DeShon Parker celebrates at the 2023 Classic for Columbus Celebrity All-Star Game.Credit: Anthony Brown
The Classic for Columbus Celebrity All-Star Game is poised for even more success.
Classics for Columbus is a local nonprofit organization that aims to “promote education, economic development, and diversity while raising funds for scholarships and higher education institutions,” the report states. has been done. Website. The organization’s All-Star Game will be held Saturday at the Schottenstein Center and will pit top basketball players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) against notable players from various Ohio universities.
“It’s hard to keep people in their seats,” Classic for Columbus CEO John Pace said. “This is truly a slam-and-jam extravaganza, and the ball skills are just incredible.”
In addition, the day will consist of a variety of events, including musical acts, a showcase of HBCU bands, and a long-standing Black Greek life tradition, “Divine 9 Steps and Strolls.”
Pace said serving the community has always been the nonprofit’s main goal.
“We believe that education is a path to upward mobility,” Pace said. “We believe strongly in this and believe that education should be part of everything we do in life, including sport, entertainment and culture.”
Although the festivities are centered around gaming, other forms of entertainment should not be left out of recognition, Pace said. In particular, his two main stages will be held showcasing artists with R&B and gospel backgrounds.
“We have R&B performers on one stage, but we have a national act called Pleasure P who is a really popular, well-known, iconic figure,” Pace said. “And he will be performing a tribute to the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s with The Conspiracy Band. And at the same time, he will be performing a tribute to the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s with The Conspiracy Band.” We have set up a pavilion that will give you rations.”
Pace said such a variety of entertainment helps bring people from all kinds of communities together, especially those living in marginalized communities.
“For some of them, it’s the first time they’ve been outside their neighborhood,” Pace said. “But if we can get them there and they can see people and hear stories and be exposed to people who look like them and have achieved, it’s just a life-changing experience. It’s an experience.”
Joe Bryant Jr. takes on Deshon Parker at the 2023 Classic for Columbus Celebrity All-Star Game Credit: Anthony Brown
The 18K Initiative, one of Classic for Columbus’ major initiatives, reflects the organization’s plan to reach 18,000 All-Star Game attendees by 2026. Pace said the nonprofit is currently about halfway to its goal. Still, he’s excited about the future.
“We will also donate $1.5 million in scholarships and support to historically black colleges and universities and other colleges and organizations,” Pace said.
Dyzon Cox, chief engagement officer for Classics for Columbus and a second-year political science student at The Ohio State University, said the organization has taken some brand new steps to ensure an even broader audience for its events. said. For example, Ohio State University students can purchase tickets at a discounted price of $15.
“I also assembled a group of young influencers who are student influencers and small business owners,” Cox said. “We were able to meet with other stakeholders, including some elected officials, to see how we can reach young people.”
Cox’s drive to give back stems from his checkered upbringing, he said.
“I like the feeling of being able to help people and give back, especially from where I come from,” Cox said. “I don’t usually see kids having the resources and platform to do the kind of work that I do.”
Cox said he wants attendees to appreciate Columbus’ rich community and remember why they party.
“What I want everyone to leave Schottenstein Center with is… [Saturday] “Purchasing a ticket provides the knowledge that education is now possible for families and students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to receive an education,” Pace said.
For more information about the All-Star Game, including ticket prices and related events, visit Classic for Columbus. Website.
