Howard University is set to celebrate its 101st Charter Day Dinner on March 1. Stepping back into the role of the event’s emcee for the second consecutive year is Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Anthony Anderson (B.F.A. ’22). This year, Anderson will be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award alongside other esteemed graduates whose personal and professional accomplishments amplify the University’s commitment to truth and service.  

“It always means something when you’re recognized by your own” 

In advance of the annual celebration, Anderson shared what being honored as a Distinguished Alumni means to him, and reflected on his HU journey, almost 30 years in the making.  

“For it to come full circle like this; for me to leave school after my junior year due to financial hardship and to go on to become the success that I am, to start a foundation, and come back and receive my degree — to be here to host this dinner and to be starting a scholarship for myself — it shows that the possibilities are endless,” Anderson said. 

Perhaps best known for his portrayal of Andre “Dre” Johnson on the popular comedy series black•ish, not to mention roles in films like Scream, Transformers, and The Departed, some may not know about the actor’s path to Howard University graduate.   

Anderson enrolled at Howard University in 1988 in the College of Fine Arts. Drawn to Howard’s rich history and what the institution represents for the community, he was most inspired by those who’d walked the University’s “hallowed” halls before him. However, he exhausted his funding before his senior year. Not wanting to burden his parents, he returned home with a plan.  

“My plan was to come home and reestablish myself, get a new job, and return to Howard University to finish my senior year,” said Anderson. “Fortunately, and unfortunately for me, real life got in the way.” That included getting married, becoming a father, and his career beginning to take off.  

Fast forward to 2018, and Anderson’s son is set to follow in his dad’s (and mom’s) footsteps, earning acceptance into Howard University. His son’s journey to the Mecca reignited Anderson’s passion to finish what he’d started 27 years earlier. “When he was accepted in 2018, I told him that I would walk with him in 2022, and that inspired me to come back to Howard University to get my degree. And that’s what I did.”  

Anderson’s personal and professional journey includes more than a few full circle moments, and embodies this year’s Charter Day Gala theme, “The Power of Possibility.” 

For example, when he graduated, it was from the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, named after a friend and colleague; his friend and former classmate Taraji P. Henson (BFA’95, DHL ’22) gave the commencement address; and the College’s dean at the time was another colleague and friend, Dean Emeritus Phylicia Rashard (BFA ‘70). Not to mention the fact that current Assistant Dean of Administration Denise Saunders Thompson (B.F.A. ’92) was also a classmate of the actor. What are the odds, or the possibilities, that all these elements would align at the same time almost three decades after the actor first stepped on Howard’s campus?  

“For all of this to happen, the year that I said I was going to come back and receive my degree. All before it was put into fruition, shows the divine order of how things have worked out, not only in my life but in my career,” said Anderson.  

In yet another full circle moment, the actor is set to emcee a fundraising event at his alma mater, celebrating the University’s chartering along with a few of its most successful alumni — including himself. Most importantly, proceeds from the dinner provide scholarships to current students facing financial hardships, a situation Anderson understands all too well, and which makes this moment especially impactful. “This means a great deal for me, to be here hosting a scholarship gala,” said Anderson.  

No stranger to community outreach, Anderson works with several organizations, including his own Anderson Family Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, the Boys and Girls Club in his hometown of Compton, the Los Angeles Mission, the American Diabetes Association, and other grassroots organizations aimed at fostering the youth and Black community. He even plans to give back to the University who gave so much to him in the form of a still developing scholarship.   

This work and his storied career are among the many reasons Anderson will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award this year. When asked what the honor means to him, the comedian was serious when he responded that it “means a great deal.”  

“It always means something when you’re recognized by your own,” he began. “I accept this award with all the humility I can muster up, because it means that I’ve done something right.”   

Anderson hopes to be an inspiration for his son whose own college story was affected by real life, as well as other students who may be facing challenges. Advising that it’s okay to pause if needed, he emphasizes the importance of focus and perseverance, saying that if you are inching toward your goals every day, you are making progress. “It doesn't matter what those around you are saying because this is your journey, no one else’s,” he said.  

Anderson’s journey from Compton, to Howard, to Hollywood, and back to Howard is proof that he takes his own advice. It’s also proof of the power of possibility.   

“For me to go back to Howard University and receive my degree after 30-plus years is an example,” he said, for all young people, including his son. “I believe I’m showing him that all things are possible. That if you just dedicate yourself to what it is that you want to do, whatever that may be, you will be rewarded in life by your hard work, your sacrifice, your dedication and belief in yourself.” 

Top photo by Tommy Garcia, Courtesy of Fox Entertainment