Thousands of students and alumni gathered on the campus of Morgan State University for the school’s 159th homecoming celebration on Oct. 10. Homecoming offers alumni a chance to reconnect while celebrating the history, culture and enduring legacy of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Jonathan Brown, a telecommunications major, who graduated in 1999 said seeing the campus’ growth was the highlight of his homecoming.
“Always good to be home, you never stop going home. It’s like a big family reunion. I’m in front of Hurt Gymnasium because it’s literally the only building that was here when I was here, so I love the growth,” he said. “I’m with friends and family from the 60s and 70s and they tell me stories like how Black people weren’t even allowed in Northwood. Now we own Northwood. So, seeing the growth is awesome.”
The celebration began well before Saturday, as students enjoyed a week of on-campus events. On Oct. 5, the 2026-27 Royal Court was announced at the annual Coronation Ball. Two days later, a sold-out crowd packed Hill Field House for the homecoming concert. Fetty Wap headlined a lineup that also featured performances from Loe Shimmy, Nasg Chaz, BabyChiefDoIt, Trim and Flow + Friends.
“My homecoming experience has been really good. There’s been entertainment and the environment has been very welcoming and family-like,” said Kayla Drummond, a junior majoring in political science. “The concert was good. There were a lot of different performers, so it was really interesting to see—especially the ones I’ve never seen before.”
Homecoming day kicked off with a parade down the historic streets of Northeast Baltimore, ahead of the highly anticipated football game against Robert Morris University. The Bears trailed 14-3 at halftime before storming back in the second half. Joseph Towler’s 56-yard touchdown catch and a game-clinching forced fumble by Donovan Moyer powered Morgan State’s comeback, securing a 28-27 victory.
The game marked Morgan State’s fourth consecutive win, improving the Bears’ overall record to 5-1. Morgan State will face the Tennessee State Tigers (1-5) on Oct. 17 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN.
The festivities took place as Morgan State tightened safety measures following a 2023 incident during homecoming week. For the second straight year, the university imposed a 5 p.m. curfew. Many students and alumni alike have expressed frustration over the early campus shutdowns. Sean Hood, a 1998 graduate, shared his perspective.
“We’re as big, as dope and as fly as all the other universities and HBCUs across the country. It’s a … shame that 5 o’clock has to be the cutoff, and we can’t extend the love further,” said Hood. “But I think in the coming years, we’ll see an adjustment. Everybody just calm down and embrace what it is for now. We’ll get back to the extended love that we’re used to.”
Despite the campus restrictions, Hood said it is imperative for alumni to continue returning to campus and connecting with current students.
“The kids are going to show us what they know, which is going to make us faster among our age group. We’re going to give them the knowledge they don’t have. That’s going to make them faster and smarter with their age group,” Hood said. “It’s a melting pot of information that’s shared with love. You have to know where you came from, and where you’re going, that’s our job as alumni.”
Naailah Shomade, a freshman nursing major, said she enjoyed being in a space of Black excellence during homecoming.
“There’s a lot of history behind homecoming. This week has really shown me the power of coming together as a community and having fun,” she said. “Seeing the alumni, those who paved the way for us, coming back … It’s a real sign of Black excellence.”