The Southern University Homecoming Parade has always been one of the most anticipated events of the year — a time when the community gathers to celebrate unity, culture, and the rich legacy of the Jaguar Nation. But this year, the celebration began with a surprising twist. Traditionally held toward the end of Homecoming Week, the parade took place at the very start, marking a new beginning for the annual celebration.
For many alumni, especially those living outside of Baton Rouge, the schedule change came as a disappointment. Across social media, several voiced frustration, explaining that they had already made travel plans for later in the week and would now miss the parade. Despite the initial pushback, the change ultimately brought unexpected benefits — especially when it came to safety and organization.
City Councilman Anthony Kenny shared his thoughts on the shift, emphasizing the positive outcome of the new schedule. “Change isn’t always bad. The community worked together, and the results speak for themselves,” he said. “There were zero shooting incidents, and traffic flow was good. It was a peaceful day for everyone involved.”
The streets surrounding Southern University were filled with blue and gold as students, alumni, and families lined the sidewalks to cheer on the floats and bands that rolled through. The energy was unmatched — from the high-stepping drumlines to the creative displays that showcased both school pride and community spirit. Every turn brought something new to admire, and for many attendees, it was a reminder of why the Southern University Homecoming Parade remains such a special tradition.
Still, behind all the fun and excitement was one key priority: safety. With recent national concerns about event security, organizers wanted to ensure that this year’s parade would be safe and enjoyable for all. Law enforcement presence was strong, with officers stationed along the parade route and near high-traffic areas.
For Morgan Pearson, a sophomore majoring in Biology, the emphasis on safety didn’t go unnoticed. “I felt safe and secure the entire time,” she said. “It made the experience more enjoyable knowing that the university took the right steps to protect us.”
Mr. Cedric Noel, Director of the Student Union and Event Center, explained that the change in scheduling was more than just a creative decision — it was strategic. “One of the main reasons for moving the parade to the beginning of the week was traffic control,” Noel said. “With the number of people that attend, if something were to happen near campus, it could make it difficult for emergency response teams to get where they need to go. This way, we can manage the flow better and keep everyone safe.”
He also noted that the response to the change has been overwhelmingly positive. “From what I’ve seen on social media, about 99 percent of the feedback has been good,” he added. “Only about one percent has been negative, and that’s mainly about the schedule, not the event itself.”
As the drums faded and the final float made its way down the street, it was clear that Southern University had pulled off a successful kickoff to Homecoming Week. The community came together, safety remained a top priority, and Jaguar pride filled the air.
This year’s parade may have started Homecoming instead of closing it, but it reminded everyone that when tradition meets thoughtful innovation, great things can happen — safely, securely, and with true Southern spirit.
