Homecoming season is right around the corner, and The Root knows like anyone else that the place to be is on the campus of any Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Homecoming comes every year, but this year marks a special celebration for one of our beloved Black universities.
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Howard University— AKA “The Mecca”— is celebrating its centennial anniversary of their homecoming. We know Howard always does it big, so to commemorate such an iconic time, let’s take a look at the history and special moments from past Howard Homecomings.
HU Homecoming Turns 100
Every year, around 100,000 guests, students, alumni, and community members swarm to the Mecca to show out for homecoming. This year is expected to welcome even more visitors.
The FIRST ever Howard Homecoming
Can you believe Howard’s first homecoming was only a football game against Lincoln University? A hundred years later and homecoming means so much more to our culture.
Battle of the Bands Halftime Show
Sure football is great, but much like the Super Bowl, the homecoming halftime show is the best way to get the crowd on their feet.
Historic Relevance of Homecoming
Howard Homecoming played a major role in developing past civil rights and social justice movements. Activists and leaders like HU alumni Stokely Carmichael and Thurgood Marshall have spoken during past homecomings. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. even planned the March on Washington while dining at the Florida Ave Grill— a restaurant and Howard community staple.
Bring Out the Stars!
Ludacris, HU alumna Taraji P. Henson, and even DMX have made special appearances at Howard Homecoming.
Homecoming Fashion Show
In addition to athletics, homecoming has become a main stage for students to show off their talents. The annual fashion show is student organized and directed and never fails to disappoint. Just take a look at some of the student designers, and look those gorgeous models!
1998 Homecoming Yard
During the ‘90s, homecoming was strictly held indoors for six years straight. That all changed in 1998 when Howard brought homecoming back to its Yard!
Howard Setting Trends
Howard University is regarded as one of the first HBCUs to ever host a homecoming. Although it’s hard to pin point which college did it first, the oldest homecoming celebrations can be traced back to 1924.
2016 Greek Step Show
It wouldn’t be a HU Homecoming without the annual Greek Step Show.
2016 Greek Step Show
And the ladies know how to get down too!
Brands at Homecoming
Homecoming brings out the stars AND the big brands. Just to name a few, Neutrogena, Fenty Beauty, Jordan Brand, and Olay have all sponsored Howard Homecoming over the years.
Drake at Yardfest ‘12
Man, what a time to be alive!
The 93rd Annual Homecoming
In 2016, Howard hosted its Yardfest concert for the first time after a two-year hiatus. The 93rd Homecoming goes down as one of the best in Howard history, and the star studded line-up was one for the books. Performers included Common, Lil Uzi Vert, Faith Evans, Wale, Fabolous, and D.C. rapper Will Tha Rapper.
1970 Howard Parade
The highly anticipated Homecoming Parade typically kicks off a full day of festivities, including the infamous tailgate which leads up to the homecoming football game.
Even in the Rain…
You have to know a little rain would never stop a Howard function. Just throw up those umbrellas, and bring out the special guests!
Biggie on the Yard
Fresh off the release of Junior M.A.F.I.A’s debut album, Biggie and friends popped out on the Yard in 1995.
The Timeless Tailgate
You never know what trouble you’ll get into at the homecoming tailgate. Last year got so hectic that Howard suspended all the tailgate fun for this year’s 100th.
Bison Madness
Bison Madness is an annual rally officially beginning all homecoming festivities. From basketball scrimmages to merch giveaways, students will literally stand in line for hours just to witness the kick off event.
Howard University vs Norfolk State University in 2023
At the first ever homecoming game, Howard lost 31-0. But boy, how things have changed for the better. At last year’s homecoming game, the Bison secured a win (27-23) against Norfolk State University.
The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
If your looking for the Omegas during homecoming season, better believe you can find them strolling around The Sundial.
Throwback Parade Float
Homecoming marks the real beginning of fall at Howard University. These three ladies joined the Howard parade with a gorgeous float draped in greenery.
Swag Suffering With Stars
At no other college would you ever see Lori Harvey swag suffering with Terrence J and Mack Wilds.
Howard Alumni Spirit
The joke goes: if you meet a Howard grad for the first time, just give them five minutes before they tell you about “the Mecca.” With an alumni force as strong as Howard’s, it can’t be surprising to know they pull up in droves every year for homecoming.
High Schoolers Show Out!
Howard always invites local high schools to join in on the celebration. In 2019, Duke Ellington High School’s Radical Elite Show Band put on a head-turning show in the Valley.
HOCO 2023: Revival
In 2020, Howard University Homecoming was named “the most searched homecoming” by Google. More than four years later, and HU Homecoming is still living up to all of the hype.
Bow Wow and Chaka Khan
Now that’s a duo you couldn’t expect to see anywhere else.
Wale Music Video
Did you know Wale’s video for “Nike Boots” was filmed during Yardfest? The Washington, D.C. native took the stage at the 2008 Yardfest concert, and his performance was later turned into a music video.
Baby Bison on the Yard
When we say homecoming is a family event, we especially mean for the kiddos!
Keri Hilson and DC Young Fly
On the next episode of unexpected celebrity pairings…
Homecoming Queen
Howard Homecoming Queen competition in 1974
Alumni Know How to Party
Sure current students enjoy homecoming, but we know homecoming is really for the alumni! Plus, the word on the street is the grown folks’ parties are better than those on U Street.
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