The anticipation is over – Bison past and present are coming home, for Prestige—Howard University Homecoming 2011.
Flights are underway, buses are en route and outfits have been strategically planned to a tee. In anticipation of the thousands of friends, family members and alumni that will take over the Mecca this week Howard has done extensive planning for the increase in traffic --- and this time of year calls for businesses in the area to do so, as well.
Ben's Chili Bowl, a landmark D.C. restaurant located in the U. Street corridor, is used to an overwhelming amount of customers year round, but anticipate the familiar faces that return around Homecoming. Owner and Co-Founder Virginia Ali reminisces on the restaurants ongoing relationship with Howard in the midst of surviving the 1968 riots after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination through the election of President Barack Obama.
"I love it…it brings back the second generation, even third generation Bison. Many of my friends attend, and it's sacred to them. Its meaningful…its their alma mater...it has double meaning now."
Despite the occasional "it wasn't this crowded when I used to come through" that comes from returning alumni, Ali can't recall the restaurant being negatively affected by the Homecoming rush. "We're grateful for Howard .. grateful for what Howard has done for the community." When it comes to preparing for the annual celebration, Ali and her children are not overwhelmed. "We just do what we do, bab
Chimere Chapman, a stylist at the Capital Hair Studio located on Georgia Avenue and Irving says that half of her clientele are either current HU students or alumni.
"Here in the shop, we talk about homecoming at least two weeks in advance – my regular clients give us the scoop and have us booked all day," Chapman says.
Keeping as many barbers and stylists in the shop is the first concern, especially because one set appointment turns into three or four occupied chairs.
"We see new people, old affiliates, and then they bring friends…Party promoters, and you know they have girlfriends…I'll be working all week, and telling people where to go."
Most businesses nearby have found their proximity to the university not only to be an asset, but a way of maintaining support in the black community.
"Being one of the few black owned businesses on the U. Street corwridor, we don't just host the Howard community – we're apart of it," says William Jackson, an Events Specialist at Indulj Restaurant and Lounge.
As a 2011 graduate of Howard, Jackson recalls Indulj being one of his regular spots to go to with his fraternity brothers, especially during senior year. The restaurant's weekly open mic, happy hour and live music events are anticipating larger crowds this week, assuring that the proper people will be on staff to handle the rush.
"We're lining up all new guest artists outside of our regular repertoire of bands…and a few surprises, of course," said Jackson. "The number one conversation has been about The Step Show, and what's going on after. We've got that covered."
Indulj has planned an official after party for this Saturdays show, and is among many party locations for the city to celebrate.
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