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It's Homecoming Time at HBCUs

At Howard, a Sour Note from Malcolm-Jamal Warner

By Heather Faison

The introductions of celebrity hosts Karen Malina White, who played Charmaine on "The Cosby Show" and "A Different World," and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo Huxtable on "Cosby," went smoothly as the Howard University Homecoming began. The crowd gave them a standing ovation and chanted, "Theo! Theo! Theo!"

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

But when Warner quickly put the chant to rest with the use of an expletive, his vulgar language left a distaste in the mouths of the audience.

"He forgot where he came from. He should be happy that people remember him as Theo," sophomore advertising major Marcus Stanton said.

From that point on, Warner became the object of ridicule, and Karen White became an audience favorite.

As the music died down, inspirational speeches and performances set a tone that would carry throughout the evening.

"There was good talent. You could tell that they [the contestants] were obviously well prepared," senior international business major Lauren Holland said.

Then came the sweat-breaking segment that separated the brains from the beauty: The make-or-break question-and-answer segment included questions ranging from opinions on the current presidential candidate opinions to why Howard University is "The real HU."

Contestants walked off stage and made way for the rejuvenating performance of the D.C. Showbiz Dancers. Dancers from various ethnicities and ages hit the stage with their rendition of early-'90s dance routines and a live interpretation of Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

Contestants entered the stage one last time, displaying their dazzling and handsome evening wear. As they catwalked across the stage, their elite academic achievements and community service accolades were announced.

Contestants took their final bow, Taking the crown as Mr. and Miss Howard 2003 were Miss School of Business, Crystal Sumpter and Mr. Arts and Sciences, Chequan Lewis.

Heather Faison is a student at Howard University who writes for The Hilltop.

Howard's Runway Walks With the Times

By Charreah Jackson

Howard University began holding its annual Fashion Show in as part of Homecoming in the early 1980s.

By 1985, the Homecoming Fashion Show was in full swing, as women in petticoats and blouses sauntered down the runway during a time when the perm was becoming increasingly popular.

In 1987, students paid $5 to enter one of the fashion show's two showings, which featured the talent of student designers. The show's theme was "Metropolis" and the designers were heavily influenced by Calvin Klein and Bill Blass.

As the black man became increasingly exploited in the media, Howard's fashion show committee decided to dedicate the 1987 show to him. In conjunction with the Homecoming theme for that year, "Bridging the Gap," the runway featured men and children from the community, and even men from Morehouse, which was that year's homecoming opponent.

The Fashion Show of 1990 presented the 'flyest' trends of the time. From the popular walking shorts that came just below the knee to the reemergence of plaid, models wore big hair and big accessories.

"Vive Noire," the fashion show of 1994, began an era of more risks and fewer clothes.

Models executed practiced and sensual dance moves all in leather, and wore fashion from the 1970s to the future. Male models strolled down the runway wet and in Speedo-like bathing suits.

The most controversial moment of the 1994 show was the "Notorious" scene, as female models suggestively danced together. Many questioned whether they had just witnessed lesbian images.

In 1998, R&B singer Tyrese opened both the event and his shirt for the crowd. The show began with an homage to "The Motherland," as models graced the runway in Nigerian garments. The show, themed "Soleil," quickly progressed to risqué fashion, as female models wore sheer shirts, body suits with thongs, sheer bras and sometimes no bras at all.

To many men, the highlight of the night occurred as one female model wore a velvet skirt with a matching scarf, which draped her chest. As she walked, the scarf moved, leaving her fully exposed.

In 2000, the Howard Homecoming Fashion Show began a new era, as coordinators sought to bring high fashion, taking the show to new heights.

The show of 2000 featured ensembles by Jean-Paul Gualtier, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior and others of the fashion elite. For students who craved a more urban look, the fashions of Avirex, Phat Farm, and Sean John were on display.

Charreah Jackson is a student at Howard University who writes for The Hilltop

Southern U.: Alumni Memories

By Kendra Toussant

Every year, alumni venture home to Southern University to reunite with friends and family to enjoy Homecoming festivities and the "big game."

"Homecoming was always a special game, more than just a game, but the game of the year. Also, many times people plan reunions and parties near the game because people come home," said Carolyn Richardson, a 1980 graduate.

For many, it is a time to catch up on old times and see how things have changed in each other’s lives.

"As a graduate of the university, I feel Homecoming is important for friendships that are for the most part maintained through e-mails and over the phone. For the most part, this is an opportunity for old acquaintances and friends to reflect on yesteryears and yesterdays and see how our lives, our friendships have moved to different levels," said Brian Ward, a 1992 graduate.

Many travel every year just to take part in the Homecoming game and to see how Southern University has changed.

"Every time I come, something has changed, ranging from new buildings to reconstructed roads. Homecoming reminds me of my past, helps me remember why I enjoyed attending Southern so much and why I encourage others to come to this great institution," said Floyd Harrison, a 1986 graduate from Macon, Ga.

Kendra Toussant is a student at Southern University who writes for The Southern Digest.

Southern's Theme: "J.A.G.S."

By Alexis J. Alexander

The theme for Southern University's Homecoming this year is, "A Better Me, A Better You, A Better SU," and the slogan is "J.A.G.S. (Just Another Great Slogan) Reloaded."

Friday, Sept. 26, was the official opening day.

To end the week, the Homecoming football game takes place at the A.W. Mumford Stadium. The Jaguars will take on Alabama A & M at 6:30 p.m.

"Homecoming is a time to make people feel appreciated and for Alumni to come back to celebrate with the institution that provided their education," said Wilbert Jones, assistant director of purchasing, who is also the Homecoming Steering Committee chairperson.

Alexis J. Alexander is a student at Southern University who writes for The Southern Digest.

50 Cent Headlines at North Carolina A&T

By Patrice Withers

Rap star 50 Cent headlines North Carolina A&T's Hip-Hop Headbanga homecoming concert at the Greensboro Coliseum on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

50 Cent

It closes out a two-week celebration that includes pre-Homecoming events, a comedy show and gospel explosion.

"A&T has really been blessed to get 50 Cent for a concert. We are the first college or HBCU to get him to come," said Ty'Juan Turner, vice president of external affairs for Student Government Association. "Our board has been working very hard all summer and it is now time to put our plans into action."

This will be the first year that students will be able to purchase packages for homecoming events. The blue package will include comedy show, step show and concert tickets for $45. Students also have the option of purchasing the gold package, which includes the gospel show, comedy show, fashion show, step show and concert for $55.

Homecoming events begin Oct. 16 with the New York and New Jersey talent show, followed by BET's college tour and a weekend gym jam.

"BET will host a interactive tour which has the possibility of being aired on 'Rap City,'" Turner said. "We want to bring a lot of students out this year."

A gospel show on Oct. 19 kicks off the official week of Homecoming events. Some of the country's best choirs will be featured.

Other concert performers include T.I., Lil' John & The Eastside Boyz and Chingy.

Patrice Withers is a student at North Carolina A&T State University who writes for The A&T Register.

Posted Oct. 9, 2003