One Year Later: A Look Back on the #Blackburn Takeover By: Afia Barrie
On October 12, 2021, a group of Howard University students conducted a “takeover” of the Armour J. Blackburn University Center. As Homecoming 2022–the first anniversary of the Blackburn Takeover— approaches, 101 Mag looks back at this significant moment in the Mecca’s history. In the fall of 2021, Bison were back on campus and facing many problems. The first week of September saw the campus facing a cyber attack. Dorms were reported without utilities, while some students reported mold, mildew, and pest infestations.
Senior Ota Ehue recalls where he was when the protests started. “I probably found out in Towers. I saw it on Twitter. Then walking through and seeing [the tents]. When they closed down Jazzman’s I was like oh, they’re really protesting out here.” Some students were spurred to participate because they were directly impacted by the issues. Bethann [whose last name has been withheld at request] said, “Our floor had a lot of mold and had a lot of issues with getting it fixed so that was the turning point. Oct. 15 was the first time I stayed overnight. My roommate supported me and brought me anything I needed,” the sophomore stated.
After a town hall meeting with the Howard University Student Association which the administration was invited but did not attend, tensions bubbled over into what was dubbed the Blackburn Takeover. Student protestors brought air mattresses, sleeping bags, and tents to prepare for a sit-in. Blackburn was occupied for 34 days.
A protestor speaks to students. Photo cred: @foreverambre on Twitter