football

HU! Howard University Celebrates Homecoming, 150th Year

The famous HBCU has awarded over 120,000 certificates and degrees.

Howard University is celebrating its 150th year at its annual homecoming celebration this weekend.

"This homecoming is particularly exciting for many reasons," university president Wayne Frederick said in a statement. "From the return of the homecoming parade to the introduction of the Inaugural HU Ideas Festival, we are thrilled to announce this year’s events ... There will certainly be an event for everyone.”

A kickoff rally marks the beginning of the festivities on Monday, Oct. 16, and an alumni brunch and fashion show will conclude the celebrations on Sunday, Oct. 22. Other noteworthy events include a Greek step show, the return of the Howard parade, a cocktail party with Howard’s president and the homecoming football game against the Morgan State Bears on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Yardfest, another university favorite, is scheduled for Friday from noon to 6 p.m. In 2017, Rick Ross, Tory Lanez, Doug E Fresh, Kid Capri and Machel Montano will take the stage.

In years past, the live concert has attracted top-tier artists like Notorious B.I.G. in 1995, Jay Z in 2000, Kanye West in 2003 and Drake in 2012.

The lineup was dropped as a midnight announcement on Twitter.

The school took student's requests into consideration, student Imeirah Page told The Hilltop.

The concert is free.

Officials charged $5 admission in 2013. That year, a group of people tried to ram the gate to get in for free and several people were hurt, as News4 reported. 

This year will be the second where homecoming is back to its full glory with a live show. 

Howard University is one of 107 institutions across the country that are historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

The school has been home to the nation’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice, Nobel and Pulitzer prize winners, Grammy recipients and Broadway stars. 

The Bison football team is currently 3-3. They take on the Bears at William H. Greene Stadium on Saturday at 1 p.m. for their homecoming game.

Contact Us