REVAMPED Edition: Vol. 1

1 - More Than a Party 3 - The Symbiosis of Howard Homecoming 5 - Florida Ave. Grill 7 - State of University Ad dres s 9 - CASCADE Hosts An nual Lavender Reception 11 - Homecoming Showdown

13 - Heavy is the Head 17 - Manifesting the MecGala 21 - Divine 9 Step Show 23 - Best Moments Homecoming We ekend

Editor in Chief Es sence Wiley

Chief Content & Creative Of ficer Omari Fo ote

Editors

Asia Alexander Akai Higginbothma Alecia Taylor Briana Alvarado Zsana Hoskins

Reporters

Amarie Betancourt Ke ely Aouga Kayla Far ris Ashley Johnson Skylar Nelson Jamaica Kalika Hailey McMan nen Mekala Seme Kynadi Hyde Kayla Smernoff

Photographers Alexia GodinezThompson Mekayla Pier re Skylar Anthony

Victoria Poythres s Rachelle Smith

Graphic Designers

Omari Fo ote C'Asia Respass Ixele Akinmowo-Simon

Letter from the Editor The Revamped Edition. Wow, it’s hard for me to fathom how a “let’s do a thing” text to one of my longtime friends has manifested into a 28-page, printed magazine. I vividly remember taking the clas s , 101 Magazine, last spring and being so excited about get ting involved in the editorial process. It was there that my pas sion for storytelling and culture combined with Omari’s trustworthines s , raw talent, and temperance birthed The Revamped Edition of Cover 2 Cover. As you read the magazine, it will become evident that the theme of renais sance, renewal, and rebirth extend beyond Cover 2 Cover. It is Howard’s Renais sance year.

The latest clas ses of HU students are redefining what it means to be a black, college student at an HBCU in such an unprecedented time. The birds are chirping again. The sun is shining again. Creatives are creating again. Howard is Howard-ing again. It was important to me that the stories we chose to tell reflected that. I hope you enjoy reading this edition just as much as I enjoyed creating it.

With Love - Es sence

More than a Party:

The Cultural Significance of Howard Homecoming By - Keely Aouga & Amarie Betancourt

Homecoming is a tradition that transcends rivalries, parties, and pop-outs. It’s a celebration of Black joy.

Homecoming at “The Mecca” made its return to campus on Oct 15. through Oct. 22.

For most of the student body, this is their first time experiencing a traditional Howard Homecoming as a student.

Anthony Asante-Danso, a sophomore, described his pandemic experience as “desensitizing and isolating” after “not having much real human interaction and experiencing everything through the internet and social media, I’m finally getting back to normal.”

“Coming back to college out of a pandemic was almost like an alternate reality,” he

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continued.

The second-year student doesn’t stand alone in these feelings. For students like Asante-Danso, homecoming is an opportunity to finally be able to connect with fellow bison. Joy Richardson, a freshman at Howard, described the cherished tradition as “the crown jewel” of the HBCU experience.

“Each homecoming brings communities of educated Black people in for a time of pure culture and fun,” said Richardson. “I’m so excited for Homecoming week and the new experiences. I have always heard that Howard Homecoming was the best of the best, pulling in alumni and potential students from everywhere to participate.”

As the most anticipated time on campus, Homecoming encompasses all that is a Historically Black College.

The tradition originated at Morehouse College when alumni got together to show school spirit during a 1924 football game. What began as a way for graduates to reunite and support sporting events, became a celebration of Black culture that would eventually extend to schools across the country. This year is especially significant for the current senior class. After spending a large part of their college experience under COVID-19 restrictions, this will be their final chance to experience Homecoming as undergraduates.

Kiah George, a senior, attended Howard University expecting to experience at least four homecomings.

Unfortunately, George only experienced one–three years ago. This year, her perspective has shifted.

“Homecoming is a time for us to celebrate our Blackness,” said George. “But most importantly, I am looking forward to the networking opportunities. Especially with me leaving college, and starting my adult life.

I am looking to form new connections and engage with more people, as I'm interested

in pursuing a career in law.”

Despite being wary of large crowds post-quarantine, Howard graduate, Ama Aduse looked forward to Howard Homecoming living up to its legacy.

“HBCU culture sets the precedent for Black culture and as an extension of pop culture as a whole,” she said.

“Howard specifically provides a platform for anyone who is trying to make strides in the fashion, art, and music industries to gain exposure.”

As an alumna, Aduse understands just how crucial these four years of undergraduate education are to your development as an individual. “After two years of isolation, it will be impactful for students especially to gather with people who are like-minded, sharing in their experiences, culture, and nuances,” she said.

With a fully in-person homecoming, nothing stopped the Howard community from keeping up the traditions, joy, and excitement that is an HBCU Homecoming.

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The Symbiosis of Howard Homecoming By - Jamaica Kalika

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he impact of Howard Homecoming extends to businesses and restaurants near campus that are frequented by the Howard community. Staples like Howard China or Sankofa Books are integral to many students’ experience.

Nostalgia draws people back, It’s important to note that several of the businesses along Georgia Ave are blackowned and operated. With significant Civil War history, the avenue was one of the main black cultural avenues in Northwest, fueled in part

by Howard students. For almost 20 years, the D.C. Caribbean Carnival parade took place on Georgia Avenue N.W., connecting cultures across the diaspora.

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There was also Georgia Avenue Day, another District tradition that showcased vendors. Open street events continue to occur all along this street on a regular basis.

Sales are a given at this time of year, with many businesses preparing homecoming specific specials, events, and marketing. “[During Homecoming] it’s extra cooking, extra everything,” emphasized Janet Brown, a representative for Negril Jamaican Eatery.

The history of Georgia

reflect on what homecoming means in the aftermath of coronavirus.

Howard student, Dallas Hafeez, believes even with homecoming being virtual in the past couple years there are still instances of this community being fostered.

“People will always find ways to connect, even without an official homecoming week,” said Hafeez.

Photo By -Jamaica Kalika

Avenue points to the significance of this avenue as a cultural force for and by the community.

Karin Sellers, owner of Here’s the Scoop, an ice cream parlor, has been on Georgia Avenue for nearly 30 years. “I’m looking forward to the comradery, to Georgia Avenue and Howard University looking like it should… to seeing life again,” says Sellers.

As Howard moves forward, following the disruption of long-standing traditions due to the pandemic, students

“I’m so excited to return to The Yard this year. My homecoming experience was ruined because of Covid, but public health and safety outweighs tradition,” says Jaylin Ward, a recent Howard graduate. “I believe people are ready to return to outdoor events with safety and social-distance measures implemented,” continued Ward.

The full [homecoming] experience is amazing, it really is just unreal, you have to see it for yourself, says Sellers.

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Photo By -Kayla Far ris

Florida Ave. Grill, a Howard University Staple for 78 Years By - Kayla Farris

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W

orld Famous Florida Avenue Grill is preparing to open its doors to generations of alumni, faculty, and students as Homecoming is expected to amplify the attendance of the nearby restaurant significantly.

Known as the “oldest soul food restaurant in the world,” Florida Avenue Grill has operated on the corner of 11th Street and Florida Avenue since 1944.

of the Howard community.

The restaurant’s history is thoroughly reflected in its menu and ambiance.

The Grill offers an all-day breakfast, classic southern staples, and a warm, nostalgic environment.

Imar Hutchins, entrepreneur and attorney has been running The Grill for nearly 20 years. Hutchins has made it a point to maintain the legacy and quality of the renowned restaurant.

The Howard University community has dined at the district staple for almost 80 years.

“The Grill carries so many memories, not only for the employees, but for the loyal customers. So many customers have fond memories of The Grill, it is a home away from home-which is exactly the vision that Lacey C. Wilson worked so hard to bring to life,” says Hutchins.

A lot of our clientele is Howard. Students, alumni, faculty, you name it - we feel like we’re part

-Imar Hutchins, current owner of Florida Avenue Grill

Along with other small businesses in the area, Florida Ave Grill was the victim of rioting and looting after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination in 1968.

While many neighboring businesses were burned down, support from the community allowed The Grill to continue to stand tall.

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President Frederick Kickstarts Homecoming Weekend with State of University Address By - Mekala Seme

President Wayne A.I. Frederick delivered the State of the University address to kick-start homecoming weekend on Oct. 21.

President Frederick began the address by outlining key updates on the university's shared vision in the Howard Forward plan.

The Howard Forward Strategic vision was first developed in 2016 to drive “a culture of continuous improvement” by enhancing academic excellence, inspiring new knowledge, serving the community, improving efficiency and 7

effectiveness, and achieving financial sustainability.

In the address, President Frederick acknowledged the growing construction projects surrounding the university’s campus.

“We will invest $785 million into our facilities in a variety of ways,” he said.

The university intends to construct new core academic buildings, revitalize the Howard University Hospital, improve the student residential experience, and construct apartmentstyle residences. The

improvement of the student residential experience and the construction of apartment-style residences has become of growing concern to upperclassmen and graduate students at the university.

Ravyn Dorleus is a junior chemistry major at Howard that currently resides in Mazza Grandmarc. Mazza Gradmarc is located in College Park, Maryland, and provides off-campus housing for college students in the area.

As a student living in Mazza, Dorleus commutes 30-40 minutes each day to attend classes on Howard’s campus.

For Dorleus and many other upperclassmen at Howard, transportation can be extremely unreliable and costly.

“I hope the construction of these new buildings provides future students with more affordable housing options near campus,” Dorleus said.

President Frederick continued the address by reflecting on the impact

bomb threats have had on the Howard community.

Over the past eight months, Howard University has received over eight bomb threats—this has become of growing concern to students, parents, faculty, and administration.

“Seeing students at Banneker with their pajamas and blankets at 3 a.m. is not a great sight to witness,” he reflected.

President Frederick indicated the measures the University will take to uncover the perpetrators of these attacks, and outlined how the university has prepared campus safety and security measures for the Howard community during homecoming.

To conclude the address, President Frederick recognized and thanked Howard students and faculty for their ability to excel despite the obstacles they face.

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By - Hailey McMannen

On Wednesday, Oct 19. Howard’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies gathered at CASCADE’s 7th Annual Lavender Reception to recognize the recipients of thisyear’s Lavender Fund Scholarship.

As the longest-standing queer student organization on the university’s campus, CASCADE aims to engage with and uplift Howard’s queer community. One of the ways in which the organization fulfills its mission is the Lavender Fund Scholarship, an award exclusively dedicated to LGBTQ+ students at Howard.

“There’s a lot of stigma within the Black community about sexuality and identity...but for this [the Lavender Fund] to exist, it still fosters the idea that people have a seat at the table and that their voices can be heard and amplified.”

– Laten Jordan, CASCADE 9

President.

Howard alumni, Bilal Badruddin, and Keynote speaker, Amari Ice, highlighted the rich history of the Lavender Fund and honored the dedication of those who made the fund and the reception possible.

Seven undergraduate and graduate recipients were awarded the Lavender Fund Scholarship amounting to $7,000.

Following this year’s Lavender Reception, CASCADE will continue encouraging inclusivity and creating safe spaces for Howard’s LGBTQ+ community through its impactful activism and Advocacy.

“Institutions are here at Howard to amplify other people’s humanity,” said Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick.

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Photo By -Alexia Godinez-Thompson

Howard Sports Teams Prepare for a Win Against Delaware State Hornets By - Ashley Johnson & Skylar Nelson

T

he Howard Bison defeated the Delaware State Hornets in the annual Homecoming Football game on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Greene Stadium.

This game marked the first Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference win of the season.

When asked about the preparation that went into the Homecoming game, Head Coach, Larry Scott, said it was a process. “Well first, we gotta make sure everyone’s healthy and doing everything they need to do from that standpoint and then we start to slowly go through our whole piece and whole process of preparing the team for game day,” Scott said.

Starting quarterback Quinton Williams added

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that mental health is equally important to the team.

“Mainly being that it is homecoming, we just gotta be mentally focused and not let distractions spoil the planning we got. Coming into conference we are trying to go 1-0 each week, but getting this first win in conference is big for us,” said the senior.

The football team is only one portion of the game that makes the homecoming game so special. Halftime Performances from Howard’s Showtime Marching Band, Bison Cheerleading team, Ooh La La! Dancers and Bison Twirlers are also highly anticipated.

Senior drum major Keanu Powell’s goal for this homecoming was to bring a fresh perspective to the halftime show. He said,

Photo Courtesy of Howard Marching Band

“I try to sprinkle in what I've been used to like as a form of dance and trying to just change up like what Howard's been doing for the past couple of years. Still keeping the old traditions but trying to formulate it for today's campus.”

The Ooh La La! Dance Line is essential to the Showtime Marching Band’s performance. Junior dancer, Kya Davis, says “we perform at practice like we will perform at the real thing, and that's what prepares us with our mind, body, and spirit.”

And what would an HBCU halftime show be without twirlers? The Bison Twirlers were recently revived last spring. Co-captain, Heaven Moore, acknowledges the challenges of being a new

team and the pressure that comes with a halftime show.

“We've been trying to get a lot of information as we possibly can, just talking to other band members, even encouraging each other to watch past videos because we haven't had twirlers in a long time,” said the sophomore.

On the sidelines, cheerleaders guide the flow of energy throughout the game. Junior, Simone Legette says they’ve “spent the past two weeks preparing and practicing. We’ve been working on some new stunts, creating new cheers and dances, and polishing our own skills as well.”

With a score of 35-17, Howard walked away with a homecimg victory ranking them 1-0 in the MEAC confrence.

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The Legacy of Howard University Royal Court By - Asia Alexander

Howard University crowned its 46th Mister Howard University, Rashan Schoffner, and 84th Miss Howard University, Cecily Davis, on Sunday, Oct. 16. l Ecting and crowning a Royal Court annually has remained a Howard University tradition for over 90 years.

Dating back to1929, the Royal court has served as a breeding ground for national and campus leaders representing the rich culture of HBCUs. According to Student Affairs, the purpose of the Royal Court is to initiate and promote “cam-

pus leadership through platform initiatives, with an integration of community service and campus life.“ The elected leaders on the Court are charged with “representing the best of character, school pride, campus ambassadorship and the embodiment of the four pillars of Howard University: Leadership, excellence, truth and service.”

Jennifer Thomas, associate professor and Journalism sequence coordinator in the Cathy Hughes School of Communications at Howard, served as Ms. Howard University in 1987.

During her reign, the responsi14

bilities of being ‘queen’ extended beyond looks or personality- it was about addressing the sociopolitical issues facing the black community at the time.

“Nelson Mandela was still in prison during this time. I remember meeting with students from South Africa who taught me their national anthem. We (students) protested on campus and at the South African Embassy,” she said.

“Heavy is the head” is a famous saying that holds true to the Royal Court’s roles on campus.

Maintaining a genuine connection to the student body, administration, and the greater HBCU community is a top priority for Misses and Misters.

Kayla Waysome served as Miss Howard University during the 2017-2018 academic year. She remembers royals being stereotyped as elitists during her time on campus.

“I watched the royal court as a freshman and thought that was not for me, but then I had people in my community who were kind enough to say they saw something in me and encouraged me to try it out,” 15

says Waysome. “I approached people with transparency and kindness during my campaign as Miss Howard,” she continued.

The Royal Court has always been an integral part of HBCU culture overall. Always front and center at campus festivities, Mister and Misses are the faces of their university. Lamont Geddis was Mr. Howard University during the 1995-1996 academic year, the same year the late rapper, Biggie Smalls, performed at Yardfest.

Mr. Geddis recalls the day when the viral photo of him and Smalls was taken.

“You couldn’t see straight across without seeing someone in front of you,” said the Howard alum.

“All of a sudden, it just opened up like the Red Sea and they were waving at me and trying to call me over there. I yelled out ‘what’s up,’ and he was like, ‘Big wants to take a picture with the king and queen,’ and I was like, ‘Oh okay,’” Geddis said through a laugh.

The picture continues to go viral every homecoming season.

The newly crowned Mr. and Mrs. Howard University, Cecily Davis and Rashan Schoffner understand they have a legacy to uphold but are putting their own spin on what it means to be ‘royal’ at Howard. “We wanted to show a united front. We wanted to be the change we wished to see. I do not want people to believe that you must be perfect or act a certain way as a royal,” says Davis.

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Manifesting the MecGala

By - Kynadi Hyde & Essence Wiley

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This year’s Homecoming Fashion Show, dubbed the ‘MecGala,’ gave designer and Howard student, Mahlon West, the platform to formally introduce his brand, Basement Boy, to Howard’s campus. Just days before, West welcomed Cover 2 Cover into his home to give us a glimpse of his latest collection, creative journey, and the foundations of his label. This is an exclusive look at the streetwear brand that took The Mecca by storm, Basement Boy Atlanta.

As a spin-off of the Met Gala, this year’s fashion show intends to showcase regality, elegance, and elevated fashion in the black diaspora. Though tracksuits and relaxed streetwear are a Basement Boy staple, West made it a point to approach this season differently. “I kind of wanted to switch it up a little bit. Do a little bit more graphics. Get a little bit more creative with our designs.” Under the elevated punk section of the show,

West pushed the boundaries of Basement Boy while still remaining true to the brand’s core. “We‘re still going to keep it clean and simple,” and “everything we do is going to be high quality,” he added.

Alongside his three business partners: Nahzire West, Vachon Raye and Demetrius Smith, Mahlon founded the two-year-old clothing line in hopes of helping people embrace “life’s lowest points.''

Basement Boy originated as a social group. Eventually, West and partners figured they could “spread our [their] message better through clothing.‘’ Since heat-pressing t-shirts and hoodies in their parent's basements in 2020, West says the Basement Boy team has “become more sophisticated” in their craft as they learn more about it.

Basement Boy was embraced almost immediately by Howard University’s fashion community upon arriving on campus.

“I just pulled up to the yard one day- it was like election time,” he remembers. “I had a suitcase full of clothes and I pulled them out on the table and just sold out, the first day. I was like, dang.

That was like the first time I realized like dang, people here really support.”

Basement Boy’s strong presence at The Mecca further propelled West to work toward his goal: being in a Howard Fashion Show.

“I saw it last year and just seeing the pictures and stuff, I was like next year, I definitely have to be in it," he says.

“Wanting to be in the fashion show was motivation for me over the summer,” West continued.

His excitement to formally showcase Basement Boy on Cramton Auditorium’s stage filled the room as he pulled each look out of a black duffle bag.

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Basement Boy presented 15 pieces ranging from a black and white unisex tracksuit, with a customized ‘BB’ zipper and a reinforced collar to West’s personal favorite, a black, waxed-denim set.

Mahlon’s attention to detail illustrates his dedication to curating innovative, quality clothing.

West seems to have mastered the balance between catering to the BB customer and, in his words, “designing clothes that I [he] would wear,” as he has also restocked the infamous beanies with new colorways, designed new graphic t-shirts, and added tote bags to the Basement Boy collection. Overall, the latest BB pieces exhibit the genuine intentions that consume the designer during his creative process.

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At the end of the interview, C2C requested an exclusive fun fact about Basement Boy that had never been publicly disclosed. Mahlon shared that “for three months we were selling hoodies with BB on them and people were asking us like ‘what does it mean?’ We used to be like ‘whatever you want it to mean.’ To West and his team, “Basement Boy is a lifestyle. It’s a movement.“

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Photos By - Victoria Poythres s

By: Kayla Smernoff

H

oward University’s Burr Gymnasium was packed to the brim on the evening of Oct. 21 for the Meccaversethemed Homecoming Step show. Seven organizations competed, five of which were a part of the Divine Nine (D9). Ultimately, the Ladies of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated., and the Brothers of Beta Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated., took home the first place sorority and fraternity 21

award.

The official show lineup included the Ladies of Quad Step, the Annex Step Team, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated., and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

Themes of a superhero multiverse and Black

Photo By - Skylar Anthony

HOWARD UNIVERSITY HOSTS “MECCAVERSE” THEMED STEP SHOW

art melded together in both Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta’s performances. The winning acts ironically both centered on protecting Wakanda, the infamous nation from Marvel’s “Black Panther.”

Each team fully immersed their audience, captivating them with colorful-smoke, popular song snippets, and powerful acting.

Thomas Savage of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. says the team aimed to invigorate the crowd.

“How we’re stepping? I want them to feel that same energy that we have on the stage,” said Savage.

“We put in the time, and you can see it in the performance. We had so much fun creating something we can look back on with pride, for years to come,' said Tahari Williams, a member of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Being at the University where several D9 fraternities and

sororities were founded and watching step, a style of dance steeped in Black culture made this homecoming event especially significant for many.

While the annual step show is a competition, Greek organizations value the camaraderie that are embedded within the performances. Each organization incorporated nods to their fellow Greek organizations in their routines. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s president, Morgan Phillips acknowledges how stepping at Howard is inspiring.

“To be surrounded by other organizations who are just as passionate, just as committed to putting on a great show,” says Phillips, is integral to HBCU culture.

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