Jackson State University, City of Jackson to celebrate the HBCU National Football Champions with downtown Parade on January 17th
The Tigers landed a 41-13 victory over Southern University to become the 202 Pepsi SWAC Football Champions at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on December 7, 2025. 📸 (Demetrius Johnson Jr./Demetrius Photography)
Jackson State University (JSU) and the City of Jackson will host a championship parade on Friday, January 17, 2025, in Downtown Jackson to celebrate the National HBCU Football Champions. The community event, hosted by Rob J and Alice Marie, will celebrate the Tigers’ monumental victory as the national campions. The parade will be a day filled with excitement, pride, and collegiate spirit, as per the University.
On December 14th, the Tigers secured a resounding 28-7 victory in the Cricket Celebration Bowl against South Carolina State University, clinching the 2024 National HBCU Championship at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This triumph marks their tenth consecutive victory, solidifying their status as a dominant force in black college football.
The festivities will commence at 4:00 p.m. with a Celebration Kickoff at City Hall. Following this, a Pep Rally will be held at 5:00 p.m., at the iconic “Welcome to Jackson” mural at State and Pearl Street. The event will feature performances by the JSU and JPS Cheerleaders, Sonny THEE Tiger, the Baby Tigers, and other special guest. The Championship Parade will take place at 6:00 p.m., starting at State Street, proceeding to Capitol Street. The parade will then continue along West Street before looping back to Pascagoula Street.
The celebration concludes with the Celebration Stage event at 7:00 p.m. at the “Welcome to Jackson” mural. This event will feature inspiring remarks from Coach Taylor, Vice President and Athletic Director Ashley Robinson, JSU President Marcus L. Thompson, standout players, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and more.
This event, organized in partnership with the City of Jackson, is free and open to the public.