On This Day in History: The Founding of Howard University
Washington, D.C. – November 20, 1866 – A pivotal meeting at the residence of Deacon Henry Brewer marked the inception of what would become Howard University. Ten members of the First Congregational Society gathered to establish a seminary aimed at training Black clergy, laying the groundwork for an institution that would transform into a vital educational resource for the nearly 4 million freed slaves in the post-Civil War United States.
By 1867, Howard University opened its doors to its first cohort of students, expanding its mission beyond theological training to include the education of Black doctors, teachers, and leaders in various fields. Among its notable contributors was Charles Hamilton Houston, a vice dean at the Howard University School of Law. Houston was instrumental in challenging racial segregation in higher education, mentoring future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Marshall went on to famously argue the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the desegregation of public schools in America.
Howard University has since become a cornerstone of higher education for African Americans, fostering civil rights leaders, professionals, and scholars. Its commitment to social justice and equality continues to resonate as it shapes future generations.
As we reflect on this significant day, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing quest for educational equity and justice in the United States, a mission that began with the foresight of a small group committed to uplifting their community through education.
For further details on the impact of Howard University and its legacy, visit Mississippi Today.
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Photo credit mississippitoday.org
