What makes Howard’s Homecoming special
By Simone Denard
When you hear the words “Howard Homecoming,” what are the first things that pop into your mind?
Burke: The first things that pop into my head are the words The Mecca, reunion and family.
Phillips: I think of love. Though we are all coming from different places and attended Howard at different points in time, we reconvene in that space because of our shared admiration and love for Howard. There is a synergy present that is unmatched. It is the one moment that we all get to press pause on life and return home.
There are various events that occur during Homecoming, from the football game to alumni brunches. What events do you feel must be attended every Homecoming?
Burke: The events I attend have varied over the years, but currently, I prioritize attending the Alpha Kappa Alpha reception for alumni. It allows me to meet younger sorority sisters as well as older members to help bridge the generations while strengthening the bond of sisterhood and service.
Phillips: I must attend Tailgate because it is such a central event. It is the easiest way to see everybody and fellowship.
How is Homecoming different as an alumna compared to when you were a student?
Burke: I was blessed to be on the Homecoming steering committee in 1988 as the Miss Howard University pageant coordinator. In the fall of ’87, I led my sorority sisters as step master in the step show, and we won for the first time in almost 12 years. Now as an alum, it is about socializing and reconnecting. When I was in undergrad, I was working during Homecoming and participating in a very different way.
Phillips: It feels more sentimental as an alumna. I have a greater appreciation for the time I spent at Howard and the connections I was able to form as a student. Seeing former classmates navigating life post-college and accomplishing such phenomenal things is heartwarming.
HBCU homecomings are like no other, but there are many schools with iconic HBCU homecomings. According to Google, Howard's Homecoming is the most researched. Why do you think that is?
Burke: I think that there are quite a few reasons why Howard’s Homecoming is so popular. One of the first is Howard’s brand and legacy. Howard is associated with having well-renowned alumni whose achievements across diverse industries and sectors keep the institution at the forefront of conversation in the media and beyond. Additionally, Howard sits in the nation’s capital, which offers a variety of attractive things to do outside of campus during the Homecoming season.
Phillips: The visibility the University receives from celebrities and affluent alumni is one of the primary reasons. There are recording artists that mention Howard in their songs and during press events. In addition to that, public recognition is the energy that students provide around homecoming. People want to be a part of something as historic and attractive as Howard Homecoming.
Why is it important for alumni to give back to Howard?
Burke: It is important to give back to ensure that Howard students are getting the educational, social and cultural experiences needed to excel in this society. Whether the giving is done financially or through mentorship, it is extremely important to bridge the generations through providing students access to different experiences that will help them soar academically.
Phillips: Without our return home, Howard cannot thrive. As alumni, it is our responsibility to give back — preserving the University and continuing the legacy. By paying it forward, we ensure that future generations enjoy the very best Howard has to offer, just as those who came before us did for us.
As Tanya Burke and Deja Phillips said, Howard Homecoming is a celebration of legacy and unity, where generations of Bison return to the Mecca to honor their shared history, while ensuring that opportunities remain fruitful for future students.