Howard University's annual Convocation ceremony will be held Friday Sept. 23 at 11a.m. in Cramton Auditorium. This year's selected speaker is Dr. Michael L. Lomax.
Dr. Lomax, President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Negro College Fund, has been selected as this year's convocation speaker. Before becoming UNCF President, Lomax was President of Dillard University as well as a literature professor at Morehouse College and Spelman College.
Convocation is a formal welcoming ceremony, marking the beginning of the new semester. Every year, the chosen speaker receives mixed reviews from student and this year's ceremony is no different. Senior African American studies major, Joseph Reaves, will not be attending convocation this year. " I'm not surprised about this year's speaker. It fits right in with the image that the powers that be at Howard want portray, the black bourgeoisie. Convocation isn't about us as students," Reaves said.
Other students are thrilled to have Dr. Lomax as a guest on Friday. "Having Dr. Lomax as the convocation speaker was a fantastic choice in my opinion. His continuous support of HBCUs helps keep our institutions relevant in today's society. I will definitely be in attendance on Friday", said Morgan Floyd, junior chemistry major.
According to the United Negro College Fund website, Dr. Michael Lomax has worked to provide educational opportunities for underrepresented Americans. As the President of the UNCF, Lomax is responsible for 400 scholarship programs including the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Dr. Lomax serves on the boards of the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of African American History and Culture and the Studio Museum of Harlem.
All classes between 10a.m. and 1p.m. are suspended.
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