Convocation

The Howard school year isn't officially kicked off until the ceremony known as convocation. This year it was held Friday September 25th. Before I went to the ceremony I learned about its prestigious history. Great orators such as Reggie Jackson and Barrack Obama have spoken at convocations past. If you held any value to the African American community then you have been to Howard convocation once in your life. As I learned about it's history my excitement to attend the event grow more.

Convocation itself was an amazing atmosphere. The School of B students in suits added to the honor of the event. Once seated I noticed all the influential people in the room. The one chosen to give the address was the premier of Bermuda the Honorable Dr. Ewart Frederick Brown (who is also an alumni). He began by discussing his experience at Howard. During his tenure at Howard he was a campus activist and worked with the black panthers. He was also part of the football and track teams at Howard. In 2005 he was elected the premier of Bermuda. These accomplishments were the reason he was chosen to give the keynote address.

His address was beautifully written and spoken. He immediately grabbed the audience attention with the firm tone of his voice. The speech discussed key points relevant to Howard and the black community itself. One of his more memorable quotes was "Young ladies raise the cost of your relationships". That quote evoked my own personal beliefs in the deterring family structure in the black community and how it negatively affects the new generations.

After convocation as I discussed the event with my follow freshmen the consent as clear; they expected it to be long and boring but actually enjoyed the preceding. Personally, my respect for the event grew larger after the event was over. I better understood all the "hype" surrounding convocation and Howard. It is an event that all Howard students should attend at least once in their career.