PHOTO | TROY HULL

Homecoming at Johnson C. Smith brings alumni and students together for a week of celebration, recollection and shopping on campus topped by a football game between the Golden Bulls and Fayetteville State University's Broncos.

Homecoming week is here at Johnson C. Smith University

After two years of virtual or curtailed activity, the week includes events and celebrations for students, alumni and the community on campus without COVID-19 restrictions. A list of activities is below:

Oct. 17
“Kickoff on the Block” sponsored by Student Government Association and class councils, 10:10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Block.

Ol’ School Cookout 5-7 p.m., The Block

Featuring music, line dancing and a 360-degree photo booth.

Brayboy Madness featuring the men’s and women’s basketball teams, 7-9 p.m., Brayboy Gym.

Oct. 18
Shops and pop-ups with JCSU student entrepreneurs, creatives and influencers, 12-3 p.m., Millennium Dining Hall.

Support students’ creative and side hustles with shops and pop-ups.

“Retool Your School” Greenfield Gardens ribbon-cutting, 4 p.m., rear of Greenfield Hall (near the tennis courts)

The $30,000 gift from Home Depot’s Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant allowed JCSU to renovate and refresh the campus space.

JCSU and alumni Gold and Blue skating rink, 7–10 p.m., West Complex (across from Mosaic Village)

Lace up your skates.

Oct. 19
JCSU alumni conversations, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Smith seminar courses campus-wide.
Alumni return to classes and share wisdom with students.

Bury the Broncos, 12 p.m., Biddle Auditorium.

School spirit on display in the run-up to the homecoming football game.

Golden Bulls Pink Out presented by Ms. Jessica and Roxanne Miller, 6:30 p.m., The Block

One out of eight women will develop breast cancer during their lives, but early detection saves lives. JCSU alumnus Ms. Jessica, “The Girl Next Door” hosts a “pink out” with exercise, dance and recognition of campus and local survivors and thrivers.


Late night chicken and waffles, 9–11 p.m., Millennium Dining Hall.

Oct. 20
JCSU alumni conversations, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Smith seminar courses campus-wide, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Second day of successful JCSU alumni sharing experiences from various career paths and professions


HBCUv homecoming reveal, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., New Science Center Auditorium

Debut of HBCUv, a new online platform for community learning sponsored by UNCF and Deloitte Digital.


JCSU Royal Court Coronation of Miss JCSU and Mister JCSU, 7–9 p.m., Biddle Auditorium

Coronation of 96th Miss JCSU Essence Winston and Caleb Davis, the 12th Mister JCSU, as well as their 2022-2023 royal court. A reception will follow on the second floor of Biddle Hall.

Oct. 21
100 Club golf tournament, 8 a.m. (Old Sycamore Golf Club)

The 100 Club tournament hosted at the Old Sycamore Golf Club.

JCSU alumni conversations hosted by the Smith Institute for Research, Career Development and Postgraduate Readiness, 9 a.m.–12 p.m,. Smith seminar courses campuswide.

Final day of connecting students with JCSU alumni from various career paths and professions.


“It’s a Smitherent World!” residence hall room and office door judging 10 a.m.

Selected faculty, staff and students will make the campus rounds to determine who has the best homecoming-themed residence hall and office doors.

Sigma Gamma Rho sorority centennial celebration, 11 a.m., Grimes Lounge.

Centennial celebration with Beta Upsilon chapter marking the occasion on campus.


Festi-ville Part I, “Alumni Row” and pep rally, 12–6 p.m. (The Block)

Music and shopping that highlights and supports local and regional Black businesses. And stick around for the pep rally at 4:00 p.m.

National Alumni Association general meeting, 2 p.m. (New Science Center Auditorium)

Alumni are invited to attend the National Alumni Association’s General Alumni meeting. Alumni business and updates will be discussed and provided.


IIOS Alumni Day party, 2 – 5 p.m. 5 Points Plaza (near Rita’s Ice)

“Eyes have not seen…Ears have not heard…” If you know, you know! The International Institution of Sound welcomes you to the historic Five Points Plaza, for some great music, fellowship and band dances.

HBCU pride block party, 4 – 8 p.m., West Complex (across from Mosaic Village)

DJs, vendors and food trucks will be waiting, along with HBCU trivia, an “Old School versus New School Cheer Off,” and a Greek roll call.

“Rho 100 Celebration” banquet, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sheraton Hotel
COVID-19 prevented the Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity from celebrating its centennial, but the gala is on with an afterparty to follow.

Oct. 22
Tailgating, 8 a.m., (Tailgate Lot)

Prefer charcoal or gas grilling? No matter the sauce or rub, homecoming tailgate is a JCSU tradition. Try on the hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs and hot fish. Entry requires a ticket.

Homecoming parade, 10 a.m., United House of Prayer (near Food Lion on Beatties Ford Road)

For the first time in three years, JCSU brings back the procession along Beatties Ford Road with local and regional marching bands, majorette teams, civic and social leaders and campus student leaders.


Festi-ville Part II, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (The Block)

Get your pocketbook or wallet ready to shop.

IIOS Alumni Band Showcase, 12:30 p.m. (The Block)

IIOS Alumni Band puts on a show immediately after the homecoming parade—complete with high steppin’ alumni drum majors, Blue Satin and the Untoucha-Bulls.

Lil’ Bulls Kiddie Fair, 12–2 p.m., Myers Lawn

JCSU vs. Fayetteville State football, 1 p.m. (Eddie McGirt Field at Irwin Belk Complex)

IIOS alumni band block party, 3:30-7 p.m., Myers Lawn

Swing by the Band Room and Myers Lawn, for food and music! Families are encouraged to stop by.

Soul Food Dinner, 4 p.m. (or immediately following the game), Millennium Café. On the menu: Fried chicken, macaroni, BBQ ribs and sweet potato pie.

A Vibe Called Fresh: Homecoming Edition, 4-8 p.m. (West End Complex across from Mosaic Village)

“A Smitherent World:” Divine 9 Step Show (8 p.m., Brayboy Gymnasium). Free.

National Alumni Association dance (9 p.m., Sheraton Hotel)

“Black Renaissance 2.0: An Alumni Affair.” Tickets can be purchased here.

Oct. 23
Crocs and Campus cleanup sponsored by Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. 1-3 p.m. on The Block

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