Students and alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities would usually be enjoying the homecoming season around this time of year. Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has prevented many normal festivities from taking place. In order to keep the party going, YouTube is partnering with BET to present the special two-hour “HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard” livestream.
“Meet Me On The Yard” is one of the YouTube Originals’ Black-centered programs financed through the $100 million #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund. Former Howard University undergraduate La La Anthony as well as former Alabama State University and Virginia State University undergraduate 2 Chainz are hosting the HBCU event.
“BET is proud to partner with YouTube Originals to bring the HBCU Homecoming experience to our audience, at a time when culture and connection has never been more important,” said BET President Scott Mills. “Second only to Homecoming, the rich history of HBCUs is probably best illustrated through their vast alumni networks, in many powerful positions across fields from medicine to politics and entertainment; with many bringing their talent to contribute to BET’s legacy. We have deep personal connections to HBCU culture and we are thrilled to partner with YouTube in this reimagining of the HBCU Homecoming experience.”
In addition, 2 Chainz will perform at “Meet Me On The Yard.” The celebration’s lineup also includes Saweetie, NLE Choppa, Chloe x Halle, and Tye Tribbett. Plus, there will be appearances by social media personalities Desi Banks and Pretty Vee. FAMU’s Marching 100 band and Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of The South band will be on hand too.
“HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard” premieres Saturday, October 24 at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Additionally, the show will broadcast on BET at 8 pm ET/PT. The virtual showcase, produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment and Live Nation Urban, will help raise money for the United Negro College Fund and Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
“We are so excited to be a part of this show. HBCUs are such an important part of our culture and the annual homecoming tradition just can’t be stopped. We are honored to partner with YouTube and Live Nation to bring all the excitement of an HBCU Homecoming weekend to a virtual world stage,” said executive producers Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon of Jesse Collins Entertainment.
Executive producer Shawn Gee, President of Live Nation Urban, adds, “HBCU Homecomings are an integral slice of black culture. As a college student and young black man I attended quite a few homecomings, as an artist manager, my clients have performed at many HBCU homecomings, and as an event producer, my company has the pleasure to produce many of these great events for these great institutions. It is my honor to work with YouTube Originals and my friends at Jesse Collins Entertainment to bring this virtual celebration together to celebrate what is a cultural pillar of the Black community.”
