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