ICYMI: Sights and Sounds from Homecoming’s Night of Elegance
Pomp and pageantry were at the top of the agenda for Howard’s 2024 Royal Coronation on October 13, but at times it just felt like a good, old-fashioned family reunion. As part of Howard Homecoming’s 100th Anniversary, dozens of kings and queens representing campus organizations and residence halls paid formal tribute to Mister and Miss Howard, Gregory Allen Jr. and Damaris Grace Moore. The Royal Court, made up of representatives from every school or college and the freshman class, were there to bear witness. But the most memorable aspect of the night of glitz and glamour was the incredible personal praise offered by friends and family of Howard’s preeminent royalty who celebrated, “not just their titles, but who they are as people,” as proclaimed by Student Assembly Executive Coordinator Maia Patterson.
The coronation is the formal installation of the Royal Court and comes after each member engaged in a campaign and was elected by their peers. The legacy of the Court is historic and enduring, as noted in a video shown during the evening which honored past Howard kings and queens. The video’s narrators asserted that every action the king and queen take during their reign has a meaning.
“With each stride, they remind us of the legacy they carry— centuries of struggle and triumph woven into their every step,” the narrators insisted. According to the piece, the coronation represents the “boundless potential of Black brilliance” and “the undeniable strength of Black excellence.”
In honor of the new royals, students Iyanna Cort and Roman Neal performed an exquisite dance set to Lauryn Hill’s rendition of “Wild is the Wind,” and Kayazhanna Donaldson serenated the attendees with “Bigger” by Beyonce. Lazarus Brown electrified the crowd by singing “First Began,” by P.J. Morton followed by “Happy Feelings,” by Maze featuring the late, great Frankie Beverly. Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., performed a step routine in recognition of Allen, their fraternity brother. In addition, the entire Court performed a contemporary waltz choregraphed by Kennedy Coleman, set to “Pretty Wings,” by Maxwell.
In front of a stage dominated by two larger than life white thrones, hosts Hamid Jalloh and Lauren Folley led off the evening by explaining the purpose of the event and theme of the evening, “A Royal Gala: Honoring the Throne.” It was both a celebration, they said, and a recognition that Bison serve their communities with “enthusiasm and grace.” It was also an occasion for “joy, pageantry and pride,” as Rev. Dr. Bernard L. Richardson (BA ’75), dean of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel put it in his opening prayer. Howard University President Ben Vinson III appeared by video, congratulating the Court but reminding them of the responsibility with which they were being charged.
“You embody the spirit of Howard, representing our values, traditions, and our excellence, not just here on campus, but everywhere you go,” Vinson said. “You are serving as ambassadors of Howard’s legacy and tradition. Your commitment to excellence and leadership reflects our motto, ‘in truth and service.’”
Honored guests for the evening included the Morgan State University Royal Court, the Residence Life Royal Court, and the royal courts of organizations including the Caribbean Students’ Association, NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Chapter, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Chapter’s Mother Pearl Royal Court.
Related: Howard University homecoming Greek step show rocks the house (WUSA9)
