YouTube and BET host star-studded HBCU homecoming event

Photo courtesy of YouTube Originals.

Despite COVID-19 cancelling many HBCU homecomings, the internet wins again with hopes fulfilled by YouTube Originals and BET hosting the live “HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard” event. 

This live homecoming event helped celebrate the amazing experiences of attending a HBCU. The one and a half hour event was celebrated with a live step show, battle of the bands, and a live concert featuring 2 Chainz, Saweetie, Chloe x Halle, Ari Lennox, NLE Choppa, Tye Tribbett, as well as appearances by Desi Banks, Pretty Vee, Lance Gross and more.

If you haven’t attended an HBCU homecoming then what are you doing?,” FAMU alumna and singer K. Michelle said. 

Hosted by La La Anthony and 2 Chainz live from Morris Brown College located in Atlanta; the viral “Meet Me On The Yard” event was greeted by numerous HBCU students and alumni telling their experiences of what it’s like to attend a HBCU homecoming. 

To kick off the performances, Chloe x Halle performed the African American hymnal, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” followed by Saweetie, a former dancer herself,  performing her single “Tap In”. FAMU’s very own Marching 100 and Concert Choir performed “We Gon’ Be Alright” live from Bragg Stadium in Tallahassee with gospel singer Tye Tribbett. 

After each performance, students, HBCU presidents, and alumni chimed in to give their heartfelt messages on what it means to attend their alma mater and attend a HBCU overall. 

Photo courtesy of YouTube Originals.

Howard alumna, Kamala Harris, expressed the endless possibilities and gratitude her HBCU experience gave her. Tennessee State University alumna, Oprah Winfrey, also made an appearance stressing to remember the most nonviolent power we have is our voice and your vote matters now more than ever.

The Divine 9 was also celebrated during a segment dedicated to sharing the history and experience of Greek life on both HBCU and PWI campuses followed by a step show performance. Black love was also highlighted with numerous HBCU couples sharing their campus love stories. 

Viewers were nostalgic as they listened to all the experiences.

 “Watching #MeetMeOnTheYard by @BET makes me SO PROUD I went to an HBCU! The world gets to see our history and why we are so great!,” Jasalyn Lucas, a live tweeter said.

2 Chainz ended the live event by performing his hit single and homecoming classic “Money Maker” that samples the old school classic “A Piece Of My Love” by Guy while representing his alma mater Alabama State University.