By Paul Holston, Editor-in-Chief
I would like to express sincere congratulations to Howard University on reaching its sesquicentennial. For 150 years, Howard has been and continues to be at the forefront of producing bright-minded scholars not only within its classrooms, but also through its mission, vision, and core values of excellence, leadership, service, and truth. As the 2016-2017 editor-in-chief of Howard’s student newspaper, The Hilltop, I could not be more humbled to be both a student and representative of Howard University, as well as continuing the legacy of “The Student Voice Of Howard University” since 1924 by co-founders Zora Neale Hurston and Louis Eugene King. Out of the 150 years that The Mecca has been in existence, The Hilltop has continued to cover campus, local, national, and international news, events, and happenings for 93 of those years so far.
With reaching this milestone and with the university’s sesquicentennial theme “The Time Is Always Now”, Howardites across the nation and around the world will be commemorating this historic occasion throughout the entire year. For my fellow student colleagues, let us remember to ensure to succeed as students to become graduates. In the same breath, let us also champion ourselves as activists, advocates, freedom fighters, and servants to our communities. Let us not forget that along with the alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators that we, the students, have the power to shape this institution to what we so passionately desire for it to be. In the spirit of our alumni ancestor Kwame Ture: “The secret of life is to have no fear; it’s the only way to function.”
There would be no Howard University without the students…therefore, as we enter the Howard University’s 150th year, remember to fight the power, not the resistance. A Luta Continua. (The Struggle Continues.)
