Observing Labor Day 2023
Dear Howard University Community,
It is with deep gratitude and delight that I extend you greetings on this Labor Day holiday. As I begin my appointment as Howard University’s 18th president, I am honored to share my enthusiasm about joining this remarkable and historic university. It is evident that your energy – from students to faculty and staff – ignites this magnificent institution. I am hopeful that the early momentum I have felt is indicative of yet another transformative year here on Hilltop High.
Labor Day is a celebration of the profound importance of America’s labor movement. We acknowledge the advocacy that has shaped our labor force, including those who have unflinchingly demanded equality, justice, and fair treatment for all workers. We recognize the grand impact labor has had on the development of our society. We pay tribute to the ways in which the labor movement has contributed to a more equitable America.
As students nationwide return to their schools and campuses for a new academic year, our celebration of labor assumes a special dimension. Those who work at colleges and universities shape the minds of America and cultivate the talent of our world. Our future is forever indebted to this essential workforce. Let me salute and recognize all who work tirelessly on our campus to support our students. I cannot thank our faculty, staff, and administrators enough for all you do. In every corner of our University, you will find individuals indispensable to our core mission. We simply would not be able to serve our students and the broader community without their efforts.
It is easy to take our University labor force for granted. I encourage us all to make the totality of their work more visible today. Let us stand united in advocating for a world where every individual’s contributions are recognized, valued, and justly rewarded.
At Howard, we have been intentional in marshaling our resources to protect our workers, both from health and economic difficulties. From our testing and vaccination protocols during the pandemic to the series of compensation raises we have instituted over the past few years, we recognize that today’s challenges require us to be resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking. We must be clear – there is no separation between our institution’s wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those who work for our beloved institution.
Again, in closing, I want to underscore just how much we appreciate every person who has dedicated their labor in service to Howard University. Thank you – we simply could not be who we are without your treasured service.
Howard at Maximum Strength,
Ben Vinson III, PhD
President