There’s something magical about college football season for me. Maybe it’s because I’m a football fanatic, but there’s just something about the energy, the tradition, and the community that makes game weekends so fun. This year, I had the chance to experience two very different but equally powerful moments in college football. First was the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference in Atlanta. Then, just one week later, I reconnected with fellow alumni at the Syracuse-Tennessee game also in Atlanta.

Arriving at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, you could feel the energy in the air long before kickoff. The game featured North Carolina Central and Southern University, but the celebration was about so much more than football. The tailgates overflowed with love and good food. And then, of course, came the Black college marching bands. The battle of the bands is just as anticipated as the game itself, and let me just say — no shade to anyone, but Southern’s band absolutely stole the show. Their drumline, brass section, dancers, and majorettes lit up the field like a national stage. Watching them perform, I couldn’t help but feel a little fear of missing out for not going to an HBCU.

One of the best surprises of the weekend was how many people I met who never attended either of the contending universities. They simply came to support Black college football and hang with friends. Alumni from Atlanta’s HBCUs were everywhere, reminding me how these events are about more than just celebrating a single school — these events are about bringing people together.

Just a week later, Atlanta hosted the Syracuse-Tennessee game and, once again, I found myself surrounded by community — this time with my Syracuse family. Reconnecting with fellow alumni felt like picking up where we left off years ago. We laughed, tried to remember each other’s names, shared old stories, and built new memories. The highlight for me was when the DJ spun a New York-style set that took us back to our college days. We won’t discuss the final score of the game, but let’s just say Syracuse has some work to do.

Weekends like these are about more than the game. They’re about sisterhood, friendship, and connection. My sorority sister and former roommate even flew down to join me, making the experience even more meaningful. As a Black woman, moments like this remind me it’s okay to pause, to breathe, and make time for the people who’ve seen me grow. Whether it’s cheering in the stands or joining the afterparty, these moments highlight the power of togetherness.

As homecomings give way to the holiday season, I will never forget that our community always shows out, always cheers and always thrives together — even if it’s just for a football game.

Share your thoughts and let us know in the comments — are you a fan of college football? If so, what universities are you cheering for? Feel free to tell us all about your favorite memories of HBCU homecomings, tailgating, and football games!