N.C. Central University will welcome alumni, family and friends back for Homecoming, Saturday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 9.

The festivities begin with a Homecoming Kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 p.m. to midnight in the O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Mr. and Miss NCCU and their court will be crowned at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. Admission is free.

Homecoming special guests include rapper and producer Big K.R.I.T. and West Coast rapper YG performing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, during the “Rip the Runway” Fashion Show and concert in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

The Lyceum Gospel Concert will feature Kierra Sheard and Tye Tribbett. The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

Kierra Sheard is the daughter of Karen Clark Sheard of the legendary Clark Sisters. Sheard has been performing since the age of 9 and is a Grammy Award-nominated, GMA Dove Award-winning and Stellar Award-winning recording artist and songwriter. In 2004, she released her first CD, “I Owe You.” It debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album’s chart. Her first single from that album, “You Don’t Know,” charted at No. 1 and was Billboard’s 2004 R&B Gospel Single of the Year.

Her latest album, “Free,” debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and has remained in the Top 20 since its release in October 2011. At 24 years old, she is considered one of gospel’s most powerful female vocalists.

Tye Tribbett has been called “one of the most relevant voices of this generation” and the “Elvis of Gospel.” His high energy, powerful and infectious music has helped redefine gospel music, earning him two No. 1 albums, two Stellar Awards and three Grammy nominations and two Grammy Awards. His 2013 release “Greater Than” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Chart and number nine on Billboard’s Top 200.

He has worked with recording artists across genres including, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Jill Scott and John Cougar Mellencamp.

His latest album, “Greater Than,” released in 2013, earned him two wins at this year’s 56th annual Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song.

On Friday, Nov 7, NCCU will honor founder Dr. James E. Shepard and induct members of the class of 1964 into the Society of Golden Eagles. The Founder’s Day observance begins at 9 a.m. in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. Admission is free.

Later that evening, R&B soul singer Angela Winbush and Trademark Band will perform at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets for the concert are $55 in advance and $60 at the door.

Winbush found fame in the 1980s as one half of the R&B duo René & Angela. To date, she has sold over 10 million albums and singles worldwide. As a songwriter, she has composed for Janet Jackson, Stephanie Mills and Sheena Easton.

The 2014 Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Nov. 8 will begin at W.G. Pearson Elementary School on Fayetteville Street and will end at the corner of Lawson and Fayetteville. Later that day, the NCCU Eagles will take on the Hampton University Pirates at 2 p.m. at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

A new event this year will be the Homecoming Block Party on George Street following the parade. The event will include a food truck rodeo, vendors, a DJ and giveaways.

Other Homecoming events (some of which require an admission fee) include:

• The Choir Ball, a showcase of NCCU’s University Choir, will present two shows Nov. 3 at 6 and 8 p.m. in B.N. Duke Auditorium.

• Meet in the Library Bowl on Wednesday, Nov. 5, to “Turn Up” for Eagle Fest at 6 p.m. on George Street. Free.

• The National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, in the McDougald-McLendon Gym.

• Eagle Tailgate featuring an alumni competition for title of “Best-Ever Tailgate” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. A free student tailgate will take place on the NCCU practice field at 11 a.m.

• Homecoming Praise and Worship Celebration at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in B.N. Duke Auditorium.