Howard University kicked off its Homecoming game day with the annual community parade on Saturday, Oct. 22. Festivities began at the administration building and traveled through Northwest D.C.
Families, vendors and alumni stood along Georgia Avenue as the parade brought life back to the Howard community after two years of virtual and hybrid experiences due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Showtime Marching Band and Ooh La La! opened the parade with renditions of popular R&B songs. The band kept all eyes on the show as they marched by in exclusive red and white Jordan shoes, a product of the recent Jordan Brand and Howard University collaboration.
Janice, a Washingtonian from the area, says it’s nice to see normalcy return to the community. “In the past, Howard was never just for students that go there, it’s a part of this community,” she said. “It’s good to see that aspect of homecoming return.”
The morning festivities filled the Howard community with school spirit as everyone prepared to attend the Homecoming game against Delaware State University in the afternoon.
The parade included everyone from neighboring schools’ bands and dance teams to Howard University Student Association’s President and Vice President. President Jordyn Allen and Vice President Eryka Anabell Clarke each rode in white and red corvettes, followed by the Howard University Royal Court and the current Miss Washington D.C.
The sunny weather on Saturday morning amplified the sense of community in the area. Georgia Avenue business owners eagerly set up shop on the sidewalks while families sat in foldable chairs awaiting the parade to pass them by.
Frank Sarcia, a DMV artist, said he brings his artwork to Howard Homecoming every year. “I come out here every year with my artwork because I know there’s some sisters and brothers who may like what I do. And I like to watch. There’s so many different types of brothers and sisters out here every year.”
Tonya, a Howard alumna, made it a point to bring her three kids to partake in the weekend of festivities. “There’s no place like Howard, I want my kids to see and feel that for themselves. They don’t have to attend an HBCU,” she said as she rolled her eyes. “But I do want them to understand there’s no experience like the one you get at Howard.
Copy edited by Nhandi Long-Shipman
