Oh man I remember the Orange Blossom Classic.. Glad they are bringing it back it was a real source of pride for Black Miami back then, which was still dealing with a bit of vestiges of old Jim Crow segregation.
Black folks in Miami really rolled out the red carpet on that weekend and the Orange Bowl would be packed. And back then FAMU used to field some really good teams. I hated when one of those old country teams as we called them would come in and kick the Rattlers butt. There was some serious talent on that field especially in the 60's and early 70's.
Us kids looked forward to it every year. Back then it was held in late December near Christmas time. It would include a whole weekend of festivities including a parade. We loved every bit of it. Us guys couldn't get enough of watching the band competition which really wasnt a competition but it would be one **** of a parade.... and those FAMU majorettes. The parents would be in the best of moods especially on parade day. We thought FAMU's band was the best in the world and all the predominantly Black high school bands imitated their style. And the rest of the HBCU's borrowed their band swag from FAMU. In the old days the marching 100 was the first band that incorporated hip dance moves and played current R&B hits.
I hope they bring back the parade. I am going to make it point to get back home to see it get kicked off again. Fun times.