Election season at Howard University kicked off last week. From Mister and Miss Howard to council presidents to student government, several student leadership positions are up for grabs. 

Whether candidates win their peers over or not, each campaign’s catchy slogans, innovative programming, free food and professional photoshoots highlight the ways in which black creativity is ingrained in black college culture.

“Election season for Black creativity is where Black people thrive,” said Leah Kabuya, the current College Hall South Council President.“Seeing all the different creative minds come together is truly dynamic. It’s not just the candidate, it’s their team as well, and I think that just brings Black excellence to a whole other level.”

Although electoral runnings feed the belly of competition between candidates, the community is essential to a successful campaign. 

“Yes, people are running against each other, but you’re seeing collaborations that you never thought would happen,” Kabuya voiced. “You’re seeing people come out of their shells, and you’re seeing support at new heights.”

There is a way to approach hot topics that constituents care about. According to Ayanna Pinkston, a Howard campaign manager, that is creativity.

“While thinking strategically about ways to represent your candidate is the political side of campaigning, coming up with these ideas tap into one’s creative side,” said Pinkston. “Being able to come up with fun ideas involves giving back to the students and having that heart-to-heart connection with them. Showing who you are and really letting people understand what you’re passionate about is important.”

Beyond Howard’s campus, other HBCU students are also preparing to ensure their peers recognize their names on the ballots. For Areyana Smith, the 2022-2023 Miss Sophomore at Xavier University of Louisiana, originality is integral to a creative campaign. 

“Election season is a way for you to show your own individuality,” said Smith. “For my pageant talent portion, since I am a hairstylist, I decided to use my two minutes to do cornrows. Overall, with being a Black student, I’m able to use my creativity during elections to do things that are culturally related to me with no regrets, which I love the most.”

Candidates are expected to campaign around the clock up and until Election Day on March 3o. 

Student voters will cast their ballots through Election Buddy, a newly enacted election method at Howard. 

Elected student leaders will be announced on March 31.