The theme is an acknowledgement of both Howard University’s storied past and promising future, said Nia Naylor, president of the Howard University Student Association.
“Revival really encapsulates both old and new Howard,” said Naylor, a senior political science major from New Castle, Del. “It honors the legacy of this great institution while celebrating the good that lies ahead.”
The weeklong series of events will run from Saturday, October 14 to Sunday, October 22 with a wide range of activities for individuals and families alike. Revival: Howard Homecoming 2023 kicks off with a Day of Service on Saturday, October 14. It features several projects led by students at various sites across the District of Columbia and a coat drive hosted by WHUR (96.3 FM) and WHUT-TV at Iverson Mall in Hillcrest Heights, Md.
The highlight of Homecoming is the annual football game as the Howard University Bison will host the Norfolk State University Spartans on October 21 this year.
Preceding the game will be the annual Howard Homecoming Parade, which will start at the intersection of Fairmount Street NW and Georgia Avenue NW at 9:30 a.m.
The game will kick off at 12 p.m. from William Greene Stadium and broadcast live on ESPN+, one of four nationally-broadcast games this season for the Bison, the 2022 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Co-Champions.
The parade will feature traditional participants such as the Howard University Showtime Marching Band, Howard University ROTC Color Guard, the Howard University Alumni Association and various local bands, drill teams and community organizations.
Due to the parade, street closures will go into effect along W Street, 6th Street, Fairmont Street, and Georgia Avenue beginning Saturday at 7 a.m. The Howard University Homecoming Tailgate Party will begin at 10 a.m., with opportunities for alumni, students, families, and community members to gather for pre-game festivities at the Howard Center parking lot at 2235 8th Street NW.
This will be the first Howard University Homecoming for President Ben Vinson, III, PhD, who became the University’s 18th president on September 1. President Vinson, who spent a portion of his youth in nearby Montgomery County, Maryland, is excited to see the Howard University Homecoming experience firsthand.
“As I prepared to assume this role and even after I started, one consistent message I’ve heard from so many people is how magical a Howard University homecoming is,” President Vinson said. “I can honestly say this is something I’ve truly looked forward to and I can’t wait to see the throngs of people make their way to The Mecca for what so many know to be the best HBCU homecoming. We have a phenomenal lineup of events and I know our staff and students are working extremely hard to ensure that we have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable homecoming for all.”
Additional Howard Homecoming events include Call to Chapel, Royal Court Coronation, the 2023 Lavender Reception Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community, Alumni Career Fair, Alumni Jazz Brunch, Fashion Show and Greek Step Show.
More than several dozen vendors will be selling food, clothing, books, and other items on the Main Yard (Upper Quadrangle) Friday, October 20 for Yardfest with a surprise musical performance capping off the afternoon’s activities. For a complete list of official events, visit the Revival: Howard Homecoming 2023 site.
Please note: Working media can apply for Howard University Homecoming media credentials here. All applications will be reviewed by Howard University’s Office of University Communications and accepted applications will be confirmed via email.
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