WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of Black History Month, Howard University was featured on national television during a special episode of the daytime talk show, THE REAL. Howard was selected to be THE REAL’s first stop on its road tour to visit the Nation’s most thriving Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

During the live-via-satellite broadcast, show hosts Tamara Mowry-Housley, Loni Love, Adrienne Bailon and Jeannie Mai, interacted with a sea of Black excellence as Howard students filled the stage at Cramton Auditorium and enthusiastically showed their school pride by waving brightly colored banners. The show featured performances by the Howard University “Showtime” Marching Band and Howard’s Cheerleaders. The visit also highlighted the unique experience of attending Howard and the importance of HBCUs. 

"As smart as our students are, they are also in the middle of pop culture at any given time. When you look at our alumni, as well, I think they have a really great example of who they should be and what they should be doing as they go out into the world,” said President Wayne A. I. Frederick, who was interviewed via satellite by the show hosts. 

Following the discussion with Dr. Frederick, the cast of THE REAL gave Howard students the opportunity to win cash prizes for their organizations. Kayla Waysome, the 80^th Miss Howard University, and Brandon Allen, the 42^nd Mr. Howard University, won prizes on behalf of the Royal Court. In addition, Freshman Leadership Academy members Lauren Myers and Nazeer Jefferies succeeded in winning the Howard-themed game titled, “Ante Up.” 

“I’m really glad they chose Howard University as the first stop on their HBCU tour. Everyone has been really friendly and I enjoyed playing the game with Loni and the rest of the hosts…And I won $500 for my organization,” said Jefferies. 

Following the high-energy live taping, staff from the show treated Howard students to free swag bags filled with T-shirts and cups as a keepsake of their experience giving the Nation a peak into college life at Howard University.

“It’s very important for us during Black History Month to reach out to our Historically Black Colleges and Universities, like Howard, and see what impact their making in their communities,” said Whitney Kieser, senior producer for THE REAL. 

THE REAL’s tour of HBCU’s will also visit Prairie View A&M University and Florida A&M University. 

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By: Ma’at Sargeant, OUC intern

Media Contact:

Alonda Thomas, alonda.thomas@howard.edu