This year's 144th Convocation at Howard University was simply astounding; it brought together students, supporters, faculty members and alumni of Howard University and other HBCUs from across the country together for one fantastic event. As a freshmen, this was my first time attending a convocation- in fact, I hadn't even heard of the word "convocation" until I heard there was one happening on Friday, and it was the reason that my Freshmen Compostion course had been suspended. The event opened with famed members clothed in colorful robes taking their seats on the center stage. Behind them was the Howard University choir and orchestra, who performed beautiful musical numbers throughout the event. Someone sitting next to me in the auditorium filled me in on what a convocation was; it is, in simply terms, a formal gathering or meeting. There were numerous representitives from many outstanding HBUCs who came out to participate. Aside from them, members from black organizations and students from Howard's pre-school and middle school were in attendance as well. It felt as if the whole of Howard- past, present and future- were all together and united as one body at Convocation.

The speaker was none other than Howard's own Dr. Lomax, who is also president of the United Negro College Fund. He spoke eloquently on how we should expound of the benefit of education of blacks- and especially black males. In one of his quotes, Dr. Lomax said that only about 11% of Howard's alumni had contributed anything to the present generation of Howard Unviersity undergrads, and how, in a sense, many were "walking the walk, but not talking the talk." Dr.L questioned how not supporting students with either their time, money or experience, will help to prepare them for their future. Instead, he asked us to realize that the next generation is meant to far supercede the current generation, and for that to happen, the present must help young children however possible. In summary, the convocation was a wonderful experince for any student, including this freshmen, to attend.