The Soul Of A Tradition: What Makes HBCU Homecomings More Than Just A Weekend

Every autumn, a profound migration takes place. Black families gather their belongings, college couples reunite, DJs prepare classic tracks, and grills light up on college campuses from Howard to Hampton, Tuskegee to Texas Southern. It's homecoming season—an esteemed tradition imbued within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). However, beyond the celebrations and step shows lies a significant reality: homecoming embodies more than mere festivity; it symbolizes a ritual of resistance and belonging, fostering safety, joy, and kinship in a society that often overlooks these needs.For generations, Black gatherings have been perilous undertakings, with historical challenges under Jim Crow. Yet, HBCUs emerged as bastions of intellectual freedom, offering sanctuary. Homecoming serves as an annual pilgrimage reinforcing Black excellence. Today, HBCUs remain refuge spaces, confronting continued challenges but also nurturing joy and community resilience. Amid adversity, these spaces celebrate collective identity. As we gather, it reaffirms our unyielding bond: while they threaten, we unite, affirming that Black joy and struggle coexist harmoniously. (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)