For HBCUs around the country, homecoming is a force to be reckoned with. It’s a time for celebration, recognition, community, and tradition.
(L to r) Tyrone Fleming, Tawanda Fleming, Tiera Brown Stepney and Yvonne Banks at Morgan State University’s Homecoming Parade on Oct. 11, 2025. They all share a long history of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities, both Tawanda Fleming and her daughter Tiera Brown Stepney graduated from Morgan State in 2018 following in the footsteps of the family matriarch, Yvonne Banks. Tyrone Fleming is an alumnus of Lincoln University.
“It’s an awesome feeling to come back and support the community to be a part of this rich history at Morgan State University,” Tawanda Fleming said.” Credit: Christian Thomas
“Homecoming is quite ritualistic for Morgan and for all HBCUs,” Morgan State University president David Wilson said. “It’s a time for alums to come back to the institution. They realize that those things that they experienced were so instrumental to who they became in life. It’s a family affair. It’s a time to reacquaint yourself with your friends and reconnect with this historic place.”
Generations of Morgan State University Alpha Delta Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. reunite at the university’s Academic Quad on Oct. 11, 2025. Credit: Christian Thomas
Morgan State University celebrated its 158th homecoming this October with its annual coronation ceremony, parade, and football game among its other usual homecoming activities that bring alumni back on campus and reintroduce current students to time-honored traditions.
Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine band members practice on the university’s practice field on Oct. 8, 2025. Credit: Christian Thomas
As special as homecoming is for the university, it’s Baltimore that truly goes all out for Bear Nation.
Morgan State University’s royal court on stage during the university’s Homecoming Coronation on Oct. 6, 2025. Credit: Christian ThomasMorgan State University drum majors stand behind Alameda Shopping Center ahead of Morgan State University’s Homecoming Parade on Oct. 11, 2025. Credit: Christian ThomasMorgan State University alumni walk past class photos dating back to the early days of the university in a hallway of the Student Center on Oct. 11, 2025. Credit: Christian ThomasMorgan State University Magnificent Marching Machine cymbalist fixes her cymbals ahead of Morgan State University’s Homecoming Parade on Oct. 11, 2025. Credit: Christian ThomasMorgan State University class of 2021 alumna and Delta Sorority sister, Autumn Wilson hugs a current Morgan student during the university’s Homecoming Pep Rally at Hughes Memorial Stadium on Oct. 10, 2025.
“I have felt such a sense of love and community, not only between my chapter of Alpha Gamma but in the entirety of the Define Nine at Morgan,” Wilson said. “Homecoming is always a great time to come back to see how the current students at Morgan are doing since the last time you saw them, see how your friends are doing since you left, and have a good time.” Credit: Christian ThomasTwo Baltimore City College marching band students pose for a photo at Morgan State University’s Homecoming Parade on Oct. 11, 2025. Credit: Christian ThomasBaltimore equestrian organization, City Ranch, Inc. handler holds one of the nonprofit’s horses on Hillen Road during Morgan State University’s parade on Oct. 11, 2025. Credit: Christian ThomasDynamic Force Dance Company dancers walk on East Cold Spring Lane during Morgan State University’s Homecoming Parade on Oct. 11, 2025. Credit: Christian ThomasBaltimore nonprofit equestrian organization, City Ranch, Inc. walk its horses on Hillen Road during Morgan State University’s parade on Oct. 11, 2025. Credit: Christian Thomas
