Two Renowned Writers Come To Howard University

HU Appoints Pulitzer Prize winner Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ta-Nehisi Coates To Journalism School, Nearly $20 Million Donated To Support New Center

These two iconic American writers are no strangers to controversial topics.

Howard University, the historic black university located in Washington, DC, is acquiring two well-known African American authors --- Nikole Hannah-Jones and Howard alumnus Ta-Nehisi Coates ---  to join its faculty roster.

Hannah-Jones is an American investigative journalist known for her coverage of civil rights in the United States. In April 2015, she became a staff writer for The New York Times and recently made national headlines after an extended tenure fight at the University of North Carolina. She has instead accepted a chaired professorship at Howard, where she will be a tenured member of the faculty of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications.

Coates, a Baltimore native, is a journalist and author. He gained a wide readership during his time as national correspondent at The Atlantic, where he wrote about cultural, social, and political issues, particularly regarding African Americans and white supremacy.  His book, ‘Between the World and Me’, won the National Book Award for nonfiction. He will be a faculty member at the flagship College of Arts and Sciences.

Hannah-Jones will also found the Center for Journalism and Democracy, which will focus on training and supporting aspiring journalists in acquiring the investigative skills and research and analytical expertise required to cover the crisis our democracy is facing.

“It is my pleasure to welcome to Howard two of today’s most respected and influential journalists,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, president of Howard University. “At such a critical time for race relations in our country, it is vital that we understand the role of journalism in steering our national conversation and social progress.”

These new hires will be supported by several large donations to the university. Recently, three foundations and an anonymous donor have contributed nearly $20 million to support the University’s demonstrated academic and journalistic excellence.