Howard Dormitories Serve As Reminders of Continued Excellence

Students are immersed in African-American culture the minute they arrive to Howard University. As parents drop students off on various parts of campus, the large brick dormitories that students will soon call home are named after leaders in the African-American community. While living there, students are constantly reminded of the many accomplishments of these individuals as their photos and legacies are framed and placed upon the walls. It certainly gives a deeper meaning to the idea of community, collectivism, and social awareness. Residents of these dormitories are given a constant image of what excellence looks like and stellar roll models to emulate in the future.

Charles R. Drew (Drew Hall)

Known best for his work in improving methods for blood storage and transfusions, Charles R. Drew was a leading African-American physician in the 20th century. His research and expertise in blood were groundbreaking and heavily used in World War II. An advocate for civil rights, Drew disputed the racist stigmas associated with blood donation as it was never scientifically proven.

Harriet Tubman (Tubman Quadrangle)

Referred to as Moses for her heroic efforts, Harriet Tubman is responsible for leading more than 300 African-American slaves out of bondage during the 19th century. Though she endured peril to and from the South, Tubman persistently made the trips in order to lead her people to a free life. Tubman was also part of the American Civil War and was given the task of heading the Combahee River Raid that freed more than 700 slaves.

George W. Cook (Cook Hall)

Born into slavery, George W. Cook defied many odds and pursued higher education. He attended Howard University and received a bachelor of arts degree in 1881. He served in several capacities up to his graduation at Howard. He was a tutor, professor, dean, and business manager at the University.

Lucy Diggs Slowe (Slowe Hall)

Winner of the National Tennis Association's first ever tournament, Lucy Diggs Slowe was a pioneer of many sorts. She was one of the original founders of the first African-American sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1908. She also served Howard University up to her graduation. She began as the first dean of women at Howard and eventually became a college administrator for the University.

George Washington Carver (Carver Hall)

Known worldwide for his research, George Washington Carver was responsible created innovative means for utilizing crops. He placed great emphasis on peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes because they proved to be more lucrative and healthier for both the consumer and those who sold them. Carver is remembered most for the peanut; he created a bulletin that contained over 100 uses for the peanut in recipes.

Benjamin Elijah Mays (Mays Hall- School of Divinity)

Remembered greatly for his work with the black church and educational systems, Benjamin Elijah Mays held many roles nationwide to benefit the community. Mays served in professorships at both Morehouse College and South Carolina State University. He was also the president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., president of the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education, and the dean of Howard's School of Religion, now the School of Divinity, from 1934-1940.

Mary McLeod Bethune (Bethune Annex)

Born into slavery, Mary McLeod Bethune took great interest in her education from a young age. Her initial ambitions included becoming a missionary in Africa; however, several factors prevented that from happening. She instead began a school for African-American girls in Daytona Beach, Fl. that would eventually merge with a school for African-American boys. This institution later became Bethune-Cookman University. Bethune also served as a black cabinet member of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, expressing the concerns of the African-American community.