The Armour J. Blackburn University Center was illuminated in vibrant shades of purple on Oct. 22 for the 10th Annual Lavender Reception, an event celebrating queer pride and community at Howard University. The reception, a cornerstone of Homecoming week, gathered students, faculty and alumni to honor 10 student scholars and reflect on a decade of advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals at the Mecca.
The event was centered on the Lavender Fund, which provides financial support to students.
“It is a celebration of queer pride at Howard University, [and] most importantly, alumni giving back to future queer Bison,” Jeremy Allman, a junior honors political science major and the President of CASCADE said.
CASCADE, the Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality, is the first and oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization at any HBCU. Allman who served as one of the night’s hosts said the 10th-anniversary event awarded $1000 to 10 Bison to support them in their matriculation.
The scholars recognized were: Tyler Patterson, Paris Taylor, Trinity Wright, Leilani Anderson, Bright Cofie, Nyla Crowder, Teron Jones, Kai Mcfadgion, Noa Jordan and Aidan Newell.
The spirit of community was tangible, with attendees eating food together, making conversation and engaging in line dances. The event drew support from across campus, including members of the newly coronated Royal Court.
“As student leaders here at Howard, it’s essential to reflect the community and to support the community,” said Rosh Marrow, Mister Freshman. “The Royal Court is here to show our support for inclusivity and rightful presence.”
Ryann May, Miss Freshman, said they were there to support.
“The Lavender Reception is a way to support the LGBTQ community, so why wouldn’t we show up and show our face?” she added.
That sense of community was amplified through the night’s performances, said attendee Jehu King, a freshman double majoring in political science and economics from Jacksonville, Florida. Alphonso Evans Jr., a junior music business major, performed a soulful rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed.”
“I would say it definitely came to me because of the theme of tonight…owning your own power, being one within yourself, and truly who you are,” Evans said of his song choice.
For Evans, the reception displayed Howard’s community.
“Everybody comes together, no matter how you identify…at the end of the day, we are still students at Howard University,” he said.
The program featured remarks from university leadership, including a video from Interim President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick on inclusion and a welcome from Cynthia Evers, senior vice president of student affairs.
“Howard University is recognized for its dedication to cultivating a vibrant and diverse academic environment,” Evers said. Addressing the students, she declared, “You are the heartbeat of Howard’s soaring legacy.”
Alumni relations played a key role in the event’s founding and continued success.
Philip Pratt of the Howard University Rainbow Alumni Association (HURAA) described the Lavender Fund as “an investment in the safety, success and brilliance of our LGBTQ+ students.”
“You are sending a powerful message that they belong here, unequivocally at The Mecca,” he told donors. “This community, our community, is our greatest strength.”
Citing the legacy of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, he urged the crowd to “embrace the legacy of angelic troublemakers.” He asked them to leave with a purpose, asking, “What are you doing to advance equity? How are you showing up in defense of our democracy?”
The 10th Annual Lavender Reception served as both a celebration of a decade-long legacy and a call to action for the future. By bringing together students, faculty, and alumni, the event wanted to share a central message: the LGBTQ+ community is an essential and celebrated part of Howard.
Copy edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore
