Afro Lifestyle 05-24-2024

Howard University students celebrate commencement in nation’s capital

By Ama Brown AFRO Editorial Assistant

Howard University’s (HU) commencement ceremony took place May 11 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

The venue was filled to the brim with the largest graduating class in the history of HU, with more than 2,500 degrees conferred. Many of this year’s graduates were high school seniors who missed their graduation day due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began March 2020. The building overflowed with people wanting to show up for their graduates in person. In addition to this year’s graduating seniors, graduates from the class of 1974 were present to celebrate 50 years as Bison Blue Alum.

President Ben Vison III led his first commencement since taking on the 18th presidency of the historically Black institution from Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, who served the university on an interim basis in 2013 before officially stepping into the role of president in 2014.

The keynote address, delivered by Thasunda Duckett, president and CEO of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA). She spoke to them about having courage and told the group that courage is the way forward through all that life will bring you. Her honorary degree was given alongside those of J. Willard Marriott Jr., of Marriott Hospitality, Attorney Fred David Gray and astronaut Victor Jerome Glover.

Honorary degree recipient Attorney Fred David Gray enjoys the pomp and circumstance of the 2024 HU commencement ceremony.

The Chadwick Boseman School of Fine Arts provides a fond reminder of the “King of Wakanda,” who passed in 2020.

Thasunda Duckett delivers a keynote address for the Howard University class of 2024.

Personalized caps dot the crowd of scholars.

Ben Vinson III attends his first graduation ceremony as president of Howard University.

The class of 1974 celebrates their 50-year anniversary.

Students of the largest graduating class of Howard University in its history gather on May 11.

Howard University officals begin their commencement ceremony, held inside of the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Photos by Stephen Hopkins

Morgan State University holds Spring 2024 Commencement Exercises

By Ama Brown AFRO Editorial Assistant

Morgan State University (MSU) held Spring 2024 Commencement Exercises May 16 and 18 at Hughes Memorial Stadium, located on the historically Black institution’s Northeast Baltimore campus. Scholars of all different ethnicities and religious and cultural backgrounds convened with family, friends and university leadership to celebrate their accomplishments. Not even the steady downpour of rain could dampen the spirits gathered to recognize the Black excellence on display.

The keynote address was given by Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, current chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. Jonah spoke with graduates about the future they are tasked with, such as the rise of artificial intelligence and the changes that the advanced technology will bring. Esson was given an honorary doctorate along with Valerie LaVerne Thomas, Ed.D., one of the many Black women who worked at NASA in the 1960s and 1970s. Thomas graduated from MSU in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in physics, making the 2024 recognition a full circle moment.

The Morgan State University Class of 1974 celebrates their 50th anniversary.

Valerie LaVerne Thomas, Ed. D. (left) and President David K. Wilson, Ed.D, on the commencement stage.

Keynote speaker Sir Samuel Esson Jonah (middle), chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, is given an honorary doctorate by Morgan State University President David K. Wilson (left), Ed.D. and the Honorable Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07).

Greetings are offered by U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07), chair of the Morgan State University Board of Regents.

Wayne Sewell, a 2024 accounting major, joins the rest of his class on graduation day.

Nursing candidate Brooke Foyles, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, prepares to accept the President’s Second Mile Award for outstanding leadership and participation in student affairs.

Maxine Wise, at 75, is the oldest graduate in the 2024 class.

Members of Morgan State University’s Class of 2024 make their way to the stage, despite the rain.

Jordan Toles, a 2024 graduate of Morgan State University and member of the MSU football team, is currently signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens.

A 2024 scholar prepares to walk across the commencement stage with a message.