Omar Tyree and Walter “Rap” Pearson will present the annual 2022 Homecoming Kick-off, “The Flow,” on Oct. 17. The program aims to highlight and bring light to the art of poetry and Hip Hop.
The auditions will be held on Sept. 25 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the College of Fine Arts Building. They are looking for passionate and talented students who do poetry, HipHop, Soul and dance.
Walter Pearson expressed his excitement about returning this project to his alma mater, “I am super excited to come back and host this event at my alma mater because it is HU. To be associated with the university while celebrating undergraduate students and alums is exciting,” Pearson said enthusiastically. “Plus, we are celebrating our culture, so what is not to be excited about.”
Both graduates of Howard University find that amplifying artists’ voices are essential. Tyree and Pearson started doing open mic nights and poetry slams at BusBoys and Poets. They then begin to outgrow their space, making them return to the Mecca.
Tyree was excited when speaking about his time at the Mecca. He explained Washington, D.C, to be the place to be. No electronics, just sitting on the yard and being in everyone’s face is the vibe, he explained.
“It was hot and popping in DC because it was an extraverted culture because in the 1980’s we did not have computers and cell phones,” said Tyree. ”Everyone was outside and on the Yard. Puffy was here at this time, so it was extra lit in DC.”
As a part of the program, an HBCU award will be given to celebrate a Howard alum who has made their mark on the world. This year’s award will be given to Ron Lawrence, a Howard graduate who produced the hit song “Hypnotize” by Biggie Smalls.
The award will be presented by alumna Jasmine Young, the director of Howard University School of Business Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music and Entertainment Business. This program allows students to receive the necessary information to succeed in the music business. The program was also founded by another well-known Howard alum, Julian Petty J.D., the head of business and legal affairs at Warner Music.
Successful alums come back every year during homecoming to enrich and educate undergraduate students. Alumni returning to Howard has always been a gift in itself, but we love when they allow students to participate and make meaningful connections the most.
The auditions will be held on Sept. 25 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the College of Fine Arts Building. They are looking for passionate and talented students who do poetry, HipHop, Soul and dance. Pearson encourages everyone to come and give it all.
“Come with passion and excitement, take risks and be authentic,” he said passionately.
To register and learn more about auditioning, visit https://www.howarduniversityflow.com/audition.
Copy edited by Alana Matthew
