Dr. Benjamin's Lecture

Tamika Philip

During this weeks lecture, Dr. Benjamin enlighten me about the history Howard . Being the Associate Dean of the Division of Fine Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, Professor of Art History, and Director of the Gallery of Art at Howard University, Dr. Benjamin was able to deliver an adequate amount of information which broaden my knowledge on Howard University. Dr. Benjamin lectured the freshman seminar class on the eloquence of scribes, expectations and mastery on continuing the legacy at Howard University. During her introduction, Dr. Benjamin mentioned, that a scribe is a person who writes books, documents, scrolls, ancient scribes, etc. She also enforced the fact that General Oliver Otis Howard founded Howard University on November 26, 1866, which later opened in January 1867. The university was designed to train dentist, teachers, and lawyers. Today Howard University is composed of twelve schools and colleges.

Dr. Benjamin also indicated that Mordecai Wyatt Johnson was the first African American President at Howard University. As a College of Arts and Sciences student from New York, I was delighted to learn that Locke Hall was named after Alain L. Locke, “Harlem MECCA of the Negro.” After Dr. Benjamin announced that Douglass Hall was named after the notable Frederick Douglass, she also briefly touched on Douglass’s speech, “what to the slave is the 4^th of July?” I was excited when she bought it up, because I concur entirely with Frederick Douglass. Perhaps if we were indeed granted freedom in 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed, instead of 1819, after the ratification of the nineteenth amendment, then Douglass would of refrained from making that speech.

I must admit that Dr. Benjamin’s lecture engaged me to the fullest extent. I was pleased to learn about my “home”, as she mentioned, “Howard is a home.”