2024 Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: A Night of Passionate Celebration and Excellence
The 2024 Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCHOF) induction ceremony was held at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA, showcasing a night filled with passion, lively celebration, and black excellence. This year, the BCHOF announced its 15th class, honoring seven remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport.
The Class of 2024 inductees included Joe “747” Adams (Tennessee State University), Antoine Bethea (Howard University), Waymond Bryant (Tennessee State University), Kevin Dent (Jackson State University), Richard Huntley (Winston-Salem State University), Lemar Parrish (Lincoln University), and Coach Eddie Hurt (Morgan State University). "The class of 2024 is a great showcase of some of the incredible football talent that has been produced from Historically Black Colleges and Universities," said BCHOF co-founder and 2011 inductee Doug Williams. "The Black College Football Hall of Fame serves to honor those who paved the way for the game today, and these men did just that."
Votes were tallied by a nine-member selection committee, comprising prominent journalists, commentators, historians, and former NFL general managers and executives, alongside members of the BCHOF. This diverse group ensured the selection of inductees who have made a lasting impact on the game.
The evening was also highlighted by the Co-Player of the Year Award, which went to Florida A&M University quarterback Jeremy Moussa and North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard. Both athletes are pursuing professional careers, with Moussa missing the evening due to an invite to an NFL mini-camp. Richard, despite facing an injury in the Legacy Bowl, attended the ceremony and expressed his determination to make it to the professional level, confidently stating that he will one day be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Black College Football Pro Player of the Year Award, presented annually to the most outstanding professional player from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), was awarded to former Florida A&M University and current Dallas Cowboys player Marquese Bell. Bell, though a bit nervous, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech that resonated with the audience, giving hope to current and future players aiming to make a name for themselves.
The ceremony was marked by a sense of school pride and team pride, with numerous stories and memories shared among attendees, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration. Greg Coleman, a Black College Football Hall of Famer, passionately emphasized the need for NFL scouts to give more opportunities to players from HBCUs. He highlighted the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, where every NFL team sends scouts to the combine, yet none of the young men were drafted in the latest class of NFL rookies. Despite this, many, like FAMU's Jeremy Moussa, were invited to mini-camps and signed as undrafted free agents, which still left a sting but also a desire for change.
The evening was a testament to the excellence and talent that HBCUs have consistently produced, with many greats who have excelled in the league being honored. The 2024 induction ceremony was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a hopeful look towards the future, where the legacy of HBCU football continues to thrive and inspire.
As the event concluded, the room buzzed with lively discussions and passionate exchanges, all underpinned by a shared love for the game and the incredible legacy of HBCU football. The BCHOF continues to honor those who have paved the way and inspires the next generation to strive for excellence on and off the field.
The Class of 2024 inductees included Joe “747” Adams (Tennessee State University), Antoine Bethea (Howard University), Waymond Bryant (Tennessee State University), Kevin Dent (Jackson State University), Richard Huntley (Winston-Salem State University), Lemar Parrish (Lincoln University), and Coach Eddie Hurt (Morgan State University). "The class of 2024 is a great showcase of some of the incredible football talent that has been produced from Historically Black Colleges and Universities," said BCHOF co-founder and 2011 inductee Doug Williams. "The Black College Football Hall of Fame serves to honor those who paved the way for the game today, and these men did just that."
Votes were tallied by a nine-member selection committee, comprising prominent journalists, commentators, historians, and former NFL general managers and executives, alongside members of the BCHOF. This diverse group ensured the selection of inductees who have made a lasting impact on the game.
The evening was also highlighted by the Co-Player of the Year Award, which went to Florida A&M University quarterback Jeremy Moussa and North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard. Both athletes are pursuing professional careers, with Moussa missing the evening due to an invite to an NFL mini-camp. Richard, despite facing an injury in the Legacy Bowl, attended the ceremony and expressed his determination to make it to the professional level, confidently stating that he will one day be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Black College Football Pro Player of the Year Award, presented annually to the most outstanding professional player from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), was awarded to former Florida A&M University and current Dallas Cowboys player Marquese Bell. Bell, though a bit nervous, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech that resonated with the audience, giving hope to current and future players aiming to make a name for themselves.
The ceremony was marked by a sense of school pride and team pride, with numerous stories and memories shared among attendees, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration. Greg Coleman, a Black College Football Hall of Famer, passionately emphasized the need for NFL scouts to give more opportunities to players from HBCUs. He highlighted the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, where every NFL team sends scouts to the combine, yet none of the young men were drafted in the latest class of NFL rookies. Despite this, many, like FAMU's Jeremy Moussa, were invited to mini-camps and signed as undrafted free agents, which still left a sting but also a desire for change.
The evening was a testament to the excellence and talent that HBCUs have consistently produced, with many greats who have excelled in the league being honored. The 2024 induction ceremony was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a hopeful look towards the future, where the legacy of HBCU football continues to thrive and inspire.
As the event concluded, the room buzzed with lively discussions and passionate exchanges, all underpinned by a shared love for the game and the incredible legacy of HBCU football. The BCHOF continues to honor those who have paved the way and inspires the next generation to strive for excellence on and off the field.