Homecoming 2018 celebrates ‘Forever Red’

This article first appeared in Archway Magazine.

Get ready, Ramily! This year for Homecoming, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is celebrating what it means to be a Ram with a new theme.

This year’s theme, “Forever Red,” honors the legacy and loyalty of WSSU. The weeklong celebration, Oct. 14-21, will feature concerts, reunions, step shows, coronations, parades, the big game and more.

MORE: Forever Red: The research behind red 

Here’s a quick look at what to expect.

Sunday, Oct. 14
Homecoming kicks off with The WSSU Homecoming Musical Extravaganza at 4 p.m.  The event, in K.R. Williams Auditorium, features three-time Grammy Award winner Karen Clark-Sheard. Opening acts include Jamera McQueen Smith and WSSU’s Inspirational Voices choir. Tickets may be purchased at www.wssu.edu/tickets or by calling 336-750-3220.

This event will be followed by the official lighting of the Homecoming sign outside the Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center at 8 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 15
The School of Health Sciences is partnering with AARP North Carolina to offer a community screening of the documentary “The Power to Heal.” Following the screening, author Dr. David Barton Smith will lead an open conversation with local panelists on present-day issues with racial healthcare disparities. 

Also, get ready to laugh with the 2018 Homecoming Comedy Show featuring Nate Jackson, Ronnie Jordan and Shuler King at K.R. Williams Auditorium.

Wednesday, Oct. 17 
Enjoy a night of pageantry when the new Miss and Mister WSSU will be crowned during Coronation: Old Hollywood: Glitz & Glamour beginning at 7 p.m. in K.R. Williams Auditorium. The Royal Ball will follow at 9 p.m. in McNeil Ballroom in the Anderson Center.

MORE: Meet the new Mr. and Miss WSSU

Thursday, Oct. 18
Get ready for a full day of activities including: 

• The Vendor’s Fair and Community Stage at the Bridge area and Lowery Street parking lots
• The Department of Education’s Luncheon 
• Nurses Alumni Organization’s Alumni Gala
• Alumni Return to Serve, hosted by Career Development Services
• The Red & Black Affair, featuring R&B singer Brent Faiyaz, B-Daht and DJ Deron Juan, at the Millennium Center in Downtown Winston-Salem. 
• The National Alumni Association (NAA) Tea and Reception.

Friday, Oct. 19
The day begins with the traditional Wreath Laying Ceremony, honoring WSSU founder Dr. Simon Green Atkins at 8:45 a.m. at the S.G. Atkins Statue (Rain Site: K.R. Williams Auditorium) followed by Founder’s Day Convocation at 9:45 a.m. in K.R. Williams Auditorium. The convocation speaker is Dr. Siobahn C. Day '05. 

Naming and Dedication Ceremony for H. Douglas Covington Hall, the new freshman living/learning community, will immediately follow Founder’s Day at Covington Hall.

The Vendor’s Fair will resume from 12:30-8 p.m. The Ram Rave-Mini Parade, Pep Rally and Day Party will run from 2-7 p.m. at the Pedestrian Mall and Clock Tower.

Beginning at 7 p.m., Homecoming Alumni Greek Step Show in the K.R. Williams Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the WSSU Ticket Office.

At 9 p.m., WSSU's NAA will present the Royal Ram Soiree.

The Homecoming celebration continues with the RAMS Music Super Lounge from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Benton Convention Center. WSSU’s official Homecoming party features Stokely of Mint Condition, Midnight Star, the Uptown Swagga Band and go-go band Jus Once. Tickets are available at www.wssu.edu/tickets.

Saturday, Oct. 20
The Homecoming Parade gets under way at 10 a.m., starting at Poplar Street NW and Fourth Street and ending on Cromartie Street on WSSU’s campus.

The Homecoming Game against the Blue Bears of Livingstone College begins at 1:30 p.m. at historic Bowman Gray Stadium. Tickets are available at www.wssu.edu/tickets.

The celebration continues after the game with the Return to the Yard Block Party and NAA's 35+ Grand Finale Party. 

For more information about Homecoming events, please visit www.wssu.edu/homecoming. Follow events on social media through #WSSUHomecoming.