UW–Madison’s Multicultural Homecoming events provide space for alumni of color to build community and are a longstanding Wisconsin Alumni Association tradition. This year’s events will continue to strengthen Badger connections and pride. Make your plans now for Multicultural Homecoming 2021!
Find more details about Homecoming Week events at uwalumni.com/homecoming and wiscohoco.com.
Monday, Oct. 25
RED Talk with Dr. LaVar J. Charleston
7 – 8 p.m., Marquee Theater Union South, 1308 Dayton St.
Based on the well-known TED Talks, this year’s Homecoming RED Talk will feature Dr. LaVar J. Charleston, deputy vice chancellor for diversity & inclusion, as he discusses the theme of “Badgers We Are Better Together.” Following Dr. Charleston’s presentation, there will be an opportunity for questions.
Tuesday, Oct. 26
Wisconsin Idea Spotlight | Forging Connection, Finding Community: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Milestones at UW–Madison
6 – 7:30 p.m., Gender and Sexuality Campus Center, 716 Langdon St.
Join us at the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center for this reception with LGBTQ+ alumni and students, friends, and special guests. This program will highlight several milestones in the history of UW–Madison’s LGBTQ+ campus communities, including this semester’s grand opening of gender-inclusive housing, a new scholarship for first-year students, the reestablishment of an LGBTQ+ alumni network, and the unveiling of a commemorative installation by artist Jeanette Martín (’12) honoring the campus community members and students whose persistence and resilience helped to expand LGBTQ+ inclusion at UW–Madison. This legacy has been long in the making; let’s celebrate together.
Thursday, Oct. 28
The Stories We Tell: Making Our History Public and Leading Change of Black Activism on UW–Madison’s Campus
4 – 6 p.m., Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State St.
The Wisconsin Black Student Union, the Black Cultural Center, the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement, and the UW–Madison Public History Project invite you to a night of community learning and connection as we discuss the history of Black student activism on campus. Black Activists from UW–Madison and the Madison community will share their experiences of fighting for change and connecting with current student leaders doing the same. In addition, there will be a performance from the UW First Wave Travel Ensemble! Please join us as we hear our history and stories, while building community on and off campus!
Friday, Oct. 29
Multicultural Homecoming Yard Show
4:30 – 6 p.m., Shannon Hall, Memorial Union
Free for students, $10 for alumni
Watch as students step, stroll, and perform on the big stage! The event costs $10 per person for alumni and is free for students. All proceeds will support the installation of the Divine Nine Garden Plaza. The Multicultural Homecoming Yard Show is hosted in partnership with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC). Learn more about the councils here.
Homecoming Parade
6 – 7 p.m., State St.
Join campus, the community, and Bucky for one of the most beloved Homecoming traditions. This year’s theme is Trick-or-Treat and there will be plenty of candy for attendees.
Homecoming Block Party
7 – 9 p.m., Alumni Park and Memorial Union
To be held rain or shine, this drop-in, family-friendly event, held outdoors in Alumni Park, includes a silent disco, live music with alumni DJ Saint Saunter (Sarah Akawa MA’19) and DJ Ace (Vanessa McDowell ’03), a collaborative mural project with Emily Balsley ’01, stargazing with telescopes from Washburn Observatory, caricature artists, performances from Pitches and Notes, a magic show with magician Matthew Teague, puppets from the Wild Rumpus Circus, caricature artists from Funny Faces, and free hot apple cider and cocoa.
UW Gospel Choir Reunion Welcome Reception and Rehearsal
8 – 10 p.m., Pyle Center Rm 325/326, 702 Langdon St.
Join the UW Gospel Choir for an evening reception and enjoy listening as they practice a few song selections.
75 Years of Gamma Epsilon: Black-Tie Gala
6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m., Sheraton Madison Hotel, 706 John Nolen Dr.
The brothers of Gamma Epsilon invite you to join us for an exquisite night celebrating our 75th Anniversary.
Saturday, Oct. 30
Multicultural Homecoming Tailgate and Watch Party
10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.
Connect with alumni, students, staff, and faculty to cheer on the Badgers during the Homecoming game versus Iowa. Enjoy music, halftime entertainment, complimentary refreshments, and a raffle to win prizes. A cash bar will be available.
Networking Through the Arts
5:30 – 8 p.m., Fluno Center, 601 University Ave.
The Wisconsin Black Student Union and Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are hosting an evening program dedicated to informal, but structured networking, a showcase of our talented student artists, musicians, and activists, and free food.
Sunday, Oct. 31
Wisconsin Athletics Presents: A Gospel Celebration Featuring The Walls Group
3 – 5 p.m., Hamel Music Center, 740 University Ave.
Wisconsin Athletics, in partnership with Mount Zion Church and the UW Gospel Choir alumni, are proud to deliver a gospel choir celebration to our campus and community. Attendees will experience inspirational performances by Mount Zion’s choir, UW Gospel Choir alumni, and national recording artists The Walls Group. Pastor Marcus Allen will emcee this event, which is free to the campus and community.