Howard University Celebrates 159 Years Since Founding

The historically Black university was established in Washington, D.C. in 1867 to educate newly freed African Americans.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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On March 2, 1867, Howard University was founded in Washington, D.C. in the aftermath of the Civil War. The school was established by members of the First Congregational Society of Washington, who initially sought to create a seminary to educate newly freed African American clergymen. The university soon expanded to include a liberal arts college and medical school, and was named after Union General Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War leader and commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau.

Why it matters

Howard University has grown to become a global leader in higher education, producing more African American Ph.D. graduates on campus than any other university in the world. The institution has a long history of educating and empowering Black students, with many distinguished alumni including Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, actor Chadwick Boseman, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The details

By 1960, Howard University had expanded to 10 fully accredited schools and colleges, serving roughly 6,000 students. Today, the university remains a leading historically Black institution, continuing its mission of providing access to quality education for African American students.

  • Howard University was founded on March 2, 1867.
  • In 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at a Charter Day ceremony at Howard University.

The players

Oliver O. Howard

A Union general during the Civil War and commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, after whom Howard University was named.

Thurgood Marshall

A distinguished alumnus of Howard University who later became the first African American Supreme Court Justice.

Chadwick Boseman

An acclaimed actor and Howard University alumnus known for his roles in films such as "Black Panther".

Kamala Harris

The current Vice President of the United States, who is also a Howard University alumna.

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What they’re saying

“We shall overcome.”

— Martin Luther King Jr. (AP)

What’s next

Howard University is planning a series of events and celebrations throughout 2026 to mark its 159th anniversary.

The takeaway

Howard University's founding in 1867 was a pivotal moment in the history of higher education for African Americans, and the institution has continued to be a beacon of excellence and empowerment for Black students over the past 159 years.