WASHINGTON – The unmatched energy and spirit commonly showcased during Howard University’s annual Homecoming Week was on display early as more than 1,300 students filled Cramton Auditorium for an advance screening of “Homecoming: A film by Beyoncé,” the much anticipated film documenting the iconic performance by award-winning singer, songwriter and entertainer Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The performance, a first of its kind for an African American woman at Coachella, is a widely celebrated performance, which pays tribute to Black culture in America while honoring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

“We would like to thank Netflix for providing this opportunity, and especially thank Beyoncé for her support and commitment to HBCUs,”said Provost and Chief Academic Officer Anthony K. Wutoh while delivering opening remarks during the event, Tuesday evening.

Students who attended the advance screening were some of the first in the world to view the film ahead of its release to Netflix subscribers. Howard University was one of three locations chosen for an advance screening. The decision for Netflix and Parkwood Entertainment, Beyoncé’s management and entertainment company, to select three HBCU campuses for advance screenings aligns with the bold elements of HBCU culture featured during the performance at Coachella.

Abiola Oladele, a senior biology and chemistry student from Ewing, New Jersey, had the honor of introducing the screening to her peers.

“For years, Howard has stood as the nation’s premier HBCU, and tonight, we are the first to showcase this film which showed us how Beyoncé used her platform at Coachella to celebrate our heritage as an HBCU,” Oladele said.

The audience was treated to a video message from former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, who praised the film for its bold stance on uplifting Black culture.

“I love that this is both a celebration and a call to action,” said Obama, before giving a special shout out to the students of Howard University to the delight of the audience.

Finally, the lively audience fell silent as Beyoncé’s public relations strategist Yvette Noelle-Schure took the stage. Anticipation grew surrounding a possible Beyoncé appearance. Noelle-Shure told the audience, “what you are about to see is profound,” before directing their focus to the large center screen for a “special message from Beyoncé.”

“Hello to all my brothers and sisters, I see you and I respect you,” Beyoncé said at the start of a video, receiving a roaring applause from the audience. “Your enrollment at an HBCU preserves and protects the legacy of those before us. I wanted you to be among the first to see this film.” Her message to the University was one of fellowship and appreciation, and set the perfect scene for the advance screening.

Produced by Netflix, the film is described as a detailed, intimate look at the nearly two-hour long performance, revealing the emotional road from creative concept to cultural movement. For more information, visit Netflix.com. 

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Photo 1: Backdrop of Cramton Auditorium before students entered Tuesday evenining for the advance screening

Photo 2: A portion of the line of students, waiting for the advance screening, stretching from Cramton Auditorium nearly to Founders Library. Credit: Netflix

ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.  For more information on Howard University visit www.howard.edu

MEDIA CONTACT: Ramzey Smith, Office of University Communications, Ramzey.smith@howard.edu