WASHINGTON — Howard University will host the Fifth Annual LGBTA Renaissance Reception on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. in the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library Atrium and Lobby. The Renaissance Reception held during Howard Homecoming is a night of fellowship that celebrates the University’s commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive community. New York Times best-selling author and Howard alumnus, Michael Arceneaux, will provide the keynote speech.

“It's always an honor to return to my beloved Howard University, but I am beyond proud to be there for the Fifth Annual Lavender Reception,” says Arceneaux. “As a queer black man, I recognize now more than ever how vital it is that we all work towards creating safer environments for queer, trans, and nonbinary people. I'm happy to join my fellow Bison in any effort for that cause.”

Arceneaux is the New York Times best-selling author of “I Can’t Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I’ve Put My Faith in Beyoncé,” a collection of essays about growing up as a creative, sensitive black man in a world that constantly tries to deride and diminish your humanity. Additionally, he is a regular contributor to Essence, Esquire, NBC News’ Think among other publications and has written for the New York Times, Teen Vogue, Rolling Stone and many others. As a Howard student, Arceneaux worked for The Hilltop newspaper and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism in 2007.

In keeping with the Homecoming theme, Forward, and the new Howard University strategic plan, Howard Forward, the Renaissance Reception lines up with the university’s pillar to serve the community.

“Howard University will serve our diverse community with high impact outreach and collaborative partnerships while cultivating an atmosphere of inclusivity, wellness and civility,” says President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “The legendary poet James Baldwin once said, ‘Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within,’ and the Renaissance Reception provides a forum to reflect on those ideals and recommit to bringing equality to fruition completely.”

During the night of celebration, food and fellowship, four students will be awarded the Lavender Scholarship at this year’s Renaissance Reception, hosted by the HU LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee. Howard alumnus, Christopher Cross, founded the Lavender Fund in 2014 to create scholarships for students who drive awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, encourage engagement and are committed to activism in the larger community.

The Lavender Scholarship application is now available and may be submitted to room 116 in the Armour J. Blackburn University Center or emailed to sla@howard.edu. Students are encouraged to submit their applications by 5 p.m. on Sept. 27. For questions about the application email Mrs. Gaëlle Ivory via email at gaelle.ivory@howard.edu.

“I am thankful to all of the Lavender Fund donors,” says Ivory, assistant director, intercultural affairs. “The scholarship is one way that we as an institution show our support of LGBTQ+ students and their inclusion work. Donating to the fund allows us to celebrate our students, celebrate LGBTQ+ work on and off campus, and award students for their advocacy.”

To make a donation to the Lavender Fund, visit Howard.edu/give (search: ‘Lavender Fund' under ‘Choose Designations’). For donations and sponsorship questions, contact Gaelle.Ivory@howard.edu.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

Media Contact: Misha Cornelius, misha.cornelius@howard.edu

Howard University stands with its LGBTQ+ community and advocates for an environment that respects, welcomes, and supports all students and professionals enabling them to perform to their fullest potential and contribute to the greater goals of the university.