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With over 9,000 tickets claimed, The Home Depot Backyard’s 2024 BackYARD Fest celebrated the excellence of HBCU (Historically Black College and Universities) culture while celebrating community through engaging and immersive programming on September 21, 2024. This free entry, family-friendly experience celebrated the cultural significance of HBCUs as well as the importance of community through the inclusion of art, live entertainment, local vendors, music, philanthropy, civic responsibility, celebrity appearances, an outdoor movie screening of the hit movie Stomp the Yard, food, dance, and fun for all ages. There were also several movie-themed as well as fraternity and sorority color-themed photo experiences that helped attendees create lasting memories with family and friends. Throughout the event, guests were able to celebrate their HBCUs with step shows, HBCU-inspired marching band performances, fraternity, and sorority strolls along with a vendor marketplace, music, and family fun for all.
Additionally, those in attendance were treated to a special fireside chat with Hollywood film and TV producer Will Packer, who executive produced the feature film of the evening and is also an HBCU graduate. Packer shared with the audience the importance of HBCUs and the significant impact they’ve had on his career.
Among the other unique activations was an HBCU Football watch party sponsored by AARP Georgia, a laser wood carving station to create custom keepsakes, and a personalized backpack station sponsored by Piedmont Healthcare – providing attendees with a nice takeaway from the event. There were also several culturally significant activations, including an HBCU-themed ‘Paint by Numbers’ interactive art experience provided by Sway Art and an immersive DJ experience provided by Scratch Out Loud – which taught attendees how to scratch and spin vinyl records on the turntables – as well as a video gaming truck and mobile basketball court.
We also strategically partnered with black-owned businesses, specifically those with ties to HBCUs, to promote economic equity throughout the event. As a result, the event featured a robust vendor village and lineup of food trucks, while also showcasing Black vendors, artists, and creatives. Among the businesses that we were able to partner with included WJZA Smooth Jazz 101/100, a Black and family-owned jazz station with strong ties to the local HBCUs in the Atlanta market. WJZA provided on-air promotional support of the event as well as an on-site DJ and tent activation featuring giveaways, music, games, and more.
To spotlight the cultural significance of the marching bands in HBCU culture, this event was highlighted by HBCU-inspired marching band performances by Jonesboro High School and North Atlanta High School. To celebrate the element of dance and stepping that’s prominent on HBCU campuses, fraternity and sorority members in attendance delivered step and stroll performances to songs, like ‘Atomic Dog’ by Parliament-Funkadelic (synonymous with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.), that are commonly affiliated to their respective organizations.
To showcase civil service and philanthropy often present at HBCUs, YARD Fest featured a special community giveback with complimentary haircuts courtesy of House of Fades barber lounge. The barbers on-site provided hundreds of free haircuts for those in attendance. Additionally, The Atlanta Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council was present to promote voter education and registration.
Nomination Title: 2024 BackYARD Fest
