My Take on Homecoming

In a nutshell, homecoming was interesting and at times hectic. There were numerous activities to partake in but classes restricted my participation. Yet I still managed to see Young Jeezy and Wale perform, which was a treat. The energy of the crowd and the atmosphere of the night made it an enjoyable experience. It was unbelievable to see the number of Howard alumni and DC locals attending the homecoming events on Friday. It was early into the night and people were still pouring in from out of town. I heard that the R&B show was a fantastic event and I wish I had a bought a ticket for this event.

I still made the night fun by being with friends and just taking in the feel of homecoming. I had heard that homecoming at HU was legendary. I found that fun was attainable without running from party to party.The essence of a good time came from being around people you enjoy the company of. In fact, me and some people on my floor found plenty of excitement in playing Call of Duty on the xbox for most of the night. Overall homecoming weekend was fun and memorable.

Homecoming 2015

Before coming to Howard, the biggest event that I heard about was homecoming. People would say that the overall experience was unlike any other school. I could not wait to experience the #1 homecoming event. When homecoming week started it just felt like a regular week. There were no decorations or posters that got you in the mood for homecoming and celebrating. As the events approached the excitement grew. I attended the R&B show and the Poetry Cipher. Both of these events were overpriced but definitely worth it.When the poets recited their poems the feelings were felt throughout the theater. As  a freshman the poetry cipher got me in the mood for homecoming and from then on I couldn't wait for the rest of the festivites. My only problem with homecoming was the prices of tickets. No amount of anticipation could make me pay $50 for a step show ticket without a student discount. There was only a certain number of student discount tickets for each event which made no sense. Between travel expenses , ticket prices and shopping for clothes to where to these events, homecoming proved itself to be extremely expensive. Overall I enjoyed my first homecoming experience and I really felt the pride that howard students had during these passt two weeks.

Homecoming 2011: Howard U Edition.

I expected Homecoming to be a week of non-stop FUN. For the most part, this week was fun but, not entirely. I went to the Gospel Show,Poetry Cipher, and Fashion Show II. The Gospel Show was lovely. I did not know who some of the artist were but despite this, I did enjoy myself. Our own gospel choir went above and beyond. Their voices were so powerful and when they were lining up, I knew that I was in for a treat. The best part of the Poetry Cipher is when Queen God Is came out. A few days prior when I heard that she would be performing, I did a little research about her so that I would not be clueless as to who she was when she came on stage. Her poems blew me away. The poem that she did about herself and music was the best poem of the night. What I also really liked about the cipher was the fact that most of the artists were Howard students. Our student body holds a lot of talent. The Fashion Show could have been better. I went just to go with my friends because I am not really into fashion. I did like the atmosphere; it was exciting. All in all, I did enjoy my first homecoming experience. My bestfriend was with me for a few days and that alone made me happy.

Homecoming

Coming into Howard, I didn't know what to expect out of homecoming. I know I was expecting something great because I've only heard good things about it, so therefore I was expecting nothing but the best. The first event I went to was the comedy show, it takes a lot to make me laugh but I have to admit, I laughed pretty hard. The next event was the celebrity basketball game. I was a little disappointed about the celebrities they chose, I felt they could've chose better celebrities to play, but I still had a good time so I didn't really mind it. The next event was the R&B show which I ABSOLUTELY LOVED. Im a huge r&b fan, and the artist that performed were some of my favorites. I'll definitely be going to that next year. Last but definitely not least was the step show. I watched so many of the previous step shows on youtube before I even got to Howard and I loved everything about it, so actually being there for the first time, I was ecstatic. Overall i enjoyed my homecoming experience very much and I can't wait to do it again.

My Critique on Howard, Life, and Freshman Seminar

The past few weeks at Howard have taught me many things. Often you can hear people voice their frustrations with Howard and compare it with well known white schools. Though I do agree that Howard University is overpriced in comparison with other schools, the overall experience is what you make of it. I have met many interesting people from all walks of life and found that I share more in common with them than the people at my high school. I have also lost many "friends" due to my decision to study rather than hang out all night. I have discovered that there will always be a party and that most parties are the same. In addition I have found that DC tries to nickel and dime you to death. From the clubs and house parties that change prices depending on their mood, the metro system which charges you to get ON and OFF the platform, and the HU bookstore that overcharges on everything. Now on to Freshman Seminar...


Freshman Seminar was enlightening, time consuming, but overall enjoyable. It made me think of my role within the global community and of my responsibility to my race. It allowed me to think of the history that Howard holds and its part in molding some of America's brightest leaders. It also made me proud to say that I come from a long line of people, who despite the misconceptions, laid the foundation for many subjects of academia. Do I think freshman seminar should be mandatory? Yes. Do I believe that blogs should be done EVERY Sunday by 6 pm? No, not really. I would have been happier with blogs due every other week or just a sum total of blogs required but to each his own.


My classes in general have been good. It has not been hard but a matter of balancing out my schedule. With 20 credits as a freshman and a biology major, its hard to write in fun, sleep, and studying into my schedule. In addition I have found that the golden rule of attending ALL of your classes is important to earning the right grade. I personally cannot wait to see what the next semester holds, hopefully not organic chemistry (I heard its torture), and hope to grow into the man I envision myself to become.

Where I Should Be

Out of all the blogs I have done for freshman seminar, this one has me most excited. there has always been something that I had to write about but this is about MY feelings. I DID NOT like freshman seminar when classes first started. I thought we were going to learn about how to succeed at Howard and how to survive. I felt that we were being taught to hate all white people for years of oppression. I thought this class was a waste of time and I wondered what other schools were learning in their freshman seminars. Over time I began to realize that Howard's history is Africa. Howard is an Mbongi. Howard has taken people of all walks of life and put us in a situation where we have no choice but to grow and learn about each other. I didn't know where i would fit in or if I would even make friends as well as I did when I was home. I was wrong. Wrong about freshman seminar and wrong.Freshman seminar allowed me to open up my mind to Howard. it allowed me to open up my mind to life and the true definition of  humanity.  Howard has so much too offer its students. All the organizations on campus offer us the opportunity to open ourselves up to different kinds of people. Howard University is more than an HBCU; Howard is the breeding ground of greatness. Although I just started, im eager to see the legacy that  I will leave when I walk the stage in four years. It is alright to be yourself when you know your strength and who you are. I AM HOWARD!

Oh You Go To Hampton? I'm Sorry.

Every other blog has been assigned a topic and questions but because this blog is about whatever I would like it to be about, I will reflect on my first semester at Howard University. We are now halfway through the semester and I have a pretty good understanding of how things work around here so here are a few things that I have learned to be true:

1) A 14-meals-a-week meal plan is ridiculous ! Unless a person is an athlete, they will NOT be utilizing all 14 meals. It seems as if the cafe's hours do not even allow that.

2)Your style of fashion will change. It may be a drastic change or a mild adjustment but, it will change. I remember when I shaved my head, people told me I had become Howard-ized.

3) There will ALWAYS be something to represent. It may be your school or your hometown or your dorm! You can scream for just about anything.

4) There will always be a party or a reason for a party.

5) I've also learned that I am just not a party-type of person. I can have a social life without being at the club every weekend.

6) I realized that I work better under pressure. My worse papers have been written a week in advance and my best ones have been written the night before class. Go figure.

7) I learned that missing even one class can mean a failure and when you are on a scholarship, that is NOT acceptable.

8) I've learned that I may not always like my roommate but I must always respect her and should expect the same in return.

The list of things that I have learned over the past couple of months can go on forever. In the end, I am glad that I have chosen to experience life at the MECCA because I was not all that excited to be coming here a couple months ago. This week is Homecoming week and I can not WAIT to see what it has in store.

Mrs. Evers' Boys

Mrs. Evers Boys’ was a phenomenal play. The actors all did an amazing job of portraying the emotions felt during that period of deceit among African American males. They were able to draw the audience into the play making it feel so real. Sitting there watching and hearing the audience members gasp and make noises with every little situation or line said showed exactly how in tune you were able to get into the play. I personally had never heard the story of Mrs. Evers’ Boys before this play and this was a great introduction. The story is so captivating and it makes you truly consider how those men felt and how unjust things were back then. I cannot believe how deceitful the government was in keeping this experiment going behind everyone’s back.

The biggest slap in the face I believe those men felt was the reality of finding out Mrs. Evers knew about the experiment and was willing to go on like nothing was happening while those men sat there slowly dying. The level of respect and trust they held for her was higher than nearly any other they had anyone else. The fact that she claimed she loved them but yet aided in some of their deaths, refusing to tell them how they could be cured. In my opinion she was one of the worst characters in their lives. Although the doctors and government were the ones who started the experiment; they didn’t have a personal relationship with the patients. They were all in the wrong for what they did and it is appalling that the government could even be behind something that horrible. I am so glad I was able to make it to the play and I applaud the Howard students who carried the show to the end. They did an amazing job.

Miss Evers' Boys by Glenn Gladney

Prior to attending the play, I knew only a few facts surrounding the Tuskegee experiment. However the play shed light on the medical apartheid of the 1930s and 1940s that occurred in America. The play focused around the lives of four patients in an experiment titled "The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male". The participants were unknowingly given shots of syphilis and were not given proper treatment. Instead the researchers observed as the men's bodies began to show signs of deterioration. In order to keep the participants in the study, free food, "medical care", and burial expenses were covered. Miss Evers was used as a tool by the government in order to recruit additional black men. 


Despite the introduction of penicillin, the men in the study were refused treatment. Instead they were awarded certificates by the US government for their participation. In 1972 the story was released to the public and the families of surviving patients. In all a few monetary settlements were given out with an apology by President Clinton later. Overall I believed the play to be informative and well constructed. I truly felt for the men involved in the experiment. As a black male this play makes me suspicious of my next visit to the doctor's office.

Redesigning Education by Glenn Gladney

The lecture given by Ms. Worthy touched upon the current education system and how it affects the black community. The orator shared that improving education comes from the black community accepting the responsibility to teach its children. This is a result of Ms. Worthy witnessing the effects of "Ubuntu" and its guidelines. 


Her main point of discussion was the state of declining test scores of blacks overall. However after witnessing a program established in South Africa, it was clear to her that teaching should be reorganized around African traditional values. This means having an open forum of discussion between students and faculty that is honest. This helps to make everyone accountable for their actions and open to criticism. In addition, it grants each individual the "freedom" to truly express themselves and their views on life.


The presenter also believed that the oppressors of nonwhites should not be be in charge of educating the younger generations. She explained that empowerment comes celebrating African heritage and retaining a sense of ethics. At the institution visited by the lecturer, a set of guidelines called Ubuntu were established that would help students from violent areas to gain a sense of humanity and an appreciation for their culture. This constructive learning style made the students competitive with the local prestigious white schools. 


Also it was stressed that the most important aspect to learning and succeeding in life is ambition. Though many of the students lacked funding and vital resources, many outscored their white counterparts. This speaks to the potential that the oppressed can have when given the opportunity and have a passion to improve their situation. 


I believe in the fundamental truth that a strong desire to improve one's situation mixed with an open mind can open doors that will lead to success in life. Also I was enlightened by the fact that the orator believed that education should not be allowed in the hands our oppressors. I believe "culturally relevant teaching" is vital to empowering our community. Guidelines such as "Ubuntu" gives structure to students and allow people to form a complete identity that is healthy and progressive.

Teaching for us

This weeks lecture presented another way of teaching African American students. I never though about an African centered school before Ms.Worthy came to speak to us this week. I could relate to some things she was saying. one interesting point of the lecture was the amount of schools she has taught at and her accomplishments while teaching. her being teacher of the year at every school she has ever taught at shows how effective her teaching technique is. I also found it interesting that she never considered teaching until she was required to become a teacher's assistant and ended up loving it and changing her path. As a student i understand  where the philosophy behind  African centered teaching. having a more personal and student centered environment really allows the child to open up and learn without being scared about what other students think. The African Axiology which says the #1 Value is relationships can be applied to any kind of situation.  My third key point is the definition of freedom. I think freedom means different things to different to different people. But Ms.Worthy summed it up perfectly: Humanity. To be free to be a human and everything else after is freedom. being free to do what you desire and not have to explain yourself to anybody else is the best feeling you could have,

Miss Evers' Boys

Before i saw this play, i wasn't sure about all the details surrounding the Tuskegee experiment. It was extremely hurt full to learn about the injustice that these men went through. Throughout history we always heard about black men being lynched or falsely convicted of crimes, but this is one story that shows the lack of respect and utter disgust white people had for us. The actors did a great job conveying the story of what went on as well as Nurse Evers' story. One of the most sickening  aspects of this story was how long it went on for. It lasted 40 years until an investigation was initiated. The doctors doing the experiment wanted the men to die so they could do research on them. Nurse Evers' was very reassuring. Her character added hope to the story even when you though the story couldn't get any sadder. This play was a breath of fresh air from what we have been learning in freshman seminar. As sad as the situation was, it was nice to see and learn about something that happen right here in our backyard.

Paying Tribute to Those Before Us

Visiting the African Burial site was very inspirational and meaningful to me. It still shocks me to know that all those bodies could be found on those grounds. Being on site made me realize how important it is to pay respects and understand the depth beyond what we thought was just typical land. I found it refreshing to see that it was more than just African Americans coming to visit the burial grounds. It shows that we can be united as people and see past racial boundaries to give dues to those who deserve them. I was moved as we began the tributes when Dr. Carr gave life to our ancestors and all those who had come before us. This trip was so enlightening and I found the vibe and everything we witnessed and heard to be eye opening. The thought of people trying to dig up those bodies and just build right over that site is horrible and shows such a high level of disrespect.

The video we watched in the visitor’s center was very informative and displayed just how it was to be living back in the days of injustice.  The work the African Americans had to do in a daily basis was crazy and seemed impossible. If anyone these days were ever told they had to exert that much strength and energy everyday they would look at you like you were crazy. The amount of mental and physical strength required to fulfill these obligations was truly enormous. I am so thankful for the life we are able to live today thanks to those who were willing to fight for our rights. We truly have come a long way…but we have so much more to accomplish still.

Tell Me About Myself.

One key point in this week's lecture was culturally relevant teaching. As a psychology major and student, i appreciate this concept or practice. When all a teacher throws out are facts that a student can not relate to, the information gets lost and students become bored easily. Culturally relevant teaching includes means getting a student motivated to learn by teaching them about their past.The way the information is presented makes a difference.Another key point was that Africa is the birthplace of humanity. Many people still try to refure this fact but there is no getting around it. I remember the slide about the slave trade. The way Africans were packed on ships, as if they were less than animals, makes me sick. The way that people were forced to survive on the ships was horrific.We were brought here as if we owed somebodya debt. A third point of the lecture was the reality of Apartheid in South Africa. The thing that stands out most about this is the time period. I wasborn in the early 90's while people were fighting for their freedoms and their lives. This was not a very long time ago.

Ms.Ever's Boys

I had honestly never heard of the play, Ms.Ever's Boys, before I saw the posters around Howard's campus. I did not even understand why there was a nurse's hat on the flyer. I did not want to go to the show but I knew it was required. Not long after Wednesday's performance were students talking about how well the actors did and know I understand why. The Tuskegee experiment ended about forty years ago but the facts remain the same. One thing I enjoyed about the play is that it was not told from a patient's perspective. It was told from Eunice's perspective who had a conflict. I also liked that the playremained factual. Overall I was not dissapointed. I do not like reading plays but I always enjoy watching them because you get a sense that you are a part of the storyline.Its refreshing to have seen this talent at Howard and to know that these were my fellow classmates.

Legacy

In order for me to be the best and brightest of Howard I first have to understand what that means. Many intellectuals came to Howard and now their accomplishments are my legacy. I need to live up to my potential by devoting the better part of my time to my studies without isolating myself from the HU community. I will get involved around campus.

To be a citizen of the worlds means to recognize that I am a part of something much bigger than myself. Everything that I do and every action that I take will affect those around me and so forth. Even as individuals, our decisions cause us to leave footprints in our communities which in turn affect the world.

Heirs to Greatness by Glenn Gladney

At the lecture presented by Dr. Thornton, he stressed the need for the young people to become more actively involved in the issues that plague society. Furthermore, the speaker said that blacks at today's universities should be held responsible to listen and voice their opinion in order to represent the black community. As a Howard University student it is my responsibility to be strive for excellence in my studies. In addition I must become "the best and brightest" by making myself mentally aware and knowledgeable on social issues that concern the global community. This also means to challenge my professors, politicians, and the news media. 

The orator further expanded on his lecture as he mentioned how the global community is need of strong "citizens". By his definition, Dr. Thornton believed that citizens of the world continuously push for the expansion of human rights. This differs for each individual that may view certain rights as more significant than others. For example, the speaker personally felt that universal healthcare was a basic human right that should be guaranteed. 

A representative thinker of Howard that fits this description is Thurgood Marshall. His accomplishments within the judicial system paved the way for blacks seeking success. His push for the passage of the 14th Amendment was vital in securing his beliefs on basic human rights. His hard work and perseverance inspires me to press forward in my pursuit of academics. I feel that academics serve as the tool for me personally securing my beliefs on basic human rights.

"You are the future"

Dr.Thornton's lecture this week was extremely passionate and inspirational. As apart of the class of 2015 , I know that I knew that coming to Howard I was becoming apart of history. Iconic people such as Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston and Donny Hathaway have all gone on to be the best people they could be in their field.  Going to college was the first step in becoming  a success abut it doesn't end here. Graduating and furthering my education even more will define my future and the legacy that I leave behind when I leave Howard. Dr.Thornton's speech made me think about the rights that we have as a citizen and what they really mean. although being born in this country makes you a citizen on paper, the color of our skin and the size of our pockets determines our rights. The ongoing racism and prejudice against African Americans in America has does not reflect the rights that were supposedly given to us as a birth right. Being a citizen in this country SHOULD mean health care for everybody, free education, and more assistance and job help for those less fortunate. What it should mean and what it does mean are two different things. What being a citizen does mean is if your rich you have health care and if your poor you don't. if you cant pay for college out of your pocket. then take out loans and go into debt before you can drink. out of all the Howard alumni, the person that is the biggest inspiration to me is Zora Neale Hurston. Not only is she from my state, but her literature has always been inspirational to me. she writes with such confidence that it comes through the paper. although i am a biology major, she really inspires me to be a better writer. overall Dr.Thornton's lecture had an impact on the way I carry myself here at Howard.

Raising the Bar

Dr. Alvin Thornton gave a very energetic and passionate presentation this week. He clearly felt very strongly about the political discourse occurring; to the point where I felt as though I were in church listening to my Pastor speaking about God. He opened my eyes to the many valid points he made about how we should succeed in school and fulfill our rights to an education to the best of our abilities. In order for me to ensure I become part of the “best and brightest” at Howard I will study an ample amount of time each night, not allow myself to be distracted by obstacles in my degree path, and keep an open relationship with those willing to help and further inspire me. As many have done in the past; I hope to move on from Howard and become very successful in my career path. We have been blessed with the opportunity to attend this school and it would be so sad to let it all go to waste and just throw it away. We need to take advantage off all of every chance we receive.

The rights we are born with, written in our constitution, freedom of speech, religion, etc., are just a few of many things that define us as citizens if the world. Throughout the world people are struggling with their own political, economic, and social issues. I believe that making an effort to help not only those in the U.S. but in the entire world is a primary component of being a world citizen. We must all work together to better the lives of those in which we share a major common theme, human beings. We are all united in that sense and belong to the world, in turn making us citizens closer than we think. In order to help other countries though; we must first get our own nation in order. Once our nation is united and making an effort to work together as citizens we can then help to inform other countries and people on how to achieve goals.

 Howard alumni that have gone on to become very successful such as, Thurgood Marshall, Terrance Howard, Phylicia Rashad, and Toni Morrison are all inspirational. Seeing how far they have made it, beginning as just normal people, shows me that it is positive for anyone to achieve what they dream as long as they work for it. I love going to a school known for producing notable people later in life.

"Be The Best You Can Be"

I enjoyed Dr. Thorton's lecture, even though I felt he yelled at us a little too much, lol he said some very inspirational things and made some valid points. Attending all my classes, and doing all my work are some of things everyone can do to be apart of the "best and brightest" of Howard, but making a name for yourself and being remembered is how you really leave your mark. Being apart of the Fine Arts department, I believe I can be remembered through the work that I bring to the stage, which is one of the best ways to be remembered. Everyone loves entertainment. Doctor Thorton said "be the voice for your people". This is how you can become a citizen of your society, be the voice that no one else has, say things that haven't been heard, and make a change for the better. Dr. Thorton also said "Be the best you can be. Be better than other perceive you to be". This is how you become the bets person you can be, by standing out and making a change. A quote that I really liked that Dr. Thorton said is, "you are only an extension of what you own". This is very true, what you "own" doesn't make you a better person, its what you "do" that does. Overall this lecture has taught me to become a better person of my society, and in my case, my school. It taught me to become a better person and work towards my future.