Mississippi’s lawmakers paid homage to the hometown college football champions of its capital city, the Jackson State Tigers, with a resolution passed through the Senate this week ahead of a parade and other festivities Friday evening.
The title-winning Tigers were commemorated via Senate Continuing Resolution 507 after they defeated South Carolina State on December 14, 2024, clinching the program’s first Celebration Bowl victory since the annual game began in 2015. The postseason game sets the SWAC and MEAC champions against each other, serving as the de facto national championship for Historically Black Colleges and Universities who opt out of the FCS playoffs.
Sen. Sollie Norwood, D-Jackson, authored the resolution alongside Sen. Hillman Frazier, D-Jackson, Sen. Derrick Simmons, D-Greenville, Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, Sen. Joseph Thomas, D-Yazoo City, Sen. Bradford Blackmon, D-Canton, Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, and Sen. Jeremy England, R-Vancleave.
“We do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson State University Tigers Football Team and Head Coach TC Taylor for winning their first Celebration Bowl, for claiming the [HBCU] Championship, and for their outstanding 2024 season, and extend to the team, coaches, administration, and sponsors our best wishes for future success,” a portion of the resolution reads.
Friday’s festivities will get going at 4 p.m. at Jackson City Hall, where music, food vendors, and the Celebration Bowl Trophy will be available for fans to pictures with. A pep rally will then offer fans a chance to celebrate at 5 p.m., hosted by radio personality Chelle B, and will include performances by JSU cheerleaders and other guests.
The Championship Parade will start rolling at 6 p.m. beginning on State Street, proceeding along Capitol Street, West Street, and lopping back via Pascagoula Street. Finally, Taylor, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and other Jackson State leaders will take the stage at the “Welcome to Jackson” mural to speak to fans.
🚨Thee Parade of Champions🚨
January 17, 2025
Come join us for Thee Official After Party & Fundraiser at MBar. Hosted by T.C. Taylor 🔥
Official JSU Vendor will be on site! Raffle Items, Blue Carpet and an opportunity to have your photo taken with the Celebration Bowl Trophy!… pic.twitter.com/uwuCuDK7sJ
— Jackson State Football (@gojsutigersfb) December 31, 2024
The Celebration Bowl win was the Tigers’ first national title since 1996.
