The fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic initiated by the delta variant mutation that continues to batter American hospital systems is now impacting HBCU-related events.

On Monday, Montgomery, Alabama city officials announced that “due to the rise of COVID-19 activity” events associated with HBCU Classic Weekend are canceled. 

Due to the rise of #COVID19 activity in our region, all events/festivities at City facilities associated w/HBCU Classic Weekend are canceled. This WILL NOT affect actual football games. The Red Tails Classic & Labor Day Classic will proceed w/health & safety precautions in place. pic.twitter.com/kJ0sPpBoM3

— City of Montgomery (@CityofMGM) August 16, 2021

The Red Tails Classic and Labor Day Classic, however, will be played as scheduled with health and safety precautions in place, officials said.

Tuskegee and Fort Valley State are scheduled to play in the inaugural Red Tails Classic game at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery on Sept. 5, on ESPNU. The game honors Tuskegee Airmen who fought in World War II.

Alabama State will host Miles College on Saturday, Sept. 4 in the Labor Day Classic.

Also read: Tuskegee Airmen to be honored in Red Tails Classic featuring longtime SIAC rivals

The events affected by the cancellation include:

• The Glory on the Riverfront Gospel concert featuring Tye Tribbett
• Move Montgomery’s 5K Fun Run
• Night on the River featuring the Isley Brothers
• Downtown After Hours
• Capital City Battle of the Bands
• The Bama State Music Fest
• FanFest and any special zones/VIP areas at the games.

The situation in Alabama, as is across the country, is becoming dire. The Alabama Hospital Association reported that only two ICU beds were available in the state.

Data from the Alabama Department of Public Health showed that 2,631 people are being hospitalized for COVID-19 across the state, the highest since January.