A Once In a Century Homecoming Anniversary

Homecoming at Howard happens every year, but this 2024 event was a once in a century celebration. The grandeur of Howard Homecoming’s 100th anniversary, accented by pride in Kamala Harris’ ascendancy, attracted worldwide media attention and brought throngs of alumni back to the Mecca. As much of the globe got its first taste of Howard culture, Howard alumni simply enjoyed the familiar — familiar faces, traditional events, and the sights and sounds that always welcome Bison back home.    

The 2024 theme, “Yard of Fame,” was suggested by students because the Howard campus has historically been traversed by students and faculty who would go on to gain notoriety. Throughout the week, events paid homage to the past, present, and future— showcasing the myriad ways Howard has influenced intellectualism, thought, and culture over the past hundred years and how it is poised to do so over the next century. Here’s a look at 10 of the many moments that defined an epic event worth a 100-year wait.

The sold-out Greek Step Show paid tribute to Black Hollywood as members of the Divine Nine blended militarily precise steps, dance, acrobatics, and chants during sets which channeled iconic movies starring Black actors— complete with surprise appearances from Howard’s “Showtime” Marching Band and alumnus Anthony Anderson (B.F.A. ’22) via video.

In a regal ceremony that paid homage to a royal lineage linked not by blood but by spirit, their Highnesses Mister and Miss Howard, Gregory Allen Jr. and Damaris Grace Moore, were coronated, along with attendants from each of the 14 schools and colleges. The event featured a royal waltz, jaw dropping vocal and dance performances, and special tributes from friends and family, culminating as the Royal Court took oaths to represent the best values and traditions of their alma mater.

Fans kicked off basketball season early with a jam-packed Bison Madness spirit rally which spotlighted the men’s and women’s teams and included performances by Howard’s “Showtime” Marching Band, Bisonnettes, Flashy Flags, and the Oh La La dancers, along with a set by Skilla Baby.

After IKEA refurbished the university’s LGBTQ+ and Intercultural Resource Center, “Pose” actor Ryan Jamaal Swain (B.F.A. ’16) and New Orleans bounce rapper Big Freedia helped celebrate the power of inclusivity at the Annual Lavender Reception, where scholarships were awarded to students who are champions of equity. Lavender combines the pink triangle gay men were forced to wear in concentration camps and the black triangle worn by lesbians viewed as political prisoners. It is a visible reminder of LGBTQIA+ community solidarity and pride. 

Quarantined no more, DJ D-Nice commandeered the Yard before the Homecoming game to spin a web of music tracks spanning generations, joined by DJ Quiksilva, DJ SNS, and chart-toppers Ruff Endz, Sunshine Anderson, Letoya Luckett, and Carl Thomas.

Along with high school marching bands, dance groups, classy cars, and student luminaries, Howard’s “Showtime” Marching Band headlined the Homecoming Parade.

The Bison fought valiantly in their bout against the Tennessee State University Tigers. Howard led the game in rushing yards. The Bison sacked Tennessee State’s quarterbacks twice and stopped runners for a loss eight times. However, the Tigers’ passing game proved decisive as they outlasted Howard by one touchdown, leading to a 27-14 loss for the home team.  Nevertheless, the Howard faithful were there to show their support, as an overflow crowd of more than 10,000 created a standing-room-only experience. 

Thousands packed the Yard for Yardfest to reunite with new and old friends, as well as to catch much anticipated performances by the hottest stars, including Coco Jones, Ty Dolla Sign, Leon Thomas, Boston Richie, 310 Baby, and Jordan Ward. Among the surprises, actor Derrick Milano proposed to Angela White (a.k.a. Blac Chyna). 

Based on the theme “The Centennial,” the Howard Student Fashion Show designers fused cultural heritage, avant-garde concepts, and motifs of light and dark. Each segment of the show explored the Utopian and dystopian sides of Afrofuturism, a movement that blends African culture with futuristic technology and fantasy and highlighted how the institution, its students, its alumni, and the communities they serve continue to thrive in a world that’s constantly evolving. The Light segment featured luminous fabrics and sleek designs, while the Dark segment showcased bold, experimental looks, underscoring Howard University’s influence on the future. 

Inside the packed Greene stadium, hip hop icon Doug E. Fresh put an exclamation on halftime during a performance with Howard’s “Showtime” Marching Band.