Ibrahim Gardner
Howard University is a historically black college and university (HBCU) located in Washington, D.C. The university has a rich history of producing notable alumni, including the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate in zoology, Roger Arliner Young, and Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice. While Howard University was established to empower and educate black students, it has also accepted non-black students in recent years. The university embraces diversity and has students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Latino, Asian, and white students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accepts non-Black students | Yes |
| Student experience for non-Black students | Curiosity from other students about their attendance, but not exclusion |
| Notable alumni | Kwame Toure (Stokely Carmichael), Phylicia Rashad, Chadwick A. Boseman, Roger Arliner Young, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., Frederic E. Davison, Thurgood Marshall, Edward W. Brooke III |
| Notable history | First sitting president to speak at Howard was Calvin Coolidge in 1924; 1975 saw the opening of Howard University Hospital and the appointment of Jeanne Sinkford as the first female dean of any American dental school; 2021 protests led to $785 million investment in academic centers |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Howard University is a historically black college
Howard University is a private, federally chartered historically Black university in Washington, D.C. The university was founded in 1867, two years after the end of the American Civil War, by members of the First Congregational Society of Washington. It was established to provide an education to Black students, who were prohibited from attending most colleges and universities in the United States at the time.
Today, Howard University is one of the most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. While the student body remains predominantly Black, the university has diversified over the years and now accepts non-Black students. In fact, in a 2024 photo essay, several non-Black students shared their experiences attending Howard, explaining that they felt welcomed and supported by the Howard community.
Howard University has a rich history of producing notable alumni who have made significant contributions to society, particularly in the areas of civil rights, politics, and academia. For example, Stokely Carmichael, also known as Kwame Toure, was a student in the Department of Philosophy and the Howard University School of Divinity, where he coined the term "Black Power" and worked as a voting rights activist in Alabama. The university has also produced several "firsts," including the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate in zoology, the first African-American US Army Major General, and the first African-American elected to the US Senate.
In addition to its distinguished alumni, Howard University is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of law, medicine, and dentistry. The university's law school, in particular, has been the subject of discussion among prospective law students on online forums, with some questioning how a non-Black student might be perceived at a historically Black university. However, it is important to note that Howard University embraces diversity and has a long history of advocating for civil rights and equality.
International Students in Australia: A Growing Trend
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The university embraces diversity
Howard University, a historically black college, embraces diversity. While the university was specifically created to educate black students and empower minorities, it is not exclusively for black students. The university has also produced many notable alumni across races, including the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate in zoology, Roger Arliner Young, and the first African-American US Army Major General, Frederic E. Davison.
Howard University has a range of specialized majors, including Legal, Parks, Recreation, & Leisure, Social Sciences, Biology, and Public Administration and Social Service. The university also offers professional doctorate concentrations in Law, Medicine, and Dentistry. In addition to its academic offerings, Howard University has various traditions and organizations that contribute to its diverse community. For example, Springfest, created by the Undergraduate Student Association (UGSA), celebrates the arrival of spring with events such as the Fashion Show, Talent Show, Vendor Fair, and Poetry Showcase. The Bison Ball and Excellence Awards is another annual event where members of the Howard community are recognized for their exceptional accomplishments.
The university's diverse student body includes individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, such as Latino and Nepalese students. These non-black students have shared their experiences of feeling welcomed and supported by the Howard community. One Latino student, Andre De Santos, shared that he chose Howard University to bridge the divide between the Black and Latino communities and to empower minorities. He joined Changó, Howard's Afro-Latine Student Association, to address the shared issues impacting Black and Hispanic communities.
Mishra, a student from Nepal, expressed that she felt lucky to be a part of the Howard community and had not experienced any exclusion due to her race or ethnicity. Instead, she felt that people were welcoming and wanted to see her succeed. She took on a leadership role in Howard's School of Business 21st Century Advantage Program (21 CAP), where she guided underclassmen in their transition to becoming business professionals.
While some may question the presence of non-black students at Howard University, the university embraces diversity and has a history of producing notable alumni from diverse backgrounds. The university's diverse student body and academic offerings contribute to a rich and inclusive community that fosters empowerment and success for all its members.
International Student Success in US Universities
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Students of colour are valued at Howard
Howard University is a historically black college, with a mission to educate black students and produce black attorneys, activists, doctors, and more. However, Howard University embraces diversity and has non-black students of colour attending the university. Students of colour are valued at Howard, and they share their motivations for attending the university.
One such student, Andre De Santos, is a Latino student who hopes to bridge the divide between the black and Latino communities. He notes that many issues impacting black people are also experienced by the Latino community. De Santos is a member of Changó, Howard's Afro-Latine Student Association, and the Spanish Speaking Society. He says that people are curious about why he chose to attend Howard, and he understands their apprehension towards non-black students. However, he doesn't believe that the Howard community is trying to be racist towards him but is instead trying to protect their own community.
Another student, Mishra from Nepal, considers herself lucky to be at Howard and has not experienced any exclusion. She feels welcomed and supported by her peers, who want to see her succeed. Mishra is a team leader in Howard's School of Business 21st Century Advantage Program (21 CAP), where she leads underclassmen students in their transition to becoming business professionals.
Howard University has a history of producing notable alumni who have made significant contributions to society, such as Kwame Toure (Stokely Carmichael), who coined the term "Black Power" and worked as a voting rights activist; Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice; and Edward W. Brooke III, the first African-American elected to the US Senate.
Howard University also has various traditions and organizations that celebrate and empower its students. Springfest, created by the Undergraduate Student Association (UGSA), celebrates the arrival of spring with events such as the Fashion Show, Talent Show, Vendor Fair, Poetry Showcase, and a major community service event. The Bison Ball and Excellence Awards is an annual black-tie gala where exceptional students, faculty, and administrators are honoured. These traditions and organizations provide opportunities for students of colour to feel valued and supported during their time at Howard University.
Graduate Student Population at Clemson University
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Howard's most common degrees include law, medicine, and dentistry
Howard University is a historically black college with a diverse student population. While the majority of its students are Black, the university also accepts non-Black students of different racial backgrounds. The university's mission is to foster leadership, excellence, truth, and service, with a commitment to educating students from diverse backgrounds and advancing underrepresented populations.
Howard University offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 120 areas of study across 13 schools and colleges. The university has awarded more than 120,000 degrees and certificates in various fields, including the arts, sciences, and humanities. Among the most common degrees pursued at Howard are those in law, medicine, and dentistry, which are highly regarded and competitive programs.
The Howard University School of Law, established in 1869, has a strong reputation for producing prominent attorneys, particularly those dedicated to social justice and civil rights. The law school attracts students from diverse backgrounds and fosters a rich cultural exchange. While the student body is predominantly Black, non-Black students have also enrolled, contributing to a diverse learning environment.
The College of Medicine at Howard University has a long and distinguished history, dating back to 1868. It is one of the oldest medical schools in the country and has produced numerous renowned physicians. The college offers a comprehensive medical education, with a focus on serving underrepresented and diverse communities. The student body reflects this commitment to diversity, with a mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds.
The Howard University College of Dentistry is another prominent program within the university. Established in 1881, it is one of the oldest dental schools in the nation. The college provides a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for successful dental careers. Similar to the law and medical schools, the dental program fosters diversity and inclusion, attracting students from various racial and cultural backgrounds.
Howard University's commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond its student body to its faculty and staff as well. The university embraces individuals from all walks of life, creating a vibrant and enriching academic community. The university's dedication to advancing underrepresented populations is reflected in its academic programs, with a focus on providing opportunities for all its students to excel in their chosen fields.
Cornell University: Applications Flood In
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$13.66 $26
Howard has produced many notable alumni
Howard University is a historically black college with a diverse student body that includes people of colour. While the university was created to produce Black attorneys, it has also had white and Latino students over the years. Howard has produced many notable alumni, including:
Kamala Harris
Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician and attorney who served as the 49th vice president of the United States from 2021 to 2025. She was the first female U.S. vice president, the first African-American vice president, and the first Asian-American vice president. Harris also served as a U.S. senator representing California from 2017 to 2021 and as the attorney general of California from 2011 to 2017.
Phylicia Rashad
Phylicia Rashad is an American actress known for her role as Clair Huxtable on the sitcom "The Cosby Show" (1984–1992). She was also the dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University. Rashad is a Tony-winning Broadway, film, and television actress and has played roles in "Dreamgirls", "The Wiz", and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".
Kasim Reed
Kasim Reed is an American attorney and politician who served as the 59th mayor of Atlanta from 2010 to 2018. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Howard University and remains a dedicated trustee emeritus. Reed created a fundraising program, The Independence Initiative, which has contributed more than $12 million to the University’s endowment.
Shirley Clarke Franklin
Shirley Clarke Franklin is an American politician who served as the 58th mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, from 2002 to 2010. She is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves on the boards of directors for Delta Air Lines and Mueller Water Products.
Jessye Norman
Jessye Norman was a Grammy Award-winning operatic singer and humanitarian known for her powerful voice and stage presence. She graduated from Howard University in 1967 with a degree in music and went on to have a successful opera career in Europe. Norman was born in 1945 in Augusta, Georgia, and helped integrate local businesses during the Jim Crow era.
Purdue University: Enrollment Figures and Statistics
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Howard University accepts non-Black students. The university embraces diversity and has students from different ethnicities.
Non-Black students at Howard University may feel like a minority. Some students have reported that they are questioned about their choice to attend the university. However, others have shared that they do not feel excluded and feel supported by their peers.
Howard University is a historically Black college or university (HBCU) with a rich history and notable alumni. The university has produced many "firsts," including the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate in zoology, the first African-American US Army Major General, and four Rhodes Scholarship winners. Additionally, Howard University has a strong focus on civil rights and social justice, with notable figures such as Stokely Carmichael coining the term "Black Power" while attending the university.
The most specialized majors at Howard University include Legal, Parks, Recreation, & Leisure, Social Sciences, Biology, and Public Administration and Social Service. The university also offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, such as Springfest, which celebrates the arrival of spring with events like the Fashion Show, Talent Show, and Poetry Showcase.
