The 144th Opening Convocation

It was an honor to be a part of the Howard University 144th Opening Convocation. Dr. Lomax's address was empowering and very thought-provoking. He spoke on the need for HBCUs and the need for people to give back and preserve our institutions. It was inspirational and shed a new light on the condition of young Black students and education in America.

Dr. Lomax began with the question of whether there is still a need for HBCUs. The answer to this, of course, is yes. As he stated, HBCUs do more for the education of Blacks than other institutions of higher learning. No one cares about the education of Black youth more than Black people. HBCUs are needed to give young African Americans an opportunity to succeed in this world. Also, Dr. Lomax stated that we live in a society that rewards those with an education and punishes those without. Unfortunately, a majority of our young Black men do not make it to colleges and universities. There is a higher percentage of women than men in HBCUs. We must keep them around to give young Black men a place to try and better themselves.

Another point made by Dr. Lomax was the lack of alumni giving back to Howard University and Black colleges as a whole. Only 11% of Howard Alum give back to the institution. The lack of people giving back is a problem at every Black college in America. It threatens the longevity of our institutions and creates a need for competition amongst Black schools. Not only are they competing against white schools for students, donors, and esteem, but now they must also compete with one another instead of coming together. Students and Alumni must accept a collective responsibility for transforming and saving our institutions, especially when there is a change we would desire to see in our schools.

Dr. Lomax stated in the end that great universities cannot be complacent. They must have a discomfort that propels them forward to consistently better themselves. I feel that anyone who heard his address and even those who did not have a charge over them to do more for HBCUs. If we really wish to preserve them and what they stand for, we have to stand behind them like they stand behind us.

Works Cited

Lomax, Michael. "The Convocation Address". Howard University, Washington, D.C. 23 September 2011.