HBCU homecomings are cultural cornerstones that attract thousands of alumni, students, and community members each year. But for North Carolina Central University (NCCU), this year’s celebration will look markedly different as the school prioritizes safety in the wake of violence that marred its 2024 festivities.Last year, two separate shootings occurred during North Carolina Central’s homecoming weekend. One incident left four people injured, including an NCCU student. The suspect, Jerrick Dennard Woods, was hit with several charges including assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm on educational property. An earlier, unrelated shooting on the same night resulted in charges against an NCCU assistant professor, although no one was hurt in that incident.In response, North Carolina Central has introduced strict traffic and access protocols for its 2025 homecoming, scheduled for October 25. According to university officials, there will be no visitor parking on campus,…..