Charter Day: Sending forth rays of light
By Deidra Hill, Ed.D.
Hundreds of Howard University students will benefit from a successful 2026 Charter Day Dinner where more than $1.1 Million was raised to support scholarships and help clear balances of seniors with no other obstacle to graduation than a financial one. More than 1,300 alumni, donors, faculty, staff and students attended the sold-out fundraiser, helping to make Charter Day weekend a success.
The evening began with emcee Phylicia Rashad, alumna, dean emerita of the Chadwick A. Boseman School of Fine Arts, and award-winning actor and producer. She reminded the audience why celebrating Howard’s founding is so important.
“It became a beacon of academic excellence for free Black men and women as well as formerly enslaved persons across this country,” said Rashad.
She also shared how serving as host for the Charter Day Dinner was a full-circle moment, reflecting on her experience as a Howard student.
“Being exposed to the cultural richness of the African Diaspora; awakening to new thoughts, ideas and possibilities as I walked among cultural icons and intellectual giants with students who would become both, contributing to the brilliance of Howard University’s legacy by creating legacies of their own,” Rashad added.
The Charter Day Dinner theme was Sending Forth our Rays of Light. Taken from Howard’s Alma Mater, our rays of light represent our students, faculty, scholarship and service. Examples of rays of light were highlighted throughout the program via a student video, screen highlights and alumni award honorees.
The 2026 honorees for the Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement are Dr. Jelani Cobb (B.A. ’94) in the field of Journalism, Mr. Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. (BSEE ’70) in the field of Law, Ms. Kamilah Forbes (BFA ’98) in the field of Fine Arts and Dr. James K. Fortson (B.S. ’72) in the field of Medicine. The LaRue V. Barkwell Capstone Distinguished Service Award, given to a Howard faculty or staff member, was presented to Mrs. Regina Drake, content manager in the Office of the Provost.
R & B singer and songwriter Chanté Moore moved the audience with a couple of musical selections, including her signature song, “Chanté’s Got a Man.”
One of the most stirring performances was the Howard Gospel Choir Alumni. Celebrating the life of the late and great Reverend Richard Smallwood, the choir brought the audience to its feet with “Anthem of Praise” and “Total Praise.”
With tremendous thanks to alumni, donors and corporate sponsors, particularly Citi as the presenting sponsor, funds raised through the Charter Day Dinner will support students by providing financial help with tuition as well as seniors needing help with clearing balances for graduation. Visit the link to support scholarships for students.