OPENING FLAME: KICK OFF JAM
Dhiara Berkley
Sunday, Oct. 20, the Spelman Oval was awash with excitement as Spelhouse students and alumni were welcomed to the “Opening Flame” Kickoff Jam, a gathering that featured food, music and festivities to celebrate the launch of homecoming week.
Although the celebration officially began at 7 p.m., attendees excitedly trickled in through 8 p.m., cheerfully greeting their friends and contributing to a jovial atmosphere.
“I’m looking forward for this to set the tone for my first homecoming,” freshman Sociology major Julia Evans said.
The theme, “Going for Gold” channeled the spirit of the Olympic games with a zipline, human claw machine and a hot wings eating competition. Among the winners was an anonymous first-year Spelman student who found the heat manageable.
“It wasn’t spicy, it was just too much food, but it was cool,” the student said.
Students flew past Laura Spelman Hall on the zipline through
the night, a line stretching across the Oval with students waiting for their turn. One Morehouse student claimed that he acquired a rush after completing the ride.
Among the entertainment was a fire dancer, who twirled and tossed flaming batons, entertaining students in line for the zipline and enchanting the crowd with his performances.
The Jaguarettes and Greek stroll performances were popular, with a sizable crowd encircling the performers. However, as second year students Nyla Kimbrell and Carmen Kimson expressed that they could not see the performers without an elevated platform. Despite these challenges however, the audiences’ general enthusiasm permeated the event atmosphere.
The night ended with a fireworks display and the DJ playing Nicki Minajs’ “Moment 4 Life”, ushering in an exciting homecoming week 2024.
“It was so nice to return to the kickoff jam for my second year and reconnect with friends I don’t often get to see,” sophomore English major Blair Moore said.
THE LEGACY MATCH: BOXING MATCH
Blair Martin
School spirit reached a rowdy peak on Oct. 21 during Morehouse College’s inaugural Legacy Homecoming Boxing Match against Georgia State University. As the sun dipped below the horizon, students gathered in A-Lot, buzzing with excitement for the multi-round bouts where the maroon Tigers faced off against the GSU Panthers.
“I’ve never been to a boxing match before, so I’m just really excited for the new experience—and to see if Morehouse takes the win,” said sophomore Liv Linde.
The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd erupting in cheers and gasps as competitors danced around the ring, skillfully trading punches. The excitement hit a fever pitch when, in a surprising twist, the referee found himself thrown onto the mat, executing a backflip to regain his footing.
This event truly showcased the unique spirit of homecoming, drawing students together to celebrate their peers rather than mega-watt celebrities.
“Tonight has been really unique,” said junior Zora Neale Walton. “Bringing two schools together created a special type of crowd and energy.”
The Legacy Match was a memorable highlight of homecoming, fostering camaraderie and school pride in a fresh, exhilarating way.
HOME TEAM: FIELD DAY
Erinn Gardner
The Programming for Unique and Lively Spelman Experience (PULSE) board and Morehouse College’s Campus Alliance for Student Activities (CASA) organized an unforgettable field day Tuesday, Oct. 22 on The Oval at 6 p.m., following the Homecoming Kickoff Jam and the Legacy Boxing Match. As the evening progressed, an increasing number of the student body came for carnival style festivities such as rock climbing, obstacle c
ourses, soccer archery, golf simulation and bounce house basketball.
Although individuals participated in all of the field day activities, the rock climbing wall garnered the most participation and nostalgia, reminding several of childhood fall festivals and encouraging friendly competition.
“I’m most excited for rock climbing only because I get to showcase my upper arm ability because I’ve been working out and I want to put it to use,” sophomore Raihanna Terrell said.
Soccer archery too contributed to the students’ enthusiasm for the event, as it combined two common sports. It encouraged participants to kick the ball as hard as they possibly could at a target, fostering adrenaline and excitement.
“I really loved the archery because it brought out my inner Katniss Everdeen, and I was just super into it. I’m so excited for the rest of the field day activities,” sophomore Jocelyn Baker said.
To promote engagement, PULSE and CASA set up a table in order to distribute a limited number of Spelhouse Homecoming 2024 water bottles. Not only did it serve as a souvenir, but it also enabled hydration throughout a week of festivities, parties and heat.
Similar to Market Fridays, food trucks were stationed and students flooded the lines to indulge in treats including funnel cakes and Italian ice. Furthermore, the DJ played popular line dance songs for attendees to participate on the grass in order to get them in the homecoming spirit.
Field Day not only captured the essence of Spelhouse pride and set a lively tone for the remainder of the week, but it also cultivated a sense of fellowship and community amongst the Atlanta University Center (AUC).
THE ANTHEM: HIP HOP CONCERT
Aeiress Stancil
Spelman College’s Programming for Unique and Lively Spelman Experience (PULSE) and Morehouse College’s Campus Alliance for Student Activities (CASA) joined forces to create an unforgettable night of music and entertainment Oct. 23 in Forbes Arena for Spelhouse Homecoming. The highly anticipated hip-hop concert lineup was revealed at Hump Wednesday Oct. 9, sparking excitement across both campuses. While some students felt the lineup could have been stronger, most agreed it promised an exciting night.
“The homecoming concert was definitely a highlight. The energy in the arena was unmatched, and seeing everyone, Spelman sisters and Morehouse brothers alike, coming together to celebrate our shared culture through music was unforgettable,” freshman Camille Duncan said.
The concert featured R&B singer Coco Jones and rappers NoCap, Hunxho and Real Boston Richey, with former City Girls member JT headlining. Hosted by Atlanta’s Hot 107.9 personality Fly Guy DC, the night kicked off with Coco Jones, who wowed the crowd with her hit “ICU” and debuted her new track, “Most Beautiful Design,” featuring Atlanta rapper Future. NoCap followed with fan favorites “Thang For You” and “Ghetto Angels,” and Real Boston Richey kept the energy high with “Help Me” and “On Site.” Hunxho’s performances of “U the 1” and “Your Friends” left the crowd on their feet.
JT closed the show with an electrifying set, performing tracks from her new
album City Cinderella, including “No Bars” and “Sideways,” along with City Girls classics like “Act Up.” She engaged fans with a rap battle and invited rising rapper Star Bandz to perform.
PULSE and CASA’s efforts made this a night to remember, making students excited for what they have in store next year.
“Regardless of who headlines next year, I know the experience will be extraordinary because that’s just what Spelhouse homecoming is, extraordinary,” Duncan said.
VICTORY STRUT: FASHION SHOW
Ima Essien, Rori Stewart, & Micheala Miller
The excitement was palpable in Forbes Arena, as hundreds swarmed to watch the annual SpelHouse Homecoming Fashion Show themed Victory Strut Thursday, Oct. 24. It showcased the Atlanta University Center (AUC) models, dancers and designers with the collaboration of the AUC Agency, Morehouse’s Campus Alliance for Student Activities (CASA)and Spelman’s Programming a Unique And Lively Spelman Experience (PULSE). The opening performance of the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice & Sing” filled Forbes Arena with immense pride of Black American history by the audience of peers, family members and the AUC Agency.
The theme of Spelhouse Homecoming, “Going For Gold,” honored the 1996 Centennial Olympics, held in Atlanta.
“We had to incorporate black evolution with the Olympics. We tied it in together and made the Victory Strut a travel through time but black history,” AUC Agency co-president Amira Ali, said.
The show displayed four acts evolving from the ‘30s, ‘70s and ‘90s to the modern day via dance, clothing and music. To introduce the acts, a short film starring student models and actors encapsulated historic m
oments in Black history, including Jesse Owens’ success in the 1936 Olympics. In Act One, models walked in a variety of apparel such as suits, long coats and pleated skirts in contrast to the bell bottoms and disco outfits of Act Two.
During the intermission, the AUC Agency showcased their official dancers and selected students to showcase their outfits and struts.
Throughout Act Three, models flaunted baggy pants, graphic tees, denim overalls and jerseys as ‘90s rappers and singers played in the background, while Act Four showcased current fashion trends such as streetwear and denim on denim.
“We’ve spent hours and hours putting into this, so it was like amazing to see everyone just loving on it,” AUC Agency model Autumn Brooks said.
WEEKEND RECAP
Dhiara Berkley
Homecoming wee
kend was full of life as Spelhouse alumni and current students reunited for a series of celebrations. Under a cloudless sky, Market Friday on the Spelman Oval was energetic with shoppers. Dozens of Black business owners sold jewelry, clothing and unique merchandise under the hot Atlanta sun, catering to the hundreds of patrons in attendance. Students showcased their best outfits, adding to the event’s style.
“It’s so nice to see people representing not only Spelman and Morehouse, b
ut also their cultures,” sophomore Health Science major Ashleigh Biles said.
Later that day, an immense audience viewed electrifying performances at the “Trophies” step show. The step show featured fierce competition between Spelhouse Greek step teams, who dazzled a crowd of hundreds across the Oval. As a result of the high turnout, a large screen placed in the center enabled viewers to catch every move, many of which prompted cheers and gasps of surprise.
Saturday followed with the iconic Spelhouse tailgate, which accompanied the Morehouse vs. Fort Valley State University (FVSU) football game. By 10 a.m., the all-day Spelhouse tailgate party was in effect. The crowds held thousands, the high concentration making navigating the campus a challenge. The smoky, enticing aroma of barbeque flowed through the venue from alumni and vendor tents. The variety of music was punctuated only by excited homecoming chatter.
Although the Morehouse Maroon Tigers lost to FVSU 42-20, the audience at B.T. Harvey Stadium appeared upbeat. Sophomore Political Science major Bria Witherspoon noted her enjoyment of the game, along with the ‘House of Funk’ halftime show, and alumni-cheerleader performance.
“The first and second quarters were exciting, everyone was on the edge of their seats,” Witherspoon said.
This weekend marked the conclusion of homecoming week’s activities. Biles claims that the Black excellence exuded this weekend was a beautiful sight to see.
“It’s just a reminder that every single year, not only are people coming back home to their institutions, their great institutions, but it’s just Black joy,” Biles said.
