The grills and crowd were fired up, across University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) E.B. Henderson Sports Complex Plaza, as people donned in yellow and red apparel gathered on Saturday, Nov. 16 for what student and alumni “Firebirds,” consider more than just an average annual homecoming.
“As a Firebird, homecoming is our rallying cry,” said Selvon Waldron, class of 2008. “It’s nostalgic. It’s invigorating. It’s the return to ‘The Nest.’”
With people dancing to songs like Cupid’s “Flex,” members of sororities and fraternities strolling, and the sounds of D.C.’s Black Alley band filling the brisk air, UDC’s 2024 homecoming was not just a fun event. From Nov. 9 to Nov. 16, celebrating under the theme “Firebird Reunion,” UDC’s homecoming was a moment to honor the historically Black institutuon’s work, resilience, and contributions to the nation’s capital, country and world.
For realtor and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner 8C01 Georgette Joy Johnson, homecoming is a critical time to be reminded of what it truly means to be a member of the UDC community, even post-graduation.
“Homecoming as a Firebird is truly special—it ignites a fire within, like our mascot itself,” Johnson told The Informer. “Homecoming reconnects me with the pride and determination it took to cross that stage… It’s a reminder of the strength that being a Firebird instills in each of us. And when I leave, that fire is reignited, fueling me with fresh motivation and purpose.”
As the District’s only public university, homecoming events are centered on citywide engagement including basketball games, Firebird Festival and the school’s royal coronation.
The nation’s second-oldest HBCU, UDC homecoming traditions allow students, alumni and guests to experience the institution’s long legacy of Black excellence, explained 2022 graduate Anderson Hall.
“Coming back to homecoming, bringing children to these environments where you see the Black excellence in music, you see Black excellence in different [things], it reinvigorates the Black soul,” said Hall, a comedian and content creator who hosted homecoming festivities on Nov. 16. “Everybody was full of energy, full of UDC pride, of Firebird pride.”
The institution’s long legacy in D.C. and nation, Hall told The Informer, contributes to the immense sense of achievement that comes with being enrolled in or graduating from UDC.
“It’s just the illustriousness of going to a college [like UDC] that makes you feel the need to come back and donate and help fellow students,” said Hall, as he enjoyed keeping the crowd energized and entertained during celebrations for his alma mater. “It’s like a full circle moment.”
Home of the Firebirds: An Institution of Education, Resilience, Black Empowerment
Often coined the “District’s HBCU,” the University of the District of Columbia has a rich history in working to empower Black communities through education. Since its founding in 1851 as a school for “colored girls,” UDC (then, Miner Normal School) has operated with a mission to uplift the Black community, producing generations of transformative leaders, forward thinkers and culture shapers.
By the late 20th century, the exclusively-urban public land grant university – now, a consolidation of three predecessor schools – had evolved into a staple of the District and a testament to innovation and preservation of local and diasporic culture.
“Black culture at UDC was more than classroom lessons; it was the Black National Anthem kicking off events, the energy of basketball rivalries with schools like Bowie State and Virginia Union, the go-go concert at homecoming, Greek stools across campus, and our college president greeting students in the hallways,” said Waldron. “These traditions and values anchored my pride in Black culture and deepened my bond with D.C., shaping a professional path centered on community, resilience, and uplifting others.”
Over time, UDC homecomings have brought more than just energetic concerts, school spirit and Black pride to the District; they have also proved as a symbol of strength, resilience and perseverance. For instance, despite being intentional about engaging District residents overall, there have been moments when some Washingtonians did not warmly embrace UDC’s celebratory efforts in the community at-large.
“There were years when we faced pushback, like the time we decided to hold a parade down Connecticut Avenue and…another year…the community even called the police to shut it down,” Waldron recalled. “But that’s what the UDC homecoming experience represents: resilience. Year after year, many have tried to stifle Firebird Nation, but we’re still here, undefeated and unwavering.”
Today, UDC continues to drive a mission of prosperity and leadership in the District, representing a diverse array of students forging their own paths of change in their communities.
Through expanded academic options and more community engagement, the UDC Firebirds plan to elevate the historic institution to even higher heights in the coming years.
“Whether you want to come in for a certificate, an associate’s degree, a PhD, wherever you want to jump on this train, we have a doorway for you,” said Andrea Williams, interim vice president of UDC’s Office of Marketing and Communications. “We want to educate the District. We want to make transformational change with D.C. residents, and that’s what we’re here for.”
