With October just around the corner, we are officially rolling into HBCU homecoming season—a time of reunion, celebration, and culture that is cherished by alumni and students alike. For many, it’s a pilgrimage to their roots, a chance to reconnect with their alma mater, friends, and mentors, and to soak in the pride and tradition that defines Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It’s a season of family reunions that span generations, where tailgates, step shows, and football games are all rites of passage.
This year, Bowie State University is set to welcome back one of its own: Trina Braxton, singer, actress, and TV personality, who has been announced as the Grand Marshal for the university’s 2024 homecoming parade on October 19th. The Braxtons star recently took to Instagram to share her excitement, revealing a little-known fact that many fans didn’t know: she was crowned Miss Freshman during her time at the university!
“From Ms. Freshman to Grand Marshall! [sic]” Braxton excitedly shared in the post.
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At HBCUs, the royal court is a cherished tradition that celebrates student leadership, excellence, and community involvement. Each HBCU typically crowns a Mr. and Miss [University Name], who serve as ambassadors for their institutions, promoting school spirit and representing the student body at various events throughout the academic year. Accompanying them in their royal court are usually two attendants, who help support their duties and engagements.
For example, at Bowie State University, the royal titles include Mr. and Miss Black and Gold and Mr. and Miss Essence, symbolizing the school’s pride in its colors and cultural heritage. Additionally, there are titles for Mr. and Miss Freshman through Senior, allowing students at every level to be recognized for their contributions to campus life. This hierarchy of titles extends even further, featuring organizational kings and queens such as Mr. and Miss ROTC, Mr. and Miss Honors Dorm, and others that celebrate involvement in specific groups or programs on campus.
The title of Miss Freshman holds particular significance for first-year students, as it not only acknowledges their potential as leaders but also serves as an introduction to campus culture and traditions. The coronation ceremony for these royal titles is often a grand affair, filled with pageantry, music, and celebration, providing a platform for these student leaders to shine and connect with their peers. This tradition fosters a sense of pride and community among students, reinforcing the values of leadership and service that HBCUs champion.
The Braxton Legacy at Bowie State
Trina isn’t the only Braxton who has a history with Bowie State. In fact, the Braxton family has long been intertwined with the institution. Toni Braxton, before achieving global superstardom, also attended the university. Trina’s sisters, Traci and Towanda Braxton, were both active on campus, joining Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. through the Omicron Gamma chapter at Bowie State. While Trina herself didn’t join a sorority during her time at the school, she later became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. through a graduate chapter, and in another exciting homecoming twist, she’ll also be serving as a celebrity judge at the university’s highly anticipated step show.
In a Facebook post, the Braxton family’s attorney, Antavius Weems, confirmed Trina’s additional role at the step show, cementing her involvement in this year’s homecoming events. Her participation is a full-circle moment for the star and her family, reflecting the deep love and respect they have for Bowie State and the broader HBCU community.
For those unfamiliar with the significance of HBCU homecomings, it’s important to understand that this is more than just a college tradition. For Black students, alumni, and families, HBCU homecomings are a celebration of culture, resilience, and community. They offer a unique space where Black excellence is not only celebrated but seen in its full glory—from the roaring halftime shows to the intricate choreography of the step teams, and from the music blasting at the tailgate to the vibrant energy of the yard.
HBCU homecomings are a chance for alumni to return to their second home, reminisce about their college days, and contribute to the continuation of the legacy. Homecoming often serves as the heartbeat of the campus, where students and alumni come together in ways that transcend age and location. There’s an unspoken but understood connection that fills the air, and it’s a feeling that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Movies like Spike Lee’s School Daze have long highlighted the HBCU experience. Released in 1988, the film put a spotlight on the unique culture of HBCUs—tackling everything from Greek life to the importance of education, all while showcasing the vibrant energy of an HBCU homecoming. The iconic homecoming scene in School Daze embodies the festive, unapologetic Black joy that defines these celebrations. The film was a love letter to the HBCU experience and remains a cornerstone of how these institutions are seen by the world.
Despite the excitement surrounding Trina Braxton’s role as Grand Marshal, this year’s Bowie State University Homecoming comes with its own set of challenges. Following threats of violence at various HBCU homecoming events across the country last year, Bowie State has had to implement stricter safety measures. These security concerns, unfortunately, overshadowed much of last year’s celebrations and led to Bowie State opening its doors to students and alumni from Morgan State University, whose homecoming was interrupted by violence.
In light of these challenges, Bowie State has decided to restrict campus access after 7 p.m. during this year’s homecoming week. Alumni, in particular, have expressed frustration at these changes, with many wondering if it’s worth traveling to the university—located in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.—only to be turned away from evening camaraderie. Bowie State graduates, including I Love Us founder Tai Nichols and her fellow alumnus Brian, have referred to this year’s homecoming as one that many alumni are likely to skip.
While these changes have left some alumni disheartened, the hope is that the safety measures will ensure that Bowie State’s students can celebrate without fear or disruption. Homecoming is about community, and as always, the health and safety of the student body come first.
Despite the mixed emotions surrounding the new restrictions, Trina Braxton’s involvement in Bowie State’s Homecoming has provided a much-needed bright spot. Her role as Grand Marshal and step show judge adds a layer of excitement and nostalgia to the event. For many current students, it’s a chance to see a famous alumna who has made a name for herself on the national stage return to her roots. And for alumni, it’s a reminder of the shared experiences that bind them to their alma mater.
The step show is set to be a highlight of the weekend. Step shows have long been a cornerstone of HBCU culture, where fraternities and sororities showcase their talent, precision, and creativity in performances that leave audiences on their feet. As a judge, Trina will be able to witness firsthand the kind of Black excellence that Bowie State students continue to embody.
Whether it’s through the football games, step shows, or tailgates, homecoming is a time to reconnect with the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. As the Braxtons and thousands of alumni make their way back to campus, Bowie State University is gearing up for a homecoming that, despite the hurdles, promises to deliver unforgettable memories. And for the HBCU community, that’s what it’s all about.
Cover photo: Trina Braxton Shares Little Known Bowie State History Amid Homecoming Grand Marshal Announcement / Credit: Bowie State University
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