WASHINGTON – Howard University welcomes A.J. King as the new director of Intercultural Affairs and LGBTQ+ Resource Center at Howard University. In this role, he works with several student organizations and leads efforts to facilitate LGBTQIA+ and cultural awareness training for the campus community. 

As a passionate advocate of issues impacting diverse communities, King has worked for over a decade in managing and developing comprehensive programming focused on sexual health advocacy (HIV/STI and pregnancy prevention, treatment, and education), clinical mental health, racial equity, LGBTQIA+, and youth populations. He has worked to fight stigma, disparities, and injustices within LGBTQ youth of color.   

“Mr. King’s commitment, vision, and innovative approach to advancing issues of importance to the LGBTQ+ community across our diverse campus of students is exceptional,” said Cynthia Evers, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs. 

In this role, Mr. King will advocate for Howard’s diverse international student population, working collaboratively with international student organizations to host unique programming such as conferences and panel discussions. “We will work to reconnect with Howard University’s international alumni to support fundraising initiatives that create scholarship opportunities for students,” said King. 

In addition to his role at Howard, King is involved in projects focusing on substance abuse, racial equity, and sexual and mental health education and advocacy. He also co-founded and served as vice president of Impulse Group DC, a global advocacy organization for gay men funded by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).  

“The Office of Intercultural Affairs and LGBTQ+ Center is essential to the Howard University campus community to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that values and celebrates diversity, equity, and respect for our students, faculty and staff of all genders, identities, and international backgrounds,” King said. 

Among King’s top priorities for Spring semester are completing a strategic plan, building healthy and trusting relationships with students and campus partners, ensuring more resources are available for transgender and non-binary students, and hosting the annual graduation for LGBTQIA+ seniors at the University. “Our office is intentional in promoting inclusivity, providing resources, and advocating and supporting the unique challenges LGBTQIA+ and international students face in a university setting,” he said. 

Located in the Blackburn Center, the Office of Intercultural Affairs and LGBTQ+ Resource Center is a safe and welcoming environment for all students to network, engage, and learn about various resources available to them.  

“We look forward to Mr. King’s leadership in building on the success of programming and activities that support the student experience at Howard University,” said Walter Servance, executive director of campus life.  

Prior to joining Howard University, King served as assistant director of the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center and Multicultural Student Services Center for George Washington University. He earned his bachelor's degree in social work and a master's degree in clinical mental health and rehabilitation from the University of the District of Columbia. 

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