Homecoming 2020 Recap
Homecoming 2020: Advocacy
“Advocacy” is woven into the fabric of Howard University’s DNA. Since the institution’s founding in 1867 the faculty, staff and students have embodied the mission of truth and service through the pursuit of social justice in numerous ways, including marching, protesting, and lobbying. More than 150 years later, the social unrest of today’s society has made clear that the need for advocacy must press on. Howard University will continue to lead by example and demonstrate the variety of ways our community can engage: Advocacy through your Voice, Advocacy through your Dollars and Advocacy through your Vote. Though 2020's Homecoming was virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic, we celebrated with a variety of exciting events.
“Advocacy appropriately captures the energy of this moment in our society and the need to use this time wisely to continue to move Howard Forward, ensuring that this great university will continue producing the scholars and leaders that our society desperately needs,” said President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “We invite our students, alumni and friends to join the campus community in this series of virtual Homecoming events around the theme of advocacy and use this as an opportunity to reignite and reinvigorate your passion for change in our society. Let’s recommit to this great institution which is standing on the front lines to uphold our mission of truth and service every day.”
The week of festivities began with a virtual version of the annual Howard University Day of Service on Saturday, October 10, a continuation of the volunteer spirit connecting Bison to their communities. From emphasizing service, we segued into a day of praise, featuring Howard’s legendary “Call to Chapel” on Sunday, October 11. The centerpiece of Homecoming was an expanded version of the HU Ideas Symposium, which will feature a virtual national conference titled “From Protest to Policy: The Pursuit of Racial Justice,” held October 14-16. On Friday, October 16, President Frederick presented the State of the University Address and provided updates on the progress of Howard’s exciting strategic plan.
In lieu of traveling to Washington, D.C., alumni and friends were asked to make a financial contribution to Howard University, investing the dollars they would have used to experience Homecoming in person to support our students instead.
“When Howard Homecoming takes place, the entire city experiences an economic boon from the increase in flights, hotel stays, dining and more. However, if those dollars are invested into the University itself, particularly during this pandemic, we’ll be able to assist students who need a hand making ends meet,” said Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations David P. Bennett. “We are grateful to each of our donors who have decided to reinvest their travel dollars into our scholars who are pushing through this challenging time to stay on course for graduation. Each donation has a significant impact in making that dream a reality.”
2020 Events
Day of Service | Virtual event hosted by the Office of the Dean of the Chapel in partnership with the Office of Student Affairs | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM October 10, 2020
Call To Chapel | Rankin Chapel YouTube | 11:00 AM October 11, 2020
Howard University Staff Organization Hump Day Happy Hour | Virtual event hosted by the Howard University Staff Organization | 4:00 PM October 14, 2020
HU Ideas Symposium Presents: "From Protest to Policy: The Pursuit of Racial Justice," A Virtual National Conference, Day 1 | Zoom sessions hosted by the Office of the Provost | 10:00 AM - 3:45 PM October 14, 2020
HU Ideas Symposium Presents: "From Protest to Policy: The Pursuit of Racial Justice," A Virtual National Conference, Day 2 | Zoom sessions hosted by the Office of the Provost | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM October 15, 2020
Sixth Annual LGBTA Renaissance Reception | Zoom event | 7:00 PM Oct 15, 2020
HU Ideas Symposium Presents: "From Protest to Policy: The Pursuit of Racial Justice," A Virtual National Conference, Day 3 | Zoom sessions hosted by the Office of the Provost | 11:30 AM - 2:15 PM October 16, 2020
A Tribute to Howard University’s Own Chadwick Boseman | Virtual event hosted by WHUR | 7:00 PM October 16, 2020
RAP LIFE LIVE Concert | Apple Music event | 8:00 PM October 16, 2020
HUR @ Homecoming | Virtual event hosted by WHUR | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM October 17, 2020
The Yardfest: Virtual Edition | Virtual event | 7:00 PM October 17, 2020
Call to Chapel | Rankin Chapel Youtube | 11:00 AM October 18, 2020
Gospel Concert | Virtual event hosted by the Office of the Dean of the Chapel | 7:00 PM October 18, 2020