Howard Homecoming 2021: A Complete List Of Events

Photo: Getty Images

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.

Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.


View Full Site