Statement from Howard University President
As the nation’s preeminent historically Black college and university, it is Howard University’s distinct responsibility to press for equality and justice for all people throughout the world. Our advocacy must be both broad and targeted; our motto of Truth and Service calls on Howard to champion the rights due to all people through education and confront entrenched injustices that marginalize swaths of society based on either color or gender. The Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership is a critical aspect of Howard’s social justice mission.
Thanks to the generous gift from Trustee Jim Murren and Mrs. Heather Hay Murren, Howard was able to create this much-needed space to provide essential support to the numerous challenges women face in their everyday lives. Not only will this center help recognize the vital role women have always played in our society, but it will serve as a critical advocacy hub to generate solutions and press for much-needed change to ensure that women receive equity and fairness, equality and justice.
We need only look to the White House to see an example of the importance of women in our world today. Vice President Kamala Harris is a testament to the significant role women already play in our society as well as to the impact women can have when we insist on cultivating a global society where all people – regardless of their gender – are given an equal opportunity to test the heights of their talents. Through this center, the experience of Howard students will be significantly enriched, and we will empower Black women to continue to take their rightful place as leaders in every facet of our society and the global community.