ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC RETURNS TO ITS ROOTS WITH “LEGENDS OF THE GAME” COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

MIAMI, FL [June 4, 2026] — The OVRTWN Corner, in partnership with the Orange Blossom Classic and The Overtown Business Association, will host “Legends of The Game” on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 6PM–9PM at OVRTWN Corner located at 1119 NW 3rd Ave Miami, FL 33136.

This special community conversation and cultural activation is designed to celebrate the history, cultural pride, economic impact, and enduring legacy of the Orange Blossom Classic while honoring the vital role Overtown and Miami’s Black community played in shaping that history.

The free public event will bring together community leaders, historians, former football players, alumni, residents, business owners, HBCU supporters, and cultural voices for an evening of storytelling, networking, and meaningful dialogue centered around the Orange Blossom Classic and its lasting impact on the community.

FEATURED PANEL DISCUSSION 

The evening’s featured Fireside Chat will bring together distinguished leaders, historians, alumni, and cultural advocates connected to the legacy of the Orange Blossom Classic and Historic Overtown. Participants Include:

Featured Moderator

●      Jaelen Gilkey – CBS Miami Sports Team Journalist

Featured Panelists

●      Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields – Historian and Founder of the Black Archives

●      Connie W. Kinnard – Senior Vice President, Multicultural Tourism & Development, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)

●      Edward “Thrill” Hill – Florida A&M University (FAMU) Football Alumnus

●      Kevin Moyd – Former Assistant Drum Major, FAMU Marching 100

Together, these distinguished voices will explore the Orange Blossom Classic’s enduring impact on HBCU culture, Black excellence, tourism, community development, and the historic connection between the Classic and Overtown.

By bringing the Orange Blossom Classic back to its historic roots in Historic Overtown Miami, organizers are honoring the neighborhood’s rich legacy while investing in culture, economic opportunity, community visibility, and meaningful connections that celebrate the past and strengthen the future of the corridor.

As part of the celebration, guests are encouraged to experience the Flavors of Historic Overtown, aneighborhood-wide dining and hospitality activation featuring participating Black-owned restaurants, cafés, and businesses throughout the corridor. Visitors can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour specials, sweet treats, and cultural dining experiences while exploring one of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods.

Participating businesses include Mahoney’s Taste of Bahamas, Lil Greenhouse Grill, Red Rooster Overtown, Ty’s Hometown Café & Bistro, Gigi’s Music Café, Two Guys Restaurant, English Brown Winery, and Sip &Vibe, among others supporting the community celebration.

In addition, guests are invited to kick off the evening with a Legends of the Game Happy Hour at OVRTWN Corner from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, featuring networking, music, beverage specials, and opportunities to connect with community leaders, alumni, and supporters before the Fireside Chat begins at 6:00 PM.

Throughout the day on Thursday June 11th, guests are encouraged to dine, shop, and explore Historic Overtown while supporting participating Black-owned restaurants, cafés, retailers, and local businesses each offering special promotions, culinary experiences, and hospitality activations connected to the Orange Blossom Classic celebration.

WHAT: Legends of the Game Fireside Chat + Community Conversation

FEATURING: Jaelen Gilkey, Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Connie W. Kinnard, Edward “Thrill” Hill, and Kevin Moyd

WHEN: Thursday, June 11, 2026

TIME:

4PM - 6PM | Happy Hour at OVRTWN Corner 6PM | Doors Open &Taste of Overtown Reception 6:45PM | Legends of the Game Fireside Chat 8PM | Community Fellowship & Social Hour

9PM | Event Concludes

WHERE: OVRTWN Corner 1119 NW 3rd Ave Miami, FL 33136 ADMISSION:Free and open to the public. RSVP encouraged. RSVP: https://luma.com/9twaolb3

ABOUT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC

Founded in 1933 by J.R.E. Lee Jr., the son of Florida A&M University’s president, the inaugural Orange Blossom Classic welcomed 2,000 fans to a “blacks only” ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida, where Florida A&M defeated Howard 9–0, establishing the foundation of what would become one of the most historic HBCU football classics in the nation.

After a 43-year hiatus, the Orange Blossom Classic was re-established in 2021 with a renewed mission to elevate HBCU athletics, culture, and access on a national stage. Now in its sixth year, the Orange Blossom Classic draws thousands of fans, students, alumni, and families to South Florida each Labor Day Weekend to celebrate competition, community, and HBCU pride. To date, OBC has generated more than $100 million in economic impact for Miami-Dade County and the South Florida region and over $500,000 in scholarship dollars.

ABOUT THE OVERTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The Overtown Business Association (OBA) is a dedicated organization driven by a core mission: to empower the Overtown business community through collaboration, advocacy, and engagement. We believe in cultivating a vibrant environment where businesses thrive and residents prosper.

ABOUT OVRTWN CORNER

OVRTWN Corner is a cultural and community hub located in Historic Overtown dedicated to bringing together culture, commerce, and community through intentional programming, creative experiences, conversation, entrepreneurship, wellness, food and beverage experiences, and collaborative partnerships. Designed as a gathering space for both residents and visitors, OVRTWN Corner serves as a platform to celebrate local culture, support small businesses, amplify community storytelling, and create meaningful neighborhood engagement in theheart of Overtown.