The Divine Nine and Grand Basileus Ricky Lewis Shine at the 2025 Orange Blossom Classic
The 2025 Orange Blossom Classic returned to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sunday, August 31, bringing together thousands of supporters for a weekend filled with HBCU pride, Black excellence, and an unmistakable spirit of community.
The celebration began on Saturday, August 30, with a Welcome Reception and Kickoff Luncheon hosted by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert at Jungle Island. Actress and proud Howard alumna Wendy Raquel Robinson delivered the keynote, reflecting on her formative years at Howard University and the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation.
Game day carried that same energy. Over 22,000 fans from Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Howard University packed the stadium, decked out in orange and green or red and blue, enjoying pregame tailgates and a lively Fan Fest. The excitement was amplified by live performances from Major Nine and Ball Greezy, South Florida favorites who electrified the crowd with music that spoke to the heart of the community.
One of the weekend’s most memorable highlights came with “A Tribute to the Divine Nine: Honoring the Legacy. Celebrating the Leaders.” Presented by Bro. Reginald Leon (ΣΑ ’21), City of Miami Gardens Councilman, the celebration recognized the leaders of each of the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations, honoring their cultural impact and lifelong commitment to service. The shields of the Divine Nine illuminated the stadium, serving as a powerful backdrop for the historic gathering.
Among those honored was Bro. Ricky L. Lewis, the 42nd Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., who stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow international presidents representing Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, Iota Phi Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho. Bro. Lewis’ presence symbolized Omega’s continued leadership in service, education, and community uplift, ensuring the fraternity’s voice was strongly represented on this national stage.
Congresswoman Frederica Wilson attended and recognized Bro. Reginald Leon for his community leadership, ensuring his service was entered into the U.S. Congressional Record. She also announced $1.1 million in funding for the Miami-Dade National Pan-Hellenic Council, charging Divine Nine leaders to preserve and share Black history for generations to come.
When the football finally kicked off, the game lived up to the hype. In a tense defensive battle, Howard edged out FAMU 10–9, sending Bison fans into celebration mode after a nail-biting finish. The victory added another layer of history to the storied rivalry and capped off a weekend that blended culture, entertainment, and athletic competition.
For Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Orange Blossom Classic was a shining example of the fraternity’s mission—uplift through leadership and community impact. Bro. Ricky Lewis’s role in the Divine Nine tribute underscored Omega’s deep ties to education, culture, and service. And the leadership of Bro. Reginald Leon, who brought the Divine Nine together for this historic recognition, demonstrated the power of vision, collaboration, and civic responsibility.
The 2025 Orange Blossom Classic was more than just a football game—it was a celebration of heritage, unity, and the future of Black excellence. With the Divine Nine at center stage and Omega men like Bro. Ricky Lewis and Bro. Reginald Leon leading the charge, the event affirmed the power of history, culture, and community to inspire generations to come.
