Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) wait for the homecoming season all year. It’s one of those experiences where you would just have to see it for yourself to understand. People come from all over the country to attend homecomings, often weeks in a row. It’s all about having fun with friends, and reconnecting with old ones. It’s about the barbecues, the parties, the games, and unexpected unforgettable moments.
2020 homecomings were supposed to be epic. Some of us may have even picked our outfits already. But then COVID-19 hit, and everything changed. Most of us aren’t even allowed to be on campus anymore. Gatherings and sports games have been mostly cancelled. The college experience is not at all what it was just this time last year. This left us wondering, what next?
The HBCU Buzz team is here to tell you, homecoming season isn’t going anywhere! At HBCU Buzz we post a list of homecoming events every year, and this one is no different. Homecomings may look a little different, but if you know HBCUs, you know the party doesn’t stop. This is the first year we’re seeing virtual HBCU homecomings, but they’re actually pretty live!
“I predict virtual HBCU homecomings will be here to stay. They’ll become meshed into our post-COVID world,“ said Luke Lawal, founder of HBCU Buzz. “Don’t get me wrong next year students and alumni are going to flood the yard, BUT virtual programing may present unique opportunities in the future.”
A variety of schools and HBCU advocates, from YouTube to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, have stepped up to make sure HBCU homecomings don’t miss a beat. Even more celebrities have been joining in to make sure these events are no less memorable. You might be surprised just how creative these events are getting.
We had to put this list together so we could all join in and get our homecoming fix! Now you’ll be able to attend more homecomings than ever before!
Howard Homecoming
Howard University is known to throw an unforgettable homecoming every year. People travel from all over the world just to make sure they don’t miss it. But this year, from October 10-18, you can stay at home and still catch everything. With the theme “Advocacy,” Howard University’s Homecoming will be grounded with initiatives towards social justice, equity, and inclusivity. Events will even include a virtual Yard Fest with top-tier artists and entertainers, a racial justice symposium, and a gospel concert.
YouTube On the Yard
On October 24 at 8PM ET, YouTube is hosting a homecoming fundraiser event called HBCU Homecoming 2020:Meet Me On the Yard. The funds raised will be split evenly in donations to both the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). You can expect plenty of homecoming traditions, and of course, for it to be live-streamed on YouTube.
One Yard
The Urban One team is producing: One Yard the preeminent HBCU destination, giving you the best of Homecoming Season in one immersive experience from September 25-November 1 with celebrities like Lance Gross, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Kev On Stage, and more! The virtual events include Yard Fest, Sunday Brunch, Step Off, Battle of the Beats, and the Cookout.
Stomp Wars
Stomp Wars has created a virtual homecoming experience taking place from September 26- October 28. There will be discussions centered around financial literacy, sports and entertainment, and more! These panels will be moderated by TV and radio personality Rock-T. Some events will also feature HBCU cheerleaders, bands, D9 members, and majorette dancers.
Hallo Homecoming
From October 14-15, Hallo & Broccoli City teamed up to create a 2-day immersive digital experience. Attendees will be exposed to influential companies in the technology and media industries. Day 1 of Hallo Homecoming is for the HBCU creatives, like those in media, marketing, and design majors. Day 2 is for the innovators, like those in technology and finance majors.
Tuskegee University
For the Golden Tigers, Tuskegee University’s homecoming will be October 22-25. The traditional coronation of Mister and Miss Tuskegee will take place on Day 1 . The following events include a panel on recruiting students from legacy families, the Marching Crimson Piper Band, a rescreening of a TU football game, comedy show and step show.
Central State University
The homecoming theme for Central State University is “Innovation Is In Our DNA.” From October 15-17, this homecoming will be a chance to have campus tours, hear from 9th President Mr. Jack Thomas, enjoy some activities, and reconnect with students, alumni and staff.
Lincoln University
Lincoln University in Pennsylvania has homecoming events lasting from October 11-18. There will be an alumni silent auction and marketplace. You will have to stay tuned for everything else they have planned!
The HBCU Virtual Tailgate Series
Presented by Chevrolet, the HBCU Virtual Tailgate Series was created to virtually celebrate HBCU culture. It is hosted by Terrence J, and includes virtual performances, free food giveaways, weekly sports updates, and more. The series lasts for 5 Saturdays, starting October 10th and ending November 7th.
The BLK App
Friday October 9 and 4PM ET, the BLK app is having a very special one-day-only homecoming event. Known as the largest dating and lifestyle app for black singles, BLK has continued to bring our community together. Their first-ever HBCU Virtual Party Classic is more of a Verzuz-style battle between North Carolina A&T and Howard University. The largest public and the largest private HBCU will battle with DJs from both campuses. DJ Envy of The Breakfast Club radio show will host.
TMCF’s #RISE HC2K20 Concert
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund has a packed homecoming event on October 25th called #RISE HC2K20 Concert, which is an acronym for “Recognizing and Investing in Student Excellence.” With featured talents like Terrence J, 2Chainz, Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, T.I., Rapsody, Lil Baby, and Shaquille O’Neal, it’s sure to be a great celebration of our HBCUs! You can expect events like a Unity Step, HBCU Roll Call, Halftime Show, and Rap Cypher! We encourage you to RSVP asap at tm-cf.org/risersvphbcubuzz!
HBCU Virtual Homecoming
The Support Black Colleges clothing line has teamed up with Studio Ten85, a creative brand studio, to host their inaugural HBCU Virtual Homecoming. Over 5 days, from October 21-October 25, you’ll have plenty to watch. There will be virtual performances from 2Chainz, Ari Lennox, Jae Murphy, Mulatto, and more. There will also be a gospel concert Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and more. There will also be celebrity panels led by Chris Paul, Deion Sanders, Lena Waithe, and more.
Shaw University
With the virtual homecoming theme “Shaw U vs. Corona,” Shaw University is set to have a fun but safe virtual homecoming. From October 19-25, you can catch events like a worship service, movie drive-in, Versus dj battle, family reunion and more.
HBCU Battlegrounds
DTLR is hosting a homecoming event called HBCU Battlegrounds over two Sundays, October 18th and October 25th. Powered by 300 Entertainment, and co-sponsored by Cxmmunity, this event will include a Call of Duty Warzone Tournament and virtual career fair. It will be streaming live on YouTube and Twitch.
Langston University
“Pride United” is the theme for this year’s Homecoming 2020, a Virtual Celebration. From October 11-17, you can check into events like a virtual career fair, virtual 5K Run, NBA 2K21 eSports Finals competition, and more.
Saint Augustine’s University
Saint Augustine’s University virtual Blue and White Experience (BWE) is going live from October 18-24. SAU has plenty of events planned, including their homecoming game with limited spectator capacity on October 24th.
Full List
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