A8 The Afro-American March 14, 2026 - March 20, 2026
Howard University honors distinguished alumni at Charter Day Dinner By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO On March 7, Howard University celebrated its 159th Charter Day Dinner. Phylicia Rashad, dean emerita of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts and celebrity actress, served as the mistress of ceremonies for the 2026 Charter Day Dinner. Rashad was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Achievement at the Dinner.
Various distinguished alumni, including Jelani Cobb, Herbert B. Dixon Jr., Kamilah Forbes and James K. Fortson, MD were awarded for their outstanding contributions. The celebration also featured celebrity artist Chante Moore and the Howard University Gospel Choir. Howard University alumni, faculty, staff, the Howard community and students all came out to join the celebration. All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Phylicia Rashad, a magna cum laude scholar of Howard University’s Class of 1970, is dean emerita of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. Rashad served as the 2026 Charter Day Dinner mistress of ceremonies. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Achievement.
Shown here, members of the Alpha Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at the 2026 Charter Day Dinner: Howard University Dean Rev. Dr. Bernard Richardson of Andrew Ranking Memorial Chapel (left); Dr. Nelson Adams; Chauncey Manson III; Duane Brown; Dr. James Fortson and Anthony Holder.
Members of the Class of 2005 present a check of more than $300,000 to their beloved Howard University. Shown here, Co-chairs Conrad Woody (left), Ravi Windom, Freda Henry Wells, Chairman Steve D. Mobley Jr. and interim Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick.
Shown here, Niya Wutoh (left), Nadya Wutoh, Howard University Provost Anthony Wutoh and his wife, Dr. Rita Wutoh.
Guericke “Chris” Royal (left), Howard University faculty senate chair and associate professor, fellowships with Donald B. Christian, former leader of James K. Fortson, MD, prepares to receive PwC U.S. East Region Advisory, who the Howard University Alumni Award in the served as the 2026 Charter Day keynote field of medicine. speaker.
Dr. Eleanor W. Traylor (left), former professor of English at Howard University, shares a moment with Dr. Dana A. Williams, dean of the historically Black institution’s Graduate School.
Members of the Howard University Gospel Choir perform live at the Charter Day Dinner.
Celebrity artist Chante Moore performs for the crowd.
Hamid Jalloh (left), the 49th Mister Howard University, arrives with Eden Boles, the 87th Miss Howard University at the Charter Day Dinner.
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