A century of tradition, pride, and community comes together this weekend at North Carolina A&T State University’s 100th Homecoming celebration — and the school is honoring the milestone in a way few institutions could. Ten alumni, each at least 100 years old, will serve as honorary grand marshals in the landmark event.
Among those centenarian grand marshals is Willie Williams, a 101-year-old A&T graduate from the class of 1946. Williams grew up in Garland, a small town in North Carolina, and went on to become a high school economics teacher in Elizabethtown and Garland before settling in Greensboro, where she lives today.
For Williams, her college years at A&T were defined by something personal and lasting — the experience of independence. She was active in student government, took on leadership responsibilities, and built a sense of self that has stayed with her across more than a century of life.
Her advice for young leaders today is both simple and direct:
“Focus on ourselves and be ourselves, and seek as much of the future as we can, and be interested in it. And do not put limits on ourselves.”
Williams’ connection to A&T doesn’t end with her own graduation. Her daughter, Phyllis Martin, is a member of the class of 1973, and her son, Johnnie Williams, graduated in 1976. All three will be on hand this weekend to celebrate the university they share.
A&T’s 100th Greatest Homecoming on Earth Parade is scheduled to begin Saturday morning at 8 a.m., just west of campus — bringing together generations of Aggies for a once-in-a-century occasion.