by Andreas Butler
BCUAthletics.com
It is Homecoming 2015, and Wildcats Nation is hyped.
Students, faculty, alumni and fans will showcase their maroon and gold to the world.
Homecoming is a big deal at every school, including historically black colleges and universities (HBCU).
HBCUs have the same homecoming events as other institutions like a game, pep rally, step shows, parade, parties, alumni events, festivals, carnivals and more.
B-CU homecoming events include the game, parade, step shows, cultural extravaganza, pep rally, comedy show, free jazz concert, pageant, community feeding event, student all-white party, legacy awards, barbeque, several parties and more which last eight days.
HBCU homecomings provide more of a family-oriented atmosphere.
I didn't attend an HBCU. I went to UCF. However, I do have plenty of family, friends, colleagues and associates that have attended an HBCU. Some even went to Bethune-Cookman.
I also grew up down the street from the campus (five streets down, so walking distance). I have experienced some B-CU homecoming activities.
At these events, there is an extremely high chance that you will run into classmates from both grade school and college; friends, family members and ex-lovers that you may not have seen for years.
Many HBCUs have generations of family members that have attended the same institution, and Bethune-Cookman is no exception.
Homecoming is often like a mini-family reunion for fans and alumni.
It is also a time to shape the future. Bringing young family members to your alma mater for homecoming events often inspires them to go to college.
This is important in regards to educational gap disparities that still persist in African-American communities (high drop out rate, high incarceration rate, etc).
Homecoming is also the one game that fans and alumni make their best effort to attend; no matter the distance (along with the Florida Blue Florida Classic for B-CU).
The game has the largest home attendance for the season. It is the only time that Municipal Stadium is at or over capacity of 9,601. Bleachers are brought into both end zones and are often filled.
The game is the main attraction. This year the Wildcats face a tough NorfolkState team. The winner will stay alive for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and Celebration Bowl berth.
Homecoming is often a big deal for the coaches, players, program and school in general.
It is a game that schools want to win. A win could often save a coaches job or get him fired.
The game is also big for the marching bands that often have special performances in store.
Expect the 'Marching Wildcats' to also have something up their sleeves.
At HBCUs, the bands are often more popular than football teams (especially losing teams).
There are fans that attend games just to see the band perform, even more so at homecoming.
On hand at the game are several high school bands who participate in a 'Battle of the Bands' following the game.
It is a great opportunity for these youngsters to see what the HBCU and band experience is like.
Also at the game, barbeque will definitely be in the air. There are also many pre-game and tailgating events going on.
You can even walk up somewhere and get you a plate.
Let us not forget the homecoming parade. It is the official start to 'Game Day'.
This event is usually in the center of town or the heart of the community.
It also features those high school marching bands as well as the host college/university.
Other organizations and businesses within the community also take part in this event.
Let us not forget the on-campus activities that the students will enjoy during the week.
The Goombay event on campus during the week is a free party for the student body. It is a time for them to let loose and have a little fun on campus.
I remember my teenage days, me and some friends sliding down the Avenue (now Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard) and taking a part of this.
The step show showcases the best steps from the fraternities and sororities who battle it out for steppin' supremacy. You'll also find alumni on hand showing school and fraternity or sorority pride.
The “all-white party” is a chance for students to mingle, have fun and get sharp.
The family affair barbeque is a chance for the entire Wildcats community to relax, fellowship and enjoy some great food together.
The biggest and wildest pep rally of the year takes place the night before the game. This really hypes up the student body and gets them in game mode to be a bodacious rowdy crowd for the opposing team.
Even after the game – win or lose (hopefully win), it is party time. Which party to go to? The clubs and the city is in party mode for Bethune-CookmanUniversity.
The alumni after party is one such event. It will bring Wildcats back to campus and back together for a good time.
The weeklong festivities conclude following game day. B-CU has a comedy show at the chapel on campus and a free jazz concert on the quad.
So get out and enjoy the homecoming festivities. Rather, at any other college or university across the United States, any HBCU, or Bethune-Cookman, there is nothing like homecoming.
Yes, homecoming is truly special.
