The Eloquence of the Scribes: Initiation, Expectations and Mastery - Continuing the Legacy of Howard University

During this lecture, Dr. Benjamin broke down exactly how Howard University was established. She told us about the greatness that has left an impact on the university. We were also told about the great people who the buildings are named for. Dr. Benjamin also told us about how the first writers were from Africa. They were called scribes. This lecture inspired me to become another one of those great names that were produced from this university. They left a pathway for us current students to follow, and that’s what I am determined to do. There are so many legacies in this university. It would just be wrong to not take part in becoming one.

Abandonment, Dismemberment and Reawakening : The History and Legacy of Howard University

In this lecture, Dr. Dunston spoke to us about how the human genome connected the people of today to our African ancestors. How the remnants of great educators and philosophers of the past have been passed down to us, even though we don’t even realize it. The human genome is a very powerful thing. Not only does it determine our outward appearance, but who we are as people too. Knowing what greatness our genomes descended from should inspire people to continue their work. My generation is the ones who will continue the work that those today are doing, which Dr. Dunston stated. She encouraged many of us to always continue to pursue knowledge and continue research. It truly would help better the world we live in.

Learning Wisdom and The African World Experience: An Mbongi

In this lecture, Dr.Carr went in depth about how Africa set up the basis for society as we know. These things are usually kept out of the basic history books and aren’t acknowledged publically often. Dr. Carr also introduced the class to many Africana words, Sankofa being one of them. What this means is “go get it” which is an inspiring message to me. This means you have to go for whatever you want, nothing is going to come to you easily. This includes the pursuit of knowledge, which Dr. Carr stressed. In Africa as the basis for society was being created, education was stressed. It was the most important thing. Now, education is taken for granted and people just don’t seem to care about it at all anymore. So as African-Americans, we must emphasize the need for a better education and the pursuit of knowledge. This lecture has truly inspired me to learn more about my African roots and go beyond what the school books teach me. If I want to learn more about a subject, I must go get the information.

The Eloquence of the Scribes: Initiation, Expectations and Mastery – Continuing the Legacy of Howard University

Dr. Benjamin discussed the importance of scribes in ancient Africa throughout history. Stating that the first writers were in fact from Africa. He went in depth with pictures and history of scribes that came out of Africa. Dr. Benjamin then went on to introduce the founder of the University General Oliver Otis Howard and the history of the names behind important buildings on campus. For example, Locke hall was named after Alain Leroy Locke who was a famous professor at Howard University who was regarded as the "Father of the Harlem Renaissance".

Abandonment, Dismemberment and Reawakening: The History and Legacy of Howard University

This discussion was presented by Dr. Dunston and was very intriguing. Dr. Dunston stressed the importance of the Human genome project that took place over the last decade. Dr. Dunston stated that the lecture focuses on "the history and legacy of Howard University in the pursuit of wisdom in the 21st century." She stressed the word "knowledge" over and over in her discussion stating that it will be the most important tool in the next few years. She explaiend the importance of us as students continuing the legacy of research.

Learning, Wisdon and the African World Experience: An Mbongi

In this discussion Dr. Carr reflected on the African Foundations for our intellectual work at Howard and in the human community. He taught us a few words in the Africana language and the most important one that stood out to me was Sedi which means to educate. Dr. Carr also stressed the importance of continuing education within the black community because he stated "Everything began in Africa including education". He also discussed the importance Africa had on the modern world and how we need to go back to our roots. I believe this to be very imporant because western education does not stress the importance Africa had on us as a whole today.