By Paul Holston, Editor-in-Chief
Posted 5:00 PM EST, Weds. July 13, 2016
Updated 5:40 PM EST, Sun. Sept. 11, 2016
The 2016 Howard University Homecoming Steering Committee unveiled today the theme of this year’s homecoming entitled “BLUEPRINT.”
You should already know things aren't always as they seem. #ExperienceBlueprint
— Howard University Homecoming (@BisonHomecoming) July 13, 2016
Introducing BLUEPRINT: Recognizing the Past, Celebrating the Present, Embracing the Future #ExperienceBlueprint pic.twitter.com/w32g5GDV8P
— Howard University Homecoming (@BisonHomecoming) July 13, 2016
According to Howard University’s official website, this year’s homecoming pre-events is scheduled to kick off mid-September, with actual events to start in early October. The homecoming pep rally is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, Sept. 18, and the biggest event that many of the Howard community will be preparing for is the “international” Yardfest that is scheduled to occur on Friday, Oct. 21. The homecoming game against North Carolina A&T University is scheduled at 1 p.m. EST for the following day on Saturday, Oct. 22, at William H. Greene Stadium.
With this announcement, all eyes will be on this year’s homecoming committee, as previous years of Howard’s homecoming have been expressed with disappointment in resurrecting the “glory days” of Yardfest. Immediately after announcing the theme from Twitter, many students and alumni indicated concerns on the future of The Mecca’s well-recognized occasion.
If Howard really brings back yardfest this year.. 👀😴
— Otis Ferguson IV (@ferg_iv) July 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/_kaprisun/status/753295129667133440
[HOMECOMING at Howard by Ta-Nehisi Coates]Is Yardfest being resurrected? The Old Howard way? “@BisonHomecoming: 👀 did somebody say YARDFEST?”
— Nicole J. (@nikki_oOo) July 13, 2016
As usual, specifics have not yet been released as to who all will be in attendance during this year’s BLUEPRINT homecoming, but a representative from the committee expressed their confidence in the upcoming year. [UPDATE: #ExperienceBlueprint Homecoming 2016 – What Can We Expect? (Prelude)]