Howard University's Two-Faced Perception

Howard University is known for its legacy, the legends it has produced, and the everlasting network. As a starving, ready to attend college, college prepped senior I was more than committed when I learned the history of the world's most "prestigious" HBCU.

College Reps came to my school and offered myself and a few other students the opportunity to tour the campus during the spring of 2011. I accepted the opportunity and shortly was on a flight to DC. Once I saw the "Howard University" sign I grew eager for my future.

I was captivated by the "grind" the numerous intelligent blacks concentrated in an area, and the beautiful women. Everything was so new, and I liked the sudden transition from taint and tedious high school to new and vibrant college life. 

August 16,2011 I finally landed in Reagan Airport excited to move in Charles R. Drew Hall  

I moved in and thats the day i realized Howard had a two-faced perception. 

Howard University lives for it's legacy! Although it was appealing during the campus tour, I did not realize how detrimental it was to my life decision. We only talk about what we have done, and not what we are doing. Many of the professors at the university are incapable of teaching at a University level, and struggle to relay messages to the students. Another issue with Howard two-faced perception is the lack of beautification, an alumni at Howard's Yardfest 2011 criticized "the lack of change" Howard has made since he graduated in 1986. Drew Hall doesn't even have a water fountain, not to mention AC. Another issue is the lack of protection by campus police. Campus police are trying to stop the drug use on campus, however students are GETTING ROBBED BY DRUG DEALERS!!  Lastly, the lack of housing for returning students is despicable. Many students get accepted to Howard and can't even return because of the lack of housing. 

Howard university's two faced perception has made it difficult to enjoy campus life, and SOMETIMES i even think about leaving. Hopefully, things will get better. I was only venting my issues. 

What is Acting Black?

White America has a total misconception about the black community. I have become dishearten at the constant misconception of my race on the news, movies, and radio stations lately and have been compelled to write about it. America has a heavy obsession with demeaning the black culture in its entirety by falsely constructing images for white audiences to view. 

What does this all really means?

Smokey Robinson once said "I love being a Black American, but as a Black man in this country I think it’s a shame that every few years we get a change of name." This line is valuable to most blacks in america, due to white america's infatuation with changing our perception in the media. Being black does not have a definition, there is no specific way to "act black" just like there is no definition to define "how black you are." America makes it seems like there is a guide to acting black and every African American in some way or another follows the manual. Being black does not mean I speak in ebonics, being back does not mean I have held a gun, and being black does not mean I have sold drugs. 

Artist Smokey Robinson also said "And as in this late day and age, you can be sure, they ain’t too many of us in this country whose bloodline is pure." White america should stop depicting Blacks in such a negative connotation because themselves too may be black to an extent. Media creates stereotypes that defines "acting black" as being ignorant, obnoxious, disrespectful, and bewildered. I recall over hearing a girl say "Wow Josh you are acting black stop it" after Josh got frustrated about losing money at a vending machine, I was offended because the temper tantrum we saw was a result of ignorance not acting black. 

source: Robinson, Smokey. "The Black American Poem | Slicksno.com." Tampa Bay Music. 16 May 2003. Web. 02 Mar. 2012. <http://www.slicksno.com/thalookout/the-black-american-poem.html>.

Who are Afro Latinos?

In today's society its hard to distinguish Afro Latinos from full blooded Blacks or Hispanics. They blend in amongst both sub groups and rarely are categorized into their own ethnicity. Most Afro Latinos decide which ethnicity they want to belong to because society forces it upon them. Most afro latinos struggle with their identities because they are never certain of their race. The media constantly overlooks Afro Latinos on the news by generalizing them with blacks or hispanics. For example, Christina Millian was categorized as black for many years, and even played non hispanic black roles in film. However, most people don't even realize that besides Nigeria the largest group of blacks are in Brazil, suggesting that Afro latinos is a pretty important group.


A famous Afro Latino that has struggled immensely with her identity in the media is Mariah Carey, she was criticized for seldom acknowledgment of  her hispanic background, and only acknowledging being black for certain award nominations. Personally, I believe she did not want her race to take away from the love and passion she had toward her music. In addition, she probably didn't want her race to dictate her success.


Afro Latinos prior to researching their history was a mystery to me, however I have realized psychologically they struggle with their perception in the media as well as with themselves. Their own people criticize them at times and I did not think of the effects that may have had on them. Personally, I believe Afro Latinos should be given their own ethnicity or at least noted for contributing in both the latin and African american culture.