When Kamala Harris launched her presidential campaign in 2019, she chose her alma mater, Howard University, as the backdrop for her announcement. This choice highlighted the university’s significant influence on her political journey. As a premier historically black college and university (HBCU), Howard has been instrumental in shaping Harris’s perspectives. Here’s a closer look at Howard’s storied history and its impact on American politics and academia.
Founding and Mission: Established in 1867 in Washington, DC, Howard University was named after General Oliver Otis Howard, who led the Freedmen’s Bureau post-Civil War and secured federal funding for the institution. The university was initially dedicated to providing higher education to African Americans, though it has always welcomed students from all backgrounds.
Role in Civil Rights: Howard has been a pivotal force in the American civil rights movement. Alain Locke, a prominent figure at Howard, authored “The New Negro” in 1925, which played a significant role in the Harlem Renaissance. In the 1940s, Howard students were at the forefront of civil rights protests, pioneering tactics like ‘stool-sitting’ to challenge segregation. The term “Black Power” is also attributed to Stokely Carmichael, who coined it at Howard.
Political Influence: Howard’s influence extends into the political realm, attracting notable figures over the years. In 1924, Calvin Coolidge became the first sitting U.S. president to speak at Howard. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson addressed the graduating class about his civil rights agenda, underscoring Howard’s prominent role in national conversations about racial justice.
Notable Alumni: Howard University’s alumni include a range of influential figures in various fields. This distinguished list features Senator Edward William Brooke, playwright Amiri Baraka, and Nobel laureates Ralph Bunche and Toni Morrison. Kamala Harris, upon becoming Vice President, made history as the first Howard and HBCU graduate to hold the office.
Historic Achievements: In 1975, Jeanne Sinkford became the first female dean of a U.S. dental school when she was appointed dean of Howard’s School of Dentistry.
Howard University Hospital: Formerly known as Freedmen’s Hospital, Howard University Hospital has served the African-American community in the Washington metropolitan area since 1862. It remains unique as the only teaching hospital situated on the campus of an HBCU.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority: Founded at Howard in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the oldest black sorority and a significant network for African-American women. As a member of AKA, Kamala Harris has received substantial support from the sorority, which played a crucial role in mobilizing resources and voters during her 2020 vice-presidential campaign and is expected to support her presidential bid similarly.
