CRICKET CELEBRATION BOWL x TALLEY & TWINE
We are incredibly excited to be designing a custom timepiece for this year's Celebration Bowl, an event that continues to honor the rich legacy of HBCU excellence on and off the field. Being part of this historic tradition means a great deal to us, as the spirit of determination, pride, and community that defines HBCUs aligns perfectly with the values behind every Talley and Twine design. This collaboration is more than a project, it is a celebration of heritage and achievement. We cannot wait to share more about these special timepieces in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for updates as we continue to honor the legacy of the Celebration Bowl in timeless style.
We are incredibly excited to be designing a custom timepiece for this year's Celebration Bowl, an event that continues to honor the rich legacy of HBCU excellence on and off the field. Being part of this historic tradition means a great deal to us, as the spirit of determination, pride, and community that defines HBCUs aligns perfectly with the values behind every Talley and Twine design. This collaboration is more than a project, it is a celebration of heritage and achievement. We cannot wait to share more about these special timepieces in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for updates as we continue to honor the legacy of the Celebration Bowl in timeless style.
THE BIRTH OF BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL
The first-ever HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) football game took place on December 27, 1892, between Livingstone College and Biddle College—now known as Johnson C. Smith University—in Salisbury, North Carolina. This historic matchup marked the birth of Black college football, symbolizing both athletic competition and cultural pride during an era of segregation. It represented a major step forward for African American institutions in establishing their own athletic traditions, fostering school spirit, and paving the way for generations of HBCU athletes and rivalries that continue to define Black college football today.
The first-ever HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) football game took place on December 27, 1892, between Livingstone College and Biddle College—now known as Johnson C. Smith University—in Salisbury, North Carolina. This historic matchup marked the birth of Black college football, symbolizing both athletic competition and cultural pride during an era of segregation. It represented a major step forward for African American institutions in establishing their own athletic traditions, fostering school spirit, and paving the way for generations of HBCU athletes and rivalries that continue to define Black college football today.
THE INSPIRATION
Students at Biddle University, now known as Johnson C. Smith University, had been playing intramural football for two years before deciding to test their skills against another school. Charles Shute of Biddle, a friend of William J. Trent from Livingstone College, helped organize a matchup between the two institutions for the 1892 season. While Biddle entered the game with two years of experience, Livingstone was just beginning to form its first football team, setting the stage for a historic and pioneering contest.
Students at Biddle University, now known as Johnson C. Smith University, had been playing intramural football for two years before deciding to test their skills against another school. Charles Shute of Biddle, a friend of William J. Trent from Livingstone College, helped organize a matchup between the two institutions for the 1892 season. While Biddle entered the game with two years of experience, Livingstone was just beginning to form its first football team, setting the stage for a historic and pioneering contest.
POOLING RESOURCES
Students from both schools worked together to gather the necessary uniforms and equipment for the game. Biddle students used old clothing to create makeshift uniforms and wore caps and hoods for head protection. At Livingstone, students pooled their money to purchase a single football and one uniform from Spalding Sporting Goods. They gave the uniform to the women in the school’s industrial department, who used it as a pattern to sew the team’s jerseys from duck cloth. To complete their gear, the players attached cleats to their street shoes, showcasing the creativity and determination that made the historic game possible.
Students from both schools worked together to gather the necessary uniforms and equipment for the game. Biddle students used old clothing to create makeshift uniforms and wore caps and hoods for head protection. At Livingstone, students pooled their money to purchase a single football and one uniform from Spalding Sporting Goods. They gave the uniform to the women in the school’s industrial department, who used it as a pattern to sew the team’s jerseys from duck cloth. To complete their gear, the players attached cleats to their street shoes, showcasing the creativity and determination that made the historic game possible.
THE LEGACY
The 1892 matchup between Livingstone College and Biddle University ended with Biddle claiming a narrow 5-0 victory, but the outcome was about much more than the score. The game marked the beginning of organized Black college football and demonstrated the power of perseverance, creativity, and unity in the face of limited resources. From that snowy afternoon in Salisbury, North Carolina, a lasting legacy was born, one that celebrated competition, education, and community pride. This single game laid the foundation for more than a century of HBCU football tradition, inspiring generations of athletes and fans while helping to shape the cultural identity of Black college sports in America.
The 1892 matchup between Livingstone College and Biddle University ended with Biddle claiming a narrow 5-0 victory, but the outcome was about much more than the score. The game marked the beginning of organized Black college football and demonstrated the power of perseverance, creativity, and unity in the face of limited resources. From that snowy afternoon in Salisbury, North Carolina, a lasting legacy was born, one that celebrated competition, education, and community pride. This single game laid the foundation for more than a century of HBCU football tradition, inspiring generations of athletes and fans while helping to shape the cultural identity of Black college sports in America.
The Cricket Celebration Bowl continues the proud tradition that began with the first HBCU football game in 1892, carrying forward a legacy built on excellence, unity, and cultural pride. As the official championship game for HBCUs, it brings together the best of the SWAC and MEAC conferences, showcasing not only athletic talent but also the spirit, history, and resilience that define Black college football. Each year, the Celebration Bowl serves as more than just a game, it is a vibrant tribute to HBCU heritage, community, and achievement, ensuring that the legacy started more than a century ago continues to inspire new generations on and off the field.