1. Everybody is Black
Without a doubt this is the number one reason going to an HBCU Homecoming is the best thing evah. An HBCU is as close as any Black person can get to an actual Wakanda. For a weekend, we are in a land where we don’t have to worry about somebody questioning our presence, feeling as if we don’t belong, wondering if we will be treated fairly, or feeling as if our every action is being judged. We are free. We are run, butt-naked, through grass fields and “the hills-are-alive” type free. Woooo-chile – and it feels so gooood!
I understand why White folks don’t have the high blood pressure rates we do. They don’t have to deal with the daily stress that we do. For us, there is some part of a Black American’s brain that must always be on – oftentimes unconsciously – to live and to try to thrive in a place where race differentiates everything. So, when you are on an HBCU’s campus, and that part of the brain shuts down, you are free to be happy, you are free to be you – fully and completely.
*Note: I don’t any patience for any White folks getting offended by this sentiment, as rarely do many of you put yourselves in situations where you are in the vast minority. So don’t come for me on this one topic, this one setting, where we can be the unequivocal majority. Diversity is a beautiful thing; but it’s also an easier thing if you are the majority and not the minority. For us, it’s a lot of work and it’s nice to have a mental freakin’ break.
2. Love
Eeeeerbody loves, and loves on, eeeeerbody at an HBCU Homecoming. I imagine it’s like Woodstock, except we aren’t high on drugs (well most of us aren’t) and we are grooving to R&B and Hip Hop instead of Rock. We greet each other with the enthusiasm of people who’ve been counting down the days until we were reunited – even when we don’t personally know each other.
An unspoken HBCU homecoming rule developed organically a long time ago: if someone whom you never seen before grabs you and hugs you tightly, you hug back just as tightly because: 1) You may know them but just don’t recognize them because age has made your brain not as sharp or their waistline not as skinny; 2) They are family – period. We know each other because we’ve walked the same halls, valleys, and through the same situations.
3. It’s Us – Culturally and Unapologetically Blackity, Black, Black
While many of us have been exposed to a lot of things: cultures, food, countries, music, etc. there is just something so fulfilling when you are at a place where everything is Blackity, Black, Black. No sushi; just fried fish. No kale or quinoa,; just collard greens and dirty rice. The only salt we use is seasoning salt; breakfast will have some pork and some grits because they are major food groups. Walking through the campus, you will hear gospel, old school R&B, hip hop and trap blaring from cars, RVs, at parties, and on stage. Folks rock braids, twists, afros, fades, weaves, fingerwaves, etc. and all are appreciated. There is also a rainbow of colorful, African fabric and clothes that celebrate Blackness.
No one has to dilute their blackness, or their proudness; and they don’t.
4. You are validated.
When you go back home, to the HBCU from which you graduated, you get what you got when you were there: validation. Every person you see makes you feel as if you are worthy. You are greeted with a smile and a hug, not suspicion. You can share your experiences and they are affirmed because your Sistas and Brothas are oftentimes experiencing the same. You are seen and supported, told how wonderful you are. Alumni before you tell you how proud they are of you and those that graduated after you look to you for guidance. You are accepted and valued. Folks get you.
When you land on grounds where thousands of other Black people worked earnestly to become educated and successful, despite being enslaved, the terror of Jim Crow, and unfair treatment, before you; and then you connect with those who are doing it at the same time as you – you are able release a long sigh. Your shoulders move away from your ears, your jaws become unclenched, and you relax. You experience the euphoria of true belonging.
For too few precious days, you feel free.