Howard University celebrates the school's 100th homecoming

Countless graduates are pouring onto the campus of Howard University this weekend for a celebration like no other.

"This is my first homecoming but it's our 100th. I just feel like that tells the biggest story for me," said graduate Leah Burgess.

For friends Leah Burgess and Sharon Strange, this moment means everything.

"Howard is not just where I graduated from as an undergrad in 1984 but it's where I grew up," Strange said.

They both recently earned Master of Divinity degrees and consider this 100th gathering of Bison alumni to be a touchstone for the positive impact Howard has and continues to have on life in America.

"Well, this is actually about amplifying Black excellence and that is what Howard was founded on and so when we return home every year for homecoming it's about really saying thank you Howard for all you have done," added Strange.

Dr. Benjamin Talbot, a history professor and the Director of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center told 7News On Your Side, " Homecoming is a weeklong event. It's not just one day. It's not just a football game. The football game is kind of the marquee centerpiece of it all. It's a reunion. It's a class reunion and that's how it started in 1924 as a class reunion."

Retired D.C. Administrative Law Judge and author Rohulamin Quander graduated here in 1966.

"It's just so humbling and so spiritual. I'm so glad to be here," Quander said.

Quander believes this annual gathering transcends sport, as it defines the spirit of being a Bison.

"As much as we have great HBCU's around the country, don't make any mistake on that, but none is Mecca. Howard University is Mecca," concluded Quander.