With all the outrageous debates on if Vice President Kamala Harris is Black enough, one thing has to be said: She loves her HBCU! Howard University (HU) is one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black College or University (HBCU), and as a proud Howard graduate herself, Harris never fails to support HU.
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If we’re being real, Howard has so much to brag about, and with alumni like Chadwick Boseman, Toni Morrison, and Thurgood Marshall, it would be an understatement to say Howard simply exudes excellence. In her own right, Harris has built her career on making history, and with only a few days until the election, she has the opportunity to do it once again!
The Democratic nominee plans to spend election night surrounded by her fellow Bison on the campus of HU. To prepare for what just might be the biggest political night at Howard since former President Barack Obama’s 2008 election, here’s everything you need to know about “The Mecca.”
Howard Breeds Black Doctors
According to the school’s website, Howard produces “more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.”
Celebrating 100 years of Homecoming
2024 marked the school’s centennial anniversary of its very own Homecoming. This year was nothing short of excitement with celebrity appearances, brand pop ups, and tons of parties.
Presidents Speaking At Howard
You may be interested to know that eight US presidents have made their way to speak at the Mecca, including Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and in 2023, Joe Biden.
Over 140 Academic Programs
Howard is a private research university with 14 schools and colleges. In total, students can choose from the 143 different academic programs to pursue their education.
Protests at Howard
One of the best things about the university is how politically active its students are. We’re sure you remember the 2021 dormitory protests organized by students, but even before that, Howard students were movers and shakers. Students participating in many movements like the Civil Rights Movement, protests against the Vietnam War, and several Black Lives Matters protests.
Only HBCU With A Swim Team
Howard is no stranger to being the first and sometimes the only. Currently, HU is the only HBCU with a Division-1 swimming team. In 2023, the men’s swimming and diving team won the Northeast Conference Championship, making history.
Howard Breeds Black Lawyers
Howard was named the No. 1 law school for Black students ranked by preLaw magazine.
Named After Union General
Yes, Howard was founded by a white man. Oliver Otis Howard was a Army officer who helped charter Howard with the vision that students could learn regardless of gender or race. 157 years later, and HU still abides by the same mission.
The Story Behind the Bison
It’s not typical that a college would call themselves “bison,” but for Howard, it just makes sense. Bison characteristics include intelligence, curiosity, resilience, and power... all the makings of a Howard student! Beyond that, with founding ties to the Civil War— when Union soldiers were sometimes nicknamed “buffalo—” the current mascot is also said to be a nod to the school’s history.
The History of Georgia Ave
Howard sits on one of the largest avenues in Washington, DC. Georgia Ave., which runs into Maryland, is home to so much Black culture and history. From Black neighborhoods and businesses to the electric nightlife, you can catch HU students on Georgia Ave any time of day.
Who’s the Real HU?!
If you ask any Howard student where the rivalry between them and Hampton University stems from, they wouldn’t have a clue. And honestly, neither do we! What we do know is the battle of “who’s the real HU?” is one that predates all of us.... but the answer is Howard.... it’s always Howard.
‘Truth and Service’
The school’s motto is “Veritas et Utilitas,” which means “Truth and Service” in Latin. Howard students are all about serving the community, so it shouldn’t be shocking to know more than 200 HU graduates have joined the U.S. Peace Corps, which is the highest number from any HBCU.
Greek Organizations
When we say first, we mean it! Did you know five out of the nine Greek letter fraternities and sororities were founded on Howard’s campus? Here’s a list: Alpha Kappa Alpha, 1908; Omega Psi Phi, 1911; Delta Sigma Theta, 1913; Phi Beta Sigma, 1914; and Zeta Phi Beta, 1920.
Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
After the death of Howard alumn, Chadwick Boseman, the university renamed it’s College of Fine Arts to honor him.
Howard’s WHUT-TV
Howard’s School of Communications is one of the most notable in the country. With students studying journalism, film, and so much more, it’s so shocker that they’re also getting hands-on experience. Founded in 1980, Howard University television, WHUT-TV, became the first Black owned station in the nation. WHUT is currently the only HBCU public broadcasting station.
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