WASHINGTON - To kick off the 2021-2022 Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy Lecture Series, political strategist Donna Brazile was joined by a panel of Howard University alumni, including press secretaries Emma Eatman (B.A. ’19) and Meaghan Lynch, Esq., (J.D. ’14) as well as vetting researcher Silas Woods (B.A. ’17). The discussion theme was “Make the Future Your Own: Building Forward Together and focused on the importance of Black history and making a difference in the nation’s government. 

Lynch, who is press secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, advised students to look to historical figures for inspiration.

“Knowing your history is the only way to move forward,” said Lynch. “Get to know those people who made paths, whether they are still with us or not. Fashion yourself to think about how you can leave a legacy.”

Woods, who serves as vetting researcher for the Office of the Vice President, offered encouraging words to Howard students about staying in the moment and taking pride in their journeys to the White House.

“When you are walking [on campus], you’re literally walking in the same space that was occupied by these legends, so you can say ‘we share something in common,’” said Woods. “In the center of Howard is that long walk, and we all take it. Don’t feel like you are not directly connected to that.”

To see the first lecture, visit www.youtube.com/watch.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. 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: Aaliyah Butler; aaliyah.butler@howard.edu