Arkansas-Pine Bluff alumni ready to 'show up and show out' in school's first Southern Heritage Classic

Latoya Chitman has witnessed what she feels are some of the best moments in the storied history of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She was in the band that played at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009. She was a member of the 2010 graduation class that received a speech from former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Having the president wave at your band at the White House was special, but Chitman believes UAPB's involvement in the 34th Southern Heritage Classic could become as cherished.

"I even compare this moment to that," she said, recalling the inauguration ceremonies. "That was huge for the university when we got selected to go to that event, and this moment feels equally as huge for the university."

After years of classic battles between HBCU teams Jackson State and Tennessee State, the Southern Heritage Classic football game will feature TSU vs UAPB on Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (6 p.m., HBCUGO Sports) in Memphis.

UAPB is an HBCU that is in close enough proximity to have a Memphis alumni base and also the cultural flavor that makes the classic one of the best fall events in the city. A substantial number is expected to attend the game and all of the events held before and after the football showdown.

“(UAPB) viewed this as an opportunity," Southern Heritage Classic founder Fred Jones Jr. said. "They’re a smaller school and the Classic is a real big deal to them. They wanted to come here and make a splash."

Pine Bluff's enrollment is roughly a third of the estimated 10,000 at TSU, but many of the school's alumni have warned others not to underestimate the Golden Lions' pride. The college's nickname changed in 1972, and graduates since have delivered a message about bringing the black and gold to Memphis.

"I am definitely expecting a crowd of alumni to attend on Saturday," 2008 UAPB graduate Charlotte Moore said. "We are coming from near and far for this game. I have heard alumni coming from Texas, Georgia, Missouri and Arkansas just to name a few. It's a celebration."

Game impact on the university

This Southern Heritage Classic could have a major impact on UAPB. There were bigger HBCUs that would have made sense to replace Jackson State, but Arkansas-Pine Bluff brings a similar feel in terms of having a large Memphis alumni base. It's because of that base that there isn't much of an education lesson needed on the history of this event.

"When I found out that UAPB would be participating in the Southern Heritage Classic, it was like a child in a candy store," Moore, who has lived in Memphis for the past 13 years, said. "My eyes lit up. I was so excited. This game will be a great form of recruitment and also a positive display of the university for those who may not know about it."

UAPB tailgating experience

Many UAPB alumni have said to expect Saturday's tailgating experience to be like a Pine Bluff homecoming, but with one change.

"It's probably going to be homecoming times 20," UAPB graduate student Ryan Robins said. "It's going to be a movie. It's going to be a tailgate like no other."

Greek organizations that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as the "Divine Nine," will be making the trip. Robins is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, and Chitman, who is part of four generations of UAPB alums, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Robins is expecting family members and friends to travel from as far out as California.

Along with the great food and vibes, a stroll-off combining the old school and new school Divine Nine members will take place before the game. UAPB's Memphis alumni chapter is also hosting a "UAPB Takeover" event that will feature the marching band and spirit team Friday evening.

"After Saturday, people will learn that UAPB does not come to play, we come to stay," Moore said. "We come to show up and show out in a mighty way. We will definitely leave a lasting impression not only in the Southern Heritage Classic but on the entire city of Memphis."

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Fifth-quarter battle

Chitman was the school's first ever female tuba player. TSU's "Aristocrat of Bands" has been providing the jams at the Southern Heritage Classic, but here comes "The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South."

This platform's best moment may come in what's called the "fifth quarter." This will be after the game, when the bands from both schools hang around and play more tunes.

"We're going to come with a great sound," Chitman said. "We're not going to be sloppy. We may not be as large of a band, but we always sound really good. We always bring that element of surprise with what we put on the field."

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Arkansas-Pine Bluff embraces first Southern Heritage Classic game