The Symbiosis of Howard Homecoming

By - Jamaica Kalika

The 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. 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.

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.