Opinion

Write or Die Editor’s Column: This is our year

It’s that time of year, SU!
No, not midterm exams; those can wait a while. I’m talking about the highlight of fall semester – homecoming!
Before attending Winston-Salem State, I was not familiar with many HBCUs, nor was I prepared for the experiences I would encounter.
As a Virginia native, I heard stories from people who attended HBCUs around the state and they always rambled about going back to their alma mater for homecoming.
I always wondered what was so great about homecoming – until now.
WSSU’s homecoming is probably what I look forward to the most every year.
It’s a time when not only students, but also faculty, staff and alumni can unite at events to pay homage to Ol’ State U.
From vendor fairs and pep rallies to poetry slams and fashion shows, there’s a little bit of everything for everybody.
Over the past four years, our University has rolled out the red carpet for some topnotch celebrities.
I’ve seen actor Lance Gross, rappers J. Cole and Wale, lyricists MC Lyte and Rev Run, old school hip-hop duo Kid N’ Play and
more.
After flipping through the Argus archives, I noticed that homecomings during the ’80s and ’90s featured names such as Silk, Case, Phyllis Hyman, DJ Kool and other artists.
Homecoming was and still is the event to attend, to say the least.
However, every year, conversations swirl around campus about who will be at N.C. A&T’s homecoming.
The “Greatest Homecoming On Earth,” typically has a roundup with hip-hop and rhythm and blues’ top artists.
Even I have griped about who the Rams have had for homecoming compared to the Aggies, but I also realize there are some differences between
A&T and SU.
First, as of this academic year, A&T has more than 10,000 students; WSSU has about 6,150.
Next, the alumni relations between both schools are drastically different, which all falls back on how many are enrolled and wind up graduating.
Finally, what many WSSU students do not know is that A&T has an agreement with the Greensboro Coliseum.
The talent that comes in for their homecoming typically schedule stops in their tours to perform in Greensboro, especially during GHOE.
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t go to A&T’s homecoming. I’m all about HBCUs
supporting one another.
But, I know one thing for sure: the Rams who always show up to GHOE should be at WSSU’s homecoming.
After all, this is the year of the Ram. Let’s turn up SU!
Happy homecoming!