The Royal Court Coronation was nothing short of a royal affair. Howard University officially swore in the 2022-2023 royal court on Sunday alongside Mr. Howard, Rashan Schoffner, and Ms. Howard, Cecily Davis.
“Nowhere at this university will you find a more dedicated group of students to Howard University than here in the royal courtroom,” said Colonel “Cap” Higgins, a senior honors marketing major from Smithfield, Virginia, who hosted the event.
Higgins emphasized how crucial it is to lead by the university’s motto of “Truth and Service” and to serve communities with enthusiasm and grace to keep Howard at the “pinnacle of Black excellence.”
Lazarus Brown set the tone for the rest of the ceremony with a moving performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The spotlight beamed down upon the faces of the royal court members, with the women wearing pastel blue gowns, alongside the men in classic, black suits. Miss Howard graced the ballroom in a white, lace gown, while Mr. Howard rocked a white, buttoned-down suit with black slacks.
A lively performance by the Drew Hall and Harriet Tubman Quadrangle Stroll Teams followed the procession. As their stroll ended, the royal court surprised the audience with a choreographed dance to “Zone 6” by rapper Young Nudy, dedicated to Atlanta-raised Schoffner and Davis.
Soon after, Cynthia Evers, vice president of student affairs, crowned Schoffner and Davis. Each royal court member then spoke of Mr. and Miss Howard in the highest regards before their crownings.