An HBCU homecoming is best described as a giant family reunion, with students and alumni all coming together to celebrate their pride and joy for their beloved institutions. This year was no different, as school spirit was on ten with everyone participating in homecoming favorites like tailgating, the pep rally, the parade, the big game, the step show, and of course the various parties throughout the week. There truly is nothing like an HBCU homecoming, and all the excitement and Black joy that comes with it.
Although the best time of the year has come and gone, that doesn’t mean the celebration has to stop. With some schools seeing their first homecoming in two years since the pandemic, this year has certainly been one for the books. From Drake surprising everyone and performing at Spelhouse, to North Carolina A&T’s self-proclaimed ‘Greatest Homecoming on Earth,’ there were so many memorable moments this season. With so many moments to choose from, we want to know who you think takes the top spot for best homecoming?
Which HBCU will win this year?
Looks like the people have spoken.
1. North Carolina A&T State University
It looks like they don’t call North Carolina A&T’s homecoming the “Greatest Homecoming on Earth” for nothing as it’s taken the top spot this year. This was the first time in two years that homecoming returned without any COVID restrictions and Aggie pride was in full effect. They started the week off with a beautiful Mardi Gras-themed Coronation for Miss and Mister A&T. The homecoming football game and concert were both sold out as alum and students packed the stadium. The Aggies successfully won the game after a historic 18-point comeback and the halftime show featured a surprise appearance from Chloe Bailey, who performed alongside the Golden Delight dancers. The homecoming concert featured electrifying performances by Chloe Bailey, Glorilla, Lil Baby, and Nardo Wick. The week closed out with the gospel concert featuring Tye Tribbett, Le’Andria Johnson, and the N.C. A&T Gospel Choir featuring Victor Solomon.
2. North Carolina Central University
NCCU’s “The Ultimate Homecoming Experience” is the runner-up for top homecoming this year. The Ultimate Gospel Concert kicked off the week of events, with a powerful night of praise and worship featuring Grammy-nominated artists Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Kierra Sheard. The week continued with Miss and Mister NCCU Royal Coronation, The Ultimate Talent show, Drag Show, and an old-school greek stroll off. At the all-class reunion dinner, The Class of 1972 presented a check for $283,629 to the school and were inducted into the Society of Golden Eagles during the Founders Day Convocation. They finished up the week with the homecoming game where the Eagles took the big win from Howard with a score of 50-21.
3. Tuskegee University
Coming in third place is Tuskegee, who celebrated their homecoming in person for the first time in nearly two years, with the fitting theme, “The Golden Tigers Returning to TU in 2022.” The week-long series of events started with the annual Gospel Explosion on Sunday and ended with the homecoming convocation, where TU alum and mayor of Jackson, Mississippi Chokwe Antar Lumumba served as the Grand Marshal and speaker. The week consisted of exciting events like the AUX Cord Wars Live, the Rave Revue Fashion Show, the Block Party, and the Alumni Affairs Black Party. The week was amplified by The Tuskegee Golden Tigers winning the homecoming game against the Miles College Golden Bears.
4. Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View hosted its first fully in-person homecoming since 2019 this year, with the theme “Back in Stride Again.” The week was full of exciting events, starting with the Gospel Fest, headlined by award-winning singer Brian Courtney Wilson. Other exciting events included Kicks & Conversations, the Silent Headphone Party, the first Super Hump Day in three years, and the Royal Coronation. During the week, PVAMU took over 97.9 The Box for three hours and crowned President Ruth J. Simmons as the first *and only* Honorary Miss Prairie View A&M University. The sold-out homecoming concert included performances by Mariah the Scientist and Young Nudy, and the Panthers came out victorious in the big game against Bethune-Cookman, with a score of 58-48.
5. Howard University
Howard’s homecoming theme this year was “The Meccaverse,” which “celebrated the multiverse that is Howard University while honoring the many sons and daughters who have come to the Mecca for training and matriculate as superheroes.” This year was entirely in person, shifting from the virtual celebrations of the past two years. Students, alumni, staff, and visitors packed out the campus for several entertaining events, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, the Greek Life Step Show, the Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert. The week was complete with the Bison’s win against the Delaware State Hornets with a score of 35 -17.
