The Howard University Student Association (HUSA) hosted a Christmas tree lighting event on The Yard, celebrating and commemorating the start of the holiday season and bringing Howard students together.
On the night of Dec. 1, the tree-lighting event was sponsored by NYX Cosmetics. Howard University’s Gospel Choir and the Beacon Liturgical Dance Ministry performed for the audience.
The event lasted for approximately two hours and consisted of a grand Christmas tree filled with decorations hanging as students witnessed the tree lighting. HUSA wished the students a happy holiday and good luck on their final exams. The event was attended by numerous Howard students and organizations.
“I think it’s really important to do things like this because it maintains the culture and brings the culture to campus,” Mahlet Gebreyesus, a freshman musical theater major said. “It’s something cool to bring to campus and the Howard community together.”
After the tree lighting, student organizations such as some of the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, were given the opportunity to hang their decorations on the tree for ten minutes before other students could take pictures with friends in front of the tree.
Students were excited for the opportunity to come together and many were seen talking amongst each other as they sipped on hot chocolate and ate brownies that were provided as the night proceeded.
Freshman Mikari Tarpley said, “I think it really helps to bring us together as a campus cause I think often university students tend to get in their own mindset and they don’t really think about other people.”
In the midst of classes where final exams and papers are due, for many, the night was an enjoyable step away from classwork.
“It’s nice to see people getting together and actually celebrating the holidays,” freshman Mercedes Mitchell said.
Copy edited by Chanice McClover-Lee
