More Than Parties: Why an HBCU Homecoming Is Part of the Healing

Homecoming is affirming. It’s a sanctuary, it’s necessary. It’s truly filling and reminds you who you are — and who you’ve always been. Homecoming isn’t just about the football game, hoping we at least make it onto the board, though it’s there and it’s electric. It’s not just about the Marching Wildcats hitting that field or hearing the folks rock the stands, though Lord knows I still tell folks that our band is the greatest in all the land. It’s about that feeling in your chest when you hear those drums, when you see those old friends, favorite professors, cafeteria ladies that gave you extra meat, security guards that opened the gate for you after hours, mentors, and every face that helped shape the person you’ve become.

Homecoming is healing. This is where we come back to recharge — to get those hugs we’ve been afraid to ask for. There’s something magic in the way we squeeze each other and say, “Look at you.” It’s a simple reminder that, yes, people see you. You’ve changed and grown, but this place and these people? They still remember the dreams you had when you were young, before life got complicated. And they’re here to remind you of them — loudly, lovingly, joyously. They see your hustle, your doubts, and your triumphs. They see you, whole.

Homecoming is love. The kind of love that spans generations, that keeps us rooted while pushing us forward. It’s reconnecting with the ones who cheered you on when you weren’t sure you could make it, the ones who call you “family” even after all these years. Here, no matter where you’ve been, you’re home. You’re reminded that you come from a long line of dreamers, fighters, visionaries, and believers. And, as you leave, you take that love with you, dusted off, new.

To those who almost didn’t make it back but chose to come anyway: I’m so so so glad you came. I know it wasn’t easy. Maybe you weren’t sure if it would feel the same, or if you’d be the same after all that’s happened. But you showed up, and because of that, we got to pour into you. We laughed, hugged, cried, talked trash, and share that love only this kind of place can give — the kind of place that Mary built. You were meant to be here, to be filled up and reminded that this family never stops loving you. We needed you here as much as you needed this, and we’re all better for it. Welcome home.

And to those who sat this year out, know this: you were missed in a way that’s hard to put into words. We felt your absence, and we carried you with us in spirit. Whatever kept you away, I hope you know that whenever you’re ready, your B-CU family will be here, arms wide open, ready to welcome you back next year. We’re holding a space just for you because we love you, and this family is always here, no matter what. Hope to see you soon.

And if you’re looking for a reason to attend:

1. For Your Mental Health

Life can wear on us, and sometimes we don’t realize how much we need a place where we can let our guard down. Homecoming is a balm for the soul. It’s where you get to drop the weight, take that deep breath, and remember who you are when you are surrounded by people who love you. That boost isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. Come recharge.

2. To Celebrate Yourself & Your Journey

Homecoming is the ultimate reminder that your story is worth celebrating! Every step you’ve taken — the highs, the lows, the big moves, and the quiet triumphs — deserves a spotlight. Coming back is a way of honoring everything you’ve been through with the people who watched you become. This is where the flowers are given.

3. To Connect with Your Roots and Legacy

There’s something special about coming back to the place where it all started. When you walk that campus and feel the legacy of every Wildcat who came before, it’s a reminder that you’re part of something bigger. Our roots go deep, and Homecoming connects us back to those roots, grounding us and showing us how far we can grow.

4. For the Full-Hearted, Out-Loud Joy of It All

When was the last time you laughed so hard your face hurt? Homecoming is that space where you can be fully, unapologetically yourself, surrounded by family. There’s something magical in that energy, and it reminds us how to truly live.

5. To Reignite Your Dreams

This isn’t just a visit; it’s a reawakening. Old friends and the echoes of dreams you might have left behind — they’re all here to remind you who you wanted to be. That’s the power of Homecoming. We send each other off better, more determined, and more alive than we arrived.

6. To Sleep

So many people I love came to Homecoming this year just to sleep. They showed their faces a few times, soaked up the energy, then took that chance to rest, reset, and restore. Sometimes, self-love means just giving yourself a break, and Homecoming can be that soft, safe place to do it. If coming back next year means catching up on sleep, letting go of stress, and finally getting that rest you deserve, then come on home and do it. Homecoming can be whatever you need it to be — joy, connection, celebration, or simply rest.

If we’re a little bit of everyone we’ve ever loved, then I carry every Wildcat I’ve met with me everywhere I go — and it fills me with joy to bring you all with me every time I come home.