By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer
vmejicanos@afro.com
Bowie State University is currently hosting its 90th annual homecoming. Activities began on Oct. 26 and will take place through Nov. 2 under the theme “It’s Off the Chain!”
The celebration brings together students, alumni and community members for a celebration “filled with pride, connection and Bulldog spirit,” according to the university’s website.
Several ticketed events are planned throughout the week. Those who plan to attend Homecoming Day on Nov. 1 must register by Oct. 31. A ticket to the homecoming football game will also serve as registration. Students living on campus do not need to register.
According to the university’s frequently asked questions website, registration is a safety measure.
“Registration allows us to provide important safety information and updates to attendees before, during and after homecoming,” the website states. “Knowing who will be on-site makes it easier to account for everyone in case of an emergency and enables quick communication during emergencies.”
Bowie State is also implementing additional security measures similar to other HBCUs, including license plate readers, more security cameras, weapon detection technology and metal detectors in buildings, sports arenas and campus entrances. The university’s police department has also partnered with state and county law enforcement to increase officer presence throughout campus.
The week kicked off with the Homecoming Gospel Concert on Oct. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring the BSU Choir, Alumni Gospel Choir and award-winning gospel artists Tim Bowman Jr. and Kierra Sheard-Kelly.
The annual coronation of Mister and Miss Bowie State University will take place on Oct. 29, crowning the 33rd Mister and 79th Miss Bowie State in the Martin Luther King Jr. Center Auditorium.
On Oct. 30, a highlight of the week will be the Homecoming Concert, featuring a live DJ and several musical guests.
Homecoming Day, hosted Nov. 1, has a variety of events. One of the free events is the Homecoming Parade that morning, led by Tony Award–winning actor and BSU alumnus Myles Frost (‘21), star of “MJ the Musical.” The parade route begins at the Bowie Walmart and ends at Bowie Town Center. BSU student groups, departments, and community organizations, including high school bands, can apply to participate.
Later that day, the Bulldogs will take on Elizabeth City State at Bulldog Stadium from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets and stadium policies are available online.