniably fun, moments like these help bridge communities and spark excitement within Black college life.
