Full schedule announced for HBCU ‘Weekend of Hope’

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The City of Rochester has released the full schedule for the Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic Weekend of Hope.

The events will be held for high school students in the city, alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and visiting teams and administrators. It aims to push kids into higher education and bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement.

The full schedule of events can be found below. Some of the events are open to the public, but many of them are private:

Thursday, September 19

10 a.m.: HBCU Experience & My Brother’s Keeper Welcome Lounge — Private

A college fair where alumni from HBCUs will engage with high school students from the city. The event also has a welcome lounge encouraging conversations about college life and sign-ups for school programming. Located at the Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center.

2:30 p.m. : Welcome to Rochester Block Party — Private

Mayor Evans welcomes Central State University at a private block party at Parcel 5.

Friday, September 20

10 a.m. : Anna Murray Douglass Empowering Young Ladies Brunch — Private

A networking luncheon inviting high school women to meet HBCU alumnae and women leaders at the Genesee Valley Club. Chief Vera Bumpers, the first African-American and first female police chief of Harris County Metro Transit Authority PD, will give the keynote address.

11:30 a.m : Albany State University’s Marching Rams Show Band — Private

High school students will enjoy a private show as HBCU bands practice for Saturday. Practice will be held at Rochester Prep High School.

1:00 p.m.: Central State University’s Invincible Marching Marauders — Private

Another band practice will be held at Edison Career & Technology High School — this time featuring the Invincible Marching Marauders.

5:45 p.m.: HBCU Alumni & Friends Mixer — Public

The Red Wings will welcome HBCU alumni in a special section for an evening mixer. Both marching bands will also perform before the game.

Saturday, September 21

9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.: Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic — Public

Sunday, September 22

10:30 a.m.: Community Worship Service at Aenon Missionary Baptist Church — Public

More information about the weekend, as well as tickets for the Football Classic, can be found by clicking here.

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