Howard University’s homecoming, marking its centennial celebration Oct. 13-19, has been historically lauded as one of the most famous college homecomings for students, alumni, and thousands across the country. With major events and surprises expected—including a visit from Vice President Kamala Harris, the presidential Democratic nominee— the popular event is expected to draw massive crowds, generating excitement and some potential concerns for prospective attendees.
In 2020, the week full of music, festivities, food, and fun was named as the “most searched” homecoming by Google. This year’s 100th homecoming will feature a football game against Tennessee State University, a concert on the Yard – known as “YardFest”— and the highly anticipated appearance from Harris, one of the university’s most eminent alumni.
While the centennial is much to celebrate across the university’s community, the milestone could spark even bigger crowds than in past years.
The class of 2024 was the largest class to ever graduate from the university and are now alumni. With alumni from 2024 and years past, tourists and others interested in some of the events or seeing Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, this year’s Howard homecoming week is expected to attract massive crowds.
Kristal Alston, a senior psychology major at Howard, told The Informer she has concerns going into this year’s homecoming season.
“I’m very concerned about public safety during homecoming this year. It’s rare to find an event that has any sort of safety precautions…anything could happen when there’s no security measures in place,” Alston said.
Crime Grade, a website that gives locations a grade based on local and national crime data, gives the 20059 ZIP code, where Howard is located, a D rating. Crime Grade also concluded that the crime rate is higher in the 20059 area than the average U.S. ZIP code, and is in the 17th percentile for safety.
Makenna Underwood, a May 2024 graduate, also said she is aware of the crime in the D.C. area and is making sure to stay safe as she plans to celebrate Howard’s 100th homecoming.
“It’s always been in the back of my mind, even as an undergrad student that… D.C. isn’t always a place to be, especially if you’re a young woman,” Underwood said. “I do have friends who I’m going with, so I do feel safer in that sense.”
Working with Local Authorities to Stay Safe
While the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) could not disclose specific operations or tactics planned to ensure homecoming festivities are safe, an MPD representative confirmed in a statement that officers “will have an increased presence and visibility in the area in coordination with the Howard Department of Public Safety and other partners.”
MPD also provided general safety tips for those attending homecoming:
- “Secure all valuables on your person or leave them at home. Do not leave valuables in plain view in vehicles.
- Keep small children close and ensure that you have a separation plan in case they get separated from you.
- Consume alcohol in moderation and ensure that participants hydrate. Most medical incidents involve individuals who overindulge or suffer dehydration related illnesses.
- No weapons are permitted on campus, please do not secure them in vehicles which is a violation of D.C. code.”
MPD urges attendees, and D.C. residents in general to report any suspicious activity or behaviors.
“Above all else, if you see something, say something. For emergencies or immediate threats, always call 911. To report suspicious activity or behaviors, call MPD’s Command Information Center at 202-727-9099, text 50411, or report online at iwatchdc.org,” said MPD in an email statement.
The Washington Informer reached out to the Howard University Department of Public Safety (HUDPS) and the Howard University Police Department, but did not receive responses in time for publication.
Overall, the crime rate in Washington, D.C. has decreased 17% since last year and the violent crime rate has decreased 35%, according to MPD crime data. However, the U Street Corridor and Shaw areas, which neighbor Howard University’s campus, are still listed in the top five most dangerous areas in the city, according to a Deep Sentinel list.
There is no current data available for crime specifically on Howard’s campus, but there have been incidents on campus recently. According to campus crime alerts, there were at least four reported carjackings or robberies last month.
While none of the parties involved were Howard affiliated in these instances, Howard students have been victims to several violent crimes.
The Howard Plaza Towers dormitories have been the scenes of robberies, carjackings, and assault in the past year, and a 19-year-old boy was shot and killed near the site in April. Further, last November, a Howard student was pistol-whipped and robbed on campus in broad daylight on his way to class. These crimes have raised student concerns about campus safety.
Savannah Graves, Howard University Student Association’s director of Public Safety, also offered safety tips for homecoming attendees.
“Avoid walking the Macmillan reservoir as it’s dimly lit, avoid walking north down Girard Avenue NW late at night, and avoid the dimly lit walkway onto Georgia Avenue from the College of Architecture and Engineering underpass,” Graves said.
Graves also recommended using the buddy system and keeping electronic devices charged. Howard students can also charge and use their Peace of Minds, or POMs, which are handheld devices that allow for direct communication with local authorities and location tracking.
“Utilizing the map app and dropping pins for a meet-up spot with friends if lost is also a great way to stay safe… One Bison’s safety is all of our safety,” said Graves.
Homecoming attendees can also contact (202)-806-1100 to reach out to the Howard University Department of Public Safety with information for on-campus incidents.
While some attendees might have safety concerns, others, like Howard University class of 1991 graduate Camille Franklin, said she feels comfortable partying on campus and nearby.
“I feel very safe. As a native Washingtonian, I’m confident in the efforts of the university, the Metropolitan Police, and the Secret Service to ensure public safety…especially given the magnitude of this year’s celebration,” Franklin told The Informer. “They’ve consistently done an excellent job in the past, and I expect this year to be no different.”
Franklin will be tapping into the university’s longtime homecoming tradition, celebrating Howard’s past, present and future.
“I’m looking forward to seeing friends, old and new, and enjoying the festivities,” Franklin said. “The energy, the culture, and the sense of pride that comes with Howard homecoming are unmatched.”