Homecoming made extra special with NCNW

With the members of the Hampton University Section of NCNW

Each year I travel to Hampton Virginia in October for Homecoming. It’s special for me due to the strong emphasis on community, culture, and joy. It’s a huge family reunion of sorts with parades, concerts, plays, parties, and, of course, the football game. In recent years the university has invited graduates to participate at an alumni author showcase during the Homecoming bazaar. I’ve been able to display and make available for purchase me memoir, Dancing Between the Raindrops and my novel, The Talking Drum.

Me (center) with my brother-in-law and sister at author showcase at Hampton U. Homecoming

It’s a literal family affair for me because my sister followed in my footsteps and went to Hampton. She met her husband there and their daughter, my niece, is in her junior year, majoring journalism.

One feature was extra special this time around. The Hampton University Section of the National Council of Negro Women hosted a table at the Homecoming bazaar. As immediate past president of the Greater Boston Section I was excited to meet my NCNW sisters from the HU collegiate section.

As a breast cancer survivor, I was thrilled to learn that the theme of their table was breast cancer awareness. Brianna Lane, secretary of the section, told me that they were hosting a breast cancer awareness raffle. Fifty percent of all proceeds would go toward providing free mammograms.

Hampton U Section members created "canvasses with love."

She said that earlier in October the section hosted a “sip and paint” event to inform members about breast cancer and give them an opportunity to create art on canvasses for breast cancer patients and survivors. I was honored to accept the canvas of my choice and proud to learn about the good work that my NCNW sisters are doing at my alma mater.