1980 – Howard University’s Largest Graduation Class

On May 17, 1980, Howard University celebrated its largest graduating class to date, marking a milestone in the history of Black higher education. As one of the most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Howard has long been a hub for cultivating Black excellence across fields such as law, medicine, politics, and the arts. The record-breaking 1980 commencement showcased the expanding impact of HBCUs in producing leaders who would go on to shape public policy, academia, and cultural innovation. Many graduates of that class later played key roles in the growth of Black political power in the 1980s and beyond. May 17 thus represents the transformative power of HBCUs and their enduring mission to empower Black students. Celebrating this date honors the legacy of institutions that have been both sanctuaries and springboards for Black advancement in a racially divided society.