Within these walls lie the philosophy department, the English department and the foreign language departments. Within these walls lies a piece of the rich history of Howard University.
The College of Arts and Sciences building, which is named in honor of philosopher and author Alain Locke, was erected in 1964. The building is named after a man whose contributions to the Howard University legacy extend beyond the Capstone.
Alain LeRoy Locke began his journey at Howard in 1912 as an assistant professor of English and philosophy, eventually attaining the position of the head of the Department of Philosophy until his retirement in 1953.
Locke is noted for his significant contribution to the curriculum of the College of Arts and Sciences, formerly known as the College of Liberal Arts. As a tenured professor, Locke advanced the study of philosophy at Howard into two parts: an independent discipline and a collaborator with the social sciences.
When students in the College of Arts and Sciences walk through the corridors of Locke Hall, they follow in the footsteps of the originator of the Harlem Renaissance.
Locke's ultimate goal, in regard to the Harlem Renaissance, was to promote Black art and culture. Through his philosophic studies and views of values and valuation, cultural pluralism, and race relations, he achieved this feat.
In addition to his contributions to the fields of philosophy, visual arts and literature, Locke was directly involved with theatre during the Harlem Renaissance and during his time at Howard. He contributed to one of the earliest theatre groups among Blacks, the Howard Players, which is still an active organization on Howard's campus.
Although Locke has long departed from the campus of Howard, his legacy continues to shine through present and future generations of Howard students.
