This article was shared to News Star.

GRAMBLING — They will be on opposite sides of the Bayou Classic field for the annual competition, but Miss Southern A&M University Alacia Brew and Miss Grambling State University Rickenzie Johnikin are friends whose bond extends beyond rivalry.

The two have been best friends since 2005, when they met in their hometown of Farmerville, continuing their friendship through attendance at Union Parish High School. They participated in many activities together, including cheerleading, UACT, National Honor Society and more before graduating in 2016 and enrolling in their respective ideal universities.

Miss Grambling State University Rickenzie Johnikin and Miss Southern A&M University Alacia Brew grew up together as childhood friends in Farmerville. They’ll support opposite sides of a football rivalry this weekend at the Bayou Classic. (Photo: Courtesy)

“The Bayou Classic is such an important tradition in HBCU culture,” said Johnikin, a junior mass communications major. “Alacia and I always dreamed of being leaders at our respective universities and I’m proud that together we represent two of the greatest institutions in the state.”

Inspired by each of their father’s passions for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Brew and Johnikin, both sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., chose higher education at institutions with historically significant cultures. Being on opposite sides of a traditional HBCU face-off is only part of the adventure in their lifelong friendship and pursuit of success. Read more.