Homecoming 2018: Tailgating

Saturday, Nov. 15, current Claflin students and alumni occupied half of Goff Avenue, celebrating this year’s Homecoming with a Greek tailgate. The event included music, barbecue and congenial conversation. From left, Xavier Black and Justin James are 2018 alumni and members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. “Coming back for Homecoming was a MUST for me, especially because I live in the area of Orangeburg. I am currently working at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School as a secondary science teacher,” Black said. “Claflin has always been a big family to me. I spent four years here and gave them enough money, so the least I can do is come back and show my face for the family," James said. ( Panther photos by Allegra Portee)

The tailgating tradition continued during Homecoming 2018.

“Out of all my four years being at Claflin, this has been one of the best Homecomings, and this has been the biggest Homecoming,” senior Kentrell Salmond said while tailgating. “My last year, I brought it in just right at tailgate at the gym. Now that Homecoming is almost over, it’s time to buckle down with school.”

Tailgating was filled with memories, laughs, food and filled with family-oriented people. Claflin alumni, current students, faculty and the Orangeburg community participated. 

“It felt good seeing all my old classmates and catching up on their lives after graduating,” alum Eric Talon said. “I can only imagine what next year’s Homecoming has in store.”

Tyrell Jamison is a 2018 alumnus. “I’m at a PWI graduate school now, and being there is completely different from being at a HBCU. I wanted to be back around my people, my support system and engage in my first alumni homecoming.”

Henry Nickson is 2017 alumnus. “Claflin is my alma mater. We had to come back and support Dr. Tisdale in his last year and say our goodbyes.”

Nidja Muldrow is 2017 alumna and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. "It's amazing to be back home! Seeing everyone brings up so many amazing memories. Claflin will forever be in my heart."

Jiimmilia and Nehemiah Ray hold their son, Carver. Jiimmilia is a 2016 alumna and Nehemiah is a 2013 alumnus.