As October temperatures drop in Washington, D.C., homecoming season is just heating up for local historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and Howard University promises another year celebrating Black excellence, leadership and generations of legacy building.
With a theme of “One of One,” Howard University Homecoming 2025 takes place Oct. 19-26, and features a fun-filled itinerary of annual traditions and honorary moments rooted in Bison pride and communal celebration.
Among the list of highly-anticipated events during the 101st anniversary, include: the Lavender reception, celebrating Howard’s LGBTQIA+ community (Oct. 23); Thursday’s Student Fashion Show and Red, White, and Bison Gala; the Oct. 25 Truth and Service football game versus Morgan State University Bears, preceded by the Community Parade; plus a series of celebrated traditions taking place on Friday, Oct. 24, including Yardfest, the Greek Step Show and Divine Nine Brunch, and Alumni Welcome Reception.
“It’s absolutely magical up on that campus, it’s a source of pride,” Dr. Nathan Doctry, class of 1974, told The Informer ahead of Howard’s centennial homecoming in 2024. “It’s a freedom of expression, you’re not afraid to be Black or [anything else]. It’s really something.”
In addition to the aforementioned traditions, beverage company Diageo’s Show Your HBCU Initiative returns to the Northwest institution for a second year of citywide events and exclusive parties alongside its partnering brands Casamigos, Crown Royal, Deleon, Smirnoff, and Tanqueray.
With a mission to honor HBCU culture and the legacies of long-standing homecoming traditions, the nationwide program strives to amplify the value of the Black network, while empowering students and alumni alike with a refined approach to celebrate the week of affairs.
“Our purpose is to celebrate life every day, everywhere, and that really speaks to how we go out in the community,” said Dr. Danielle Robinson, Diageo’s director of community engagement & partnerships. “I want people to take away that they should consider and think about how they’re going to go out in the evening.”
Other aspects looking to shape safe and healthy drinking during the week include Diageo’s Take a Minute initiative, charging people to make conscious, intentional decisions; the Cheers to Choice Bars, empowering personal choices in what, when and how to drink; as well as some tips and tools to responsible hosting and consuming outlined on Diageo’s main site.
“I always say, drink up, drink less but better,” Robinson told The Informer. “It’s really about making sure people consume our brands responsibly.”