COUNTDOWN (Homecoming Edition)

With star-studded names such as Coco Jones and Big Latto scheduled to headline this year’s concert, homecoming vibes on the Bluff seem to be nothing short of elevated as alumni prepare to flood onto campus. Performances aside, however, the question on the minds of many is simply whether this year’s homecoming will be the one to set itself apart as THE homecoming of the 2020s.
One of the world’s biggest modern recording artists, Latto checks every superstar box from lyricism, to flow, to style. In terms of performers, the argument could be made that the Atlanta superstar is perhaps the best of her generation. Without even mentioning the vocals of the renowned Coco Jones and the presumed guest, this year’s concert predicts to be decade-defining for the storied HBCU that is Southern.
“I like the artist choice. Latto has some popular songs, and she might bring out a guest or something too,” said Leyni Jackson, a junior therapeutic recreations major from Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The pick of artists has made some Southern alumni begin to make plans to attend as well, with Jaguar alumni, Sam Ross reacting to the performance news via Twitter saying: “The students at SU getting Latto and Coco Jones for Homecoming is dope! might go.”
While a bad show could ruin any homecoming, the concert itself isn’t the end-all, be-all to whether a Southern homecoming is one for the books or not. There are, of course, the numerous event lineups prepared for the student body, but from down Harding to as far as past Scotlandville High, the heart of the homecoming vibe will be building amongst the Jaguar faithful throughout the capital city until its eventual climax at kickoff on Saturday night.
As far as the event and activity lineups are concerned, there has been no expense spared towards preparing events for a wide range of spectators that will take place throughout the week leading up to the game. For example, Monday’s Ecumenical Service will feature musical numbers and a sermon from a multitude of different university-affiliated churches in the Baton Rouge area, including the Southern University Gospel Choir. Similarly, Sunday will present a comedy show with some of the culture’s more promising upcoming comedic acts such as Jess Hilarious.
While there is no objective or quantitative way to measure it, this year’s homecoming will be defined by whether or not the energy is good. This, of course, means to have a good time and express support for the university, but also to be courteous and respectful of the space that will be shared by no small number of past, present, and future Jags. “As long as people act like they know how to behave in public, it should be fun and exciting,” said sophomore accounting major, Michael Hall.
There’s no shortage of opportunities to have a good time at Southern University during homecoming season, and as the week in question continues to get closer and closer, there is a certain amount of excitement that exists within the campus atmosphere. If the last couple of years were a return to normal for Southern University homecomings, then this year should serve as a return to form as one of the nation’s best.