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Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie 2
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION 6
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 10
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To recognize and celebrate the significance of Howard University ’s 100
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Homecoming, 14
which will be held from October 13th through October 20th, 2024. 15
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WHEREAS, The 100
th
Howard Homecoming theme, 'Yard of Fame,' celebrates the 17
leaders and trailblazers who once walked Howard’s campus as students and faculty, later 18
achieving global recognition and influence across various fields; 19
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WHEREAS, in 1919, Howard University and Lincoln University began to discuss the 21
idea of hosting a Homecoming event at their respective HBCUs; 22
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WHEREAS, Howard’s first Homecoming was solely a football game against Lincoln 24
University on November 27, 1924, sparking a national movement that helped HBCU 25
Homecomings grow into a cherished national tradition; 26
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WHEREAS, Howard Homecoming is a celebration of Black culture and African 28
American heritage that showcases the contributions of Black excellence, ranging from 29
accomplished alumni, artists, musicians, and entertainers; 30
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WHEREAS, the 100th Howard Homecoming tradition includes A Call to Chapel, Royal 32
Court Coronation, Bison Madness pep rally featuring Howard’s Showtime Marching Band, 33
Lavender Reception, annual student-organized and directed fashion show, Greek Step Show, 34
Graduate Alumni Breakfast, Community Parade, WHUT Famfest, Alumni VIP Day Party, Bison 35
Football game, Alumni Relations “Wine” Down, Young Alumni Brunch, Alumni Jazz Brunch, 36
and the iconic and world-famous Yard Fest; 37
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WHEREAS, in a 2020 Black History Month campaign for Google’s “The Most 39
Searched,” data collected over 15 years revealed that Howard University’s Homecoming was the 40
site’s “Most Searched Homecoming”; 41
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WHEREAS, Howard Homecoming is a celebration of unity that brings together alumni 43
and current students to honor their collective sense of community; 44 45
WHEREAS, Howard Homecoming has continued to attract a number of the nation’s 46
biggest stars, such as D.C. native Wale, The Notorious B.I.G., Drake, Jay-Z, Kanye West, 47
Common, HU alumni Taraji P. Henson, Ludacris, DMX, and more; 48
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WHEREAS, every year tens of thousands of alumni, students, guests, and community 50
members congregate at Howard University for Homecoming; 51
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WHEREAS, Howard Homecoming has made significant contributions to social justice 53
and civil rights movements, having featured activists such as Howard alumni Stokely Carmichael 54
and Thurgood Marshall at past homecomings; 55
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IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF 57
COLUMBIA, that this resolution may be cited as the “ Howard University 100
th
Homecoming 58
Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2024” . 59
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Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors Howard 61
University’s Homecoming for 100 years of continued tradition and excellence. 62
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 63