Howard University, a renowned Historically Black College or University (HBCU), boasts a rich history steeped in resilience, leadership, and progress. Founded in 1867 in Washington, D.C., the university emerged as a symbol of Black excellence and educational empowerment, providing education to freed African-Americans in the aftermath of the Civil War. Named after General Oliver Otis Howard, a Civil War hero and commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau, Howard University has left an indelible mark on American society.
Initially established as a seminary for Black ministers, Howard evolved into a comprehensive institution offering diverse academic disciplines, including medicine, law, and the arts. Its law school, established in 1869, played a pivotal role in shaping legal minds, including Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court Justice of the US.
Howard’s legacy is deeply rooted in its alumni, who have broken racial barriers across various fields. The university’s status as “The Mecca” reflects its role as a cultural and intellectual hub for Black students worldwide. It is a symbol of hope, representing resilience, leadership, and progress in the face of historical challenges.
A Legacy of Significant Firsts
Howard University stands as a testament to the power of education and the pursuit of equality. The university has been the source of numerous historic firsts, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the career paths of its students and leaving a lasting impact on American society.
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First Black Law School at an HBCU (1869):
Howard University established the first law school at an Historically Black College or University (HBCU), becoming a hub for training African-American legal professionals.*
First All-Black College Army ROTC (1918):
Howard University was the first Black university to have an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. The objective was to provide Black military personnel with opportunities beyond infantry roles. Since its founding, the Howard Army ROTC has commissioned over 1,000 officers, many of whom have achieved the rank of general.*
First African-American Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (1950):
Ralph Bunche, a Howard alumnus, became the first African-American to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation in the Arab-Israeli conflict.*
First African-American Supreme Court Justice (1967):
Howard Law alumnus Thurgood Marshall became the first African-American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, making significant contributions to civil rights, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.*
First Black U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (1966):
Robert C. Weaver, a Howard graduate, became the first African-American to serve as a U.S. Cabinet member when he was appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.*
First Black-Owned Commercial Radio Station (1971):
Howard University launched WHUR, the first commercial radio station owned and operated by an African-American university.*
First Black Vice President of the World Bank (1979):
Ernest J. Wilson III, a Howard alumnus, became the first African-American to hold the position of Vice President at the World Bank.*
First Black Female Senator (1992):
Carol Moseley Braun, a Howard law graduate, became the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate.*
First African-American Nobel Laureate in Literature (1993):
Toni Morrison, a Howard graduate, became the first African-American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.*
First African-American Woman U.S. Vice President (2021):
Howard alumna Kamala Harris made history as the first Black woman to become Vice President of the United States.Howard University has played a crucial role in fostering the development of Black leaders and professionals across diverse fields. The university’s history is one of triumph over adversity, and it continues to serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of education.
