Black Homecoming creates its own traditions

Events include a comedy show, a step show and a Gospel excursion.

By Kaylen Ralph and Maggie Nestor

Published Oct. 23, 2009

There are many traditions associated with Homecoming rooted in Greek Life. The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association spend countless hours completing the tasks associated with these traditions, which culminate in grand activities throughout Homecoming weekend.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council has traditionally not participated in those activities. The reason is not explicit, but NPHC, in collaboration with the Missouri Students Association/Graduate Professional Council Black Programming Committee, the Legion of Black Collegians, the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center and several other campus organizations, have hosted their own "Black Family Reunion Homecoming."

This year is the seventh annual "Black Family Reunion Homecoming." The weekend will consist of several activities designed to bring the black MU community, both past and present, together.

LBC Homecoming Court king candidate Spencer Evans said the togetherness is his favorite part of homecoming.

"I love the whole feeling of alumni coming back," Evans said. "I guess just the camaraderie with the people that come back."

In addition to the "Black Family Reunion Homecoming," LBC hosted a Black Formal Homecoming Ball on Thursday night at the Stoney Creek Inn at which the LBC Black Homecoming Court winners were announced. The LBC Black Homecoming Court was a tradition missing for 18 years until it was reinstated in 2008.

"In terms of the Homecoming Court, it's fairly difficult for a black person to actually make it onto the official Homecoming Court and then actually have a chance at winning," Evans said. "There's not much black tradition that goes into the Homecoming traditions of Mizzou. This is so that we can have something that's our own thing."

The Reunion Homecoming consists of several events designed to bring students and alumni together. These events include a comedy show Friday night, an NPHC Step Show on Saturday afternoon and a Brunch and Gospel Excursion featuring the LBC Black Gospel Choir on Sunday.

"The Black Homecoming is a way to put a different lens on Homecoming," said Derrick Christian, NPHC president and the second LBC king candidate. "The difference in our Homecoming week is that we are dealing with things in a culturally different way, such as our stepping competition. It's a way to get more minorities involved, and fully integrate them into the Homecoming celebration."

The Multicultural Greek Council has also tended not to participate in Homecoming activities.

MGC Secretary Mindy Dang said the organization didn't participate in Homecoming week this year because it is such a small group. It plans to participate in Greek Week, but is not able to participate in both events.