Source: Eyoel Fassil / Eyoel Fassil
The Greatest Homecoming on Earth is pretty self-explanatory.
But what can’t be explained is the feeling you get stepping onto North Carolina A&T State University’s campus during the Greatest Homecoming on Earth or GHOE as most in Aggieland and around the nation call it.
GHOE is uniquely special because it’s more than just a regular homecoming experience, it’s a national event. North Carolina A&T State University is the largest HBCU in the country and when you walk on campus on GHOE Saturday, you see swarms of Black people everywhere on campus from the stadium to the Greek plots on the opposite side of campus.
For most HBCU homecomings, their festivities start around Thursday and into the weekend. For GHOE parties, events, and celebrations begin at the start of the week on Sunday.
Source: Eyoel Fassil / Eyoel Fassil
It’s just a different type of aura that you experience being in Greensboro, North Carolina for GHOE but what makes it so culturally important is the fact that you still get the love and family vibes that you normally experience at an HBCU homecoming. GHOE is miraculously able to function as this premiere Black event while also maintaining its roots, richness, and relevance to Aggies across generations.
…the opportunity to come back and celebrate with classmates both young and old is an absolute charm.
“I think the rich culture that North Carolina A&T has developed over the years, the opportunity to come back and celebrate with classmates both young and old is an absolute charm,” said Jeffrey Beamon Lead Consultant and Business owner who graduated from North Carolina A&T in 1982.
“There’s just nothing like it if you compare us to any other college or university. Just the family atmosphere, How friendly people are .. and you don’t even have to know their name or anything about them.”
Elijah Evans an artist who graduated from North Carolina A&T in 2020 and whose latest project Dub SZN 2 dropped in January said that there is no other Homecoming that compares to GHOE.
“When you think about homecoming you think about A&T, especially when you think about HBCU Homecomings. We set the standard out here,” said Evans. “The energy is different at GHOE, that’s the best way I can put it. If you’re an Aggie you understand and even if you go to another HBCU you understand.”
HBCUs are arguably the culture carriers for their communities and GHOE is no exception. Masses of successful and thriving Black people all mingling and showing love to each other is the recipe for a magical moment.
“I would have kicked myself if I made another choice for an institution,” said Beamon. “It’s second to none.”
Source: Eyoel Fassil / Eyoel Fassil
