Each and every year, thousands of Howard University students, graduates and staffers are joined by Washington, D.C. residents for a series of homecoming celebrations. As one of the biggest events in the nation's capital, Howard University homecoming has attracted everyone from the Notorious B.I.G to Drake over the years. This year, there may be fewer notable names due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the ongoing challenge that the COVID-19 pandemic presents, the historically Black university has made arrangements for a fashion show, step show and of course, Yardfest. Not to mention, the Bison will look to extend their two-game winning streak against Norfolk State University on the football field.
While many will celebrate throughout the weekend, it would be irresponsible to mention Howard University's homecoming without noting the ongoing protest movement on campus. For nearly two weeks, a group of students has staged a sit-in at the Armour J. Blackburn University Center. Undergraduate students have brought attention to poor living conditions across campus that includes accusations of mold in dorms and roaches in cafeterias.
“This isn’t how we should be treated by our university. Howard University is supposed to be illustrious," protester Tia-Andrea Scott told Black Enterprise.
“But when it comes to protecting the people that are here, and Black issues, clearly [school administrators are] not meeting us…unless media presence or unless everyone is watching.”
Progress toward a resolution that will benefit many of the young leaders that will emerge from Howard University remains slow. Still, the school has committed to hosting a homecoming celebration as previously scheduled. Here are a few events that "The Mecca" has put together this weekend.
Greek Step Show
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: October 21, 2021
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Attendance: Students (In-Person), Alumni (Virtual)
Description: This annual showstopper features the University’s Divine Nine and other student organizations showing off their creativity and showmanship through step.
Lucy Diggs Slowe Street Naming Ceremony
Time: All Day
Date: October 22, 2021
Location: 4th Street NW/College Street NW/The Lower Valley
Attendance: Students (In-Person), Alumni (In-Person)
Description: As the first female dean of women at Howard and a founder of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Lucy Diggs Slowe was a pioneer in shaping educational reform for women of color. In her honor, a street naming ceremony will be held.
HU Ideas Symposia
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Date: October 22, 2021
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Attendance: Students (In-Person), Alumni (Virtual)
Description: Collaborate with thinkers from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds and harness collective energy to discover solutions to society’s greatest challenges.
Yard Fest Concert
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Cranton Auditorium
Attendance: Limited In-Person
Description: Continue the cherished tradition of Yardfest as it continues to reinvigorate Homecoming with a live stage, featuring a diverse range of top-tier artists and entertainment that reflects the Howard diaspora. Held in Cramton Auditorium this year, Yardfest will have limited capacity, so tickets are required.
Day Of Service
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Date: October 23, 2021
Location: The Yard (Howard University's Campus)
Attendance: Students (In-Person)
Description: Thousands of Howard students take on several projects across the Washington, DC area to strengthen, uplift, and renew local communities
State Of The University Address
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Date: October 23, 2021
Location: Livestream
Attendance: Students (Virtual), Alumni (Virtual)
Description: Hear from Dr. Frederick as he shares successes, updates, and direction of the university.
Football Game
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Date: October 23, 2021
Location: Greene Stadium
Attendance: Students (In-Person), Alumni (In-Person)
Description: Watch as the Howard Bison take on the Norfolk State Spartans during the 2021 Homecoming game.
Children’s Africana Book Awards (CABA) Meet the Illustrator
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Date: October 23, 2021
Location: Livestream
Attendance: Students (Virtual), Alumni (Virtual)
Description: Children’s Africana Book Awards (CABA) Meet the Illustrator
Fashion Show
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: October 23, 2021
Location: Cramton Auditorium
Attendance: Students (In-Person), Alumni (Virtual)
Description: Experience the latest in fashion inspired by Howard University and other designers. This annual staple is powered by Howard students who define style.
Party On The Yard
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Date: October 23, 2021
Location: Livestream
Attendance: Students (Virtual), Alumni (Virtual)
Description: "Party on the Yard: A Virtual Experience" features an assortment of entertainment.
Call To Chapel
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Date: October 24, 2021
Location: Main Yard (Howard University's Campus)
Attendance: Students (In-Person)
Description: Close Homecoming week with worship, meditation, and thankfulness for camaraderie and fellowship with alumni and friends, while looking forward with anticipation to next year’s annual gathering.
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