WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The University of New Haven, Lincoln University and the Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches have partnered to present the 2010 Harmony Classic, an event which embraces the NCAA Division II Community Engagement initiative to develop students and communities by actively engaging in shared experiences and the NAACP’s mission to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. The second of its nature, the Harmony Classic strives to Celebrate Diversity and Racial Harmony with a week of events culminating in the Chargers’ football home opener against Lincoln University, a historically black university from Lincoln, Pennsylvania.
“The Harmony Classic is a very important event in the state of Connecticut. For the second time, it unites multiple groups of people and creates a common goal. In light of recent events throughout the state, the Harmony Classic is a perfect example of a platform that helps to eliminate race-based discrimination,” said Scot Esdaile, President of the Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches.
“The UNH Department of Athletics is very excited to host the 2010 Harmony Classic. The Harmony Classic exemplifies all the attributes of the Division II Community Engagement initiative by actively engaging the University of New Haven, Lincoln University, the NAACP and many other community groups,” commented Deborah Chin, Associate Vice President, Director of Athletics and Recreation at the University of New Haven.
Director of Athletics at Lincoln University, Dianthia Ford-Kee, said, “Lincoln University, being the first historically black college, fits perfectly with the objective of the activities around the events. The theme, ‘Celebrating Diversity and Racial Harmony,’ mirrors the Division II Positioning Statement regarding the student-athlete experience of cultivating “positive societal attitudes in service to community.”
The week will begin with a two part lecture series on Wednesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 9. Gary Steele, a Senior Consultant at Learning Dynamics will present “History – The Backbone of Opportunity” on Wednesday evening, while world renowned forensics expert and UNH professor, Dr. Henry C. Lee will present “Equal Justice – Lessons Learned from High Profile Cases” on Thursday evening. The student organizations of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) will also be holding a presentation on Friday, September 10 which will feature the Maelstrom, a 500 miles per gallon vehicle that was engineered by the group last year.
Prior to taking the field on Saturday, the two teams will come together and share in a team meal on Friday evening. Their will also be a welcome reception/alumni corporate mixer on Friday night at Jackie’s Café in New Haven. On game day, the celebration continues with a variety of activities scheduled around the Chargers 2010 football home opener at 1 p.m.
The game day activities feature a Health and Science Career Fair, a Vendor Fair, a tailgating competition, a Kids Zone and much more. Most activities will conclude when the University of New Haven and Lincoln University marching bands lead the crowd from the Athletic Complex parking lots to Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium prior to the 1 p.m. kickoff.
For complete game day information, including ticket information, parking information, tailgating information, Health Fair information and Vendor Fair information, visit www.NewHavenChargers.com/HarmonyClassic.
