Howard University’s 144th convocation proceeded as any other assembly or gathering would. From introductions to greetings to smiles, laughter and applause, Howard student body, faculty and Alumni were energized. Each year Howard brings in an orator from a respected field to speak on matters concerning the university and the student body as a whole. These annual speeches vary depending on the school climate and current obstacles. This year Howard presented Dr. Michael L. Lomax, CEO of the United College Negro Fund. His resonating speech focused on the aspect of Black youth, their educational prospects and futures.
The Convocation was presided by President Ribeau. His introduction to the assembly brought back nostalgia of last year. His new vision and insight seemed to be taken in by many new and old faces in the crowd. The purpose of this year’s speech was to bring to light our dreams and where the African American community stands in terms of education and jobs. With many Africans jobless and many more without college degrees Dr.Lomax emphasized the urgency by which we need to make higher institutions illuminated with more black youth, helping them precede forward and brighten their careers. The invocation was lead as usual by Reverend Bernard and the vice chairwomen welcomed the assembly with her greetings. The events major speaker Dr Lomax was invited onstage with an Honorary degree: Doctor of Humane Letters. Then formally he enlightened us with a few words.
Although slow at first and soft spoken yet easy to understand, Dr Lomax brought us all back to reality. He informed us of our situation as a whole and how black colleges “need to all perform at the top of their game”. This lead him to inform us of President Ribeau’s hard work in reorganizing the institution and bringing it in the forefront of the race towards excellence. He empowered the students with his words telling them that the University was built to provide them the best experience of their lives. Students once are students forever using this ideology he geared a few words towards the Alumni and urged them to give back to Howard so that future students may benefit. Dr Lomax persuaded us to have more dialogue, a more open approach. He asked us to step up and voice our concerns and that only then will we see the outcome. Some students sat opened eyed, others were glued to his words, and others just smiled. It was a moment of acceptance, realization and a step forward.
Many students found the speech inspiring fighting for students and their voices and academics. Others thought last year’s speech was better orated. Yet the majority of students in Cramton auditorium showed their views on their faces as they applauded and walked out. The chatter remained of how “what he said was so right, they need to help us get a better education” a student said as others walked by. Many walked out with clearer visions of where they stood compared to society as a whole and how much we as an institution need to improve.
Personally, the speech was well orated and profound, from awe inspiring moments to actual critical breakdowns of the community. Dr. Lomax used numbers and percentages to show where African Americans stand in relation to others. It brought reality back into our lives. It showed us the meaning, essence and value of a good college education and a degree. His speech personified what it meant to be a student and it resonated well within the minds and hearts of the student body.
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