Hundreds of students stood in long lines outside of Burr Gymnasium waiting to experience what some may call the official start to the 2018 Homecoming week at Howard University.
Bison Madness: The Trilogy Pep Rally is the annual pep rally that sets the tone for various upcoming homecoming events throughout the week.
For some, this marks the beginning of the end. As one of the most highly anticipated weeks, seniors have the bittersweet experience of their last pep rally and Homecoming as an undergraduate.
“It’s definitely a new type of energy. It makes me want to go all out and just live my best life. It honestly gave me a newfound sense of pride. Even though my time here is dwelling down, in my heart I know that I’m a bison forever,” said Trey Hawkins, a Howard University senior.
Between dance ensembles from the Bisonettes, musical performances from the Showtime marching band and sounds from WKYS 93.9, Burr was what many students would describe as a “lituation”.
Most of the hype was due to DJ Kidd Fresh, a Howard alumna and former varsity basketball player. Mixing Drake, Cardi B, Lil Baby and a plethora of other artists, Fresh had the entire crowd on their feet.
“The energy was amazing compared to last year. Definitely way better and it made me more excited about homecoming. Bison Madness certainly set the tone for this week. I don’t know about the other events going on but this was a good vibe and a good day,” said Fresh
From the courts to the clubs, the 2015 graduate plays at Pure Lounge on U Street every Friday during happy hour. Before Pure, she worked with WHBC 96.3 HD3 as D.J for the student-run radio station.
Howard alumna and radio personality Angie Ange also felt a wave of nostalgia as she hosted Bison Madness.
“The tradition stays the same. The culture stays the same. It just keeps growing you know? It’s like automatic love when I get on the mic. I remember hosting when I was here. I remember being in the stands. It always feels home when I am able to come back and they give me a microphone and hold it down,” said Ange.
Host of Angie Ange in the Morning on WKYS 93.9, the 2006 graduate is the only woman leading a morning radio show in the D.C. Metropolitan Area.
From the dunk contest, three-point contest, trap karaoke and raffle ticket giveaways, Bison Madness showed a true taste of Howard and the energy that it brings during Homecoming week.
“The energy is different but in a good way. The youngins are learning the Howard-way from us. It’s cool to pass down the bison energy. The turn up is real,” Hawkins said.
The first 500 students received a free ticket to the Homecoming game against South Carolina State University on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Although there were no performers this year, in the past, special guests have included: Shy Glizzy, Will tha Rapper and DRAM. Homecoming week continues with the Youtube Fan Fest on Tuesday, Oct. 23.
