Convocation #144 - HowardU

On Friday, September 23, 2o11 I witnessed Howard University's 144 Opening Convocation. The keynote speaker was Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., who is president and chief executive of the United Negro College Fund. UNCF awards more than 10,000 scholarships through more than 400 scholarship, internship, fellowship and institutional grants that support students at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Dr. Lomax spoke about the mission and impact of HBCUs.

HBCUs were established as a result of the segregation of education. Most Black students were not able to attend the white universities or colleges. This led alas led to the rise of many powerful African American leaders who were products of HBCUs. As a student in one of the most powerful HBCUs in the world, I have to continue the legacy of all of the students and leaders who came before me. Dr. Lomax reminded us that we must prosper at our university, excel, but remember to give back. “Howard was there for you, now Howard needs you."

I will be there for my university.