A Bison in the White House
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P8 COMMUNITY NEWS The Capital News DECEMBER 2020 Volume 39, Issue 31 A Bison in the White House By: Courtney Williams improvements, donations and increasing na- November third kicked off the 2020 presi- tional attention could benefit Howard and the dential election. Though it was anticipated legacy of other HBCUs. A recent donation of that Covid-19 would delay the election re- 1 million dollars from Trustee Jim Murren sults, people all across America and across and his wife Heather Murren will allow How- the world watched their televisions, anxiously ard University to launch a Center for Women, waiting as votes began to trickle in. On No- Gender, and Global Leadership. vember seventh, it was formally announced that former Vice President, Joe Biden and Though improvements will not be made over- Vice President nominee Kamala Harris were night, Brandon Abraham believes Vice Pres- (Photo credit: Howard University Twitter) the winners of the 2020 presidential election. ident Elect Harris’ position may encourage positive changes and secure the future of the For the students of Howard University, Harris’ university. “Some of our peers don’t believe in The moment was historic. Joe Biden received win not only validates their school spirit but the university [with what students have been over 79 million votes according to the Asso- provides a sense of hope that our country is through]. Hopefully this triggers a change in ciated Press; the most votes in election histo- changing for the better. Sophomore, Summer all of us, from the administration to the stu- ry. As for his running mate, Kamala Harris, Brown of Grand Rapids, Michigan says “Ka- dent body as well. Hopefully this makes us she became the first female Vice President, mala Harris gives women, particularly women want better for ourselves and raise the bar,” the first Black Vice President, and the first of color the opportunity to see a representa- says Abraham. Indian-American in high command. The tion of themselves in a position of power.” Biden-Harris victory was also significant to At this moment, there is no way of knowing historically Black colleges/universities (HB- “My initial reaction was of pure excitement exactly what a Biden-Harris presidency will CUs), especially Harris’ alma mater, Howard and pride,” said Brown, “I think that it’s going look like. At the end of day, politicians are University. to have a giant impact for literally the rest of just people and like everyone else, they are history to come. She is the first Black wom- not perfect. There are still a lot of unknowns As an HBCU, Howard is notable for its aca- an vice president and the first HBCU gradu- regarding what the state of the US will be in demic excellence and famous alumni. Well- ate vice-presidential elect. So, I think literally the next four years; however, one thing that is known graduates to come out of the university for the rest of time people are going to know for certain, is that women and people of color include Chadwick Boseman, Toni Morrison, her name and look up to her as someone who once again have the chance to see an image Taraji P. Henson, Thurgood Marshall and made history.” many others. Kamala Harris has now made of themselves, in a position that is white male dominated. Of course, Harris’ position will her mark as a historic alumnus and the first Other students, like junior Brandon Abraham not fix all of the country’s issues but it is large- HBCU graduate in the White House. of Maryland, say that the impact of Kama- ly seen as a step in the right direction. la Harris’ win will be beneficial to the Black On the night of the announcement, Howard community and HBCUs. “A lot of people Whether Democrat or Republican, Kamala University President, Wayne A.I. Frederick think that HBCUs aren’t a place to get a good Harris broke an important glass ceiling and congratulated Harris in an Instagram post. education and prepare you for life.” “It’s nice has opened opportunities for many others like “Senator Kamala Harris has swung her How- that this validates it and I’m glad she’s the first,” herself. It is a sentiment that does not appear ard hammer and shattered a proverbial glass says Abraham.” “I think her position is going to be lost on Harris. In a Tweet she wrote, ceiling into pieces that will not be put back to inspire a lot of young people.” Not just girls “While I may be the first woman in this office, together. In an election that saw more Ameri- but boys too because we’re not used to seeing I will not be the last-because every little girl cans cast a ballot than ever before…At a time black women especially in positions of power watching tonight sees that this is a country of when the Black community is coping with like that. Hopefully this normalizes that.” the disproportionate social and economic possibilities.” impacts of Covid-19, a global reckoning with Despite the success of famous alumni, How- systematic racism, and the loss of some of our ard has had its fair share of problems with cultural and social icons, we are proud to call infrastructure and administration. In March Howard University alumna Kamala Harris a 2018, frustrated students took over the ad- monumental catalyst for collective joy and Courtney Williams ministration building following a housing Journalishm Program, Howard University positive changes,” said Frederick. crisis. Though the university is still making .