128WINTER ACADEMICS The WRIGHT Direction Alumnus Howard Wright visits an English class to share his story and experience at Harding. THE 2021-22 HOMECOMING CELEBRATION brought diverse crowds to campus to celebrate the Harding community and its history. Among the festivities, alumnus Howard Wright visited campus for the dedication ceremony of the Anthony and Wright Administration Building. Wright and Elijah Anthony were the first Black students to graduate from Harding with bachelor’s degrees in May 1968. Outside the Administration Building, monuments were built to honor other legacies of Black heritage at Harding. While on campus, Wright was invited by the English Language and Literature Department to share his experience at Harding as an English major and what the dedication meant for him personally. He viewed his time as a student as a challenging but worthwhile experience guided by God. “I believe that every good person has their steps ordered by the Lord,” Wright said. “When you are a trustworthy and faithful person, he guides you wherever he wants you to be. He gives you new beginnings and a second chance and a third chance.” Wright enrolled as the fourth Black student at Harding in 1965, moving from Pennsylvania with his wife. Wright spent his first semester in a new setting carving a place for himself in the student body. After his first semester, he dropped out and returned a semester later. Wright was thankful to have that experience, and his return encouraged other enrolled Black students, especially among the sports teams. His studies in the English department furthered his dream of blessing people after graduation. “I felt like God was preparing me to be somewhat of a bridge to help these guys as they relocated,” Wright said. “I also knew by the time I was 12 years old that I wanted my life to involve ministry and teaching, which I found in the English and Bible departments. The day I walked across that stage was one of the biggest, most joyful days that I have ever had.” Wright’s story left an impact on the students. Sophomore Rachael Reeves was motivated to continue the legacy established by Wright. “In his talk, Dr. Wright gave a thoughtful reflection of his time on campus that provided insight into the culture of Harding at the time,” Reeves said. “He didn’t stop with the past, though. He explained that Harding still had work to do in creating a community that exhibited the perfect love of Christ.” Sophomore Paige Weiskirch built on Reeves’ perspective, inspired by Wright’s courage and endurance. “It was a great opportunity to hear from and be inspired by one of the people who helped shape Harding,” Weiskirch said. “By trusting in God and pursuing his goals, he overcame the obstacles he faced.” WRITTEN BY HANNAH DILES
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