By Mekhi Abbott
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com
Howard University marked its 101st homecoming Oct. 24-26, transforming “The Mecca” into a celebration of legacy, culture and community as thousands of students, alumni and visitors traveled to Washington, D.C., for one of the most anticipated events in HBCU culture.
“Howard has often stood alone as one of one—either as the only, the first, or at the top. The theme recognizes the fearlessness with which Howard has pursued truth and service since 1867, the relentlessness with which it pursues it today, and the invention with which it will lead in the future,” said alumni relations via the university’s official website.
The slate of weekend activities commenced Friday, Oct. 24 with a Divine 9 Brunch, which also served as a fundraiser. Friday also marked day one of the university’s storied Yardfest, a free music festival that has featured acts such as The Notorious B.I.G, Jay Z and Drake. Herbert “G Herbo” Wright III headlined this year’s homecoming.
“This year my favorite moment of homecoming was definitely Yardfest because you get to see the whole Howard ecosystem: professors, students, old classmates and even some of the performers,” said Kyle Fisher, a journalist at CNBC and recent Howard grad.
The theme for the 101st rendition of Howard’s homecoming was “One of One,” celebrating the university’s uniqueness, legacy and the pursuit of excellence.
“I make a conscious effort to make it to homecoming every year since graduating in 2023. Being able to come back to D.C. and connect with your people is a nice escape from everyday life. Obviously you try to keep track of everything your friends and classmates have going on, but it could be difficult once you leave campus. But coming back to Howard is always important to me,” said Ezra Monteiro, an account executive at Oracle.
Day Two of Howard’s homecoming – Oct. 25 – featured FamFest, a free community event for parents and children, and an alumni day party at Blackburn Ballroom. But the highlight of the day was, of course, the homecoming football game.
The Bison faced off against the Morgan State Bears at 3:30 p.m. EST. The game added to the excitement of the weekend as Howard pulled off a victory in overtime, defeating Morgan State 33-27.
Junior Ja’Shawn Scroggins and senior Tyriq Starks both took snaps and scored two touchdowns at quarterback, but it was Scroggins who helped ultimately lead the Bison to victory. The Las Vegas native led a game-tying drive with 2 minutes and 33 seconds left in regulation to tie the score 27-27. The drive was capped off with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Breylin Smith. Sophomore running back Anthony Reagan Jr. solidified the win for the Bison, scoring a 25-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime. Reagan led both teams in rushing with 122 yards and two touchdowns.
Howard now improves to 4-4 on the season and 1-0 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play. The Bison will stay in D.C. to face off against the North Carolina Central Eagles on Nov. 1. North Carolina Central holds a record 5-3 but are coming off an upset loss against Delaware State. The Delaware State Hornets went to Durham, N.C., and defeated the Eagles for the first time since Oct. 15, 1977. The Hornets, now coached by former National Football League All-Pro DeSean Jackson, will be playing in a highly touted matchup against Norfolk State, who are coached by Jackson’s former teammate and quarterback Michael Vick.
The university wrapped up the homecoming festivities with A Call to Chapel with Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ph.D. at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 and the Young Alumni Day Party from 3 to 7 p.m. at Flirt Cocktail Bar and Social Club.
While much of the weekend exemplified the nostalgic, celebratory nature of HBCU homecomings, the festivities were marred by a shooting incident on Oct. 24, in which two suspects were arrested and five people were injured, including three male victims, a woman and a juvenile, according to police. It was reported that none of the victims were Howard students but one did attend Morgan State. An investigation is still underway.