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On this day in 1867, Howard University was founded

Clay Cane
March 2, 2023

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After the Civil War ended, members of the First Congregational Society of Washington wanted to establish a seminary to educate African-American clergymen. They soon added a liberal arts college and medical school to the plan. Their idea eventually grew to what is known as Howard University, established on March 2, 1867. The school was named after founder Gen. Oliver O. Howard, who led the Union army in the Civil War, and was the commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau.

By 1960, the University had expanded to 10 schools and colleges, all fully accredited, and 6,000 students. The school boasts of many distinguished alumni, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Chadwick Boseman, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

FILD – In this March 2, 1965 file photo, The Rev. Martin Luther King speaks at a Charter Day ceremony at Howard University in Washington. King discussed his civil rights movement theme, “We shall overcome.” According the federal government a historically black college or university is an accredited learning institution started before 1964 that had a primary mission of educating black people. There are about 100 of them in 2018. (AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi)

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Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane