News & Features, October 2020, Top story

Students say virtual Homecoming is better than nothing

COVID-19 has definitely affected the traditional homecoming season this year but organizers of the week-long event have tried to make sure that students have a feel of a traditional Homecoming.

Although the attendance at some events will be limited they will still be broadcast live via Facebook and Instagram. The event began Oct. 18 and will run through Saturday, Oct. 24.

For some students, a virtual event is just not the same as a regular Homecoming.

“I haven’t attended any of the Homecoming events so far and wasn’t planning on attending any this weekend,” said Kyshon Tate, a junior communications major. “This isn’t your typical Homecoming and it feels like, without a football game or tailgate, you’re not getting the same experience as people prior or after you got to experience.”

The Beta Xi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Nu Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.were winners of the 2020 BWE “Verzuz” Step Show!

Dorian Williams, a junior communications major, has not attended any events so far but plans to “attend” the Greek yardshow via Facebook or Instagram Live.  “Homecoming doesn’t feel the same this year,” he said. But the cirtual evehts are “the closest thing to attending in person,” he said. “Life goes on. It is what it is.”

The action is scheduled to pick up a little on the weekend. On Friday, there will be the infamous VERZUZ Greek Yard Show at 7 p.m. in Emery Gymnasium. The virtual cabaret is at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The yard show will be a limited capacity as well as a live event. Students were given four tickets each to attend live events.

Nia Phillips, a junior communications major, is performing in the  Greek yard show and hoping to make the most of it.

“The Zetas are excited,” Phillips said. “We’ve been practicing for like a month now… For me personally, I wish everybody could come to see it. I think it would be more exciting if everybody was there.

But both Williams and Phillips agreed that it was good that they would have one more chance tyo enjoy Homecoming next year.

— By Jadareah DeBerry