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The grounds of Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Source: Buyenlarge / Getty

Homecoming season is here, and it’s the most wonderful time of the year! As a graduate of a Big Ten University, I can honestly say that I’ve never experienced a homecoming quite like that of a HBCU. From the tailgate, to the yard fest, to the “plots” and all the love and the pride in between, homecoming weekend at a HBCU feels more like a huge family reunion where everybody (regardless of alumni status) is welcome!

No matter if you hit the nation’s capital to enjoy Howard University’s homecoming or head down south to Greensboro to participate in #GHOE (the Greatest Homecoming on Earth), HBCU homecomings are experiences that you HAVE to have at least once in your lifetime.

Hampton University Homecoming

Dates: October 14 – October 16, 2016

This October, Hampton University is celebrating another #HomecomingByTheSea and by the looks of the excitement from Hampton Alum, it’s already shaping up to be quite the weekend. Starting with HU’s annual Greek step show to kick off the weekend followed by the University parade, tailgate, and football game, students and alumni alike will have their hands (and cups) full all weekend long. Check out: http://homecoming.hamptonu.edu/events.cfm for a full list of University events occurring during Hampton’s 2016 homecoming weekend.

Clark Atlanta University Homecoming

Dates: October 14 – October 16, 2016

If you’re planning to head to the “A” for homecoming this year, Clark Atlanta University is the place to be. From the pep rally kick off event on Friday night, to the homecoming parade, tailgate and football game on Saturday, to the worship service on Sunday morning, CAU’s homecoming is unlike any other HBCU in the nation. Whether you’re an alumni, current student, or just want to be in the mix, you’re sure to feel the Southern Hospitality in the air as soon as you step foot on CAU’s campus for homecoming weekend. For a full list of Clark Atlanta’s homecoming events, visit here: http://www.cau.edu/about/homecoming2016.html

Howard University

Dates: October 22- October 26, 2016

Howard University’s homecoming is perhaps one of the most talked about across the nation. Celebrities from Drake to Rick Ross have graced the stage during the festivities with concerts and parties that have attracted the likes of current and former students, local D.C. residents and even partygoers from around the country. This year’s homecoming is proving to be no different, as Bisons (and honorary Bisons) will participate in the annual tailgate, yard-fest, gala, day parties, and of course the big homecoming football game. Although I didn’t attend Howard, their homecoming weekend was my first taste of what HBCU life is actually like, and I must say that I’ve had some of the best experiences and met some of the best people in my life while visiting! If you’re on the East Coast during homecoming season this year, Howard Homecoming is definitely the place to be! Planning on making the trip? You won’t be disappointed! Visit http://www.bisonhomecoming.com/ for a full list of Howard University’s homecoming festivities.

Norfolk University

Dates: October 28-October 30, 2016

I’ve never had the pleasure of attending Norfolk University’s homecoming, but according to close friends who are proud alumni of the university, Norfolk’s homecoming weekend deserves a spot amongst the greats! Every year, over 20,000 students, alumni, and community partners participate in the celebration of Spartan Pride. The university kicks off the weekend strong at the annual pep rally to get everyone excited about the crazy weekend ahead. The student union tends to be the meet up spot for everybody that’s coming in town and serves as a great place for fraternities and sororities to catch up on old times (and of course get their stroll on). Once the pep rally concludes, it’s party time, as the crowd congregates to the multiple day parties that are occurring around the city in anticipation for the big All Black Affair on Friday night. Once Saturday rolls around, it’s tailgate time, which is obviously the highlight of the entire weekend and the most anticipated event for the Norfolk Spartans all year long. Hitting Norfolk this year? Check out the full list of events here: https://www.nsu.edu/university-advancement/homecoming/index.

Morehouse/Spelman

Dates: October 28-October 30, 2016

Students and alumni of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges get a 2-for-1-homecoming deal every year at the annual Spelhouse homecoming in Atlanta, GA. As usual, Spelhouse’s homecoming weekend is a great opportunity to make new friends, reconnect with old ones, and experience #SpelHouseBlackMagic first hand. Though two separate colleges, Morehouse and Spelman go hand in hand especially during homecoming season. Homecoming attendees usually look forward to the joint tailgate experience, the Sunday worship service, and every party in between. Visit http://www.spelman.edu/about-us/news-and-events/annual-events/homecoming or for a full list of Spelhouse activities.

North Carolina A&T

Dates: October 28-October 30, 2016

Last, but certainly not least, is North Carolina A&T’s GHOE a.k.a the Greatest Homecoming on Earth. As someone who did not attend A&T but has visited GHOE on numerous occasions, I can definitely attest to its greatness. From the various alumni day and night parties to tailgating all Saturday long at “the plots”, Aggies sure know how to have a great time and make you feel like you’re apart of the alumni family. With famous alumni such as Terrence J regularly making homecoming appearances, you’ll find yourself “swag surfing” with some of the greats in no time. Check out http://www.ncat.edu/homecoming/ for a full list of A&T homecoming festivities.

So, which HBCU has the best homecoming? Let us know!

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