Lumbee Homecoming

 

For a very long time in my life, probably the first six or seven years, I thought that Lumbee Homecoming was an actual holiday that was known about every where. That's just how significant it is in Lumbee culture. Lumbee Homecoming was started in 1968, and hadn't missed a year until the pandemic began. 

Lumbee Homecoming is a time where many Lumbee members gather, those who live in Robeson County, surrounding counties, and those who live out of state, or even out of the country. When we got out of school for the summer as kids, we made plans to meet up at Lumbee Homecoming, so that we could all hang out. Food, family, arts and crafts, pow-wows, and many other things are what makes this event so much fun and so special to our people. 

The food. The food has ALWAYS been a staple in Lumbee Homecoming events. From funnel cakes, turkey legs, collard sandwiches and collard egg rolls, there's a choice for everyone. Fresh squeezed lemonades, homemade ice cream that is churned on site, icees, and of course sweet tea is available for washing down all of the foods you may indulge in. Grape ice cream is also another thing that many Lumbee people have in their homes around the time of Lumbee Homecoming. Yes you read that right, grape ice cream. Don't knock it until you try it!

There are also Lumbee pageants held every year where four girls are crowned, and carry their title all year long. Little Miss Lumbee, Junior Miss Lumbee, Teen Miss Lumbee, and Miss Lumbee. These pageants are often referred to as the "Met Gala of Robeson County." This is an event that people go to in their best dress, best suits, and have their best jewelry and makeup on. The pageants are usually held during homecoming week, so that the newly crowned girls can ride in the parade that is held on the Saturday of homecoming week. 

The parade hosts people who are running a political campaign, people holding pageant titles, important members of the community, people throwing out candy and many other people who do fun things for the kids in the crowd. Every year there is something different. Fireworks are typically held at the LRDA building when the sun sets. 

The arts and crafts vendors are often set up on Prospect Road, as well as some food vendors. People make dreamcatchers, war bonnets, pine straw baskets, handmade jewelry and weaved baskets. These things typically sell well, especially to people from out of state who want to have a piece of home with them. 

The pow-wow during Lumbee Homecoming is held at UNCP, and there are also vendors set up in this area for the people who don't want to walk or drive to the other side of campus. Many different people from many different tribes come to dance in the pow-wow and to participate in drumming competitions as well as dancing competitions are held. The winner typically gets a cash prize. 

If you're ever in the area in the summer time during Lumbee Homecoming, you are always welcome to come and see the different aspects of our culture. Grab something to eat, look around at all of the jewelry and crafts and watch the fireworks. Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I do!