Florida A&M University’s homecoming may not be canceled after all. For one night virtual event, YouTube and BET will air a homecoming special with performances from musical artists including FAMU’s Marching 100 and Concert Choir.
The “HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet on the Yard” is set to air at 8 p.M Saturday. The two-hour global livestream will air on YouTube and broadcasted live on the BET network with T.V personality La La Anthony and rapper 2 Chainz as the hosts. The event will be produced by Live Nation Urban and Jesse Collins Entertainment in an effort to highlight Black voices and issues based on racial injustice.
“We are so excited to be a part of this show. HBCUs are such an important part of our culture and the annual homecoming tradition just can’t be stopped,” executive producers Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon said in an article for The Source. “We are honored to partner with YouTube and Live Nation to bring all the excitement of an HBCU homecoming weekend to a virtual world stage.”
Live performances from musical artists and entertainers include: R&B duo Chloe x Halle, Saweetie, NLE Choppa, Ari Lennox, Pretty Vee, Desi Banks and more. The event will include homecoming traditions that HBCUs know and love. Funds are set to be raised for the United Negro College Fund and Thurgood Marshall College Fund for the continued support of HBCUs.
BET President Scott Mills spoke with The Source about the impact HBCUs have had throughout the network and country.
“BET is proud to partner with YouTube originals to bring the HBCU Homecoming experience to our audience, at a time when culture and connection has never been more important,” said Mills. “Second only to homecoming, the rich history of HBCUs is probably best illustrated through their vast alumni networks, in many powerful positions across fields from medicine to politics and entertainment; with many bringing their talent to contribute to BET’s legacy. We have deep personal connections to HBCU culture and we are thrilled to partner with YouTube in this reimagining of the HBCU Homecoming experience.”
FAMU’s Marching 100 and Concert Choir will perform with gospel singer Tye Tribbett in a pre-recorded segment that took place last week at the university. Student body Vice President Carrington Whigham helped coordinate the segment and trusts that this will be a good opportunity for representation of the university.
“The performance of the Marching 100 is just another amazing opportunity for the members and our university,” Whigham said. “Our amazing band is representing and taking huge strides for us all.”