As Howard’s 100th homecoming approaches, students are not only preparing to wear their pride—they’re designing it, via dorm room creations and alumni-owned brands.
Keymani Fuller, a freshman fashion design major, is making her mark with designs. Born in New York City, Fuller’s fashion journey began in seventh grade when she created her first piece, a leather purse.
She said her dissatisfaction with mainstream retail influences her passion for custom clothing.
“Everything is geared toward a certain look, and that look isn’t something I want to wear,” Fuller said.
Fuller also said Howard’s culture of creativity and hustle amongst students, influences her work ethic. Fuller shared that she appreciates the freedom Howard’s community offers when it comes to personal expression.
“I can’t just be a Howard student and just slack off. Being at Howard just pushes you to do your all. I feel more motivated when it comes to fashion,” she said. “Here we don’t have to hide our Blackness or style. We can truly be ourselves.”
For homecoming, Fuller has her sights set on new designs.
“I want to make an all-lace piece with HU colors underneath and a jersey shirt with HU on it,” she said.
While Fuller is designing her homecoming outfit, Tahir Murray is offering potential homecoming pieces to the wider Howard community. Recently, the alumnus created a design for this year’s Centennial homecoming that is exclusively available at Howard’s bookstore.
While studying marketing in 2019, Murray launched his HBCU-themed clothing brand, Legacy, History, and Pride (LHP), as a tribute to Howard and the culture of Black excellence.
“Everything we do is about mastering the standard of excellence rooted in the DNA of Black culture,” Murray said.
His designs focus on individuality. Murray said he didn’t want to make “basic” screen print t-shirts.
“The uniqueness of HBCUs influences the detailed cardigans, sweaters and varsity jackets I create—it speaks to us, to our style,” he said.
His brand has gained popularity, collaborating with Nickelodeon and recently, NASCAR.
For his centennial collection, Murray researched the archives of Howard and other HBCUs, blending history and modern fashion.
“Every day at an HBCU feels like a fashion show. So, we want to make the flyest gear for people to rock on campus, at homecoming, or even at work. People take pride in their schools and I wanted the gear to reflect that,” Murray said.
“Howard reached out and I took advantage of the opportunity,” he said.
Alexis Stewartson, a supply chain management class of 2023 graduate, began her sophomore year with the creation of her brand, TheLexIndex. Her clothing business produces upcycled one-of-a-kind sustainable pieces to avoid contributing to fashion waste.
Like Fuller, Stewartson said she thrived in the creative environment Howard provided.
“I lived in a house full of creatives, including [HU] Elite Models. Everything you needed for a creative project was right there, which made it the perfect environment to grind,” Stewartson recalled.
Last year she designed an upcycled jean patchwork set for her homecoming outfit. As homecoming approaches, she’s excited for the fashion.
“We’ve been setting trends for years, and Howard shows there’s no one way to dress ‘Black.’ There are so many styles you can exude. I’d love to see more accessories, they elevate an outfit for me,” Stewartson said.
Kamirria Wallace, a 2009 graduate, is another creative. What began as a crafting hobby for her daughters in 2018, has grown into her brand, Black & Scholared. She pays tribute to Howard and HBCUs while giving back to the community that shaped her. The brand carries licensed apparel, with a portion of proceeds funding scholarships for students.
“We make collegiate wear with a purpose—celebrating and encouraging higher education in the Black community,” Wallace said.
Committed to collaboration, Wallace partnered with Howard student and former intern Nadia Wong on a mental health campaign, HBCU Scholars Matter, and teamed up with HBCU Alumni Building Lasting Engagement Inc. to support fundraising efforts.
For the centennial homecoming, she’s preparing an “elevated collegiate wear collection,” featuring cable-knit sweaters and varsity jackets which can be found at the university’s bookstore. The brand also partnered with the Howard University Alumni Association for a centennial “Yard of Fame” sweatshirt and tote bag.
“I often think about current students and how you guys have so many fresh ideas, and it all comes naturally, your talent comes naturally,” Wallace said.
Copy edited by Anijah Franklin
