Tennessee State homecoming 2023: A look at TSU's schedule, parade route and more

Tennessee State University is gearing up for its 2023 homecoming celebration, which will include a full week of events from Oct. 8-14.

This year's theme is "Through Resilience and Perseverance, We Are One," according to a news release from the university. Thousands are expected to turn out for the festivities.

"This year's theme embodies the spirit of solidarity and unity that defines the university and its local community,” TSU President Glenda Glover said in the release. "There's no homecoming like a TSU homecoming."

From the Jefferson Street parade to the big football game against Norfolk State University, here's what you need to know about TSU homecoming.

The schedule

The Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest kicks off homecoming at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8, followed by the Gospel Explosion at 6 p.m. There are events every day after that, including highlights like the Miss and Mister TSU coronation on Wednesday, Oct. 11, the homecoming gala on Friday, Oct. 13, and the homecoming parade down Jefferson Street on Saturday, Oct. 14, followed by the big game against Norfolk State.

You can find more event and ticket information at tnstate.edu/alumni/homecoming.

The grand marshals and the honorees

Former state Sen. Brenda Gilmore, entrepreneur Turner Nashe and publisher and Civil Rights activist Rosetta Miller-Perry will be the grand marshals for this year's homecoming parade down Jefferson Street.

Several more TSU alumni, former faculty and administrators are among the honorees this year, including:

• John Cade (honoree)

• Sammy Comer (honoree)

• Gloria Johnson (honoree)

• Xernona Clayton (special presidential honoree)

• Barbara Murrell (special presidential honoree)

• Homer Wheaton (special presidential honoree)

The gala

TSU will host its Annual Scholarship Gala at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville this year. The event will act as a fundraiser for the university.

“This is our biggest opportunity to let the world know how TSU has been a presence amongst colleges and universities across the country with our historical accomplishments and achievements,” TSU homecoming chair and director of strategic planning Grant Winrow said in the release. “We have some of the most illustrious alumni who have stepped foot on this campus.”

Honoring President Glenda Glover

This year will also mark Glover's final homecoming before she retires at the end of the 2023-24 academic year. The university recently took its first steps in searching for a new president.

"This is our president's final victory lap," Student Government Association President Derrell Taylor said in the release. "It will be nice to see everyone come home and give her her flowers.”

The parade, the game and the after party

Homecoming week culminates on Saturday, Oct. 14, with a full slate of activities, including the parade and the big game.

The homecoming parade will start at 9 a.m. and run from 14th Avenue North and Jefferson Street to 33rd Avenue North and John A Merritt Boulevard. And what homecoming is complete without the Grammy award-winning TSU marching band? The "Aristocrat of Bands" will be on hand to keep things lively as the parade and the day unfold.

'We made history': TSU marching band wins first Grammy

The TSU Tigers vs. Norfolk State Spartans game kicks off at 5 p.m. at Nissan Stadium. After that, there is an alumni reception at 7:30 p.m. followed by a homecoming party at 9 p.m. at the Sheraton Music City.

More details about TSU homecoming are available at www.tnstate.edu/alumni/homecoming.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: When is TSU homecoming 2023: Schedule, parade for Tennessee State