Howard University Announces The 2025 Homecoming Theme, "One Of One", And Preliminary Schedule of Events

Written By Lexx Thornton

Howard University announced today that the theme for its 2025 Homecoming is “One of One.” As the university celebrates the 101st anniversary of Howard’s homecoming, Oct. 19-26, 2025, alumni will return to campus and join students and friends in celebrating Howard’s uniqueness among the nation’s higher education institutions and its historic impact on communities, the nation, and the world. In one of the culminating events, the Howard University Bison will compete against the Morgan State University Bears on Saturday, Oct. 25.

More information, including ticket details and security information, can be found at homecoming.howard.edu.

Howard’s uniqueness as “One of One” began in 1867 when the U.S. Congress made an unprecedented move to establish the university under a federal charter to create higher education opportunities for Black and brown people and others with limited options to pursue a college degree. Since its inception, Howard has stood as the first or the only across all sectors of society, from producing the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice and first woman to serve as the U.S. vice president, to developing the nation’s first blood bank patent, to becoming the first and only historically Black college or university to achieve Research One status. Bound by the motto of “truth and service,” this year’s theme signifies the Howard community’s commitment to build upon the university’s positive trajectory and continue to lead in scholarship, innovation, and affirming humanity.

Howard’s Homecoming began with the Howard vs. Lincoln University game in 1924, which set a trend that sparked a national phenomenon. Since that time, HBCU Homecomings have become an American treasure. With its unique blend of historical homage, engagement, jaw-dropping entertainment, and artistry, Howard Homecoming has become an iconic cultural experience and perpetually draws tens of thousands who revel in the university’s societal and intellectual influence.

Howard’s 2025 Homecoming will feature iconic events, including:

Sunday, Oct. 19: A Call to Chapel featuring Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Royal Court Coronation
Monday, Oct. 20: Bison Madness: A spirit event celebrating the start of the 2025-26 men’s and women’s basketball seasons
Wednesday, Oct. 22: Lavender Reception celebrating Howard’s LGBTQIA+ community
Thursday, Oct. 23: Student Fashion Show and Red, White, and Bison Gala to support military members of the Howard family
Friday, Oct. 24: Yardfest Day 1, Alumni Welcome Reception, Greek Step Show, School of Business 55th Anniversary, and Divine 9 Brunch
Saturday, Oct. 25: Howard University Bison vs. Morgan State University Bears football game, Yardfest Day 2, Community Parade, and Alumni Wine Down
Sunday, Oct. 26: A Call to Chapel featuring Rev. Frederick D. Haynes, Alumni Jazz Brunch, and Young Alumni Day Party