HBCU New York Classic Honors Giants Owner John Mara
New York Giants owner, John Mara, was one of the six people honored with the first-ever HBCU Impact Award for their contributions to the success of the inaugural HBCU NY Classic in 2022. The awards recognized their positive impact on HBCUs, diversity, inclusion, and justice. New York Giants President and CEO John Mara could not attend last year's event. However, he recently met with event President & CEO Albert Williams to accept his 2022 HBCU Impact Award in person. Mara was recognized for his trailblazing legacy and extraordinary contributions to the African American community, urban culture, and the world.
"I am humbled to be a recipient of the HBCU Impact Award," Mara said. "The Giants are committed to continuing our involvement in initiatives that help promote diversity and inclusion in our community and beyond."
The other 2022 HBCU Impact Award recipients include Vice President Kamala Harris, Spike Lee, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, and Sean "Diddy" Combs.
Known as the world's largest HBCU Homecoming, the HBCU New York Classic is a multi-day celebration of HBCU culture and community activities culminating with two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) football teams facing off at MetLife stadium. Each year, the parent company of the Classic, Sports Eleven 05, LLC, and its Board of Directors select a group of distinguished individuals and corporations to receive the HBCU Impact Award for their work supporting HBCUs and their historical mission.
Five of the six 2023 HBCU Impact Award recipients will be announced in the coming weeks. The sixth and final "People's Choice" recipient will be chosen by fans this summer from ten nominees who will be revealed next month.
Following an incredible first year with over 35,000 fans in attendance, the HBCU New York Classic returns to MetLife Stadium for a 3 PM ET kick-off on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Celebrating all the tradition and pageantry of the HBCU game day experience, this year's match-up features Morehouse College vs. Albany State University. The HBCU NY Classic game will be presented live on CNBC, Peacock, and the NBC Sports App. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.hbcunyclassic.com.