Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University are finding new meaning in Jennifer Holliday’s song, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” The Florida Classic lost its primary sponsor without a forewarned formal notice from Disney. However, both University presidents refused to move the Classic out of Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
Way to go!
It’s safe to say the Rattlers and Wildcats have produced classic showdowns, friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Therefore, moving the largest Classic in the nation wouldn’t be an option.
Although Disney has not given any outward sign of renewing the contract with the universities, it would be a little awkward for the media company not to continue the journey.
Why would Disney deprive itself of seeing its name scrolling across the stadium’s big screen?
Even if Disney fails to renew a contract for the 2009 season, Steve Hogan, the Florida Citrus sports executive director, said there are other Fortune 500 companies already knocking at the Rattlers’ and Wildcats’ door. Either way, the Classic will continue in 2009 and years to come.
The Florida Classic is the perfect event to sponsor, especially for those companies that hope to enforce their commitment to diversity.
Ammons, way to stand up and say, “Oh no, we won’t go!”
Nyerere Davidson for the Editorial Board.