Howard Bison take on Tennessee Tigers in centennial homecoming game
By AFRO Staff
Thousands of alumni, students and friends of the historically Black college and university (HBCU) community came together this month for the 100th anniversary of homecoming events at Howard University. With a “Yard of Fame” theme, organizers of the homecoming week, held Oct. 13-20, highlighted the many celebrities, creatives and notable alumni that have called the institution “home.”
The campus came alive with the Greek step show, the homecoming parade and other traditional Black homecoming events. Throughout the week, reunions played out as friends and family came together to reminisce about their time together on the Washington, D.C. campus.
The day of the big homecoming football game arrived on Oct. 19. Thousands packed into William H. Green Memorial Stadium clad in their indigo blue, red and white. The Showtime Marching Band entertained the crowd as Howard and Tennessee State battled it out on the field. While their pride could never be dampened, ultimately, the Howard Bison fell to the Tennessee State Tigers with a final score of 27-14.
AFRO Photos / J. Pamela Stills
Hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh performs at Howard University’s 100th homecoming game against Tennessee State University on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Greene Stadium.
The Howard Bison mascot shares a moment with Lady Bison during the University’s 100th Homecoming vs Tennessee State University on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.
Shyra Smith (right) attends her first HBCU homecoming with her aunt Dr. LaKeshea Smith (left), of the class of 1996. The two pose for a photo after speaking to reps from Blavity at Howard University’s Yardfest on Friday, Oct. 18. Dr. Smith is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Tau Beta Sigma, the national sorority for women in band. During her time on the campus, Dr. Smith marched with the HU Showtime Band.
Barbara Johnson Williams enjoys the Yardfest festivities during the 2024 Howard University homecoming week. Johnson Williams attended graduate school at Howard University from 1963 to 1966.
Nailah Williams (left), a sophomore journalism major, and Ellyssa Elliott (right), a sophomore political science major hang out at Yardfest.
Prentice Brooks makes a nod to his “Black job” at Yardfest. Prentice has a daughter who is a sophomore at the university, majoring in sports medicine.
Thalia Zuniga (left); Mhakayla Haynes-Joseph; Lisa Fabien; Hannah Mcleod (rear, left); Chenel Morgan (rear, right) take time to remind everyone to vote in the upcoming general election on Nov. 5.
Even Tennessee State University fans enjoy the Howard University homecoming events. Shown here, Beverly Daniel (left), Chun Alexander, Terrence Bobo, Jack Daniel, Dominion Jackson and C-Mo.
Tennessee State University alums Rondalyn Chapman (left), Myra Ellis and Ciara Simons come together ahead of the big homecoming game.
Morgan Taylor (left), a Howard University freshman, makes it a family affair with her mom, Dawn Foster Taylor, at the 2024 Howard homecoming game.
Sydney Porter, a member of Howard University’s Class of 2016, pays homage to Howard alum and fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sister, Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity members, Jared Singleton (left), Spencer Thomas, a senior graphic design student at Howard University and Mitchell Linton, PharmD, on the yard. Singleton traveled from South Carolina to attend the 2024 Howard homecoming events.
National Council of Negro Women hosts 61st national convention in Baltimore
By AFRO Staff
The ladies of the National Council of Negro Women held their national convention in Baltimore Oct. 9-13. Day one of the NCNW National Convention included remarks from Dr. A. Lois Keith, chairwoman, and NCNW President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley, who proudly presented the theme of this year’s conference: “Our Voice, Our Power, Together, Our Future.” Day two included plenary sessions, the sisterhood social and a policy and justice workshop focused on how to advocate on the local and state level.
Attendees also learned about how the organization will address issues such as human trafficking, intimate partner violence and genetic kidney disease. On day three, convention attendees were able to attend sessions that focused on topics such as “Digital Advocacy and The Age of Influence” and
information on building generational wealth. Day four featured a town hall and a black tie gala, while the final day boasted a memorial service, immediately followed by the Harambe Service. According to information released by NCNW leadership, “The National Council of Negro Women is an ‘organization of organizations,’” meaning it is “comprised of 300
campus and community-based sections and 32 national women’s organizations” all walking together on a path “that enlightens, inspires and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men.” The organization is one with a mission “to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families and communities.”
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Annual Civil Rights Breakfast honors local leaders of today
By Patricia McDougall
The Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights’ (OECR) recently held their 31st Annual Civil Rights Breakfast at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.
Attendees heard the voices of the Morgan State University Choir and enjoyed remarks from Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott.
Community leaders who have made significant contributions to civil rights were honored at the event, which included the 2024 Impact Awards.
Awardees were Wanda G. Best, executive director of The Upton Planning Committee; Dr. Anthony Jenkins, president of Coppin State University; Jamye Wooten, founder, of the Black philanthropic organization, CLLCTIVLY; Larry Gibson, Esq., University of Maryland law professor and attorney, and Taylor Branch, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
President of the National Urban League Marc Morial addressed the crowd of congressmen, dignitaries and community members in attendance.
OECR works on a daily basis to advance equity in the City of Baltimore. Each year they hold Civil Rights Week, and this year’s
offering did not disappoint. The theme, “From Protest to Progress,” gave way to conversations and training on the American Disabilities Act. In addition, there were a host of panel discussions that covered everything from women who have fought for civil rights to the history of redlining and the struggle for immigrant rights. There was also a resource fair in the historic Upton neighborhood.
Charles Jackson, director of health equity for the Baltimore City Health Department, enjoys the breakfast with Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League and Tershea Rice, interim chief of operations for the National Urban League.
The Morgan State University Choir prepares to deliver a selection as members of the Baltimore City Fire Department present the flags.
Maryland State Delegate Samuel I. “Sandy” Rosenberg (D- Md.- District 41) (left), enjoys a moment at the Annual Civil Rights Breakfast with Baltimore City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter (D-District 10); Jheanelle K. Wilkins, chair of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus; Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott; Maryland Delegate Jackie Addison (D-District 45) and Delegate Malcolm Ruff (D- District 41).
Shown here, at the Civil Rights Breakfast in Baltimore, a few of the 2024 Impact Awards honorees: Dr. Anthony Jenkins (left), president of Coppin State University, Larry Gibson, attorney and University of Maryland law professor, and author Taylor Branch, with their salutes from the mayor of Baltimore City.
Cleveland L. Horton II, executive director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, delivers remarks.
Nathan Fletcher (left), Eric Booker, Marvin Blye and Sidney Evans come together at the 2024 Civil Rights Breakfast.
AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, CEO and co-founder of Skinner Leadership Institute (left), and Janice L. Mathis, Esq., general council for the National Council of Negro Women, attend the opening reception.
Ebony Baylor (left), vice president of policy and strategic alliances for the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, check in for the 61st NCNW National Convention.
The National Council of Negro Women still today works to “lead, advocate for,
empower women of African descent, their families
communities,” the mission
inception more than 85 years ago.
Sandra Kenon (left) and Darlene Ruffin-Alexander
Prominent figures of the National Council of Negro Women include Dr. Dorothy I. Height (left), a former president of 40 years, and founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Shown here, wax figures of the late trailblazers.
Angela Hood (left), prepares for a week of important conversations, networking and social action with fellow NCNW members Shantia Whitfield, Gwendolyn J. Campbell and Manisha Latrice Holiday.
AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall