Senator Barack Obama to Deliver Convocation Address

Photo: Kerry-Ann Hamilton

Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) will deliver the Convocation address for Howard’s Opening Convocation, as the University proudly celebrates its 140th anniversary. Convocation is a special tradition during which the president, trustees, faculty, staff and students officially observe the new academic year and welcome the freshman class, embracing them as members of the University Community. Convocation will be held on Friday, Sept. 28 at 11 a.m. in Cramton Auditorium.

The University is pleased to welcome Obama back to the University after the successful PBS All-American Presidential Forum, which was held on June 28. A leader of both the nation and the global community, Obama has developed initiatives that address the most pressing issues of the globalized 21st century, including education, the economy, government accountability and the Iraq War, and he has strongly affirmed his commitment to strengthening America’s schools and maximizing the potential of the American people.

At Howard’s 140th Convocation, Obama will share in Howard’s celebration of the historic institution and he will reinvigorate the sense of hope and anticipation that is rekindled at the start of a new year.

Recent Convocation speakers have included University leaders as well as invited guests such as The Honorable Harold E. Ford, Jr.; legendary actor Ossie Davis; Stan O’Neal, chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.; The Honorable John Lewis (D-GA); Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and H.E. Franklin Abraham Sonn, ambassador of the Republic of South Africa.