Homecoming and Heritage: The Pride of North Carolina’s HBCUs
- Greg Hedgepeth
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 27
From marching bands to meaningful traditions, HBCU homecomings across North Carolina honor Black excellence and legacy.
Every fall, something extraordinary happens across North Carolina. Stadiums swell with roaring fans, campuses fill with alumni in school colors, and the scent of barbecue and fried fish fills the air. It’s not just football season—it’s HBCU homecoming season, a time of pageantry, pride, and profound cultural significance.
In North Carolina, we’re privileged to be home to 11 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)—each one a cornerstone of Black excellence, history, and community. From the electric marching bands to the deeply rooted traditions, HBCU homecomings are more than festive weekends. They are living tributes to the legacy and future of Black education.
The Power of a Homecoming
Homecoming at an HBCU is unlike any other college tradition. It’s not just about the game—it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and heritage. Students reunite with alumni who walked the same halls decades earlier, and generations come together to honor the values these institutions were founded on: access, empowerment, and community.
The energy is unmatched—step shows light up the night, gospel concerts lift spirits, and tailgates turn into joyful reunions. It’s a space where history and hope collide, and where Black culture is not only preserved but celebrated with pride.
Meet North Carolina’s 11 HBCUs
Each of North Carolina’s HBCUs plays a unique role in shaping this vibrant legacy. Here’s a look at the institutions that define our state's HBCU pride:
Barber-Scotia College – Founded in 1867 in Concord, this historic women’s college began as a seminary and has long championed leadership and service.
Bennett College – One of only two historically Black women’s colleges in the U.S., Bennett in Greensboro stands as a beacon for Black female empowerment.
Elizabeth City State University – Nestled in the northeast corner of the state, ECSU produces leaders in aviation, technology, and education.
Fayetteville State University – A proud part of the UNC system, FSU has served the southeastern region with academic excellence since 1867.
Johnson C. Smith University – Based in Charlotte, JCSU blends liberal arts tradition with a forward-thinking approach to innovation and tech.
Livingstone College – Founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, this Salisbury institution combines faith, scholarship, and community leadership.
North Carolina Central University – A standout in Durham, NCCU is known for its top-tier law school, public health programs, and trailblazing alumni.
North Carolina A&T State University – The largest HBCU in the country, A&T in Greensboro is a research powerhouse and home to the iconic Blue and Gold Marching Machine.
Shaw University – As the first HBCU in the South, Shaw in Raleigh has a storied legacy in civil rights and higher education.
Saint Augustine’s University – Located in the heart of Raleigh, Saint Aug’s nurtures scholars with a strong sense of identity and purpose.
Winston-Salem State University – A leader in health sciences and community engagement, WSSU’s Ram pride runs deep across generations.
*Hood Theological Seminary – While not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a HBCU, it is a historically Black seminary located in Salisbury. Hood trains faith leaders rooted in service and social justice.
A Legacy That Lives On
Homecoming is more than a weekend of celebration. It’s a powerful reminder of why HBCUs matter—today and always. In a world where representation and opportunity are still ongoing battles, these institutions remain essential. They are spaces where students can thrive academically, culturally, and personally.
So when you see the drumlines marching down the street or hear the alma maters ringing out across the crowded stadium, know this: HBCU homecoming is not just about returning home—it’s about remembering who you are, where you come from, and the community that made it all possible.