Home Sweet Home For HBCU Alums

HAMPTON, VA – The rainy weather did not put a damper on Hampton University’s Homecoming festivities in Hampton, Virginia. Hundreds of alumni, students and staff still enjoyed one of the most anticipated weekends at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The experience left a lasting impression on Brian Larkin of Flint, Michigan. “With this being my first time at Hampton Homecoming I felt I was in a sea of blue and white. It was pretty remarkable seeing all the school spirit on display from alumni and students,” Larkin said.

The weeklong celebration began with the annual Chapel Service Sunday followed by the sweet sounds of gospel music during Hampton’s annual Gospel Celebration, The Royal Jubilee. After the gospel concert, students and alumni gathered for the Hampton Bonfire where alumni reminisced about collegiate life and the old cafe in Virginia Cleveland Hall. Five years ago, Hampton University invested five million dollars to build a new, three-story 100,000 square foot facility with two dining halls.

The Homecoming tradition included a Fashion Show, Rock-the-Blue-and-White day with students clad in Hampton wear all day, and the Coronation of Miss Hampton.

There were numerous class reunions as alumni seized the opportunity to reconnect. Nazeem Hasan, a speech pathologist now living in Miami said, “Hampton’s Homecoming was the ultimate realization that young black professionals are succeeding in multiple fields, yet still giving back to their alma mater and communities nationwide.”

Saturday brought the highlights starting with the annual Homecoming parade followed by the football game. The Hampton Pirates battled the Aggies of North Carolina A&T. First half went a little slow, with Hampton behind, it was a close game throughout the second half, but the Pirates pulled through beating the Aggies 31 to 26.