It’s homecoming season! There is nothing like the memories made when students, alumni, family and friends get together to show their school pride and honor the legacy of the HBCU they are celebrating.
The gatherings on “the yard,” the step-shows, parties and football games are second to none. HBCU homecoming weeks are rooted in tradition and celebrate Black education and culture.
Founded in 1865, Raleigh, North Carolina’s Shaw University was the first Black college organized after the Civil War.
Over the years, more opportunities for higher education were provided to young Black men and women. By 1870, seven black colleges, including Fisk University (1866), Howard University (1867) and Claflin University (1869), were founded, according to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
While Black colleges were becoming more accessible, returning after graduation was unconventional. The first version of the modern homecoming was held at a fall football game at Morehouse College in 1924.
Now, the festive weeks have transformed into a great source of fundraising for HBCUs, as well as ways to connect with future mentors and build community.
Texas Southern University, Elizabeth City, Alabama A&M University, Shaw University and Morgan State have already commemorated the special week. However, with over 100 HBCUs nationwide, there is still time to enjoy the season. Check out the schedule for which schools are still gearing up for homecoming.
October 2023
Albany State University – October 8-15 (vs. Allen University)
Bethune-Cookman University – October 12-15 (vs. Texas Southern University)
Central State University – October 11-14 (vs. Savannah State University)
Grambling State University – October 8-15 (vs. Alabama A&M University)
Jackson State University – October 8-14 (vs. Alabama State University)
Johnson C. Smith University – October 9-14 (vs. Saint Augustine’s University)
Mississippi Valley State University – October 9-14 (vs. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff)
Morris Brown College – October 7-15 (first homecoming returning with “Full Accreditation”)
Southern University and A&M College –October 8-14 (vs. Lincoln University (CA))
Tennessee State University – October 8-14 (vs. Norfolk State University)
Texas College –October 8-14 (vs. Louisiana Christian University)
Tuskegee University – October 8-15 (vs. Edward Waters University)
Virginia State University – October 7-14 (vs.Bluefield State College)
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff – October 15-21 (vs. Alcorn State University)
Benedict College – October 16-22 (vs. Kentucky State University)
Clark Atlanta University – October 15-21 (vs. Central State University)
Delaware State University – October 14-21 (vs. South Carolina State University)
Fayetteville State University – October 15-22 (vs. Johnson C. Smith University)
Florida Memorial University – October 17-22 (vs. Webber International University)
Fort Valley State University – October 15-21 (vs. Morehouse College)
Howard University – October 15-22 (vs. Norfolk State University)
Lane College – October 15-21 (vs. University of Lynchburg)
Langston University – October 15-21 (vs. Arkansas Baptist College)
Livingstone College – October 16-21 (vs. Shaw University)
Miles College – October 15-21 (vs. Allen University)
Savannah State University – October 17-21 (vs. Tuskegee University)
Virginia Union University – October 15-22 (vs. Lincoln University (PA))
Winston-Salem State University – October 15-21 (vs. Saint Augustine’s University)
Allen University – October 23-28 (vs. Edward Waters University)
Florida A&M University – October 21-28 (vs. Prairie View A&M University)
Hampton University – October 22-29 (vs. North Carolina A&T University)
Morehouse College – October 22-29 (vs. Kentucky State University)
Norfolk State University – October 22-29 (vs. Morgan State University)
November 2023
North Carolina A&T University – October 29 – Nov. 4 (vs. Towson University)
North Carolina Central University – October 29 – Nov. 4 (vs. Norfolk State University)
Prairie View A&M University – October 29 – Nov. 4 (vs. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff)
South Carolina State University – October 29 – Nov. 4 (vs. Howard University)
Fisk University – Nov.6-12 (no game)
Dillard University – Nov. 8-13 (no game)
Voorhees University – Nov.9-12 (no game)
University of Maryland Eastern Shore – Nov.16-19 (no game)
Claflin University – Nov.12-19 (no game)
Will you be heading to an HBCU homecoming this season?
