Rooted in tradition and legacy, Howard University has long been recognized for its spirit, especially in its rivalry with Hampton University. But after the recent wins, some students, specifically freshmen, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of collective celebration on campus.
Despite Howard’s recent football victories — including the Orange Blossom Classic, the HBCU New York Classic and the P&G Truth & Service Classic — celebrations on campus have been limited, prompting students to reflect on what modern-day campus pride looks like.
Social media has become a space for those frustrations, with posts on platforms like Fizz, questioning the current state of Bison pride. Mainly, freshmen have expressed their concerns about the lack of parties, pep rallies and positive posts showcasing school pride. Debates online
explore how the role of students, faculty and athletics impacts the legacy of campus spirit.
After the Orange Blossom Classic win on Aug. 30, students took to Fizz to share their thoughts and concerns about the victory’s lack of hype. One anonymous commenter wrote, “I don’t think our school spirit should depend on the success of our sports teams.”
Some upperclassmen have acknowledged a shift in school spirit culture. Cameron Dyson, a senior sports management major from Detroit and a linebacker on the football team, believes that school spirit is showcased in more discrete ways compared to previous classes.
“Most of us aren’t in the party scene right now. We are in grind mode right now. This isn’t the same Howard, it’s a new Howard,” Dyson said.
Students are attending events outside of campus to showcase their Bison pride. On the day of the Howard vs Hampton matchup at the P&G Truth and Service Classic, many flocked to The Bullpen, an outdoor venue known for music and drinks, for what was advertised as “the biggest tailgate of the season.” The event drew a large turnout, particularly among upperclassmen, who used the space to celebrate and connect.
Howard’s school spirit culture dates back to 1924, when alumni organized the first homecoming game against Lincoln University to generate more revenue and school support. Although the school rivalry began in 1893, the creation of the homecoming tradition added new layers to campus pride, with various classes adding their own game celebrations to the legacy, such as themed pep rallies, step shows, fashion shows and parties.
Najah Adams, a senior nutritional sciences major from Houston and a baton twirler, believes that campus pride is shown through the bison community’s presence on game days. Many students alike source their school pride from their emotional connection to the university.
“We are here. Even though [Howard] has its issues, this is home away from home for me and other individuals,” Adams said.
Similar to the social media commentators, Adams believes that school spirit can be stronger.
“I definitely think it could be improved. Especially with sporting events on campus, other sports deserve love as well. We put in so much work to represent our university that it should be recognized and appreciated,” Adams said.
Campus spirit is highly recognized at schools across the nation that pride themselves on traditional chants and themed game days. The University of Alabama, known for its official chant “Roll Tide,” has been praised on social media as current students share their game day outfits and celebrations.
Similarly, the University of Florida prides itself on representing orange and blue across the campus, especially during the Gator Growl celebration, which features music and comedic performances.
Dyson believes that collective school spirit should not be sourced from one specific group in the Bison community.
“It definitely takes a village, from students to faculty, it’s an everybody type of thing. Two things Bison do is that they run through the storm and travel in herds,” Dyson said.
Unlike other freshman commentators, Kendall Beavers, a freshman electrical engineering major from Dallas and a member of the marching band, appreciates the presence of school spirit.
“It’s been very welcoming, especially with being a new student and with all the events they had on The Yard. It really gives the new people something to look forward to in the future,” Beaver said.
Copy edited by Damenica Ellis
