HOMECOMING ROUND UP 2021

Who? What? When? and Where?

COVID Protocol:

It may be Homecoming but COVID is still out there. Hannah Lazarus, of the Student Activities Board, says COVID restrictions will be in place. Many of the restrictions in place will be what's already used here on campus and around many parts of the country, Lazarus says. That includes urging everyone to maintain a social distance of 6 feet, as well as encouraging wearing a facial covering for those not vaccinated. She also noted there are more events being held outside this year. Meanwhile, B-CU has already announced plans for COVID testing the week after Homecoming.

by Kayla Stone

GREEK STEP SHOW:

Homecoming would not be complete without a Greek Step Show. There are currently six chapters of organizations that are part of what's known as the Divine 9 active on campus. There are three sororities--Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho-and three fraternities-Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi and Phi Beta Sigma. However, only 5 of the six plan to step, the exception is Phi Beta Sigma. The president of Alpha Phi Alpha, Mike Abudu, said his brothers are going to prove that they're the best frat on the yard.

"Practice, practice, practice. At times, my day doesn't end until 2 in the morning," Abudu said.

The show will take place on the quad, of course.

by Keaundre Roberts

HEADPHONE PARTY:

A new event for Homecoming this year was a "Headphone Party." An estimated 200 students showed up for the event located in the carport outside of the Michael and Libby Johnson Center for Civic Engagement. Students wore one of three color headphones, each linked to one of three DJs.

by Chyan Webb

GOOMBAY:

One of the events that many students are excited about here on the Quad is GOOMBAY! The annual event is a tribute to the heavy Caribbean culture in Florida. Students from the West Indies get a chance to celebrate and share the culture on B-CU's campus with food, music and flags representing their homelands.

Byronique Bastian, president of the Caribbean Student Association, said, "I feel that it is important for Goombay to be a part of the homecoming celebration because it shows the diversity within the campus and allows for students not from America to showcase their culture, display their dances and share their delicacies."

Bastian, who is from Nassau, Bahamas, explained that "Goombay" is a Bahamian word that translates into "known to be a form of calypso and soca music."

Long live Goombay!

by Harmony Bienemy

PARADE:

The Homecoming Parade is a staple traditional HBCU's and Bethune-Cookman is no exception. Campus and community members line the route to the elaborate floats and the vibrant outfits. At the time of the VOICE interview, there were fewer floats than in previous years. An exception this year is that the heretofore B-CU National Alumni Association will NOT be represented in the event. There will be no float featuring a Miss Maroon or one featuring Miss Gold. See related story under news.

Meanwhile, this will be the first parade since the COVID-19 outbreak. The event is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 and will be following normal parade procedures while keeping in mind the COVID guidelines. The parade will line up behind the Daytona Mall at North Nova Road and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard. It will travel east down the boulevard, cross Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and turn right on Walnut Street and head back to campus, according to coordinator Kathy Desmore-Reeves. First- and second-place prizes will be awarded.

by Rene White

GAME DAY:

Well folks, it's officially that time of the year again! Homecoming is right around the corner! After two long years, it is safe to say that Bethune-Cookman University will finally resume their homecoming activities! You know what that also means?

WILDCAT FOOTBALL WILL BE PLAYED!

The B-CU Wildcats are scheduled to play their annual homecoming football game 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach. The matchup this year is against the Delta Devils from Mississippi Valley State University. Both teams have struggled this year.

I predict the Wildcats will prevail. It is Homecoming, after all.

Tickets are for sale online at Ticketmaster.

by Sidney P. Brown