Howard University: A Legacy of Excellence and Impact
Howard University, an institution steeped in a rich history and a profound commitment to Veritas et Utilitas (Truth and Service), has consistently served as a crucible for intellectual growth, groundbreaking discovery, and the cultivation of leaders who have shaped the nation and the world. From the realms of science and medicine to the halls of government and the stages of Hollywood, Howard alumni have consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to their chosen fields and a deep-seated commitment to serving humanity. The university's enduring legacy is not merely inscribed in its academic achievements but is vibrantly alive in the transformative contributions of its distinguished graduates.
Pioneering Advancements in Science and Medicine
Howard University has been a fertile ground for scientific minds, fostering innovation and dedication to improving human well-being. Dr. Patricia Bath, a member of the Class of 1968, stands as a testament to this legacy. An ophthalmologist, inventor, researcher, and humanitarian, Dr. Bath's passion for science was evident from a young age, earning her a merit award for discoveries at a cancer research workshop at just sixteen. Her academic journey at Howard University culminated in a medical degree, which she received with honors. Dr. Bath's career was marked by numerous "firsts," including being the first woman ophthalmologist appointed to the faculty of the University of California in 1974 and the first woman chair of an ophthalmology residency program in the United States in 1983. Her dedication to ophthalmic health services for underserved communities led her to create community ophthalmology, a novel discipline that delivered essential eye care to thousands who would otherwise have been unable to afford it. Further solidifying her commitment to vision health, she co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in 1976, an organization championing eyesight as a fundamental human right. Her inventive spirit also led to the creation of the Laserphaco Probe, a revolutionary surgical tool that utilized lasers for more precise and less painful cataract treatment.
Another luminary from Howard University's scientific ranks is Beth Brown, Ph.D., Class of 1973. An astrophysicist and educator, Brown's fascination with the cosmos, sparked by science fiction, propelled her to study astrophysics at Howard. During her undergraduate years, she seized opportunities for internships at NASA, laying the groundwork for her future career. She pursued her graduate studies at the University of Michigan, where she achieved a significant milestone as the first Black woman to earn a doctorate in astronomy from the institution. Remarkably, an astronomy course she developed during her graduate education remains a popular and enduring offering at the University of Michigan. Upon earning her doctorate, Brown returned to NASA as an astrophysicist, dedicating her research to collecting data on elliptical galaxies. Her profound wonder at the universe fueled a passion for sharing that wonder with others. She became a compelling voice for astronomy, using her warm demeanor and expertise to make complex astronomical concepts accessible to the general public through television interviews. Brown was particularly passionate about empowering minorities in the field of physics, striving to break down barriers and inspire future generations.
Champions of Democracy and Social Justice
The impact of Howard University extends profoundly into the spheres of law, politics, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Representative Elijah E. Cummings, Class of 1973, embodied a lifelong dedication to preserving American democracy. Born into adversity as the child of former sharecroppers in Baltimore, Maryland, Cummings was driven by the encouragement of his mother, who, despite having only a fourth-grade education, instilled in him the importance of education and civic engagement. His academic prowess at Howard University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science, was a stepping stone to his legal education at the University of Maryland. Cummings maintained a deep and abiding connection with Howard throughout his life. He embarked on a distinguished career in law and served for 14 years in the Maryland House of Delegates. In 1996, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he became a formidable advocate for the working class in his predominantly Black district. Cummings was a powerful voice against voter suppression, launching investigations and monitoring organizations that targeted voters of color. The fight against voter suppression was deeply personal for him, echoing his mother's dying words: "Do not let them take our votes away from us." In a powerful speech in February 2019, he vowed to fight until his last breath to defend the right to vote, a commitment he honored until his passing in October 2019.
David Norman Dinkins, Class of 1950, etched his name in history as the first African American Mayor of New York City, serving from 1990 to 1993. A lawyer and author, Dinkins joined the faculty of Columbia University after his tenure as mayor. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, he served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He leveraged his veteran educational benefits to pursue his bachelor of science degree in mathematics at Howard University, a testament to his intellectual curiosity and commitment to foundational knowledge. He later obtained his law degree from Brooklyn Law School. Dinkins was a foundational figure in numerous civic organizations, including the Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus of New York State, the Council of Black Elected Democrats of New York State, and the One Hundred Black Men. He also held significant positions such as vice president of the United States Conference of Mayors and was a member-at-large of the Black Leadership Forum. His perspective on race relations, articulated as "Race relations can be an appropriate issue…but only if you want to craft solutions, and not catalogue complaints. If we use the issue appropriately, we can transform it from the cancer of our society into the cure," underscores his pragmatic and solution-oriented approach to societal challenges. Dinkins passed away in November 2020 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of public service and transformative leadership.
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Trailblazers in Politics and Entertainment
Howard University has consistently nurtured individuals who have broken barriers and achieved unprecedented success in public service and the arts. Vice President Kamala D. Harris, Class of 1986, fondly refers to her time at Howard as her "formative years," where her passion for politics was ignited. After earning her undergraduate degree from Howard and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings, she began her career in public service. She served as the District Attorney of San Francisco and later as California's Attorney General, where she was recognized for her tireless efforts in holding corporations accountable and protecting vulnerable populations. In 2017, she made history as the second African-American woman and the first South Asian-American senator. Her service on key committees like Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Intelligence, Judiciary, and the Budget reflects her extensive engagement in national policy. In 2019, she launched her historic presidential campaign, with her first press conference held at her alma mater, Howard University. Her selection as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate in August 2020 marked a monumental occasion, making her the first Black woman and the first Asian-American to run for vice president on a major party ticket. Her inauguration as Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2021, was a milestone that acknowledged the often-overlooked leadership of Black women.
Taraji P. Henson, Class of 1995, an Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, and mental health advocate, exemplifies the artistic excellence fostered at Howard. Raised in Washington, D.C., Henson's journey to stardom was not without its challenges. After initially pursuing electrical engineering, she found her true calling in the performing arts. Graduating from Howard in 1995, she moved to Los Angeles, balancing an office job with small acting roles. Her breakthrough came in 2001 with the film "Baby Boy." Her impressive filmography includes an Academy Award nomination for her role in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." In 2015, she returned to television with a powerful performance as Cookie Lyon in "Empire," earning her an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe award. Henson's journey, from humble beginnings to international acclaim, underscores the transformative power of pursuing one's passions and the opportunities that Howard University provides.
Literary Giants and Intellectual Prowess
Howard University has also been a nurturing ground for literary talent and intellectual exploration. Zora Neale Hurston, Class of 1920, is celebrated as one of the foremost female writers of the 20th century. Born in Alabama in 1891, her family relocated to Eatonville, Florida, where her father served as one of the town's first mayors. Hurston began her higher education at Morgan College before enrolling at Howard University, where she earned an associate's degree. A vibrant student, she was active in student government and co-founded The Hilltop, the university's renowned newspaper. In 1925, she received a scholarship to Barnard College, graduating with a BA in anthropology. During her time in New York City, Hurston became a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, befriending literary giants like Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen. She dedicated herself to promoting and studying Black culture, undertaking extensive research in Haiti and Jamaica to explore the religions of the African diaspora. Her findings were disseminated through various newspapers, and she skillfully wove her research into her fictional works. Hurston began publishing short stories in 1920, though her work was initially overlooked by the mainstream literary world. Her most celebrated novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," broke literary conventions by centering the narrative on the experiences of a Black woman. Hurston's profound insight was captured in her statement: "Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose."
Kwame Ture, formerly Stokely Carmichael, a civil rights activist, writer, and orator, was a leading figure in the Pan-African and Black nationalist movements and the originator of the slogan "Black Power." Born in Trinidad in 1941, he immigrated to New York City in 1952. Inspired by televised civil rights sit-ins during his high school years, he joined the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and participated in numerous sit-ins. During his freshman year at Howard University, where he majored in philosophy, he embarked on his first Freedom Ride. After graduating from Howard in 1964, Ture became a field organizer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), playing a crucial role in the Freedom Summer campaign to register Black voters in the Deep South. Disillusioned by the slow pace of progress and the violence faced by activists, he famously articulated the call for "Black Power" in 1966, advocating for cultural, political, and economic self-determination for Black people globally. He later joined the Black Panther Party and traveled internationally, eventually settling in Conakry, Guinea, where he changed his name to Kwame Ture in 1969 and dedicated his life to Pan-African unity.
Howard University's Instagram presence serves as a dynamic window into this extraordinary legacy. Through its posts, the university showcases the ongoing achievements of its students, faculty, and alumni, highlighting their contributions across diverse fields. From celebrating athletic victories, such as the Howard Menâs and Womenâs Basketball teams capturing MEAC Regular Season Titles, to announcing successful application cycles inviting prospective students to "Apply to more than 130 areas of study across 14 schools and colleges," the university's social media actively engages its community and the wider public. The platform frequently features profiles of influential alumni, reinforcing the enduring impact of a Howard education and inspiring future generations to embrace the university's core values of Veritas et Utilitas.
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