Model Anok Yai Returns to Howard University 7 Years After Being Discovered on The Yard
- Esther Njoroge
- Nov 4, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 4, 2025
October 2024
Howard University’s Homecoming 2024 was nothing short of magical, and one of the most celebrated moments of the weekend came when global supermodel Anok Yai made her highly anticipated return to the very place that launched her career—The Yard.
For those who don’t know, it was at Howard's Homecoming back in 2017 that Anok’s life changed forever. Discovered by photographer Steven Hall during the festivities, her viral moment on the campus became the beginning of an extraordinary journey that has taken her from Howard’s campus to the runways of Paris and Milan. Five years later, Anok’s return to Howard for Homecoming 2024 wasn’t just a celebration of her success—it was a full-circle moment for a woman who has never forgotten where she came from.
Dressed in a striking ensemble that mixed high fashion with a nod to her roots, Anok entered the campus like a vision. Her arrival was met with deafening applause as students, alumni, and faculty gathered to welcome her back with open arms. The excitement was palpable, and the atmosphere on The Yard was filled with joy, pride, and a shared sense of accomplishment. It was clear—this was a homecoming not just for Anok, but for everyone who has watched her rise to the top.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of Anok's return was her photoshoot on The Yard—the
very spot where she was discovered in 2017. Standing at the same location where a single photo set her career in motion, Anok exuded the grace and strength that has defined her since that fateful day. The shoot was more than just a fashion moment; it was a celebration of how far she’s come and how much she continues to inspire the next generation.
As Homecoming 2024 came to a close, it was clear that Anok Yai’s return was a powerful moment for the entire Howard community. Her story is a reminder that anything is possible with the right support, determination, and a willingness to dream big. For many at Howard, her journey serves as proof that with hard work, anything can happen—and that dreams really do come true.
Anok Yai's triumphant return to Homecoming wasn’t just a moment in time—it was an inspiration to every student walking across The Yard today, knowing that tomorrow, they too could be the next Anok Yai.
