**Lavender Reception Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Howard’s LGBTQ+ Community**
The Howard University community recently marked a significant milestone during its 2025 Homecoming season—the 10th anniversary of the Lavender Reception. This annual event, dedicated to celebrating and empowering Howard University’s LGBTQ+ community, took place in the ambient lavender-lit Blackburn Ballroom. A decade since its inception, the Lavender Reception continues to serve as a testament to the university’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
**A Night of Celebration and Support**
A highlight of the evening was a surprise performance by actor and singer Jussie Smollett, known for his role in the television series “Empire.” Smollett delivered an uplifting performance, emphasizing the importance of support for LGBTQ+ communities. “Turn up the volume of love,” he urged the audience, a sentiment that resonated deeply during the Lavender Reception festivities.
Central to the celebration is the Lavender Fund, established in 2015 by Howard alum Christopher N. Cross. This fund provides $1,000 scholarships annually to LGBTQ+ students, having awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to date. Highlights of the evening included an announcement by Interim President Wayne A. I. Frederick of a pledge to match donations to the fund, potentially contributing up to $150,000.
**The Lavender Fund’s Impact and Prominent Voices**
The Lavender Reception has far-reaching implications, as it firmly embeds LGBTQ+ support within the fabric of Howard University. David J. Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition, was a keynote speaker at the event. He underscored how Howard taught him that “queerness and Blackness are not contradictions to be managed but powerful intersecting truths to be celebrated.”
The event deeply honored individuals like Victoria Kirby York, whose groundbreaking thesis “Lavender Report” shed light on the experiences of LGBTQ+ students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Today, the Lavender Fund stands as a tribute to her work and continues to advocate for these students.
**Local Impact and Community Significance**
The Lavender Reception is not only a celebration but also a significant community event that promotes change and visibility for Howard’s LGBTQ+ students. By awarding scholarships to students like Trinity Wright and Kai McFadgion, the fund fosters personal growth and academic success across various disciplines. Wright, a pre-med student and vice president of CASCADE, stated, “It’s important that we continue to have things like the Lavender Fund to bring our community together. Representation matters.”
Similarly, McFadgion, a sophomore studying international affairs, shared, “I feel very comfortable here at Howard, especially being a nonbinary individual. The scholarship especially shows how much they care.”
**Looking Ahead: Future Implications and Community Engagement**
As Howard University strengthens its commitment to diversity, the Lavender Reception and Fund play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive academic environment. These initiatives not only enhance the local impact by promoting a sense of belonging but also signal broader aspirations for future institutional changes.
Still, the initiative must strike a balance to address fiscal sustainability concerns raised by some community members. Transparent planning and continued engagement with key stakeholders are essential to maintaining a commitment to both inclusivity and sound financial management.
**Conclusion**
The 2025 Lavender Reception celebrated more than just a decade of achievements; it affirmed Howard University’s commitment to nurturing an inclusive campus culture. Initiatives like the Lavender Fund exemplify the university’s dedication to promoting representation and resilience among its diverse student body. As Howard continues this journey, it lays an important foundation for fostering acceptance and empowerment—not just for current students but for generations to come.
For residents and community members interested in learning more or supporting these efforts, Howard University’s Office of Intercultural Affairs and LGBTQ+ Resource Center offers online resources and detailed information about upcoming events.
Through initiatives like the Lavender Reception, Howard University exemplifies both local leadership and national progress in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion and support.
