As Howard University marked its centennial homecoming celebration themed ‘Yard of Fame’, a groundbreaking fashion show transformed Cramton Auditorium into a testament to Black excellence and futuristic vision, embodying a century of cultural evolution at the historically Black institution.
“Howard is not just where I graduated from as an undergrad in 1984 but it’s where I grew up,” reflected Sharon Strange, capturing the deep connection many alumni feel to their alma mater. This sentiment resonated throughout the weekend as generations of Bison returned to what retired D.C. Administrative Law Judge Rohulamin Quander described as “Mecca.”
Aside from the football game which held on Saturday at the Greene Stadium, one of the centerpieces of this historic celebration was the Howard Student Fashion Show, themed “The Centennial,” which masterfully blended Afrofuturism with the university’s storied legacy. The show unfolded in carefully curated segments, each pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion while honoring African cultural heritage.
“This is my first Homecoming, and I’m excited to see this part of Howard’s culture because I know fashion is a big part of it,” shared freshman Rex Riley. “Going to class every day is like a fashion show, so I’m excited to see what they bring to the real fashion show, and I just know they’re going to bring it!”
The show’s structure explored the duality of Afrofuturism through Light and Dark themes. Opening with an electrifying Afropunk segment featuring platinum, fur, and leather, the presentation evolved to showcase a groundbreaking Jordan Afro Streetwear collaboration. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Rico Nasty, created an immersive experience that bridged past and future.
Dr. Benjamin Talbot, Director of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, provided historical context: “Homecoming is a weeklong event. It’s not just one day. It’s not just a football game. The football game is kind of the marquee centerpiece of it all. It’s a reunion.”
The fashion show’s impact reverberated through the audience, inspiring future creatives. Freshman Elijah Sanford Abdul-Aziz was “flabbergasted,” while aspiring creative director Hayden Johnson described it as “bellissimo,” noting its value for understanding show production.
For many attendees, like Leah Burgess, the convergence of this milestone homecoming with forward-thinking fashion represented something larger. “This is my first homecoming but it’s our 100th. I just feel like that tells the biggest story for me,” she reflected.
Strange emphasized the event’s broader significance: “This is actually about amplifying Black excellence and that is what Howard was founded on, and so when we return home every year for homecoming it’s about really saying thank you Howard for all you have done.”
The show’s final segment, dedicated to pure Afrofuturism, served as a bold statement about Howard’s role in shaping both the present and future of Black culture and fashion. Through innovative student designs and avant-garde presentations, the fashion show demonstrated how Howard continues to be a crucible for creative expression and cultural advancement.
As the centennial homecoming drew to a close, it was clear that Howard University remains not just a celebration of history, but a vibrant incubator for the future of Black excellence in all its forms, from fashion to leadership. In Quander’s words, the gathering proved “humbling and so spiritual,” reinforcing Howard’s position as a beacon of innovation and tradition in the landscape of American education.
