The best HBCU homecomings in the nation

06/25/2024 08:14 PM

We are t-minus 3 months away from every HBCU student, faculty, and alumni's favorite time of year, homecoming season. Homecoming is the time to celebrate the legacy and traditions of our institutions. It is also a time for alumni to return to their beloved alma maters. Every year, each year school vies for the title of best homecoming, but we're going to make it a bit easier and share our thoughts. Here are our picks for the best HBCU homecoming in the nation.

1. North Carolina A&T University (GHOE)

With the name GHOE, how could you not expect this homecoming to be the best? GHOE brings thousands of people each year to the campus of North Carolina A&T University. People travel near and far to experience the homecoming phenomenon that is GHOE. During this week at North Carolina A&T, we get a glimpse of what it truly means to have "Aggie Pride."

Like other HBCUs, GHOE is filled with events such as parades, concerts, parties, and, of course, the home game. GHOE is often known for getting some of the best performers for their homecoming concert. Some of hip-hop’s biggest stars, such as Cardi B, Drake, Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, and Lil Durk, have all graced the stage during homecoming. What makes GHOE one of the best homecomings in the nation is that it benefits not only the campus but the community of Greensboro as well. In 2021, GHOE had an estimated $10 million impact on the Greensboro local economy.

2. Howard University

We're not going to get into a debate about what school is "The Real HU," but we can say that Howard University has one of the best homecomings around. Over 20,000 people attended Howard's homecoming last year, including celebrity alumni such as Lance Gross. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., each year we see what makes people take that pilgrimage back to the Mecca.

Homecoming at Howard is not only a homecoming but a chance to take in all the things Black culture has to offer. From the music to the food to the art, homecoming at Howard is often described as the epitome of Black excellence. Not only during this homecoming do people get a chance to connect and feel a sense of community, but it also opens doors for new opportunities. Model Anok Yai was discovered at Howard's homecoming back in 2017. The photo of her went viral on social media. Since then, Yai has become an international supermodel and recently appeared at this year's Met Gala.

3. SpelHouse (Spelman and Morehouse)

We know that both of these schools have their own homecoming traditions, but as a collective, they sure know how to shine. They heard that Howard and A&T were being labeled as the best homecoming and said not on their watch. More than 30,000 attended SpelHouse's homecoming last year, and even more are expected to attend this year.

In recent years, what has made SpelHouse one of the best HBCU homecomings is their homecoming concert. In 2022, Drake made a surprise appearance at Spelhouse's homecoming concert alongside fellow rapper 21 Savage. The administration didn't ask him to perform; he came as a favor to his friend 21. We're not sure how another school could potentially top a surprise appearance from Drake. Last year's concert had performances from several artists, including Young Nudy, Offset, Lil Durk, and more. We can't wait to see who SpelHouse gets to grace the stage this year.

Honorable Mention: Virginia State University

Call it bias, but I couldn’t make a list of the best HBCU homecomings in the nation without showing love to my beloved alma mater, Virginia State University. I have been to a lot of homecomings over the years, but nothing feels better than attending the homecoming of the school you graduated from. I’ve had the pleasure of attending homecoming as both a student and an alumna, and each time it gets better.

What I love most about homecoming at Virginia State is the sense of family and community that flows through campus during that time. People that you don’t even know invite you to celebrate with them. From the fraternities and sororities to the older alumni and current students, everyone is one big happy family. My favorite homecoming experience has to be tailgating with a family who I assumed were just strangers, but after spending time with them, I learned that we were cousins! So if you want to attend a homecoming with great events and an even better atomophere, and don’t have to worry about people being standoffish… come to Virginia State!

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