The Hilltop)
It feels like some time has passed since I have addressed you all from this podium that I only have a few moments left on. To all the graduates, we know how impossible it is to describe the whirlwind of emotions that we are currently caught in the midst of. Between finals, job searching and just trying to figure out what is next, it seems as though this all went by in the blink of an eye. I would like to take this opportunity to best capture my time at The Hilltop, although I’m not sure words could ever do it justice.
Admittedly, when I joined The Hilltop I was a bit naive about the responsibility I was signing myself up for. I knew that I had a knack for writing and an interest in podcast production and used that as reason enough to throw my name in the hat. I was completely unaware of the life long journey of being a journalist that I was embarking on.
Starting off as a variety reporter I was just trying to figure out how to best blend in with my section by absorbing everything that I could. I volunteered for every story and opportunity and eventually became obsessed with learning every part of this living, breathing entity. When I was chosen to be a part of the copy editing desk it was as though a curtain was lifted and I could examine the sophistication of this machine up close. I spent countless hours studying our style guide and perfecting every article that came across the table until the ways of The Hilltop became like second nature.
At that point I had already surpassed any initial goals I set for myself when I joined staff. So when the previous Editor-in-Chief (EIC) JD Jean-Jacques, asked me and my current EIC Sydney Goitia-Doran to attend a conference at Harvard on behalf of the newspaper, I started to view my time here as something preordained and not happenstance.
As Managing Editor I have been pushed, stretched and redesigned as a leader, journalist and person over and over again. This role required me to think deeply on the idea of legacy; how to learn from it, sustain it and in some cases, blaze a new one. I was forced to constantly reexamine my role as a Black journalist, what that means in today’s world and more importantly how I could help shape its meaning for the future.
While making sense of all of this, I was fortunate enough to be blessed with my editorial staff who helped make things easier along the way. To Tara Grey, Dru Strand, Logan Richberg, Armani Durham, Myla Roundy, Jalyn Cameron, Daryl Ramon Thomas Jr., Damenica Ellis, D’Nyah Jefferson-Philmore, Kennedi Bryant, Zion Williams, Cymphani Hargrave and Gabrielle Moore-Lee I cannot express enough gratitude for your trust, patience, dedication and support. You all will always serve as the nucleus of my experience as Managing Editor.
Sydney, my EIC, friend and sister it is still strange to admit that our time at The Hilltop has come to an end. From variety reporters to now, you have been with me for every step of my journey. We’ve laughed together, confided in one another and dedicated each day to making our newspaper and each other better. Until we join forces again I will cherish every moment we shared.
Lastly, to the Howard University community, thank you for continuing to pour your support and trust into The Hilltop. We would have no stories to tell if it weren’t for you all.
In Truth and Service,
Aniyah Genama
Managing Editor, 2025-2026