Let The Good Times Roll! Walmart Welcomes The Big Homecoming Festival To Atlanta June 17-18
What do all HBCUs have in common? An epic homecoming experience that will transport you right back to campus with the freedom of college days and the anticipation of a brighter future.
This weekend (June 17-18), you can recreate that feeling, no matter what school you represent as Atlanta welcomes The Big Homecoming. This unique, two-day festival will honor the distinct legacy and culture of HBCU homecomings while also providing insightful opportunities for young, Black students and recent grads who are just beginning to climb the ladder of success. Walmart joins the efforts as a Founding and Official Retail Partner of the event.
The commitment goes beyond just these two days. The Big Homecoming is one aspect of the 365 Impact Tour, developed to create ongoing assistance to HBCU students throughout the year including scholarships, career development, financial empowerment, health/wellness information and more.
To start, on Friday, June 17, participants can join Impact Day on the campus of Clark Atlanta University. Tailored especially for high school students, college students and recent college grads, the day will include a college fair with recruiters from top HBCUs and a career and recruitment fair where students can submit their resume in advance and meet with representatives offering potential employment opportunities from Walmart, Allstate, Wells Fargo, Spotify, and more.
The day will also be highlighted by special performances, an HBCU roll call in addition to guest speakers like Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders who is scheduled to address the crowd with a motivational message about navigating life choices that will surely leave all in attendance energized and ready to “tackle” whatever comes next. The convocation event is free, but registration is required.
The Big Homecoming and 365 Impact Tour is partnering with companies that have a proven record of adding significant value to the African American community, especially HBCUs," said Amir Windom, co-creator, The Big Homecoming in a statement. "Our shared values with Allstate, Walmart, Spotify and Wells Fargo made the decision to forge ahead easy. It also sets the foundation for what will be much more than a music festival, but rather a true cultural experience.
As one of the event’s founding partners, The Big Homecoming is part of Walmart’s efforts to build equity and increase educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for young Black people. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will further its pledge made in June 2020 to commit $100 million over the next five years through the Walmart Center for Racial Equity.
Saturday is a whole different vibe. Enjoy the day with your crew, whether you attended an HBCU or not, for a full experience of tailgating with food, DJ sets, a space for Divine 9 activations and a marketplace featuring “all Black everything” from some of the area’s best artisans. Make sure to stop by the Walmart Makers Studio to celebrate HBCU-made musicians, refresh your look with Black-owned products, grab some sweet treats made by Jermaine Dupri, and flex your style with customizable swag. Pull up and rep your school!
There’s literally something for everyone. Get the party started with live performances by Jermaine Dupri, Jeezy, Lil Duval, LeCrae, Montel Jordan, 702, Pastor Troy and more acts to follow.
There’s no time to waste. Make new memories as old friends connect and new friends emerge. It’s all about the brotherhood and sisterhood that can only be celebrated through this one-of-a-kind event.
Visit TheBigHomecoming.com to register for convocation or buy tickets for Saturday.
