While The Hilltop is the student voice of Howard University, its photographers are the eyes of the paper. They document everything on campus and beyond from protests to Yardfest, transporting our readers to the story.
As the school year ends, we asked The Hilltop photographers to share their favorite photos they captured this year. A few explained their choices. Scroll through and learn about the story behind the photo.
Jacob Hanesworth
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“I chose to feature this image as it encapsulates the spirit of activism pervasive within the Howard student community. While protests at Howard are not uncommon, this particular demonstration stands out for its broader societal relevance,” he said. “Rather than focusing solely on issues directly affecting students, such as housing or financial aid, this protest reflects a collective stance against injustice on a global scale. The unity displayed by students, rallying around a shared ideology reaffirms my decision to be a part of this passionate and socially conscious student body.
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“Among the myriad of events and sports I’ve had the privilege to capture, football holds a special place with me. Football introduced me to photography,” he said. “Through taking photos of nearly every game of my high school football team, I gained the necessary skills to progress in my passion. In that time, I’ve captured every leap, sprint, catch, and tackle imaginable, but I have never gotten a photo quite like this one. It truly gives me an “accidental Renaissance” feeling every time I view it.”
“One of my earliest assignments with The Hilltop was taking photos of the newly inaugurated Howard University President Ben Vincent III during a one-on-one interview with campus editor JD Jean-Jacques. Truthfully, I was incredibly nervous that I’d somehow mess up such a simple task, and I nearly did by accidentally leaving my camera in the lobby after going up the elevator,” Hanesworth said. “Once I settled my nerves though (and retrieved my camera), I took this photo. What I like about this photo is the lack of focus on Vincent himself and instead his hand, tea, and small mint candy. A reminder that even those in large positions of authority enjoy the smaller pleasures in life.”
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“While I try not to over-represent the sports photography portion of my portfolio, this photo speaks for itself. Simply put, it is awesome,” he said.
Nolan Baynes II
In The Crowd During Howard University’s 2023 Homecoming Yardfest Concert
Before The Show: A Behind The Scenes Look At The 2023 Homecoming Fashion Show
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Emmarah Kouadio
Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month At Howard
Photo Essay: Look Up! Howard University Students Witness Historic Solar Eclipse
Howard’s Dining Staff To Receive Higher Pay, More Benefits After Reaching Agreement With Sodexo
Keith Golden Jr.
For Students With Children, Education Has Become A ‘Juggling Act’
“The story of being a black mother is big in itself but being a black mother and a college student makes it even bigger. It is one of the most powerful things, showcasing the enduring strength of black women,” Golden said. “Hearing Mangrum’s story and seeing the love and care she has for her child made this my all-time favorite story to take photos of.”
In The Crowd During Howard University’s 2023 Homecoming Yardfest Concert
“I waited patiently to get this shot of Offset looking straight into the camera. Covering homecoming for The Hilltop proved to me that I have started to make real strides toward my passion in life and my storytelling abilities,” he said.
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“My purpose in this world is my visual storytelling work. Being able to represent the voice of Howard University through my lens at The Hilltop has brought me fulfillment,” he said. “This woman is a Sodexo worker who is protesting because she has faced mistreatment in the workplace. Hearing her story and everyone at the protest chant the words on that sign is the reason this photo is one of my favorites.”
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“This photo was taken during a call and response at a campus vigil for freshman Mohamed Samura. It looks like everyone is praying together which, to me, gives the photo a heavier perspective,” Golden said. “It shows the true love the Howard community has for each other.”
Kennedi Armour
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‘The Greatest Incubator Of Black Talent In Sports’: Inside Howard University’s Basketball Staff
Tionne Thornton
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Howard’s Next Student Leaders Revealed After Weeks Of Campaigning
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Bring Their Founders To Life With Wax Figure Exhibit
Copy edited by Alana Matthew
