I Spoke With HBCU Students And Alum And Here Are 22 Reasons Why HBCU Homecomings Are Top Tier
Fall season might be the beginning of sweater weather and pumpkin-flavored drinks, but it is also the season for homecomings. And I might be biased, but no one does a homecoming celebration like HBCUs.
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While no HBCU homecoming is the same, there is an art to ensuring you do it right! I wanted to share my experience and best practices, but I decided to recruit some of my fellow HBCU alum and current students to share how to have the best HBCU homecoming experience.
1.If you did not attend an HBCU, this is not the time for a history lesson.
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Look, I get it. You are impressed with the school's history and culture. However, as an alum, we do not want to, nor have time to, walk you through over a hundred years of cultural nuances and historic facts. Especially after a possible two- to three-year hiatus due to COVID-19. We just want to enjoy the festivities. Let's circle back the week after to answer all of your pressing questions about our beloved institution.
2.Our campuses are our homes. Step on the yard and take it all in.
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"It's a family. Make yourself at home, and you are sure to have a great time."
—Alexis Mitchell, Tuskegee University
3.Be open to old friends who want to catch up and hang out without notice for much longer than your usual day/night activities. If you have a partner, make sure they are aware of this possibility.
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"If your spouse is a complainer, keep them at home because homecoming can become very spare of the moment."
—Brand Richards, Tennessee State University
4.Staying on the theme of spouses: If they didn't attend school with you, make sure your communication is tight and be prepared to answer a ton of questions.
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"Introduce your spouse to everyone you remotely have a conversation with and [people] they don't know they need a back story [for]."
—Morgan Nichole Scott, Howard University
5.Homecoming is about fun, but it is also about fashion. Plan those outfits out ahead of time.
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"Relaxed + stylish is the way to go."
—Kwinetta Moore, North Carolina A&T University
6.Book those barber appointments.
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"First thing, make sure you pop out with a fresh cut. Plus, your outfit has to be fly and comfortable because you're gonna be walking all day."
—James Willingham, Jr., Clark Atlanta University
7.Remember when your parents would tell you to meet them in a specific spot by a certain time? That definitely applies in adulthood and especially at homecoming.
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"Have a meetup spot for when you get separated from your comrades (because it will happen)."
—Cam Mitchell, Morehouse College
8.Optimize your cell phone battery.
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I know taking pictures with old friends will be of prime importance. Most of us will spend the day creating reels and capturing moments for us to reflect on later. However, your cellphone battery is only so powerful. Close those apps after use, limit random scrolling, and bring a portable charger for extra support.
9.Millennials, we're still young. However, we have to navigate high-energy events a littler differently these days.
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"If you're over 30, choose to attend either the day party or the night party. You can't do both."
—Tayler James, Florida A&M University
10.Get some sleep in preparation.
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"Plan your naps accordingly."
—Dev A. White, Morehouse College
11.Planning is an art form. Don't half-way go about it.
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"Know the location of every event you're attending and get there early. Just in case, bring your own drink of choice. This is one of the major parts of planning."
—Perry Cleaver, Jackson State University
12.We do not shame people and their choice to take ownership of their body and their sexuality.
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"Do be a hoe. Don't be a hoe with just anyone."
—Bryant Edwards, Morehouse College
13.Go in, do your thing.
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"Get drunk. Don't be inappropriate, but definitely get wasted."
—Lawrence Sanford, Talladega College
14.And when you drink, there are only two cup options you need.
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"Get you a red or Styrofoam cup, and enjoy."
—Patrick Shelton, Texas A&M University
15.And if this is you, ridesharing should be in the budget.
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"Uber is your friend, ESPECIALLY if you’re drinking."
—Jayson Abraham, Morehouse College
16.Also, consume water!
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"Hydrate, for the love of Black Baby Jesus. Know your liquor limit."
—Samantha Darnell, Spelman College
17.You may want to eat before you get there, but there will be plenty of great food options once you arrive.
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"Wait in line for a fish sandwich. It’s worth it."
—Ashely Preston, North Carolina A&T University
18.Homecoming is about reconnecting, and there is a huge chance someone is going to approach you that you don't remember. Don't be rude.
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"Say hello to folk even if you don't remember their name or how you met."
—Rebel Renee, Spelman College
19.Navigate the crowd and keep it moving.
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"Mix and mingle, but keep it pushin'!"
—Andrew Butler, Tennessee State University
20.Don't be creepy and be self-aware.
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"If you’ve got to ask, 'Where's my hug at?' You were never intended to get one."
—Aiyisha Adams, North Carolina A&T University
21.Speaking of creeps, don't be the weird alum trying to go back to all of your old spaces currently occupied by current students.
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"Stop going in them babies' rooms cause you want to see/show your family your old space. We're coming out of a pandemic. Don't be that person."
—Chelsea Bailey, Spelman College
22.Last but not least, enjoy homecoming like it's your last one!
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"Rules? Ain't none. Go ALL OUT!!!"
—Tyrus Russell, Alabama State University
