101 Magazine: The 2021 Homecoming Special

HOMECOMING EDITION

MAGAZINE

COMING HOME? OCTOBER 2021

CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

3

A NEW CELEBRATION

5

HOMECOMING: BEYONCE'S INFLUENCE

9

HOMECOMING IS...

11

GO BIG OR GO VIRTUAL

15

WE LIKE TO PARTY!

18

THE EFFICACY OF VIRTUAL EVENTS WHEN HOME DOESN'T FEEL LIKE HOME

22 24

THE HOMECOMING SPECIAL

COMING HOME

Editor's Note

Happy Homecoming and welcome to a special

edition of 101 Magazine! The team and I have been working so hard to create a meaningful publication for you all, despite the circumstances of this year.

Homecoming is a meaningful time for many schools across country. A time for celebration, for good food and drink, a time for family! Living in a COVID-19 world has changed how we view so many events in today's world, but if nothing it has taught us a million ways to pivot. Including the events currently happening on campus. As we enjoy this week, we must remember our peers who are fighting to create a better space for us, and those after us. While it may not be business as

Photo Credit: Howard U Cam

usual, the show MUST go on and I am learning to enjoy Homecoming just as it is given to me. Until we meet on the Yard again, I will be loudly and proudly singing "We Like to Party" by Beyonce, because with or without the Homecoming festivities, we will be celebrating as Howard students, parents, faculty and alumni love to do!

BRIA SCOTT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PAGE 3 • COMING HOME?

The 101 Staff Bria Scott EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ahnayah Hughes Bria Scott CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Kayla Algee AUDIO PRODUCER

Nyah Marshall CHIEF OF CORRESPONDENTS

Maxie Harrington Nyah Hardmon WEB EDITORS

Chanel Cain, Karla Dozier, Ahnayah Hughes, Sarah Jones-Smith, Taniyah Keve, Aja Shabazz, Isaac Welch, Courtney Williams, Desiree Williams-Hines STAFF WRITERS

Eden Ann Anderson, Braxton Babb, Janae Bradford, Gregory Coleman, Nicole Felton, Ianna Fenton, Maxie Harrington, Shianne Knight, Nyah Marshall, Mia Westley, Trevonae Williams COPY EDITORS

Yanick Rice Lamb PROFESSOR AND FOUNDER

Ingrid Sturgis ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND CHAIR

Jami Ramberan ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND ASSISTANT CHAIR

Gracie Lawson-Borders, Ph.D. DEAN

Tia Tyree, Ph.D. INTERIM ASSOCIATE DEAN

HOWARD UNIVERSITY Cathy Hughes School of Communications Department of Media, Journalism and Film 300 Bryant St. NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 806-7927

101 Magazine 101magazine.net 101magonline@gmail.com

Copyright © 2021

PAGE 4 • COMING HOME?

A NEW CELEBRATION

BY DESIREÉ WILLIAMS-CHIN Howard University welcomed students back on campus this fall after two and a half semesters online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The university hosted freshman week and other events on campus that introduced the youngest Bison to the excitement of the Mecca. But one activity everyone else will miss this year is Howard Homecoming.

Howard sent an email to the student body on July 30, announcing that the 2021 homecoming will be held in person from Oct. 16 to 24.

Although on Sept. 10, the university sent another email stating: "While we planned for a fully in-person homecoming, we must remain vigilant to the changing health conditions due to COVID-19.

Therefore, we have decided that homecoming will be hybrid this year.” Unable to experience this historical homecoming in person left many students and alumni devastated.

This announcement came after the uptick in COVID-19 cases among vaccinated and unvaccinated people and the new highly contagious delta variant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, large gatherings should be avoided considering the risk of spreading the virus at an exponential rate.

Howard Homecoming has been a staple in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities community for decades. Even in the entertainment industry, rappers and singers craze over the excitement of Howard Homecoming. Late rapper Notorious B.I.G. even mentioned this notorious homecoming in his song “Kick In the Door.” One verse says, “may see me in D.C at Howard Homecoming.”

One thing that sets Howard’s homecoming apart from the other HBCUs is Yardfest, a concert that features some of the hottest entertainers in the music industry. The last in-person homecoming in 2019 featured Da Baby, Saweetie, and Kanye West.

Howard Homecoming is not the only HBCU homecoming that will not be returning in person this year. Morehouse College in Atlanta, and its surrounding schools, Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College, also announced that they will not be having an in-person homecoming. A letter was sent to the student body on Sept. 3, stating that most in-person homecoming events, like tailgate, will not be held. Spelman and Clark Atlanta sent their cancellation announcement days later.

PAGE 5 • COMING HOME?

I AM A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED SINCE THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN MY FIRST HOMECOMING AS AN ALUMNA.

PAGE 6 • COMING HOME?

A NEW CELEBRATION Continued from page 5.

Miles Johnson, a junior communications major at Morehouse, said that the college will still have some in-person events for the students. "This is a great consolation prize for homecoming being canceled,” Johnson said

While homecoming at some HBCU’s is canceled, others are not. Universities like Grambling State in Louisiana, Florida A&M in Tallahassee and Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, are still hosting in-person homecomings for students and alum.

Homecoming is not only an exciting event for students, but it is also a time when alumni come together to celebrate their colleges.

Jasmine Franklin, a senior communications major at Grambling State, said that she is really excited about homecoming at the university.

“I am a little disappointed since this would have been my first homecoming as an alumna,” said Desiree Parker, who graduated from Howard in spring 2021.

Franklin explained that Grambling is requiring a vaccination card or a negative COVID-19 test to enter into the football game and tailgate. The university stated that while masks are not a requirement, they are encouraged for outdoor events.

However, the university does require masks for indoor events.

Parker also said it is odd that the football game will still be able to resume considering the historically large crowds.

Though Parker has some frustrations, she said that she is excited to see what other Bison alumni come up with “to keep that homecoming spirit alive.”

One Morehouse alumnus took to social media to express his excitement about homecoming at his alma mater, stating that he is bringing homecoming to his home. He posted pictures of himself decked out in Morehouse swag, sitting in front of a gigantic plate of seemingly delicious tailgate food for him and his family as they prepare to watch the football game.

“I don’t think they will be enforced,” Franklin said.

Many HBCUs like Howard are minimizing the footprint on their campuses by inviting only students to homecoming. They are also mandating vaccines and weekly COVID-19 testing. The cancellation of homecoming was another one of these efforts to keep students, faculty and staff safe in hopes of a traditional homecoming next time around.

PAGE 7 • COMING HOME?

Homecoming Memories

A group of Homecoming Day of Service participants standing outside of Martha's Table, a non-profit organization that provides education and nutrition services.

Credit: Oscar Merrida IV Photography

President Wayne A. I. Frederick and First Lady Simone Frederick smiling and waving in front of a Howard University bison logo.

Credit: Justin Knight

A model in a colorful dashiki-print dress walks down the runway at the Howard University Annual Fashion Show.

Credit: ShocPhoto

Senior broadcast journalism major Ravyn Hardwick hosted “Yardfest: The Virtual Edition” alongside her uncle, actor Omari Hardwick, last year.

Photo: Taj Alston

PAGE 8 • COMING HOME?

HOMECOMING: BEYONCE'S INFLUENCE

By Chanel Cain

In 2019, Beyoncé electrified the Coachella stage with her now iconic HBCU inspired performance, Beychella. For some, this was completely new. But for those in the know, it felt like home.

From the full band arrangements of her most iconic songs, to the chorus of majorette-style dancers, to the Bug-a-boos who stepped like they were strolling on the yard, Beyoncé’s performance gave a glimpse of this long standing culture to prospective students.

“She was able to embody the experience you might get from the homecoming game in one performance,” says transfer student Lindsay Collins.

It has been three years since that performance. In that time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many HBCU homecomings were either canceled or moved to a digital format. In particular, Howard University had a digital homecoming in 2020 and is moving towards a hybrid style for 2021. This has left the last two incoming classes without the typical Howard homecoming experience.

However, for many students going to Howard represents a homecoming in itself.

“I went to a high school that was predominantly white; there were eight Black kids in my graduating class,” says freshman Sokhna Fall, “ I wanted to get away from that environment.”

Howard is the Mecca for Black students not just because of our homecoming events,; it’s about the culture and community that radiates from every part of campus. It becomes home.

Beyoncé acknowledges a similar sentiment at the end of her documentary “Homecoming.”

“So many people who are culturally aware and intellectually sound are graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including my father,” she says in a statement at the end of the film. For many, HBCUs represent a safe space to go beyond the homecoming season.

Although the newest incoming classes are missing out on the traditional homecoming experience, the expectation now exists on a larger scale that they will, hopefully, be able to indulge in soon.

PAGE 9 • COMING HOME?

" HOME C OMI NG I S

L I KE

A

T O

ME

B I G - AS S

C OMMU NI T Y G AT HE R I NG . " Akil Cooper, HU21 (left)

HOMECOMING IS...

By Ahnayah Hughes

Despite HBCUs attempts to make up

Homecomings have been an avenue

for this loss with virtual alternatives,

for alumni to return to their alma

no online event could ever replicate

maters and show their school spirit

the same magic of being on campus

during football games and tailgates.

and basking in the Black pride that

But an HBCU Homecoming is more

fills the air.

than just showing up and showing out for your school. It’s a family

Although students and alumni are

reunion, a music festival, a fashion

disappointed at another lost

show, a parade, a celebration of

celebration, Howard University

Black excellence and history like no

students are taking this time to

other.

It’s an experience.

recount what the homecoming festivities mean to them and their college experience.

PAGE 11 • COMING HOME?

“IT’S CULTURE, IT’S BLACK JOY, IT’S BLACK LOVE. IT’S COMMUNITY.” - ANNA BRANCHE, HU22

"HOMECOMING TO ME IS A REVIVAL, A RETURN, A COLLECTION OF PAST AND PRESENT RESTRINGING TOGETHER IN CELEBRATION AND MEMORY OF THE CULTURE OF THE PLACE WE ALL HAVE LOVE FOR. IN SPITE OF THE INSTITUTION'S SHORTCOMINGS, HOMECOMING IS A REMINDER THAT WE FELL IN LOVE WITH HOWARD BECAUSE OF THE BEAUTIFUL RELATIONSHIPS WE CAME ACROSS. THAT'S WHAT HOWARD IS FOR US." - JON LOGAN, HU22

"

“HOMECOMING MEANS ENJOYMENT. IT MEANS CAMARADERIE. IT MEANS LOVE.” - LEANNE ROBERTS, HU23

PAGE 12 • COMING HOME?

“IT'S HAVING GENERATIONS OF STUDENTS AND ALUMNI COMING TOGETHER TO ENJOY WHAT HOWARD HAS GIVEN US.” - SEAN WASHINGTON, HU21

“TO ME, HOMECOMING IS ABOUT REVELING IN THE CULTURAL ASPECTS OF HOWARD. THE FASHION SHOW, STEP SHOW, YARDFEST AND FOOTBALL GAME WERE ALL EXCITING WAYS TO COME TOGETHER AND APPRECIATE THE CULTURE OF THE SCHOOL AND PASSIONS OF MY PEERS. IT WAS ABOUT CROWDING THE YARD AND PUNCHOUT IN 'FITS PLANNED A MONTH OUT AND FILLING THE WEEK’S AGENDA TO THE BRIM, BUT HAVING TOO MUCH FUN TO STICK TO IT." - AMAIYA JOHNSON, HU21 PAGE 13 • COMING HOME?

“HOMECOMING TO ME IS LIKE A BIG-ASS COMMUNITY GATHERING. IT’S A TIME WHERE WE CAN ALL LET GO AND SIMPLY FOCUS COMPLETELY ON HAVING A GOOD TIME WITH PEOPLE WE CARE ABOUT. THERE ARE, OF COURSE, OTHER TIMES WE HAVE FUN AT SCHOOL, BUT HOMECOMING IS LIKE THIS HUGE COLLECTIVE RELEASE." - AKIL COOPER, HU21 (RIGHT)

“HOMECOMING TO ME IS TRULY HAVING A SPACE TO BE FREE WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE THERE TO DO THE SAME.” - KYNDAL FLETCHER, HU21

PAGE 14 • COMING HOME?

GO BIG OR GO VIRTUAL

BY COURTNEY WILLIAMS

COVID-19 turned the world upside, and the

The number of canceled or virtual

United States alone experienced some of

homecomings will likely grow on other

the highest numbers of cases and deaths.

campuses. North Carolina A&T,

The typical college experience, which

Morehouse, Spelman and Tuskegee

includes late-night parties and large social

have all altered their homecomings.

gatherings, was suddenly limited to a

Though HBCUs have been trying to

computer screen. While vaccinations and

establish a sense of community for

mask mandates have kept COVID-19 cases

students, a virtual celebration does not

at bay on some campuses, social

bring the same sense of excitement.“I’m

distancing has still been encouraged. With

nowhere near the same level of

the continuation of the pandemic, many

excitement, and that’s just the nature of

traditional college events have either been

it,” Howard senior Malik Mack said.

scaled down or moved completely virtual with a major impact on homecoming.

“

PRE-PANDEMIC, CANCELING SUCH A HUGE EVENT WAS ALMOST UNHEARD OF, YET MANY HAVE EITHER SCALED BACK OR CANCELED TRADITIONAL CELEBRATIONS.

For HBCUs homecoming is one of the

“We remember the Yardfest, the tailgate,”

biggest, most anticipated events of the

Mack said. “The fact that it’s not live already

year. Canceling such a huge event was

kills people’s engagement. And at that point,

almost unheard of pre-pandemic. In

are you doing it for this one unique

2020, Howard University, an HBCU

experience or is it just something you can

known for its iconic homecomings, had

watch on Instagram or TikTok? It’s not the

a completely virtual celebration. While

same type of value.”It’s not just HBCUs that

this year gave hope for a normal

have scaled back on regular events. Senior

homecoming season, the university

Selene Alvarez of California State University,

announced in mid-September that its

Northridge, says that her campus has not

homecoming would be a mix of in-

hosted many large gatherings, but believes

person and virtual events. However,

that the mask mandates at her school are

Howard’s staple events that are popular

helping others stay safe.

among students and alumni have been canceled.

PAGE 15 • COMING HOME?

GO BIG OR GO VIRTUAL “They're being pretty cautious,” Alvarez said.

These differences may come down to space,

“Masks must be worn, and we have to do a

resources and demand. Adjustments had to be

COVID check before coming to campus. ... I can

made at Howard, for example, because its

see more events happening later in the

homecoming is much larger than those at many

semester.”

campuses and has the potential to become a spreader event during a pandemic. Howard

Each school has its own COVID-19 protocols.

Homecoming is so popular that it attracts more

While some are strict with mask mandates,

than 100,000 people during a typical year, the

others allow students to be maskless in large or

university estimates. A tourism official told the

outdoor spaces. Despite being in close proximity Washington Post that the event is as profitable for to others, some students feel that their schools

the district as the Cherry Blossom Festival.

have created a safe environment when events are held if certain behaviors such as mask-

“When Howard Homecoming takes place, the

wearing and frequent hand-washing are

entire city experiences an economic boon from

promoted on the campus.

the increase in flights, hotel stays, dining and more,” says David P. Bennett, Howard’s vice

“My school has hosted large scale events,” said

president for development and alumni affairs said

Daija Sykes, a junior at George Mason University

in a statement last year when the virtual format

in Virginia. “Masks were both mandatory and

was announced. The university encouraged

worn, so I feel as though my school is being very alumni and guests to use their homecoming cautious.”

budget to help students instead.

Many factors go into a university’s ability to host Nevertheless, students at Howard and elsewhere large events safely. With mandates varying by

miss the pre-pandemic college experience. While

state, college students across the country have

they’re trying to make the most of what their

had varied experiences.

colleges have to offer, some also see homecoming as an ideal time to make their

Some universities have been strict with limiting

colleges better whether it’s through service

events and large gatherings. Others have

projects or protests, like those at Howard and the

continued business as usual with packed

Atlanta University Center.

stadiums and lots of student engagement.

PAGE 16 • COMING HOME?

WE LIKE TO

PARTY!

BY KARLA DOZIER

Unlike other universities, FAMU has not made many modifications to its official homecoming activities.

Themed “An Epic Return,” FAMU’s homecoming is being promoted as an eight-day celebration including its annual parade, homecoming football game against Grambling, drive-in movies, a homecoming concert with names such as Lil Baby and Money Bag Yo, and a host of other events.

Homecoming. An event that has been depicted on television and movies over decades but none

While FAMU hasn’t made many changes to its annual

of that can compare to a homecoming at

schedule, several other universities are hosting

Historically Black Universities and Colleges. In

modified homecomings to deter alumni from

March 2020 the world shut down due to the

traveling into town, potentially creating COVID-19

coronavirus pandemic, causing stay-at-home

spreader events. The list of modified homecomings

orders, school and work to be done from home

include gatherings at North Carolina A&T, Spelman,

and all homecomings to be canceled. Many

Morehouse and Howard.

looked forward to 2021 for a better year and the return of homecoming. However, homecoming

On Oct. 6, promoters released a flyer of events that

still is not looking the same across most

will take place around Washington in conjunction

campuses, leaving many with the question: What

with Howard Homecoming. While none of these

will Homecoming 2021 look like?

activites are official Howard events, they are geared toward Howard students and alumni. They quickly

“In general, there are outdoor parties on

began drawing attention and opened the possibility

Thursday evening, a day party on Friday, a night

for a huge presence during homecoming weekend. “

party on Friday, a few night parties on Saturday night and also a few picnics on Sunday during

I’m excited to see old friends.” said Howard alumna

homecoming weekend," says Florida A&M

Cynetta Hern, who will be traveling to Washington to

University alumnus Alton Gunn. "I will be

make the most of this homecoming season.

attending the activities that allow me to be outside for the most part and stay a safe distance away from other people.”

Gunn plans on flying to Tallahassee, Florida, and staying in an Airbnb for the Rattlers 2021 Homecoming, which also mark his 35th class reunion.

Another alumna, Dominiq Dudley, also plans on attending unofficial events, but understands why Howard scaled back.

“It’s not safe enough to host a 'normal' homecoming.," Dudley said. "There is still a high risk of people getting sick from being in close proximity of each other.”

PAGE 18 • COMING HOME?

PAGE 19 • COMING HOME?

WE LIKE TO PARTY! Continued from page 18.

While it seems alum are excited to travel to their respective universities, many still share a concern about the current pandemic. Gunn said he plans to “interact with people outside in situations where I am afforded an opportunity to keep a safe distance."

"I also plan to practice sanitizing my hands very often in addition to wearing a face mask as much as possible, especially when indoors and not eating or drinking.,” said Gunn, who is vaccinated. Hern and Dudley echoed these sentiments, admitting that it isn’t the safest time to travel, but adding that they plan to be safe and have fun.

So, what will homecoming look like this year? Admittedly it will look different. For some campuses that means little to no official events. Most campuses will see a dip in the number of alumni who usually participate. There will be masks, sanitizer and some distance. But everyone who is attending homecoming events, be it official of not, probably agrees with Dudley when she says: “I really want to see all of my friends and just be in the same place again. I miss everyone so I want enjoy the company.”

PAGE 20 • COMING HOME?

"All Howard students, different classes coming together with the conscious understanding that we love Black art."

- Anexis Ruiz

THE EFFICACY OF VIRTUAL EVENTS

BY ISAAC WELCH PHOTOS BY @DJINHUMAN

It’s a massive undertaking to replicate the impact of a homecoming tradition like Howard University’s Yardfest with a virtual concert. The Howard administration is faced with this task after the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to cancel plans for a traditional homecoming for the second year in a row, eliminating large gatherings like the tailgate and Yardfest.

The parameters of a virtual stage don’t make this task any easier, but it’s not impossible, according to Howard senior, rapper and emcee Anexis Ruiz.

“We’ve been able to innovate very quickly,” said Anexis, a founding member of the D.C.-based collective Afro Soul Sounds, who has had great

“The thing about it is that at first when nobody had a choice, it was easy to lock in and focus on the actual show and the vision of it. Now that there’s hybrid events and even fully in-person events again, it’s just a matter of how you go about it, how big the names are and how interested the fans are.”

“Say you do something on IG live and you’re not somebody who constantly goes on IG live or is known for that, like Druski or someone that people stop their day and go on IG live to see,” Anexis explained. “It’s gonna be very easy for them to just get off your live and start scrolling again, versus a Zoom link where you had to RSVP or pay for it.”

success in hosting both in-person and virtual events throughout the summer and early autumn:

PAGE 22 • COMING HOME?

People who register or pay for a virtual event are “more

“When the kids do it, that brings people out more,”

likely to sit down and watch it,” he said, “and they can

Anexis said, reflecting the sentiments of many Yardfest

also have it streaming and do other stuff on their

fans. “When they’re involved in it and you see their

phone while they’re watching.”

faces, that’s something that would make me want to attend.”

Students who have passed up watching online concerts or “attending” last year’s virtual homecoming

In the past, Howard’s famed concert series has served

events cited a general disinterest in the platform

as a cornerstone to all other homecoming activities as a gathering site for alumni and undergrads alike.

Events don’t have to be live, Alexis said, offering some

Yardfest has hosted some of the greatest performers of

insightful suggestions for Howard and other organizers

modern day, including Slick Rick, the Notorious B.I.G.,

to increase interest in virtual events and attendance.

Foxy Brown and Drake to name a few. Oftentimes, these appearances have come by way of a mutual

“One of the best virtual concerts I’ve ever seen is the

appreciation, as these historic grounds have become a

one they did with Billie Eilish, H.E.R. and Kid Cudi. It

sought-after venue for Black talent from the DMV to

looked like Kid Cudi was literally in space doing his

the overseas.

performance.”

In lieu of an in-person Yardfest this year, the Afro Soul Sounds have put together a concert series of their “Something like that is really cool, ’cause you’re moreso

own, with a setlist consisting of Howard’s rising stars.

watching a movie than a concert and you’re not

Adhering to a D.C. citywide COVID-19 protocol, the

feeling like you’re missing it,” he said. “Instead, you’re

event will take place at SpaceyCloud in Adams Morgan

getting an immersive experience.”

on Saturday.

Howard could accomplish something similar on a

“Same day as Yardfest, there's gonna be Afro Soul

larger scale while taking advantage of the virtual

Sounds Part II,” Anexis said. “It’s gonna feature all

aspects. “You don’t have to deal with ticketing or

Howard students. We’re the ones who put it together,

capacity,” he noted as a plus, “but it’s just a matter of

but we’re also here to support other local artists we

them doing it properly.”

feel are in our realm.

Anexis also spoke on the importance for Howard to understand its consumer base in this scenario, citing

“All Howard students, different classes but coming

its tradition of including older throwback acts

together with the conscious understanding that we

alongside newer stars for the sake of the alumni. He

love Black art.”

suggested that Howard leverage its relationships with entertainment companies and businesses like Amazon

“Overall, nothing beats the in-person experience of a

Studios.

concert,” Anexis admits. “That doesn't mean that we or anybody should stop doing virtual concerts, because

“For real, people want to see Howard students on stage

now you have people from all over the world who

doing things, performing or even if they’re the ones

would want to be there but can’t. Now there’s an

setting up and putting it together, there’s just more

opportunity for them, and I think that's the beauty of

pride in that versus like, ‘Oh administration just threw

it.”

that together,’ ’cause they’re most likely not even listening to what we want anyway.”

PAGE 23• COMING HOME?

WHEN HOME DOESN’T FEEL LIKE HOME: THE IMPACT OF A HYBRID HBCU HOMECOMING

By Sarah Jones-Smith Photos by Kevin Coles via Flickr.

For HBCU students and alumni, this time of year is one where they can take a break from the responsibilities of daily life and bond over the love they have for their college. Because of the changes that the world has faced to adjust to COVID, some students, alumni and parents argue that homecoming is just not the same.

In the 1920s, homecoming became popular with the rise of Black college football. It started as a one-day event that students used to connect through the game. Over time, homecoming became what it is today: battle of the bands, fashion shows, step shows and so much more.

Although these things were implemented to make the event even more unique, the significance of the football game remains.

"The football game is one of the most important parts of homecoming because that is where this whole concept originated from. We would not have homecoming as it is now if it weren't for the homecoming that was solely centered around the game," said Howard University senior Carizma Forbes.

PAGE 24 • COMING HOME?

A century later, the world had to adapt to a new normal when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like many other things, this meant homecoming had to be held virtually. The virtual setting made it difficult for students and alumni to immerse themselves in the joy and exhilaration that the annual event brings. Even the intense, highly-anticipated football game was canceled in 2020.

Howard will be playing against Norfolk State University, who they also played during homecoming season in 2019. Howard lost 4921. Because that was the last homecoming before COVID, Bison are seeing this as an opportunity for redemption.

"They beat us in 2019, and I think it is exciting that we get to play them again. I just hate that both teams will not be able to have a full "I was disappointed when the homecoming crowd," Forbes said. game was canceled. I had one daughter graduate from Clark Atlanta, and I had the With there being two classes on campus, HU24 opportunity to attend her homecoming, so and HU25, that have never experienced a I wanted to do the same with my daughter proper homecoming, disappointment about at Howard," said Marcus Tyrone, an HBCU hybrid homecoming was high. parent. "I played football in college and, although I am not a graduate of an HBCU "As a football player, the crowd is so important myself, having the opportunity to go to because it gives you extra momentum. I feel so these events as a parent makes me feel so bad for the guys who are in the two new proud." classes and have never felt what it is like to This year, homecoming is taking place on a hybrid schedule. While this is an improvement, students and alumni still do not feel that things will be the same.

Howard will sell tickets for the game; however, there will only be a limited number available, meaning the stands will not be as packed as they typically are. The crowd is the most important, and best part, for the students, alumni and football players.

I'm not even a big football person, but I love being in the crowd, because there is so much energy. I can only imagine how it must feel for the players not to have that the way they would if we were no longer in the pandemic," said Howard University senior, Ahnayah Hughes.

have that many people cheering for you at your college football homecoming game," Tyrone said.

It is uncertain how homecoming will play out this year or even next, but what is certain is that the history of Black college football and homecoming season is everlasting and will continue to evolve where necessary.

PAGE 25 • COMING HOME?