Earlier this month, the conservative Black political group BLEXIT announced its visit to this year’s Homecoming. At least one spokesperson made good on this promise by being present during Yardfest.
Steven Davis, an influencer who hosted the TV Miniseries “Race War” about critical race theory and affirmative action in schools, recorded conversations between him and various students near Cramton Auditorium. Davis denied allegations of BLEXIT attempting to agitate or sensationalize Black students, claiming that his entire desire was to start a conversation.
“At the end of the day, what we want to do is engage in conversation. We want to bridge gaps,” Davis said. “We’re not pariahs, we are not people trying to bring some type of hurt, harm or danger.”
Davis said the main topics of conversation he hoped to engage students on were Black entrepreneurship, self-accountability, individualism and personal agency.
As seen on their website, a large part of BLEXIT’s communication centers around their student-led initiatives and university chapters.Davis said creating a chapter at Howard was not the immediate goal of the Yardfest appearance, but that he hopes there may be one in the future.
Davis also said that someone within the BLEXIT organization had notified Howard of their visit prior to Homecoming, though he was not sure of what specific communication channels were used.
Some students, including Jewel Daniels, a sophomore physics and political science double major at Howard University, were not aware of the BLEXIT appearance during Yardfest.
“I usually am in tune with all the politics and everything, but I did not know that and that’s actually very problematic,” she said in response to the presence of BLEXIT during Yardfest.
The university did not issue official communication to students regarding how to engage with the visitors from BLEXIT specifically, but on October 16th, the Office of Communications sent an email to the Howard community on possible bad actors during the Homecoming session.
“In these challenging times, you may notice individuals who may agitate or attempt to distract you from your purpose on or near our campus,” the email read. “…we strongly encourage you not to engage with individuals or groups whose actions may disrupt the celebratory atmosphere or the environment of mutual respect that we all work so diligently to maintain.”
Later on in the day, a counter presence formed next to the BLEXIT representative, the participants of which were a part of the Refuse Fascism group, who were also promoting an anti-Trump administration protest in November. One participant held up a sign saying “BLEXIT = Black People for White Supremacist Fascism.” Students were not involved in the counter-demonstration.
“I think they’re (BLEXIT) just here to make a statement,” says Robert Hardy, a sophomore computer science major from Atlanta, Georgia.
“With everything that’s going on right now, it’s just easier to play the blame game,” he added. “And I think it’s unacceptable.”
BLEXIT’s presence didn’t stop any events on The Yard; however, Hardy wants students to be aware, he said.
“It’s our job to remain vigilant and aware…” he continues.
“…Don’t let them feel as if they can do whatever they want,” Hardy said concerning the presence of BLEXIT.
Copy edited D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore
