The series started in 1908 and is driven by several factors, which include the close proximity of the two Mid-Atlantic schools, the historically high academic standing of both these private institutions as Howard and Hampton are considered Black Ivy League universities and have student-alumni populations from similar backgrounds, and that the two schools have competed in the same athletic conferences for approximately a century.

[1] The rivalry resumed in 2019, with Hampton facing Howard on September 14 in the 22nd Annual Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field.

During his 2010 commencement address at Hampton, President Obama quipped, "Now, before we get started, I just want to say, I’m excited the Battle of the Real H.U.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attended the 2021 Football Game between Howard & Hampton.

[5] Vice President Harris is a Howard University Alum, Class of 1986.