We celebrate homecoming season—the time when students, alumni and friends catch up and party in style. Check out ten of this year’s hottest events and share your best memories.
Main Event: Delaware State University vs. Morgan State University
Date: 10/24/2009
Football is just a small part of the homecoming experience at Black colleges. As Maryland college Morgan State heads to Delaware, many attendees are most excited for Musiq to perform and the Divine Nine to battle in the step show.
Main Event: Grambling State University vs. Mississippi Valley State University
Date: 10/31/2009
Halftime is definitely game time for Grambling. Though homecoming halftime shows give way to the newly crowned school kings and queens, the bands are a big part of the festivities. In Louisiana, Grambling’s festivities include an 80’s fashion show, snow cone social, a step show and hip-hop showcase featuring Rick Ross.
Main Event: Howard University vs. North Carolina A&T State University
Date: 10/24/2009
Ludacris said it best: Make sure you don’t miss the homecoming at Howard. The capstone of Black education is as famous for its celeb grads as it is for it’s hot homecoming. This year alumna and actress Taraji P. Henson serves as grand marshal of the annual party.
Main Event: Benedict College vs. Fort Valley State University
Date: 10/24/2009
This South Carolina school may be small in size, but the students and graduates are big in heart. After battling Fort Valley on the field, Benedict will flashback in time with a concert featuring The Delfonics. Love, peace and strollllll.
Main Event: Florida A&M University vs. Norfolk State University
Date: 10/24/2009
Graduates of FAMU carry their rattler pride for life, and are ready to battle Norfolk on the football field. Win or lose, the after-parties will be hot, as Jazmine Sullivan and Fabolous travel to Florida to join the fun.
Main Event: Morehouse and Spelman Colleges vs. Clark Atlanta University
Date: 10/24/2009
You just can’t talk about college homecomings without mentioning Morehouse, Clark Atlanta and Spelman. For 2009, Spelman will celebrate with a tea and gospel brunch while Morehouse keeps things poppin’ with a neosoul concert and hip-hop jam. With a collective alumni roster that includes Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Marian Wright Edelman and Pearl Cleage, the excitement will surely be nonstop.
Main Event: Hampton University vs. South Carolina State
Date: 10/24/2009
Those mighty Pirates of Hampton bring out alumni from across the globe (notables include everyone from scholar Booker T. Washington to comedic actress Wanda Sykes), and 2009 will be no exception. This year, highlights include a jazz brunch featuring Bob Ransom, a spirit-filled gospel concert and a celebrity basketball game.
Main Event: Fort Valley State University vs. Kentucky State University
Date: 10/31/2009
Nestled in the middle of Georgia’s Peach Country is Fort Valley State University, home of the fighting Wildcats and a rich history over 100 years old. Soul singer Clarence Carter helps to set off a weekend of jam-packed fun.
Main Event: Bethune-Cookman University vs. Winston-Salem State University
Date: 10/24/2009
Droves will head to the Sunshine State this weekend to witness an all-out duel between the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman and the Rams of Winston-Salem State. One recent BSU halftime show spectator revealed, “It was so riveting, I couldn’t move from my seat during the entire show! The arrangements and performances were outstanding.”
Main Event: Alabama State University vs. Tuskegee University
Date: 11/26/2009
The 86th Annual Turkey Day Classic will be a homecoming throwdown for the Hornets of Alabama State this year. With a plethora of tailgating parties, fashion shows, concerts and step shows, this is one southern soiree you don’t want to miss. Don’t be tardy for this party!
You don’t have to be a distinguished alum of an HBCU or even a college graduate to enjoy the tradition and talent of these and other homecoming celebrations. Investigate what homecoming events are taking place in your area over the next couple of weeks and grab the girls, your beau or even the kids for fun, fun and more fun!
What are your favorite homecoming memories? Share with us below.
