"The Ultimate Homecoming - An Opinion Piece."

Sey
Nov 2, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Nov 3, 2022

Homecoming is defined as "the return of a group of people usually on a special occasion to a place formerly frequented or regarded as home" (Webster). In today's culture, it is used to celebrate boys and girls club, high school, and college football games. It's the celebration of returning to a place that has shaped you into who you are today. However, Homecoming for HBCU students is a little more unique and is always #TheMove.

Homecoming season is hereeeee and this week's stop for myself is the illustrious campus of North Carolina Central University (NCCU). For those unaware, most HBCU Homecomings are packed with events from Sunday bringing Homecoming in to Sunday closing the festivities out. Oh! Don't forget all the after parties. Events such as concerts, step shows, and of course a huge tailgate are just a few things students have to look forward to.

This week at NCCU some of the events students can expect are a crowning coronation for campus royalty, a gospel concert featuring Kierra Sheard and Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, a talent show, late night breakfast, gym jam, and a hip hop concert featuring Young Nudy-Travis Porter-Stunna 4 Vegas (NCCU SAB).

"Homecoming is like a huge family reunion where you celebrate old memories and create new ones with the ones you love," NCCU Senior Simone Edmundson said.

"Most importantly, it's a moment to embrace and celebrate our Black excellence and pour into the next generation of African American success."

NCCU isn't the only university with lit events this week. Some other HBCU's that started Homecoming on Sunday consist of Tuskegee University (AL), Edwards Waters College (FL), Bethune-Cookman University(FL), and Grambling State University (LA). They too have events packed the whole week that you can reference here:

TU: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj0oXI4gD3N/

EWC: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci3ekQ3p4ua/

BCU: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj8G80QOcuc/

Grambling: https://gram.edu/homecoming/

You better believe the tailgate and football game are going to be a move too.

Another huge part of Homecoming, is connecting and fellowshipping with alumni. It's such a fulfilling experience to bond with someone who has similar experiences to yourself. Homecoming is that feeling times 10. Meeting individuals that took the same courses, walked the same paths, ate in the same cafeteria, struggled the same as you a few years or even decades ago is truly remarkable.

"It's a time for Black students and alumni to embrace their culture and who they are along with seeing success and the pride that comes with HBCUs", said Hampton University senior, Jordyn Broadnax.

Most HBCU's, as well as institutions in general, have specific traditions reserved for Homecoming. At NCCU, my favorites were always the countdown that kicked Homecoming off, the day parties, the parade, and step show. Can you think of any traditions you liked? Are you wishing you could attend some of these events? Don't worry Homecoming isn't over.