Newsletter

Hot in Herre: BLSU Homecoming

By Eva Jo McIlraith

October 8, 2025

On Friday, October 4th, the Sadove Porch was transformed into a Y2K dreamscape as the Black and Latine Student Union (BLSU) hosted its annual Homecoming Celebration. Just like the titular 2002 hit song by Nelly, this year’s theme, It’s Getting HOT in Herre, did not disappoint.

From 5 to 8 PM, students and community members came decked out in oversized jerseys, big gold hoop earrings, bucket hats, and tinted sunglasses — a perfect throwback to the early 2000s. The Sadove Porch buzzed with energy, laughter, and music that spanned from nostalgic hip-hop hits to modern-day anthems, keeping everyone on their feet.

A myriad of campus communities gathered in preparation, each bringing their own slice of home. The Gender and Sexuality Union (GSU) hosted a pop up of their free gender-affirming clothing exchange program Out of the Closet, where attendees could “take what’s affirming and leave what’s not.” South Asian Student Association (SASA) hosted two talented henna artists that provided hand drawings throughout the evening. For a cupcake, students had to guess a flag at the International Culture Association (ICA) table. In true carnival style, Opportunity Program (OP) handed out egg rolls and dumplings to students who could throw a ball into solo cups. After answering the question “name a woman,” attendees could choose from a selection of sweet treats at the Center for Intersectional Feminism (CIF) table. La Vanguardia (LV) encouraged students to place stickers on their country of origin to create a map of Hamilton nationalities, in exchange for an Empanada of course. The African Student Association (ASA) hosted a waist bead and bracelet making table, while the Feminists of Color Collective (FCC) arranged face painting and crafts.

Food trucks lined Martins Way, including fresh lemonade from Squeezers, Spanish cuisine from Catalina, and gyros and falafel from Grapevine. However, the highlight of the evening was the HEAT vs. Delta Chi dance battle, which drew loud cheers and friendly competition as both groups delivered dynamic performances full of rhythm and personality. President Tepper even joined the fun alongside event organizers. Later, a lively Battle Rap competition gave student lyricists the chance to showcase their creativity and flow, bringing the crowd together in a celebration of voice and expression.

More than just a party, the event embodied the spirit of collaboration and inclusion across Hamilton’s cultural and identity-based organizations. As the sun set over campus and the last beats echoed across Sadove, one thing was clear: BLSU and its co-sponsors made Homecoming 2025 one to remember. The night was a celebration of culture, pride, and belonging–proof that when the community comes together, things really do get HOT in Herre.