The Hilltop Newspaper will be reporting a series on #ExperienceBluePrint before, during and after. Here, our Managing Editor gives a perspective update on what has and hasn’t been announced with a week away from Howard Homecoming 2016.
By Rushawn Walters, Managing Editor
Posted 10:30 AM EST, Thurs., Oct. 13, 2016
With less than a week away from one of the biggest, weeklong occasions at The Mecca, Howard University students and alumni have received only minor details on what is to come for #ExperienceBlueprint. On Wednesday, October 12, Howard University kicked off a Twitter forum to reveal “details” in regards to Howard Homecoming 2016. One is able to keep up with the hashtag #HowardHomecomingFacts; however, the information so far given still leaves many of the Bison community with more questions than answers.
Here’s what The Hilltop knows: Homecoming will be more alumni-focused this year. The R&B show, Gospel show, Hip-Hop show and the well-regarded homecoming parade will not be a part of this year’s homecoming festivities. With these events not occurring this year, it is with great expectation that both the Howard University Homecoming Student Steering Committee and Howard’s Department of Alumni Relations plans to beef up this year’s headline events and bring out their “Blueprint” into full potential.
[#ExperienceBlueprint: Yardfest is Back. Yet 2016 Howard Homecoming Will Be More Alumni Focused.]
After a three year hiatus, it has already been confirmed by both the Homecoming Steering Committee and most recently, Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick on Tuesday during his Presidential Webcast, that “Yardfest is in fact back.” Historically, Yardfest, considered one of Howard’s well-renowned attractions that brings in thousands of attendees into one place to laugh, dance and enjoy the beauty of Howard University, has left a lasting impression on those who experience its culture. While the full week of homecoming is open for all current students, alumni and friends of the Howard community, Yardfest specifically brings in attendees from all over the country.
Other Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as Hampton University, Bowie State University, Spelman College and other HBCU’s across the nation have already released their full announcements prior to their respective Homecomings. And yet, Howard is still on the hush with only the events confirmed.
Speculation on guests appearances at Howard can only be just that so far: Speculations. Multiple music artists and celebrities have already announced that they’ll be in town during the weekend of October 21-23 across the District, but no confirmation in terms of special guests have been announced for any of this year’s Howard Homecoming events, and even more, who will officially perform as a headliner or even make an appearance at Yardfest.
https://twitter.com/yodjswerve/status/785629050173743104
https://twitter.com/TheDMVDaily/status/785545562200371200
MIGOS HOSTS THE HOWARD HOMECOMING WEEKEND LIVE @ BLISS. SAT., OCTOBER 22ND. TIX AT https://t.co/b2gB2ytlWC #MIGOSATBLISS #HOWARDHOMECOMING pic.twitter.com/TosYyL50VL
— 93.9 WKYS (@939WKYS) September 28, 2016
The homie, Gucci Mane. Live @blissclubdc , Fri., Oct. 21st. It's the Howard Homecoming weekend. Come through. Tix @ https://t.co/AMNVFGfpir pic.twitter.com/MeyawA8UCJ
— 93.9 WKYS (@939WKYS) October 10, 2016
Are there performers? Is the Homecoming Steering Committee attempting to pull a Beyoncé and not make an announcement at all? Since early September, The Hilltop has made several attempts to reach out to the Steering Committee for more information beyond the confirmed events, but only minor details has been received.
