Governor Stein Recognizes The 100th Anniversary of the Greatest Homecoming on Earth

In Recognition Of

The 100th Anniversary Of The Greatest Homecoming On Earth

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University was established March 9, 1891, as the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race in Raleigh, North Carolina, becoming North Carolina’s first public institution of higher education for African Americans and the nation’s second land-grant institution established for Black students under the Second Morrill Act of 1890; and 

Whereas, 135 years later, North Carolina A&T State University has grown into a doctoral, research, land-grant university and is the only historically Black college or university in North Carolina to hold all three designations; and North Carolina A&T State University has remained America’s largest historically Black university for 12 consecutive years; and 

Whereas, in 2026, North Carolina A&T commemorates another historic milestone with the 100th edition of the Greatest Homecoming on Earth, celebrating a homecoming tradition that began in 1926 and has united generations of Aggies through football, fellowship, and alumni engagement; and 

Whereas, the centennial celebration also coincides with the 125th season of Aggies football, which dates to 1901, when North Carolina A&T played its first football game against Livingstone College; and 

Whereas, on Sept. 30, 1927, North Carolina A&T played Lincoln University at Greensboro’s World War Memorial Stadium in the university’s first homecoming contest at the venue and the first known event at the stadium to feature Black participants, establishing a historic connection to a property now owned by the university; and

Whereas, what began 100 years ago has evolved into a cultural phenomenon known around the world as the Greatest Homecoming on Earth, a weeklong celebration that welcomes generations of Aggies back to Greensboro for concerts, reunions, the homecoming parade, student and alumni activities, community events, tailgating, and the homecoming football game; and

Whereas, the significance of the Greatest Homecoming on Earth reflects the broader strength and impact of North Carolina A&T, which generates more than $2.4 billion in annual economic impact across North Carolina, supports the equivalent of 17,337 jobs, and creates $1.42 billion in added income for the state economy; and

Whereas, as North Carolina A&T marks 100 years of homecoming tradition, the celebration represents far more than an anniversary, honoring generations of Aggies who have built and sustained a tradition rooted in education, achievement, culture, community, and Aggie Pride;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 31, 2026, as “In Recognition Of The 100th Anniversary Of The Greatest Homecoming On Earth” in North Carolina and commend its observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this fifth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.