Howard University News Service
WASHINGTON – Since 1975, the Howard University Multicultural Media Academy (HUMMA) has paved the way for high school students to explore the world of journalism and engage with media professionals.
As it observes its 50th anniversary, the two-week summer initiative stands as the oldest university-run, high school journalism program in the district.
Hosted by the Department of Media, Journalism and Film in the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, HUMMA gives students an opportunity to learn at no cost.
“I think that a program like this is critical because, over the years, we have worked to provide skills to high school students and really support the importance of citizen journalism,” said Dominic K. McKenzie, program director and assistant professor of digital storytelling at Howard.
HUMMA was founded by award-winning journalist Wallace Terry.
Best known for his Pulitzer-nominated book “BLOODS: An Oral History of the Vietnam War,” Terry worked to break barriers and educate the public with trailblazing coverage of Black soldiers.
According to McKenzie, HUMMA continues Terry’s legacy by encouraging informed citizen participation and supporting a strong democracy – a mission that has recently grown even more significant.
“It’s important that the everyday citizen understands how to interact with the news, understand the news and then how to share the news,” McKenzie said.
This is why HUMMA teaches students to address media literacy in underrepresented communities.
Participants get hands-on experience in producing multimedia clips and covering topics, especially those impacting people of color.
Their work is published on the program’s news site, Voices of Tomorrow, and distributed to Black press platforms around the country.
“My experience at HUMMA was amazing,” said Georgetown Day School senior Gavin Leonard. “I learned about how to brainstorm article ideas, research for my article, find sources and write a complete and informative piece.”
Awarded one of the top three students in last year’s program, Leonard will return to HUMMA as a coach.
He said the program helps build the foundational skills that all journalists need to succeed.
“I would absolutely recommend HUMMA to anyone who is interested in journalism,” Leonard said. “If you know that journalism is what you want to pursue, then HUMMA will prepare you. If you are unsure, HUMMA will teach you everything you need to know.”
Despite the emphasis on journalism, HUMMA is an avenue for students from all backgrounds to experiment and explore their career interests.
“The program is significant because it has helped a lot of people enter journalism or just figure out what they want to do with their lives,” said former program director and professor of journalism Dr. Yanick Rice Lamb.
In addition, it strengthens what students are already learning in school.
Lamb said the program enhances English, writing and critical thinking skills – all of which are useful whether they want to be journalists.
“It is a lot of work, but it is very rewarding,” she said. “It is really exciting to work with the students, and they are very engaged. They show up on time, they do not miss days, they work really hard, and they really get involved.”
According to her, HUMMA not only benefits students academically, but also socially.
Students connect with a wide range of professionals and other students who stay in touch after the program ends.
For Howard University students who pursue journalism, programs like HUMMA made a big difference.
“Being exposed to journalism before Howard is exactly the reason I decided to pursue journalism,” said senior Morghan Manuel. “It gave me that first look into what working in media-related fields could do for my own interest and career.”
Like Manuel and many others, senior Taylor Isaacs found high school journalism programs life-changing.
Issacs was not interested in becoming a journalist until after participating in one.
“Anything that exposes students to career paths that they would be interested in is always an important thing,” Isaacs said. “The sooner it happens, the better.”
To participate in HUMMA, students can apply here. The deadline is Thursday, May 1.
The program will take place on Howard’s campus from June 20 to July 3.
McKenzie encouraged students to apply, emphasizing that programs like HUMMA are critical for ensuring everyone has input to close the existing gaps and helping students realize their potential.
“There is a place for you,” McKenzie said. “Figure out what your goals are, write them down and keep them in your atmosphere as much as you can so you do not get distracted.”
Serenity Armstrong is a reporter and editor-in-chief for HUNewsService.com.
Lauren Nutall is a reporter for HUNewsService.com.
