WASHINGTON, DC — The Howard University School of Law held a Sesquicentennial Convocation in honor of the 150^th anniversary of its founding on January 6, 1869. Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, member of the U.S. House of Representatives for New York’s 5^th congressional district, presented the keynote address.

“At Howard University School of Law, we don’t build walls, we build networks and we yield those networks for the greater good,” said Meeks. “If you look at our alumni across history, they have had tremendous impact at the highest levels of government. My vision for the next 150 years of this institution rests in the spirit of service. It is why I am confident that graduates will continue to play leading roles in the C-suites of Fortune 500 companies, as United States senators and governors, and I look forward to a Howard alum becoming the President of the United States of America.”

The law school’s sesquicentennial theme, The Next 150, pays homage to the rich legacy of law school alumni and faculty, such as Thurgood Marshall, Charles Hamilton Houston, and Patricia Roberts Harris, whose profound accomplishments in politics, government and on Howard University’s campus continue to inspire students.

“This is an opportunity for us to begin a long year of reflection on how consequential this institution has and continues to be in the life of our community, our nation and the wider world,” says President Wayne A.I. Frederick. "Howard University School of Law has been a source of hope among some of the darkest days in our nation's history.”

Danielle Holley-Walker, dean of the law school presented a brief, but robust history, telling a story of the law school’s profound achievement from humble beginnings.

“With six students, the law school opened its doors as the Howard University Law Department,” says Holley-Walker. “This was a time of dramatic change in the United States and there was a great need to train lawyers who would have a strong commitment to helping black Americans secure and protect their newly established rights.”

The convocation closed with a performance by the Howard University Gospel Choir and a pinning ceremony for guests of the convocation.

“I owe all of my success to Howard law school and I am proud to be here to celebrate 150 years of the law school. I think it is really important for all alumni to give back, both financially and personally, to make sure that the legacy continues to go on,” says Gina Adams, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at FedEx Corporation and alumna of Howard School of Law. “It is important for us to recognize the rich history at Howard Law, to build upon it, and to make sure that we’re challenging ourselves to meet the needs of not only our original mission, but of what the world has become since we opened 150 years ago.”

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