Homecoming 2024 – A Firebird Reunion

It was a fiery Firebird Reunion! The University of the District of Columbia’s Homecoming 2024, held Nov. 9-Nov. 16, honored UDC’s proud legacy as the District’s only public university and the nation’s second-oldest HBCU. To celebrate, we invited every member of our community—alumni, current and prospective students, faculty, staff, families, friends and neighbors—to join in honoring our past and revving up for our future. 

This year’s festivities included a Royal Coronation and Ball, a fashion show in Lamond-Riggs, an alumni basketball game in Van Ness, and much more. Here’s a look back at our incredible week! 

Homecoming Silent Headphone Brunch and Day Party

We went. We listened. We danced!

The silent headphone brunch and day party might have started off as a question mark, but by the end, everyone understood the assignment as they moved and grooved to their own beat. The only question at the end: When can we have the next one?

Three djs in a darkly lit room.
A group of people in a darkly lit room wearing glowing headphones and dancing.

Homecoming Worship

Can I get an amen?

Nineteenth Street Baptist Church welcomed us with open arms as we gathered at this historic house of worship. Considered the first and oldest Black Baptist church in the District, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church was the perfect place to spend our Sunday. 

The original site of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church
The original site of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church
Choir signing in church
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, By Farragutful - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

President’s Faculty and Staff Events

As a token of his appreciation, President Edington held several receptions for staff and faculty members across campuses. Tasty food and laughter were abundant. And of course, no party is complete without the electric slide! 

President Edington speaking at a dias holding a cup of coffee
A group of women doing the electric slide
Two older women sitting at a table eating breakfast and laughing

Career Fair

UDC students and alumni conversed with over sixty of the nation’s most sought-after employers, including the CIA, Pepco, DC Public Schools, the National Labor Relations Board, and others. The fair was a great way for Firebirds to connect with job and internship opportunities. 

People talking with potential employers at a career fair
People talking with potential employers at a career fair

Coronation, Ball and Royal Luncheon

Coronation follows a century of tradition at HBCUs during which students share their joy, beauty, culture and identity. Hailing from Jamaica to Nigeria to Washington, D.C., the UDC Royal Court members displayed their style, grace, and determination to serve their fellow students. 

Outgoing Mr. and Ms. UDC walking together and holding hands.
A man and woman in formal attire and crowns standing on a stage smiling at the audience.
The new Mr. and Ms. UDC being crowned and smiling.
A man and woman in formal attire looking at the camera and smiling

Homecoming Barbecue and Firebird Festival

There is nothing like a good barbecue, and Homecoming was no exception. Delicious aromas and music filled Heritage Hall as folks enjoyed funnel cake, fried Oreos and fellowship. 

UDC 2024 sign in lights with huge balloons.
Man standing at a Palmers kiosk with a fake palm tree to the side.
Young people serving bbq and a looking at the camera smiling.
a young man with a sash that says Mr. Junior holding up his hand.
Woman standing in front of a purple banner that reads They Not Like Us.
A woman at a table full of t-shorts speaking to a woman on the other side of the table.

Fashion Show

Turn. To. The. Left … and Werk!

UDC students dazzled their way down the runway as they strutted their stuff in fiery fashion-forward fits at the Lamond-Riggs Campus. 

Three women posing for a fashion show

Alumni Events: Happy Hour, Reception and Basketball Games

Just call him “coach!” 

President Edington’s coaching skills were on full display as he led a UDC men’s alumni team during back-to-back alumni games that also featured coaches Leon Cunningham (Class of ’98, Athletics Hall of Fame ’24), Lillian McGill Green (Class of ’11, Hall of Fame ’23), and Lester “Jay” Butler (former head women’s UDC basketball coach, current head men’s coach at Virginia Union University). 

A group of people standing and showing their sorority hand signs.
Maurice Edington watching a basketball game that he is coaching.
A woman and man smiling. The man is holding an award.
men playing basketball in a gym.
A group of women standing at a high table smiling.
Maurice Edington coaching men playing basketball.

Strategic Plan Launch

UDC officially launched its new five-year strategic plan, Delivering on the Promise, during the Firebird Reunion celebration. The event included university stakeholders, students, faculty and distinguished speakers, including UDC President Maurice D. Edington and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. 

A man and woman sitting on a stage talking.
Delivering on the Promise
A group of people in business attire standing on a stage smiling.

Homecoming Basketball Games and Tailgate

Those who returned home to the Nest were happy they did! Attendees had a blast attending the exhilarating men’s and women’s games, and The Nest tailgate party was one for the books. It was the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones with food, music and entertainment.

Man holding hands in a fraternity hand sign.
UDC women's basketball team playing at homecoming.
Four men standing outside smiling.
four people dressed in red leotards in a gym.
Two women wearing red and gold UDC clothes and smiling.
UDC men's basketball team playing a game.