Dec. 21, 2017
By Zac Ellis
VUCommodores.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Power conferences and dominant programs have made their mark on the present-day college football landscape. But Vanderbilt athletics director David Williams can still recall when that was not always the case.
“I remember a time when historically black universities were really where the vast majority of African-American athletic prowess came from,” Williams said. “I used to turn on the TV and watch the NFL, and one of the schools that produced the most NFL players was Grambling State under coach Eddie Robinson. The first African-American starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl was Doug Williams, who played at Grambling.
“But when integration occurred, you began to see the depletion of talent from historically black universities.”
That history is why Vanderbilt has sought to include historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in recent and future schedules. In 2016, the Commodores hosted nearby Tennessee State in football in just the second-ever meeting between the two schools. This fall, Vanderbilt played Alabama A&M for the first time at Vanderbilt Stadium.
Williams said he hopes those series, among others, will continue in the future, as such games provide a unique spotlight and financial incentive for HBCUs.
“It’s about asking ourselves, what can we do to help keep those doors open, from an athletic perspective?” Williams said.
Vanderbilt had not played Tennessee State in football until 2006 despite TSU sitting just four miles from Vanderbilt’s campus. The Dores and Tigers have now played twice and have another game on the docket for Sept. 29, 2018.
When Williams took over as AD at Vanderbilt in 2003, he was surprised to learn the university had never scheduled Tennessee State in football. But he recalls a palpable anticipation ahead of the 2006 matchup on West End. 
“The city was absolutely abuzz,” Williams said. “It was a very talked-about game at that time, and that’s something that’s good for Nashville. It makes us understand that we have an obligation to everybody in the city. And I think it really helps to say, don’t judge us on the past, judge us on the present.”
Vanderbilt football coach Derek Mason said scheduling series with HBCUs is an important nod towards history.
“A lot of today’s talent has its origins in the HBCU system, whether we’re talking coaches or players,” Vanderbilt head football coach Derek Mason said. “We need to continue to provide assistance and competitive opportunities in the space of college football.”
Along with Tennessee State in 2018, Vanderbilt football has future games with HBCUs in the works that have yet to be announced. On Friday, the Commodores’ men’s basketball team hosts Mississippi-based Alcorn State at Memorial Gym. Williams said Vanderbilt hopes to secure a future HBCU series for the Commodores’ baseball program, as well.
The Alcorn State game holds a special significance for Williams. His late parents met at Alcorn, which is another reason why that nonconference date is circled on his calendar.
“I wish my mom and dad were alive, because I know they would be down here on Dec. 22,” Williams said. “It would be such a great thing.”
Those efforts by Vanderbilt help play one part in honoring and preserving HBCU programs, many of which paved the way for today’s college athletics.
“It’s cool to reach out and say we haven’t forgotten that piece of history,” Williams said.
Zac Ellis is the Writer and Digital Media Editor for Vanderbilt Athletics.
