Kendra Bulluck-Major Is Owner Of The Orange Blossom Classic

At a time when legacy and representation truly matter, Kendra Bulluck-Major isn’t just bringing history back to life—she’s breathing new meaning into it for the next generation.

As the Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic (OBC), Bulluck-Major has transformed a once-dormant HBCU tradition into a national celebration of Black excellence, athleticism, and community empowerment. But this isn’t just about football—it’s about legacy, leadership, and creating spaces where Black stories are celebrated all year long.

For Bulluck-Major, this work hits home. Inspired by her father’s love for Florida A&M University and the original Orange Blossom Classic that began in 1933, she’s picked up the baton with heart and intention—making sure today’s generation understands just how much history lives in the game. Her mission goes far beyond game day, as she builds out year-round programs and community impact, all leading up to the big weekend each year in Miami Gardens over Labor Day Weekend.

In this exclusive interview with MadameNoire, Bulluck-Major opens up about legacy, long-term goals, and what’s next for one of the most meaningful events in HBCU sports: FAMU vs. Howard.

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MadameNoire: The Orange Blossom Classic was originally founded in 1933 and ended in 1978 The very first game was FAMU vs. Howard, a rematch we’ll will see this fall. What inspired you to revive it?

Kendra Bulluck-Major: Honestly, it was a personal calling. My dad was a huge Florida A&M fan, and he always talked about the Orange Blossom Classic when I was growing up. I didn’t want the story to end there. So, I started doing the research, making the calls, and figuring out how we could do it in a way that honors the past while creating something meaningful for the future. That’s how the new OBC was born.

You’ve turned the Orange Blossom Classic into a national stage for HBCU excellence. What’s next for you and the OBC?

The goal is expansion. We want to maintain strong partnerships and build year-round programming. Right now, we pack a lot into the week of the game—The Battle of the Bands, a career fair, a sports and entertainment symposium—but I want to take those efforts into the rest of the year. We’re exploring wealth management sessions for student-athletes and more conversations around NIL (Name, Image, Likeness). The idea is to offer value beyond the game, making the OBC a resource and a presence all year long.

What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since relaunching the OBC?

That this is bigger than me. There were moments I questioned if I could really pull it off. But once I saw the impact on students, alumni, families, and the Miami community—it reminded me that legacy work is never about one person. It’s about creating space for others to rise. I’ve learned that with purpose comes pressure, but also perseverance.

You’ve managed to bring in major corporate sponsors, national media attention. How did you make that happen?

Relationships and reputation. I worked in event production and entertainment for years before this, so I brought those connections with me. But even more than that, it’s about authenticity. When people see you’re passionate and serious, they want to get behind you. We’re telling an important story—about HBCUs, about Black excellence, about tradition—and brands want to be a part of that when it’s done with integrity.

What’s your long-term vision for the Classic?

I want the Orange Blossom Classic to be on the same level as the Bayou Classic or the Magic City Classic—events that are institutions in their own right. I also want to grow it beyond the game. We already host a careers in sports and entertainment symposium, a high school battle of the bands, and other community activations. But I want it to become a year-round platform. We’re also working on mentorship for HBCU students and athletes.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

Seeing those stands filled in 2021—the first year back after more than 40 years—was surreal. But my proudest moment might actually be seeing the smiles on the faces of student-athletes when they realize how big this is. When they walk out on that field and feel that love, that pride—it’s like, Yes, this is why we do it.

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What do you hope people say about your work in the OBC—10, 20, or even 50 years from now?

I hope people say, “She’s the one who brought it back,” but more importantly, I want the Classic to still be going strong long after I’m gone. I want people to say, “This young woman is running it now,” or maybe even, “Kendra’s kids are continuing her legacy.” I don’t want it to stop with me. With support from the community, our partners, and ticket buyers, my hope is that the Orange Blossom Classic becomes a permanent fixture in the HBCU conversation—just like the Bayou Classic or the Magic City Classic. Right now, we’re still the baby of the group, but I want OBC to grow into something iconic.

What does legacy mean to you?

Legacy means creating something that lasts beyond you. Something that serves others even when you’re no longer in the room. For me, the Orange Blossom Classic is about legacy—not just mine, but for the community, for HBCUs, and for every young Black student who needs to know they matter, that their culture matters, and that they can dream big.

For those who want to support or get involved, how can they connect?

The best way is through our website: orangeblossomclassic.com. Sign up for our mailing list—you’ll get early access to tickets and updates. You can also follow us on social media—Twitter, Instagram, Facebook—@OrangeBlossomFC. If you want to volunteer, partner, or become a sponsor, all of that information is available online. We’re always looking for people who want to be a part of what we’re building.

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