By Nariah Jones and London Knight Crow, 9th graders at Brien McMahon High School

We arrived in the heart of Washington, D.C., to tour the renowned Howard University (HU), home of the Bisons. Of all the schools on the 52nd Carver Spring College Tour itinerary, this is the one we are most excited to see.

We were greeted by Mikealya, our tour guide, who was determined to give us the best experience. We immersed ourselves in this experience by engaging in the icebreaker, “HU, you know what.”

Howard is one of the HBCUs with a rich history of shaping black leaders, medical professionals, artists, and activists, including Vice President Kamala Harris, the late Chadwick Boseman, Toni Morrison, Thurgood Marshall, Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and so many more.

Howard University, a private research university, was founded in 1867 and is one of the oldest historically black colleges in the nation. Undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, and professional degrees are offered in the more than 120 programs.

While we were on campus, there were different events, such as painting, yoga, booths on mental health awareness, and therapeutic dogs. Simultaneously, they played music, and everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves. The university sits on 256 acres across DC and Maryland, with historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and athletic facilities.

Howard students come from diverse backgrounds and cultures and are known for their strong academics, vibrant campus life, and influential alumni. Thurgood Marshall, a Supreme Court Justice, is undoubtedly the most notable civil rights activist alumnus with a rich history of activism and social justice.

Vice President Kamala Harris spent her undergraduate years at Howard University. She majored in political science and economics and was actively involved in campus organizations. At Howard, she was a member of the debate team and the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Kamala Harris has credited her experience at Howard University for shaping her passion for social justice and public service.

Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts is a fantastic institution within Howard University that focuses on the arts, including theater, music, dance, and visual arts. This College of Fine Arts offers various programs and opportunities for students to explore their creative talents and develop their skills. The college was renamed in honor of the late actor Chadwick Boseman, who graduated from Howard University and significantly impacted the entertainment industry.

The environment at Howard University is very diverse. It’s where students from all races come together to learn, grow, and make a difference. The campus is filled with energy and a strong sense of community. We also got to experience their purpose and mission of giving back to their community by seeing a long line of students waiting to purchase charity basketball tickets.

There are many student organizations and clubs to get involved in, allowing you to connect with others with similar interests. Having active family members within HU Inspired us to do the same. The university also hosts various events, performances, and guest speakers throughout the year, creating a lively atmosphere.

Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., it provides opportunities for internships, networking, and exploring the city. It’s an exciting and supportive environment that encourages personal and academic growth. It’s a great place to pursue your education and make lifelong connections.

Howard has always been our top school; visiting it in person has solidified our determination to be a Bison.