Thurman W. Robins Ed.D.

In the era when segregation and Jim Crow laws ruled the land, The Turkey Day Classic was created. The event prospered from 1927 to 1966. Newspaper accounts describe the classic between Jack Yates and Phillis Wheatley High Schools as the largest annually attended schoolboy game in America. Fans came dressed to kill to witness the game and the glorious halftime activities. Marching bands, drill squads, and other performing groups gave eloquent entertaining performances during halftime. However, the crowning of the schools queens were the highlights of halftime. Game summaries, team lineups, and editorial comments by the author are presented.