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Editor’s notice: The next article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the creator’s personal. Learn extra opinions on theGrio.
The annual SpelHouse Homecoming celebration not too long ago passed off in Atlanta and what a time it was. SpelHouse, after all, is the portmanteau of Spelman Faculty and Morehouse Faculty, two illustrious traditionally Black schools eternally linked because of the proximity of each faculties — throughout the road (extra like parking deck now) from each other — in Atlanta’s West Finish neighborhood. I’m a 2001 graduate of Morehouse Faculty, and I attempt to go to homecoming each single yr. I find it irresistible; it’s rooster soup for the soul. I get to see a few of my favourite folks that I solely see yearly and revel in being again in an area that’s important to the story of who I’m right now. There’s nothing like an HBCU homecoming, however there’s particularly nothing like a SpelHouse Homecoming.
To that finish, I (after all) have a number of takeaways I’d wish to share with the congregation. As I’ve been going for over 20 years now, I’ve witnessed the expansion and such, so it’s all the time enjoyable to each partake within the revelry AND observe for analysis functions. Enable me to share.
1. Look, I don’t know whose homecoming is the most effective, and I notice it’s subjective, and I’m not susceptible to hyperbole … however ain’t no manner SpelHouse isn’t prime 2. And we ain’t 2. There’s simply no manner.
I’ve no scientific foundation for this however who wants that when we’ve anecdotal proof of upwards of 30,000 of us and a tailgate state of affairs that different faculties might all be taught from (together with these faculties that was on the prime)? Once more, no proof, however Lil Wayne was claiming to be the best rapper alive and sooner or later, it was simply true. Info gon’ reality.
2. I feel I walked on the grass on Spelman’s Oval for the primary time in my life.
On the Friday of homecoming weekend, Spelman Faculty has all the time had a supercharged Market Friday state of affairs. Market Friday is when a ton of distributors and such converge on campus and so do a bazillion people who find themselves on the town (and college students). Me and the homies have been questioning why Market Friday appeared so gentle till we realized we have been within the flawed place; Market Friday had moved to Spelman’s Oval — a grassy space close to Giles Corridor (you noticed that within the b-roll for “A Completely different World”) and several other dorms and buildings on campus. It’s principally their model of “the yard” in most locations. Factor is, as a scholar, I distinctly bear in mind indicators throughout aggressively imploring us to not stroll on the grass. It was a factor. And the way have you learnt I do know it was a factor? As a result of I had so many convos with of us — as we stood on the grass — speaking about how we couldn’t consider we have been doing it. And also you had no alternative, Amazon had a HUGE stage and setup on the Oval and distributors, and many others. Look, I notice it sounds prefer it shouldn’t be an enormous deal, however I guarantee you, I felt a manner about it and tried to stroll on the sidewalks I used to be used to as a lot as attainable.
On the similar time …
3. Market Friday on The Oval was a transfer that I can’t consider hasn’t all the time been a factor.
The variety of individuals I noticed on the market was insane, and I couldn’t consider it wasn’t simply the usual. However it speaks each to the variety of individuals coming and the necessity for area and the way issues have simply modified. The Oval leveled up the Spelman Faculty a part of the homecoming expertise in vital methods.
4. SpelHouse tailgating has additionally leveled up in main methods.
Pay attention, I don’t know if I simply all the time keep on with the rivers and lakes that I’m used to and didn’t discover the increasing footprint, however I noticed elements of the campus getting used for tailgate functions that I really had by no means seen earlier than. There was a complete new part (to me) on a again garden that had tons of tents, setups, bars and installations that had me all perplexed. It, too, was packed as a mug and was an incredible pressure reliever for the principle drags on West Finish Avenue and Westview Drive, however man, both it has all the time been there and been tremendous duper unique throughout homecoming or the sheer numbers of anticipated individuals required Morehouse to seek out more room, they usually did. This meant extra club-like tents, installations, RVs, bands, DJs, experiences and alternatives for tomfoolery. I find it irresistible.
5. For those who don’t get pleasure from somewhat claustrophobia, an HBCU homecoming just isn’t for you.
I suppose this goes with out saying however, whew chile, if you happen to don’t like strolling by means of crowds in a sardine-like vogue realizing you’re going to be caught like that for hours on finish, perhaps homecoming isn’t your wave. Or it’s worthwhile to purchase a tent area and submit up there the entire time as a result of it’s a marathon, not a dash, getting by means of the crowds. All the time put on comfy sneakers.
6. The variety of of us attempting to be autumn fly regardless of the summer time temperatures was barely amusing.
Look, I checked the climate stories and even I attempted to point out up with a Morehouse Faculty hoodie on. However I deserted that mission when it was 78 levels at 11 a.m. and the excessive was projected to be within the 80s, which suggests 90s once you’re surrounded by 30,000 Black of us with daylight beating down on you. Good climate, however the entire heavy jackets, sweaters and hoodies that regarded wonderful actually grew to become inconvenient actually rapidly. With that mentioned, I actually appreciated the homecoming ‘suits I noticed of us rocking. I like HBCUs a lot for a way fly we’re.
7. My squad (nor graduated class) had a tent this yr. The necessity for it grew to become very obvious to me very early.
Not having a homebase with seats, liquor, meals and shade undoubtedly grew to become extra of a difficulty because the day went alongside. It wasn’t the worst factor, after all, however I undoubtedly am keen to chip all the way in which in subsequent yr to get that outdated thang again. As a result of I might have liked a spot to take a seat and chill within the shade. Now, I do notice meaning you need to be there to set issues up after which break issues down however maybe that work is price it as you become older. I’m simply saying that I’m wanting ahead to having a spot to take a seat subsequent yr.
8. HBCU homecomings appear to be extra of a factor than ever these days.
As an HBCU alum, homecoming has all the time been a part of the tradition. I’m not even positive the way it was imbued into my soul as a factor, however at this level, it’s a part of the DNA. However I’ve by no means heard so many individuals speaking about homecoming, Homecoming SZN or going to of us’ homecomings as I’ve this yr. Possibly it’s popping out of the pandemic. Possibly it’s social media and the entire homecoming content material, however I swear of us — particularly from white faculties — who by no means cared appeared invested. I like that. African America approves.
9. That is getting lengthy so I’ll hold this one brief: There actually ain’t nothing like an HBCU homecoming expertise.
It may both overwhelm you or really feel just like the world’s largest hug, however both manner, it’s a factor that I might love all of us to have the possibility to expertise. The sort of love on show at homecoming actually feels refreshing. For me, it’s simply a part of my life and can be a part of my kids’s lives; I want all people might know the sensation of seeing that particular person you’ve actually recognized for 20-plus years that you simply not often see however you hug like you possibly can’t reside with out them. That’s the sensation I get from being at homecoming. I need that for everyone. (Except you hate individuals.)
Panama Jackson is a columnist at theGrio. He writes very Black issues, drinks very brown liquors, and is fairly fly for a lightweight man. His largest accomplishment so far coincides together with his Blackest accomplishment so far in that he acquired a cellphone name from Oprah Winfrey after she learn one among his items (largest), however he didn’t reply the cellphone as a result of the caller ID mentioned: “Unknown” (Blackest).
Ensure you try the Pricey Tradition podcast each Thursday on theGrio’s Black Podcast Community, the place I’ll be internet hosting a number of the Blackest conversations recognized to humankind. You won’t depart the convo with an afro, however you’ll undoubtedly be searching for your Afro Sheen! Hearken to Pricey Tradition on TheGrio’s app; obtain it right here.
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