The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they will be the presenting sponsor of the 2012 Black College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony.
The Black College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony – presented by the Atlanta Falcons – will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013, at the Loews Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, Ga.
The Black College Football Hall of Fame was established in October 2009 to honor the greatest football players and coaches from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Each inductee's college or university will receive a $3,000 grant to support continuing academic and athletic opportunities at their respective institutions.
"We are excited to partner with the Black College Football Hall of Fame, which recognizes and honors African-American pioneers who made their mark at historically Black colleges, either as players, coaches or administrators," said Atlanta Falcons Owner & Chairman Arthur Blank. "This event is made compelling every year because of the stories and backgrounds of these great players. The Falcons are proud to be associated with the Black College Football Hall of Fame, and we look forward to a tremendous event next February."
Since its inaugural induction ceremony in 2010, 33 members have been inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
"On behalf of James 'Shack' Harris and others who made the Black College Football Hall of Fame possible, I would like to also thank the Atlanta Falcons and, specifically, Arthur Blank for his continued support," said Doug Williams, Super Bowl XXII MVP and Class of 2011 inductee into the Black College Football Hall of Fame. "The Falcons' continued support will ensure that the legacy and accomplishments of the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities will never be forgotten."
Next week, 35 finalists (25 players, 5 coaches and 5 contributors) will be selected from a field of more than 150 nominees by a 12-member selection committee comprised of journalists, historians and football executives from the college ranks and the NFL. The 35 finalists will be placed on a ballot and 11 individuals (9 players, 1 coach and 1 contributor) will be inducted to the Black College Football Hall of Fame in February 2013.
For a list of the 2013 Black College Football Hall of Fame finalists, please visit www.blackcollegefootballhof.org
The Black College Football Hall of Fame is sponsored by The Shack Harris and Doug Williams Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization.
