Tennessee native, Juan Benn first learned about Howard University through a peer who was starting her first semester during Benn’s junior year of high school. 

 

After witnessing the ‘Howard glow’ his friend had gained, Benn began his own research on the esteemed university. “I started looking at their programs and I really just became super compelled to come to this school because of its commitment to black students and black academia and our success as black students in every field.”

 

The junior journalism rates his matriculation “good” thus far.  Well-respected, black professors who are passionate about their work and students who are equally as eager to learn is something Benn had not previously experienced before joining the Howard community in 2020.

 

During Benn’s first year on campus, over a dozen HBCUs received bomb threats, including Howard University.

 

“I’m waking up to the fact that we had a bomb threat and they’ve already cleared it,” says Benn. “Honestly, I remember just feeling so detached from my body because I was like who is trying to bomb us? And who wants to hurt this university, and the students, and the people here?”

 

Within 24 hours, the University was threatened again. Benn remembers going under a lockdown while in class. 

 

“I missed my next class because I was just so afraid that something might actually happen and especially because we had just got one the day before.“

 

In the last year, Howard received eight bomb threats. Students, faculty, and parents want answers.

 

“Our University has a target on its back,” says Benn. “I dont think we can detach the history and trauma of violence that black institutions have against them. I think about that quite often when I walk around this campus- how open, free, historic, and beautiful it is at the same time that we have had threats to destory it and ultimately destroy us.” 

 

On Nov. 18, the FBI held a press conference with student journalists to announce charges against a minor who is believed to be the one behind the racist attacks on HBCUs. Due to the defendants age, the arrest could not be made public.

 

“Keeping students in the Howard University community informed” is one suggestion Benn has for implementing what feels like a safer, supportive environment for students.

 

Benn believes community has been the glue of the Howard experience and will continue to be. “The university has done their trainings and workshops but I think who ultimately who actually prioritizes our safety are the students,” says the student. “We look out for each other. Howard has very strong communities and bonds with all the people on this campus.”

 

In times of crisis, Benn says “our ultimate safety net is with eachother. That is when I feel most safe is when I’m on campus and in community with other students on campus.”