By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s commencement addresses to both Howard University (HU) and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) on May 9 seemed like a page out of a Charles Dickens classic: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
That’s because while she shared words of advice with the graduates, she was subjected to boisterous and alternating cheers and jeers. Some students stood and chanted, “Free DC,” while others turned their backs to the mayor in silent opposition. Still others stood and applauded her contributions to the city some call their home.
Bowser maintained her composure and addressed the graduates at Howard University directly.
Credit: AFRO Photo / D. Kevin McNeir
“About a month before his death, Mayor Marion Barry told me that I’d better become comfortable with being misunderstood,” Bowser said. “Because as mayor, I would be responsible for the lives of 700,000 men, women and children. I’ve never forgotten those words.
“He also advised that I follow him along the path of courage, deliberately and strategically choosing to face significant risks with clear objectives in mind.”
Bowser continued by sharing some of the lessons she said she’s learned in her long and storied career in local politics.
“The world will underestimate you, so use that to your advantage,” she said. “Be in rooms where no one expects you – whether among the elite or in the street. And whenever you move to a new city and want to meet the movers and shakers, join a political campaign.”
“As for advancing your chosen career,” she continued, “two things have worked well for me: when a window opens, go through it; and every day, before you go out into the world, make a plan that will secure a win for that day.”
Credit: AFRO Photo / D. Kevin McNeir
At times during her remarks, both at HU’s 158th commencement convocation on the morning of May 9 on The Yard, and at UDC’s 49th commencement ceremony later that day at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the mood of both events alternated between a regal graduation service and a raucous rally at a football game.
Still, Bowser persevered.
“We are all graduating today – you from the Hilltop and me from City Hall,” she said. “We’ve worked hard but now it’s time to pass the baton, knowing that our work is not finished. To you, the graduates, remember now it’s your turn. And the world better get ready.”
HU Interim President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, who returned to the helm following the resignation of the 18th president, Ben Vinson III, in September 2025, said he remembered many of the graduates who were entering Howard University as he was transitioning out several years ago.
“We are all graduating today — you from the Hilltop and me from City Hall. We’ve worked hard but now it’s time to pass the baton, knowing that our work is not finished.” — D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser
“I remember many of you, like Joshua Taylor, a bachelor’s of business administration candidate, who was chosen to give the student’s welcome today,” Frederick said. “And I’m proud of him and so many others who have grown.”
The university leader offered some statistics about the graduating class: 900 graduates are from the DMV (D.C, Maryland and Virginia), 72 percent are women, 17 percent are first-generation college grads, 13 graduates are 19 years old, and two graduates are 71 years old.
“Now, you have inherited a legacy which you must help to advance,” Frederick said to the graduates. “Despite this time of great adversity, I have hope because I’m convinced that you are the solution to all we face today.”
Taylor, in his remarks, paraphrased the lyrics of a Marvin Sapp gospel favorite: “We’re stronger, we’re wiser, we’re better, much better.”
“Of all the things I’ve learned during my four years at Howard University, what stands out most is that we should never be willing to watch from the sidelines. We belong,” he said.
Credit: AFRO Photo / D. Kevin McNeir
But for Kiara Monteiro, 21, from the Bronx, N.Y., becoming the first in her immediate family to graduate from college left her momentarily speechless.
“Standing here with my parents, I first have to admit that it’s been a long, hard four years,” Monteiro said. “Sometimes, I doubted myself and even thought about giving up. But being here at Howard University, where I’ve been exposed to the wisdom and lived experiences of men and women who represent multiple generations of Black excellence, has shown me that I have what it takes to accomplish my goals and realize my dreams.
“So, yes, the world had better look out. Because here I come.”
