The annual homecoming for Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni and Friends, Inc. will be held Thursday, May 26 through Sunday, May 29 as many alumnus await the return of homecoming.
This year marks the 67th anniversary of the organization. The celebration is traditionally held during Memorial Day weekend. The homecoming welcomes graduates of Dillard and Goldsboro High Schools back to the community, with an array of activities planned to celebrate the group’s role in education and service.
The national organization has grown over the years and continues to expand. It already boasts chapters in Goldsboro, Atlanta, New Jersey, Washington, DC, Triangle (Raleigh, Durham & Chapel Hill) and Charlotte. There is talk about new chapters in the tri-city area of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point being added to the list.
The event, which starts Thursday evening and runs through Sunday, packs the area hotels as it can draw more than 10,000 former students and families back to the area.
In addition to a variety of activities, this year’s celebrating classes are those ending in the number “2” and “7”. Class reunions, banquets, dances and picnics across the community will be taking place.
This year’s grand marshal will be Mrs. Eliza Jones. At 102 years, she is as fit as any and will tell you she exercises twice a day says, Janet Barnes, homecoming chair. Mrs. Jones was contacted by Prof. Brown to accept a teaching position after she graduated from NCCU in 1943. She taught for a total of 38 years at Dillard and GHS combined. During the year of integration, she became the first black home economics teacher at GHS.
On Thursday evening, the scholarship and awards program will be held in the Goldsboro High School auditorium, starting at 7:00 pm. There will be thirty-three (33) students receiving scholarships this year, Ms. Barnes said.
Membership tickets can also be purchased during the event and used for admission to a reception following the program, as well as admission to the alumni dance and picnic on Saturday.
Saturday events start at 1:30am with a Pre- Dawn Dance until 6:00am for those whose energy keeps on ticking! Admission is $20.00. A parade at 10:00am in downtown Goldsboro followed by a day party sponsored by the Triangle and Charlotte chapters on the grounds of the Elks Lodge on James St. from 12noon to 4:00 pm. Admission is $10.00.
Entry forms for the parade are available at the group’s headquarters on Poplar St. Car flags can also be purchased.
A picnic will follow at noon on the campus of the Dillard/Goldsboro alumni headquarters.
The Black & White dance will be held at the H. V. Brown Hall on Saturday night from 9:00 until 1:00 am. Admission is $20.00. Doors open at 8:30 pm.
The traditional Sunday morning worship service will not be held. You may worship at the church of your choice, says Ms. Barnes. The campus will also be open to all classes for their respective picnics. Vendors are welcome. For more information on the association or homecoming, call Ms. Barnes at 919-738-7331.
