“The Commencement”
Ever notice the root word in commencement? Yes, commence. It generally means to enter upon, begin, start, to begin to be or to act as. In the summer or fall of 1619, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, already being more than a century old and thriving, finally reached the shore of these yet to be United States in the colony of Virginia. Research would lead historians to discover that one of the first enslaved Africans was a woman who was named Angela (her given name). She is listed in the 1624 and 1625 Census first as Angelo A Negar and then in the second Census as Angela Negro woman brought in by Treasurer (pirate ship).
Not much is known about our foremother, but one fact has been determined is that she was a survivor. She survived a war in her homeland of Kongo; then a march of over 100 miles to the port city Luanda; then the middle passage voyage on a Portuguese slave ship, the San Juan Bautista; then an attack on the ship by British pirates, and then sold for food at Jamestown. Once in the new world, she survived a Powhatan Native American attack in 1622 and the famine that followed. Because of what she went through, historians surmised that she was young, perhaps in her early 20s.
Isn’t it just like our people? Survivors against all odds. From the beginning no matter the indignities, disrespect, injustices, stereotypes, ignorance, prejudices, and stupidity we have suffered, we have always survived because we come from forefathers and foremothers who have always been strong, determined, resilient, brilliant, innovative (I could go on) … and we found a way to survive. This is our commencement in this “new world,” far from our native land. But look how we have influenced, shaped, supported (free for over 200 years), led in every field to make the United States of America great. We did more than survive – we have thrived.
There was another commencement held in May at the Capital Center. It was not held on the hallowed grounds of Howard, but it was okay because everyone was still joyful. Now we have a new class of Howard graduates who dare to challenge and lead both the powerful and powerless as they speak truth to both groups. What do you get with a Howard degree? Knowledge, respect, honor, high expectations, opportunity, excellence, leadership, passion, empathy, and the list goes on. Welcome class of 2024 to our alumni ranks.
“Truth, Service, and Excellence.”
Hazel Robinson
President, HUAC GWDC
