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Marching bands, pride and tradition mark the Detroit Football Classic’s return after nearly 20 years

Attendees celebrated historically Black colleges.

Midbrow Editor
· 2 min read
A marching band performs on a football field, with two members in white uniforms crossing their batons at the front while others in green and yellow play brass instruments. Photo credit: Akee
The Mighty Marching Thorobreds band performs during the halftime show at the Detroit Football Classic on Saturday.

Attendees celebrated historically Black colleges as Kentucky State rallied to defeat Central State, 34-24

By Akeel Ahmed

The Detroit Football Classic returned to Ford Field for the first time in nearly two decades. Alumni, former players, students and other fans made the trip to see the game between the Kentucky State University Thorobreds and the Central State University Marauders on Saturday. The Thororbreds beat the Central State Marauders, 34-24. But it wasn’t just about football: Marching bands from both schools took to the field during the halftime show. The crowd was split inside the stadium, but outside, it was hard to tell there was a rivalry as fans tailgated before and after the game to celebrate these two historically Black universities.

A football player in yellow dives toward the end zone while two defenders in green attempt to tackle him near the sideline with officials nearby.
The Central State Marauders’ Avante Burt goes out of bounds as he attempts to score a touchdown.
Five dancers in white and gold costumes perform with their arms raised in front of a marching band in a stadium with blue seats.
The K-Rettes dance team cheer on their Thorobreds from the stands. 
A marching band in maroon and gold uniforms performs on a football field, with one member in front posing while others play brass instruments.
Elijah Harvey and other Central State band members celebrate with fans after their halftime performance. 
A color guard stands on a field holding flags, while a person with orange hair performs on the field of an indoor football stadium.
Detroit-based artist Charity performs “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black National Anthem, before the game. 
A musician plays the saxophone on an indoor football field near a microphone, with color guards holding flags in the background.
Kentucky State alumnus and Detroit native Daryl Beebe performs “The Star-Spangled Banner” on his saxophone before the game.
Two marching band members in tall hats and uniforms stand face to face, one with a whistle, while adjusting each other's capes.
Kentucky State band members prepare themselves before their halftime performance. 
A smiling man in a yellow and maroon Central State shirt and hat, with purple and gold beaded jewelry raises his arms.
Central State University Class of 1982 alumnus Steve Walker celebrates the Marauders from the stands while displaying pride as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 
Two dancers in gold costumes perform a flag routine on an indoor football field, each holding large yellow and green flags.
The Thorobreds' Sensational Silks perform during halftime. 
A group of football players in green and yellow uniforms pose together while one holds a trophy.
The Thorobreds celebrate winning the Detroit Football Classic, 34-24.

This article was published in conjunction with Outlier Media.

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