Memphis, Tenn. – LeMoyne‑Owen College is set to celebrate its homecoming with a full‑day festival on Saturday, Oct. 24, headlined by hip‑hop pioneer Project Pat. The event, called “LOCHELLA,” will combine a community parade, a free public tailgate, live music and the college’s traditional men’s and women’s basketball games.
Parade kicks off the day
The festivities begin at 9 a.m. with the annual homecoming parade. The procession will start at the intersection of Bellevue and McLemore streets and travel to Saxon Avenue, showcasing local marching bands, community groups and alumni floats.
Music festival and tailgate on Brownlee Lawn
After the parade, the celebration moves to Brownlee Lawn, where the music festival and tailgate will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Project Pat, known for classic tracks such as “Chickenhead” and “Don’t Save Her,” will be the headline performer. Admission to the tailgate is free and open to the public, and a variety of food trucks will provide meals and refreshments for families, students and visitors.
College basketball games round out the homecoming
Later in the afternoon, LeMoyne‑Owen’s athletic teams will take the court. The women’s basketball game begins at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7 p.m., both held at Bruce Johnson Hall Gymnasium. The match‑ups pit the college against Fisk University, adding a spirited rivalry to the day’s celebrations.
Community involvement and family focus
Homecoming has long been a cornerstone of LeMoyne‑Owen’s campus culture, bringing together alumni, current students, faculty and the broader Memphis community. The festival’s free tailgate and family‑friendly programming reflect the college’s commitment to fostering strong neighborhood ties and providing wholesome entertainment for all ages.
How to stay informed
For a complete schedule of LOCHELLA events, readers can visit the college’s official homecoming webpage. The college also encourages fans to sign up for its newsletter to receive updates on future events, scholarship opportunities and community initiatives.
Project Pat’s appearance underscores the college’s dedication to honoring Memphis’s rich musical heritage while offering a safe, enjoyable environment for families and alumni to reconnect.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
