As the world celebrates the release of Beyonce's "Homecoming" Netflix special and accompanying LP, an homage to African American resilience and culture, Bethune-Cookman University Director of Bands Dr. Donovan Wells reflects on the meaning of homecoming at HBCUs.

On October 3, 1904, a very determined young black woman, Mary McLeod Bethune, opened the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls with $1.50, faith in God and five little girls: Lena, Lucille, and Ruth Warren, Anna Geiger and Celest Jackson. Through Dr. Bethune’s lifetime the school underwent several stages of growth and development and on May 24, 1919, the Daytona Educational and Industrial Institute was changed to Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute. In 1923 the school merged with Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, Florida (founded in 1872) and became co-ed while it also gained the prestigious United Methodist Church affiliation. Although the merger of Bethune’s school and Cookman Institute began in 1923, it was not finalized until 1925 when both schools collaborated to become the Daytona-Cookman Collegiate Institute. In 1931, the College became accredited by the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools of the Southern States, as a Junior College with class B status, and on April 27, 1931, the school’s name was officially changed to Bethune-Cookman College to reflect the leadership of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

Give today and transform the lives of many first-generation college students, contribute to the university's financial stability. Together, we can do much more than any one person can do. Your generosity helps us extend the hope and promise that a higher education provides.

The SGA welcomes you back.

For updates on homecoming visit www.thewildcatden.net

Help us support UNCF on September 18, 2021. UNCF supports HBCU's and provides financial assistance for so many students. You can sign up at http://uncf.org/OrlandoWalk.