Omar Tyree and Walter “Rap” Pearson will announce the annual 2022 Homecoming Kickoff “The Flow” on October 17th. This program aims to illuminate and shed light on the art of poetry and hip hop.
Auditions will be held on September 25th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at the College of Fine Arts Building. They are looking for passionate and talented students who perform poetry, hip hop, soul and dance.
Walter Pearson expressed excitement about bringing the project back to his alma mater. It’s exciting to partner with the university while celebrating our undergraduates and alumni,” said Pearson enthusiastically.
Both Howard University alumni found it essential to amplify an artist’s voice: Tyree and Pearson began doing open mic nights and poetry slams with BusBoys and Poets. They then begin to grow beyond their own space and return to Mecca.
Tyree was excited to talk about his time in Mecca. He explained that Washington DC was the place. He explained that there were no electronic devices, just sitting in the garden and being in front of everyone had an atmosphere.
“There were no computers or cell phones in the 1980s, so DC was an extrovert culture, so it was a blast,” says Tyree. “Everybody was outside and in the yard. Puffy was here at this time, so it was specially lit in DC.”
As part of the program, the HBCU Awards honor Howard Alumni who have made their mark in the world.This year’s award goes to Howard alumnus Ron Lawrence, who produced the hit song “hypnotize” By Biggie Smalls.
The award is presented by alumnus Jasmine Young, Director of the Howard University Business School Warner Music/Bravatnik Center for Music and Entertainment Business. This program ensures that students receive the information they need to succeed in the music business. The program was also founded by Julian Petty JD, another prominent Howard alumnus and head of business and legal affairs at Warner Music.
Successful alumni return each year during Homecoming to enrich and educate undergraduates. Having an alumni come back to Howard has always been a gift in itself, but I love it most when students can participate and make meaningful connections.
Auditions will be held on September 25th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at the College of Fine Arts Building. They are looking for passionate and talented students who perform poetry, hip hop, soul and dance. Pearson encourages everyone to come and do their best.
“Come in with passion and excitement, take risks and be real,” he enthuses.
For audition registration and more information, please visit https://www.howarduniversityflow.com/audition.
Copy edited by Alana Matthew