Many Universities Now Stage Black Homecoming Events

Many universities hold separate graduation ceremonies for black students in addition to the regular commencement exercises. Some colleges and universities have special orientation programs for minority students.

Now some universities are holding separate black homecoming events. At the recent homecoming weekend at the University of Illinois there was a gathering for black alumni that was attended by 1,700 former students. Similar black homecoming events are scheduled at Ohio State University and the University of Minnesota. These events include step shows, jazz, hip-hop, or R&B music, dance recitals, fashion shows, and pageants with the election of an African-American homecoming king and queen.

Organizers of black homecoming events believe that social events geared toward black alumni have been successful in boosting overall attendance at homecoming weekends. In the past, it has been difficult to attract black alumni to attend traditional homecoming events.

Copyright © 2008. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. All rights reserved.