Photo courtesy: @bellxburns on Instagram
Homecoming week at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), is a time to celebrate the history and legacy of each HBCU across the country. The week-long celebration includes a range of events for both alumni and students.
During homecoming, celebrities make appearances, and events range from the club environment to block parties. Everyone is able to use the time to engage with their communities and establish connections between students and alumni of all generations.
Florida A&M Universities homecoming will begin on Oct. 24. Students from other colleges usually leap at the chance to attend FAMU’s homecoming. Although, there has been questions about the turnout FAMU will receive this year due to the lineup that has been released.
Miracle Bolden, a fourth-year criminal justice scholar, is excited about the lineup of events but disappointed in the artists set to perform at the concert.
“I feel like the promoter’s lineup was better than the concert FAMU is hosting,” Bolden said. “I personally don’t listen to the artists FAMU is providing, so I’m not too excited about it.”
The homecoming concert is usually a huge event for FAMU. Some say the event’s attendance will be significantly low due to the artists scheduled to perform.
The university initially announced that Jacksonville rapper by the name “Lil Poppa,” would be performing as well. Although, in a tweet Lil Poppa stated that FAMU never booked him for the show.
Photo courtesy: Kaila Priester, screenshot from Twitter
The City Girls have already appeared in Tallahassee on multiple occasions. They came to Tallahassee during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their performance collected criticism on social media from those who thought they were breaking social distancing rules.
The City Girls were also chastised for their performance at Bajas Beach Club. Students voiced their concerns on social media, criticizing the performing group for arriving late and delivering a sloppy performance.
The lineup for North Carolina A&T has circulated on social media and amongst HBCU students. It features new artists like Glorilla and Chloe Bailey, as well as Lil Baby and Nardo Wick.
Bethune Cookman University’s homecoming lineup included Nardo Wick, Rick Ross, Ball Greezy, Glorilla, Trina, and Young Nudy. However, due to Hurricane Ian’s damage to their campus, it is uncertain if they will hold a traditional homecoming week this year.
Da’Kayla Cooper, a fourth-year nursing scholar, is not looking forward to this year’s homecoming because of the lack of event advertising.
“Honestly, I feel as if the homecoming committee is running out of ideas, and the events are not promoted enough,” Cooper said. “The only event I’m excited about is the concert with the City Girls and Latto. Also, the homecoming game is fun.”
Various activities have been scheduled by different Tallahassee promoters that may suit others. Other performers such as Woody McClain and Michael Rainey Jr will appear at events. On Oct. 29, Lil Durk will meet with friends at the Donald Tucker Civic Center.
Despite the emotions and uncertainties accompanying homecoming week, it is the perfect time to reconnect with friends, family, and alumni to honor Black excellence above everything else.