In the wake of the Tailgate Party’s cancellation, Howard’s classes have organized class-specific events to celebrate milestone anniversaries, coinciding with the university’s 100th homecoming.
The graduating classes of 2014 and 2004 took measures to memorialize their anniversary years through fundraising and a series of weekend events.
Over the summer, in an official statement, the university announced that it would “not have the Tailgate Party that has been held at the Howard Center parking lot to create a more unique and family-friendly experience on Saturday.”
The news sparked negative reactions on social media from alumni and current students; however, it is reminiscent of the old homecoming, Layne Eskridge, a Howard alumna from the class of 2004, remembers fondly.
“It will be nice to see everybody at Yardfest, and that feels like a throwback because tailgating is fairly new for homecoming at Howard,” she said.
In a 2012 Washington Post article, Keith Benn, a former vice president of the Howard Alumni Association, said “tailgating” was only introduced to Howard in 2008.
The television producer had decided she would have fun despite the lack of a party before the game against the Tennessee State Tigers football team.
“I think it’s unfortunate. But last year, it felt like a police state, and it was really hard to get in and get out.” Eskridge said. “And once we were in, it was really too crowded. So, I knew something had to change, but didn’t think that they would just get rid of it altogether.”
Last year’s tailgate created safety concerns amongst the Howard community as attendees climbed over the parking lot fence in an attempt to get inside the event, as displayed in viral videos.
Tiffany Malone is an alumna who, at first, expressed confusion over the cancellation of the staple event. Although the 2014 graduate hadn’t attended the tailgate for the past two years, she believes the institution may see it as a safety concern.
“It’s like we’re sad, but, you know, you just gotta keep rolling with the punches. Things always change with homecoming every year, and I think they’re just trying to make it as safe as possible. Sometimes that just comes with change, unfortunately.” Malone said.
The non-profit communications manager plans on attending the lineup of Class of 2014 sponsored events her peers have created. The traditional events Howard put on hadn’t been a topic of conversation among the classmates she kept in touch with.
The “100th Homecoming: Howard University Yard of Fame” celebration includes familiar homecoming events such as the Greek Step Show and Young Alumni Brunch. However, the university has made new additions to this year’s itinerary, including the Alumni Relation’s ‘Wine’ Down mixer and the Alumni VIP Day Party on Saturday.
“Those do sound like great events. But also one of the things that I would like to keep in mind is these events cost money, and the prices go up over time. Though we’re adults ten years out, we still gotta stick to a budget to make sure that we’re having fun but not breaking the bank.” Malone said.
In lieu of the tailgate, Malone plans on commemorating this homecoming by attending events put on by her class, such as the “Off The Yardfest” event hosted by the class facilitators of the homecoming lineup, @TheHU2014 on Instagram. The celebration includes a “tailgate-themed extravaganza” that includes table service, food and music.
“I just believe that these 100 years are just worth celebrating each other, the friendships that we built, the connections that we have,” Malone said. “I’m just so excited to celebrate us, and to celebrate the community that Howard built and the excellence that Howard breeds.”
Pilan Anice, a graduate of the class of 2004, still plans on attending these Howard-sponsored events, such as WHUT’s FamFest, where she plans to bring her 15-year-old daughter to see the place where her parents met for the first time.
“My husband and I both went to Howard. We’re both class of 2004. So we’re bringing them, and she’s going to have an experience of what it’s like to be on campus during homecoming,” Anice said.
Anice is another alumna who isn’t mourning the loss of the tailgate tradition. The yoga and wellness leader said she expressed no distress or sadness when she heard the news.
“The last time that I went to homecoming was 2019, and it was extremely crowded that I actually left,” Anice said. “It wasn’t actually fun for me because the original intent for it was gone.
“I can’t even find my people because not only is it people who are still students at Howard, but also there are people who just want to experience homecoming, who never even went to Howard, who are here taking up all the space.”
The New York City-based professional believes the university’s decision to remove the tailgate will make space for a new tradition to emerge. Her class of 2004 planned their own lineup of events that included a tailgate substitution.
Anice expressed her excitement about attending these events and reconnecting with those she missed.
“What these events really offer is a space where we know we will be,” she said. “You know you’re coming to this event; the class of 2004 is going to be here. It’s a person that you may not remember that you met at Quad, your old roommate, who you’re going to check in and see.
“I think that’s what’s important about having events that are specific for our class, and of course, anyone can come, but people know for sure that you’re going to see the class of 2004, present, live, in color, vibing, connecting and loving on each other and celebrating all that we’ve accomplished.”
The class prepared to celebrate their 20th reunion and raised $100,000 as part of their endowed scholarship fund for the university. As Giving Chair, Eskridge was successful in surpassing the goal amount and is part of the youngest class to contribute to the university’s endowment.
“To be this young and be only 20 years as alumni and have an endowment established in our class’ name is a huge deal, and it just represents the class of 2004,” Eskridge said. “Many of us are doing really amazing things.”
The executive is one of 11 members of 2004’s graduating class that came together aiming to facilitate a unique experience for their peers. 04 The Love of Howard is a reunion committee the class formed toward the end of Homecoming 2023.
The organization released a lineup of events spanning Thursday to Sunday, including a “Welcome Home: 04 The Love of Howard Kick Off’ to start and a “The Dynasty Continues” day party. However, their main event, “The Punchout,” will make its third annual appearance on Friday at The Mayflower Club.
Copy edited by Anijah Franklin
