High temperatures brought dozens to the Yard at Howard University to decompress for Bison Wellness Day on April 15. Sponsored by Wegmans and P&G, the free event presented in tandem with the university’s Springfest focused on an interactive and rejuvenating experience to empower students, faculty and staff.
The midweek festivities brought students and staff together for a mix of music, free food and community, offering a pause as finals season approaches. The afternoon featured a bouncy house, a water and snack station, food trucks, makeup product giveaways and smoothies blended by biking.
“There’s so much going on,” freshman Deborah Kanu said. “It’s nice to see everybody outside and doing fun activities.”
Students were also treated to free massages, various plant selections, Rita’s Italian Ice, raffles and Here’s The Scoop ice cream. T-shirts with the event’s slogan “B Well” were handed out to individuals, who could also retrieve a food voucher for one of three food trucks.
Springfest held other events during the week that students could attend, like “Howard Night Live,” “Intercultural Day,” a fashion show, “Warden’s Classic,” the “Yard Show,” the Springfest concert and the football game.
Despite the invitation to relax at the wellness event, many students were unable to attend due to classes. For others, like freshman Zoe Forstall, the timing is unfortunate. The student caught a sliver of the event as vendors began to run out of items or close up shop.
“I’m enjoying the vibe so far, but I’m kind of sad that some of those stations are shutting down,” Forstall said. “I do wish it was a little longer.”
Though not a formal mental health day with postponed classes, the event served as a time for students to reflect on the importance of self-care and taking a moment out of their busy schedules to focus on psychological wellness. Especially as it pertains to being Black students.
Dascia Cofield, a senior, reflected on how Black people oftentimes refuse to take time for themselves and instead overwork.
“I don’t think Black people know how to take a break,” Cofield said. “I think the concept of a ‘break’ went over [the school’s] heads.”
The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health reported that in 2024, Black and African American adults were 36% less likely to receive mental health treatment in the past year.
The study also noted that high school students in the same demographic were 8% more likely to report attempting suicide, noting a possible need for mental health initiatives in the Black community.
Although the university did not officially cancel classes, a few students floated over to the Yard to join their peers in activities amid the pressure of final exams and graduation approaching. Kanu believes in taking the time to enjoy the moment.
“With finals season starting soon, I understand why, but it’s a nice day out,” Kanu said. “I’m not encouraging skipping, but you can give yourself one day off from a nine-month school year.”
Howard typically has at least one mental health day each semester, where classes are canceled and operations are closed for rest and wellness. Cofield said that, in the end, students decide what care looks like for themselves.
“When you have a wellness day, that means wellness and mental health,” Cofield said. “People put that first, and you have to meet people where they are. Students are gonna do what they have to do to get on the Yard for Wellness Day. Period.”
Faith Harper and Morghan Langston are reporters for HUNewsService.com.
