Orange Blossom Classic Executive Director Kendra Bullock At SWAC Media Day
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00:00 I see the big news is that for the end with the orange blossom classic.
00:07 What is going to be the course of action since that news broke a while back?
00:10 So we have been in communication with other schools.
00:12 We have our 2024 opponents already locked in.
00:17 So you know, we're moving forward.
00:19 We are moving forward.
00:20 The orange blossom classic is here to stay and we're excited about what the future holds.
00:24 If you can mention it, what schools are you considering to be part of the orange blossom
00:28 classic?
00:29 I haven't let the cat out of the bag yet, but can definitely assure the fan base that
00:34 there will be schools that, schools that they are going to be pleased with, schools that
00:39 we know travel well and schools that we know have a really good following.
00:43 So I do believe we'll be good.
00:44 What have your partners said about the status of the OPC since Florida ended with George
00:50 F. Manchur?
00:51 Well, the beautiful thing about our partners, 90% of our partners have been with us since
00:55 we began this back in 2020.
00:57 Of course we initially started in 2020, but then of course with COVID we had to postpone
01:01 the first game and then we officially kicked off in 21.
01:04 So those partners at this point have been with us since the beginning.
01:09 And their mission is to help HBCUs.
01:11 Their mission is not just solely focused on one institution.
01:15 So they have assured us that, you know, this will be an event that they'll continue to
01:19 support, continue to be a part of.
01:21 It's about community.
01:23 It's about the HBCUs that we can assist.
01:25 It's about making sure that we help everyone, not just FAMU.
01:30 So they're in it for the long term.
01:32 Excellent.
01:33 Now one thing that kind of interests me is that Florida Memorial University, an HBCU
01:34 based in Miami, you know, is not too far from where you hosted the game.
01:35 What's your relationship with them if you've ever spoken to them on a general basis?
01:42 So we do have a relationship with Florida Memorial.
01:44 I work with their athletic director as well as their university president, Dr. Hardrick.
01:49 So they're familiar with the Orange Blossom Classic, of course.
01:52 Whenever they're in town, they support.
01:55 We have worked with their band and worked with, you know, different entities to support.
02:00 We want to make sure that we support our home HBCU.
02:04 As far as their participation in the Orange Blossom Classic, haven't really had those
02:08 conversations.
02:09 But, you know, again, them being our hometown HBCU, as a part of the Orange Blossom Classic,
02:15 our goal is to work with Florida Memorial and assist them.
02:18 We actually this year have a career fair that we're hosting on the campus of Florida Memorial.
02:25 So we do make sure that we carve out events that are inclusive with Florida Memorial.
02:30 Now, Florida A&M obviously won't be there for 2024, but is there a possibility that
02:36 they need that in the future?
02:37 Is that kind of something you haven't really touched on yet?
02:40 There's always a possibility.
02:41 I don't think that the door is closed.
02:43 You know, I think it all comes down to their administration and what their initiatives
02:47 and their goals are.
02:49 You know, what I've said to a lot of individuals is that the Orange Blossom Classic, our tag
02:55 line from day one has been one big community.
02:58 So this game is bigger than just one institution.
03:00 We're about community.
03:01 We're about HBCUs.
03:03 And with Florida Memorial not, I'm sorry, with FAMU not participating, it gives us an
03:07 opportunity to help as many HBCUs as possible.
03:10 So I think as far as, you know, we know that the future of the Orange Blossom Classic is
03:14 strong.
03:15 What happens with FAMU would be based on their determination as to what their goals and their
03:20 initiatives are.
03:21 And our goals and our initiatives are to continue to support all HBCUs.
03:24 Fantastic.
03:25 Ms. Poole, thank you so much for this interview.
03:26 You're welcome.
03:26 for this interview.