Lavender Reception | Homecoming 2025

*Please note that Howard University Homecoming 2025 event dates are tentative at this time and subject to change.

Awareness and activism for the LGBTQ+ community is the focus of the Annual Lavender Reception, which supports scholarships for students who advocate for inclusion and justice.

Since its inception, the event has celebrated diversity and as thousands of scholarship dollars have been awarded to student equity advocates.  Join Howard's student and alumni LGBTQ+ communities, along with supporters, friends, and allies, to further foster the university's uniquely inclusive learning and living culture.

"[Lavender] is a combination of the pink triangle gay men were forced to wear in concentration camps and the black triangle designated for lesbians as political prisoners. It is a visible reminder of the LGBTQIA+ community resilience, solidarity, and pride."
- A.J. King, director, Howard University Office of Intercultural Affairs & LGBTQ+ Resource Center.

Explore more: 

• Howard Magazine: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Life at Howard
• ​​Howard University Named Most Inclusive HBCU for LGBTQ+ Students
• Howard University Office of Intercultural Affairs and LGBTQ+ Resource Center

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For more information, visit howard.homecoming.edu.

About Howard University's Homecoming

Howard University's inaugural Homecoming game vs. Lincoln University in 1924 set a trend which sparked a national phenomenon and has become an American treasure. With its unique blend of historical homage, affirming engagement, jaw-dropping entertainment, and cultural evolution, the Howard Homecoming experience perpetually draws tens of thousands who revel in the university’s societal and intellectual influence. The week of athletic, entertainment, spiritual, academic, cultural, and community events celebrates Howard's historic exceptionalism as the nexus of intellectualism and culture, highlights the trails blazed by alumni, and uplifts the Bison who will follow in their hoofprints tomorrow. Homecoming at Howard is a singular experience that fosters connection and inspiration while honoring the university’s storied traditions and ongoing leadership in truth and service that changes the world.