Dr. Benjamin's lecture about The Eloquence of the Scribes: Initiation, Expectation, and Mastery - Continuing the Legacy of Howard University was very interesting. She descriptively described some of the founders of Howard and explained the significance of each building and who they are named after which has always intrigued me. I was so excited to hear how many influential leaders both black and white either came from Howard or who's legacy continues within Howard. I felt so proud to be a part of legacy that embodies Howard University and hope to one day fulfill all my predecessors legacies and spawn a legacy of my own.
The first person Dr. Benjamin talked about was General Howard, the founder and namesake of Howard University. I always knew that the founder of Howard University was white but I never thought deeply about the impact of General Howard's actions. He bravely allowed blacks to enter one of the first integrated universities in the post-Civil War era. Despite prejudices, General Howard still founded a school that all could enter regardless of their skin color. Another person who helped inspire scholarship among blacks was Prudence Crandall, a white woman who opened a boarding school specifically for black girls. Unfortunately due to local aversion to Crandall's school, she was forced to shut the school down but as Dr. Benjamin stated in the beginning of her lecture, Crandall's legacy lives on. So frequently we focus on the blacks who helped African-Americans gain rights and privileges that we sometimes overlook the crucial white and non-black people who also made crucial strides in African-American freedom from prejudice.
Since I mentioned Prudence Crandall, I can't forget about the other air conditioned hall in the quad which is Truth Hall named after Sojourner Truth. As a resident of Truth Hall, 3rd floor, I was especially interested in the story of Sojourner Truth who lead thousands of slaves to freedom. Sojourner Truth, who's name was originally Isabella Baumfree, was a true hero because she risked public death to save others from slavery. She was not about recognition or fame but simply wanted others to know what is was like to truly be free of slavery's oppression. I'm now even more proud to stay in Truth Hall.
Dr. Benjamin also talked about how much history lies within Howard University. Not only have great and influential people such as Lulu Childers, Charles Drew and Tony Morrison been a part of Howard's rich legacy but also historical information lies within our own libraries. Dr. Benjamin told us how Founder's Library holds many historical books and a lot of documentation about black history both domestic and abroad. I've never been so interested in learning about Howard's history, especially now that I can appreciate the significance of our school as a keeper and crucial element of such a rich legacy. HU, YOU KNOW!
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