Students, Alumni and Community Groups Bring Celebration to Meridian Street
Bulldog Pride Takes Center Stage at AAMU Homecoming Parade
By Adyson Saunders
Alabama A&M University’s 2026 Homecoming Parade brought Bulldog pride to Meridian Street on Saturday, October 17, as students, alumni, families and community members gathered along the campus corridor for a morning of music, colorful floats and celebration.
The annual tradition featured marching bands, dance teams, student organizations and visiting schools, setting the tone for a day of Homecoming festivities. Spectators cheered on participants throughout the procession, celebrating the connections that bring the Bulldog family together year after year.
Leading this year’s parade was Grand Marshal Boyte A. Presnell, a longtime University supporter whose family ties to Alabama A&M span generations. Her selection reflected the spirit of this year’s Homecoming theme, “A Different World, Same Bulldog Legacy.”
AAMU student organizations were well represented, including the Student Government Association (SGA), Echoes Ambassadors, Man Up Inc., Bulldogs Elite Stomp and Shake Team, ROTC, Metro Alumni Chapter and Psychology Club. Each brought its own creativity and enthusiasm to the celebration, showcasing the diversity of student involvement on The Hill.
Local schools and visiting performers added to the excitement. Participants included Center Point High School, Columbia High School’s Mighty Marching Eagles, the Lee High Marching Generals and the Muscle Shoals Twirlers. Their performances highlighted the strong connections between Alabama A&M and the surrounding community.
Two Alabama A&M University supporters bundle up in Bulldog gear as they watch the 2026 Homecoming Parade along Meridian Street on Oct. 17.
Elaborately decorated floats were among the morning’s highlights, giving participating organizations an opportunity to display their creativity and school spirit. Music, cheers and spirited performances kept spectators engaged throughout the parade.
Beyond the entertainment, the parade provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, students to celebrate their University and families to take part in a cherished Homecoming tradition.
As the procession concluded, the celebration continued with the day’s Homecoming activities, including the Bulldogs’ football matchup against Grambling State University at Louis Crews Stadium.
The parade captured the spirit of Homecoming at Alabama A&M — a celebration of tradition, community and the enduring bonds that unite generations of Bulldogs.
Adyson Saunders is a member of Crew 75, Alabama A&M University’s student creative content team.