Steppers represented their organizations at the highly anticipated show
The women of the Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the men of the Beta Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. won the coveted title of Howard Homecoming Step Show Champions 2008.
The “Duel of the Divine” was hosted by actress Keisha Knight Pulliam and comedian Brandon T. Jackson. Senior sports medicine major Kamaria Dowdy coordinated the show.
The Steppers for Christ of Omega Nu Alpha opened the show. With every step they took, they represented Jesus Christ. They left the crowd chanting, “For Christ I live; for Christ I die.”
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Well, here it is. The Hilltop’s annual Homecoming wrap-up.
First, let me offer a disclaimer: This is The Hilltop’s view on this year’s Homecoming events. It is a subjective, yet well-informed critique and appraisal of the Homecoming Steering Committee’s performance this year.
It isn’t a time for The Hilltop to get back at people they don’t like — as has been suggested in past years after an event received a less than savory grade — or for people associated with that event who took personal offense. So, after much consideration and debate, here is The Hilltop’s Homecoming Report Card.
For all who would like to know, we looked at originality, creativity, professionalism, purpose and audience response.
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Lights. Music. Models. Strut.
“La, La La La, La, La La La La. Sittin in a Caddy, bright like Betty. Floatin up the aisle like the bride and her daddy. Hip-hop addict, hip-hop addict. Man I swear I’m on top like the attic.”
The 2008 Homecoming Fashion Show started off with Lil Wayne’s song “La La” signaling the entrance of models displaying a wide array of clothing, most notably, cocktail dresses. The look was layered dresses for girls and prep for guys. The girls wore bright colors, mostly shades of blue, complementing the men’s burgundy.
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“This game and all of the events of Homecoming have been full of energy, excitement and fun. It represents all of the best in Howard University, years coming together to celebrate the legacy. It’s a beautiful thing,” said Howard University President Sidney Ribeau.
Capturing the essence of a Howard Homecoming comes full circle on game day. While many of the other Homecoming shows or events may just attract the current students or the alumni, the Homecoming game brings both together in celebration.
After the Howard Showtime Marching bands pre-game performance, the crowd rose for the presentation of the color. During the singing of the national anthems, fans put a fist in the air to lift every voice and Sing.
omecoming is a highly anticipated occasion each year. It brings in over 100,000 people from across the globe that experience a week of events and celebration. For a world-renowned homecoming with such a wide audience to satisfy and major reputation to live up to, one may wonder what kind of budget can pull off such an affair.
“Howard homecoming is a unique business model; it takes proper planning and efficient budgeting to create a successful event,” said Homecoming steering committee Treasurer
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Keep your chin up, face forward, take a deep breath, strike a pose and get ready to face the crowd. You’ve practiced this walk for weeks and now, the auditorium is packed and all eyes are on you. Now is the time for the annual Howard Homecoming Fashion Shows 1&2, one of the most anticipated Homcoming events every year. Charmaine McPhee, junior musical theatre major is modeling in the show and is excited about the renovations of the show this year.
“This is my second time around,” McPhee said. “I was in the show last year and I’m excited about the changes this year. Never before have I seen the theme actually connect with the outfits, but this year they actually correlate.”
Students are in debt due to rising tuition and housing costs, the unstable economy and high gas prices. But somehow, students still find a way to purchase Homecoming tickets -- some at $30 for just one ticket with their student discounts.
Some of the most popular events include the step show, the fashion show and the comedy show -- these three tickets alone will cost a total of $70. Then, following each event, there is usually an after party. Students can pay $60 and up just to get into one party during Homecoming week.
The lobby is crowded with familiar and unfamiliar faces; the volume is increasing and everyone seems to be in a rush to get to their rooms. Lobby decorations are up and security has been increased and rules are heavily enforced. It's a weekend when family and friends come to visit and participate in activities that might make them want to stay. It's Homecoming weekend.
It's a moment in the year where Howard University takes in an approximate 200-300 additional guests throughout the various dormitories, the lines to the community bathrooms are extra long and instead of having one or two roommates, students may have three or four.
Eighty-four years ago, Howard’s first Homecoming only celebrated the return of the alumni; 51 years later, homecoming had evolved into a socially conscious affair, celebrating humanitarians from Howard, while including the student body. Today, Homecoming at Howard strives to revamp its traditions, while adding new flare.
In 1924, Howard’s first Homecoming was not at all the event that it is today. The glitz and glamour of the fashion show, the overcrowded mayhem of Yardfest and the excitement surrounding the step show were non-existent. Howard Homecoming started out as a three-day program that served nostalgic alumni, who would come back for their celebration.
Homecoming is by far the biggest game of the year. I am really hoping that our team can come out and give us a victory,” said Kristopher Owens, sophomore public relations major.
The Bison football team will take on the Morgan State University Bears Saturday in the homecoming football game.
“I’ve been homecoming six times because both of my parents graduated from Howard,” said freshman chemistry major Morgan Johnson. “I’m excited to see what celebrities will show up to the game.”
Howard’s football team has started off slowly this season with a record of 1-4.
Morgan State enters Saturday’s game with a record of 3-3. They are also riding a high wave of momentum after they destroyed the North Carolina A&T Aggies 41-3. The Bears are led by head coach Donald Hill-Eley. He is in his seventh year of coaching at Morgan State. His record during his tenure there is 30-37.
Football games, marching bands, and step shows are all a part of the Black college homecoming experience. It is a time when current students, alumni, faculty, family and friends come celebrate their alma maters. It is a long tradition, anticipated and celebrated across the country, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“I am anticipating homecoming this year. Every year it gets bigger and better,” said Kandisha Dato, a junior accounting major. Dato attends Hampton University and she believes that the Black college experience is not complete if you do not attend homecoming.
“This year we have Tamia performing at our alumni concert and some more celebrities are coming that have not been announced yet. Just knowing that I have celebrities coming to my school makes it so much more exciting,” Dato said.
Football games, marching bands, and step shows are all a part of the Black college homecoming experience. It is a time when current students, alumni, faculty, family and friends come celebrate their alma maters. It is a long tradition, anticipated and celebrated across the country, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“I am anticipating homecoming this year. Every year it gets bigger and better,” said Kandisha Dato, a junior accounting major. Dato attends Hampton University and she believes that the Black college experience is not complete if you do not attend homecoming.
“This year we have Tamia performing at our alumni concert and some more celebrities are coming that have not been announced yet. Just knowing that I have celebrities coming to my school makes it so much more exciting,” Dato said.
