For Culture: Celebrating Black Pride and Heritage at HBCU Homecomings

For Culture: Celebrating Black Pride and Heritage at HBCU Homecomings

“About this time every year, the leaves begin to fall, the air begins to cool, and group chatter begins to buzz with exciting plans to return home. Home of the place that went was established to raise you, teach you and welcome you with open arms.” Sudria Twyman, Spelman College

I remember my first homecoming experience at Morgan State University vividly. I had just turned 18 and had no idea what to expect as I entered the homecoming tradition of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). However, I wanted to support my cousin who had spent months practicing the Magnificent Marching Machine flag of the Morgan State. Band drums, brass bands and majorette dances filled the streets as I watched my cousin perform with his flag band. I could feel the sound of the music pounding in my chest, and being part of the crowd felt contagious.

Homecoming is full of fun celebrations celebrating the school’s heritage and pride with Black joy dolls mixed in between. Each school celebrates in a different way but with related themes. National Museum of African American History and Culture defines Homecoming as having highlights: Tailgating, The Step Show, The Yard, and Halftime Show. It serves as a safe space for Black students to showcase their talents and show support for their fellow students.

“At the risk of ranting, my favorite part of Homecoming was always Yardfest. The concerts were incomparable, even if they were sometimes chaotic (looking at you, Aubrey Graham). That you were almost always guaranteed to wait 30 minutes for the food, but you didn’t mind because you knew how good it would be. But the best part for me, was the cross the Yard and run into your freshman year roommate, or a classmate you used to know over a professor you both disliked, or a new friend finished last year but left ” Victoria Wright-Mosby, Howard University

HBCUs have been places of action that serve as safe spaces for Black youth and adults to connect academically. Morgan State University, Howard University, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T, Fisk University, Morehouse, Spelman and 100 other HBCUs in this country were founded before 1964 with the primary goal of providing Black Americans with an education value.

After the US Civil War, the Freedmen’s Bureau, along with various churches and organizations, helped establish educational institutions for Black students. Black students faced racism and were systematically barred, especially in the early Confederate states. HBCUs have created the Homecoming season to provide places for students and alumni to celebrate and show pride in the school.

HBCUs have produced many Black professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, teachers and engineers, while creating space for their students’ leadership and community service. Especially for Black women, prominent students like Kamala Harris, Toni Morrison and Ella Baker have all helped break down gender barriers in politics, education and the arts.

“Homecoming for HBCU alums is often one of the only events where we can bring our Black identity and immerse ourselves in a culture that is often imitated, but not copied. It’s an opportunity to reconnecting with our institution, recounting our history, and celebrating our success. It’s a magical place where you can see someone you haven’t connected with in years, and suddenly it feels like nothing. past. It’s also a marathon, not a sprint (especially as you get older) – so stay hydrated!” Sudria Twyman, Spelman College

Homecoming helps students and alumni feel validated and celebrate Black culture at their HBCUs. Representation is important to Black students, especially Black women and girls in school. Our report, “Keep Him Safe: Putting Black Girls at Risk for School Safety,” highlights the importance of Black girls and women feeling safe and represented in schools. Co-authors and students said they wanted a sense of community in middle and high school, and these feelings could carry over into higher education. Building identity and community in high school can be challenging for Black students in K-12 schools who may feel isolated or lack representation and support from teachers and staff. Police brutality, racial prejudice, and sexism create an environment in which Black girls feel insecure and supported.

Many black films and television shows from “School Daze”, “Drumline’s” famous drum station, “Stomp The Yard” step competition, and “A Different World”. Some of your favorite celebrities and lawmakers have graduated from HBCUs and have been spotted enjoying homecoming celebrations.

HBCU homecomings also inspired Beyonce’s (and only) 2018 Coachella performance and live album, “Homecoming.” Her performance reflected the Black Homecoming experience with her marching band, stomping, big songs, and traditional call and responses with the audience. Yes, in case you’re wondering, I’m listening to his album as I write this. There’s something magical about hearing the band version of “Everybody Mad” by OT Genasis.

Every time I think about His Coming, I can’t help but go back to feeling proud when I see my older cousin smiling as she waves her flag to the music, passing the crowd like that by many who had come before him in the past decades. This moment of pride goes beyond my cousin’s performance – it speaks to the legacy, resilience, and joy that has promised Black communities for generations. As HBCUs continue to grow, these traditions remain a powerful source of pride, connection, and celebration.