Howard Launches A Student Newsroom For The 2024 Election

With a Howard University alumna at the forefront of the 2024 presidential election, Howard students were given an invaluable experience by covering this year‘s election. 

The Cathy Hughes School of Communication created a student-run newsroom in the Oliver Building, an on-campus apartment building, giving young journalists the chance to cover a monumental moment in history. 

The Oliver was equipped with all the technology and resources needed to produce content for digital media, print and broadcasting platforms. This was an opportunity to make stories that would have a real impact. It offered an immersive environment, where students not only reported on the election but, learned how to navigate the complexities of modern journalism. 

For students like Zoe Cummings, a 5th-generation Howard student and junior journalism major, the election was more than just coverage—it was a chance to carry on her family’s legacy. 

“The legacy of Howard University spans literally since 1867. That is over 100 years of excellence and movers and shakers. I stand on the shoulders of all who came before me and those who made this happen,” Cummings said. 

Howard spent this election cycle celebrating their alumna VP Kamala Harris. Students, faculty and alumni joined together to praise her excellence and the strides she’s made in our country. In the student newsroom, there was an overwhelming sense of pride not only to be a Howard student but a black journalist.

Cummings said, “Today we are writing the first draft of history. I think everyone here is carrying that as a reminder with them.” 

Throughout the day, the energy in the newsroom grew. The 2024 election was a huge responsibility to cover, but many took it as an opportunity to leave their mark. Belaynesh Shiferaw, a senior journalism major, said the energy in the newsroom was extremely high. 

“Everyone’s super excited to be able to highlight one of our own bison. We get to showcase her in a light other news immediate organizations are going to be able to,” said Shiferaw

Under the guidance of experienced faculty, Howard students not only learned the mechanics of journalism—they explored the intersection of politics, race and media. Many students praised the professors of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications for instilling them with the tools to be able to make the most of this experience.

“The professors we’ve had here have prepared us so well. They’ve come from all walks of life, from several different industries, to come here and help us develop our journalistic skills. They’ve really given us the tools to succeed,” said Andre Long, a junior journalism major. 

The skills developed by Howard students this election cycle will shape their careers and help them become the next generation of journalists who inform, inspire, in truth and service. 

For Howard students, the 2024 election was more than just a story—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact in not only the news but in our community.