Homecomings, step shows, and more highlights kick off Philly’s HBCU weekend

For Virginia Union linebacker Christian Aiken, the Panthers’ 62-0 victory over Lincoln “means everything.”

Aiken, a South Jersey native, helped spearhead a defensive effort that shut out the Division II Lions at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday. The game kicked off this year’s One Philly HBCU Week, hosted by the City of Philadelphia and the Eagles. Aiken, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s leader in sacks, rushed to the stands following the game. He went to greet his family, some wearing custom No. 44 gear.

“Being a Philadelphia Eagles fan, getting an opportunity to come out here, play with my teammates, and just enjoy this stage,” Aiken said. “One Philly HBCU week, get out of here, come out and put on a showcase. It’s amazing. ... I got my whole family out here, man. I got cousins, everybody.”

Despite the outcome, the moment was not lost on Lincoln either. The Chester County college was invited to participate in this year’s festivities, in part because the program participated in the first HBCU Classic in 1919. That game, played against Howard, was also played in Philadelphia.

“It’s an unbelievable experience,” said Lincoln linebacker Charles Thompson, a Chester native. “Riding past the stadium anytime I have to go to Philly, its about 15 minutes from my house, so it was awesome.”

Prior to kickoff, the Lincoln and Virginia Union faithful held joint tailgates outside the Linc. Along with their school colors, many of the fans sported their Greek letters.

“HBCUs, it’s a vibe,” said Lincoln alum Chris Barnes. “It’s almost like a homecoming. Anytime we get a chance to get together, watch the game, do some cooking, share stories about when we were on campus — It’s just a really, really good atmosphere. … See some folks we probably haven’t seen in a couple days.”

Added Virginia Union graduate Raynee Doweary: “We were at Union last week ... To be able to see them back-to-back in our neck of the woods, it’s that Panther pride, that Panther love, as simple as that.”

» READ MORE: Bringing Lincoln University to Philadelphia for HBCU football was ‘personal’ for Mayor Parker

Before the game kicked off, fans who got to the Linc early were treated to a step show. Step is a type of dance where performers use their bodies to create a beat through stomping and clapping. It was popularized on HBCU campuses in the early 1900s and is still a major part of campus culture today.

“I feel like it’s really a historical moment,” said Jasir Jeffcoet, a member of Lincoln’s Kappa Alpha Psi chapter. “This is our second step show win within a week, so we make history day by day. Great to be at the HBCU Classic doing our thing. We appreciate everybody here that gathered to make sure everything got right today.”

Friday’s step show is part of the six day celebration of HBCUs. Earlier in the day, the city held a college and career fair.

The week’s events kicked off on Tuesday at West Philadelphia High School, where various community cheer groups and marching bands put on elaborate performances. For Halloween, West Philadelphia’s Marching Orange & Blue performed Michael Jacksons’ “Thriller” — complete with zombie makeup.

“We had the cheerleaders and the young bands, the school bands, and they’re competing [in the Battle of the Bands],” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “ ... Temple was there. Father Judge was there. — That’s what ‘One Philly’ is, right?”

On Friday, the Marching Orange & Blue were the opening act for rapper Ludacris, who played a melody of his hits at halftime. Jamire Boyer, a member of the Marching Orange & Blue, was nervous when he first heard his high school band would perform at the Eagles’ stadium.

However, after being around all the various performers this week, his apprehension turned to excitement.

“It makes me inspired to do it more and more often,” Boyer said.

Devin Jackson contributed to the reporting of this story.