In the intimate setting of Howard University’s Blackburn Center, a rare yet powerful conversation unfolded as nearly 100 Black high schoolers gathered to reflect on identity and growth with the Howard men who make up “The Men of the Mecca” during the Kings of Campus event this fall. The dialogue created a space where vulnerability and vision met in equal measure for students who may not have envisioned themselves in college yet. The Kings of Campus operates to increase the Black male pipeline to Howard University in recognition of the crisis taking place nationally with Black male enrollment in post-secondary education. While Black males only make up a quarter of the HBCU population, Howard is dedicated to ensuring that potential male students know they are welcome, wanted and supported here at Howard.

Organizer, Dr. Calvin Hadley, assistant provost for student engagement and academic partnerships, has long been leading the charge to enroll more Black men in college. He arranged to have the visiting high schoolers be inspired by young men just one step ahead of them during a panel discussion made up entirely of men like them. The discussion centered around how the Howard experience transforms not only academic ambition but personal identity.  

“Freshman year, we didn’t see ourselves as those kings yet,” said Shawn Mays Business Major, HU '28 during the panel. “We knew we were smart, we knew we were coming to college, but being here allows you to see mutual success. When I see another Black man doing something great, I have no doubt in my mind that I can do it too.” 

Leaving the Nest

For some, Howard represented a refuge and a launching pad, a place to rebuild after difficult beginnings. Howard alum Joshua Hughes B.A. Mathematics HU 2025 reflected on his journey from South Jersey, recalling the moment he realized he had to change course.  

“One of my best friends got locked up with illicit substances,” said Hughes. “That was right before the barbershop talk with Men of the Mecca. I realized that if I wanted to separate my mind, I had to separate myself physically. Sometimes it’s okay to step away from what you’ve known, not to leave anyone behind, but to lift as you climb,”  he said.

That message of transformation and of choosing discipline and direction over comfort struck a deep chord. Another Howard student, Garrison Andrews, HU '28 Political Science major, reflected on what leaving home meant for his growth.  

“Back home, people were doing the same things over and over again,” Andrews said. “That got boring. I had to see what success looked like. I had to take the risk of going to college, because knowledge is power. There are a million and one pathways out of poverty—and I had to take that first step.”

The discussion turned to failure and how it shapes men as much as their triumphs.  Howard alum Joshua Hughes B.A. Mathematics HU 2024, shared how being denied entry into an on-campus organization not once, but twice redefined his understanding of leadership and community. Hughes acts as one of the foundational leaders for Men of the Mecca. His relationship with Hadley had changed his trajectory.  

“The first time, I was overconfident. The second time, it was about resources,” said Hughes. “But through that, I learned humility. I realized I didn’t need a title to be a leader. Now, I have brothers in every organization on campus. We’re all connected, and I wouldn’t trade my path for anything.” 

Hadley closed the discussion with a metaphor about growth through struggle. “Just like muscle fibers, we strengthen through micro-tears,” he reminded the audience. “Failure isn’t the end — it’s the process of becoming stronger.” 

As the afternoon discussion ended, the men prepared for the next leg of their time at Howard, a campus tour: a chance to see the legacy they may inherit. The Mecca has always been more than a university; it’s a proving ground for excellence, character, and community. Kings of Campus captured that essence — young men learn to see themselves not just as students, but as leaders whose stories, scars, and strength will shape the generations to come.