Opening Convocation

Opening convocation was definitely an experience to behold. This was my first time going to convocation, and I didn't really know what to expect. I was moved by Dr. Lomax's speech; he talked about how we are the future, and that He also hit on several points, stressing on the fact that we as a university have to come together to work as a cohesive unit in order to continue to succeed. We hold a responsibility to our community, our legacy, and those to come later to be the best university that we can be.

Dr. Lomax also touched on the importance of HBCUs as a whole, and what they mean to our community. HBCUs need to be preserved; they provide outstanding institutions for us to be educated, not only in the conventional sense, but about our own history. Howard University as well as other HBCUs aren't just learning institutions, but launchpads for us as african-americans to strive and thrive in the world that we live in. HBCUs not only stress advancement, they also stress giving back and paying homage to those that came before us.

Dr. Lomax's message motivated me to look at my tenure at Howard University as an honor and a privilege, something that shouldn't be taken for granted. I also left the auditorium feeling that I owe it to myself, to Howard, and my community to strive for excellence, and to reach a hand back to those coming behind me to help them better themselves.