Everyone loves homecoming. It’s defined by the nostalgia of meeting up with old friends and the excitement of cheering on your alma mater’s football team. Each college typically has the same format, but of course, some will claim that theirs is the best.
Ever heard of “GHOE?” Coined by the students of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), GHOE stands for, “Greatest Homecoming On Earth.” It’s almost as if NCAT alumni have it down to a science; the homecoming concert always sparks buzz on social media and this year’s lineup was insane, featuring Bryson Tiller, Bossman Dlow, Mariah The Scientist, Latto, and Rob49. Food vendors draw in lines that wrap around the stadium, the outfits are a detail-oriented assembly of designer clothing, streetwear, and alternative fashion, and Grand Tour Media’s camera is fixated on the Greek organizations lining up to stroll to the classic, “Nasty Song,” or, “Wipe Me Down.” It’s a different experience.
So imagine the surprise when, “WHOE,” short for, “Worst Homecoming on Earth,” started trending instead of GHOE. Unfortunately, in response to a shooting that took place during last year’s homecoming celebration, Bowie State University, a Maryland state HBCU, decided to implement tighter regulations involving alumni activities during this year’s homecoming celebrations.
Leading up to the official homecoming date, Saturday, Oct. 19, all guests were required to register upon entry to access campus, the game, or the tailgate. The university announced that registration was only available until Oct. 18 and same-day registration was not allowed.
The homecoming parade, marching the day of the 19th, was from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. and required no registration. However, what ultimately is to blame for the Bowie Bulldog’s new WHOE status was the university’s tailgating restrictions. The “Holmes Fest” tailgate started promptly at 3 p.m., with no entry anytime past that point. It lasted four hours and ended at 7 p.m.
Homecoming celebrations are notorious for lasting all day long. Therefore, it’s disheartening to see that this long-awaited tradition was cut short for Black students and alumni. There weren’t just restrictions at Bowie State University, however; a number of students from other HBCUS like Howard University or Morgan State University expressed dissatisfaction with what was supposed to be the event of the year. The need to keep students safe while on campus is understood, but the argument lies in the way the universities went about doing so. Understanding the history and significance behind HBCU homecomings is essential to understanding just why this is so unfair.
HBCU homecomings are a display of community and cultivation. Too often, Black professionals find little acceptance and representation in white-dominated industries. There is power in seeing a person of color succeeding in areas that don’t involve the stereotypical sports ball or a microphone. Homecoming is a display of fruition and prosperity. Seeing old classmates who sat beside you move on to pave a path in the corporate world is impressive and encouraging. What’s better is that, in the comfort of similarity, this success doesn’t have to be suffocated under the guise of code-switching. Alumni and students of HBCUs can connect and network with eased nerves on the usage of AAVE and natural dialect coming off as, “too hood,” or having the clothing they wear appreciated instead of being looked at as, “too ghetto.” The guidance and support being offered isn’t based upon stipulations, however is layered with the understandings of similar life experience. This association is fact, as according to McKinsey & Company, “Black HBCU graduates are more than twice as likely as Black graduates of non-HBCUs to report having experienced three major support measures while at school.”
There is a reason why Black celebrities endorse and sponsor these institutions, why celebrities agree to perform at their homecoming concerts for little to nothing and why each year the tailgate grows larger. iHeart Radio’s article, “HBCU Homecoming: The History, Impact & What It Means To The Black Community,” reads, “these institutions are symbols of progress and the achievements of Black people when they were disenfranchised and barred from traditional means of post-secondary eduction. Alumni then and now are legacies and testaments to Black resiliency.”
The whole point of HBCU homecomings, is to come back home to a space that reinforces the acceptance and safety of Black scholars. Therefore, instead of cutting this highly anticipated time short, colleges must find alternative ways to protect students.
Reasonable Ways to Keep Homecoming Safe
Registration:
Registration of all homecoming attendees is understandable and a great way to keep track of who goes in and out of the celebration. However, allowing on-site registration is considerate to students if they decide to go day of or if they’d like to bring a guest.
Awareness of Campus Safety Resources:
Transparently advertising campus safety resources pertaining to alcohol over-consumption, campus security, exit plans and, ‘resting zones’ (pre-determined areas where homecoming goers can find water, security, a quiet environment, etc.) is an extremely proactive way of assisting students in having a less chaotic homecoming experience. It is also a great way to demonstrate care and consideration for the health and safety of those who frequent campus. These vital location indicators, phone numbers, and websites should be clearly visible on homecoming flyers and websites.
Clear Bag Policy:
A clear bag policy, which was enforced this year at Bowie State University, is a great way to prevent unwanted objects entering the tailgate.
Conclusion of Homecoming:
Using, “curfew,” in this situation sounds restrictive. While setting a specific time that all homecoming activities should conclude is fine, the delivery of this information is important. Instead of curfew, schools can adopt the term, “conclusion of homecoming.” Also, 7 p.m. is too early for festivities to end. Students are adults and on the campus of their school, which is supposed to be a place for safe fun. Adding on a couple of extra hours would be much appreciated by students and alumni who took off work and traveled to celebrate their alma mater.
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