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Tag: hbcu homecoming

  • Diageo’s Head Of Community Engagement & Partnerships Dr. Danielle Robinson Redefines Homecoming Experience With ‘Show Your HBCU Spirit’ Initiative [Exclusive]

    Source: Diageo

    Behind every culture-shifting brand campaign, is a dynamic visionary like Dr. Danielle Robinson, Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Diageo, who elevated Homecoming season with the famed brand’s ‘Show Your HBCU Spirit’ initiative.

    “We started off in 2021 with a $12.7 million dollar donation to 28 HBCUs and wanted to really stay engaged with our schools and the alumni audience by engaging around moments of celebration like Homecomings and Anniversaries,” said Robinson, an award-winning advocate for community-empowerment.

    “It was really when I started to engage and understand the neglect of the HBCU community from a Governmental perspective as well as a corporate perspective, that I thought this was a way for us to engage and make a difference.

    Rooted in authenticity, the impactful initiative celebrates HBCU culture while building community, powering Homecoming/Classic activations, providing scholarships to support future leaders, and fostering essential programs like Learning Skills For Life.

    Diageo x Show Your HBCU Spirit campaign

    Source: Diageo/Hyyer Creative

    “The Learning Skills for Life program is one of our flagship community programs globally,” said Robinson. “I lead it here for North America, and have been doing it for 12 years. It’s a program that specializes in training people in underemployed communities in bartending, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.

    “We operate in 10 cities and have in-person programs so it’s free, free, free for anybody who wants to get a foundation in bartending. The online and in-person classes that we do face to face range from 5 days to 3 weeks and you can be a bar back or a full-on bartender when you graduate.

    We graduated 8,000 students in North America since we started–280,000 globally and partner with duty-free companies, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Marriott Hilton.

    Our students are working everywhere. I’ve had students on Bar Rescue. It’s phenomenal.”

    Diageo x Show Your HBCU Spirit campaign

    Source: Diageo/Hyyer Creative

    With permanent endowments at 28 HBCUs and minority-serving Institutions, Diageo extended its winning streak with stops at the buzziest Homecomings, including SpelHouse, North Carolina A&T’s ‘GHOE,’ and Howard University’s star-studded Off The Yard Festival.

    To honor the legacy and pride of “The Mecca,” the trend-conscious brand brought out viral comedian Desi Banks and emerging Hip-Hop star Lady London to celebrate the enduring spirit of Howard University.

    Diageo x Howard Homecoming 2025

    Source: Diageo/Hyyer Creative

    Diageo x Show Your HBCU Spirit campaign

    Source: Diageo/Hyyer Creative

    Diageo x Show Your HBCU Spirit campaign

    Source: Diageo/Hyyer Creative

    Building on the momentum from Homecoming SZN ’25, Diageo announced its return to the legendary Bayou Classic between Grambling State and Southern University on Nov. 28-29 in New Orleans.

    As tens of thousands gather for the storied spectacle, the brand (which serves as the Classic’s official spirits partner) will spotlight inclusivity, community impact, and legacy through alumni storytelling and student engagement via the Learning Skills for Life program.

    “New Orleans is amazing during the Bayou Classic–300,000 people descending on the city,” said Robinson. “You know, the dome, all the parties, the celebrations in the streets, you could just walk up and start dancing in the middle of the sidewalks.”

    While there’s certainly an emphasis on promoting a good time, especially when enjoying spirits from its robust portfolio (over 200 brands!), it’s clear that safety is also a major priority for Diageo.

    “I want [students] to leave [our events] with a message of responsible consumption and that sometimes the best decision is not to consume at all,” said Robinson.

    So we have our ‘Cheers To Choice’ program, which is about low, mid, and no options, which means we have mocktails on the menu, we have low alc options on the menu, so you have some choices.

    And sometimes you might just want a mocktail, or you could have a fantastic cocktail from some of our brands-so they have many choices.

    [And we want them to] make sure they’re thinking about how they get home after an evening–our ‘Take a Minute, Make a Plan’ program addresses that. But just understanding that alcohol needs to be used in a responsible way.”

    For more info about Diageo’s HBCU-focused campaigns, click here.

    Alex Ford

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  • Sunny Or Grey, They Gon’ Slay! A Gallery Of Skegee Stunners Slaying & Parlaying At Homecoming 2025

    Sunny or grey, they gon’ slay!

    Source: IG: @swag_lord.69

    No HBCU does science and engineering quite like Tuskegee University which produces culture-shifters, scholastic stalwarts, and STEM stunners who returned to their alma mater to slay and parlay at one of the buzziest Homecomings in HBCU Land.

    Located in the heart of Tuskegee, Alabama (40 miles east of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery), the private institution is the only HBCU with a fully accredited College of Veterinary Medicine.

    Founded In 1881 by Booker T. Washington, the historic University started with only two small converted buildings, no equipment, and very little funding.

    By 1888, the 540-acre Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute had an enrollment of more than 400 and offered training in skilled trades like carpentry, cabinet-making, printing, shoemaking, and tinsmithing.

    Over the past century, “various social and historical changes transformed Tuskegee into a diverse place of learning whose fundamental purpose is to develop leadership, knowledge, and service for a global society,” according to its site.

    Committed deeply to academic excellence, the highly-ranked University recognizes that exquisite talent is often hidden in students whose finest development requires unusual educational, personal, and financial reinforcement.

    Notable alumni include Lionel Richie, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Tom Joyner, Rickey Smiley, Betty Shabazz, Ralph Ellison, Marilyn Mosby, and Love Island it girl Olandria Carthen.

    Have you experienced Tuskegee’s Homecoming? If so, how was it? If not, WHY? Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of Skegee stunners who slayed and parlayed at Homecoming on the flip.

    Alex Ford

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  • BEHOLD, The Baddest In Green And Gold! A Gallery Of Norfolk State Stunners Who Slayyyed The Spartan Way At Homecoming 2025

    Not your typical hotties!

    Source: Sierra Leone/IG: @creolesaint

    You know we had to salute those mighty Spartans of Norfolk State University known for its vibrant campus culture, authentic tidewater vibes, and spectacular Spartan Legion band in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia (across the bridge from pesky rival Hampton University).

    Founded in 1935 as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University during the Great Depression, the comprehensive urban public institution is “committed to transforming students’ lives through exemplary teaching, research, and service” while fostering a “supportive academic and culturally diverse environment for all,” per its official site.

    Dedicated to empowering its students to turn aspirations into reality as well-rounded citizens and leaders for the 21st century, NSU recently made headlines by receiving a record-breaking $50 million gift from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

    In 2020, Scott gifted the university $40 million and was consistently briefed by President Javaune Adams-Gaston on the progress being made at the institution.

    “This $50M gift will catapult Norfolk State to its next level of excellence,” wrote the university in a statement.

    “President Adams-Gaston and administrators are grateful for the enormous vote of confidence Ms. Scott has placed in the institution and its ability to provide positive outcomes for our students.”

    Notable NSU alum include J.B. Smoove, Tim Reid, Jawn Murray, Pee Wee Kirkland, Yvonne B. Miller (the first Black woman to be elected to the state house), and more.

    Have you ever experienced Norfolk State’s (underrated) Homecoming? If so, how was it? If not, what are you waiting for? Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of Norfolk State stunners who slayyyed the Spartan way at Homecoming on the flip.

    Alex Ford

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  • Slayyys By The Sea! A Gallery Of Hampton Hotties Who Slayyyed By The Sea At Homecoming 2025

    Slayyys by the sea!

    Source: IG: @_anaiyahilai/@breaburnett

    The illustrious Hampton University continues to thrive as the “Standard of Excellence” with its prestigious pedigree, gorgeous campus, and standard-setting stunners who proved, once again, that they’re the baddest in the land at this year’s Homecoming by the Sea in Hampton, Virginia.

    According to the recent UNCF “Transforming Futures: The Economic Engine of HBCUs” report, Hampton ranks as the #1 HBCU in economic impact in the Commonwealth of Virginia with an underrated Homecoming experience that attracted major sponsors like Google, PepsiCo., Remy Martin and United Airlines this year.

    Founded in 1868 as Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School, the storied pillar of higher education is a “dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs,” according to its site.

    From its historic beginnings to the present, the lauded institution has enrolled students from five continents (North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Europe) and many countries including Gabon, Kenya, Ghana, Japan, China, Armenia, Great Britain, and Russia, as well as the Hawaiian and Caribbean Islands and numerous American Indian nations.

    Placing its students at the center of its planning, the University provides a holistic educational environment where learning is facilitated by a range of educational offerings, rigorous curriculum, professional experiences, multiple leadership opportunities, and an emphasis on the development of character which values integrity, respect, decency, dignity, and responsibility.

    Notable alumni include Booker T. Washington, Emmy-winning comedian Wanda Sykes, NBA Champion Rick Mahorn, The Breakfast Club co-host DJ Envy, actress Javicia Leslie, RHOP star Gizelle Bryant, and radio personality Kendra G(illiams).

    Have you experienced Hampton’s Homecoming? If so, how was it? If not, what are you waiting for??? Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of Hampton hotties who elevated the standard of excellence at this year’s Homecoming on the flip.

    Alex Ford

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  • Pretty Girls Go To Bama State: A Gallery Of Buzzy Baddies Who Brought IT-Girl Energy To Homecoming 2024

    Pretty Girls Go To Bama State: A Gallery Of Buzzy Baddies Who Brought IT-Girl Energy To Homecoming 2024

    Source: IG: @missmakaylah

     

    Next up on our HBCU Homecoming tour is Alabama State University known for its pretty girls, dazzling dance squads (Sensational Stingettes and world-famous Honey Beez), and raucous school pride in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama.

    Nestled in the birthplace of the modern civil rights movement, Alabama State University was founded in 1867 by nine formerly enslaved men now known as the Marion Nine, making ASU one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education founded for Black Americans.

    In a growing trend among HBCUs, ASU boasts a diverse student body with students from more than 41 states and 21 countries. With a 20 to 1 student-faculty ratio, “students receive the personal attention, mentoring, encouragement and knowledge needed to achieve their dreams,” per its official website.

    In 2024, the storied institution offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs from our historic teacher education program to a list of high-demand programs like the Doctorate in Physical Therapy, the Ph.D. in microbiology, the Master of Accountancy, the Master’s in Social Work and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance.

    Notable alumni include 2 Chainz, Rickey Smiley, Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, Broadway stars Bonita Hamilton Ceasar and Brandon McCall (Lion King), Peabody Award-winner/actor/director Timothy Ware Hill, legendary football coach Woody McCorvey, international rugby star Phaidra Knight, the late Archbishop of the Catholic Church Joseph Lawson Howze, and many more.

    Which HBCU Homecomings are you attending this year? Do you have your outfits picked out already? Is there a band Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of Bama State baddies who slayed at Homecoming on the flip.

    Alex Ford

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  • H-U, You Know! A Gallery Of Mecca Mesmerizers Who Ate The Girls Up At Howard’s Homecoming

    H-U, You Know! A Gallery Of Mecca Mesmerizers Who Ate The Girls Up At Howard’s Homecoming

    H-U, you know!

    Source: IG: @flawless_nikii/@goated.photoss

    Thee Mecca Howard University shut down Washington D.C. wth another star-studded Homecoming weekend bustling with Black excellence, accomplished alumni flexing on the yard, and some of the flyest baddies you’ll ever see on an HBCU campus.

    Widely regarded as the definitive Homecoming destination, HU attracted a massive crowd to its annual Yardfest featuring performances by Offset, Victoria Monét, emerging star Jozzy, and a surprise appearance from Diddy who fulfilled his pledge to donate $1M to the university.

    “As someone who attended Howard University and values the transformative experience of historically Black colleges, it remains crucial that we strive to protect and uphold their legacy,” said the billionaire mogul.

    “This donation to Howard is not just a financial contribution; it’s also a reaffirmation of our commitment to a cultural institution that has touched countless lives. It’s about ensuring that HBCUs continue to receive the support they rightfully deserve.”

    Founded in 1867, the private research university is comprised of 14 schools and colleges that operate with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service while producing more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the U.S.

    For 150 years, the Howard University School of Law (ranked as the No. 1 law school for Black students by preLaw magazine) has served as an advocate for social justice and produced more than 4,000 social engineers, including the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, noted legislators, civil rights attorneys, mayors, and public officials across the U.S.

    Notable HU alumni include Chadwick Boseman, Thurgood Marshall, Phylicia Rashad, Taraji P. Henson, Debbie Allen, Kamala Harris, Lance Gross, actress Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins, and more.

    Have you ever experienced Howard’s Homecoming? If so, how was it? If not, what are you waiting on?? Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of Howard hotties heating up Homecoming on the flip.

    Alex Ford

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