Take the Kids
You don’t have to be an HBCU graduate to make homecoming a family tradition.

For families in the Upstate, several of South Carolina’s HBCU homecomings are close enough to turn into a day trip — and it may be one of the most memorable college experiences you can give your children.

Take them to a homecoming parade. Let them hear the band coming before they can even see it. Let them watch the drum majors lead the way and the dancers command the street. Take them to a step show and introduce them to the traditions of the Divine Nine. Walk the campus and let them see generations of Black alumni returning to a place that helped shape who they became.

There is something powerful about a young Black child being surrounded by that much Black excellence.They see Black college students preparing to become teachers, engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, artists and leaders.

They see alumni proudly representing careers and communities across the country. They see Black traditions celebrated openly and unapologetically.

And they get to see themselves in that picture.

Even if your child ultimately chooses another path for college, experiencing an HBCU campus — especially during homecoming — can expand their idea of what college looks and feels like.

There’s an energy to HBCU homecoming that can be difficult to explain to someone who has never experienced it. The music, history, Greek life, fashion, food, fellowship and generations of alumni all come together in one place.

Sometimes you simply have to be there.