Gov. Stein Lauds Greatest Homecoming on Earth's 100th Anniversary

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Nov. 1, 2026) –  Gov. Josh Stein attended North Carolina A&T State University’s centennial homecoming football game Saturday and celebrated 100 years of the university’s homecoming.

At the game, Stein proclaimed Oct. 31, 2026, as “In Recognition of the 100^th Anniversary of the Greatest Homecoming on Earth” to honor North Carolina A&T’s longstanding cultural, academic and economic impact on the state.

“It’s a joyful honor to take part in the historic ‘Greatest Homecoming on Earth,’ and I thank the Aggies for their warm welcome,” said Stein. “HBCUs like N.C. A&T are engines of opportunity, innovation and economic mobility. Their success is our success. Aggie Pride!”  

“It’s an exciting week in Aggieland. This Centennial Edition of the Greatest Homecoming on Earth has been just incredible, truly one for the ages,” said Chancellor James R. Martin II. “We’re delighted to be welcoming so many Aggies home, and to share our celebration with so many visitors to Greensboro and the Piedmont Triad.”

“Homecoming gives us a major platform to show the nation what a strategic advantage America’s flagship HBCU is for North Carolina and to acquaint visitors with the exciting realities of this unique, doctoral research land grant university, the largest HBCU in the nation. Aggie Pride!” 

This year marks the A&T homecoming’s centennial anniversary. Known as the Greatest Homecoming on Earth, this annual celebration brings together generations of Aggies to celebrate the university’s legacy. An estimated 200,000 visitors attend the week of festivities, generating as much as $80 million in economic impact on the region.

North Carolina is home to the largest number of four-year historically Black colleges and universities and the largest HBCU student population in the nation.

Stein is dedicated to working with and investing in North Carolina HBCUs to ensure their continued success. In July, he signed into law a budget that invests nearly $480 million across North Carolina’s five public HBCUs, including A&T.