She said an unforgettable moment as a student was when Ananda Lewis (B.A. ’95), best known for her work as co-host of BET’s “Teen Summit,” served as Grand Marshal of the Homecoming Parade.

“I was such an Ananda Lewis fan,” she recalled. “The parade is early. When you’re a freshman and you’ve been out all night, it’s very hard to get up for that parade.”

Still, she made it happen. “I got up and I went, I got down there just in time to see Ananda Lewis on this truck. And she hopped down and took a picture with me. That moment told me I was exactly where I was supposed to be.”

Of course, The Yard holds a special place for Ange. It’s where she saw legends like Kanye West, Nelly, Monica, LL Cool J, Drake, Jeezy, 3-6 Mafia, Beenie Man, and Common, to name a few. The fest continues to draw huge crowds.

“It’s loud, chaotic, and beautiful,” Ange says, noting that she and her friends used to plan their whole week around the event. “You’d grab your crew, stake out your spot, and just vibe.”

But while Yardfest remains the signature homecoming event, Ange now helps carry that energy into the weekend’s newest tradition — FamFest, a family-focused celebration on Saturday, the day after yardfest. The event, led by Keisha Nelson (B.S. ’09). WHUT’s director of education and outreach, turns the Valley into a colorful community festival with live music, and activities for families of young children.

While Yardfest brings the energy, “FamFest takes that energy and pours it into the next generation,” Nelson says.

For Ange, the meaning of Homecoming hasn’t changed since her days as a Baby Bison.

“Every year brings enormous changes, but the feelings tied to Homecoming never do,” she says. “As a student, you’re trying to soak it all in. As an alum, you’re trying to give something back. 

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