TSU, UAPB fans come together for Southern Heritage Classic parade

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s Lion against Tiger Saturday night as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff takes on Tennessee State at the 35th annual Southern Heritage Classic .

Hundreds of people from Arkansas and the Middle Tennessee area are at Tiger Lane for the event.

However, for many, this weekend is about so much more than a football game.

The streets of Orange Mound were filled with joy, dancing, laughter and music on Saturday morning.

Hundreds of families stood on the sidewalks of Park Avenue for the Southern Heritage Classic Parade presented by the Orange Mound Community Parade Committee.

“I almost missed the band,” UAPB alum Molly Bratton said. “Girl, I’m about to have a heart attack. I almost missed the band.”

1974 UAPB alum, Molly Bratton said she drove from McGehee, Arkansas to cheer on her Golden Lions for tonight’s game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

She said not even a storm could stop her.

“It was horrible,” Bratton said. “We came through a monsoon but I’m happy to be here. Every year, I’m going to be here.”

Organizers of the Classic said the four-day event highlights and showcases the importance of HBCUs and their impact on the community.

Out of the Classic’s 35-year history, this is the second year UAPB has played against TSU, which has created new memories and rivalries.

“My mother was pregnant with me coming to the Classic,” TSU alum Tia Wooten said. “So, this is a family tradition for us.”

And UAPB fans say they’re excited to bring their own flare to the Classic.

“The Classic is a big staple here in Memphis,” one UAPB fan said. “So, being able to bring UAPB here with Tennessee State, it’s just been so exciting.”

Last year, TSU defeated UAPB 24 to 14.

Fans of both sides are hoping their team comes out on top.

“TSU gone win the game and the tailgate,” TSU fan Kelli Word said. “It’s going down. I’m telling you.”

“I will say this about the game. They gone have all they handle tonight, and we’re probably going to come out on top,” UAPB alum Michael Mcinnis said.

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