From Oct. 17 to 21, Howard University’s campus was transformed into a catwalk, career fair, concert venue and family cookout all at the same damn time. Howard Homecoming faithfuls made their way to D.C. to experience this year’s celebration, appropriately titled Legendary: The Essence of Icons. Decked out in their finest ensembles and annual homecoming weaves, students, alumni, guests and A-list celebs mixed and mingled at events –Dream Day, the fashion show, International Yardfest, the step show and the gospel show – and at various tailgates and parties.
During Dream Day, held in partnership with the Young Dreamers Movement, label executives, entrepreneurs and other industry moguls shared their views on the importance of having dreams and what it means to be successful. Fonzworth Bentley, Issa Rae, Angela and Vanessa Simmons, Necole “Bitchie” Kane, Toye Adedipe, Derek “LA” Jackson, Amir Windom, Datwon Thomas and Sister 2 Sister magazine’s publisher Dr. Jamie Foster Brown were in attendance. The event ended with a moving speech by Jeff Johnson that led to a unanimous standing ovation from the panel and crowd.
As decided by the crowd, Elle Varner’s mini-concert was the highlight of this year’s fashion show; aside from providing a showcase of curve hugging swimwear, cascading feathered gowns, tailored menswear apparel, bodycon dresses and up-and-coming urbanwear, that is.
Yardfest was the by far the most legendary aspect of the weekend, providing free performances by Leah Labelle, Naughty by Nature, 2 Chainz, Beenie Man and Meek Mill. 2 Chainz performed a crunk set, but turned it up a notch by bringing out surprise guests Pusha T and Drake. Naturally, the crowd went batsh*t and bum rushed the stage, but the chaos wasn’t enough to stop the show. Meek Mill surprised the crowd again by
bringing out T.I. during his set. They performed through a freak monsoon-like rainstorm until the equipment stopped working.
The Greek step show started off on a high note when Pusha T prepped the stage with an energetic opening performance. Terrence J, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., was the host. Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Beta Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. won the judges’ hearts and walked away with $4000 checks each.
For those with late night preferences, there were a myriad of official and “official” star-studded affairs to satisfy any dancing and drinking needs. Lance Gross documented his time at the premium liquor boasting 1000 Bottles party at Howard Theater via his Instagram. Wale, Drake, Laz Alonzo and Kevin Hart all had separate crashable parties at the Park at 14th throughout the weekend while Gucci Mane and Diddy hosted their own events at Ibiza. Pusha T performed at the Yardfest after party at Love, T.I. hosted a party at Fur and Floyd Mayweather and Yo Gotti made it rain at Stadium, D.C.’s premier strip club.
And if anyone over indulged in their personal vices and needed a little redemption, Fred Hammond was there for soul revival purposes at the gospel concert.
Check out VIBE’s video recap of all the fun you may have missed: