Alumni from all over the country come to celebrate their college years and update their classmates on what is going on.During Homecoming I’m reunited with alum that was seniors when I was a freshman. I get to learn about what my professors were like as students. As a Morehouse student, it is inspiring seeing all the Morehouse men talk about their glory days and how they inquire about what my plans are. For me, that innate bond that I have with Morehouse men make homecoming extra special.
Honestly, there are many parts of Homecoming that make it special but here are the five things I’m looking forward to most at this year’s Spelhouse homecoming below.
The Spelhouse Homecoming Fashion Show
Every year in the AUC around the last week of September I begin to see flyers around campus about a model call. Every so often I will see a group of good looking men and women all dressed in t-shirts and jeans walking in a straight line. All of the practice and preliminaries seem strenuous until you see the final product that is the Spelhouse Homecoming Fashion Show.
During this fashion show, I get to see my colleagues and peers express themselves in a way that I don’t get to see on campus regularly. Everyone has on exotic costumes, makeup, and hair, all of which are created by students. The Fashion show is a production that showcases pure creativity and artistic expression of students.
It is one of my favorite parts of Homecoming.
The Greek Step Show
Growing up I always watched movies like Stomp the Yard, and School Daze which showcased Greek life on college campuses. The Greek Step show during homecoming is the pinnacle of Greek life performance. The AUC allows men and women from all three schools to get their best steppers and dancers together to compete in a full-on Step production.
Every year I have been able to attend the Step Show and witness a phenomenal show being put on by the HBCU students in the AUC. It is one of the most anticipated productions of the year.
The Hip-Hop Concert
Every year during Spelhouse Homecoming there is a Hip-Hop concert. One year we had Future, another year the Migos and most recently we had HBCU alum, Wale. I have been to many concerts in my life and must say that I have never been to a concert that has a more lit crowd than that of an HBCU Hip-Hop show.
The Hip-Hop concert is a fun, safe and exciting concert where we all come together and enjoy a good Hip-Hop show. Usually, during the concert, there will be a moment where we indulge in the spiritual experience that is Swag Surfin’ and get loose to “Before I Let You Go” another HBCU favorite. The Hip Hop concert is a moment of culture, music, and blackness, another highlight of Homecoming I can’t wait to experience.
The Artists
HBCU homecomings are always a hot-spot for indie and up-coming acts of all different genres to perform for audiences and build a fanbase. The Neo-Soul concert is a prime example of that. During this concert, the opening of the show is usually done by a student looking to express themselves and gain clout for their music ability. After the opening act, there is an R&B performer that will come and serenade the campus with a medley of their hits.
One year I got to hear Elle Varner perform at the Neo-Soul concert. She was so moved by the love from the crowd that she began grabbing phones from the audience and snap chatting herself singing. It was a moment to see. Every year I pray that we can get Beyoncé to headline the Neo-Soul concert. Hopefully one day she will be our Neo-Soul performer. Nonetheless, I’m very excited for the Neo-Soul concert and anxious to see who Spelhouse will host this year as our performer.
Football Game Tailgate
Saving the best for last, football game tailgate. The tailgate experience is the pinnacle of Spelhouse Coming. This is the day that intersects all the aspects of homecoming. Tents infiltrate the campus as alumni hosts Tailgate parties. Each tent usually has an open bar, BBQ catering, and family and friends. Thousands of people attend this event. You smell the grilled food in the air and feel the love that is Spelhouse. This moment is the perfect time to interact with alumni and be family. It is my absolute favorite part of homecoming.
