Homecoming is upon us! Students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, family members, and Rattler fans from all over the world will descend upon the capital city to take part in this year’s festivities. FAMU was recently ranked as the No. 1 public historically black college or univeristy in the nation, thus adding to the week’s excitement.
Aptly themed, “A Different World: FAMU Pride, FAMU Tradition,” the celebration pays homage to the show that inspired generations of African Americans to attend and appreciate historically black colleges and universities. The show showcased the pride black Americans have in continuing the HBCU legacy and fulfilling the traditions of the family atmosphere that HBCU’s provide.
Sunday
The week’s festivities kicked off with a worship service led by Wess Morgan, a dynamic pastor and speaker visiting from Nashville, Tenn. The service was followed by the Mr. and Miss FAMU Coronation and Coronation Ball. At the formal ceremony, attendees witnessed Randall Griffin and Amberly Williams receive their crowns and officially begin service to the University. Williams’ mother was near tears recalling her daughter’s journey. And for the campus queen, it was a dream come true. Williams previously served as freshman attendant.
Monday
Dormitory residents took to the Al Lawson Center stage to represent their buildings in the Housing Step Show. The Gibbs Hall team took home the first place trophy, with FAMU Village and Sampson Hall coming in second and third, respectively.
Tuesday
On Tuesday, FAMU Law Day was a key event. The event gave students who are interested in attending law school the opportunity to network with more than70 law national school representatives. Aside from law day activities, there was also a FAMU Health Fair, Mr. and Miss FAMU’s Royal Luncheon and The Freestyle Funny Comedy Show. The comedy event featured cast members of the comedy improvisation show, Wild’n Out that was created by Nick Cannon. Comedians included Chico Bean, Darren Brand, B. Dot and Osama Bin Drankin. Rickey Smiley stopped into Tallahassee to host the cohort of comedians and it was a riot! Students chimed in on Twitter using the hashtag FFCS and agreed the show was a hit. One user said it was the “best comedy show” since she has been at FAMU.
Wednesday
Today, Will Packer’s feeling the FAMU spirit! The super producer has traveled back to the “Hill” and will host an “Almost Christmas” movie screening at AMC Theatres, located at the Centre of Tallahassee, 2415 N Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32303. The movie stars Mo’Nique, Kimberly Elise, Gabrielle Union, Omar Epps, Danny Glover, and more! The ticketed event is now sold out, but have no fear! You can catch up with Packer all week at various events, including the Homecoming Parade.
What’s better than the vendor food on Wahnish Way? SGA’s Taste of a Rattler event will challenge the way you view homecoming food forever! Leola’s Crab Shack, Fired Up Pizza, Big D’s Barbecue, Foodz Traveler, P&G’s Mobile Table, Diva Pops, and SVR Premium Ice Cream food trucks will all be on hand to provide free lunch beginning at noon in the Gaither Gym parking lot.
Thursday
FAMU’s pride and joy, the famed Marching “100” is celebrating its 70th anniversary and multiple events this week highlight the band’s rich legacy. On Thursday, the Dr. William P. and Mary Ann Foster Foundation is pleased to present an exhibit on the life and legacy of Dr. William P. Foster and the band. The exhibit is open from October 15-22 at the Foster-Tanner Arts Gallery, located on the campus of FAMU. The exhibit, Celebrating 70 Years of Fostering Excellence, features selected memorabilia of Dr. Foster and the accomplishments of the Marching “100” from the Foster family collection. An opening reception will begin at 6:15 p.m. The exhibit will occupy both levels of the gallery’s entrance hall.
Haven’t been back to your specific school in years? Various colleges and schools are hosting their Alumni Fests from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Schools include Journalism and Graphic Communication and Allied Health.
Other events include: an Entrepreneurial Summit at 3 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom, Judging of the Buildings from 3:30- 5 p.m. across campus, a National Alumni Association historic book unveiling at 6:30 p.m. in the Black Archives, the National Panhellenic Council Greek Step Show at 6 p.m. in the Lawson Center, and a Block Party/Rip the Runway show at 9 p.m. on the campus recreational fields.
Friday
From 10:10 a.m. – 12 p.m., all will gather to celebrate the Homecoming Convocation in Gaither Gymnasium. Kelsey Scott, an actress that has starred in movies such as “12 Years a Slave,” will serve as the keynote speaker. Set Friday Live and an NAA Tailgate will follow convocation and take place along Wahnish Way in the Gibbs Parking Lot and the Lawson Center lawn.
Other events include: Alumni Fest at the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Education, Engineering, Science and Technology, Allied Health, Architecture and Engineering Technology, Business and Industry, Nursing and Law; the Young Alumni Giving Brunch at noon in the Grand Ballroom; Rattler Strike Band Festival; and there will a 70th anniversary welcome reception hosted by Shelby Chipman, Ph.D. at 6:30 p.m.
Every year, the homecoming committee brings back artists that appeal to diverse, generational audiences. This year, alum Leo Bennett brings the Funk Fest starring Fantasia, T-Pain, Jeremih, Bell Biv Devoe, Jodeci, Uncle Luke and more to the main stage between FAMU DRS and the recreation intramural fields. The Funk Fest doors open at 6 p.m. and attendees without VIP passes are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.xorbia.com/e/funk-fest/pepsi-funk-fest-famu-2016.
Saturday
Saturday morning, the annual Homecoming Parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m.at the intersection of Wahnish Way and Orange Avenue. The Homecoming route starts at Orange Avenue and Wahnish Way, heads north on Wahnish Way to Gamble Street, makes a right onto Gamble Street, continues east and makes a right on MLK Blvd. It then continues south on MLK Blvd until reaching Osceola Street. The parade will end at the intersection of Osceola and MLK Blvd.
The Rattlers will take on the Hampton Pirates at 3:30 p.m. in Bragg Stadium for our annual homecoming game. Prior to the game, several tailgates will overlap one another on Wahnish Way. Come out to The Strike Zone Tailgate at the football practice field that includes the Alumni Village, President’s Tailgate, Colleges and Schools Tailgate, Clubs and Organizations Tailgate, and Greek Tailgate. The College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences will have a tailgate at the research building parking lot beginning at 11 a.m.
Other events include: the Almost Christmas Food Truck, presented by Will Packer and the cast of “Almost Christmas” including Omar Epps, Romany Malco, and DJ Yung Fly at noon behind the historic Howard Hall; a Post-Game Tailgate featuring a special performance by Quinn and FAMU alum DJ Vince Adams; and Homecoming Gospel Concert featuring FAMU’s gospel choir at 8 p.m. in Lee Hall.
Sunday
To close out the jam-packed week of activities, there will be a Rattler Fever Campus Clean Up from 1-4 p.m. at Bragg Stadium and Wahnish Way.
Can’t decide what events to attend? Go to homecomingonthehill.com. to download the full events flier and receive additional information.
HAPPY HOMECOMING!