‘A Moment of Visibility’, Howard University Celebrates the First HBCU Pride Night

The Howard University Bison basketball teams held the first-ever HBCU Pride Night this Monday, Jan. 30 against South Carolina State. 

Howard partnered with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation HBCU Program, the Office of Intercultural Affairs, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, and CASCADE, a student LGBTQ+ organization for the event. 

Pride nights in sports have been used as a way to welcome fans from the LGBTQ+ community and send a message of acceptance and belonging. The first NBA Pride night was held by the Golden State Warriors in 2017. Most teams host their respective events during Pride month in June. Many teams use the time as a way to donate to and showcase various LGBTQ+ organizations, and give away Pride-themed team merchandise.

Amniche Guerin, a member of CASCADE, spoke on the importance of the event. “I think it’s very good that they [Pride nights] are becoming more of a thing,” she said. “There’s parents and alumni here and it’s a new thing for them. I hope it makes things more tolerable and acceptable. We’re here.”

LGBTQ+ student leaders, University president Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, and his wife were honored for their continued advocacy. The halftime show included a ballroom performance from the House of Balenciaga that included fashion, stunts, and voguing. 

Bison Pride shirts and water bottles were given out. The Student Health Center and the Office of Intercultural Affairs had tables out front with Howard swag and information pamphlets. Sorority Iota Phi Lambda fundraised with Chick-fil-a sandwiches.

Howard’s men’s and women’s basketball teams secured wins, with the Lady Bison securing a 67-35 victory, and the Bison with a 100-74 win. 

“I didn’t think I could have this much fun at a basketball game,” junior Meron Campbell said. “This is the only way they’ll get me to watch basketball!”