Hundreds of Howard University students walked out of classes on Jan. 30, 2026, marching to the White House to protest what they called the violent and inhumane actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Organizers said the youth-led demonstration, joined by students from other campuses, was meant to defend immigrant communities and demand protection of civil rights.
Tag: Howard University
Posted inNEWS
10 films selected for inaugural HBCU Week NOW Film Festival
Ten award-winning short films by students and recent graduates of historically Black colleges and universities will premiere Jan. 27 as part of the inaugural HBCU Week NOW Student Film Festival. The selected films, representing multiple genres and institutions, will stream on the HBCU Week NOW YouTube channel, with each winning project receiving a $5,000 award.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Doing the work: How the Black men of 100 Fathers Inc. are leading the next generation to greatness
For the second year in a row, the men of 100 Fathers Inc. are doing the work of positively influencing young Black boys at Friendship Collegiate Academy. Community mentors emphasize fatherhood, trust and accountability as tools to help Black boys navigate social pressures and avoid risky behaviors, such as vaping and smoking.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Kenyan McDuffie leaves D.C. Council after 13 years, says ‘the work is not finished’
Kenyan R. McDuffie resigned from the D.C. Council after 13 years of service, during which he championed policies that enhanced economic security, public safety, and affordable housing, and expressed interest in running for mayor in the future.
Posted inWord In Black
Richard Smallwood: ‘I’m looking forward to singing with you in heaven’
The death of Richard Smallwood, the legendary gospel composer and musician whose work reshaped Black church worship, on Dec. 30 at age 77, has prompted tributes across congregations and the music world. Best known for “Total Praise” and other modern hymns, Smallwood blended classical training with gospel tradition, leaving a lasting spiritual and musical legacy that continues to resonate across denominations and generations.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Gospel giant Richard Smallwood, composer of timeless hits, has died at 77
Richard Smallwood, the eight-time Grammy-nominated, classically trained gospel composer and recording artist whose work reshaped contemporary gospel music, died Dec. 30 at age 77 from complications of kidney failure. Over a five-decade career, Smallwood blended classical, pop and gospel traditions, creating enduring songs like “Total Praise,” “I Love the Lord” and “Center of My Joy,” while influencing generations of artists across gospel, R&B and popular music.
Posted inReligion
A new generation of Black church leaders steps into power
Kevin Lamár Peterman, 32, has been installed as pastor of Washington, D.C.’s historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, signaling a broader rise of young Black clergy leading major congregations rooted in social justice. His installation reflects a national shift as millennial pastors take the reins of historic churches and adapt their ministries to a digital, turbulent era.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
2025 Homecoming Howard University
Howard University held their homecoming activities from October 19-26, 2025, with the HU Bison defeating the Morgan State Bears 33-27 in the football game, and the weekend filled with unity and pride.
Posted inHBCU
Howard alumni and students celebrate 101st homecoming
Howard University’s 101st homecoming weekend, themed “One of One,” brought thousands of alumni, students, and visitors to Washington, D.C., for a celebration of legacy, culture, and excellence. The festivities included Yardfest, FamFest, and the homecoming football game, where the Bison defeated Morgan State 33-27 in overtime. Despite the jubilant atmosphere, the weekend was overshadowed by a shooting incident that left five people injured.
Posted inHBCU
Funding shift boosts HBCUs but cuts support for other minority-serving colleges like the University of Baltimore
The U.S. Department of Education is reallocating nearly $500 million in funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges, while cutting $350 million from Predominantly Black and Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The move has sparked backlash from university leaders and lawmakers who say it pits minority-serving institutions against one another and threatens critical student support programs.
Posted inHBCU
‘One of One’: Howard’s 101st homecoming promises joy, tradition and big names on the ‘Yard’
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Howard University will be celebrating its 101st homecoming this year, under the theme “One of One” from Oct. 19-26, to celebrate its community. The university’s tradition started in 1924, making it one of the earliest HBCUs to establish a homecoming, a point of pride for the university. Princess Gamble, the […]
Posted inBooks
Kamala Harris draws sold-out D.C. crowds on book tour, urges Democrats to stay in the fight
Former Vice President Kamala Harris drew sold-out crowds at Washington, D.C.’s Warner Theatre on Oct. 9 to discuss her new book, “107 Days,” reflecting on her 2024 presidential campaign and America’s political challenges. In candid remarks, she urged Democrats to stay engaged and united as the fight for democracy continues.