The Last Long Walk

By: Tia Humphries

After watching The Long Walk documentary, I couldn’t help but reflect on my long journey at Howard and the many lessons I learned along the way. The documentary followed the history and development of the illustrious Howard University through the eyes of alumni, students, and scholars like Professor Harry G. Robinson.

General Oliver Otis Howard founded Howard University intending to create a space for African Americans to reach their highest academic achievement. Over time, General Otis acquired 150 acres from a local farmer named John Smith. The purchase of the land placed Howard on one of the few hills in Washington, DC overlooking downtown. Thus, the blueprint of Howard University began. Architect Albert Cassell was assigned the responsibility of designing and constructing the new buildings on campus. Cassell designed everything with intention. For example, the iron gates that encompass the main yard are meant to resemble heavenly gates. The gates are a reminder to everyone that enters that Howard is important. The original artwork displayed in front of Blackburn, Cramton, and Carnegie shows Howard's appreciation for the arts and creativity. The power plant on campus was built so that Howard could operate independently and depend on themselves for light and energy. Cassell also made sure he hired African American workers to ensure that Howard University was made by African Americans for African Americans. Knowing everything on Howard’s campus was chosen with a purpose creates a greater sense of pride in my heart and understanding of the shoes I have to fill upon graduation. Amidst all the construction and changes to Howard’s landscape, a single pathway across the Main Yard always remained the same.

"Look to your left, look to your right, because one of you won't be here by the end of the year."

I remember hearing these words at freshmen orientation in the fall of 2016. Screening Room West was filled with eager faces of the incoming freshmen class ready to make their mark on campus. We followed instructions and couldn’t help but wonder who would be the first to depart. Fast forward to now, I have made it to my last semester at Howard University and will be walking across the stage on May 8, 2020.

The Long Walk serves as a guide for Howard's evolution and growing legacy. Every commencement, graduates take the long walk to the main yard to enjoy their final moments of undergrad. The legacy, history, and pride of Howard radiate as they make their strides down the walkway. Also, a moment for graduates to acknowledge their accomplishments and the journey that lies ahead of them beyond Howard’s gates. Being a Howard graduate is an honor and comes with a great amount of responsibility. This institution was built on resilience and produces nothing less than the best. I know when I take my last long walk, I will be leaving Howard University as a changed woman.