Even 30 years later, I still feel that rush of energy when I’m back on the Yard,”

Charles’ and Dionne’s First Homecoming 

A year after transferring from Wayne State University, Charles’ first Homecoming at Howard came in the Fall of 1986. Having attended events at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) before, nothing compared to the energy he found at Howard. Living in Drew Hall, he vividly recalls his anticipation. The sense of pride, camaraderie, and togetherness was unlike anything he had ever experienced. “The excitement was enormous,” he reflects on his first Homecoming as a Bison.  

Dionne’s first Homecoming came as a freshman the following year in 1987. Arriving without any expectations or knowledge of the HBCU experience, she found herself continually discovering what it meant to be part of the Howard community. Seeing the alumni return, filled with pride, helped her realize that being a Bison was a lifelong connection. “It was a culmination of the essence of the HBCU experience,” she recalls.  

What stands out most for Dionne and Charles are the moments that encapsulated Howard’s rich culture. Charles remembers "battle of the bands" as a centerpiece of the weekend, while Dionne recalls the celebrities who casually mingled with students: Eddie Murphy, LL Cool J, and Heavy D, to name a few. "It wasn’t just a concert or a party. It was about being part of something larger,” Charles says.  

Cassidy’s First Homecoming 

Cassidy Dickerson, a sophomore psychology student at Howard University, experienced her first Howard Homecoming at a young age. As a child, Cassidy's parents would bring her along to Homecoming events, but it was the 98th Homecoming anniversary celebrations in 2022 that stood out to her most.  

Cassidy, a then high school senior, experienced Howard Homecoming with her family, as she traditionally did. Everything changed after she attended the Howard football game, when her cousin Cameron Dyson, a linebacker for the Howard football team, invited her to experience Homecoming with him and other Howard students. This gave Cassidy the chance to connect with peers, realizing that Howard could offer her a community where she truly belonged.  

 “Being able to experience Howard Homecoming with peers was a completely different element, and that experience was a critical part in determining whether or not I wanted to attend Howard,” Cassidy says. "Before Homecoming, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to apply. After Homecoming, I was sure Howard was in my top five."  

Despite the whirlwind, Cassidy felt the importance of Homecoming as a powerful tradition that connects the Howard community across generations. This year, with the theme “Yard of Fame,” she finds a deeper meaning in the experience. "The Yard is the heart of the campus," she says, describing how it transforms into a space where past, present, and future leaders come together. "It honors the countless individuals who have walked these grounds, many of whom have gone on to make significant impacts in their fields and communities." 

This year, Cassidy is approaching Homecoming with a focus on balance. Having learned from her previous experience, she is prioritizing being present and taking time to enjoy the moments as they come. "I’m making sure I breathe, embrace, and truly soak it all in," she says, understanding now that Homecoming is “not just about participating in every event, but about creating meaningful connections and cherishing the Howard community.” 

As she looks ahead, during the Centennial celebration, Cassidy is proud to be a part of Howard’s ongoing story. "The 'Yard of Fame' resonates with me because it reflects a shared purpose—a sense of pride in what we’re building together," she says. For her, Homecoming is a reminder that she is part of something much bigger than herself, contributing to a legacy that will inspire future generations of Howard students. 

A Family Affair: Today’s Homecoming 

When The Dickersons return for Homecoming, it is more than just a reunion. It’s a chance to relive their shared memories and create new ones as a multi-generational Bison family. Charles recalls the nostalgia he feels walking past buildings like Douglass Hall and the School of Engineering, places that shaped his Howard experience and, in many ways, his life. For Dionne, the excitement remains. “Even 30 years later, I still feel that rush of energy when I’m back on the Yard," she says. 

For The Dickersons, Homecoming represents the coming of age and the legacy of excellence that Howard fosters. It’s a reminder of the journey they took together and the journey their daughter now embarks on. As they continue to return each year, they know that Howard Homecoming will forever be a part of their family’s story—a story rooted in love, culture, and a deep connection to the Howard community. 

Their advice to first-time Homecoming attendees is simple: embrace the experience, make memories, and connect with people. “It’s not just about attending events,” Dionne advises. “It’s about understanding that you’re part of something bigger—something that will last long after you leave.”