A8 The Afro-American March 14, 2026 - March 20, 2026
Howard University honors distinguished alumni at Charter Day Dinner By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO On March 7, Howard University celebrated its 159th Charter Day Dinner. Phylicia Rashad, dean emerita of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts and celebrity actress, served as the mistress of ceremonies for the 2026 Charter Day Dinner. Rashad was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Achievement at the Dinner.
Various distinguished alumni, including Jelani Cobb, Herbert B. Dixon Jr., Kamilah Forbes and James K. Fortson, MD were awarded for their outstanding contributions. The celebration also featured celebrity artist Chante Moore and the Howard University Gospel Choir. Howard University alumni, faculty, staff, the Howard community and students all came out to join the celebration. All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Phylicia Rashad, a magna cum laude scholar of Howard University’s Class of 1970, is dean emerita of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. Rashad served as the 2026 Charter Day Dinner mistress of ceremonies. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Achievement.
Shown here, members of the Alpha Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at the 2026 Charter Day Dinner: Howard University Dean Rev. Dr. Bernard Richardson of Andrew Ranking Memorial Chapel (left); Dr. Nelson Adams; Chauncey Manson III; Duane Brown; Dr. James Fortson and Anthony Holder.
Members of the Class of 2005 present a check of more than $300,000 to their beloved Howard University. Shown here, Co-chairs Conrad Woody (left), Ravi Windom, Freda Henry Wells, Chairman Steve D. Mobley Jr. and interim Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick.
Shown here, Niya Wutoh (left), Nadya Wutoh, Howard University Provost Anthony Wutoh and his wife, Dr. Rita Wutoh.
Guericke “Chris” Royal (left), Howard University faculty senate chair and associate professor, fellowships with Donald B. Christian, former leader of James K. Fortson, MD, prepares to receive PwC U.S. East Region Advisory, who the Howard University Alumni Award in the served as the 2026 Charter Day keynote field of medicine. speaker.
Dr. Eleanor W. Traylor (left), former professor of English at Howard University, shares a moment with Dr. Dana A. Williams, dean of the historically Black institution’s Graduate School.
Members of the Howard University Gospel Choir perform live at the Charter Day Dinner.
Celebrity artist Chante Moore performs for the crowd.
Hamid Jalloh (left), the 49th Mister Howard University, arrives with Eden Boles, the 87th Miss Howard University at the Charter Day Dinner.
To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com
B4 The Afro-American March 14, 2026 - March 20, 2026
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott addresses those present for 40th District Night in Annapolis.
Leaders, residents of 40th District meet in Annapolis By AFRO Staff District leaders across the state are meeting in Annapolis, Md., on their respective nights for an evening of discussion and fellowship with Gov. Wes Moore and members of his administration. On March 2, constituents and leaders of District 40 came together. The 40th District is currently represented in the state legislature by Sen. Antonio L. Hayes (D), Del. Marlon D. Amprey (D), Del. Frank M. Conaway Jr. (D) and Del. Melissa R. Wells (D). Steven Messner is challenging Hayes for the 40th District state senate seat, and Dianté Edwards, Anderson Jean, Kevin Legacy, Crystal Jackson Parker and Tiffany Welch are all challenging the incumbents and seeking votes to represent the district as state representatives in the 2026 election. The district represents a large swath of West Baltimore where 126,162 residents live, more than 80,000 of them Black. The primary election will take place on June 23, with the general election on Nov. 3. All photos courtesy of the Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen
Rep. Melissa Wells (D-District 40) enjoys the evening set aside for District 40 residents to meet and greet the leaders that represent them in the state legislature.
Harriet Lipscomb receives recognition from the Maryland General Assembly for service to Baltimore and the state of Maryland for more than a decade. Shown here, Lipscomb with Gov. Wes Moore.
Above, Baltimore City Public School’s Jared Perry, a music teacher at Booker T. Washington Middle School for the Arts, leads a performance by local youth.
Left, the 40th District’s State Sen. Antonio Hayes speaks to constituents and leaders in the room with his daughter, Amaryllis, in his arms.
To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com